The Politics Show

Episoder

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  Is Burnham brave or naive? 01.10.2026 38min

  At this week’s Labour conference, Andy Burnham announced bigger and bolder policy ambitions than anyone expected. Was this too big a swing? Or the grand vision the country needs?Elsewhere, next Thursday, there is a by-election happening in Holborn and St Pancras, the seat vacated by Keir Starmer.Oli Dugmore is joined by business editor Will Dunn and political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham delivers packed conference speech 29.09.2026 21min

  Labour Conference 2026 draws to a close with Andy Burnham's speech.The PM's announcements included scrapping the triple lock pension, electoral reform, a new help-to-buy scheme, Great British Grid, an end to the public ownership ban on water companies and a range of options for our relationship with Europe which he will be looking into.Anoosh Chakelian is at the Labour Conference and is joined by Ethan Croft and Ailbhe Rea to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has Andy Burnham reached his peak? 28.09.2026 24min

  The Chancellor gives his conference speech just four weeks before his first budget and Andy Burnham proposes a national care service in England. Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft bring you the latest from the Labour Conference. LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Ed Davey too nice? 26.09.2026 33min

  The rise of balaclava Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s billionaire baloney and Donald Trump’s AI rebrand. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.📚 READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/ed-davey-has-a-superpower-immunity-from-embarrassmenthttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/the-rise-of-balaclava-britain https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/09/kemi-badenochs-billionaire-baloney LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has power changed Andy Burnham? 24.09.2026 55min

  For this week’s New Statesman, our Politics Show stars have been busy interviewing some key players in the past year of Labour turmoil.Ailbhe Rea, our Political Editor, had a fascinating encounter with the MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, the Starmer loyalist Darren Jones. And speaking of Andy Burnham, Tom McTague, our Editor-in-Chief, has been busy profiling the Prime Minister himself…LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Will AI kill us all? 19.09.2026 1t 8min

  Are tech companies turning apocalypse into profit?In 2022, we were all having fun with a new chatbot called ChatGPT. Meanwhile, ministers and civil servants of the British government were imagining how it might go horribly wrong. Four years ago, AI experts were concerned about what people might do using their technology. Today, they fear what the technology is doing on its own, without being asked.Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss his cover story.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/business/2026/09/will-ai-kill-us-all LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham's political donations headache 17.09.2026 32min

  Reform UK received two £36 million donations from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This has sent shockwaves through Westminster and thrown the question of political finance reform into sharp relief.Labour is caught in an uncomfortable bind - appalled by the scale of Reform's fundraising, but reluctant to cap donations in a way that could threaten trade union funding and destabilise its own finances. LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Farage’s fan club doesn’t care about scandal 12.09.2026 28min

  The fallout from Reform’s latest scandal, John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor and Ukraine’s plan to tax porn stars.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/the-gospel-according-to-nigel-paul-farageLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ed Miliband resets relations with Israel 10.09.2026 1t 4min

  Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled the biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades, and, in typical fashion, is putting his stamp on his new role.Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding Reform and their finances continues, with the Met Police announcing they are launching a criminal investigation.Pippa Bailey is joined by Ailbhe Rea, and guest Ben Judah, to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham can’t explain the economy 05.09.2026 36min

  Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/andy-burnham-cant-explain-the-economyhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/09/britain-must-stop-paying-benefits-to-millionaires LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham vs Badenoch: PMQs, round one 03.09.2026 1t 2min

  This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How can the UK protect its historic buildings from climate change? 02.09.2026 22min

  As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting? Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate. Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK’s climate goals. They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future. This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The investigation into “Farage Fest” 29.08.2026 28min

  The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Zack Polanski's honeymoon is over 27.08.2026 36min

  It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public. But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference.How is the Green leader faring one year on?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan KenyonProduced by Chris StoneLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How will Burnham navigate the North Sea? 24.08.2026 30min

  One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains.After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is the UK really poorer than Mississippi? 22.08.2026 29min

  What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Will Andy Burnham call an early election? 20.08.2026 30min

  On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What should the UK do with its unrecyclable waste? 19.08.2026 20min

  The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative?Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium.Our panel discusses the UK’s recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill.They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry.This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Reform's big benefits gamble 17.08.2026 37min

  After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits.Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham bounce: Labour overtakes Reform 15.08.2026 39min

  Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.