Calling Peston: The ITV News Politics Podcast

Keir Starmer sat down with Robert Peston and Daniel Hewitt for a special interview to mark the podcast's 100th episode - this one really is a must listen. This will be the last episode for a while as we take a break for Parliamentary recess. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2021

Daniel and Robert discuss the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and how rising cases will mean more and more people are forced to self-isolate. Plus Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith on how to tackle obesity. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2021

The government has revealed its plan for the final step of the Covid roadmap - but for some 'freedom day' is inspiring fear. Robert Peston analyses the decision and tells the story of those who are worried about its implications. Then Dan Hewitt talks to ITV News Health Producer Alex Cherrie about the reaction from front-line medics. Plus Shehab Khan interviews cricket legend Michael Holding about his new book. Remember to like, share and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2021

Kim Leadbeater beat expectations to win the Batley and Spen by-election - Shehab talks to ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener from the constituency. Plus Robert gets into the detail of Matt Hancock's resignation and Dan talks to Sajid Javid's former advisor Salma Shah about the newly appointed Health Secretary. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2021

Can the travel industry handle more uncertainty? The boss of TUI talks to Daniel Hewitt about the impact the UK's "cynical" travel rules are having on the sector. Plus, Robert calls from Israel to give a Calling Peston special report about their new government, the success of the vaccine rollout and shaking hands again. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2021

Robert has been saying it for weeks, but now the government have finally confirmed that the lockdown easing will be postponed from June 21 to July 19. He talks to Dan Hewitt about the reasons for the decision and whether this will be the last delay to the roadmap. 
Plus Shehab Khan interviews Ed Miliband about losing the election in 2015 and his ideas for fixing the world. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2021

The G7 summit has started with Boris Johnson playing host - but could a ‘sausage war’ disrupt the agenda? Dan Hewitt talks to Robert Peston who is enjoying the best Cornwall has to offer. 
Plus Shehab Khan talks to restaurateur Asma Khan about the need for clarity on the June 21 easing. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2021

Michael Rosen talks to Shehab about the three months he spent in hospital with Covid and his gratitude to the NHS workers who cared for him. Plus, will the June 21 unlocking go ahead? Robert answers the question on everyone's mind. And the podcast has finally made it into the big leagues by appearing on ITV's The Chase - but where else have the team popped up on TV? Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2021

Personal attacks, swine flu, pox parties, and Jeff Goldblum - it was the committee session that had it all. But will any of Dominic Cummings’ evidence matter? Robert Peston, Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan answer the question of the hour and break down all the major points from the seven hour session in just 25 minutes. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2021

Traffic lights, travel and variants - will the roadmap be delayed? Robert Peston, Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt discuss a week of mixed messaging on international travel that has left the public wondering whether amber means green or red. Plus, cases of the Indian variant continue to grow, leading to concerns about the final step of the roadmap. Shehab talks to Professor Linda Bauld about the variant and it’s potential impact on future easing. And the team lament the problems of technology for those wanting a pint in the post-covid pub. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2021

Jeremy Corbyn on Labour's future - plus the Covid inquiry Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pulls no punches in this exclusive interview with Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan. He comments on everything from Keir Starmer, the local elections loss, cabinett reshuffles and more - it really is a must listen. Plus, Robert examines a future inquiry into the coronavirus crisis. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2021

Robert and Shehab breakdown the election results, from Labour's defeat in England to the SNP's historic win. ITV News Scotland correspondent Peter Smith also joins to discuss if IndyRef2 is still on the cards. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2021

Is a 'full scale crisis' around the corner for Boris Johnson? Robert Peston says he could soon face 'an incredible humiliation' and 'calls for him to resign', depending on the outcome of investigations into the refurb of his Downing Street flat. Plus Shehab Khan chats to award winning political cartoonist Graeme Bandeira about lampooning the government. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2021

Will claims of Tory sleaze stick? Plus John Barnes on how to fix football Robert, Shehab and Dan look at accusations of sleaze against the government and assess whether Labour attacks are causing any damage. Plus, special guest, Liverpool FC legend John Barnes shares his plan for fixing football after the collapse of the European Super League. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2021

Cameron, Johnson, and the murky world of lobbying - plus, what's it like to grow up mixed race? The Calling Peston team is back to examine the lobbying scandal which is engulfing the Tory Party. Shehab and Dan tell you everything you need to know, while Robert gives insight and analysis. Our special guest is author Natalie Morris talks to us about her new book, 'Mixed/Other', which explores what life is like growing up mixed race in the UK. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2021

Will you really need a passport to go to the pub? And why is the UK compromising in the EU vaccine dispute? 
The ITV News Politics Podcast discuss all the key vaccine developments and call Robert to get his take on Boris Johnson's latest strategy, plus - away from the pandemic - why Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to deal with migrants appear to raise more questions than they answer. Meanwhile, Shehab is humbled by Daniel's jaw-dropping reporting on atrocious housing, the team react to Robert's all-singing-all-dancing TV turn (as Daniel shares the moment he and Robert united over Meatloaf) and everyone offers poor silent producer Lewis their remedies for coping with a nasty cold. If you're new to the show, subscribe! If you like what you hear rate us five stars to spread the word.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2021

Former home secretary Alan Johnson is our special guest this week. We also discuss vaccine nationalism and whether other countries can impact the UK's jab rollout. In a deep dive interview, former Labour minister Alan Johnson talks about everything from switching politics for writing, his sympathy for ministers during the pandemic and thoughts on whether Labour can win the next election. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2021

Jess Phillips on violence against women - plus, how Meghan interview impacts No10 Special guest Labour's Jess Phillips, takes us through how we can tackle violence against women, following the killing of Sarah Everard. Plus, Robert Peston explains what impact the bombshell Harry and Meghan interview has had on Downing Street. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2021

Listen to our Budget special for all you need to know about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's plan for the economy in 2021 and beyond. Expert insight from Politics Editor Robert Peston, plus correspondents Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2021

Salmond, Sturgeon and the fight for Scottish independence We explore the fascinating row between Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond - and whether it will impact their fight for independence from the UK. ITV News Presenter Julie Etchingham is our special guest this week. She's filmed a documentary on the issue of Scottish independence and tells us all about it. We also have Robert Peston looking ahead to next week's Budget. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2021

Everything you need to know about the roadmap out of lockdown is in this special episode of Calling Peston. How realistic is it that nightclubs could open in June? Will we need to prove we've had a Covid-19 vaccine to get inside? Plus, how much financial support will Rishi Sunak provide in his Budget next week? There'll be another episode of the podcast released later this week. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2021

Everyone is well overdue a holiday, but will we be able to have one this year? Robert and Shehab discuss whether people will be able to go abroad in summer, amid the ever-present threat of new coronavirus variants. They also discuss Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, whether it will include the reopening of pubs, and when we'll get more of our freedom back. Special guest this week is Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert at University of Edinburgh, who talks to us about vaccines and variants. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2021

Comedian and writer David Baddiel is our special guest this week; he gives an eye-opening account of anti-Semitism and the unusual way it is not taken seriously by anti-racists. It really is a must-listen. In the first half of the podcast we discuss the economy and the Bank of England's optimistic assessment of the future. Of course, we also talk about the fascinatingly hilarious insight into local politics, provided to us by the members of Handforth Parish Council. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2021

Robert and Daniel discuss the recent vaccine dispute between the EU and AstraZeneca, as well as coronavirus vaccine breakthroughs in the UK. Plus Good Morning Britain political editor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ranvir Singh is our special guest interview this week.

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2021

This week's special guest is Bez from the Happy Mondays - it's a must listen. In the rest of the episode we look at Covid vaccine priorities - who will be next in line after the UK's most vulnerable? We also discuss how much longer lockdown will go on, and what Joe Biden's presidency means for the UK.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2021

James Comey on Trump impeachment - plus, what next for Covid lockdown? Special guest on the podcast this week is former FBI director James Comey, who talks to us about the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the riots at the US Capitol, and much more. We also get the latest from Downing Street with Robert Peston, who gives insight on whether England's lockdown is about to get tighter, or whether restrictions will soon be lifted. Be sure to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2021

Will vaccines end lockdown by mid-February? Plus top photographer on capturing history In this week's episode we look at whether coronavirus vaccines can help England out of lockdown by mid-February, as Boris Johnson hopes will be the case. Our special guest is award winning PA photographer Stefan Rousseau, who talks us through what it's been like capturing some recent histories most remarkable moments. In one anecdote he reveals his experience of photographing the Westminster terror attack, which resulted in two people being killed. Please remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2021

Is another lockdown inevitable? Plus Brexit and a Christmas Quiz! In what could be the final episode of the year (unless we do an emergency Brexit episode) Dan and Robert discuss whether another lockdown is inevitable after Christmas. They also look at the chances of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. And stick around til the end to see if you can beat Dan in the Christmas quiz! Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars! Merry Christmas!

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2020

Boris Johnson has set Sunday as his latest deadline for a free trade deal with the EU - but is there any chance of success? We speak to Europe Editor James Mates who was in Brussels during the prime minister's last-ditch talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. Robert Peston gives us his take on the state of negotiations and whether he thinks there's scope for a deal. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2020

As England is reduced to tiers, Robert and Shehab chat through the week's coronavirus developments: Rishi Sunak's Spending Review, the prospect of a new national lockdown and the new face in Number 10. We also have special guest Konnie Huq, who tells us about her new set of political fairy tales and working on Black Mirror episodes with her husband Charlie Brooker. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2020

The PM's plan for Christmas - plus the story of the gay MPs who tried to take on Hitler In this episode we learn the fascinating story of the Glamour Boys - the gay MPs who lobbied the UK government to go to war with Hitler, long before World War II began. And Robert examines the departure of Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings from Downing Street. He also explains the prime minister's plan for Christmas and the latest coronavirus vaccine developments. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2020

Inside the Number 10 meltdown - plus vaccines and how China got back to normality In this week's episode the team discuss the resignation of Boris Johnson's director of communications, Lee Cain. What does this mean for the government? Will Dominic Cummings quit in solidarity? We also speak to ITV News Asia Editor Debi Edward who explains how draconian measures in China got the country back to relative normality after the coronavirus pandemic started there. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2020

Piers Morgan on Donald Trump and Boris Johnson - plus our team on furlough extension Special guest on this week's episode is Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan. He chats to us about his friend Donald Trump, the US election, coronavirus and Boris Johnson. And Robert Peston explains the pros and cons of the extended furlough scheme, which will now run until the end of March. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2020

Our politics team on Corbyn's suspension from Labour after anti-Semitism report Robert and Shehab take a look at the Equality and Human Rights Commission's report on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. We also hear from former Labour MP John Mann, who now advises the government on anti-Semitism. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2020

'Furlough is back' - Plus the Room Next Door Man Michael Spicer Rishi Sunak has announced a raft of coronavirus support messages, prompting Robert Peston to remark that 'furlough is back'. We talk through the latest twists and turns in the UK's battle with Covid-19. We also have another hilarious special guest: the Room Next Door Man Michael Spicer. The satirical comedian talks us through how he became a sensation by mocking political interviews. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2020

Robert Peston gives his take on whether a circuit break lockdown will happen in England. And special guest Matt Forde tells us what it's like impersonating Boris Johnson and Donald Trump in the reboot of Spitting Image. Don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2020

Last orders for northern pubs? Plus, what are the chances of a Brexit deal? This episode of Calling Peston features an in-depth Brexit interview with two of the UK's leading experts, Anand Menon and Maddy Thimont Jack. We also discuss a new northern lockdown - which is expected next week - and Robert says there's hope of a restriction free Christmas. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2020

'Extraordinary' economic bounce back - plus Owen Jones on Keir Starmer The Calling Peston podcast is back for its third series. We're still going to be tackling the week's biggest stories, but we'll also have a different special guest each episode as we look to discuss something other than coronavirus. This week's guest is Labour activist Owen Jones. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2020

Peston exclusive: Potential coronavirus vaccine breakthrough For once there is some good news. Robert has an exclusive story on a potential coronavirus vaccine. Listen to learn more. We also chat through the new rules on face coverings, which from July 24 will force people to wear one, if they want to go shopping. This episode is our last of the series, as we take a break during the Parliamentary summer recess. We'll be back in the autumn with a refreshed show, taking you through all Westminster's twists and turns. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2020

Summer statement: Will Dishy Rishi's risky plan pay off? Analysis from Gauke and Peston The chancellor has announced several measures to boost the economy and employment as the UK begins to ease out of coronavirus lockdown. Will Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson's plan work? Former Treasury minister David Gauke and economic expert Robert Peston provide analysis and insight into an unprecedented Summer Statement. The team is back in Westminster for the first time since lockdown began for this week's episode. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2020

Schools re-opening, lessons from Leicester’s lockdown plus special guest Deborah Meaden on coronavirus and business The education secretary has announced schools will fully reopen in September; we have everything you need to know about how pupils will return to class rooms. Robert Peston gives insight into the localised lockdown in Leicester and the team examine what can be learned from the city's spike in Covid-19. Special guest this week is Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, who explains what needs to be done to allow businesses to bounce back after this crisis. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2020

What’s changing on July 4th? The new rules explained In this special episode we go through all the new guidelines and what's going to be different after July 4. Political Correspondents Daniel Hewitt and Romilly Weeks explain all the changes; what you will be allowed to do, where you'll be allowed to go and who'll you'll be allowed to see. Political Editor Robert Peston analyses the changes and gives insight into the thinking behind them. Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2020

U-turns, car crashes, schools and Covid’s lost generation. Plus satire star Meggie Foster Boris Johnson's U-turns caused political car crashes this week, before the prime minister himself was involved in an actual car crash. We discuss his bumpy week and the impact his policy changes could have. Robert Peston asks what is being done to help school and college leavers when there are no jobs, and the team look at what's going to happen to the children left without an education due to coronavirus. Our star guest this week is political satirist Meggie Foster, who explains to us the inspiration behind her viral videos. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2020

Social distancing: When 2 becomes 1? Plus Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel on Black Lives Matter With both the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the globe, it's been a busy week for the Calling Peston team. This week we examine whether the two metre social distancing rule will soon become one. Pubs say the the distance needs to be reduced before they can open. And we speak to special guest, Hollywood actor Nathalie Emmanuel, who tells us why this time the Black Lives Matter movement is different. In an eye-opening interview she tells us about her experiences with racism and what she's doing to try and fight it. We also discuss comments made by a scientific adviser that imposing lockdown a week earlier could have halved the final death toll. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars! We'll be back at around the same time next week.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2020

Is Boris Johnson still 'following the science?' Plus quarantine, queuing and face masks In this week's episode we analyse the prime minister's claim that coronavirus policy is built on science. Is the new 14-day quarantine for international arrivals to the UK based on science, or is it a political move? Is it safe for MPs to be back in Parliament? A scare involving Alok Sharma shows the risk involved with a return to physical-only proceedings. And there's some news on face coverings... Listen to hear Robert Peston, Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt discuss all this and more. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2020

Cummings and coronavirus: What does it all mean? Plus Alastair Campbell on the PM and his adviser This week Shehab and Robert discuss the implications of Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham. Labour's former communications director Alastair Campbell tells us what he thinks about it all. And Robert gives his take on how the economy will be restarted.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2020

Is a second wave of coronavirus inevitable? Plus U-turns, testing and trims In this week's episode we speak to Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, who talks us through the risk of a second peak of Covid-19. Robert Peston gives us his insight into this week's government U-turns and the progress of the UK's coronavirus testing and tracing regime. And all the team discuss what they're doing to mitigate the impacts of having no access to a hairdresser. Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2020

Stay Alert or Stay at Home? Andy Burnham interview plus furlough update A lot has changed in the UK this week, but not necessarily in every region of it. Boris Johnson has adjusted England's coronavirus lockdown message to Stay Alert, while Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are sticking with Stay at Home. What does this all mean for member of the public? What extra freedoms do those in England have over people living in other regions of the UK? We speak to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who tells us about the lack of communication from Westminster and that he'd be doing the same as Nicola Sturgeon in keeping lockdown near-enough unaltered. And Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the coronavirus job retention scheme to pay 80% of people's wages for a further four months. Robert Peston explains the finer details of the extension, plus how it will impact businesses and individuals. Remember to subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2020

Boris Johnson's national address: What will he say? Plus could Scotland and Wales go their own way? This week Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith stands in for Shehab to explain the situation outside of England. Could lockdown measures be lifted in England, but maintained in Scotland? After First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's Friday press conference, it looks like that could well be possible. Plus Robert and Daniel discuss the forthcoming address to the nation from Boris Johnson and whether the prime minister might lift some of the lockdown restrictions. Remember to subscribe and rate us five stars!

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2020

Lockdown: What will be lifted first? Plus - what’s happening in America with coronavirus? It's been a busy week in the UK with the prime minister returning to work and announcing Britain has passed the peak of coronavirus. With that, a lifting of some lockdown restrictions should be expected in the coming weeks. Robert Peston reveals which restrictions may be lifted first, and why. Across the pond in America is the world's worst coronavirus death toll - we speak to Washington Correspondent Robert Moore to find out exactly what the situation is in the US, and how President Donald Trump is handling it. We release a new episode of Calling Peston once a week - usually on Fridays. Remember to subscribe, rate five stars and share with your friends!

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2020