All Out Politics

Adam Boulton and guests assess a stunning by-election defeat for the Conservatives in North Shropshire as the Liberal Democrats overturn a 23 thousand majority - with a 24% swing - and pile more pressure on Boris Johnson. They examine the impact of that result and what it means for the Prime Minister's leadership after a series of stories about sleaze and Downing Street parties. The panel also discuss the latest tensions between politicians and medical professionals over what to do about the Omicron variant of coronavirus and give their views on which leader should be most optimistic going into 2022. Joining Adam this week are the deputy political editor of the Daily Telegraph Lucy Fisher, the former press secretary to Paddy Ashdown Jo Phillips and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2021

Is it one rule for them and another for us? Adam Boulton and guests assess an uncomfortable week for the Prime Minister after claims of a Christmas Party in 10 Downing Street last year - at the same time as the country was living with Covid restrictions. There followed a series of denials that a party took place before video footage emerged showing Downing Street officials joking about said alleged party. The panel also discuss the government's decision to introduce Covid 'Plan B' measures in England and a final thought on whether Boris Johnson will lead the Conservatives at the next election. Joining Adam this week are the assistant comment Editor at the Daily Telegraph Olivia Utley, the associate editor of the Daily Mirror Kevin Maguire, the former Conservative minister David Gauke and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics *Audio credit: Downing Street footage obtained by ITV News.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2021

Adam Boulton and guests look at the state of the parties after this week's Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election in which the Conservatives held the seat with a reduced majority. The panel assess the impact of the Reform Party - which finished third - and speculate on when there could be another general election. They also reflect on the latest attempt by Sir Keir Starmer to get Labour on the front foot with this week's shadow cabinet reshuffle. Joining Adam this week are the political correspondent at New Statesman Ailbhae Rea, chief political correspondent and assistant editor at The Daily Telegraph, Christopher Hope, and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the issue at the top of the political agenda - the distressing news of the deaths of 27 people who drowned in the English Channel trying to reach the UK. They also asses the Prime Minister's fortunes as Boris Johnson attempts to get back on the front foot after the sleaze row, the HS2 controversy, the rebellion on social care plans, a somewhat bungled speech to the CBI and the reported tensions with the Treasury. Joining Adam this week are the former Home Office special adviser Salma Shah, former adviser to Boris Johnson Alex Crowther and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the government's levelling up agenda through the prism of changes to the HS2 and Northern Powerhouse rail projects. They also analyse the ongoing sleaze row which isn't going away despite the Prime Minister's attempts to close it down with a move to clean up the system. Joining Adam on the this week's podcast are the former Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, Lord Andrew Adonis; the co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the sleaze allegations circling UK politics. The controversy has focused on Conservative MPs with second jobs, Sir Geoffrey Cox carrying out paid external work from his House of Commons office and the issue of lobbying following the Owen Paterson row. Should MPs have second jobs and how should the Conservatives respond to the claims? Joining Adam this week are the SNP MP Pete Wishart; the deputy political editor of The Spectator and columnist at the 'i' Katy Balls; Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2021

Adam Boulton and guests analyse the good, the bad and the bubbly from this week's Budget statement by Rishi Sunak. Big spending commitments in line with Brown and Blair rather than Osborne and Cameron - and big tax rises to boot, with the tax burden now at a level not seen since 1949. A big boost for workers on Universal Credit and a business rate discount for shops, restaurants and gyms.. But with the threat of inflation on the horizon - and the promise of tax cuts by 2024 - did the Chancellor do enough to convince the public to share his optimism? Joining Adam this week are the former senior adviser to Phillip Hammond and Sajid Javid - and now partner at Flint Global - Tim Pitt, the Oxford economist and author Linda Yueh and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss two types of risk this week. The risk to the public from Covid as ministers rule out introducing a Plan B to tackle rising cases of the virus - a decision which seems at odds with the advice from from the British Medical Association and the NHS Confederation. And the panel assess the risk to MPs and their safety as they remember Sir David Amess MP who died on October 15th. Joining Adam this week are the Conservative MP and member of the Covid Recovery Group, Harriett Baldwin; the Labour MP Angela Eagle and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2021

Brexit is back on the agenda this week as Adam Boulton and guests discuss the thorny issue of Northern Ireland protocol. Negotiations have resumed between the UK and the European Union over the implementation of the protocol with the EU offering concessions on checks. But the role of the European Court of Justice appears the major sticking point so what next? Joining Adam this week are the former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Exiting the EU, Philip Rycroft; Die Welt’s correspondent in London, Stefanie Bolzen and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2021

Adam Boulton and guests reflect on the Conservative Party conference in Manchester where Boris Johnson outlined an optimistic vision for the country against a backdrop of rising prices and the removal of the Universal Credit uplift. Plenty of focus on the 'levelling up' agenda and a high wage, high skill, high productivity economy - but very little in terms of hard policies. Joining Adam are the chief political correspondent of the Daily Telegraph Christopher Hope, former government minister Anna Soubry and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2021

Adam Boulton and guests reflect on Labour's conference in Brighton where Sir Keir Starmer had to overcome internal rows and a resignation before making his pitch to the party and the country in his first 'in person' speech as leader. And with the perfect storm of a supply chain problem, the end of the furlough scheme, the universal credit cut, and a cost of living crisis we'll look ahead to the Conservative gathering in Manchester and how the governing party plans to respond. Joining Adam this week, the Assistant Editor at The Spectator Isabel Hardman, former government minister and Conservative MP Alistair Burt and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2021

Adam Boulton and guests look ahead to the Labour Party conference in Brighton as Keir Starmer finally gets his wish to address the party faithful in person. The leader has already outlined his vision in a 14 thousand word essay on 'The Road Ahead' but it could be a bumpy one as he grapples with the issue of changing the one-member-one vote approach to leadership elections. Joining Adam to preview the conference are the former Labour MP Caroline Flint, author and journalist Rachel Shabi and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the ins and outs of the Prime Minister's reshuffle and asses what they mean for Boris Johnson's government as he looks to grip both the domestic and international agendas for the months ahead. They also analyse the UK, US Australia security pact designed to help equip Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines - in what's seen as the latest effort to counter China. Joining Adam this week are Columnist at The i newspaper Ian Dunt, the Deputy Political Editor at the Telegraph Lucy Fisher and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig. #AllOutPolitics

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2021

Adam Boulton and guests deliver an end of term report as Boris Johnson marks two years as Prime Minister. The pledges made on the steps of Number Ten Downing Street in 2019 have been overshadowed somewhat by the coronavirus pandemic. But what about the future? How can he reset the agenda to achieve the goals he set out on that sunny day in Westminster two years ago. Joining Adam this week are the former Conservative Cabinet Minister David Gauke, the writer and journalist - and Boris Johnson biographer - Sonia Purnell and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2021

Adam Boulton and guests assess the government's Covid gamble after the Prime Minister lifted all remaining restrictions in England against a backdrop of increasing infections and deaths. The vaccination programme is powering on but those IN power have had to change tack somewhat over the issue of self-isolation and so called 'vaccine passports' which will soon be required at nightclubs and other large events. The panel also discuss another potential u-turn with the suggestion that National Insurance contributions could increase to pay for social care reforms in England which goes against a Conservative manifesto pledge from 2019. Joining Adam this week are the Assistant Editor at The Spectator, Isabel Hardman, Deputy Online Editor at the New Statesman Rachel Cunliffe and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss politics and racism, two issues which have come together this week following the online abuse received by some of England's footballers after the defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020. This in the week the Runnymede Trust published a report suggesting racism is still 'systemic' in England and that people from ethnically diverse backgrounds still face inequalities across health, criminal justice, education, employment, immigration and politics. Joining Adam this week are the writer and founding member of Don't Divide Us Now Dr Rakib Ehsan, the Labour councillor Shaista Aziz who started a petition calling for racists to be banned from football matches in England, the journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai Brown and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2021

As England is gripped by football fever ahead of the Euro 2020 final, Adam Boulton and guests assess the impact on the political scene in the country. They discus English identity and so called 'gesture politics' as the debate over taking the knee and booing national anthems continues. Joining Adam this week are: The editor-in-chief of The New Statesman and author of 'Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England,' Jason Cowley, Political commentator Emma Webb and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2021

Adam Boulton and guests assess the fallout from the Batley and Spen by election as Labour hold on with a slim majority. What does the result mean for Sir Keir Starmer and his party following the recent defeat in Hartlepool and the losses in the local elections? And what about the Conservatives who failed to add another blue brick to the red wall and follows the defeat in Amersham. The panel also discuss the political aftermath of Matt Hancock's departure as health secretary. Joining Adam this week are: The Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester & Author of ‘Brexitland: Identity, Diversity and the Reshaping of British Politics - Rob Ford and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2021

Adam Boulton and guests assess the dynamic between numbers 10 and 11 Downing Street and the apparent tensions over the approach to tax and spend. Can the government keep its manifesto promise on the pensions triple lock and the pledge to sort out social care in England 'once and for all?' And what about the 200 million pound bill to pay for the successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia. It's all about the money this week and joining Adam to discuss whether Johnson/Sunak is the new Blair/Brown are the CEO of the New Economics Foundation Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Telegraph columnist and Parliamentary sketchwriter Madeline Grant and Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2021

Adam Boulton and guests reflect on the week that was on the home and international fronts. The fallout from the G7 summit in Cornwall, the ongoing row over the Northern Ireland protocol, the Prime Minister's decision to delay removing all Covid restrictions in England by four weeks and the latest explosive claims by his former adviser Dominic Cummings. They also examine this week's meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden in Geneva and the potential for a resetting of relations. Joining Adam are the chief leader writer at The Observer, Sonia Sodha, Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2021

Adam Boulton and guests assess the UK's place in the world as the G7 summit gets underway in Cornwall. Where are we with the special relationship with the US? How are the leaders going to address the coronavirus pandemic and accelerate the progress of vaccinating the world? And what about the row over the government's decision to cut the aid budget which has angered many Conservative MPs this week? Joining Adam this week are the writer for The Times and The Center for European Policy Analysis, Edward Lucas, the Director of The British Foreign Policy Group Sophia Gaston and Sky's foreign affairs editor Deborah Haynes.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the explosive evidence given by the Prime Minister's former adviser Dominic Cummings to two select committees on the government's handling of the pandemic. In seven hours of testimony, Mr Cummings said that 'tens of thousands of people died, who didn't need to die,' suggested Boris Johnson is 'not fit for office' and argued that the Health Secretary should have been sacked 'for at least 15 to 20 things.' 'Fascinating but incendiary' was one MP's take on it as the government insists it's focused on the vaccine rollout and saving lives. Joining Adam to examine the fallout and the response to Mr Cummings' claims are: The Spectator's deputy political editor Katy Balls, the journalist and author Rob Hutton and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2021

Adam Boulton and guests focus on government messaging and decision making on Covid restrictions. With the Indian variant of the virus being talked about as a potential threat to the June 21st 'grand reopening' what options are open to the Prime Minister. And what exactly ARE the rules on travelling somewhere on the 'Amber' list after a week of somewhat mixed messaging. Joining Adam this week are: The Guardian columnist Rafael Behr, the deputy political editor of the Telegraph Lucy Fisher and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2021

Adam Boulton and guests examine the fallout from last week's elections from a Labour perspective and assess the government's policy agenda following the Queen's Speech. They also look ahead to the public inquiry into the government's handling of coronavirus pandemic. Joining Adam this week are the Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph Olivia Utley, The Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the fallout from the Hartlepool by-election as the Conservatives take the seat from Labour for the first time in 57 years. Another chunk of the Red Wall has been dismantled leading to some tough questions for Sir Keir Starmer over his grip on Labour and its future direction. Joining Adam to analyse where it went wrong for Labour are the Director of the IPPR North think tank Sarah Longlands, the co-founder and Director of Deltapoll Joe Twyman and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2021

Adam Boulton and guests examine another challenging week for the Prime Minister who's faced days of scrutiny over allegations of inappropriate comments and sleaze. Who paid for what and when in terms of the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat? Did he suggest he would rather see bodies piled high than order another lockdown? The panel assess the Prime Minister's handling of events, why all this matters to the public, and the prospect of Dominic Cummings revealing more to Parliament in the coming weeks. Joining Adam this week are the deputy online editor of The New Statesman Rachel Cunliffe, editor of The Big Issue Paul McNamee and Sky's political correspondent Kate McCann.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2021

A podcast of two halves this week as Adam Boulton and guests asses the political response to the frantic 48 hours in football as plans for a European Super League veered into offside territory. They also dissect what Keir Starmer has referred to as 'sleaze, sleaze, sleaze' over lobbying in Westminster. Joining Adam are the Chief Executive of the Business Services Association and Deputy Chairman of Reaction Mark Fox, the Deputy Director of the Institute for Government Hannah White and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2021

Adam Boulton and guests look ahead to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales on what will be the first electoral test since the coronavirus outbreak and the UK's departure from the European Union. They assess the key issues in the run up to 6th May and explore whether the current system of local governance works. Joining Adam this week are the Visiting Professor in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics - Tony Travers, Deputy Director of UK in a Changing Europe Paula Surridge and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the row between the EU and the UK over so called vaccine nationalism as the Prime Minister warns against blockades. They also debate the issues around protests sparked by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and they weigh up the arguments on the 'papers for the pub' proposals too. Joining Adam on the podcast this week are the Europe correspondent for The Irish Times, Naomi O'Leary, The Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2021

This week Boris Johnson outlined his security and defence strategy for the post-Brexit world. It included a plan to lift the number of nuclear warheads the UK is prepared to stockpile, a proposal to strengthen trade links with China and an ambition to make Britain a science and tech superpower. Adam Boulton is joined by Patricia Lewis, who leads in the International Security Programme at Chatham House; Sir Lawrence Freedman, the Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig to discuss what it means for Global Britain.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2021

This week, politics and royalty collide as Adam Boulton and guests discuss the fallout from the interview given by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Oprah Winfrey. They discus the rise of opinion-led broadcasting and they touch on the controversial issue of nurses pay. Joining Adam this week are the columnist Tim Walker, The Economist's senior editor Anne McElvoy and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2021

Adam Boulton and guests focus on the complicated row at the heart of politics in Scotland where - in the past week - Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon have given lengthy evidence to a Holyrood inquiry investigating the handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond. What's been happening in the Scottish Parliament and where does it leave the First Minister, the SNP and the future of the independence movement? Joining Adam this week are the editor and publisher of Reaction Iain Martin, journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and Sky's Scotland correspondent James Matthews.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the different approaches to easing lockdown in England and Scotland and whether power should come from the centre or be fairly dispersed in Edinburgh and London. Also this week, have the old left versus right battles over tax now disappeared as we prepare for the Chancellor's Budget next week? Joining Adam for political discussion and analysis are Professor of Political Science at the University of Southampton - and Sky News election analyst - Dr Will Jennings; Columnist at The National Shona Craven and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2021

Adam Boulton and guests assess Boris Johnson's options ahead of his announcement on lockdown restrictions next week and the longer term prospects for Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader after his big speech on the economy. Joining Adam this week are the chief leader writer at The Observer, Sonia Sodha; Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the Cabinet's messaging on summer holidays and the recent Parliamentary rows over Freedom of Information and genocide. What links the Trade Bill and the government's position on genocide and why have newspapers formed an alliance to raise concerns about FoI requests? Joining Adam this week are the Labour MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant, the Mail on Sunday's deputy political editor Anna Mikhailova and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2021

What next for the United Kingdom? This week, there's a state of the union flavour to the podcast with Brexit tensions in Northern Ireland following the row over vaccine exports AND issues in the Scottish National party following the sacking of Joanna Cherry from the front bench. That as the 'who knew what and when' row between Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond continues and threatens to derail any momentum being built for another independence referendum. Adam Boulton and guests examine the border questions being discussed in Great Britain and on the island of Ireland and assess the difficulties faced by Boris Johnson's government. Joining Adam this week are the writer, broadcaster and author of 'How Britain Ends' Gavin Esler; Journalist with Open Democracy and Author of ‘Democracy for Sale: Dark Money and Dirty Politics Peter Geoghegan and Sky's political correspondent Kate McCann.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2021

In the week when the UK officially recorded 100 thousand Covid-19 related deaths and worldwide infections topped 100 million, Adam Boulton and guests discuss the response to the pandemic and the European vaccines row. The UK has a good vaccines story to tell with more than 7 million people having received their first jab. But an argument has been brewing between the European Commission and the drugs firm AstraZeneca over an apparent shortfall in vaccine doses being planned for the EU. Joing Adam to assess the current state of play are: The World Health Organisation's special envoy for the global Covid-19 response, Dr David Nabarro, the Brussels correspondent from the New York Times Matina Stevis-Gridneff and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2021

Adam Boulton hosts from Washington DC where Joe Biden has been inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America. Adam and guests discuss the immediate priorities for the Biden administration but the main focus this week is on the coronavirus pandemic, the political decisions that lie ahead and the continuing impact on the economy. What is the data telling us about the virus and is the ground being prepared for tax rises in March's Budget to pay for the borrowing bill? Joining Adam this week are the economist and author Linda Yueh, the President of the CBI Lord Karan Bilimoria and Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2021

Adam Boulton hosts a US Special from Washington DC and this week the panel discuss the extraordinary events in Congress as Donald Trumps is impeached for a second time - and in his final week as President. They also assess whether the Joe Biden era will mark the beginning of the Kamala Harris effect on international relations and what is in store for the UK/US relationship. And what next for the post-Trump Republican party? Joining Adam this week are: The former deputy editor of The Sunday Times Sarah Baxter, the author and former aide to Bill Clinton Sidney Blumenthal, and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2021

Adam Boulton and guests discuss a significant couple of weeks in politics in the UK and the US and look ahead to the political events of 2021. They reflect on the shocking scenes in Washington DC as Congress prepared to confirm Joe Biden as the next US President, the free trade agreement between the UK and the EU and the latest on the Coronavirus pandemic as the vaccine rollout coincides with the majority of people in the UK in lockdown. And they'll assess what's in store in 2021 with local elections, a transition of power in America, the COP Climate Change conference in Glasgow and a potential reshuffle on the cards. Joining Adam this week are: The co-founder of Britain Thinks and the author of 'Beyond the Red Wall' Deborah Mattinson, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, Tim Bale and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2021

Adam Boulton and guests review a significant political year choosing their people and moments of the past 12 months. Coronavirus has dominated the political landscape and as well as the domestic developments, there have been some seismic moments in the US too. Joining Adam in the final episode of 2020 are the journalist and author Rob Hutton, the comment editor of City AM Rachel Cunliffe and Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2020

Adam Boulton and guests are on familiar territory this week as we await an outcome on talks about a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the European Union. 'Major differences' remain, we're told, after a meeting between the Prime Minister and the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen in Brussels. They DID agree for their negotiators to continue discussions and for a 'firm decision' to be made by this Sunday whether a deal can be agreed. So what hope of a deal given the lack of optimism coming from both sides as we count down the days until the end of the transition period? And what can we expect from a no deal situation? Joining Adam this week are: the Director of the British Foreign Policy Group, Sophia Gaston; former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney; and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2020

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the political fallout from the Tory rebellion over England's covid 'tier' system which replaced the national lockdown. They also assess the delicate state of the Brexit negotiations as the end of the transition period looms. Plus, was it 'thanks to Brexit' that the the UK was able to move quickly on regulatory approval for a vaccine? And what about the timetable for a return to normality as Boris Johnson and Jonathan Van Tam appear to have somewhat different opinions on the months ahead. Joining Adam this week are: Comment and Features editor of City AM Rachel Cunliffe; Author of “Democracy Under Siege: Don't Let Them Lock It Down!” and “Populism and the European Culture Wars” - Frank Furedi; and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2020

Adam Boulton and guests assess the Chancellor's Spending Review with a particular focus on the decision to cut the international budget from 0.7 to 0.5 percent. The move breaks a Conservative manifesto commitment and causes the Prime Minister some political discomfort with the threat of a backbench rebellion. And what of the Brexit endgame? No mention of the 'B' word in Rishi Sunak's statement but plenty of discussion among the panel as they ponder what this week's events mean for 'Global Britain.' Joining Adam this week are: Contributing editor at The Mail on Sunday and former speech writer for David Cameron, Ian Birrell; the author of 'Deepfakes' Nina Schick and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2020

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the Prime Minister's 'relaunch' after the rather public behind the scenes battles in Number Ten. Where does the command lie in the corridors of power? The plans were derailed somewhat by Boris Johnson having to self-isolate in Downing Street before apparently telling a group of Conservative MPs in northern England that 'devolution had been a disaster north of the border.' So what now for the 'United' Kingdom? Joining Adam this week are the former Conservative Special Advisor Lauren McEvatt, the political editor of the Sunday Mirror Nigel Nelson and Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2020

Adam Boulton and guests assess the fallout from the US Presidential election and examine what the near future holds for the UK's 'special relationship' with America under a Joe Biden administration. They also discuss the challenges ahead on handling the coronavirus pandemic during a week in which we have edged closer to vaccine but also marked the sad milestone of 50 thousand Covid-related deaths in the UK. Plus, what happened inside Number Ten that forced Boris Johnson's Director Communications to resign. Joining Adam this week are: The former British ambassador to the United States, Sir Christopher Meyer; the chief executive of the Demos think-tank, and former special adviser to Nick Clegg, Polly Mackenzie; and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2020

Adam Boulton and guests discuss an extraordinary week for Labour as the party suspends its former leader Jeremy Corbyn following his response to a report by the human rights watchdog on anti-Semitism. They also assess the state of play in the United States as America prepares to decide between another four years of Donald Trump or a change of direction with the Democrat challenger Joe Biden. Joining Adam this week are Dr Kevin Yuill, Assistant Professor of History, University of Sunderland and co-author of "The Second Amendment and Gun Control: Freedom, Fear, and the American Constitution" and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2020

Adam Boulton and guests discuss the devolution deals across England as the Prime Minister battles on several fronts over coronavirus restrictions. They discuss the government's financial fight with Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham and assess how damaging this row could be to Boris Johnson particularly in northern England where red wall Conservative MPs have been in mutinous mood. Also, divisions across the House as a Labour frontbencher apologises for calling a Conservative MP 'scum.' In part 1, Adam is joined by Rob Lyons from the Academy of Ideas and Manchester-based journalist Angela Epstein and in part 2 by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2020

Brexit and Covid collide on this week's episode as Adam Boulton and guests examine the political movements on both topics. Boris Johnson's deadline for a free trade agreement is upon us and we're not quite in the so-called 'tunnel' phase of the negotiations. So where are we? Also this week, more tension between the government, scientists and regional leaders over coronavirus restrictions as the Prime Minister favours localised lockdowns rather than a national equivalent. Joining Adam this week are the Director of the British Foreign Policy Group Sophia Gaston, Columnist for The Article Ali Miraj, Sky's Europe correspondent Adam Parsons and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2020

As Nicola Sturgeon introduces tighter restrictions across Scotland in response to rising cases of Covid-19, the government is reportedly planning to close pubs and restaurants in parts of northern England from next week. Adam Boulton and guests assess the politics of the decision making as the burden of fighting the coronavirus appears to fall on those 'red wall' areas which helped Boris Johnson secure that 80 seat majority. They also discuss the virtual Conservative party conference as the Prime Minister tried to look beyond the virus with optimism and the Chancellor outlined the need to balance the books - a hint perhaps that tax rises are on the way. Joining Adam this week are the Daily Mirror columnist Susie Boniface, writer Benedict Spence and Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2020