The New Statesman: politics and culture

Who's in, who's out - and why? * Keir Starmer has reshuffled the treasury team and some key parliamentary staff, creating a new "Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister" role and restructuring the government's communication department. The changes indicate a renewed focus for the government, putting economic issues front-and-centre of operations ahead of the upcoming budget. The moves also suggest a change of direction in some areas, with leading proponents of the disastrous Winter Fuel Allowance repeal picking up their P45s. Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon join Anoosh Chakelian to discuss what can we learn from this reshuffle. LISTEN NEXT: What the Treasury reshuffle reveals about the budgetREAD: Will Keir Starmer's mini-reshuffle make a difference? Host: Anoosh ChakelianGuest: Megan KenyonGuest: Rachel Cunliffe * 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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Published: 1 September 2025

The experimental novelist on finding God, being "a misfit" and her return to writing. -- Nicola Barker is "has broken the mould so many times it's almost beyond repair".  She's a post-punk literary anarchist who writes from the peripheries of the UK. Her experiments with narrative form have won her many plaudits, including the Goldsmith's Prize for literary fiction, which the New Statesman partners with. Barker joins Tanjil Rashid on the New Statesman culture podcast to discuss her latest novel, Tony Interrupter: a comedy about art, virality, chaos, and the surprising impact of freak events in Kent.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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

“⁠Do you think the English flag has been so easily co-opted by by the far right because there is no English government that is proudly flying the flag and building a better narrative around English national pride?” Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Harry Clarke-Ezzidio and George Eaton to answer listener quesitons.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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

It was foreseen for months, as Israel cut off all aid, but this month the UN declared that more than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine. By the end of September, more than 640 000 people will face Catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Leading to preventable deaths on a devastating scale. For Humza Yousaf, the former First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader, the horrors facing the people of Gaza for the past two years are deeply personal. His wife Nadia has relatives in Gaza - the family has described the experience as a “living nightmare”. 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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

Last October, the government published the Employment Rights Bill, a slate of reforms set to change workers' rights in the UK - from banning “fire and rehire” tactics, to ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, to giving workers employment protection from day one. The bill has passed through the Commons and is currently on its third reading in the House of Lords - the first changes are expected to be enacted in 2026. But what does this bill really mean for workers, businesses, and the economy? And could there be unintended consequences that even its biggest supporters are worried about? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, one of the UK’s leading trade unions representing over 150,000 professionals across science, engineering, and technology. 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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Ahead of this autumn’s budget there has been a reshuffle in Rachel Reeves’ treasury team. What’s at play? And what might it tell us about the trajectory of Britain’s finances? Will Dunn, the New Statesman's business editor, is joined by George Eaton. Read: Torsten Bell rises as Rachel Reeves reshuffles her team; Rachel Reeves will never get serious on tax Download the appLISTEN 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 JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

Students across the UK have reported a dramatic rise in misogyny in their schools. The government has described this as being on an "epidemic scale". This is often connected to social media content targeted at young men and boys, but is there more to it? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by journalist James Bloodworth, author of Lost Boys: A Personal Journey Through the Manosphere, to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

Due to Britain’s falling birth rates and the government’s desire for lower immigration levels, does the government have any plan to financially encourage and support couples to have children? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to answer listener questions. Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

The Mayor of Manchester is the most popular choice to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Keir Starmer is now less popular than Donald Trump. Despite the Labour Party's historic election win just over one year ago, popularity ratings for leading Labour figures have plummeted. Economic woes, crunching u-turns, unrest over Gaza and asylum hotel protests have left leading Labour figures looking to their next leadership battle. George Eaton reports that Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting have both been monitoring their popularity among party members. But there is one tantalising option who polling reveals as the public's preferred choice: Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Could he be Britain's next Prime Minister? George joins Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe on the New Statesman podcast. Download the app Host: Anoosh Chakelian Guests: George EatonRachel Cunliffe Producer:Catharine Hughes Video Producer:Rob Le Mare Executive Producer:Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

Following last year’s riots, in the wake of the Southport murders, Elon Musk predicted civil war in the UK was “inevitable”. So far, however, no civil war… Over the last century, people in British politics at times of turmoil have raised the prospect of civil war, repeatedly, in ways not unlike today. What did they fear, and why? And what might we learn from the fact that - each time - those fears remained unfounded? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by author and journalist Phil Tinline. Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

Yesterday, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington, flanked by seven European leaders, in order to meet with Donald Trump and push forward talks to end the war in Ukraine. This came just three days after Trump’s carefully choreographed meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Could this be the beginning of the end for the drawn out conflict? And can Trump be trusted? Megan Gibson is joined by Katie Stallard. Download the app Host: Megan GibsonGuest: Katie StallardProducer: Catharine HughesVideo producer: Rob Le MareExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

In 1978, the broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, and photojournalist Don McCullin, published The Palestinians - a book that sought to tell the human story behind one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. This year, in the wake of the ongoing and constantly escalating war, the book will be republished with a new foreword. In this episode Dimbleby joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the current phase of the conflict and its effect on UK politics. Read: Palestine’s cycle of despair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

There’s one thing you need this summer. A good book. Will Lloyd is joined by culture editor Tanjil Rashid, and staff writer Finn McRedmond to discuss the New Statesman's ultimate beach reads for 2025 and beyond. Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

Will Starmer face a vote of no confidence? What does Reform UK mean by scrap Net Zero? Should the Democrats distance themselves from the Clintons? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Will Lloyd to answer listener questions. Download the app Ask a question Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

The UK economy is slowing... but not as much as expected. So that's good - isn't it? -- Thursday morning, data was released showing that UK gross domestic product (or GDP) has slowed to 0.3% growth in the second quarter of the year - not as much as predicted. Also, JD Vance has been holidaying in the UK, recently meeting with a who’s who of right-wing populists - from Robert Jenrick, to Nigel Farage, to, somewhat bizarrely, enjoying a BBQ with ex-Apprentice contestant and social media star, Thomas Skinner. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Will Dunn. Read: The Cotswolds plot against JD Vance - Finn McRedmond Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

On Saturday, in Westminster, police arrested more than 500 people under the Terrorism Act.  That’s more in a single day than have ever been charged with terrorist-related activity in a whole year. Many of those arrested were pensioners. Their crime: holding cardboard signs which read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” One of those 532 people arrested on Saturday was Sir Jonathon Porritt, a long-time activist and campaigner on green and social justice issues, former environmental adviser to King Charles and patron to over 20 charities.  He joins Anoosh Chakelian to explain why he took part in the protest, what led to his arrest, and why he fears the Home Secretary - and the Labour party - are becoming more authoritarian. -- 👉 Listen ad-free on the New Statesman app. Download it here.📧 Get our daily politics email, Morning Call📖 Read Palestine Action and the radicalisation of Grandma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

US President Donald Trump will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday for a high stakes summit to discuss the war in Ukraine. Trump has been upping the ante with his rhetoric around Putin in recent months. On July 14, the US president set Putin a 50 day deadline to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine. On July 28th, he reduced it to 10-12 days. As that deadline was reached last Friday, Trump announced plans for this summit. So, why is this happening now, and what will be on the agenda? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Katie Stallard. Read: What Putin wants from talks with Trump Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

Youth membership for the Labour party has collapsed – from 100,000 to just 30,000 under Starmer’s leadership. The relationship between Labour HQ and its members on university campuses has soured over the past year, reaching boiling point following the prime minister’s decision to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Hattie Simpson. Read: Inside Labour students’ revolt over Gaza Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Whit Stillman is something of a cult film director. He rose to prominence in 1990 with his debut film Metropolitan, which became the first in the so-called “Doomed. Bourgeois. In love” trilogy: Barcelona came out in 1994 and The Last Days of Disco in 1998. Set among America’s so-called “Preppy” class, the films are comedies of manners in the tradition of Jane Austen, exploring the transitional phase of youth and a certain American identity. The films are now having something of a revival. Stillman joins the New Statesman's culture editor Tanjil Rashid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Is Keir Starmer sucking up to Donald Trump, and what do politicians get up to during parliamentary recess? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to answer listener questions. Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

New polling has found that Keir Starmer is now less popular amongst British voters than Donald Trump. Today, we’re talking about Keir Starmer’s first year in government and the rapid decline in his personal popularity. From a triumphant election victory to sliding approval ratings, where has it gone wrong for the Labour leader?  Anoosh Chakelian is joined by the New Statesman's senior data journalist, Ben Walker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

Nine years after the Brexit referendum, the dream of 'Singapore-on-Thames' has quietly evaporated. Instead, we’ve got a Labour government embracing high taxes, stronger workers’ rights, even state ownership.  What’s behind Labour’s European turn and is Starmer quietly reversing Thatcher’s legacy? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by George Eaton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

The dormant Democrat party must find a way to revive itself if it is to have any hope of challenging the Maga movement, Donald Trump, and his eventual successor. The party is split on whether Trump is simply an aberration to endure, or whether he represents the death of democracy, justifying a dirtier form of opposition politics. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by the New Statesman's US correspondent Freddie Hayward. Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Parliament is in recess for the next four weeks, a time when Westminster usually goes quiet, but this year there’s one man who’s determined to keep working. Nigel Farage. Today the Reform UK delivered his third weekly conference as part of his campaign on “Lawless Britain”, broadening out (slightly) from the party's usual single-issue politics. Of course, much of the emphasis is still heavily on migration. But do these conferences tell us about the current contradictions in British politics and have Reform peaked too soon? Read: One year on, tensions still circle Britain’s asylum-seeker hotels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

Britain is in the grip of a housing crisis and politicians from all sides claim to have the solutions. But as prices rise, renters struggle and investors profit - are we seeing housing policy serve the public good? Will Dunn, the New Statesman's business editor, is joined by Susan J. Smith, the new president of the British Academy and honorary professor of social and economic geography at the University of Cambridge. Read: Britain’s new-build nightmare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

The team answer listener questions on the practicalities of the online safety act, a Labour-Lib Dem coalition, and the revival of the commonwealth. Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Asylum protests. NHS strikes. A faltering economy. Is the Labour government facing a summer of discontent? Last year, riots sparked by the brutal murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport rocked the UK. Rioters targeted hotels housing asylum seekers, wrongly connecting the murders to Muslim immigration. Now, asylum protests persist. At the same time, the government faces strike action from NHS doctors, a struggling economy and political threats from both left and right. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and George Eaton. Read: One year on, tensions still circle Britain’s asylum-seeker hotels; Labour’s summer of discontent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

The UK will recognise Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel abides by a ceasefire, commits to a two-state solution and agrees not to annex the West Bank.Yesterday, Keir Starmer marked a clear shift on the UK’s position on the Israel Gaza war. However, this has prompted backlash from all sides. So what is there to gain? Megan Gibson is joined by George Eaton and Megan Kenyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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 convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But it’s not working. Freddie and Katie pick up the story and discuss what the Trump's Epstein connection could mean for his presidency. READ: The Epstein conspiracy has exposed Trump as a faux-populist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

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. But should European leaders learn from the more combative approaches taken by Canada and France? Megan Gibson joins Tom McTague on the New Statesman podcast. 📚 READ: Can Starmer and Trump come to an agreement on Gaza? - Megan Kenyonhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/morning-call/2025/07/can-starmer-and-trump-come-to-an-agreement-on-gaza Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

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 giants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

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 giants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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 Badenoch has been treated, and whether the woman who some cast as a new Thatcher was ever as able as the Conservatives wanted to believe. -- Read Will Lloyd's profile of Kemi Badenoch in the New Statesman magazine, or online: Kemi Badenoch isn't working Listen next: How to defeat reform - exclusive polling with analyst Steve Akehurst Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

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 radical plan to address the core issues - including the "radicalising" problem of sewage in Britain's lakes and waterways. They also discuss the proposed appointment of Tim Allan as Keir Starmer's permanent secretary for communications. Does the PM really need another member of the New Labour team on his staff? LISTEN NEXT:What does "Blue Labour" really mean? - Morgan Jones interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

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 discuss. READ Why Keir Starmer has purged Labour rebels again - George Eaton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

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-question-of-intent Listen to more from the New Statesman: Jake Richards MP on why he believes the ECHR needs reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

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 UK. He joins Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe to share the arguments Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems can use that are most likely to turn voters away from Nigel Farage and Reform UK. This episode is a must-listen for political strategists, speechwriters and MPs. 👉 Read Steve Akehurst's exclusive polling analysis here: https://persuasionuk.org/research/reform-message-testing-rct Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

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 output through better training and education policy - especially in the face of AI, green tech, and demographic change. As well as outlining the government’s role, they discuss the importance of flexibility, digital literacy, and building a culture of continuous upskilling to help the UK become a global leader in the AI-driven economy. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Pearson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

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 Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

'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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

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 newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025