No10 and No11 Downing Street were thrown into chaos when the Met Police issued fines to the prime minister and chancellor. We discuss the seriousness of the lawbreaking, whether Tory MPs are minded to move against Boris Johnson, the public mood and whether the new migration strategy involving Rwanda is a distraction. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Josh Gabert-Doyon ...
Apr 16, 2022•32 min
We delve into two messes the government has got itself into, over the tax affairs of Rishi Sunak’s wife and the long-awaited energy white security paper. Will the chancellor’s spouse be forced to give up her non-dom status? And why did Boris Johnson shy away from tough new targets for onshore wind farms? Associate editor and columnist Stephen Bush and energy correspondent Nathalie Thomas will dissect these along with our. Plus, we look at the decision to privatise Channel 4 — which culture secre...
Apr 09, 2022•34 min
London's Metropolitan Police issued the first fines over the Partygate scandal this week. British prime minister Boris Johnson has yet to be fined, but does the scandal still pose a threat to his leadership? We also explore how this will shape the local elections, the internal Tory debate on trans rights and why the government is struggling to publish its new strategy on energy security. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard, Nathalie Thomas and special guest Paul Goodman....
Apr 02, 2022•39 min
Rishi Sunak delivered a mini-Budget this week that slashed taxes and attempted to tackle the cost of living crisis and deal with inflation. But the UK chancellor was widely criticised for failing to help the poorest and was told that his measures did not go far enough. We delve into the Spring Statement, including what it means for businesses, the wider economy and workers. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and special guests Frances O'Grady and Tony Danker. Produced ...
Mar 25, 2022•40 min
The UK celebrated the return of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after six years of imprisonment in Iran. We discuss how she was released and what it says about other parts of foreign policy. Plus we discuss Boris Johnson’s failed visit to Saudi Arabia, the latest sanctions against Russian oligarchs and preview Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement next week. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Rupert Harrison. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Sh...
Mar 19, 2022•35 min
The UK has been criticised for failing both to fulfil its rhetoric on sanctions and on opening the door to refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. Is it due to Whitehall incompetence, political leadership or domestic politics? We also discuss how the economic isolation of Russia will worsen the cost of living crisis in Britain and what options the Treasury has to ease the pain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and Jim Pickard. Produced by A...
Mar 12, 2022•31 min
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became more brutal this week, with urban bombardment of civilians. We discuss what is likely to happen next and the west’s response. Plus, we explore whether the UK is doing enough to tackle dodgy Russian money in London and what further sanctions should be introduced. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, Laura Hughes, Tom Burgis and special guest Tom Tugendhat. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sig...
Mar 05, 2022•35 min
After weeks of warnings from the west, Russia invaded Ukraine this week, prompting what some say could be the continent's worst conflict since the second world war. We explore why President Vladimir Putin decided to invade, his histrionic explanation, the situation on the ground and how the conflict will pan out. Plus, we examine the response from western nations, whether sanctions will work and what the effect on Britain would be. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Max Seddon, Ben Hall, George ...
Feb 25, 2022•30 min
Parliament may have been in recess this week but the political action hasn't stopped. We discuss our significant story about the next election featuring Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Not since the days of Paddy Ashdown's ultimately unproductive courtship of Tony Blair in the 1990s have relations between the two opposition parties looked so promising. Plus, we look at the Ukraine crisis and the way Boris Johnson's government is handling it, as Germany hosts a very tense Munich Security Confer...
Feb 19, 2022•28 min
We examine the abrupt departure of Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick, what it means for the police investigation into the “partygate” scandal and how it plays into Boris Johnson’s hopes of resetting his government. We also look at the mini Cabinet reshuffle and the new No10 team. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss. Plus, the government signals an end to all Covid restrictions in England by the end of February. Is it too hasty or a welcome ...
Feb 12, 2022•36 min
We ask whether the prime minister can survive the latest scandal engulfing his government. Is the departure of his closest and longstanding aide Munira Mirza the beginning of the end? Or the start of a reset? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will discuss with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Plus, we look into the long-awaited levelling up white paper and ask if it delivers on the high promises to rebalance the UK - and will those pro-Brexit first-time Tory voters feel it i...
Feb 05, 2022•34 min
The official investigation into lockdown Downing Street gatherings was due to be concluded this week, but a criminal probe by the police has thrown Whitehall’s Sue Gray off course. When will the inquiry be released? Plus, we discuss the UK’s involvement in the worsening situation in Ukraine and what it says about post-Brexit foreign policy. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shirmsley, Laura Hughes and Gideon Rachman. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound eng...
Jan 29, 2022•34 min
The latest twists and turns in the ‘partygate’ drama this week as Conservative MPs threatened a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson. We explore the progress of Sue Gray’s inquiry into the partygate row, how Johnson will respond and whether he can survive. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Camilla Cavendish. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. Audio: Sky News -Read the latest on ...
Jan 22, 2022•30 min
This week we’re devoting the episode to the “partygate” row which has blown up in Westminster. After the prime minister revealed he attended a party, calls for his resignation grew in and outside of the Tory party. Can he survive? Does his fate lie in the hands of a senior civil servant? Will Rishi Sunak walk out of the cabinet? And where does the story go next? We’ll be unpacking all the news and drama with a top line-up of guests: political editor George Parker, chief political commentator Rob...
Jan 15, 2022•35 min
We look at the trouble ahead for Boris Johnson, starting with the crisis in the energy market. What can the government do to stop bills doubling in the coming months? Along with sleaze investigations, how much of a threat is this to the PM? Political editor George Parker will discuss, together with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard. And we look at the latest with the spread of Omicron over the festive season and whether the new variant is putting too much pressure on the health service. ...
Jan 08, 2022•34 min
Michael Cockerell has made some of the best political documentaries about UK politics, covering prime ministers from Harold Macmillan to Boris Johnson. His new book, “Unmasking Our Leaders”, takes us into a career of political journalism and interviews regarding not just politicians and MPs and ministers but also the secret world of Whitehall. Cockerell looks back on the leaders he has met and what he learnt from them. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The ...
Jan 01, 2022•27 min
Andrew Mitchell went through many of the UK's most established institutions, from public school to the army to the City of London and parliament, the Whips Office and the cabinet. His new book, “Beyond A Fringe”, refers not only to his distinctive hairstyle but also his insider’s view of Britain. We explore his journey into politics, life in government and where he sees Tory politics going next. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Bre...
Dec 25, 2021•30 min
We analyse the remarkable by-election outcome. On top of the two biggest parliamentary defeats of his career as prime minister, we’ll look at just how much trouble Boris Johnson is in and whether he’s about to face a leadership challenge. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss. And we look at the coronavirus situation following a huge rise in case numbers and whether the NHS is at risk of being overwhelmed this winter. Will plan B work or will pla...
Dec 18, 2021•35 min
This week we analyse the new measures abruptly imposed in England in response to the alarming rise in Omicron coronavirus cases. What spooked the government? Science reporter Oliver Barnes and special guest science commentator Anjana Ahuja explain. Plus, the prime minister faces a Tory rebellion not only over the new Covid rules, but whether parties were held at No 10 last Christmas that broke lockdown rules, and who paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Political editor George ...
Dec 11, 2021•35 min
This week we dissect how much we know about the rising new variant and ask how worried we should be. Will we see much tighter restrictions imposed as Christmas approaches? Health editor Sarah Neville analyses the situation with science editor Clive Cookson. Plus, the Conservatives held the seat in the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election but with a reduced majority as Labour and the Liberal Democrats collaborated in opposition - and there's another by-election due in two weeks. Political editor Geo...
Dec 04, 2021•37 min
Twenty-seven asylum seekers drowned trying to reach Britain, highlighting the growing crisis of small boats. How can the issue be resolved and what does it say about Anglo-French relations? Plus, we discuss another chaotic week for Boris Johnson and whether a new operation at No 10 would improve the prime minister’s standing. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with the FT’s Laura Hughes, Anna Gross, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Paul Goodman of Conservative Home. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howi...
Nov 27, 2021•35 min
This week we delve into the plan for reshaping the UK’s railways. Is £100bn of investment the biggest change in a generation, or will it prove to be a massive disappointment? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard discusses this with a special guest: George Osborne, the former chancellor and chair of the Northern Powerhouse Project. Plus, it’s been a torrid week for Boris Johnson but does any of it matter? The Tories may be behind in the opinion polls but is the party hanging with him and for...
Nov 20, 2021•39 min
This week we examine the row about outside interests for British MPs. Is it acceptable to be earning hundreds of thousands of pounds a year on top of their parliamentary work? And do voters care? Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley will analyse the situation with political correspondent Laura Hughes. Plus, we look at the very odd case of the 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords - the last vestiges of aristocracy in our politics. How do they still exist and will their time ever come...
Nov 13, 2021•34 min
This week we discuss the chaotic events surrounding the botched reform of the parliamentary standards committee. We look at why No 10 was so eager to save disgraced MP Owen Paterson and where the row goes next. Political editor George Parker, political commentator Robert Shrimsley and political correspondent Laura Hughes will explain all. And we look back at the first week of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where more than 120 world leaders gathered to make headway on climate change. Breakt...
Nov 06, 2021•39 min
This week we examine the philosophy behind this year’s Budget and whether this is a marked change in how the Conservatives look at the economy. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss. And we look ahead to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where world leaders will, or won’t, step up on tackling climate change. Will Boris Johnson’s bold ambitions be met? Or will it turn out to be another missed opportunity? Climate reporter Camilla Hodgson and co...
Oct 30, 2021•33 min
Rishi Sunak delivered his 2021 Budget that pledged to increase spending, cut taxes and burrow away money for saving too. Is it all things to all people and will it help with the cost of living crisis? Political editor George Parker and economics editor Chris Giles will dissect. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Breen Turner. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne, @GeorgeWParker & @ChrisGiles_ on Twitter -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters H...
Oct 27, 2021•16 min
This week we discuss the return of Covid to the news agenda and ask whether the government will implement its so-called Plan B of measures as infections and hospital admissions rise rapidly. Political editor George Parker will give his analysis, along with health and science reporter Oliver Barnes. And we remember Sir David Amess, the veteran Conservative politician who was killed in his Essex constituency last Friday and examine what can be done to improve the security of MPs. Mark Francois, th...
Oct 23, 2021•31 min
This edition of Payne’s Politics was recorded before the news of the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex on Friday. This week we discuss the latest with the UK’s shortages. Should the government be doing more and should the Treasury intervene? Political editor George Parker and chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will take us into the corridors of power. And later, we’ll be returning to Brexit and how to resolve the iss...
Oct 16, 2021•36 min
This week we analyse this year’s Conservative party conference. First, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech: how credible was it? Can low-skilled immigration be simply replaced without a big inflation risk? Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley analyse. And then, we look at the other main theme of this year’s conference: levelling up. Did we gain any extra insight from Johnson and Michael Gove on what it means, how it can be delivered and what success l...
Oct 09, 2021•37 min
This week, we’ll be analysing Labour’s annual jamboree and whether Sir Keir Starmer has met expectations. How did he take on the left and what was the core message of his keynote speech? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe will explore. Later on, we’ll turn our attention to the cost-of-living crunch approaching this winter. There are widespread fears across Whitehall that the situation could get worse, with inflation rising, fuel and foo...
Oct 02, 2021•38 min
