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Political Fix

Political Fix

Financial Times

The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday.


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513 - Will the economy save Sunak?
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  • 513 - Will the economy save Sunak?

    The prime minister is urging his MPs to unite or face electoral defeat. Rishi Sunak has rallied backbenchers to hold their nerve, as he cleaves to the prospect of an improving economy rescuing the Tory party’s fortunes. But in a week where the government’s flagship Rwanda policy faced more hold-ups, will rumours of plots against Sunak die down? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Anna Gross to discuss the week’s events in parliament. Plus, a look at what Labour is promising to deliver for the NHS.


    Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Anna @AnnaSophieGross


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    Rishi Sunak urges Tories to unite as he bets on an improving UK economy


    Rachel Reeves pledges to borrow only to invest under Labour fiscal rules


    UK’s electoral landscape swings into volatility


    UK civil service boss and spy chief quit male-only Garrick Club


    Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 


    Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


    Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com





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    Fri, 22 Mar 2024 - 34min
  • 512 - Who’s an extremist in the UK?

    The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservatives’ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done.


    Clip: BBC


    Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb


    Want more? Free links:


    The delicate balance in policing extremism


    Conservatives’ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute


    Why Sunak’s latest blunder troubles MPs


    How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit 


    Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the ‘centre’ of government


    Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government


    Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 


    Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


    Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 37min
  • 511 - Jeremy Hunt: tax-cutting wizard or fiscal drag queen?

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s overriding message in his big pre-election Budget was that hard economic choices were paying off in the form of tumbling inflation, improved growth and the promise of more cuts to personal taxes. But his Budget also promises a brutal fiscal reckoning for whoever wins the general election expected later this year. Lucy Fisher discusses the Budget’s implications with FT economics columnist Soumaya Keynes and Political Fix regulars George Parker and Stephen Bush.


    Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher


    Want more? Free links:


    Chancellor’s modest Budget giveaways set up fiscal pain for after election


    Labour claims chancellor will create a £46bn fiscal hole with pledge to scrap NI


    The 2024 Budget in brief


    Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 


    Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa with Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


    Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 08 Mar 2024 - 26min
  • 510 - Labour’s worst nightmare?

    Veteran agitator George Galloway is returning to parliament after storming a divisive by-election in Rochdale. He claims his victory puts “scores” of other Labour seats at risk. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to analyse the by-election result and examine the division and sectarianism stalking British politics. Plus the team looks ahead to what the government has in line for next week’s Budget. 


    Free Links:


    George Galloway wins divisive Rochdale by-election


    Galloway victory points to frustration with UK political establishment


    The price of not policing the Tories’ paranoid frontier


    Jeremy Hunt urged not to put ‘politics ahead of economics’ as he eyes Labour policies


    Conservative party suspends Lee Anderson over Sadiq Khan comments



    Clips: Real America’s Voice

    BBC


    Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE


    Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter.

    Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


    Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 29min
  • 509 - Why would anyone want to become an MP?

    The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs – and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the balance. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss how we got here and why it matters. Plus veteran broadcaster Michael Crick, the brains behind the ‘Tomorrow’s MPs’ initiative, shares his analysis of who the Tories and Labour are selecting to stand as new candidates at the upcoming general election. 


    Free Links


    Backing for wider police powers to protect MPs amid fears of political violence


    Gaza vote highlights security fears in parliament


    Parliament finds itself in a dangerous position after the Speaker’s intervention


    Why are MPs angry with the Commons speaker?



    Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Michael Crick @MichaelLCrick


    Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter.

    Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


    Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 38min
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