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Helping you make sense of politics – every week.
Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.
The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.
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START HERE:
▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague
▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?
▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?
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Hosts:
Anoosh Chakelian
Regular contributors and co-hosts:
Tom McTague, Editor-in-chief
Ailbhe Rea, Political editor
Production team:
Senior podcast producer: Catharine Hughes
Podcast and video producer: Rob Le Mare
Assistant producer: Biba Kang
Executive producer: Chris Stone
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- 1483 - Labour holds Starmer’s seat
Labour has held the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with Sagal Abdi-Wali retaining the seat for the party despite a hard-fought contest from Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
The result preserves Labour’s long-standing grip on the constituency, and disrupts Polanski’s momentum.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ben Walker to discuss.
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Fri, 09 Oct 2026 - 17min - 1482 - The Green Party’s Zionism reckoning
At the Green Party conference, party members backed a motion to describe Zionism as racism.
Zack Polanski, currently campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, missed the controversial vote, which called for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state.
Is this a watershed moment for the Green Party?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon.
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Mon, 05 Oct 2026 - 26min - 1481 - Is Burnham brave or naive?
At this week’s Labour conference, Andy Burnham announced bigger and bolder policy ambitions than anyone expected. Was this too big a swing? Or the grand vision the country needs?
Elsewhere, next Thursday, there is a by-election happening in Holborn and St Pancras, the seat vacated by Keir Starmer.
Oli Dugmore is joined by business editor Will Dunn and political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.
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Thu, 01 Oct 2026 - 38min - 1480 - Burnham delivers packed conference speech
Labour Conference 2026 draws to a close with Andy Burnham's speech.
The PM's announcements included scrapping the triple lock pension, electoral reform, a new help-to-buy scheme, Great British Grid, an end to the public ownership ban on water companies and a range of options for our relationship with Europe which he will be looking into.
Anoosh Chakelian is at the Labour Conference and is joined by Ethan Croft and Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
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Tue, 29 Sep 2026 - 21min - 1479 - Has Andy Burnham reached his peak?
The Chancellor gives his conference speech just four weeks before his first budget and Andy Burnham proposes a national care service in England.
Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft bring you the latest from the Labour Conference.
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Mon, 28 Sep 2026 - 24min - 1478 - Is Ed Davey too nice?
The rise of balaclava Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s billionaire baloney and Donald Trump’s AI rebrand.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.
📚 READ:
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/ed-davey-has-a-superpower-immunity-from-embarrassment
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/the-rise-of-balaclava-britain
https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/09/kemi-badenochs-billionaire-baloney
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Sat, 26 Sep 2026 - 33min - 1477 - Has power changed Andy Burnham?
For this week’s New Statesman, our Politics Show stars have been busy interviewing some key players in the past year of Labour turmoil.
Ailbhe Rea, our Political Editor, had a fascinating encounter with the MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, the Starmer loyalist Darren Jones.
And speaking of Andy Burnham, Tom McTague, our Editor-in-Chief, has been busy profiling the Prime Minister himself…
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Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 55min - 1476 - Will AI kill us all?
Are tech companies turning apocalypse into profit?
In 2022, we were all having fun with a new chatbot called ChatGPT. Meanwhile, ministers and civil servants of the British government were imagining how it might go horribly wrong.
Four years ago, AI experts were concerned about what people might do using their technology. Today, they fear what the technology is doing on its own, without being asked.
Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss his cover story.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/business/2026/09/will-ai-kill-us-all
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Sat, 19 Sep 2026 - 1h 08min - 1475 - Burnham's political donations headache
Reform UK received two £36 million donations from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This has sent shockwaves through Westminster and thrown the question of political finance reform into sharp relief.
Labour is caught in an uncomfortable bind - appalled by the scale of Reform's fundraising, but reluctant to cap donations in a way that could threaten trade union funding and destabilise its own finances.
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Thu, 17 Sep 2026 - 32min - 1474 - Farage’s fan club doesn’t care about scandal
The fallout from Reform’s latest scandal, John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor and Ukraine’s plan to tax porn stars.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.
Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/the-gospel-according-to-nigel-paul-farage
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Sat, 12 Sep 2026 - 28min - 1473 - Ed Miliband resets relations with Israel
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled the biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades, and, in typical fashion, is putting his stamp on his new role.
Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding Reform and their finances continues, with the Met Police announcing they are launching a criminal investigation.
Pippa Bailey is joined by Ailbhe Rea, and guest Ben Judah, to discuss.
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Thu, 10 Sep 2026 - 1h 04min - 1472 - Andy Burnham can’t explain the economy
Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week.
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/09/britain-must-stop-paying-benefits-to-millionaires
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Sat, 05 Sep 2026 - 36min - 1471 - Burnham vs Badenoch: PMQs, round one
This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.
As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague.
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Thu, 03 Sep 2026 - 1h 02min - 1470 - How can the UK protect its historic buildings from climate change?
As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting?
Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate.
Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK’s climate goals.
They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future.
This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor.
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Wed, 02 Sep 2026 - 22min - 1469 - The investigation into “Farage Fest”
The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.
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Sat, 29 Aug 2026 - 28min - 1468 - Zack Polanski's honeymoon is over
It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party.
In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public.
But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference.
How is the Green leader faring one year on?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan Kenyon
Produced by Chris Stone
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Thu, 27 Aug 2026 - 36min - 1467 - How will Burnham navigate the North Sea?
One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas.
Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains.
After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.
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Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 30min - 1466 - Is the UK really poorer than Mississippi?
What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK.
Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week.
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Sat, 22 Aug 2026 - 29min - 1465 - Will Andy Burnham call an early election?
On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.
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Thu, 20 Aug 2026 - 30min - 1464 - What should the UK do with its unrecyclable waste?
The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.
Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative?
Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium.
Our panel discusses the UK’s recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill.
They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry.
This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium.
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Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 20min - 1463 - Reform's big benefits gamble
After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.
Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits.
Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.
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Mon, 17 Aug 2026 - 37min - 1462 - Burnham bounce: Labour overtakes Reform
Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss the stories of the week.
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Sat, 15 Aug 2026 - 39min - 1461 - Farage wins again at Clacton circus
Sorry about all the bangs, things got a little crazy at Clacton Leisure Centre.
After a long and fairly ridiculous night, Nigel Farage has been reinstated as MP for Clacton. What happens now? Could it be another by-election?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journailst and Labour councillor, Ben Walker.
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Fri, 14 Aug 2026 - 17min - 1460 - Is Clacton fed up with Farage?
Clacton is heading for a by-election on Thursday, triggered by Nigel Farage, amidst the Reform leader's financial scandals.
Anoosh Chakelian spends the day in Clacton, getting the perspective of locals.
READ
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/hes-made-us-look-like-right-plonkers-clacton-prepares-for-more-farage
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Wed, 12 Aug 2026 - 43min - 1459 - Are we living under “woke Blue Labour”?
Andy Burnham’s vision – to reground the Labour party in a sense of place, tradition and belonging – began over a decade ago, rising from the rubble of the Blair and Brown years.
Off the back of the party’s 2010 defeat, figures now key to his government argued that Labour had become too centralised; too detached from working class voters.
Now, Burnham wants to revive “community” as both a value and a means of reforming the UK.
Is this the era of “Woke Blue Labour”?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by editor-in-chief Tom McTague.
Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/are-we-living-under-woke-blue-labour
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Mon, 10 Aug 2026 - 43min - 1458 - Andy Burnham's North Sea drilling dilemma | Weekly roundup
Is supporting North Sea drilling an extremist position? Does Jeremy Clarkson have the right to ask benefit claimants for a thank you note? And should you grass on naughty neighbours breaking the hosepipe ban?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss some of the biggest questions of the week.
📚 READ
Supporting North Sea drilling is an extremist position
https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/07/north-sea-drilling-is-an-extremist-position
The road to Nowhereville
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/the-road-to-nowhereville
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Sat, 08 Aug 2026 - 37min - 1457 - Why did Kemi Badenoch allow an ex neo-Nazi to stand?
Why did Kemi Badenoch allow a man with a neo-Nazi past to stand as a council candidate? Is Andy Burnham running into his first bump in the road as Prime Minister over his pausing of the early release of prisoners scheme? And could Reform and Restore set aside their differences and form a pact?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Ethan Croft.
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Thu, 06 Aug 2026 - 29min - 1456 - Is Zack Polanski too "online"?
For some time, Zack Polanski’s tenure as Green Party leader had been largely characterised as a success.
But he’s been having a turbulent time in recent weeks. He was accused of inciting violence with an Instagram post, failed to steal the Manchester mayoralty from Labour, and the party is becoming increasingly divided on the subject of defence of spending.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.
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Mon, 03 Aug 2026 - 31min - 1455 - Chris Philp goes GONZO in the English Channel | Weekly roundup
The best day of Andy Burnham's life, Chris Philp goes gonzo in the Channel, and more climate change denial in a burning country.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up some stories you might have missed this week.
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Sat, 01 Aug 2026 - 34min - 1454 - The Burnham comms and policy blitz
Andy Burnham’s policy and comms blitz powers on - he is setting out his intentions early, and with a very different style than his predecessor.
Meanwhile, on his second week, his government is fully appointed, but the fallout is still rumbling away in the background.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
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Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 1h 12min - 1453 - Can the UK turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?
This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman’s Igniting Growth Conference.
The UK has world-leading science, research and regulatory expertise, but too often struggles to turn those strengths into investment, innovation and better patient access.
Can it turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?
Chaired by New Statesman policy correspondent Samir Jeraj, the panel brings together Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Naomi Weir from the CBI, David Knechtel from argenx UK and Ireland, and Clare Pelham from the Epilepsy Society.
Our panel discusses why the UK’s scientific and regulatory strengths are not consistently translating into growth and patient access, as well as the commercial pressures affecting confidence in the sector.
They talk about the need for more joined-up delivery across government, the NHS and industry, how innovation can reach patients, and what must change for the Life Sciences Sector Plan to deliver.
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Wed, 29 Jul 2026 - 17min - 1452 - Gary Lineker wants to pay more tax. What's stopping him?
Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of Stella Creasy's parakeet misidentification.
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Sat, 25 Jul 2026 - 32min - 1451 - Burnham's cabinet
It’s day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s premiership.
His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out.
The PM has also begun to announce his measures to tackle the cost of living, from bus fares to energy bills, and a big clear target from the off: end rough sleeping.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
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Thu, 23 Jul 2026 - 44min - 1450 - Prime Minister Andy Burnham
Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister.
He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job.
Anoosh Chakelian is in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
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Mon, 20 Jul 2026 - 32min - 1449 - Starmer bows out
Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck.
As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final week, and ponder his unpopularity.
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Sat, 18 Jul 2026 - 50min - 1448 - The transition begins
As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power.
Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss:
Anne Widdecomb's role in British PoliticsKeir Starmer's final days as Prime MinisterThe people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinetWhy appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principlesWhy the briefing against Ed Miliband shows Burnham's plan to improve Number 10 culture will be an uphill battle📚 READ
Exclusive: Andy Burnham appoints Number 10 policy chief
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/07/exclusive-andy-burnham-appoints-number-10-policy-chief
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Thu, 16 Jul 2026 - 41min - 1447 - How can the UK protect its Critical National Infrastructure from cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks on the UK’s critical national infrastructure are becoming faster and more sophisticated.
What will it take to protect the systems and services that keep the country running?
Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Matt Western MP, Chair of the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, and Chris Parker, Director of Government Strategy at Fortinet UK.
Our panel discusses how ransomware, hostile state actors and AI-enabled attacks are changing the threat landscape facing the UK’s critical national infrastructure, as well as where regulation and governance may need to go further.
They talk about the risks posed by legacy systems and cyber skills shortages, what effective resilience looks like in practice, and why closer cooperation between government and industry matters.
This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Fortinet.
LINKS
Fortinet 2026 Global Threat Landscape Report
Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report
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Tue, 14 Jul 2026 - 22min - 1446 - Farage's Clacton distraction
Nigel Farage, pollings' current front runner to win the next general election, has resigned as an MP.
However, he plans to stand as a candidate in the by-election this move will trigger. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories have labelled this a “stunt” and won’t stand in the contest.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is continuing to prepare for power…
Tom McTague is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft to discuss.
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Thu, 09 Jul 2026 - 56min - 1445 - Nigel Farage has lost his aura
Nigel Farage loses his cool as he’s grilled on his £5 million “gift”, the “anti-woke” Davos and the elephant seal that’s terrorising Tasmania.
Will and Anoosh round up the stories of the week.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/is-nigel-farage-losing-momentum
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Sat, 04 Jul 2026 - 27min - 1444 - "Startlingly transactional" – Burnham prepares for power
Andy Burnham is preparing for power – which means horsetrading, negotiations and planning.
Ailbhe Rea has been speaking to MPs and advisors inside the Labour party to find out what's really happening in Team Burnham, who's in line for the top jobs, and why some Labour MPs are giving Burnham "the ick".
Plus: Reform say Nigel Farage is having a great time. Other sources say he’s struggling. What’s going on inside the “unofficial opposition”?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea.
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Thu, 02 Jul 2026 - 53min - 1443 - “Westminster is broken”: Andy Burnham sets out his leadership plan
This morning Andy Burnham delivered a speech criticising “Whitehall culture” and promising to rebalance resources between national and local governments.
On course to enter Downing Street in as little as three weeks, the former Greater Manchester Mayor laid out his vision for a “Number 10 North”, promising “growth in every postcode”.
But how will that work in practice? And how different is it from what’s been before?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.
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Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 23min - 1442 - Does Britain want another general election? | Will and Anoosh
Keir Starmer’s turn at the resignation lectern, Peter Murrell’s £400,000 shopping spree and Will Dunn’s attempt at a “Man v Horse” race.
Will and Anoosh discuss the stories of the week.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/this-england/2026/06/one-small-step-for-man-much-further-for-a-horse
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Sat, 27 Jun 2026 - 41min - 1441 - A critical three weeks for Burnham
From a by-election victory in Wigan, to the resignation of Keir Starmer, to an Avanti West Coast train bound for London, tracked by news helicopters - Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster has been a remarkable spectacle.
Whilst Burnham’s coup has overcome multiple challenges to get to this point, in many ways, the hard part is about to begin.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
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Thu, 25 Jun 2026 - 1h 06min - 1440 - Keir Starmer resigns: “He’s been chewed up and spat out”
This morning, Keir Starmer stood outside No 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as Prime Minister - the sixth to leave office since the EU referendum, which was ten years ago this week. He will remain in office until Labour selects a new leader.
The Prime Minister’s likely successor Andy Burnham is sworn in as an MP today after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham has already announced his intention to stand as a leadership contender.
How did the Prime Minister come to this momentous decision, and what happens next?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague.
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Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 56min - 1439 - “Brand Burnham”: Why Andy is a marketing success story
The importance of branding in British politics, banning social media for under 16s and the Reform councillor who made “the biggest mistake” of his life.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/the-brand-is-back-in-british-politics
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Sat, 20 Jun 2026 - 40min - 1438 - Burnham wins Makerfield, what now?
Andy Burnham has won the historic Makerfield by-election, he's soon expected to speak to Starmer or trigger a leadership election.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ethan Croft in Wigan.
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Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 20min - 1437 - Where Keir Starmer went wrong | Wes Streeting interview
The former Health Secretary reveals why he believes Keir Starmer is failing.
When Wes Streeting resigned from cabinet in May, it put an end to months of speculation. The former Health Secretary does want Keir Starmer’s job.
Since then, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Armed Forces minister, Al Carns, have both resigned over the Defence Spending plan.
Keir Starmer’s leadership is looking more and more precarious.
Now Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election. If he becomes an MP, that could clear a way for him to contest the leadership himself.
In the days leading up to the by-election, Wes Streeting came into the New Statesman studio for an extended interview with our Political Correspondent, Ethan Croft. In the conversation you’re about to hear, Streeting speaks candidly about the reasons he left government, his views on Keir Starmer’s leadership and what he believes Labour needs to do to reverse its ailing fortunes. He’s also surprisingly complimentary about his potential rival in a future leadership contest, Andy Burnham.
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Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 58min - 1436 - If Andy Burnham wins, what next?
Tomorrow - the fate of the Labour government, and Keir Starmer’s premiership, is in the balance as voters head to the polls in Makerfield for the most consequential by-election in a generation.
If Andy Burnham wins, what are his next steps? How will the following days and weeks play out?
Will Lloyd is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
READ
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/06/makerfield-days-andy-burnham-kenyon-farage-by-election
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Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 43min - 1435 - Makerfield: What are the polls saying?
On Thursday, Makerfield goes to the polls in the most consequential by-election in a generation.
Can Andy Burnham finally gain the parliamentary seat he needs to enter the Labour leadership race? Will Robert Kenyon and Reform stop Burnham’s charge to Downing Street and further cement their status as Labour’s inevitable successors?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss.
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Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 25min - 1434 - The Makerfield candidates’ normal person contest | Will and Anoosh
The Makerfield by-election candidates battle it out to be the most “normal”, the travails of journalists from the US to the NS and more crossover between the worlds of AI and politics.
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week
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Sat, 13 Jun 2026 - 43min - 1433 - Wes Streeting: Keir Starmer doesn't take responsibility
After the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, Wes Streeting joins the Politics Show to reflect on why Keir Starmer is losing support from his loyal ministers.
Streeting resigned his own post as Health Secretary in May, and has said he would run in a future race to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Also in this episode, Tom McTague and Ethan Croft discuss the resignations and what they mean – for the UK's ability to defend itself, and for the future of the government.
The interview excerpt featured here is taken from an hour-long conversation with Wes Streeting which will publish next week.
READ: John Healey's resignation heralds the end for Keir Starmer, by Andrew Marr
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Fri, 12 Jun 2026 - 29min - 1432 - The private companies running Britain
From prisons to speed cameras and welfare to nuclear warning systems, the British government has outsourced a huge number of state operations to private companies – including the housing of asylum seekers.
This week, riots erupted on the streets of Belfast following the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvy. The suspect is an ex asylum seeker. It’s the third summer in a row that the asylum accommodation system has been the focus of violent protests.
Has Britain lost control?
READ: How Britain lost control
https://www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2026/06/how-britain-lost-control
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Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 47min - 1431 - Makerfield locals have their say
Ahead of the by-election in Makerfield on June 18th, polling expert Scarlett Maguire spoke to voters in the constituency for the New Statesman. This episode is made up of clips from these Makerfield locals.
Scarlett spoke to two groups, some who said they would be voting Reform, some who said they would be voting Labour.
They shared their concerns about the current state of the UK and its politics, and their opinions on the two main parties and candidates battling it out in Makerfield.
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Mon, 08 Jun 2026 - 19min - 1430 - What would “Burnhamism” actually look like?
Andy Burnham’s tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond.
Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week.
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Sat, 06 Jun 2026 - 39min - 1429 - What does Makerfield make of Andy Burnham?
The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics.
If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge.
Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
READ
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despair
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-street
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Thu, 04 Jun 2026 - 56min - 1428 - Why UK politics has failed for 20 years
While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives.
Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions.
This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"
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Mon, 01 Jun 2026 - 26min - 1427 - Tony Blair has kicked the Labour Party into action
This week there’s only one subject to discuss – and that’s Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting.
Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention.
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Thu, 28 May 2026 - 34min - 1426 - Nigel Farage’s £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire | Will and Anoosh
Nigel Farage’s £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, the NHS “I feel lucky” syndrome and the Reform councillor who wants us to crack down on extra terrestrial activity.
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.
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Sat, 23 May 2026 - 38min - 1425 - Starmer attempts business as usual
The spotlight of British politics is shining on Andy Burnham - and his “long coup” is underway.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer himself has to find a way to resume some semblance of government as usual.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
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Thu, 21 May 2026 - 55min - 1424 - What is Andy Burnham’s “Manchesterism”?
Andy Burnham is running in a by-election in Makerfield, which is likely to be held on 18 June, to return to Parliament as an MP. If he wins, he will be the frontrunner in a contest to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Burnham’s personal brand of politics is often referred to as “Manchesterism”. So, what is it?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by The New Statesman’s editor-in-chief Tom McTague, who profiled Andy Burnham back in September.
LISTEN: https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/politics-podcast/2025/09/andy-burnham-has-a-plan-for-britain-2
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/09/exclusive-andy-burnhams-plan-for-britain
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Mon, 18 May 2026 - 41min - 1423 - Keir Starmer’s never ending chaos | Will and Anoosh’s weekly round up
Keir Starmer’s never ending cycle of political chaos, Reform’s suspended local councillors and Anoosh’s heckle of Boris Johnson.
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.
Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/05/will-progressives-ever-forgive-labour
https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/05/the-bond-markets-will-not-save-keir-starmer
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Sat, 16 May 2026 - 32min - 1422 - Streeting resigns, but can he trigger a leadership contest?
Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary on Thursday morning, but Ailbhe Rea says Keir Starmer is determined to fight on.
After days of speculation – and a 16-minute meeting at Number 10 – Wes Streeting has finally resigned from cabinet.
On the same day, Angela Rayner has announced she has been "cleared" of wrongdoing related to unpaid property tax, which would leave her free to run in a leadership contest if one is triggered.
However, sources inside Number 10 have told Ailbhe Rea that Wes Streeting does not have the backing of enough MPs to trigger a leadership contest. So what is the former Health Secretary hoping to achieve?
And if a leadership contest were triggered, who else would be likely to run?
Ailbhe Rea and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the latest from Westminster in The Politics Show.
READ: Wes Streeting resigns with an excoriating letter to Starmer
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Thu, 14 May 2026 - 28min - 1420 - Starmer defiantly clings to power
Over 80 MPs are calling for Keir Starmer’s resignation, reaching the threshold required for a contender to mount a leadership challenge, with ministers - including Jess Philips - resigning from government too.
After a high stakes meeting this morning, several cabinet members voiced their support for the Prime Minister, as he defiantly vowed to “get on with governing”.
Will the Prime Minister survive the week?
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/05/tracked-the-labour-mps-calling-for-keir-starmer-to-go
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Tue, 12 May 2026 - 26min - 1419 - The weirdest day in Westminster
Keir Starmer has pledged to “prove the doubters wrong” as he tries to head off a leadership challenge after the disastrous local election results last week.
Fighting for his political life, the PM announced plans for stronger ties with the EU, powers to nationalise British steel and a scheme to help young people find work. But will it be enough?
Many of his own party don’t seem to think so, with his former Deputy PM Angela Rayner calling for Andy Burnham to come back to Parliament.
Backbench MP Catherine West even threatened to mount a leadership challenge against Starmer, but has now backed down and called on him to go by September.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/westminster/2026/05/labour-faces-civil-war-to-replace-starmer
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Mon, 11 May 2026 - 47min - 1418 - Local election results: the end of Starmer?
Results from the local and devolved are coming in. It has been, as many expected, a disappointing result for the Labour Party.
Meanwhile, the insurgent parties, the Green Party to an extent, but especially Reform, have delivered on their promise of snowballing momentum.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker, political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/may-2026/2026/05/live-results-map-wales-scotland-and-local-elections
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Fri, 08 May 2026 - 1h 07min - 1417 - The gutting of the two party system
The UK is gearing up for local and devolved elections on Thursday.
As Keir Starmer looks increasingly isolated as Prime Minister, much is being made of a potentially disastrous few days for the Labour Party. If results go as badly for Labour as some are predicting, this could be the end for the PM.
Meanwhile, the insurgent Reform and Green parties are looking to continue their surging momentum.
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Wed, 06 May 2026 - 27min - 1416 - Zack Polanski: Corbyn's true heir?
Crowds of young people chant his name but the Green leader is "nervous", says Ailbhe Rea.
--
A year ago, Zack Polanksi was relatively unknown. Now, he's leading an "eco-populist" movement that has revitalised the Green Party and looks likely to propel a left-wing surge in the May local elections.
Ailbhe Rea profiled the Green leader for the New Statesman, meeting him shortly after he'd been addressing young activists. She found a "sweet, slightly nervous" man who admits he still has much to learn about running a political party.
Here Ailbhe speaks to Anoosh Chakelian about Zack Polanski's political position, his unusual background, and the lessons he might learn from Jeremy Corbyn.
LISTEN NEXT:
Attacks on Jews are an indictment of Keir Starmer's Britain
READ:
Zack Polanski is still learning
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Tue, 05 May 2026 - 23min - 1415 - Charles, royal court jester | Will and Anoosh’s weekly round up
Parliament boozers, Morgan McSweeney vs Emily Thornberry, and King Charles' stand-up routine.
Will and Anoosh discuss another big week.
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Sat, 02 May 2026 - 29min - 1414 - Attacks on Jews are an indictment of Keir Starmer's Britain
"It makes me furious," says New Statesman editor Tom McTague.
An attack in Golders Green, London, yet again exposes the rise of antisemitism in Britain. Anoosh Chakelian has been reporting from the borough, where local Jews fear for their safety, volunteer security guards patrol the streets and Jewish children have to pass through heavy security cordons to get to school. She tells editor Tom McTague about what she found.
Meanwhile, the rise of anti-Jewish hate is putting more pressure on a government still mired in the Peter Mandelson scandal. The Prime Minister has become deeply unpopular, the Iran War continues, and local elections loom.
Westminster has concluded Keir Starmer has two options: fight or flight. The New Statesman's political editor, Ailbhe Rea, says the Prime Minister has made a decision and raised his fists.
READ:
Terror in Golders Green, by Anoosh Chakelian
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/society/2026/04/terror-in-suburbia
We are under attack, by Rachel Cunliffe
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/society/2026/04/we-are-under-attack
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Thu, 30 Apr 2026 - 47min - 1413 - Political F-bombs and Jacob Rees-Mogg “unbuttoned”
The inevitability of the Peter Mandelson scandal, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s live show, and the rising cost of condoms…
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/whos-afraid-of-olly-robbins
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/jacob-rees-mogg-relishes-the-limelight
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Sat, 25 Apr 2026 - 28min - 1412 - Keir Starmer is all alone
The Mandelson affair has become less about Peter Mandelson’s alleged wrongdoing, and all about Keir Starmer’s ability to run the country.
This week Olly Robbins, former chief civil servant at the Foreign Office, insisted the Prime Minister pressured him into clearing Peter Mandelson for the US ambassador post.
Yesterday, Starmer was forced to admit his former spin doctor Matthew Doyle, who was suspended from the Labour Party over campaigning for a convicted child sex offender, was also considered for a diplomatic role.
Labour MPs and even cabinet ministers no longer seem able to defend the Prime Minister.
But the frontrunners to replace Starmer are also, according to reporting by our editor Tom McTague, biding their time.
How long can they wait? How long can the country wait?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague in the studio.
READ: Keir Starmer is all alone
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/labour/2026/04/keir-starmer-is-all-alone
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Thu, 23 Apr 2026 - 34min - 1411 - Does Starmer deserve more credit?
Does Keir Starmer deserve more credit for keeping us out of a third Gulf war? Is Farage's relationship with Trump hurting Reform's polling? And who are the bright young things in British politics?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea to answer your questions.
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Mon, 20 Apr 2026 - 33min - 1410 - Ex defence secretary slams Starmer's strategy
Criticism of Labour's response to the global threat, Trump's AI Jesus and parliament's "summer of sex".
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up this week's stories.
Any suggestions for next week's categories, please comment below.
📚 READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/at-a-defence-conference-tech-execs-haggle-over-reducing-the-cost-to-kill
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Sat, 18 Apr 2026 - 28min - 1409 - Why do young women hate men?
For years, we have wrung our hands about the manosphere: the misogynist influencers like Andrew Tate exploiting a generation of disillusioned and impressionable lost boys.
But what about radicalised young women?
New, exclusive polling for the New Statesman has uncovered a huge difference in the political, economic and social outlook of women and men under 30 in Britain, created largely by women turning to the left.
Should we be worried about the “femmosphere”?
Joining me to discuss is Scarlett Maguire, founder and director of polling and research company Merlin Strategy, and our online editor Emily Lawford, whose brilliant report about this phenomenon will be out in this week’s issue of the New Statesman.
Meet the Angry Young Women
Revealed: the new radicalism among young women
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/polling/2026/04/revealed-the-new-radicalism-among-young-women
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Thu, 16 Apr 2026 - 27min - 1408 - Trump’s “demented” Easter and fragile ceasefire | Will and Anoosh's weekly round up
Trump’s "demented" Easter announcement, Britain’s squeezed middle and getting “the ick” for Zack Polanski…
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/the-trumps-wish-the-world-a-very-demented-easter
https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/economy-international-politics/2026/04/britains-vanishing-middle-class
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Sat, 11 Apr 2026 - 26min - 1407 - AI is embedded in the British state
AI is embedded in the machinery of the British state: drafting legislation, shaping spending decisions, informing interest rate policy and writing speeches delivered in parliament.
Has Britain handed over political power without ever really deciding to, and without fully understanding to whom?
Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss.
READ Will's piece: https://www.newstatesman.com/technology/2026/04/the-silent-coup
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Thu, 09 Apr 2026 - 55min - 1406 - Yanis Varoufakis: Greece has become Israel's "handmaiden"
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Mon, 06 Apr 2026 - 1h 03min - 1405 - Thames Water's careless vandalism
The pollution of Britain’s waterways is well known, but the full extent of the carelessness and vandalism of Britain’s biggest water company, Thames Water, is a catalogue of wrongdoing on an industrial scale.
Will Dunn speaks to the MP with the dubious honour of representing the constituency that is worst affected by sewage spills - Liberal Democrat MP, Charlie Maynard.
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Fri, 03 Apr 2026 - 31min - 1404 - Trump’s ground options in Iran
As the war in Iran enters its second month, President Trump has delivered a prime time address promising, simultaneously, that the conflict will be over “very shortly” and that the United States is preparing to hit Iran “extremely hard”.
Thousands more US troops have arrived in the region in recent days, including a marine expeditionary unit as the president is reportedly weighing options for a potential ground assault, such as an attempt to seize the Iranian oil export hub on Kharg Island, which Trump has said the US could take “very easily.”
But what options does the President actually have and what would be involved in an attempt to forcibly re-open the strait of Hormuz?
Katie Stallard is joined by Ruben Stewart, senior fellow for land warfare at the IISS think tank and a former infantry officer and UN peacekeeper.
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Thu, 02 Apr 2026 - 31min - 1403 - Has Keir Starmer found his vision?
Keir Starmer delivered one of his routine updates on the war in Iran in a press conference from Number 10 this morning - but this one was a little meatier than usual.
Will Lloyd is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss
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Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 18min - 1402 - How green is the Green Party?
Green Party support is surging after its by-election victory in Gorton and Denton last month.
But is Zack Polanski’s party leaving its environmental principles behind?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon to discuss.
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Tue, 31 Mar 2026 - 30min - 1401 - Inside Labour’s immigration feud
As ministers and backbenchers criticise Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans, is Labour about to water them down? And what is behind the splits over the policy?
Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea go behind the scenes of Labour’s battle over immigration reform.
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Mon, 30 Mar 2026 - 31min - 1400 - “Another chapter in the farce that is HS2” | Will and Anoosh’s weekly round up
Morgan McSweeney’s stolen phone, Kemi Badenoch’s council tax claims and the UAE defence attache, Group Captain Sandy Sandilands.
Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up their stories of the week.
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Sat, 28 Mar 2026 - 37min - 1399 - Rory Stewart sees fundamental evil in Trump
Follow The Exchange on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more episodes like this.
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Fri, 27 Mar 2026 - 1h 09min - 1398 - Ban Instagram? You must be kidding.
What does the Instagram and YouTube verdict mean for the UK's proposed social media ban?
A California jury has found Meta and Google liable in a case that accused them of building intentionally addictive platforms.
Here in the UK, the government is consulting on whether to ban children from using social media. Australia and Spain have already implemented similar bans, and France has backed a ban for under-15s.
So, are the social media giants facing a reckoning? And should the government intervene in our kids’ social media use?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Hannah Barnes.
READ: Parents must also take responsibility for online safety
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/social-media/2026/03/parents-must-also-take-responsibility-for-online-safety
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Thu, 26 Mar 2026 - 23min - 1397 - Is Ed Miliband the most powerful person in government?
Ed Miliband, everyone would agree, is a central part of the Labour government. The ex-Labour leader is a hugely popular figure within the party.
Is his power and influence greater than we realise?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Lloyd to discuss.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/a-certain-idea-of-ed-miliband
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Wed, 25 Mar 2026 - 36min - 1396 - Does Trump regret the war in Iran?
Donald Trump is grappling with the consequences of staging a military intervention in Iran without a clear plan.
Modern conflicts are often driven less by coherent national interest than by the instincts and ambitions of powerful leaders.
From the Strait of Hormuz, to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to the tension between China and Taiwan - miscalculation, overconfidence, and the enduring unpredictability of war are reshaping global power.
Katie Stallard is joined by Philips O’Brien, American historian and professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews.
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Tue, 24 Mar 2026 - 26min - 1395 - How Covid fear shaped the meningitis response
Earlier this month, a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent, led to the tragic death of two young people. So far there have been 29 confirmed or suspected cases in total. It’s thought that a “super-spreader” event at a nightclub is the source of the outbreak.
Since then, there has been a mass rollout of vaccines for Meningitis B and preventative antibiotics. Thousands of students and contacts have been treated.
Cases now appear to be slowing or stabilising, however, some questions have been raised over the speed of the response from the government.
Post-Covid, fear amongst the public of the spread of infectious diseases is heightened. This meningitis outbreak has served as a test, not just of public health response and communication, but of how the public understands risk in a post-pandemic Britain.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by investigations editor, Hannah Barnes.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/health/2026/03/was-kent-prepared-for-meningitis
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Mon, 23 Mar 2026 - 24min - 1394 - "Build the tunnel right through stonehenge" | Anoosh & Will's weekly round-up
Anoosh and Will are back with this week's round up of the politics stories you might have missed.
This week:
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has the perfect opportunity to "build, baby, build"Misinformation powerhouse InfoWars is officially over - just like the MetaversePete Hegseth seems to encourage the US army to commit war crimesRachel Reeves takes a gamble on building "an army of Burnhams"READ:
Anoosh's Thomas Hetherwick interview
Will's sketch on Pete Hegseth - "the boss of tough men in hot places"
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Sat, 21 Mar 2026 - 47min - 1393 - Is Angela Rayner making her move?
Angela Rayner has called Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans un-British. Is this the beginning of the dilution of these reforms and even of a leadership campaign?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
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Fri, 20 Mar 2026 - 21min - 1392 - Keir Starmer’s cost of living crisis
Keir Starmer’s cost of living crisis
At the beginning of this year, Keir Starmer vowed to bring down the cost of living.
But as other PMs learned before him, this is often out of the government’s control.
The Iran war is threatening to ruin his strategy and Starmer now finds himself in a bind.
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor, Ailbhe Rea.
READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/keir-starmer-is-struggling-to-keep-his-new-years-resolution
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Thu, 19 Mar 2026 - 25min - 1391 - The new world war
Yesterday, Keir Starmer met Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a new defense partnership.
The Ukrainian President said he faced a missile shortage due to the war in Iran and Keir Starmer resolved to remain focused on the fight against Russia.
But is the war in Eastern Europe only the first act of a much wider conflict?
Oli Dugmore is joined by Will Lloyd, who visited Ukraine last month.
Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/international-content/2026/03/the-new-world-war
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Wed, 18 Mar 2026 - 30min - 1390 - Why you'll never repay your student loan
The Treasury Select Committee has announced an inquiry into Student Loans.
It comes after Rachel Reeves announced a freeze on repayment thresholds meaning more graduates will start repaying once they earn just over the living wage.
It's an issue that doesn't just affect today's students and graduates but is increasingly becoming a political issue the government cannot ignore.
Tom McTague is joined by Rachel Cunliffe to discuss what the inquiry might achieve - and what the student loans issue means for graduates, the economy and Britain's future.
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Tue, 17 Mar 2026 - 39min - 1389 - Could surging oil prices cause a global depression?
Oil prices have spiked following the outbreak of war in Iran, with crude oil jumping to over £75 a barrel.
This is having a huge impact around the world, and is set to get worse.
Megan Gibson is joined by Rory Johnston, oil market researcher and author of the Commodity Context newsletter, who argues that this scenario could lead to a global depression.
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Mon, 16 Mar 2026 - 30min - 1388 - Farewell, George!
After a massive 17 years reporting on politics for the New Statesman, George Eaton joins Anoosh Chakelian the podcast for a farewell episode.
Anoosh and George discuss his highlights from covering the past 17 years in British politics, from the post-crash austerity years, through Labour civil war and ultimately Keir Starmer's Labour election victory in 2024. They reflect on the lessons learned, what's changed... and what's stayed the same.
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Sun, 15 Mar 2026 - 19min - 1387 - “Won’t someone think of the hereditary peers?” | Will and Anoosh’s weekly round up
Hereditary peers scrapped, tech overlord villainy, Tory hypocrisy and camel pageant botox cheating.
It’s another weekly round up from Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn.
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Sat, 14 Mar 2026 - 39min - 1386 - Mandelson files: Starmer knew
Keir Starmer apologised for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Is it enough?
After a vote by MPs forced its hand, the government has released the first batch of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment.
They revealed that the Prime Minister was told the Labour peer posed a “reputational risk” because of his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and that his national security adviser raised concerns about the appointment.
The so-called “Mandelson files” also exposed a number of facts about the vetting process that were already reported by the New Statesman in February and have angered Labour MPs all over again, and prompted further calls for Keir Starmer’s resignation.
Will the Prime Minister go?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe - who has read through every word of the files - do discuss what they contain, what they reveal, and what Keir Starmer must do now.
📚 READ
Starmer, Mandelson and the missing puzzle piece
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Fri, 13 Mar 2026 - 23min - 1385 - Britain’s imminent decline
Is the UK going through the “fourth great disruption” to its geopolitical position?
In this unprecedented moment, we take a look at how history can shed light on the current conflict, and which politician is best placed to handle the crisis.
Editor-in-chief Tom McTague is joined by John Bew, professor of history at King’s College London and former foreign policy adviser to four different British governments, and our political editor Ailbhe Rea.
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Thu, 12 Mar 2026 - 1h 09min - 1384 - David Lammy on the crisis abroad and within Labour
Were the strikes on Iran illegal? What's next for the controversial courts bill? Are Labour leaders aware of the existential crisis within their party?
On this week's episode of The Exchange, we speak with Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy.
To listen more episodes of The Exchange find us on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
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Wed, 11 Mar 2026 - 45min - 1383 - Trump's war is making us all poorer
Trump is bombing Iran. Oil prices are volatile. Is the world heading for recession?
Oil prices peaked after the US and Israel started their war on Iran.
Around a fifth of the world's oil supply relies on one tiny shipping lane in the Middle East called the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping firms are refusing to use it for fear of attack.
Meanwhile, Britain remains in the grip of inflated prices and shoppers fear the war in Iran will only make things worse.
Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss how the Iran war will impact the global and the UK economies, and what – if anything – the Labour government can do about it.
READ:
Oil prices mean Starmer must raise tax or face recession
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Tue, 10 Mar 2026 - 30min
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