Should breaking manifesto pledges be illegal?
Jan 16, 2026•28 min
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episode description
A frustrated listener calls for consequences over broken Labour promises.
Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe answer listener questions about UK politics.
In the mailbag this week:
- Should parliament impose legislation to force governments to honour manifesto pledges?
- Is it time to reform council tax?
- The Scottish independence referendum settled the question for "a generation". But what counts as a generation?
- How would politics be different if the House of Commons was a different physical shape?
Send in your questions at newstatesman.com/youaskus
Listen next: Why Starmer u-turned on Digital ID
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 our writing via email every Saturday
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android