Episodes

  • Is Keir Starmer ‘complacent’ on defence?

    Is Keir Starmer ‘complacent’ on defence?
    Apr 16 2026
    Keir Starmer has hit back at Labour peer George Robertson’s criticisms about defence funding. Why has the government been slow to prioritise defence and what trade-offs is Keir Starmer willing to make in order to increase spending?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Hormuz, Hungary and the UK shifting closer to the EU

    Hormuz, Hungary and the UK shifting closer to the EU
    Apr 13 2026
    After 16 years in power in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has been defeated, marking a huge shift in the European Union. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has defended potential legislation that will align the UK with European rules – without a vote in parliament. Plus the government confirms the UK will not support Donald Trump’s planned blockade of the strait of Hormuz, but what will it offer instead?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Trump and the Middle East: can Starmer do anything?

    Trump and the Middle East: can Starmer do anything?
    Apr 9 2026
    Keir Starmer and the UK government are scrabbling to keep up with Trump’s fast-changing position on Iran and the Middle East. While a two-week ceasefire is in place, how long will it hold for? Peter Walker and Alexandra Topping look at what happens now. And, with the local election campaign under way, how are the different parties responding to the conflict?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • The Greens, Reform and the end of two-party politics?

    The Greens, Reform and the end of two-party politics?
    Apr 6 2026
    In part two of our interview, Kiran Stacey speaks to the political scientist Prof Rob Ford about the voters Labour and the Conservatives are losing to the Greens and Reform, and how May’s elections could play out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Labour’s mistakes: is it too late to turn things around?

    Labour’s mistakes: is it too late to turn things around?
    Apr 2 2026
    In part one of a special two-part interview, Kiran Stacey talks to the political scientist Prof Robert Ford about Labour’s so-called ‘landslide win’, the long-lasting impact of Brexit on our politics, and the lessons that should have been learned from the 2024 election. Is it now too late for Starmer to turn things around?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • How will the Iran war play at the ballot box in May?

    How will the Iran war play at the ballot box in May?
    Mar 30 2026
    Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot look at how the continuing and deepening conflict in the Middle East will hit people in the UK, and how it could impact May’s elections. Plus, as parliament breaks for recess, has the assisted dying bill reached the end of the road?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Wes Streeting: ‘I don’t want to see Keir challenged in May’

    Wes Streeting: ‘I don’t want to see Keir challenged in May’
    Mar 25 2026
    Wes Streeting gave a speech outlining his performance on the NHS and plans for the future. Was this his unofficial leadership pitch? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down with the health secretary to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Trump rows back on strait of Hormuz threat – what next?

    Trump rows back on strait of Hormuz threat – what next?
    Mar 23 2026
    The US president has extended by five days his deadline to ‘hit and obliterate’ Iran’s power stations and energy infrastructure if Tehran does not allow shipping to move freely. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss what is behind this change of tone and the impact the uncertainty will have on the cost of living in the UK. Plus, with just over six weeks until the local elections, they talk through what to watch as the results come in. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins