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Financial Times

The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday.
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Political Fix

Reform UK is now beating Labour in one pollster’s survey, while party leader Nigel Farage is Ladbrokes’ favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as the next prime minister. This week Political Fix examines whether Reform is a serious future contender for government – and whether it is the Conservatives or Labour who should be most worried. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard and political correspondent Anna Gross to discuss Reform’s trajectory, plus the chancellor’s spending review. They are also joined by Gideon Rachman, the FT’s chief foreign affairs columnist, to examine events playing out in Syria and how the UK should respond.

Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Anna on X: @AnnaSophieGross, Jim @PickardJE and Gideon @gideonrachman

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Can Nigel Farage turn Reform into a serious contender for government?

More than 10,000 UK civil service jobs to be cut

Nigeria’s vice-president launches attack on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

Review of £1.2tn in UK public spending will ‘be tight’, minister warns

UK ministers reject union calls to lift public sector pay to pre-austerity levels

The west should not succumb to cynical regret over Syria

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Farage: more popular than the PM

Who threatened to launch an aquatic assault on the Dutch town of Leiden? And which political candidate pledged to force water bosses to take a dip in British rivers? Find out as host Lucy Fisher puts the full Political Fix panel – Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard, Stephen Bush, George Parker and Miranda Green – through their paces in a big, fat, end- of- year quiz. The panelists also highlight their most memorable moment of 2024 and unveil their wildest predictions for the year ahead. Plus, discover who scooped all the chocolate gold coins in the studio to win the annual Political Fix stockpicks portfolio prize. 

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Political donations: can Elon Musk become a major backer of Farage’s Reform UK?

Time for Keir Starmer to remember he is first lord of the Treasury

Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher, Robert @Robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE, Miranda @greenmiranda, Stephen @stephenkb, George @GeorgeWParker

Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: 

https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Clare Williamson is the producer and the executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Quizmas special: Political Fix’s nerd out!

After a rocky start in office for Labour, the next 12 months will prove pivotal for the UK government. Sir Keir Starmer must grapple with dismal popularity ratings, tough public finances, anaemic growth forecasts and a string of challenging policy decisions. Opposition parties also face key tests. Can Tory leader Kemi Badenoch silence critics’ warnings about her low visibility and output, and can Reform UK’s Nigel Farage prove his party’s momentum is real and not mere mirage? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard to gaze into their crystal balls and consider the year ahead. They discuss the coming local elections, the spectre of Westminster by-elections, the impact of Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office and more.

Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Robert @robertshrimsley 

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NHS, education, housebuilding… Labour’s progress so far and its plans for 2025 

Farage and why Kemi Badenoch does not have time to ‘watch this space’ 

UK heading for tax rises despite return to growth, economists say 

Keir Starmer promises year of ‘rebuilding’ for UK in 2025

Trump wants 5% Nato defence spending target, Europe told 

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

2025: Labour’s year of pain?

Elon Musk’s hostility towards the UK government, and Sir Keir Starmer in particular, continues to escalate – prompting concerns he’s been radicalised by his own algorithm. What’s driving the technology billionaire’s fixation with the UK? And are his interventions reframing political discourse – not just in Britain but in other European nations too? Political Fix delves into the X owner’s motivations and examines the impact his actions are having offline as well as online. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regular panellists Miranda Green and Jim Pickard, plus Westminster correspondent Anna Gross and Washington correspondent Joe Miller who have broken scoops this week on Musk’s intent to meddle in British democracy and his social media influences. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X, @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social @PickardJE, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, @greenmiranda, Anna @annasophiegross, @annasophiegross.bsky.social, Joe @JoeMillerJr, @joemillerjr.bskyb.social

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Musk examines how to oust Starmer as UK Prime Minister before next election

Why has Elon Musk reignited debate over the UK rape gangs scandal? 

Musk’s grooming onslaught shows how politics needs a new playbook 

Musk’s war on American allies

The Musk threat to European democracy 

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner and mixed by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Musk and the new political playbook

Turmoil in the bond markets has caused turbulence for Rachel Reeves this month, with grumbles about her performance – and that of the UK economy – growing louder. This week, Political Fix asks who’s in charge: the chancellor or the financial markets? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regular panellists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush, plus the FT’s markets columnist Katie Martin, to consider the difficult choices facing Reeves and any positive options available to her in the short term. Plus, the gang discuss the keynote speeches of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to kick off the new year this week.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, @stephenkb.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Katie @katie0martin.bsky.social

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UK government seeks to soothe bond market nerves after borrowing costs soar 

UK needs more than AI to escape its economic hole

Lib Dems chart a distinctive pro-European course

Kemi Badenoch’s ‘small state’ vision does not stack up

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of best newsletter at the Future of Media Awards, 2023 and 2024

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner and mixed by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Reeves vs the markets

Donald Trump returned to the White House this week, with a host of radical plans that threaten to heavily affect the UK – spanning tariffs, the Ukraine war, energy and climate policy. How should the British government handle the new president and his prospectus? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT Westminster colleagues Jim Pickard and Anna Gross, plus US national editor Edward Luce, to consider the incoming turbulence from across the Atlantic. Plus, the team discusses the political fallout from the Southport atrocity.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Anna @AnnaSophieGross, and Edward Luce @edwardluce.bsky.social and @EdwardGLuce

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The field is now wide open to Trump

The strange liberal nonchalance about Trump’s return 

Elon Musk warned Reform UK donation might be difficult after joining Trump administration

Southport and the ‘lone wolf’ policy conundrum 

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of best newsletter at the Future of Media Awards, 2023 and 2024

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Trump turbulence: How should Labour play it?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sought to place rocket-boosters under the UK economy this week – with a vow to prioritise growth over the environment or nimbyism. But how long will her plan take to work, is it too concentrated in the south of England, and what cabinet splits will it spark? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, as well as the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster, to dissect Labour’s strategy. Plus, the panel looks ahead to Sir Keir Starmer’s first meeting with EU leaders in Brussels next Monday as he seeks a fresh defence and security pact with the bloc. Will Britain acquiesce to the EU’s key demand for a youth mobility scheme? 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Peter @pmdfoster @pmdfoster.bskyb.social and Miranda @GreenMiranda @greenmirandahere.bskyb.social

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Labour is facing two ways on growth

The contradictions at the heart of Rachel Reeves’ growth plan

How five years of Brexit reshaped Britain

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of best newsletter at the Future of Media Awards, 2023 and 2024

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Growth – and damn the consequences?

Donald Trump has stunned the world with a raft of extraordinary interventions this week, prompting Keir Starmer to keep his head down. But what happens when it’s Britain’s turn in the new US administration’s headlights? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker and Robert Shrimsley, as well as the FT’s chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman, to examine the UK government’s options. Plus, days after the first major national opinion poll put Reform ahead of both Labour and the Tories for the first time, the panel examines whether the hype over Nigel Farage’s party is outpacing reality… or whether the UK’s two-party system is in trouble. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, George: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker, Gideon: @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman 

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Trump is sowing the seeds of an anti-American alliance

Is Nigel Farage’s Reform hype outpacing reality?

In charts: will Reform rock Britain’s two-party system?

Peter Mandelson’s back: The Prince of Darkness returns

Labour cannot afford to look like the status quo party 

You can listen to Gideon’s award-winning podcast The Rachman Review here. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Trump and Reform: Is US-style populism set to sweep the UK?

The bitter and emotional wrangling over the assisted dying bill reached new heights in parliament this week, following proposed changes to a key safeguard. Is it a sensible efficiency to remove the need for a High Court judge to sign off every request, or will this move sink the legislation? Host Lucy Fisher discusses the disputed plan with Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush, as well as the FT’s public policy correspondent Laura Hughes. Plus, Europe is in shock following the US’s extraordinary intervention in the Ukraine war. The panel examines what will happen next – and what it means for Britain’s defences.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Laura @Laura_K_Hughes

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High Court approval in assisted dying bill to be dropped

Do not strip judges out of assisted dying decisions, warns Lady Hale

Keir Starmer summons UK defence chiefs in tussle over spending 

Trump has put the ball back in Putin’s court on Ukraine

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The right to die: who should have the final say?

The future of Ukraine and the defence of Europe will dominate when Keir Starmer jets out to the White House for talks with Donald Trump next week. Can the UK prime minister help save 80 years of Pax Americana? Or is the US on the verge of becoming an ‘adversary’ to Europe? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Gideon Rachman and John Paul Rathbone to discuss the military implications for Britain and Europe, as calls grow for rapid rearmament across the continent.

Plus, the FT’s media editor Dan Thomas joins the panel to lift the lid on the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (Arc) conference this week, at which Nigel Farage, Jordan Peterson and Kemi Badenoch spoke. Part ‘megachurch’, part political rally, Lucy, Dan and Robert unravel what the movement is.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman; JP Rathbone @JP_Rathbone; Dan Thomas @DanielThomasLDN

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How Europe can defend itself without US help 

France and UK plan air power-backed ‘reassurance force’ in postwar Ukraine

The MAGA-fied right are missing Britain’s real crisis

Part megachurch, part political rally: inside London’s ‘right-wing Davos’ 

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

‘America is now an adversary’

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has had an action-packed week. She made a U-turn on winter fuel payments, announced plans to spend billions of pounds on new transport schemes and, following the prime minister’s latest announcement, she now has to find yet more money to fund a rise in defence spending. So where does this leave the chancellor ahead of the spending review next Wednesday? And who will be the winners and losers? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley, Sam Fleming and Jennifer Williams to discuss. 

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft, @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social 

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com 

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‘Accept it or you have to walk’: Labour’s UK spending review battles enter final stage 

Rachel Reeves to back Manchester-Liverpool rail link in transport spending boost 

Reeves can no longer outrun Labour’s early choices 

Rachel Reeves vows to reinstate some winter fuel payments this year 

Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns from party 

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

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

Facing down a fiscal firestorm

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