The prime minister and his aides have made it known they’re ready to force through leaving the EU with or without a deal, even if MPs collapse his government. Is this a bluff, and will it work? Plus, we discuss Labour’s position on forming a caretaker government and whether it is now aligned with the Scottish nationalists. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
Aug 10, 2019•28 min
We look back at a mixed first full week in the job for Boris Johnson, as he toured Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland against a backdrop of a slump in sterling and Bank of England warnings about economic trouble ahead. In Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the self-styled "Minister for the Union" was warned he could break up the country if he presses ahead with a no deal Brexit. Opinion polls look good for the new PM, but in the real world the Tories lost the Brecon by-election. Presented by Geor...
Aug 03, 2019•21 min
The key appointments by Britain's new Conservative prime minister and what we're learning about his priorities and strategy, especially - of course - on Brexit. Plus, we discuss the jostling for position among the other political parties, and Nigel Farage's latest project in the US. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and Jim Pickard of the FT and Henry Newman of the Open Europe think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
Jul 27, 2019•25 min
Theresa May's last days in No 10 - is she going with a bang or a whimper? And who will be the next prime minister, and what do we know about him? Plus, the new top team in Brussels, the balance of power in Europe and what it will mean for Brexit. Presented by George Parker, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Ben Hall and Alex Barker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 20, 2019•25 min
The resignation of the UK's ambassador to the US this week caused a huge stir in Westminster, thanks to a leak of confidential diplomatic cables. Why did Kim Darroch decide to go? Was Boris Johnson to blame? And what does it tell us about the state of the civil service? Plus, we discuss the BBC expose of how Labour has dealt with anti-Semitism complaints and whether it is finally becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz and Jim...
Jul 13, 2019•32 min
The ballot papers have gone out to Conservative members for the leadership election and voting has begun. Boris Johnson is leading in the polls, Jeremy Hunt is still fighting - but is it game over for him? We also discuss the prospect and wisdom of an early election. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and James Blitz in London and Sebastian Payne on the campaign trail in Darlington. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
Jul 06, 2019•31 min
The skirmishes between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt became more personal, with clashes over character and scrutiny. Is the foreign secretary gaining momentum? And has the frontrunner recovered from his difficult weekend? We also discuss the prospect of Sajid Javid as the next chancellor and what both candidates plan to do on the economy and immigration. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Giles. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast....
Jun 29, 2019•36 min
Four candidates were knocked out of the Conservative party leadership race this week: Michael Gove, Sajid Javid, Rory Stewart and Dominic Raab. Does the foreign secretary have any hope of beating the frontrunner? Plus we discuss whether Jeremy Corbyn is finally moving Labour towards becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green - plus special guest Tim Montgomerie. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See a...
Jun 22, 2019•38 min
In the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership contest, Boris Johnson confirmed his place as the clear frontrunner. Matt Hancock, Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom and Mark Harper have all exited. Who will win the battle for second place? Plus, we discuss whether a new prime minister could stop no deal, even by shutting down parliament. Presented by Sebastian Payne with George Parker, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Plus special guest Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie. Produced by ...
Jun 15, 2019•32 min
The Brexit party came close but failed to win its first seat in Westminster. What lessons are there for Labour and the Tories? Plus, we discuss the latest from the Tory leadership race and who will bag second place alongside Boris Johnson. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 08, 2019•33 min
Jeremy Hunt lost momentum in the Tory leadership contest this week, suggesting that the final race might end up being Boris Johnson versus Michael Gove - just like the 2016 contest. Plus, we discuss Donald Trump’s first state visit to the UK next week and the health of the ‘special relationship’. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Gideon Rachman and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 01, 2019•34 min
The prime minister announced her intention to resign on Friday, following a dramatic week in Westminster where a final Brexit speech misfired and brought an end to May's time in office. We discuss how events unfolded, what her legacy will be, the impending leadership contest and how the likely successors are shaping up. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 25, 2019•38 min
Theresa May has finally agreed to step down, clearing the way for a leadership contest this summer, against the background of the European Parliament elections. Might we have three prime ministers this year? And what does this all mean for Labour? Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and John Burn-Murdoch of the FT and political strategist John McTernan. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 18, 2019•38 min
Anger is growing in the Conservative party against Theresa May, but MPs have failed to move against her. Will next week be a decisive moment for the prime minister? Plus, we discuss whether a universal basic income would help or hinder inequality, and whether Labour will support the policy at the next general election. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
May 11, 2019•28 min
Defence secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily sacked by Theresa May, following a leak inquiry on the National Security Council. Can we be sure he was responsible? Who are the new entrants to the end cabinet? Plus, we discuss England’s local election results and what the Lib Dem revival portends for the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne and James Blitz, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley, David Bond and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. H...
May 04, 2019•36 min
An unprecedented leak from the National Security Council this week about the UK's 5G network has prompted much angst and a leak inquiry at the top of government. What was the row about and what does it say about the state of May's government? Plus we discuss Change UK's launch of its MEP candidates and whether the party might misfire in the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, David Bond, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on A...
Apr 27, 2019•33 min
Westminster is in recess, but campaigning has begun for the unexpected European Parliament elections on May 23. Will the Brexit party and TIGs surpass the two main established parties? Why have the Remain parties failed to co-ordinate? And will turnout be crucial? Plus, we discuss Sajid Javid's speech on crime and how the home secretary is using his past to sell his present politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Helen Warrell. Produced by An...
Apr 20, 2019•34 min
The UK did not leave the EU (again) this week. Instead, exit day has been pushed back until the end of October. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the process moving any closer to a resolution? Plus, we discuss how the Conservative party can broaden its appeal and what its next leader must do to win over younger voters. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliott Kime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Apr 13, 2019•41 min
The prime minister concluded a long cabinet debate this week by deciding to work with the Labour party, thus annoying many Tories. Will they broker a cross-party deal? Or is it all politics? Plus, we discuss Theresa May’s latest request to delay Brexit, whether the EU will insist on a longer extension and if a second referendum is becoming more likely. Presented by Sebastian Payne with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Henry Mance. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliott Kime. Hosted ...
Apr 06, 2019•38 min
Theresa May brought her Brexit deal for a third vote this week. Once again it failed to get through. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the UK heading for a permanent customs union with the EU? Will MPs direct the process from here? And has Mrs May fired the starting gun on a Conservative party leadership contest that will see her replaced with a harder Brexiter? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker and James Blitz in Westminster, plus Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by An...
Mar 30, 2019•39 min
After a tumultuous week in Westminster, Britain's departure from the EU has been delayed until at least April 12, while Theresa May tried to pin the blame on parliament for all the chaos in an extraordinary speech. So where is Brexit heading? And is the prime minister's time in office drawing to a close? Plus, we discuss whether a no-deal Brexit might still happen. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedha...
Mar 23, 2019•40 min
The prime minister brokered legal tweaks to her Brexit deal and brought it back for MPs to vote on. It failed to pass once again. We discuss all the Commons votes against a no-deal exit, in favour of an extension to delay leaving the EU and the prospect of indicative votes. Plus, we look at whether Theresa May and Geoffrey Cox can win over more MPs and whether a third or even fourth vote could pass. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green an...
Mar 16, 2019•38 min
Geoffrey Cox spent much of this week in Brussels but failed to negotiate any kind of Brexit breakthrough. With another meaningful vote due next week, does the prime minister have any hope of breaking the deadlock? Plus, we discuss the recent rise in violent crime and ask who is to blame. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Robert Wright. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 09, 2019•36 min
Theresa May survived another week of crucial Brexit votes, but only by pledging to delay leaving the EU to avoid a crash exit. What will happen over the next fortnight? And is the UK making any progress in talks with Brussels? Plus, we discuss the Labour party’s abrupt decision to support a second referendum this week. while it continues to battle with its anti-Semitism crisis. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, James Blitz, Miranda Green and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. ...
Mar 02, 2019•35 min
It was a huge week in Westminster as eight Labour MPs broke away to form the Independent Group of MPs along with three Conservatives. Where might the group go next? Will it become a party? And will they work with the Liberal Democrats? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Caroline Grady and Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 23, 2019•23 min
The prime minister was defeated in another meaningless vote in the House of Commons this week, where does this leave her talks with the EU? We also discuss the rumoured plans for Labour MPs to break away and whether a new political party can succeed. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 16, 2019•36 min
The prime minister returned to Brussels this week, only to be told once again that the Brexit withdrawal agreement would not happen. When/if might a breakthrough emerge? Plus, Labour shifts its Brexit stance to make life more difficult for the Tories. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Alex Barker, Robert Shirmsley, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 09, 2019•35 min
The prime minister staved off defeat in the House of Commons this week, but now faces the daunting challenge of finding compromise changes to the Irish border backstop that work for both the EU and her party. What will happen next? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Alex Barker, James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shirmsley. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 02, 2019•32 min
MPs are likely to demand an end to a no-deal Brexit next week, what does this mean for Theresa May's deal and the Brexit debate? The consequences in Westminster will be huge. Plus is the Labour party shifting towards a second referendum? Or is a general election more likely? Presented by Miranda Green. With Sebastian Payne, James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Paul Mason. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 26, 2019•35 min
Brexit was finally put to a meaningful vote in the House of Commons this week and MPs gave a resounding no to Theresa May's deal. But her government survived a confidence motion so the stalemate has turned, We discuss what lies ahead for Brexit, the prime minister and the Conservative party. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 19, 2019•33 min
