Once upon a time Donald Trump loved to talk about conspiracy theories. Now, well, not so much. Why can’t Trump shake the Epstein story - and what could it mean for his presidency? -- Last week, Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward talked about how Donald Trump wanted his supporters to move on and stop talking about Jefrey Epstein, and how that seemed to be driving a wedge between him and the MAGA faithful. Since then, the US president has continued his attempts to distance himself from the convict...
Jul 29, 2025•28 min
As Donald Trump visits Scotland, world leaders - including Keir Starmer - flock to pay tribute at the emperor's feet. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2DHAQOeEg-Z-4trARDXHRA?sub_confirmation=1 The US President is on a 4-day trip to his golf courses in Scotland. He has met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Wielding the "bully-boy" threat of trade tariffs, the President is enjoying unprecedented influence. Bu...
Jul 28, 2025•28 min
Director, writer and producer Peter Kosminsky, who directed of the BBC's adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, has worked in the television industry for 45 years. The BAFTA and Golden Globe winner is one of the most respected voices in the industry. Kosminsky spoke to the New Statesman's Hannah Barnes in a wide ranging discussion about the state of British television, and why he is calling upon the government to stand up for public service broadcasting against the might of the streaming giant...
Jul 26, 2025•51 min
Our Listeners ask: With Keir Starmer and his government under fire over their approach to Gaza, and the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new party, why vote Labour? And with infrastructure and public services in such a terrible state, and the prospect of taxes and bills rising, what are we paying for? Tom McTague is joined by Megan Kenyon, George Eaton and Will Dunn to discuss. READ Corbyn and Sultana declare war on Labour from the left - Megan Kenyon LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download th...
Jul 25, 2025•38 min
This week - Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has identified immigration, economic insecurity and time spent online as key causes of unrest and rioting in the UK following last year's Southport attacks. Also, Can Rachel Reeves avoid another fiscal crisis? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss. READ Can Rachel Reeves avoid a new fiscal crisis - George Eaton LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer ...
Jul 24, 2025•20 min
She was the Tory saviour. Now, by November, she could be gone. Where did it all go wrong for Kemi Badenoch? -- For this week's New Statesman magazine, Will Lloyd has written a powerful and revealing profile of the Nigerian immigrant who rose to lead the Conservative Party. Will joins Tom McTague to discuss what he discovered in the course of his reporting, including why Conservative grandees first celebrated, then turned against, Kemi Badenoch. They explore whether racism plays a role in the way...
Jul 23, 2025•41 min
Could Donald Trump’s plea to his support base to “not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein” finally drive a wedge between the US president and his MAGA faithful? And what are Trump and Vice President JD Vance doing in the UK this summer? Katie Stallard is joined by the New Statesman’s US correspondent Freddie Hayward to discuss. READ A conspiracy theory that Donald Trump can't control - Freddie Hayward LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a que...
Jul 22, 2025•40 min
Water regulator Ofwat is to be abolished - but Labour should go further. *** On Monday the results of an independent review of the water industry were published. The results were damning for the regulator, Ofwat, which will be abolished in response to the report. Megan Kenyon attended the announcement for the New Statesman and joins Anoosh Chakelian and George Eaton on the podcast. They argue that while provision of water in the UK clearly needs drastic reform, the government needs a more radica...
Jul 21, 2025•21 min
As Keir Starmer's government appears to be buffeted by internal storms, multiple factions are influencing the flow of power. Not least, the oxymoronically-named 'Blue Labour'. But what is Blue Labour? And what do those in the movement actually want? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe are joined by the author Morgan Jones, who specialises in reporting on the politics of the Labour Party. She's also the co-editor of Renewal, a Labour-aligned journal. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download ...
Jul 20, 2025•27 min
The government are pursuing AI developments, but at what cost? Why aren't Labour rebels protesting about stealth taxes? And will Jeremy Corbyn join the Green Party? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Will Dunn and Andrew Marr to answer your questions. READ Magic and divination in the age of AI - Will Dunn LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of ou...
Jul 18, 2025•24 min
On Wednesday, the prime minister removed the whip from the group of MPs for breaches of discipline. The group of MPs have persistently rebelled against the Labour leader. The government are also reckoning with a revelation that leaked information compromised the safety of Afghans who supported the British military, and inflation has risen higher than expected. Plus: Labour introduce plans to lower the voting age to 16. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr, George Eaton and Will Dunn to discu...
Jul 17, 2025•29 min
Jonathan Sumption, Lord Sumption, served on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018. He has written a powerful and sobering essay for the New Statesman in which he argues that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. In this exclusive interview, Tom McTague meets Jonathan Sumption to discuss why he has come to this conclusion now, and what it means for the international community. Read Jonathan Sumption's essay here: https://www.newstatesman.com/world/middle-east/2025/07/a-...
Jul 16, 2025•39 min
English literature no longer makes the top ten of A-level subject choices. English departments at universities are regularly closing. Studies show dramatic drops in literacy and reading, particularly amongst teenagers. Today we’re asking: is English literature dying? The New Statesman’s deputy editor Will Lloyd is joined by the New Statesman’s new culture editor Tanjil Rashid and columnist and critic James Marriott. READ English literature's last stand - James Marriott LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Downloa...
Jul 15, 2025•37 min
Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike. We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would be likely to form the next government if an election was held tomorrow. But one political polling analyst has been exploring where the Reform brand is most vulnerable to attack - and he reveals his results exclusively in this episode of the New Statesman podcast. Steve Akehurst is founder of the non-partisan research initiative Persuasion U...
Jul 14, 2025•22 min
In a New Statesman exclusive, two of the Green Party's leadership candidates, Zack Polanski and Adrian Ramsey, present their visions for the party to host Anoosh Chakelian. READ Can the Green Party ever work with Jeremy Corbyn? - Megan Kenyon Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy t...
Jul 13, 2025•50 min
As the UK faces economic and technological change, building a skilled workforce is critical - but what should that workforce look like? And how can employers, educators and policymakers align to prepare people for what’s next? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Pearson’s UK Lead Sharon Hague and Vice Chair of Skills England Sir David Bell, to explore the future of skills in a rapidly evolving economy. Their discussion explores the economic cost of skills gaps and the opportunities to boost national...
Jul 12, 2025•24 min
Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved? Also in the show, listeners ask how well, or badly, have Labour been dealing with the media and whether Reform will now pull their support for voting reform. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon to answer all. Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call LISTEN A...
Jul 11, 2025•25 min
With resident doctors set to strike yet again, the courts log jammed and the OBR sounding the alarm over Britain's financial trajectory, what can and should be done to arrest the decline? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues George Eaton, Rachel Cunliffe and Will Dunn to unpack the latest symptoms of the British State's interminable malaise. READ Britain is growing old disgracefully - Will Dunn The five-day doctor’s strike is the last thing Labour needs - Rachel Cunliffe Sign up to the New S...
Jul 10, 2025•28 min
'Some of his views are pretty extreme... I found it pretty sinister' - Harry Lambert, contributing writer to the New Statesman, talks to Anoosh Chakelian and Will Lloyd about his cover story profiling the Conservative MP and leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick. Can he really become PM, why is he so popular online and how did his politics get so radicalised? READ Inside Robert Jenrick’s New Right revolution - Harry Lambert Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call LISTE...
Jul 09, 2025•32 min
With the biggest reunion tour in years kicking off in Cardiff last weekend, the culture show asks if Oasis were just too Irish to be the best Britpop band in the first place? The New Statesman's commissioning editor Finn McRedmond sits down with colleagues George Eaton, Nick Harris and Faye Curran to discuss the Gallagher brothers real allegiances. READ Oasis are the greatest Irish band of all time - George Eaton So you want to be Irish? - Fay Curran LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman...
Jul 08, 2025•19 min
After the bruising passage of the government's welfare reform bill, attention on the backbenches is now turning to another lightning rod issue - the potential overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Anoosh Chakelian discusses the battles looming with colleagues Hannah Barnes, Will Dunn and Pippa Bailey. READ Starmerism is disintegrating - Aaron Bastani LISTEN One year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better? Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics...
Jul 07, 2025•19 min
Labour MP Jake Richards sits down with Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the drama over the government's welfare reform bill and why he thinks the European Convention on Human Rights needs a desperate overhaul. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morni...
Jul 06, 2025•21 min
Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. This episode was recorded before MP Zarah Sultana announced she is launching a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STA...
Jul 04, 2025•22 min
'We've not been here since the 70s' As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss Keir Starmer's highs, lows and the many, many challenges that lie ahead. READ We must prepare for Prime Minister Farage - Andrew Marr LISTEN JUST RAISE TAX Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answ...
Jul 03, 2025•41 min
'You walk around the country and you know something's off' - After a bruising passage of the government's heavily altered welfare reform bill, for the sake of just a few billion pounds, many are left wondering where does the government and the country go now? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues Tom McTague, Will Dunn and Megan Kenyon to discuss the urgent yet seemingly intractable systemic changes now needed to the State and tax system. READ Just raise tax - Will Dunn LISTE...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min
With some calling for the Director-General of the BBC to resign, Somerset police launching a criminal investigation and the US Deputy Secretary of State revoking visas, the political fireworks at this year's Glastonbury were even more sensational than the pyramid stage's. But what was it like on the ground? In this edition of the New Statesman culture podcast, Kate Mossman is joined by colleagues Finn McRedmond, Will Lloyd and Nick Harris to discuss it all. Also in the show, Will has strong view...
Jul 01, 2025•34 min
The British political system is failing. From the castration of state capacity to the shortage of human capital in our political parties, not much is working. The country and its people are in debt. Your wage is worth less. The last time housing was this expensive, cars hadn’t been invented. 50 years ago, the most common living arrangement for young men was with their spouse, now it’s with their parents. The social contract is broken and if people aren’t apathetic, they're angry. That’s why we’r...
Jun 30, 2025•55 sec
With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Editor-in-Chief Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the potential consequences of defeat in Tuesday night's vote, Rachel Reeves‘ precarious position and how we got here in the first place. READ A humbling week for Keir Starmer - Andrew Marr Your next Listen: “Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms Si...
Jun 30, 2025•34 min
Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely? Broadcaster and author Iain Dale talks to Rachel Cunliffe about his new book, Margaret Thatcher , and why he wanted to dispel some of the myths and mistruths about the Iron Lady. READ Inside the false economy of Rachel Reeves’ welfare cuts - Anoosh Chakelian YOUR NEXT LISTEN “Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms SIGN UP: For a dose of political ...
Jun 29, 2025•33 min
Too many people in the UK are stuck anxiously waiting up to a year for a dementia diagnosis — and even longer in more deprived areas. In this episode, we explore why early and accurate diagnosis matters, and what must change to fix the system. Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK; Chris Bane, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter; and Professor Vanessa Raymont, Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford...
Jun 28, 2025•24 min
