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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

This week, the Political Fix team comes to you from Liverpool — with all the news from the annual Labour Party Conference. Sir Keir Starmer struck a patriotic tone to the Labour faithful, promising to fight Nigel Farage’s “politics of grievance” and build a renewed, healthy Britain “with the flag waving in our hands” — flags he was keen to reclaim from his opponents on the nationalist right.

And that confident tone had also been struck by his chancellor, the day before. Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the need for economic responsibility and a willingness to take tough decisions, whilst taking pot-shots at the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, in the wake of his thinly veiled bid for the Labour leadership last week.

The prime minister arrived in Liverpool with widespread discontent over his leadership, speculation that he could face a challenge and a calamitous -54 poll approval rating. So did Starmer do enough to salvage his floundering premiership? 

Host George Parker is joined by Jim Pickard, Anna Gross and Stephen Bush to unpack what the annual conference might mean for the future of the Labour party — and the nation. 

Follow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social and Anna on X @AnnaSophieGross

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

Want more? Free links: 

Starmer urges Labour to launch ‘patriotic’ fight against Reform

Rachel Reeves signals Budget tax rises, saying ‘world has changed’ 

Reeves will struggle to sell growth case to UK fiscal watchdog, economists warn

Labour’s unpopularity problem 

‘Lost the plot’: Tony Blair’s role prompts incredulity —– and some hope

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

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

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Labour’s conference comeback?

As the prime minister prepares for his annual party conference, the mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, seems to be mounting a thinly veiled bid for the Labour leadership. In numerous interviews given to the media this past week, Burnham said he had been privately urged by MPs to challenge Sir Keir Starmer. And the provocation came with what looked like a personal manifesto: tax increases on the wealthy, mass nationalisations and a promise not to be “in hock to the bond market”. So do Burnham’s economic policies stand up? Does the metro mayor pose a serious risk to the PM? Or does his pitch for the leadership actually help Starmer shore up support from within?

Host George Parker is joined by Miranda Green, Stephen Bush, and the FT’s northern correspondent Jennifer Williams, to discuss the multiple challenges Starmer is facing both inside and outside the Labour tent, as well as what else to look out for at the conference next week. 

Follow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jen @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social

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

Want more? Free links: 

Andy Burnham launches thinly veiled bid to replace Keir Starmer 

Andy Burnham’s borrowing plans would spook gilt market, investors warn 

Starmer can’t afford to wait for reckless Reform to implode 

Andy Burnham’s two-horse act faces a big jump 

Plans for high-speed rail line in northern England suffer fresh delay 

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

If you want to know more about what's happening in UK politics you can read the FT’s live Q&A - where Stephen, Miranda and the FT’s UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley answered readers’ questions. Visit www.ft.com/ask-an-expert

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

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Does Starmer have a northern problem?

President Donald Trump landed in Windsor this week for his historic second state visit to the UK. What ensued was a celebration of pomp and pageantry fit for a king: a Red Arrows flyby, a lavish banquet in a castle, and a press conference at Chequers – during which the president continually heaped praise on the ‘special relationship’. Was this display of UK soft power just symbolic sycophancy, or has it resulted in some real substance? Host George Parker – fresh from the prime minister’s country residence – is joined by Jim Pickard, David Sheppard, and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the dynamics of the ‘special relationship’, the £150bn tech prosperity deal, and whether the prime minister managed to move the dial on the president’s peace keeping efforts. Plus: the panel looks forward to the Liberal Democrat party conference this weekend. 

Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker or Bluesky: @georgewparker.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; David @oilsheppard.bsky.social; Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social 

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

Want more? Free links: 

Donald Trump soaks up glory of his second state visit 

What investments did the UK secure during Trump’s state visit? 

Trump tells Starmer to use military to stop illegal migration to Britain 

Donald Trump’s adventures in Windsorland

Double standards and the problem with bending to Trump 

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

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

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Trumpery, pageantry and the ‘special relationship’

After the toe-curling revelations about Lord Peter Mandelson’s connections with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the ambassador’s departure seemed inevitable to all - with the exception of some in Downing Street. Questions about the speed of his sacking, what Sir Keir Starmer knew and why the New Labour grandee was hired in the first place will plague the prime minister as he prepares for US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnist Stephen Bush, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to discuss the political fallout for the PM and look ahead at the two-horse race to replace deputy Labour party leader Angela Rayner.

Want more?:

Labour MPs are increasingly doubting Keir Starmer’s leadership

Why the Mandelson affair raises questions about Starmer’s judgment

Exit Mandelson — but not Number 10’s problems

Peter Mandelson’s back: the Prince of Darkness returns

Bridget Phillipson faces Lucy Powell in final stage of Labour deputy leader race

Follow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social and on X at @GeorgeWParker; Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Miranda on @greenmiranda

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

Political Fix is presented by George Parker and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

CLIPS: Parliament TV

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Starmer in a spin as the ‘Dark Lord’ bites the dust

US President Donald Trump is coming to the UK next week. What can we expect from his visit? And where do things stand between the US and the UK? In this special bonus episode, our two FT political chat shows, Political Fix and Swamp Notes, team up to unpack relations between the two longtime allies. Marc Filippino, host of the Swamp Notes podcast, and US managing editor Brooke Masters are joined by Political Fix’s George Parker and Lucy Fisher to discuss. This episode was recorded on September 6 in front of a live audience at the FT Weekend Festival in London. 

Listen to the Swamp Notes podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Political Fix podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. The executive producer for Political Fix is Flo Phillips. This episode was mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-heads of audio are Topher Forhecz and Manuela Saragosa. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Bonus ep: How the UK is navigating the Trump era

It wasn’t the start to the new parliamentary term that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for. His insistence that his focus is now on “delivery, delivery, delivery” was eclipsed by the furore surrounding the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, over her tax affairs. To discuss where her precarious position leaves Starmer, plus his attempts to get the economic agenda back on track, host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, FT columnist and author of the daily Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush, and FT economics commentator Chris Giles. Plus, as the party conference season kicks off, the team looks at what’s on the menu for Reform UK supporters at their first ever conference.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and Chris @chrisgiles_

Going to the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House Gardens in London on Saturday September 6? George and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. FT Live has a 10% discount for all FT podcast listeners with the promo code FTPodcasts. Find a registration link to use with the discount here

Send a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix@ft.com

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free here 

Want more?

The UK is a Fiscal Saint not a Sinner

Reform UK ‘going to the next stage’, says deputy leader

Keir Starmer seeks to get a grip on UK economy with new hires

This episode of Political Fix was presented by George Parker, and produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Rayner, Reeves and Reform

Just as Sir Keir Starmer was stealing a few days' summer holiday, Reform unveiled its immigration policy, former Labour heavyweights called for a withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights, and Tony Blair popped up in the White House. So with recess nearly over, the prime minister is trying to take back the news agenda starting with a shake-up at Number 10. And with conference season almost under way, an upcoming visit from President Donald Trump, and the Budget around the corner, Starmer has ample opportunity to seize the spotlight. Host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, and FT columnist and author of the daily newsletter Inside Politics Stephen Bush.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert: @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and Anna @AnnaSophieGross 

Want more?

Farage is winning the new battle of Brexit

Donald Trump holds White House talks on postwar plan for Gaza

Keir Starmer launches Downing Street shake-up 

Can Labour pull off a comeback?

Jack Straw says the UK should ‘decouple’ from the ECHR

The FT Weekend Festival returns for our 10th edition on Saturday, September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. 

 

George Parker and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. If you can’t make it, please send a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix.com.

PLUS, sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. 

Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Farage, flags and the ghosts of Labour’s past

England’s NHS is in a ‘critical and deteriorating condition’ - those are the words of Lord Darzi who investigated the state of the NHS for the new Labour government last year. In response, Starmer unveiled a ten year plan to fix it focusing on delivering three big shifts in healthcare: hospital to community; analogue to digital; sickness to prevention but is it too little, too late, or is the problem just too big to fix?

In this week’s special episode, host George Parker is joined by our global health editor, Sarah Neville, deputy comment editor Miranda Green and FT economics commentator, Chris Giles, author of the weekly newsletter on Central Banks. Together they discuss some of the key problems facing the UK’s healthcare system, its financial situation and why it matters so much to both the public and politicians.

Follow: George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social or X @GeorgeWParker; Sarah Neville @SarahNev; Chris Giles @ChrisGiles; and Miranda Green @greenmiranda

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer 

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

Want more? Free links: 

Will the NHS 10-year plan fix England’s crumbling health service?

The future of the NHS

Wes Streeting says ‘jury is out’ over pay deal for doctors as talks continue

One in five UK doctors are considering quitting, regulator warns

Miranda's column - Ask Green: Is laughter the best medicine?

CLIPS: 

BFI

BBC

Sky News

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. Manuela Saragosa is the acting co-head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The mess in the NHS

Maga arrived in Chipping Norton this week, heralding an intense round of British diplomacy ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. Ukraine is top of the agenda and both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy have been doing their bit liaising between US vice-president JD Vance and President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders. In this week’s episode, host George Parker is joined by Europe editor Ben Hall and Whitehall editor David Sheppard to discuss how the UK is playing its hand on the global stage and the role of soft power in its negotiations. 

The FT Weekend Festival returns for our 10th edition on Saturday September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. Get details and tickets here

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Ben Hall @hallbenjamin and David Sheppard @OilSheppard

Want to get in touch? Email politicalfix@ft.com 

Want more? Free links: 

Putin hails Trump’s ‘energetic and sincere’ efforts to end Ukraine war

Zelenskyy faces his ‘moment of maximum pressure’

JD Vance to meet Reform’s Nigel Farage after talks with Tory MP Robert Jenrick

George Osborne arranged Cotswolds holiday for JD Vance

How the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft power

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

CLIPS: Manchester Evening News

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Starmer's superpower: soft power?

Political Fix is on a break this week. In its absence, we're taking the opportunity to introduce you to its sister podcast, Swamp Notes, the weekly US politics podcast from the Financial Times. Six months after the Trump administration gutted the US Agency for International Development, experts are tracking the impact of its absence. The FT’s David Pilling and the Brookings Institution’s George Ingram describe the surprising ways countries are adapting to a world with less resources for the poor, sick and starving.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Email Marc with your questions (Marc.Filippino@FT.com)

What the closure of USAID is really costing the world

USAID cuts threaten 14mn extra deaths by 2030, warns study

The shifting future of foreign aid

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Listen to Swamp Notes on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. Samantha Giovinco mixed this week’s episode. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Introducing Swamp Notes: The real cost of gutting USAID

The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservatives’ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done.

Clip: BBC

Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb

Want more? Free links:

The delicate balance in policing extremism

Conservatives’ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute

Why Sunak’s latest blunder troubles MPs

How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit 

Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the ‘centre’ of government

Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government

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 Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. 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.

Who’s an extremist in the UK?

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