The Politics Show

While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives. Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions. This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

This week there’s only one subject to discuss – and that’s Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting. Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

Nigel Farage’s £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, the NHS “I feel lucky” syndrome and the Reform councillor who wants us to crack down on extra terrestrial activity.  Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2026

The spotlight of British politics is shining on Andy Burnham - and his “long coup” is underway. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer himself has to find a way to resume some semblance of government as usual. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

Andy Burnham is running in a by-election in Makerfield, which is likely to be held on 18 June, to return to Parliament as an MP. If he wins, he will be the frontrunner in a contest to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Burnham’s personal brand of politics is often referred to as “Manchesterism”. So, what is it? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by The New Statesman’s editor-in-chief Tom McTague, who profiled Andy Burnham back in September. LISTEN: https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/politics-podcast/2025/09/andy-burnham-has-a-plan-for-britain-2READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/09/exclusive-andy-burnhams-plan-for-britainLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

Keir Starmer’s never ending cycle of political chaos, Reform’s suspended local councillors and Anoosh’s heckle of Boris Johnson. Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/05/will-progressives-ever-forgive-labour https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/05/the-bond-markets-will-not-save-keir-starmerLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary on Thursday morning, but Ailbhe Rea says Keir Starmer is determined to fight on. After days of speculation – and a 16-minute meeting at Number 10 – Wes Streeting has finally resigned from cabinet. On the same day, Angela Rayner has announced she has been "cleared" of wrongdoing related to unpaid property tax, which would leave her free to run in a leadership contest if one is triggered. However, sources inside Number 10 have told Ailbhe Rea that Wes Streeting does not have the backing of enough MPs to trigger a leadership contest. So what is the former Health Secretary hoping to achieve? And if a leadership contest were triggered, who else would be likely to run? Ailbhe Rea and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the latest from Westminster in The Politics Show. READ: Wes Streeting resigns with an excoriating letter to StarmerLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

Over 80 MPs are calling for Keir Starmer’s resignation, reaching the threshold required for a contender to mount a leadership challenge, with ministers - including Jess Philips - resigning from government too. After a high stakes meeting this morning, several cabinet members voiced their support for the Prime Minister, as he defiantly vowed to “get on with governing”. Will the Prime Minister survive the week? READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/05/tracked-the-labour-mps-calling-for-keir-starmer-to-goLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

Keir Starmer has pledged to “prove the doubters wrong” as he tries to head off a leadership challenge after the disastrous local election results last week. Fighting for his political life, the PM announced plans for stronger ties with the EU, powers to nationalise British steel and a scheme to help young people find work. But will it be enough? Many of his own party don’t seem to think so, with his former Deputy PM Angela Rayner calling for Andy Burnham to come back to Parliament. Backbench MP Catherine West even threatened to mount a leadership challenge against Starmer, but has now backed down and called on him to go by September. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/westminster/2026/05/labour-faces-civil-war-to-replace-starmerLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

Results from the local and devolved are coming in. It has been, as many expected, a disappointing result for the Labour Party. Meanwhile, the insurgent parties, the Green Party to an extent, but especially Reform, have delivered on their promise of snowballing momentum. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker, political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/may-2026/2026/05/live-results-map-wales-scotland-and-local-electionsLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

The UK is gearing up for local and devolved elections on Thursday. As Keir Starmer looks increasingly isolated as Prime Minister, much is being made of a potentially disastrous few days for the Labour Party. If results go as badly for Labour as some are predicting, this could be the end for the PM. Meanwhile, the insurgent Reform and Green parties are looking to continue their surging momentum.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

Crowds of young people chant his name but the Green leader is "nervous", says Ailbhe Rea. -- A year ago, Zack Polanksi was relatively unknown. Now, he's leading an "eco-populist" movement that has revitalised the Green Party and looks likely to propel a left-wing surge in the May local elections. Ailbhe Rea profiled the Green leader for the New Statesman, meeting him shortly after he'd been addressing young activists. She found a "sweet, slightly nervous" man who admits he still has much to learn about running a political party. Here Ailbhe speaks to Anoosh Chakelian about Zack Polanski's political position, his unusual background, and the lessons he might learn from Jeremy Corbyn. LISTEN NEXT: Attacks on Jews are an indictment of Keir Starmer's Britain READ: Zack Polanski is still learning 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

Parliament boozers, Morgan McSweeney vs Emily Thornberry, and King Charles' stand-up routine. Will and Anoosh discuss another big week.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2026

"It makes me furious," says New Statesman editor Tom McTague.  An attack in Golders Green, London, yet again exposes the rise of antisemitism in Britain. Anoosh Chakelian has been reporting from the borough, where local Jews fear for their safety, volunteer security guards patrol the streets and Jewish children have to pass through heavy security cordons to get to school. She tells editor Tom McTague about what she found. Meanwhile, the rise of anti-Jewish hate is putting more pressure on a government still mired in the Peter Mandelson scandal. The Prime Minister has become deeply unpopular, the Iran War continues, and local elections loom. Westminster has concluded Keir Starmer has two options: fight or flight. The New Statesman's political editor, Ailbhe Rea, says the Prime Minister has made a decision and raised his fists.  READ:Terror in Golders Green, by Anoosh Chakelianhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/society/2026/04/terror-in-suburbia We are under attack, by Rachel Cunliffehttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/society/2026/04/we-are-under-attack 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

The inevitability of the Peter Mandelson scandal, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s live show, and the rising cost of condoms… Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/whos-afraid-of-olly-robbins https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/jacob-rees-mogg-relishes-the-limelightLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2026

The Mandelson affair has become less about Peter Mandelson’s alleged wrongdoing, and all about Keir Starmer’s ability to run the country. This week Olly Robbins, former chief civil servant at the Foreign Office, insisted the Prime Minister pressured him into clearing Peter Mandelson for the US ambassador post. Yesterday, Starmer was forced to admit his former spin doctor Matthew Doyle, who was suspended from the Labour Party over campaigning for a convicted child sex offender, was also considered for a diplomatic role.  Labour MPs and even cabinet ministers no longer seem able to defend the Prime Minister. But the frontrunners to replace Starmer are also, according to reporting by our editor Tom McTague, biding their time. How long can they wait? How long can the country wait? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague in the studio. READ: Keir Starmer is all alonehttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/labour/2026/04/keir-starmer-is-all-alone 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Does Keir Starmer deserve more credit for keeping us out of a third Gulf war? Is Farage's relationship with Trump hurting Reform's polling? And who are the bright young things in British politics? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea to answer your questions.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

Criticism of Labour's response to the global threat, Trump's AI Jesus and parliament's "summer of sex". Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up this week's stories. Any suggestions for next week's categories, please comment below. 📚 READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/at-a-defence-conference-tech-execs-haggle-over-reducing-the-cost-to-killLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

For years, we have wrung our hands about the manosphere: the misogynist influencers like Andrew Tate exploiting a generation of disillusioned and impressionable lost boys. But what about radicalised young women? New, exclusive polling for the New Statesman has uncovered a huge difference in the political, economic and social outlook of women and men under 30 in Britain, created largely by women turning to the left.  Should we be worried about the “femmosphere”? Joining me to discuss is Scarlett Maguire, founder and director of polling and research company Merlin Strategy, and our online editor Emily Lawford, whose brilliant report about this phenomenon will be out in this week’s issue of the New Statesman. Meet the Angry Young Womenhttps://www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2026/04/meet-the-angry-young-women-why-young-women-dont-want-to-date-me  Revealed: the new radicalism among young women https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/polling/2026/04/revealed-the-new-radicalism-among-young-women 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

Trump’s "demented" Easter announcement, Britain’s squeezed middle and getting “the ick” for Zack Polanski… Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/the-trumps-wish-the-world-a-very-demented-easter https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/economy-international-politics/2026/04/britains-vanishing-middle-classLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

AI is embedded in the machinery of the British state: drafting legislation, shaping spending decisions, informing interest rate policy and writing speeches delivered in parliament. Has Britain handed over political power without ever really deciding to, and without fully understanding to whom? Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss. READ Will's piece: https://www.newstatesman.com/technology/2026/04/the-silent-coupLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

Follow The Exchange on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more episodes like this.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

The pollution of Britain’s waterways is well known, but the full extent of the carelessness and vandalism of Britain’s biggest water company, Thames Water, is a catalogue of wrongdoing on an industrial scale. Will Dunn speaks to the MP with the dubious honour of representing the constituency that is worst affected by sewage spills - Liberal Democrat MP, Charlie Maynard. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

As the war in Iran enters its second month, President Trump has delivered a prime time address promising, simultaneously, that the conflict will be over “very shortly” and that the United States is preparing to hit Iran “extremely hard”. Thousands more US troops have arrived in the region in recent days, including a marine expeditionary unit as the president is reportedly weighing options for a potential ground assault, such as an attempt to seize the Iranian oil export hub on Kharg Island, which Trump has said the US could take “very easily.” But what options does the President actually have and what would be involved in an attempt to forcibly re-open the strait of Hormuz?  Katie Stallard is joined by Ruben Stewart, senior fellow for land warfare at the IISS think tank and a former infantry officer and UN peacekeeper.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Keir Starmer delivered one of his routine updates on the war in Iran in a press conference from Number 10 this morning - but this one was a little meatier than usual. Will Lloyd is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discussLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

Green Party support is surging after its by-election victory in Gorton and Denton last month. But is Zack Polanski’s party leaving its environmental principles behind?  Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon to discuss.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

As ministers and backbenchers criticise Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans, is Labour about to water them down? And what is behind the splits over the policy? Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea go behind the scenes of Labour’s battle over immigration reform. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

Morgan McSweeney’s stolen phone, Kemi Badenoch’s council tax claims and the UAE defence attache, Group Captain Sandy Sandilands.  Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up their stories of the week.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2026

Follow The Exchange on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more episodes like this.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

What does the Instagram and YouTube verdict mean for the UK's proposed social media ban? A California jury has found Meta and Google liable in a case that accused them of building intentionally addictive platforms. Here in the UK, the government is consulting on whether to ban children from using social media. Australia and Spain have already implemented similar bans, and France has backed a ban for under-15s. So, are the social media giants facing a reckoning? And should the government intervene in our kids’ social media use? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Hannah Barnes. READ: Parents must also take responsibility for online safety https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/social-media/2026/03/parents-must-also-take-responsibility-for-online-safetyLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026

Ed Miliband, everyone would agree, is a central part of the Labour government. The ex-Labour leader is a hugely popular figure within the party. Is his power and influence greater than we realise? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Lloyd to discuss. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/a-certain-idea-of-ed-milibandLISTEN 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2026

Donald Trump is grappling with the consequences of staging a military intervention in Iran without a clear plan. Modern conflicts are often driven less by coherent national interest than by the instincts and ambitions of powerful leaders. From the Strait of Hormuz, to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to the tension between China and Taiwan - miscalculation, overconfidence, and the enduring unpredictability of war are reshaping global power. Katie Stallard is joined by Philips O’Brien, American historian and professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

Earlier this month, a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent, led to the tragic death of two young people. So far there have been 29 confirmed or suspected cases in total. It’s thought that a “super-spreader” event at a nightclub is the source of the outbreak. Since then, there has been a mass rollout of vaccines for Meningitis B and preventative antibiotics. Thousands of students and contacts have been treated.Cases now appear to be slowing or stabilising, however, some questions have been raised over the speed of the response from the government.  Post-Covid, fear amongst the public of the spread of infectious diseases is heightened. This meningitis outbreak has served as a test, not just of public health response and communication, but of how the public understands risk in a post-pandemic Britain.  Anoosh Chakelian is joined by investigations editor, Hannah Barnes. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/health/2026/03/was-kent-prepared-for-meningitis 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

Anoosh and Will are back with this week's round up of the politics stories you might have missed. This week: Housing Secretary Steve Reed has the perfect opportunity to "build, baby, build"Misinformation powerhouse InfoWars is officially over - just like the MetaversePete Hegseth seems to encourage the US army to commit war crimesRachel Reeves takes a gamble on building "an army of Burnhams" READ: Anoosh's Thomas Hetherwick interviewWill's sketch on Pete Hegseth - "the boss of tough men in hot places" 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2026

Angela Rayner has called Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans un-British. Is this the beginning of the dilution of these reforms and even of a leadership campaign? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

Keir Starmer’s cost of living crisis At the beginning of this year, Keir Starmer vowed to bring down the cost of living.  But as other PMs learned before him, this is often out of the government’s control. The Iran war is threatening to ruin his strategy and Starmer now finds himself in a bind. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor, Ailbhe Rea. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/keir-starmer-is-struggling-to-keep-his-new-years-resolution 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2026

Yesterday, Keir Starmer met Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a new defense partnership. The Ukrainian President said he faced a missile shortage due to the war in Iran and Keir Starmer resolved to remain focused on the fight against Russia.  But is the war in Eastern Europe only the first act of a much wider conflict? Oli Dugmore is joined by Will Lloyd, who visited Ukraine last month.  Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/international-content/2026/03/the-new-world-war 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2026

The Treasury Select Committee has announced an inquiry into Student Loans. It comes after Rachel Reeves announced a freeze on repayment thresholds meaning more graduates will start repaying once they earn just over the living wage. It's an issue that doesn't just affect today's students and graduates but is increasingly becoming a political issue the government cannot ignore. Tom McTague is joined by Rachel Cunliffe to discuss what the inquiry might achieve - and what the student loans issue means for graduates, the economy and Britain's future.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026

Oil prices have spiked following the outbreak of war in Iran, with crude oil jumping to over £75 a barrel. This is having a huge impact around the world, and is set to get worse. Megan Gibson is joined by Rory Johnston, oil market researcher and author of the Commodity Context newsletter, who argues that this scenario could lead to a global depression. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2026

After a massive 17 years reporting on politics for the New Statesman, George Eaton joins Anoosh Chakelian the podcast for a farewell episode. Anoosh and George discuss his highlights from covering the past 17 years in British politics, from the post-crash austerity years, through Labour civil war and ultimately Keir Starmer's Labour election victory in 2024. They reflect on the lessons learned, what's changed... and what's stayed the same. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2026

Hereditary peers scrapped, tech overlord villainy, Tory hypocrisy and camel pageant botox cheating. It’s another weekly round up from Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2026

Keir Starmer apologised for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Is it enough? After a vote by MPs forced its hand, the government has released the first batch of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment. They revealed that the Prime Minister was told the Labour peer posed a “reputational risk” because of his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and that his national security adviser raised concerns about the appointment. The so-called “Mandelson files” also exposed a number of facts about the vetting process that were already reported by the New Statesman in February and have angered Labour MPs all over again, and prompted further calls for Keir Starmer’s resignation. Will the Prime Minister go? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe - who has read through every word of the files - do discuss what they contain, what they reveal, and what Keir Starmer must do now. 📚 READ Starmer, Mandelson and the missing puzzle piece 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Is the UK going through the “fourth great disruption” to its geopolitical position? In this unprecedented moment, we take a look at how history can shed light on the current conflict, and which politician is best placed to handle the crisis.  Editor-in-chief Tom McTague is joined by John Bew, professor of history at King’s College London and former foreign policy adviser to four different British governments, and our political editor Ailbhe Rea.  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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2026

Were the strikes on Iran illegal? What's next for the controversial courts bill? Are Labour leaders aware of the existential crisis within their party? On this week's episode of The Exchange, we speak with Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy. To listen more episodes of The Exchange find us on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2026

Trump is bombing Iran. Oil prices are volatile. Is the world heading for recession? Oil prices peaked after the US and Israel started their war on Iran. Around a fifth of the world's oil supply relies on one tiny shipping lane in the Middle East called the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping firms are refusing to use it for fear of attack. Meanwhile, Britain remains in the grip of inflated prices and shoppers fear the war in Iran will only make things worse. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss how the Iran war will impact the global and the UK economies, and what – if anything – the Labour government can do about it. READ: Oil prices mean Starmer must raise tax or face recession 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

Angry about the lack of support for his war in Iran, Donald Trump stated that he didn’t need any help from the UK, despite using British airbases for strikes. In an angry social media rant, he also called Keir Starmer a “loser” and “no Winston Churchill”. Just a day later, the two leaders had a call to discuss military cooperation. Can relations be repaired? And is Westminster telling us the whole story? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by US Correspondent Freddie Hayward. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2026

Despite Dubai’s proximity to Iran, is it safer than Sadiq Khan’s London? Do young people have a different perspective on class? And could the corgi be banned? Will and Anoosh round up their picks of news stories from the week.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2026

On Tuesday 10 March, MPs will debate the Courts and Tribunals Bill, in what could be the biggest shakeup of the justice system since the 1970s. To tackle the Crown Court backlog of over 80,000 cases, the government has put forward proposals to radically reform which cases are heard where, including restricting the right to a trial by jury in all but the most serious cases. Sarah Sackman, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, speaks to Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the legislation and its potential impact on British justice.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2026

Labour is losing the voters it used to count on, a new study reveals. In the aftermath of the Green Party’s triumph in the Gorton and Denton by-election, and with local elections in London councils and other major cities coming up, Labour is losing the left progressive voters it could once rely on having “nowhere else to go”. Now, the biggest study ever of these voters – shared exclusively with the New Statesman – reveals the true risk to Labour’s future of leaving them behind. This work, done by surveying 10,000 voters and a randomised control trial style approach, has found out who the so-called progressive defectors are, why they’re deserting Labour, and what impact this could have on Labour’s electoral prospects. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Steve Akehurst of Persuasion UK who co-authored this report with 38 Degrees.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

Yesterday, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spring statement - an economic update - to the commons. With the news completely dominated by conflict in the Middle East, you would be forgiven for not noticing. In fact, many have deduced that this was exactly what the government were hoping for. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to discuss.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2026