Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
Will Starmer’s approach to Trump tariffs pay off? – Politics Weekly Westminster
It’s shaping up to be another tricky week for the government, with Donald Trump’s tariffs threatening to blow up everything the chancellor announced in her spring statement. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at what the fallout might be, and whether Keir Starmer’s friendly approach will pay off. Plus, with…
Wes Streeting’s plan to fix the NHS – Politics Weekly Westminster
The government has put improving the NHS at the heart of its plans, but will it be able to deliver on its promises? And how long could it take to turn the health service around? Pippa Crerar asked health secretary Wes Streeting at a special Guardian Live event. In a…
Spring statement: Should a Labour government be making these cuts? – Politics Weekly UK
Amid poor economic growth forecasts and global instability, Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books by cutting spending on benefits. So why is a Labour government choosing this path? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey to unpick what was…
Spring statement: What to expect – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey walk us through what we can expect to hear when Rachel Reeves makes her spring statement on Wednesday. With the government facing downgraded growth forecasts, rising borrowing costs and the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs, how can it boost the economy and save public services?…
A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis – Politics Weekly UK
An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. This week, John Harris is in Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looks like, and whether it is too late to…
Politics Weekly Westminster: the cabinet revolt over benefits cuts
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Labour loses its way on benefits reform – Politics Weekly UK
After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable?…
Ed Miliband on net zero in the age of Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to…
Is Trump’s America still an ally to the UK? – Politics Weekly UK
The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the…
Will Starmer’s peace plan work after the Trump-Zelenskyy clash? – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey reflect on the momentous events of the last few days, after the jaw-dropping exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Keir Starmer takes on a pivotal role in lowering the temperature between the US and Ukraine, will his plan for a ‘coalition of the…
Special episode: Inside the room when Starmer met Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey have a behind-the-scenes look at Keir Starmer’s trip to meet Donald Trump at the White House, after Pippa travelled with the prime minister to Washington DC. So, how was Starmer’s charm offensive received by the president? And has the trip moved the dial on Ukraine…
On the road in south Wales: why is Reform UK on the rise?
This week, Politics Weekly UK is on the road in south-east Wales, hearing from those in traditional Labour heartlands. But with people increasingly frustrated that public services are crumbling and that nothing seems to change, Nigel Farage’s party fancies its chances at next year’s Senedd elections. John Harris asks why…
Can Starmer stop Trump’s Ukraine sell-out? – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to a pivotal week of diplomacy for Keir Starmer as he prepares to visit the White House. With Donald Trump’s hostility towards Kyiv looming large over the three-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, can the prime minister persuade the US president…
What role could the UK play in ending the Ukraine war? – Politics Weekly
Donald Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine have taken centre stage this week. But, with Ukraine excluded from US-Russia talks, could they really accept what might be on offer? And what role will the UK and Europe play?John Harris hears from diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour and columnist Gaby…
Is the assisted dying bill doomed? – Politics Weekly UK
The spotlight was back on the assisted dying bill this week after it was revealed that the requirement for a high court judge to decide on cases was to be scrapped. Those in favour of assisted dying say the change will make it safer, but does it undermine trust in…
Can Kemi and Keir combat the rise of Reform UK? – Politics Weekly Westminster
As Reform UK creeps up the polls, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how the Conservatives and Labour are responding to the threat from Nigel Farage’s party. Plus, will the government’s efforts to show voters it is serious about tackling illegal migration cut through? Send your questions and feedback…
Special episode: Behind the scenes of David Lammy’s Ukraine trip
Almost three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, what is the situation like on the ground in Kyiv? And is there a path to peace? Pippa Crerar travelled to the war-ravaged country with the foreign secretary to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Starmer’s diplomatic dance with Trump and the EU – Politics Weekly UK
Keir Starmer is treading a fine line as he avoids picking sides between the EU and US. But with Donald Trump saying he wants to ‘take over’ Gaza and threatening to impose tariffs on the EU, can the prime minister really keep both on side? John Harris asks Prof Anand…
Jeremy Hunt on Trump and the Tories’ future - Politics Weekly Special
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey chat to the veteran Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt about how to handle Donald Trump’s trade wars, his new life in opposition, and what’s next for the Tories.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Back to Brexit – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Keir Starmer’s trip to Brussels this week, as he attempts a post-Brexit reset. But how risky is seeking closer ties with the EU when Donald Trump is threatening a trade war?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod