Best UK Politics Podcasts (2024)

1
Forking Out for Farmers: The Political Choices Impacting British Agriculture 12:36

3d ago12:36

12:36

After Brexit reshaped the agricultural landscape, UK farmers face a new reality. EU subsidy payments are being phased out and replaced by a new Sustainable Farming Incentive. We discuss the impact of these changes, rising production costs, and the challenge of maintaining food security with David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers' Un…

1
Carla Denyer and the Green party: four MPs v the climate crisis 35:31

17m ago35:31

35:31

The Green party made history in the general election, winning four seats for the first time. But how much will it be able to achieve in parliament when facing the gravity of the climate crisis? The Guardian’s John Harris sits down with Carla Denyer, the Greens’ co-leader and MP for Bristol Central, to ask her what comes next for the party. Help sup…

1
Palestine's Struggle, Global Politics and Regional Power Shifts with Mouin Rabbani 41:50

30m ago41:50

41:50

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown engages in a profound discussion with Mouin Rabbani, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern affairs, focusing on the Palestinian struggle and its intricate position within the evolving dynamics of the Middle East. Rabbani offers a comprehensive analysis of Israel's intensified military actions in Ga…

1
Starmer's Berlin Getaway: The UK Reconnects With Germany 12:58

4d ago12:58

12:58

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has escaped his gloomy budget outlook in search of a brighter future relationship with the UK's neighbours, starting with Germany's Olaf Scholz. We discuss with our Germany Correspondent Oliver Crook and Evie Aspinall, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and James Woolcock. See omn…

1
Politically Painful: Will Voters Accept Starmer Shifting the Blame? 12:58

5d ago12:58

12:58

Keir Starmer took on the job of Prime Minister with a message of hope and optimism, but less than eight weeks later, he's warning of a "painful" budget to "get the rot out". We discuss the tone and content of the Prime Minister's speech with Philip Collins, former chief speechwriter to Tony Blair and founder of communications advisers The Draft. Ho…

1
Kamala Harris, and the New Face of American Leadership 41:15

2h ago41:15

41:15

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown leads a deep discussion with an expert panel on two major developments: the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the suspension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign. With voices spanning from Texas to the UK, the panel provides a well-rounded analysis of these pivotal moments in U.S. p…

1
Migration Moves: Can Starmer Change the Conversation? 13:19

10d ago13:19

13:19

The latest Home Office migration figures show a drop in the number of people moving to the UK for work and study, as well as a fall in asylum applications. Public concern over migration remains high, leaving Keir Starmer’s government facing a complex array of challenges. We discuss the political and economic ramifications of the data with Ben Brind…

1
Politics Weekly UK is on holiday 0:24

1h ago0:24

0:24

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break for the summer. John Harris will be back on Thursday 29 August, and in the meantime you can listen to our previous episodes here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

1
Winter is Coming: Economics and Politics Collide For Labour 14:05

11d ago14:05

14:05

Colder months are on the horizon and Rachel Reeves' decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance has stirred up controversy. With over 400,000 signatures on a petition against the move and growing concerns about rising heating bills, we explore the challenges of stretched public finances and meeting manifesto pledges with John McTernan, former …

1
Union Wages War: Could Labour Pay Deals Have a Domino Effect? 14:25

12d ago14:25

14:25

Labour announced a success last week: a 15% pay deal for train drivers to end their dispute. But within a day, some were back on strike with a new grievance. We explore the political and economic implications of Labour's different approach to the unions, with UK Associate Editor Ailbhe Rea and Peel Hunt’s Chief Economist Kallum Pickering. Hosted by…

1
No Space For Justice: Emergency Action on Prisons 13:18

13d ago13:18

13:18

A surge of arrests, trials, and looming prison sentences is threatening to overwhelm the UK's judicial system. 'Operation Early Dawn' will see defendants held in police cells because there are no prison places available. What will it mean for already over-stretched prisons and courts? With Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates' Associati…

1
Battleground Shifts: Kamala's Surge and UK's Economic Upswing 49:07

18m ago49:07

49:07

In this week's episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and his panel of political experts—Zee Cohen Sanchez, Logan Phillips, Corey Bernard, Aram Fisher, and Olissa Jones—dive into the chaotic landscape of U.S. and U.K. politics. On the U.S. side, the focus is on the latest struggles of Donald Trump's campaign as Kamala Harris gains momentum in…

1
Results and Realities: The Future of Higher Education 13:53

17d ago13:53

13:53

Today is the day: thousands of students across the UK receive their A-Level results. But as many students celebrate, universities are grappling with mounting financial pressures. We discuss the state of higher education with Edward Peck, Acting Chair of UCAS' Board and Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yu…

1
Politics Weekly UK’s summer culture list - podcast 6:24

34m ago6:24

6:24

The Guardian’s John Harris gives his review of the best books, music and TV from 2024 so far. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

1
Manchester Levels Up: What's behind the city's success? 14:13

18d ago14:13

14:13

Manchester is booming. The city has become a UK success story with its tech sector and vibrant cultural scene helping it to grow faster than London. We discuss Manchester's secret and what it can teach struggling rivals, with author and columnist Julia Hobsbawm. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

1
Logging Out: Why Politicians Are Calling Time on X 19:06

19d ago19:06

19:06

Modern politics is entangled with X, aka Twitter. But in the wake of the UK riots, and Elon Musk's support of right-wing causes, some Labour MPs say they're leaving the site. We ask social media consultant Matt Navarra and Daniella Lebor, from global advisory firm APCO, how the platform has changed, the challenges it poses, and if disgruntled MPs h…

1
A Taxing School Year: How Parents are Responding to Private School VAT Rises 14:13

20d ago14:13

14:13

The Labour government will, as promised, apply VAT to private school fees from January. Schools and parents have been considering their options, with some consulting financial advisers about the changes. Our finance reporter Charlotte Hughes-Morgan explains the reasoning behind the policy, and what parents and educational institutions are doing abo…

1
Up to the Courts: Riots Fizzle, Justice System Gears Up 13:01

24d ago13:01

13:01

Anti-racism protesters turned out in their thousands last night, to counter far-right riots that failed to materialise. So, as the disruption abates - what now? Bloomberg legal reporter Jonny Browning discusses how the focus is shifting to the courts. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Will the threat of arrests be enough to stop far-right violence? Politics Weekly UK 31:00

6d ago31:00

31:00

Far-right mobs have continued to threaten communities this week, with violence expected at asylum centres and law firms on Wednesday night. Keir Starmer has said he wants sentences handed out by the end of the week to those already arrested but does this leave the root causes of the violence untouched? Gaby Hinsliff speaks to the Guardian’s deputy …

1
Foreign Interference: Who's behind the UK riots? 14:05

25d ago14:05

14:05

It’s been nine days since riots began tearing through the UK, and the role of online platforms and disinformation is increasingly under scrutiny. Our EMEA Equality Editor, Siraj Datoo unpacks how suspected foreign agitators and domestic extremists have used social media to incite violence and spread racism. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts …

1
The Reeves Roadshow: Chancellor Courts Investors As Riots Continue 13:10

26d ago13:10

13:10

Rachel Reeves is in the United States to drum up investor interest in the UK, which she says is "open to business". But as riots continue at home and a £22 billion government spending hole looms, can she sell the UK's investment potential? Bloomberg put these questions and more to the Chancellor in New York. We discuss what her answers tell us abou…

1
England Riots 1:05:54

8d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown navigates the disturbing riots sweeping across England. Joined by Leah Brown in Broadstairs, Jane Mote in Sussex, Tonye Altrade in London, and Michael Donoghue in Los Angeles, the discussion dives into the roots of this turmoil sparked by the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. With…

1
Riot Reckoning: Violence Presents Crucial Test For Starmer 13:09

27d ago13:09

13:09

The Prime Minister says those taking part in the riots around the UK will face the "full force of the law" as he meets ministers, prison and police chiefs. We discuss the police response and challenges facing the government with Labour councillor Roy Bailey, who's a criminal justice researcher and former police superintendent. Hosted by Stephen Car…

1
Prisoners' Dilemma: Labour Reckons With Justice Reforms 14:42

1M ago14:42

14:42

Keir Starmer has described the overcrowding in prisons as the UK's most urgent crisis, but will his plan to fix it by releasing prisoners early work, and can the public be convinced to support it? We discuss with Pia Sinha, who worked in the prison system for more than two decades, and is now CEO of the Prison Reform Trust. Hosted by James Woolcock…

1
Are Southport riots a sign of our political future? Politics Weekly UK 36:39

12d ago36:39

36:39

Merseyside police have said members of the far-right English Defence League took part in the riots in Southport on Tuesday night. The clashes followed the spread of misinformation and hatred online after three children were killed in a knife attack. John Harris talks to the Guardian correspondent Hannah Al-Othman, who is in Southport. Plus, our pol…

1
Misinformation Overload: When Online Talk Sparks Real-World Violence 11:54

1M ago11:54

11:54

After a peaceful vigil in Southport for three young girls killed during a knife attack on Monday, violent protests erupted in which dozens of police officers were injured. The local Police and Crime Commissioner said the rioters were apparently drawn by online rumours about who was behind the attack - none of which have been proven. We discuss the …

1
Is Labour's Honeymoon Already Over? Breaking Down the Chancellor's Statement 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

Rachel Reeves has administered some bitter fiscal medicine, rudely interrupting the new government's honeymoon. We break down the detail of what the UK Chancellor announced and what it means for the government's finances and Labour's political fortunes. With UK Political Editor Alex Wickham and Chief Economist Dan Hanson. Hosted by Caroline Hepker …

1
Blame Game: How Bad Are the Government's Finances? 13:07

1M ago13:07

13:07

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is pointing the finger of blame at the Tories for a gaping hole in the public finances. We ask how bad the situation is and whether Labour can stick to its pledges on taxes at the same time as improving public services. We're joined by Stuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute For Government's public services tea…

1
Existential Blues: The Tory Leadership Race Gets Underway 13:53

1M ago13:53

13:53

The first contenders have emerged in the Conservative leadership race, but there's a long road ahead, with the winner only being chosen in November. How do the Tories confront their election loss without trashing their record in public? We discuss the race with Nick Faith, Co-founder of WPI Strategy and Advisory Board Member of think tank Onward. H…

1
Labour suspensions and the Tory leadership race - Politics Weekly UK 33:02

20d ago33:02

33:02

Keir Starmer has suspended seven of his MPs who rebelled against the whip to scrap the two-child benefit cap. So why won’t Labour scrap the controversial limit, and what does this first test of Starmer’s leadership tell us about the party’s financial position? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff and former Downing Street…

1
Kamala Harris shakes up the race 54:19

19d ago54:19

54:19

In a seismic shift in American politics, Vice President Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, following President Joe Biden's withdrawal. This unexpected turn of events has ignited both enthusiasm and apprehension among Democrats and political pundits alike. On today's episode of "Mid Atlantic,"…

1
Starmer's First Rebellion: Is the Left Being Left Behind By Labour? 19:18

1M ago19:18

19:18

Keir Starmer has suspended seven MPs for voting against the government to end to the two-child limit on some benefits. What does Labour's response to its first rebellion tell us about how the party will approach discipline in this parliament? We ask Sam White, former adviser to Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling and former Chief of Staff to Keir St…

1
Small Boats, Big Problem: Will Labour Do Any Better? 12:23

1M ago12:23

12:23

New Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says the Rwanda scheme was expensive and has not delivered any results. With illegal boat crossings likely to spike over the summer, we ask Senior Researcher at The Migration Observatory, Peter Walsh, if Cooper's claim is really that surprising, and if Labour's plan can succeed where the Conservatives failed. Hosted…

1
Politics Weekly Westminster: Biden drops out and Starmer enjoys a honeymoon period 29:31

22d ago29:31

29:31

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the US presidential race and whether the honeymoon period that Keir Starmer is enjoying will last. Plus, are the Tories really going to wait until next April to elect a new leader?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

1
Biden's Political Exit: Can US Democrats Turn Around Their Electoral Fortunes? 14:05

1M ago14:05

14:05

Two crucial issues are likely to shape UK politics over the next five years: boosting economic growth, and who occupies the White House. As Joe Biden becomes the first US President to step aside as an incumbent in more than 50 years, we take a look at his potential replacement Kamala Harris: what British politicians might want to know about her and…

1
The New Chancellor Interview: Rachel Reeves Speaks to Bloomberg 13:13

1M ago13:13

13:13

Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks to Bloomberg in her first major broadcast interview since taking over the Treasury. She discusses economic growth, trade with China and the US, and how the new government is going to raise money to fund its agenda with Bloomberg's Editor-At-Large Francine Lacqua. Hosted by Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener…

1
Gun shots and Nominations 56:49

1M ago56:49

56:49

Mid Atlantic dissects a chaotic week in American politics marked by an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the consequential nomination of J.D. Vance as his running mate. Host Roifield Brown, broadcasting from Birmingham, leads a panel including Ira Shapiro, Michael Donoghue, Denise Hamilton, and Aaron Fisher, who share their…

1
The king’s speech: can Labour keep the optimism going? 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

There were more than 35 bills in Labour’s first king’s speech. So what does it tell us about the party’s ambitions? And with world events turning darker, can the euphoria around the Labour party last? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journali…

1
Keir's Speech: Labour's To-Do List, Read by the King 13:12

2M ago13:12

13:12

Keir Starmer's new government set out its agenda for the parliamentary year with 39 bills listed in the King's Speech. The Prime Minister says the legislation will 'lay the foundations' for the change his administration believes the country needs. We discuss the economic and political implications with Bloomberg's senior economics reporter Philip A…

1
'A Deadly Quartet': Defence Review Faces Up to New Challenges 13:21

2M ago13:21

13:21

The government is to carry out a 'root and branch review' of Britain's armed forces, led by Tony Blair's former defence secretary - and former NATO boss - George Roberson. He says the UK is facing a 'deadly quartet' in the shape of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Our guest, Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow in European Security at RUSI, tells …

1
Politics Weekly Westminster: Trump, the king’s speech and Europe 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the implications for UK politics. Plus, a preview of the king’s speech. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

1
Bold and Bloodied: Trump Assassination Attempt Reverberates Around Global Politics 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally over the weekend. Now, attention turns to his response at this week's Republican National Convention, and whether it improves his re-election prospects. We discuss with Bloomberg's senior writer Stephanie Baker and get international reaction from our correspondent Oliver Crook in Be…

1
Things get harder for Biden as Starmer Starts 53:48

2M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown, dives into the passionate responses surrounding England’s recent football triumph and the dynamic political landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic. The excitement over England's victory, especially Ollie Watkins' crucial goal, sets a lively tone as Roifield welcomes guests Jane Mote, Tonye Alt…

1
Introducing 'Here's Why' - Complex News Stories Explained 0:30

2M ago0:30

0:30

Listen to the 'Here's Why' podcast: - on Apple: https://apple.co/3Lg3RGn - on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LiIX9q - or Anywhere: https://bit.ly/3xYsHHy. Each episode of 'Here's Why' uses experts at Bloomberg to explain one news story in just a few minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
A Week IS A Long Time In Politics: Tories Look To Rebuild 13:53

2M ago13:53

13:53

Former Tory party chairman Brandon Lewis tells us it would be a mistake to exclude grassroots members from choosing the next Conservative leader. As the contenders slug it out in public, how can the party take control of its destiny? Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Politics Weekly Westminster: Starmer in the US, Badenoch and the PopCons 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are on two sides of the Atlantic this week. They discuss Keir Starmer’s first foreign trip, and whether the Conservatives can find the soul of their party. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

1
Labour's Round Robin: Taking Stock Of The Government's Work So Far 12:38

2M ago12:38

12:38

Keir Starmer's Labour government have wasted no time getting started on policy making. So far we've heard plans to scrap the defacto onshore wind ban in England, ditch the Rwanda deportation scheme and launch a £7 billion National Wealth Fund. Bloomberg's UK Politics Editor Alex Morales joins us to discuss the biggest government moves to date and l…

1
What To Expect From Starmer's Debut On The World Stage 13:13

2M ago13:13

13:13

The prime minister's debut on the world stage sees Keir Starmer enter the room as one of the key leaders not burdened by political instability at home. Political editor Alex Wickham tells us what's on the PM's agenda at the NATO summit as he meets allies for the first time since entering number 10. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omny…

1
Labour's Policy Blitz: Reeves Outlines Growth Plan 14:06

2M ago14:06

14:06

Rachel Reeves has outlined her party's plan to grow the economy, in her first major policy speech as Chancellor. It's been part of a whirlwind first few days for the new government. We discuss with our UK economy reporter Tom Rees and City Editor Katherine Griffiths. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
Politics Weekly Westminster: Starmer’s first week 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to the first week of the new Labour government. Plus, Pippa is going to be in Washington with Keir Starmer on his first foreign trip as prime minister. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

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UK Politics Podcasts

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