Labour Party Conference 2024 The Flint podcast

21:55

On 6 May, Friedrich Merz was formally elected Chancellor by the German Bundestag. Merz and his government will take office at a critical moment for Germany and for Europe. Our experts consider the implications for business of the choices confronting Friedrich Merz’s first cabinet. The challenges that Merz and his top team face are marked by economic difficulties, geopolitical uncertainties, declining competitiveness, and an urgent need for investment to drive growth. Rebuilding Germany’s leadership in Europe, notably by improving ties with France and with the UK, will also be a key objective of the new government to respond collectively to the Trump challenge as well as the Russia threat. In this podcast, Flint Director Anna Abela hosts a discussion on the new German government with: Andreas Krautscheid , Senior Adviser, a former CDU Member of the Bundestag and Minister of State in North-Rhine Westphalia, and CEO of the German Banking Association. Markus Becker-Melching , Senior Adviser, former COO of the German Banking Association and member of the Executive Committee of the European Banking Federation. François-Joseph Schichan , Director, former French diplomat including former head of Political Department at the French Embassy in London.…

1
Asia’s response to Trump’s tariffs 24:36

8 weeks ago24:36

24:36

On Wednesday, 2 April, President Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all US imports with specific tariffs for individual markets. Some of the highest rates were imposed on Asian jurisdictions. Countries across APAC have responded in a variety of ways: China has imposed retaliatory tariffs, Vietnam has offered to remove all tariffs, and a number of others, such as Japan, India and South Korea, are looking to start discussions with the US. This podcast discusses the latest tariff developments, the response from Asian jurisdictions, the implications for businesses and what comes next. Flint Partner Katie Whitting hosts the discussion with: Flint Partner and Head of Flint’s Trade and Market Access Practice, Sam Lowe Flint Senior Adviser and former Executive Director of the Singapore-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), James Crabtree Flint Senior Adviser and former Economic Director at the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office, Shahril Hamdan…

1
Spring Statement 2025 26:11

10 weeks ago26:11

26:11

On Wednesday, 26 March, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement. What she originally hoped would be a low-key statement has taken on much greater significance as downgrades to economic forecasts test the Government’s ‘non-negotiable’ fiscal rules. In this podcast, our experts discuss the decisions the Chancellor has made and consider the implications these choices will have for businesses – covering its impacts on the Government’s growth and public service ambitions, and what it could mean for the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and Spending Review. Flint Partner Jon Sell will host a discussion on the economic and political implications of the Spring Statement between: Flint Special Partner and former Permanent Secretary, Dame Sue Owen Flint Specialist Partner and former senior executive at the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility, Andy King Flint Specialist Partner and former adviser to the Chancellor, Ian Corfield…

1
The German election 24:28

14 weeks ago24:28

24:28

In this podcast, our experts assess the results of the German federal elections held on Sunday, 23 February. The new government faces considerable domestic headwinds, with a challenging economic outlook, waning international competitiveness, and significant investment needed to stimulate growth. Our experts discuss how the new government might tackle these challenges and the outlook for the business environment in Germany. On the international stage, we will also explore what a new government means for Germany’s foreign and defence policy, its position in the EU, and its relationship with the new Trump administration. Finally, we will set out what comes next after the elections, from the process of coalition building to the formation of a new government and appointment of a new Chancellor. Partner, Katie Whitting, chairs a discussion with: Andreas Krautscheid, Senior Adviser, a former CDU Member of the Bundestag and Minister of State in North-Rhine Westphalia, and CEO of the German Banking Association. Markus Becker-Melching, Senior Adviser, former COO of the German Banking Association and member of the Executive Committee of the European Banking Federation. Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner and former EU Commissioner.…

1
Trump month one - what have we learnt? 25:07

15 weeks ago25:07

25:07

In this podcast, our experts take stock of Trump’s first month in office and discuss the implications for the US’s political, security and economic relationships around the world. The Trump Administration has moved quickly, making a range of announcements about domestic policy, deregulation, tariffs, and foreign affairs. Even if this momentum slows, it is clear that the new Administration means change. For business, the most pressing issue is where Trump goes on tariffs. Beyond this, signalling on Ukraine, the Middle East, the transatlantic relationship, and China suggests the potential for significant shifts —with long-term implications for the operating context of most global businesses. Flint Partner Katie Whitting chairs the discussion with: Sam Lowe , Partner and head of Flint’s trade and market access practice James Crabtree , Flint Senior Adviser and former head of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Singapore office Francois-Joseph Schichan , Director and former French diplomat who specialises in European affairs.…

1
The Autumn Budget 30:07

31 weeks ago30:07

30:07

Yesterday, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Budget along with a one-year Spending Review setting departmental plans for 2025-26. In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for Labour’s government programme and the political and economic impacts for the business community. Flint Partner Jon Sell hosts the discussion between: Flint Specialist Partner and former Political Adviser and Media Spokesperson for Rachel Reeves as Shadow Chancellor, Heather Iqbal Flint Specialist Partner and former Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic and industrial policy, Giles Wilkes Flint Specialist Partner and former executive at the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility and senior Treasury official, Andy King .…

1
Labour after 100 days: Getting back on track 22:26

33 weeks ago22:26

22:26

In this podcast, our experts examine the successes and shortcomings of the Government to date, the style and dynamics of the top ministerial team and the potential impact of recent changes in No10. They also consider what Labour can do to regain momentum, including through Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget and the delivery of promised major policy strategies. Partner Kiran Horwich chairs the discussion with: James Purnell , Flint CEO, a former advisor to Tony Blair and Cabinet minister under Gordon Brown. Heather Iqbal , Specialist Partner, former political and communications adviser to Rachel Reeves. Siôn Simon , Specialist Partner, former MEP, MP and minister in the last Labour government.…

1
Crisis in the Middle East: what next and what does it mean for business? 26:03

35 weeks ago26:03

26:03

Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a new phase of conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have suffered major blows in the past few days, with Israel demonstrating the superiority of its military and intelligence services. It is unclear yet how Iran and its proxies will respond. International diplomacy urging restraint and a ceasefire has been fruitless. This situation creates new uncertainties for the region and globally, coinciding with the final stretch of the US presidential election campaign. Our Middle East experts consider what lies ahead and the implications for business of a potential further escalation of the conflict across the region. Katie Whitting , Flint Partner and former Australian diplomat chairs the discussion between: Sir Simon Fraser , Flint Founding Partner, former head of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Simon previously served in the British embassies in Iraq and Syria Alistair Burt , Senior Adviser, former Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa (2017-2019), former Member of the UK Parliament Matthew Lehrfeld , Senior Adviser, former US diplomat, previously posted in Iraq and Syria.…

1
Labour Party Conference 2024 27:13

36 weeks ago27:13

27:13

In our latest podcast, Flint experts r eview the Labour Party Conference, the Party’s first conference in power in 15 years. Our experts examine the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the wider Cabinet. We discuss Labour’s policy programme, its direction and strategy ahead of the Autumn Budget, and what all of this means for organisations and businesses in the UK. Partner Katie Waring chaired the discussion between: Siôn Simon , Specialist Partner, a former Labour MP, MEP, Metro Mayor candidate and minister in the last Labour government. Sam White , Specialist Partner, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer and adviser to Alastair Darling as Chancellor.…

1
The new European Commission 30:55

37 weeks ago30:55

30:55

In this podcast, Flint experts explore the structure and policy direction of the new European Commission unveiled by President Ursula von der Leyen. Our experts discuss what the new allocation of portfolios reveals about the EU’s balance of power, internal dynamics and political priorities for the upcoming mandate, in the wake of Mario Draghi’s recently published report on the future of European Competitiveness. They will also explain what to expect from the Commissioner hearings in the European Parliament. Flint Partner Fiona Wright hosts the discussion between: Benoit Roussel , Brussels partner Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner, former UK European Commissioner David Wright , Senior Adviser, former Deputy DG at the European Commission…

1
Global politics – where things stand at mid-year 26:40

45 weeks ago26:40

26:40

The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchanged. In addition, the situation in Ukraine has to some extent stabilised, there has been no major conflagration in the Middle East, and the temperature has been controlled between the US and China. But beneath the surface, a trend of political fragmentation and fragility has been an important emerging theme, and against this backcloth, the impending and dramatic US election now assumes even greater global importance. This pre-summer podcast takes stock of where things stand and looks ahead to the next six months. We unpack current and potential challenges to Western democratic governments and institutions – including the US, France, the EU and NATO – and examine prospects for China, Ukraine and the Middle East. Flint Partner Katie Whitting chairs the discussion between: Sir Simon Fraser , Flint founder and Managing Partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office James Crabtree, Flint Specialist Adviser and expert on geopolitics Matthew Lehrfeld , Flint Specialist Adviser and former US Diplomat.…

1
The French election results: Implications for France, the EU and business 22:14

48 weeks ago22:14

22:14

The second round of the French snap parliamentary elections took place over the weekend with surprising results. Over the coming days, the final count will probably raise more questions than answers. French politics will now likely change dramatically, with implications well beyond France’s borders. In the Flint Briefing Call recording our experts will explore these implications and what they mean for businesses and investors. They will consider what government could emerge from the election and what it would mean for policymaking, economic policy and financial stability in France and in Europe. More widely, they will cover the impact of a weaker French leadership at European level and internationally. The discussion was chaired by Flint Director and former French diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan, joined by Anne-Juliette Rohrbach, Partner and Managing Director of Flint France, Sir Julian King, former European Commissioner and UK Ambassador to France, and David Wright, Specialist Partner and former deputy director general of DG FISMA at the European Commission.…

1
The UK General Election Results: What comes next 28:57

48 weeks ago28:57

28:57

We now know who will form the next UK government. Starmer will head into the weekend leading a Labour government with a sizable parliamentary majority. However, while the most likely outcome of the election has been predicted for some time, there will still be business-critical lessons to learn from the results and the approach, we can expect the incoming government to take. In this Flint Podcast, our experts explore these questions and what they mean for businesses and investors. They consider the personnel of the new government as ministerial appointments begin, how Labour will prioritise and make decisions in its early days, and what in practice Labour policy and the ‘Mission Boards’ they want to establish to achieve it are likely to look like. Considering the longer term, they will also cover what impact backbenchers and the opposition parties will have over the Parliament, and how constraints in fiscal policy and the House of Lords will be managed.…

1
UK General Election: What comes after 27:10

49 weeks ago27:10

27:10

Next week a new Government is expected to form in the most significant change of political leadership since 2010. This will, of course, have major implications for any business or investor in markets where there is a government interest. For many, it will mean a need to build new relationships and shift messaging. For some, it will mean new risks to manage, or new opportunities to grab. Our political experts explore what clients need to be prepared for after election day. Focusing on the practical, covering the likely choreography of the formation of a new government and its early steps, what messaging will get the best reception, and how to ensure these cut through with new ministers swamped with requests. The discussion is chaired by Flint Partner, Katie Waring , former Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, and joined by former Labour minister Siôn Simon , former Permanent Secretary, Dame Sue Owen , and former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Liz Lloyd .…

1
French snap election: what is at stake for France, Europe and business 22:49

49 weeks ago22:49

22:49

Following a crushing defeat at the European election on 9 June, President Macron called a snap parliamentary election that will take place in two rounds on 30 June and 7 July. The result is uncertain but is likely to represent a watershed moment for French and European politics, with the far-right set to become the biggest party in the National Assembly. The election raises big questions for business on matters such as the political and economic stability in France and in the Eurozone, and on France’s influence at the EU level and internationally. The discussion is chaired by Flint Director Francois-Joseph Schichan , and joined by: Anne-Juliette Rohrbach , Flint Partner and Managing Director of Flint France David Wright , Flint Specialist Partner and former deputy director general of DG FISMA at the European Commission Thomas Barros-Tastets , Flint Partner and COO for Europe…

The Flint Podcast

1
Party Manifestos 28:44

51 weeks ago28:44

28:44

Last week, the UK’s three major parties launched their manifestos, setting out their policy pitch to voters. With the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives both a significant way behind in the polls, Labour’s was closely watched. Firstly, for the indications, it gives of what a Labour Government would do in power, and second, for any signs of unforced errors as the finish line nears. Our expert panel covers what they mean for the remainder of the campaign, what businesses need to be ready for in the early days of the next government, and what we should expect over the next parliament. Hosted by Flint Partner, Katie Waring, former Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, and joined by: Former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith Former Labour minister Siôn Simon Former Conservative Special Adviser James Hedgeland…

The Flint Podcast

1
2024 European Parliament election outcome 29:55

52 weeks ago29:55

29:55

The Flint Podcast

1
UK General Election: The fiscal environment for a new Government 30:14

52 weeks ago30:14

30:14

With Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicating she would wait for new fiscal forecasts before a post-election Budget eyes now turn to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Their take on the UK’s economic prospects and what different party’s plans will mean for growth will play a critical role in determining the decisions the next Chancellor can take. As manifestos are finalised - each party’s expectations for the fiscal room for manoeuvre they will have will also impact their overall ambition. To explore what this likely means, Flint Partner, Jon Sell , a former senior civil servant in the Treasury is joined by Andy King , former member of the OBR’s executive ‘Budget Responsibility Committee’, and Giles Wilkes , former government Special Adviser on economic policy.…

The Flint Podcast

1
UK General Election: Consequence for Business 29:46

1 year ago29:46

29:46

Rishi Sunak’s unexpected decision to call an election in July raises many immediate questions for business on matters such as the process from here, the fate of legislation, government decision-making, and engagement with politicians and civil servants. In this episode, our experts shed light on this. The discussion is chaired by Flint Partner, Kiran Horwich , and joined by Jacqui Smith , former Labour Home Secretary, Dame Sue Owen , former Permanent Secretary for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Nikki da Costa , former No10 Director of Legislative Affairs.…

The Flint Podcast

1
Can the EU meet its new geopolitical ambitions? 26:43

1 year ago26:43

26:43

As part of our coverage of the EU’s 2024 transition , this episode will discuss the EU’s external actions in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment. In recent years, the war in Ukraine, global supply chain disruptions and growing trade tensions with both China and the US have profoundly shaken the EU’s belief in a multilateral, rules-based international order. As the continent approaches the June 2024 European Parliament elections and the start of a new Commission mandate, a growing number of voices are calling on the EU to fundamentally review its approach by putting issues such as defence, economic security and enlargement at the top of its post-2024 agenda. Yet these new ambitions also face obstacles inherent to the EU system, from diverging national interests to limited competencies in e.g. defence and budgetary spending. To explore these debates and shed light on their potential impact on business, Flint Director Julia Quintella will host: Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner, former British Ambassador and former EU Commissioner for security Bruno Maçães , Senior Adviser, former Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and author of several books on geopolitics, China, Russia and technology…

The Flint Podcast

1
Ukraine – a further deterioration? 27:00

1 year ago27:00

27:00

Russian forces are on the offensive again. Putin has made significant changes to his defence and security team and is strengthening Russia’s relationship with China. In the West, US support has resumed after months of delays, but upcoming US and EU elections mean that long-term support will remain a challenge. Switzerland will host a peace conference next month, although it still seems unlikely that the war will end quickly. This episode examines these developments, what they mean for Ukraine and the geopolitical environment businesses operate. Director Francois-Joseph Schichan , former French diplomat, will chair a discussion with: Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner, former British Ambassador and former EU Commissioner for security Alex White , Partner, former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan Katie Whitting , Partner, former Australian diplomat…

The Flint Podcast

1
Unpacking the local elections 26:57

1 year ago26:57

26:57

Welcome to the latest Flint podcast episode. In this call experts assess the fallout from last week’s UK local elections, the last major electoral test before the general election. Flint Specialist Partners Sion Simon and Nikki Da Costa, join Partners Kiran Horwich and Matthew Hanney to examine the key results from the local and mayoral elections, the implications for the party leaders, and what all of this means for this year’s general election.…

The Flint Podcast

1
The collapse of the Scottish government? 26:18

1 year ago26:18

26:18

A recent decision to water down key climate targets has led to the collapse of the governing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens that was struck in 2021. This leaves the SNP as a minority administration, posing significant challenges over what can be achieved in Parliament. It also raises questions on the future direction of policy, particularly on areas that are already politically challenging for the SNP, such as oil and gas. The travails facing the SNP bolster the Scottish Labour Party’s chances of making significant inroads in Scotland, making a Labour majority government ever more likely. In this latest episode, Flint experts analyse how the current situation has evolved and what it all means for the business community both North and South of the border. This podcast is chaired by Flint Partner, Josh Buckland previously a senior adviser in the UK government, and joined by Liz Lloyd , former Chief of Staff to Nicola Sturgeon and Sam White , former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer.…

The Flint Podcast

1
EU 2024 series: EU and UK Energy policy - elections, priorities and challenges 28:04

1 year ago28:04

28:04

As part of our coverage of the EU’s 2024 transition , our latest episode features Flint experts discussing energy priorities and challenges, in the context of the upcoming elections in the EU and the UK. The European single market withstood an unprecedented energy crisis after Russia invaded Ukraine. While some parts of the Green Deal have been accelerated, it has also faced a strong backlash. Europe’s industry is under pressure due to the worsening security, geopolitical and economic context. Many are wondering what the EU elections in June and the next mandate will mean for the sustainability and energy agenda. The key question will be how to adapt the EU industry to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives in a volatile geopolitical environment while preserving its competitiveness. In the UK, energy and climate policy remain a key political issue, something that is unlikely to change whatever the electoral outcome. Although the pace of the transition will come under further scrutiny, a potential Labour government would inject further momentum in the agenda, including on the wider sustainability side. To shed light on the key debates that will define the future policy and regulatory agenda on energy in the EU and the UK, Flint Manager Ivana Bartolac will host a discussion between Flint’s experts: Gregor Kreuzhuber , Partner and Managing Director for Europe, formerly a European Commission official Josh Buckland , Partner supporting clients on energy, climate and sustainability issues, based in London, formerly an Energy Advisor in the UK Government Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner, formerly UK’s EU Commissioner, responsible for EU policy on security, cyber and other important aspects of tech and data.…

The Flint Podcast

1
EU 2024 series: What to expect from the next European Commission on financial services 27:25

1 year ago27:25

27:25

While the upcoming European Parliament elections will have more of an indirect impact on policymaking in general, the EU environment for the financial services industry will also be shaped by external factors such as competitiveness, macro-economic and fiscal pressures, geopolitical tensions, and the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. In the context of the Letta and Draghi reports, the need to revive the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and to mobilise private funding to deliver on the digital and environmental “twin transitions” is already emerging as a key priority. To shed light on what this entails for the next Commission’s agenda, Flint Partner and Managing Director Europe Gregor Kreuzhuber hosts a discussion between Flint’s financial services experts: David Wright , Flint Senior Adviser, Chair of Eurofi and former Deputy Director General at DG FISMA Fiona Wright , Flint Partner…

The Flint Podcast

1
UK Spring Budget 2024 Analysis 23:52

1 year ago23:52

23:52

In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for the Conservative and Labour parties and the political and economic impacts on the business community. Flint Partner Kiran Horwich hosts a discussion between: Flint Specialist Partner and former Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic and industrial policy, Giles Wilkes Flint Specialist Partner and former senior executive at the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility, Andy King Flint Partner and former Political Adviser to Labour’s Shadow Cabinet, James Kilmartin…

The Flint Podcast

1
Are we losing in Ukraine? 24:02

1 year ago24:02

24:02

In this podcast, our experts discuss the prospects ahead in 2024 as the military position of Ukraine worsens and the challenges to European security grow starker. We examine the situation on the ground, the military and political drivers of the conflict in 2024, how Western support will be affected by the US and EU elections and how the rest of the world is reacting. In particular, we ask whether the response of governments in Europe is sufficiently urgent, including in financial support and military equipment and spending - and what this means for the business environment. Partner Katie Whitting heads the discussion with: Sir Simon Fraser , Managing Partner, a former Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business and Head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner, former British Ambassador and former EU Commissioner for security Alex White , Partner, former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan…

The Flint Podcast

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#2: Will the BRICS become China's G11? 24:24

1 year ago24:24

24:24

In the second instalment of Geopolitics for Business, Flint director and former Australian diplomat Katie Whitting chairs a panel of Flint experts to discuss the outcome of the recent BRICS summit. They debate the significance of enlargement of the BRICS, whether China can succeed in turning this group into a counterweight to the G7, and what these changes could mean for business. Katie is joined by: Sir Simon Fraser , Flint managing partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service and Hayfa Matar , Flint partner and former Bahraini diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan , Flint director and former French diplomat.…

The Flint Podcast

1
#1: The NATO Summit and the Future of European Security 20:00

1 year ago20:00

20:00

In our first episode, we discuss the outcomes of the NATO summit that was held on 11 and 12 July in Vilnius, Lithuania. Flint Director and former French diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan hosts the discussion between this month’s guests: Sir Simon Fraser, Flint Managing Partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service and; Sir Julian King , Specialist Partner and the last British EU Commissioner.…

The Flint Podcast

1
Unpacking Labour Business Conference – the Flint de-brief 22:07

1 year ago22:07