Talking Politics

Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt was given exclusive access to Andy Burnham during his first 100 days as Prime Minister.

Having interviewed him many times over the years, Daniel joins Julie Etchingham and Robert Peston to reveal what he's learned about the man behind the office - including some surprising similarities to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The team examine Burnham's first actions as Prime Minister, how his ambitions have evolved and how radical his first few months have really been. They also explore his very different approach to political communication, from near-constant TikToks appearances, and ask whether his social media strategy is helping him connect with voters or risks alienating some of them.

Watch Burnham: Inside The First 100 Days, a Tonight Special, on YouTube or ITVX.

The Chancellor John Healey has delivered this year's budget pledging to put £100 in the pockets of millions of people to help with energy bills as well as well as aiming to provide the “breathing space” businesses and families needed.

On today's episode of Talking Politics Tom Bradby and Robert Peston are joined by Political Correspondent Romilly Weeks and Economics Editor Joel Hills to react to the Chancellor's first budget.

Whilst several announcements were made the team described it as "a slightly nothing budget" which won't rock the political boat - something Prime Minister Andy Burnham may well welcome.

In the week of his first Budget as PM, Andy Burnham has reignited the debate over freedom of movement with the EU, arguing that an “honest discussion” is needed about how immigration has changed since Brexit.

On today’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston examine Burnham’s case for freedom of movement, the economic arguments for closer ties, and whether the debate risks reigniting questions about race and immigration in British politics. Are we heading towards a fundamentally different, much closer relationship with the EU?

They also assess the challenges facing Burnham and his Chancellor as they prepare to deliver the Budget, including rising energy bills, mounting pressure on the public finances and the risk of a crisis in government borrowing.

Could a cautious approach buy the government time in an increasingly uncertain world, or does Britain need a more radical economic reset?

Nigel Farage has responded to revelations of racism and sexism in Reform UK for the first time since the year-long ITV Exposure investigation aired on Sunday (18th Oct) in full.

Speaking to reporters at a rally in Plymouth, the Reform UK leader said some of the comments were "appalling", but insisted there was a “snobbery” in the response to the film.

On this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Robert and Tom examine Farage’s defence of the party, his claims that Reform is being unfairly singled out by the media, and whether he addressed questions raised about the party’s vetting procedures.

They also discuss President Trump’s comments about unrest in France, and how anti immigration rhetoric and Islamophobia connect right-wing movements in the US and UK. Could this approach energise a party’s core supporters while making it harder to appeal to more moderate voters?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston assess the implications for Reform UK, after elected officials and election candidates for the party were filmed expressing racist and sexist views in an ITV Exposure undercover investigation.

They assess the initial response by Deputy Leader Richard Tice and the future of Nigel Farage, as well as how damaging the revelations could be for the party, given its previous commitment to improving its vetting process for selecting electoral candidates.

The full documentary: ITV Exposure - Undercover: A Year in Reform on Sunday, will air on ITV1 on October 18 at 10:20pm, as well as YouTube and ITVX.

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Reform UK told ITV News: "Where members, activists and councillors have clearly behaved inappropriately, investigations have commenced. In some cases, there have been suspensions and due process must be followed.

“Reform UK has improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through vetting. This is the same for all organisations."

Since recording this podcast Nigel Farage said it wasn’t possible to vet people for their future comments.

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss the Green Party's passing of a 'Zionism is racism' policy at its conference.

Greens leader Zack Polanksi did not vote on the policy and having avoided interviews since, what does it mean for his future?

Party members also voted in favour of the establishment of a “single democratic Palestinian State in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital”.

Tom and Robert discuss what that means for British Jews and the future of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Speaking from the Conservative Party conference, Robert also gives his assessment of Kemi Badenoch's headline speech, in which the leader of the opposition finally confirmed the party's new inheritance tax policy.

Robert Peston and Julie Etchingham react to Andy Burnham's first Labour Conference speech as Prime Minister.

Robert breaks down the announcement that Labour will drop the triple-lock on pensions if it wins the next election, including whether it will be enough to fund a new national social care service.

Stood right at the front in the hall, Robert also explains what happened when the Prime Minister was lost for words mid-speech.

Julie and Robert also analyse the announcement of a new commission on electoral reform and Burnham's 'tease' on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

Robert Peston and Julie Etchingham break down John Healey's first Labour Party conference as chancellor.

Amongst some stage managed applause for comments on welfare and plenty of praise for Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Chancellor also talked up British industry - following an announcement of £6 billion for Britain's shipyards. But Robert questions whether all the contracts will definitely go to British firms.

A former junior treasury minister in the New Labour years, Healey gave his speech in a tie he lent to Gordon Brown almost 30 years ago. But Robert tells Julie of the 'massive difference' between the two chancellors.

And with all eyes on Burnham's big speech on Tuesday, Robert and Julie discuss whether the Prime Minister will reform the pensions triple-lock to fund social care.

Burnham appeared to make it through his crucial first meeting with Trump unscathed, but is the people-pleaser PM prepared to stand up to the President?

On this week’s Talking Politics, Tom and Robert are joined by Political Correspondent Romilly Weeks, hot off the prime minister’s plane back from New York.

Romilly tells us how she managed to catch Trump’s eye to ask him a question, and reveals the advice Burnham was given on how to handle the President.

Plus - what do Trump's latest comments mean for the Chagos deal? And why did the President seem so "exhausted"?

Could AI really 'kill us all' by the end of the decade?

That was the claim of a resigning researcher at AI giant Anthropic, which has caught the world's attention.

Jacob Coxon said Anthropic, the company behind AI assistant Claude, was "racing straight to self-improving superintelligence" and "gambling" with the lives of humanity as a result.

So are the explosive claims and others like it genuine or just a hyperbolic marketing strategy?

On Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss that and what power the UK government has to force regulation on a global industry dominated by the US and China.

Having followed the technology's development and its political implications closely for many years, Robert also explains what the realistic threats are and why both the US and China have been reluctant to regulate until now.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has announced counter sanctions following the UK government's decision to ban imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank.

On Talking Politics, Robert Peston and Daniel Hewitt discuss the timing of the decision, whether it has been driven by Labour Party politics and if it will actually help keep the possiblity of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine alive.

The autumn Budget is looming, but rising borrowing costs could already be eating into Andy Burnham’s financial headroom. With the money available to deliver the 'radical' agenda he promised shrinking, the new PM and his Chancellor face tough choices: tax rises or spending cuts.

Can Burnham make those difficult choices and take on some of Labour’s most politically sensitive commitments, including the welfare bill and the pension triple lock, or will his tendency to ‘people please’ hold him back?

And with war in Iran continuing, driving up oil prices and impacting the health of the global economy, is Burnham’s biggest challenge the markets rather than his own MPs?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss on this week's Talking Politics.

Andy Burnham has only been prime minister for a little over two weeks - but has already made an impression with his very different style of leadership to Sir Keir Starmer and raft of policies relating to the cost of living, social care, and more.

He appears to have initially benefited from a bounce in the opinion polls, leading to some speculation about whether he will call an early general election.

But how much of his plans actually stand up to scrutiny - particularly his proposals for devolution? And is the 'Burnham bounce' real or, with unfavourable headlines on the prisoner early release scheme dominating this week, is the honeymoon period already over?

And does it give Reform UK and Nigel Farage the chance to bounce back?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss on this week's Talking Politics.

Andy Burnham has kicked off his 'cost of living' government with a flurry of announcements - starting with removing VAT from household energy bills and restoring the £2 cap on bus fares in England. But he has already rowed back on a potential rise in the tax-free personal allowance.

On Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston ask whether support is really being targeted towards those who most need it and whether it is ambitious enough to turn the country around. They also discuss his promise to end to factionalism, which coincided with a purge of the Starmerites.

Tom also asks Robert to explain exactly what 'war bonds' are and whether some creative government accounting could actually help solve the defence funding dilemma. Plus Robert analyses what the abolishment of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology means for AI in the UK.

Andy Burnham is finally Prime Minister - so from bus fares to energy bills, what could it mean for you? Could a rise in the top rate of tax be on the cards, despite Labour's manifesto commitment?

On Talking Politics, Robert Peston and Tom Bradby discuss what he can to do to address the top priority of making life more affordable for people up and down the country.

Andy Burnham is just days from entering Number 10 - but what do we know about who will be in his top team?

In Talking Politics this week, Tom and Robert discuss who would be the best pick for Chancellor, and whether Ed Miliband’s Treasury dreams are over.

They break down what the handover of power will look like over the next few days, and how it could be impacted by the World Cup…

Tom and Robert also finish by reflecting on what the shocking murder of Ann Widdecombe could mean for British politics.

Nigel Farage has sent shockwaves through Westminster as he announced he would stand down as an MP but then contest the seat at the by-election.

Is it all a stunt to distract from scrutiny over his financial support as opposition parties say?

On this weeks’ Talking Politics, Robert is joined by ITV News Political Correspondent Harry Horton to discuss what this means for Farage’s political future.

Labour say the saga is a ‘circus’, while the Tories accuse Farage of having a ‘hissy fit’.

Robert and Harry discuss whether Count Binface could finally make it to Parliament, and whether Farage will come out of all of this looking ‘silly’.

Andy Burnham is headed for Downing Street and could be Prime Minister in just three weeks. But can he really deliver his bold vision without putting up taxes?

In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert is joined by Harry Horton, fresh from Burnham's major speech in Manchester, to unpack his economic blueprint.

From the promise to build more council homes to bringing essential services like energy and water back under public control, they explore Burnham's big ideas, his plans for a "Number 10 of the North", and ask: how will he pay for it?

In the second half of the episode, Robert speaks to Carl Dinnen about another looming financial headache: Keir Starmer's Defence Investment Plan has exposed a £4.7 billion funding gap. If Burnham takes the keys to Number 10, how can he plug that hole while delivering his own ambitious programme for change?

Andy Burnham is on track to become Britain’s next prime minister, but we don’t yet know who he’ll pick as chancellor.

Could it be Ed Miliband, or would he spook the markets? Perhaps Yvette Cooper is a safe pair of hands, or could Wes Streeting get the keys to Number 11 despite his “brazen disloyalty” to his last boss?

On this week’s Talking Politics, Tom and Robert ask what a Burnham government could look like, and break down what his major policy changes could be.

Plus, Peston gives his advice to the next PM on welfare, defence and the pension triple lock.

Contains mild language.

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston are in Downing Street to discuss Keir Starmer's resignation, after he set a timetable for his departure as PM.

Newly elected MP Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run to replace him as Labour leader.

Tom and Robert break down what went so wrong for Starmer, less than two years after his landslide election win, and what obstacles could be in Burnham's way.

Andy Burnham’s big Makerfield by-election victory is set to reshape British politics as we know it.

So what happens next?

In this special Talking Politics episode, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston are joined by Election Analyst Professor Jane Green from Nuffield College, University of Oxford, to answer the key questions.

Is Britain now waking up to a new prime minister?

What does the Labour vote share in Makerfield tell us about potential voting in a General Election?

Would Andy Burnham definitely perform better than Sir Keir Starmer?

Could he call a General Election once he's prime minister?

What does it mean for Reform’s chances at a national level?

Are the Conservatives still in the picture?

And is electoral reform now inevitable?

Ahead of one of history’s most consequential by-elections this week, Keir Starmer has revealed how he plans to persuade Andy Burnham not to launch a leadership challenge.

In this week’s Talking Politics, Robert joins Tom from Evian in France where Starmer is meeting world leaders at the G7 summit - in what could be his last foreign trip as PM.

As voters in Makerfield prepare to head to the polls on Thursday, Robert explains why Starmer’s strategy to stay in Number 10 if Burnham wins the by-election is “almost emotional blackmail”.

And: find out what Robert thinks the PM and Millwall Football Club have in common…

Full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election:

Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats

Count Binface, Count Binface Party

Andy Burnham, Labour Party

Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party

John Alfred Dyer, Independent

Ed Gemmell, Climate Party

Paul Richard Gould, Independent

Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party

Robert Kenyon, Reform UK

Robert Pownall, Independent

Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain

Sarah Wakefield, Green Party

Peter Ward, Rejoin EU

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss Defence Secretary John Healey's resignation, after a row with the prime minister over military spending, in which he accused Keir Starmer of making the country "less safe".

He wrote to the PM to resign with "great regret and reluctance", citing disagreements about defence spending ahead of the release of the delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

Tom and Robert reflect on why this resignation is particularly damaging for Keir Starmer and whether his position is now beyond saving.

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Contains mild language.

Tom and Robert are joined by Northern Ireland Reporter Stewart Robson following a night of violence and unrest in Belfast after Monday's stabbing attack.

Stewart shares what he witnessed on the ground, describing a "real determination from some people to make it as dangerous as possible", and outlines the latest developments in the case - as the politicans, police and the victim's family call for calm".

Tom and Robert unpack how the economic reality is fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment, discuss why successive Governments have struggled to control immigration, and look at whether opposing parties and their plans to fix the problems have any hope of success.

The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton last year has sparked national outrage and accusations from Nigel Farage of “two-tier policing”.

But is there any evidence to suggest police are treating people differently based on their ethnicity, or was this just a case of “grotesque police incompetence”?

On this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom and Robert react to the disturbing bodycam footage from the scene and examine how a tragic murder became a national political flashpoint.

They also discuss Farage’s intervention in the case, the family's repeated calls for calm, and why he chose to speak out on the issue after weeks of avoiding media scrutiny.

A new tranche of files have been released today relating to the appointment of disgraced peer Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. But what do they include, and how embarrassing are they for Keir Starmer and his government?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss what’s included in the documents - from private messages between senior Labour figures, to Mandelson telling David Lammy that the government would "never regret" his appointment as ambassador, and Pat McFadden’s criticism of the PM.

Mandelson has said he regrets his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, denies criminality, and says his priority is to cooperate with the police and clear his name.

Tom and Robert are joined by ITV News Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt following his exclusive interview with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Burnham is hoping to return to Westminster by winning the Makerfield by-election - a move already fuelling excitement among his supporters that he could become Labour leader, and even Prime Minister, by the summer.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s other main challenger, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, has confirmed he would stand in any future leadership contest. He’s also thrown his weight behind rejoining the EU, putting Brexit firmly back on the political agenda.

With Nigel Farage’s Reform UK surging in the local elections, would changing leader prove Labour has completely "lost its mind", or could this finally be Burnham’s moment?

Keir Starmer is battling to stay in post and after a pivotal cabinet meeting, Tom and Robert are in Downing Street to gauge the mood of ministers.

All eyes are now on his main challenger threat, Wes Streeting. With his backers already making moves to oust the PM - will the Health Secretary act?

Meanwhile, with Andy Burnham seen on a train to London, will he take the risk of mounting a leaderhip challenge, despite the Mayor of Greater Manchester not having a seat in Parliament?

Is it too little, too late for the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer?

That's the opinion of Labour MP Catherine West when describing Starmer's speech on Monday, as he fought to save his job following a bruising set of local election results and subsequent calls for his resignation.

On this week's Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston look at whether there is a future for Starmer as PM.

Describing Friday's local election results as tough, Starmer claimed the country was facing both "dangerous times" and "dangerous opponents".

"If we don't get this right, our country will go down a very dark path," claimed the PM.

"I know people are frustrated by the state of Britain, frustrated by politics, and some people, frustrated with me," said Starmer.

"I know I have my doubters, I know I need to prove them wrong, and I will."

Over the weekend, Labour MP Catherine West spoke out, issuing an ultimatum that if a member of the cabinet had not challenged Starmer over the leadership by Monday, she would gather the 81 signatures to launch one herself.

Her most recent words appear to back down on this, but still build momentum on pressuring the PM to depart.

Ms West said she is gathering the names of Labour MPs to call on Sir Keir Starmer to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September.

With huge gains across England's council elections, has Nigel Farage's Reform UK become the main party of the right - or is it too soon to right the Conservatives off?

On Talking Politics Tom Bradby and Robert Peston break down the results with ITV News Elections Analyst Professor Colin Rallings and Professor Jane Green from Nuffield College, University of Oxford.

How much further can Reform go and on a massive day for Plaid Cymru and the SNP - what do results across England, Wales and Scotland mean for Labour and the future of the UK?

It’s going to be a seismic week for British politics, as millions of voters head to the polls across England, Scotland and Wales.

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom and Robert are joined by ITV News Elections Analyst Colin Rallings, to unpack what’s at stake in the crucial May elections.

They break down the key councils in England to watch out for, and look at why devolved contests in Scotland and Wales could lead to the break-up of the UK. Plus - has Farage’s Reform party peaked, or could they still engulf the Conservative Party?

And why could a hostile leadership contest after the elections mean people never vote Labour again?

Keir Starmer has faced yet another day of scrutiny over his “disastrous” choice of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.

On Talking Politics, Robert and Tom unpack why evidence from ex-foreign office official Philip Barton and the PM’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney exposed a series of missed opportunities and errors of judgement to stop the Mandelson appointment.

Robert explains why the whole saga shows a “world of surreal madness” at the heart of government, and how it could be “existential” for the PM.

Plus, reaction to yet another embarrassment for Starmer across the pond, as a leaked recording of the current US Ambassador threatens to overshadow the King’s state visit…

Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure over his controversial decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.

Explosive testimony from sacked top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins has revealed there was “constant pressure” from Number 10 to push the appointment through - raising serious questions about how the decision was made.

On Talking Politics, Tom and Robert break down Robbins’ appearance at the Foreign Affairs Committee - and why the decision to sack him seems to have backfired on Starmer.

Was Olly Robbins made a scapegoat? And could this scandal rival the scale of Partygate?

Listen to this week’s episode to find out.

Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is underway but how long can it last, and have the Americans backed themselves into a corner?

On Talking Politics, Tom and Robert examine why the blockade could become a “slow and painful” strategy.

They also break down the latest “depressing” forecasts for economic growth from the International Monetary Fund, a major blow to the UK economic outlook.

And with fresh warnings from former Labour Defence Secretary and ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson that Britain’s security is “in peril,” Tom and Robert discuss how Sir Keir Starmer should respond.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told ITV News' Talking Politics podcast that Israel is "wrong" to continue its strikes on Lebanon amid a ceasefire with Iran, saying it "should stop" as a "matter of principle".

The exclusive interview with ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston is the prime minister's first since the establishment of a fragile two-week ceasefire deal made between the US and Iran.

A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has brought a moment of relief, but how stable is this fragile truce - and what comes next? In this week’s episode of Talking Politics,

Robert joins Tom from Saudi Arabia where he’s travelling in the region with the PM ahead of an exclusive interview.

Tom and Robert break down how Trump has been left humiliated by the deal, and discuss whether world leaders think the President has ‘lost his marbles’.

Plus, they ask if the war signifies the end of Nato, or whether it’s just a bump in the road for the alliance.

Rachel Reeves has vowed to support “those who need it most” if energy bills surge amid the Iran war - but is she already “boxed in”?

In this week’s Talking Politics, Tom and Robert break down the Chancellor’s options and why Rachel Reeves is determined not to repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss.

Could this spiral into a crisis on the scale of 2008? Robert gives his predictions for the long-term economic fallout of the conflict.

Plus: why large bets placed just before Donald Trump’s peace talks announcement on Monday have triggered accusations of insider trading.

Trump has ramped up attacks on Starmer, blasting his handling of the Iran war and claiming the special relationship was good "until Keir came along."

On this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom and Robert discuss whether the UK–US partnership can survive - and how much Trump’s broadsides really matter.

Starmer says he doesn’t want to get drawn into the “wider” war, but how long can that position hold?

Tom and Robert are also joined by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, to discuss the Iran war, why Canada is prioritising new alliances beyond the US, and whether the UK should cancel the King’s state visit to America.

The Mandelson files are out - and they raise serious questions. The new documents show Starmer was warned of a “general reputational risk” linked to Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein before Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador.

In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert and Tom unpack the key revelations, ask whether Starmer can recover politically, and explore why Mandelson asked for a £500,000 payout after he was sacked And Robert reveals why reading the files made him feel like his head was exploding...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the government has 'restored economic stability' despite downgraded growth forecasts for 2026, whilst the US-Israel war with Iran means narrow improvements in the economy revealed in her spring statement are likely to be overturned.

On Talking Politics, UK Editor Paul Brand and Political Editor Robert Peston discuss what it means for energy prices, interest rates and economic growth - and whether the UK can afford to become further involved in the conflict.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will allow the US to use British bases for 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites, but says the UK government 'will not join offensive action now'.

Donald Trump says he’s ’very disappointed’ in Starmer and condemned the delay in making that decision.

So is the UK at war with Iran and what does it mean for the UK-US special relationship?

On this episode of Talking Politics Robert speaks to Julie Etchingham who is in Erbil, northern Iraq, about the escalating war in the Middle East and what it means for Starmer.

Shockwaves are surging through British politics after a dramatic by-election in Gorton and Denton. In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert and Tom unpack what the Greens’ victory means for Labour - was Starmer “nuts” for not taking the left-wing party more seriously? And will he have to step down? With cries of dodgy practices and unfair treatment, they also discuss ‘family voting’ and whether it was an issue in the contest.

In a week that started with Peter Mandelson's arrest, and will end with a crucial by-election for the PM, Tom and Robert discuss whether Mandelson's arrest will prove terminal for Starmer.

They unpack why Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle warned the Met that Mandelson was a flight risk - triggering his arrest.

The former Business Secretary denies any wrongdoing, and says his overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation and clear his name.

But will Mandelson's arrest define the PM's premiership?

Tom and Robert discuss what could happen in this week's by-election in Gorton and Denton and how it could be the most important result of the PM's career.

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Full list of candidates in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Nick Buckley – Advance UK

Charlotte Cadden – Conservatives

Dan Clarke – Libertarian Party

Matt Goodwin – Reform UK

Sir Oink A Lot – The Official Monster Raving Looney Party

Joseph O’Meachair – Rejoin EU

Sebastian Moore – Social Democratic Party

Jacqueline Pearcey – Liberal Democrats

Hannah Spencer – Green Party

Angeliki Stogia – Labour Party

Hugo Wils – Communist League

Meet Senator Mark Kelly: distinguished Navy Pilot, NASA astronaut and Democratic Senator for Arizona, but when Kelly urged service members to refuse illegal orders, Donald Trump said he should be punished “by death”.

Trump later clarified, "I'm not threatening death, but I think they're in serious trouble."

Now Kelly's contemplating a run for the Presidency himself.

Tom sits down with the Senator to discuss the death threats and lawsuits that have followed, why he believes you need to "stand up to bullies" and his advice to the UK: "You don't want somebody like him in charge of the UK."

Is the US a reliable ally? If he was still serving, would he obey orders to invade Greenland? And what lessons can the UK learn from the MAGA movement?

Tom and Robert discuss how much trouble how much trouble Sir Keir Starmer is in, who could replace him as PM and how Labour chooses a new leader.

It follows the latest relation that Downing Street's former Director of Communications Matthew Doyle was given a peerage, despite him campaining in 2017 for a councillor who had been charged with child sex offences.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer said Doyle "did not give a full account of his actions" before he was made a Lord in January.

Doyle has had the whip removed and apologised. In a statement he said: “I want to apologise for my past association with Sean Morton. His offences were vile and I completely condemn the actions for which he was rightly convicted. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by these crimes.”

Can Sir Keir Starmer survive the Peter Mandelson scandal? Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss his chances, after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar becomes the most senior serving Labour figure to call for the PM to stand down.

It comes after the resignation of Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, who had masterminded Starmer's path to power but accepted responsibility for advising the PM to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.

The latest release of files relating to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed the extent of his friendship with Mandelson. Pressure is mounting on Starmer after he admitted Mandelson's links to Epstein, following his sex offence conviction, were mentioned in his vetting. Starmer told MPs Mandelson had 'repeatedly' lied during in the vetting process.

ITV News has attempted to contact Mandelson multiple times in relation to the allegations against him but has not received a response. Being named in emails and documents released from the US Department of Justice is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Tom and Robert discuss the Peter Mandelson fallout, after the former Business Secretary was forced to resign from the Labour Party and the House of Lords following the latest release of Epstein files.

Amongst the 3m documents are emails appearing to show that at the height of the financial crisis, Mandelson was sharing highly sensitive government information with the sex-offender financier.

So what exactly was that information and how could Epstein have used it?

Meanwhile, where does all this leave Keir Starmer after he made Mandelson US Ambassador when his association with Epstein was public knowledge.

Mandelson is yet to comment publicly on the allegations, but has said that he regrets his friendship with Epstein.

Tom and Robert also discuss the Polish PM's claim that Epstein could have been a Russian spy, and the continued problems the Epstein files bring the royal family - with the files revealing more details of the contact Epstein had with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson after his conviction for child sex offences. The former prince has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and the former Duchess has previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein.

As Keir Starmer tries to shake off the backlash of Andy Burnham's failed bid to get on the ballot for the Gorton and Denton by-election...what reallywent on behind closed doors?

Downing Street and the Greater Manchester Mayor have both denied reports he was told in advance that he would be blocked by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee. But Robert Peston has the inside story.

And with Labour leadership candidates waiting in the wings... how shouldStarmer have handled it instead?

Meanwhile, Robert exclusively reveals why events in Canada could put King Charles's trip to America in jeopardy.

Should ministers like Angela Rayner get thousands of pounds in severance pay if they resign?

In this Q&A Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer that audience question and more, including:

In this Q&A Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer some of our audience’s burning questions, namely:

In this Q&A special Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions, namely:

On this special edition of Talking Politics, Carl Dinnen joins Tom Bradby from President Trump’s golf course in Turnberry where he hosted Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks.

Tom asks Carl what it was like being in the room with the two very different leaders and what he made of the issues discussed, including: 

Why is the Afghan data breach so unnerving? And why was Keir Starmer kept in the dark by his defence secretary?

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss that plus…

WATCH the full episode here: https://youtu.be/T2wBEjJcaVQ

On this episode of Talking Politics Q&A, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston dig into how moves to court Reform voters will only damage Labour.

Plus, they answer:

WATCH the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_6UdoB3bM 

In this Q&A special coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Labour's general election win, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions about the party and the government, namely:

WATCH the full episode here: https://youtu.be/KyZqfgQaBgE

In this Q&A special Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions, namely:

In a special edition of Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson is joined in the studio by Jessica Taylor, election expert and analyst for the Cook Political Report, who joined ITV News on US Election night in 2024 as Donald Trump swept to a second term in the White House. They discuss: