Politics Weekly UK

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Why was the government allowed to keep the Afghan data breach secret? Jul 21, 2025

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The revelation that the government concealed a huge story about the resettlement of people from Afghanistan after their lives were put at risk by a data breach has left Westminster reeling. So why was it allowed to be kept secret for so long? And what could the fallout be? The Guardian’s political correspondent Kiran Stacey joins John Harris to discuss. Plus, Harris speaks to Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, about his plans to tackle the climate crisis, why it’s becoming a culture war issue, and how to combat that. And, what does the public really think about net zero? Harris asks Sophie Stowers, a pollster from More in Common. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The big stink: will a new watchdog clean up our waterways? Jul 21, 2025

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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s plans to overhaul the water industry. Will they be able to clean up the waterways of England and Wales, and what could it mean for bills? Plus, what is Keir Starmer’s latest move to help restore public trust in politics? And, as MPs break for summer, Pippa and Kiran hand out their end-of-year awards …. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Have tax rises become inevitable? Jul 14, 2025

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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how Rachel Reeves will try to reassure her party and the country about the state of the economy in a major speech this week. Also, how does the government plan to convince the public – and other MPs – to embrace net zero measures? Plus, as details of Donald Trump’s second state visit are confirmed, why won’t he be addressing the UK parliament?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

More headaches for Labour: Send, strikes and small boats Jul 09, 2025

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Only a week after the government was forced to retreat on benefits reform, there’s now controversy over its plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). John Harris speaks to Kate Cox, a parent of two children with special needs, about why there’s such concern about the plans. Plus, with NHS doctors going on strike again and small boat crossings reaching a record high, how can the government get out of this mess? John speaks to the political correspondent and fellow host of Politics Weekly, Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Is Send the next battleground for Labour? – Politics Weekly UK Jul 07, 2025

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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss why backbenchers and campaigners are already gearing up for another fight, this time over children’s special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support. And, could a new party on the left be a threat to Labour?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

One year of Labour - Politics Weekly live at Crossed Wires festival Jul 06, 2025

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One year on from Keir Starmer’s election victory and Labour are well behind Reform in the polls, while the government is already having to bend to the will of its backbenchers. So how can Starmer recover? Kiran Stacey talks to Jonathan Ashworth, the chief executive of Labour Together and former MP for Leicester South, and Marie Tidball, the Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, about the party’s first year in government, live at the Crossed Wires podcast festival in Sheffield. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Unhappy birthday? Labour in turmoil after one year in government – Politics Weekly UK Jul 02, 2025

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This week marks one year since Keir Starmer came to power after a landslide election victory. But with questions over the Chancellor’s future, historically low popularity and a series of U-turns, Labour has not had the honeymoon period some might have wished for. So how did we get here? John Harris is joined by Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey to talk through the first year of Starmer’s government and what might come next ---- Get tickets to the Politics Weekly live event here: crossedwires.live/podcast/guardian-politics-weekly ---- Get tickets to One year of Labour with Pippa Crerar here: theguardian.com/1yearoflabour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

How the welfare bill went wrong – Politics Weekly Westminster Jun 30, 2025

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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how the government was forced into backtracking on its plans to cut disability payments. Will changes to the welfare bill be enough to win over rebels? And how damaging is another U-turn for Keir Starmer and his team?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The welfare cuts rebellion – Politics Weekly UK Jun 25, 2025

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Keir Starmer is vowing to push ahead with plans to cut disability payments. But with more than 100 Labour MPs threatening to rebel, could he be forced into another U-turn? Kiran Stacey asks Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey and the Guardian’s Heather Stewart. Plus, in the age of Trump, does the UK still matter on the world stage? Labour peer and former EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton joins Kiran to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and how much influence Britain really has. -- Get tickets to the Politics Weekly live event here: crossedwires.live/podcast/guardian-politics-weekly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

UK walks diplomatic tightrope over Trump’s attack on Iran – Politics Weekly Westminster Jun 23, 2025

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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how Keir Starmer’s government is responding to the US president’s decision to launch attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. What might happen next? And what could it mean for the UK and the world?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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