Politics Weekly UK

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What can Andy Burnham learn from the ‘blue wave’ in the US? Nov 05, 2026

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As Donald Trump licks his wounds from a bruising set of midterm election results, the UK will look nervously to what he might do on the international stage in order to cement his legacy. Plus, Pippa and Kiran discuss what lessons Labour can take from the Democrats, and ask if they in turn can learn from Andy Burnham’s rise to power. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Why is Labour risking a row over migration? Nov 02, 2026

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As home secretary Shabana Mahmood announces her controversial migration plans, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the political context that has led to this announcement and why the timing for Andy Burnham – who is out of the country – is very convenient for him. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Why politicians chasing economic growth is a lie | Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty Oct 31, 2026

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What if someone told you the truth about the economy? For years, governments have tried spending more, spending less, cutting red tape, Brexit, levelling up – and still failed to increase growth per person in the UK. So what’s the lesson from the great British fairytale? On the latest episode of Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty, the rebel economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal explain why they believe praying for growth is a fool’s dream – and why it won’t improve your life. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Will Healey’s budget tackle the cost of living? Oct 28, 2026

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John Healey has delivered a ‘steady as she goes’ budget, with help for the cost of living a big theme. The chancellor promised a £100 energy payment for some households, extended the VAT suspension on electricity bills to next July and confirmed the scrapping of gas standing charges. But after months of the same old message of ‘hope in difficult times’, and many of the big decisions on tax and spending delayed until next year, what should we take away from today?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

What makes Andy Burnham think Britain can rejoin the EU? Oct 26, 2026

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Andy Burnham claims revising Brexit would ‘bring people together’. The PM wants to look again at issues such as free movement but rules out joining the euro or Schengen. Would rejoining the EU open old wounds and risk further division? Plus, as the chancellor, John Healey, gears up for a tricky budget, what should you be looking out for?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

“Culture is stagnant, so politics is stuck” – playwright James Graham | Radical Thinking Oct 24, 2026

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Are we doomscrolling our way into a democratic crisis? That’s what the playwright James Graham fears may be happening, as he suggests that our algorithms have led us into ‘a massive crisis of the new’ and are preventing us from imagining a different future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Rosebank row: will Labour block the oilfield? Oct 22, 2026

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The government has given the go-ahead for the Jackdaw gasfield, but that was the easy part. The next big headache is the Rosebank oilfield. The energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has indicated she might reject this licence because of the project’s expected environmental impact, but could Andy Burnham overrule her to help the chancellor, John Healey?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Who is Alan Milburn and will he get young people back to work? Oct 19, 2026

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As young people take to the streets across the world to protest over living standards, Andy Burnham is hoping the former health secretary Alan Milburn has the answers to prevent similar unrest in Britain. The long-awaited Milburn review will recommend investing in jobs and apprenticeships for under-25s by taking money from the welfare budget. It sounds very Blairite, so how does it fit with the prime minister’s overall plans – and will Labour MPs like it?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

‘Austerity is inevitably painful’: How Michael Gove justifies his politics | Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty Oct 17, 2026

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For more than three decades, Michael Gove has been a leading figure in British Conservatism. As a journalist, government minister and now editor of the Tory bible, the Spectator, he has helped shape the right even as it has moved further rightwards. In the latest episode of Radical Thinking, Gove joins Aditya Chakrabortty to discuss the future of the right, his record on Brexit and austerity, and the Spectator’s position on Islam. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Is Andy Burnham in hot water over Manchester City? Oct 15, 2026

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Andy Burnham is being accused of a serious misjudgment over his comments about meetings with Manchester City’s owners. Kiran Stacey discusses the controversy after returning from a trade trip to India with the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and the new Greater Manchester mayor, Bev Craig, during which Stacey discovered that a representative of the football club was also present. The club was recently found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League rules. What could the fallout mean for Burnham?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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