The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

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

Labour MP Jake Richards sits down with Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the drama over the government's welfare reform bill and why he thinks the European Convention on Human Rights needs a desperate overhaul. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. This episode was recorded before MP Zarah Sultana announced she is launching a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

'We've not been here since the 70s' As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss Keir Starmer's highs, lows and the many, many challenges that lie ahead. READ We must prepare for Prime Minister Farage - Andrew Marr LISTEN JUST RAISE TAX Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

'You walk around the country and you know something's off' - After a bruising passage of the government's heavily altered welfare reform bill, for the sake of just a few billion pounds, many are left wondering where does the government and the country go now? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues Tom McTague, Will Dunn and Megan Kenyon to discuss the urgent yet seemingly intractable systemic changes now needed to the State and tax system. READ Just raise tax - Will Dunn LISTEN Welfare warfare just the start of Starmer's problems Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

With some calling for the Director-General of the BBC to resign, Somerset police launching a criminal investigation and the US Deputy Secretary of State revoking visas, the political fireworks at this year's Glastonbury were even more sensational than the pyramid stage's. But what was it like on the ground? In this edition of the New Statesman culture podcast, Kate Mossman is joined by colleagues Finn McRedmond, Will Lloyd and Nick Harris to discuss it all. Also in the show, Will has strong views on journalist Sarah Vine's bestselling memoir How Not To Be a Political Wife. READ Let Kneecap and Bob Vylan speak freely - Finn McRedmond What’s wrong with Sarah Vine? - Will Lloyd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Editor-in-Chief Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the potential consequences of defeat in Tuesday night's vote, Rachel Reeves‘ precarious position and how we got here in the first place. READA humbling week for Keir Starmer - Andrew Marr Your next Listen:“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely? Broadcaster and author Iain Dale talks to Rachel Cunliffe about his new book, Margaret Thatcher, and why he wanted to dispel some of the myths and mistruths about the Iron Lady. READ Inside the false economy of Rachel Reeves’ welfare cuts - Anoosh Chakelian YOUR NEXT LISTEN “Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms SIGN UP:For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.com JOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2025

Too many people in the UK are stuck anxiously waiting up to a year for a dementia diagnosis — and even longer in more deprived areas. In this episode, we explore why early and accurate diagnosis matters, and what must change to fix the system. Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK; Chris Bane, Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter; and Professor Vanessa Raymont, Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. Our panel discusses the urgent need for early and accurate dementia diagnosis, the impact of delayed diagnosis and the potential for new technologies, such as blood tests, to revolutionise the diagnosis pathway. They also explore the challenges facing the UK’s memory services, new treatments becoming available and how the government’s 10-Year Health Plan could reshape the future of dementia diagnosis so nobody faces dementia unseen. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Research UK.       Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Our listeners ask: How long will the government continue to support Israel after its actions in Gaza? Also in the show, one listener asks why longstanding issues like council tax reform are perennially ignored, another whether there could ever be a true 'red tory' faction in the Conservative party. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss the the growing rebellion among Labour MPs over the government's welfare reform bill, and how many government figures may go in the fallout. READ:Keir Starmer faces war on all fronts - Andrew Marr Labour is locked in a vicious blame game - George Eaton SIGN UP: For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.com JOIN US: Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

“The proliferation toothpaste does not go back in the tube” - Ankit Panda - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs - With events in Iran bringing the question of nuclear weapons back to the forefront of international news, where does the world go next? In this episode senior editor Katie Stallard speaks to Ankit Panda, author of The New Nuclear Age: At the Precipice of Armageddon, about the growing nuclear instability sweeping the globe and what, if anything, can be done to stave off disaster. - READ: How Donald Trump plunged America into a blind war Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Publicly at least, most American Presidents have "held their tongue" over their disputes with Israel - Trump is a "different kettle of fish." - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Iran War: "Our economy will be smashed" - The Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran has gotten off to a shaky start. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement, with Israel incurring the expletive-laden wrath of the US president in the process. So what happens now? In this episode Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Gibson and Freddie Hayward to unpack the latest developments and possible outcomes in the Middle East and at this week's NATO summit. - READ: There won’t be a ‘final victory’ for Iran or Israel by David Blagden Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Diplomacy has been "pushed aside" after Donald Trump bombed Iran - leaving Britain "weak". - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump bombs Iran - Donald Trump has hinted in a social media that he would be in favour of regime change in Iran. His government have said otherwise. Elsewhere, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has so far refused to say whether the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites was legal. Does the UK government quietly approve of Trump’s actions? In this episode our associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe discusses those questions with US correspondent Freddie Hayward and senior editor George Eaton. Meanwhile in response to the attack, the Iranian government have threatened to block the strait of Hormuz, effectively restricting one fifth of the world’s oil supply. Rachel asks our editor Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn what this would mean for the global economy - and the cost of goods in the UK. - READ: Britain wants no part in Israel’s war by Ben Walker Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter:Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode:You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

“American citizens will die” - Lee Siegel — YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? — Donald Trump announced on Sunday that US forces have bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.  The attack comes after weeks of speculation about whether the US will follow Israel into war with Iran, after claims that Iran has enriched enough material to fuel nuclear weapons. In this emergency episode, Freddie Hayward speaks to the New Statesman’s columnist Lee Siegel, who explains that “it’s hard to see this as a successful one-off mission”. They explore what the move means for the Middle East, the US, and the world. READ: Trump’s assault on Iran is a war without honour, by Lee Siegel Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2025

Our listeners ask: Do Labour have a realistic chance of winning the next election, and can Reform become a party for all regions of the UK? Also in the show, another listener asks how much is being done, or ever really has been, over the issue of class in British society and politics? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton, Freddie Hayward and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the fast moving situation in the Middle East, how the UK Government is wrangling with an unpredictable US President and also unpick the news of a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. SIGN UP:For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.com JOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25 Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Is there a route to de-escalation between Israel and Iran? -- YOUR NEXT LISTEN: As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Isreal? -- On Friday, the 13th of June, Israel launched a surprise attack on multiple targets across Iran. Israel strikes hit missile sites and nuclear facilities, and more recently also targeted Iranian state tv.  The two nations have subsequently traded missile attacks over the following days, an escalation to the conflict, which is now the biggest between these two longstanding adversaries. New Statesman editor Tom McTague meets Lawrence Freedman, Professor Emeritus of War Studies at King's College London, to discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran. -- READNetanyahu realises his lifelong dream by Megan Gibson FREEGet the best of our journalism straight to your inbox. Sign up for our weekly Saturday Read newsletter. SUBSCRIBEListen ad-free, and access all our reporting and analysis from £8.99 per month - become a New Statesman subscriber now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Andrew Marr, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe review Rachel Reeves's latest financial statement. LISTEN NEXT: What Keir Starmer can't say - NS editor Tom McTague on his profile of the Prime Minister https://pod.fo/e/2e40f0 -- Rachel Reeves unveiled her latest spending review this week. Andrew, Anoosh and Rachel unpack the winners and losers, and discuss what the spending review reveals about the government's priorities. READ: Rachel Reeves's economic credibility is on the line https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/06/rachel-reeves-high-stakes-spending-review SIGN UP:for a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.com JOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Keir Starmer had tears in his eyes as he spoke of the death of his brother. The Prime Minister was talking with the New Statesman's new editor, Tom McTague, about how his personal life informs how he runs the country. Tom has spent weeks accompanying and interviewing Keir Starmer for an extensive profile published in the latest issue of the New Statesman. In this extended interview, Tom speaks with deputy editor Will Lloyd to discuss what he learned about the man who leads the government. Read the profile on the New Statesman website: https://www.newstatesman.com For a daily dose of political analysis, sign up to our newsletter: morningcall.substack.com Subscribe to get access to all our reporting from just £8.99 per month: https://newstatesman.com/pod25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Jeremy Hunt held an extensive number of briefs in successive Conservative cabinets; culture secretary, health secretary, foreign secretary, and chancellor. He's now back on the back benches after just holding onto his seat, focusing his time on "reading and writing". Last week he published a new book "Can We Be Great Again? - looking at Britain’s global position, and in Hunt’s opinion, why it could be greater. Is this part of his bid for the Tory leadership? And with the rise of Reform would he consider a coalition? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

If you live in a new build, or know someone who does, who might already be all too familiar with the fact that Britain has a housing problem.  Yes we have a severe shortage of housing, and the government has promised to build 1.5million new homes by the end of parliament - but something which is affecting many people but remains underreported is the terrible quality of the houses being built. Will Dunn is joined by Anoosh Chakelian who has written this week's cover story: Britain’s new-build nightmare Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it! Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss, Andy Burnham's leadership pitch, Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza inquiry, dysfunction in no 10, and what the hell Robert Jenrick is doing on the internet. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

If there's one thing that the president loves, it's money. Recently, Trump has turned his attention to crypto - going into business with his sons and also launching $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins. But while this is one of Donald Trump’s latest passion projects, it joins a long, long list of business ventures over his lengthy career. A story that in reality involves a long list of failed business ventures, tax evasion, and multiple bankruptcies. So how has Donald Trump manage to fail upwards for more than half a century? And who pays the price when he does? Katie Stallard is joined by Russ Buettner, investigative reporter at the New York Times and co-author of Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump squandered his father’s fortune and created the illusion of success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks. And another listener, Damon, writes in to ask, Why are fishing rights on the agenda with regards to this latest EU deal? Do you agree that France has a disproportionate influence on the EU? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner? The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the coming weeks and months, and where Nigel Farage is lurking to capitalise on Labour and Tory struggles. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025