Labour descended into civil war again, as Keir Starmer attempted and failed to show the initiative after the party's poor showing in the local elections.

Very often we've been talking to ourselves instead of to the country, and we've lost the trust of working people particularly in places like Hardley Paul.

Welcome to Payne's Politics, your essential insider guide to what's happening in British politics from the Financial Times, with me Sebastian Payne.

This week we'll be discussing the infighting that has followed Labour's efforts to address its unpopularity in its traditional hardlands, as you heard from its leader Keir Starmer at the beginning.

So who is causing the Russians and where are they going to lead?

Joining to discuss is Jim Picard, our chief political correspondent, and Robert Shrimmsley, our chief UK political commentator.

And later, we'll be looking at this year's Queen's speech that set out Boris Johnson's legislative agenda for the year ahead.

Was it a bold vision for post-Brexit post-pandemic Britain or an empty document with some notable admissions?

Health editors Sarah Neville will be discussing along with Robert.

But first Jim and Robert, welcome back to the pod.

Morning.

I said.

So Monday is a big day, and despite the fact that there's this rising concern about the Indian coronavirus variant that has seen infections spike in both turn and some part of London,

things are opening up quite a lot again.

We've got indoor dining, pubs, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries, the opportunities are endless.

What are you both planning to do with your new found freedoms? Jim, what's on your agenda?

So on Thursday evening, I'm going to a jazz and poetry evening organized by my cousin who puts on these record events.

And then on Friday, I'm going out for beers with a different cousin.

That is a very FT way to spend your first day of easing out of lockdown. Robert, what about you?

Oh, I'm actually feeling rather inferior now.

I mean, I'm looking forward to having a lunch in door that I've been having lunches outdoors.

I've got thoroughly soaked yesterday going out to lunch.

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