Walescast

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Budget Vote Loss: The Interviews Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

James speaks to First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth after his government fails to win the vote on their extra spending plans. He also catches up with Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates whose party refused to support changes to the budget. These interviews were on Radio Wales Breakfast on the 15th of July. You can catch up with that and Walescast's analysis on BBC Sounds.

In Conversation with the Bank of England's Chief Economist Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Huw Pill is one of just nine members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, the group responsible for setting UK interest rates – decisions that influence everything from mortgage costs to inflation.

Born and raised in Cardiff, Huw is now the Bank of England's Chief Economist and Executive Director for Monetary Analysis and Research. In this episode, Fliss and James speak to him about his Welsh roots, his journey from Cardiff to one of the most influential economic roles in the country, and his views on the challenges and opportunities facing both the UK and Welsh economies.

Nigel Farage's Resignation Gambit Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP, triggering a by-election he says he'll contest. Fliss and James are joined by Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the dramatic move, how it came about and the reaction from Reform UK in Wales.

They also discuss plans for a new economic development agency, which the Welsh Government hopes will help boost productivity and drive economic growth. Former minister Andrew Davies explains why he scrapped the previous Welsh Development Agency in 2006 and what lessons can be learned from its demise.

Plus, how should governments tackle complex policy challenges? Andy Regan, Head of Nesta Cymru, joins the podcast to discuss what works best when it comes to delivering ambitious reforms, including in areas such as childcare.

Can 'Manchesterism' work for Wales? Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In his first major speech since launching his bid to replace Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham focused on devolving power from Westminster. But what could it all mean for Wales? Greater Manchester, and the transformation Burnham says he's helped deliver there, was a focus of the speech. Fliss and guests examine the key ingredients behind the city's success and ask whether this can be replicated elsewhere in the UK, specifically in Wales.

Counting the change: Plaid's mini-budget Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Felicity Evans and Gareth Lewis speak to the Welsh Government's Finance Minister Elin Jones, and David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, about the supplementary budget.

Brexit: 10 Years on in Ebbw Vale Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

It's been ten years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU. James is in Ebbw Vale to reflect on the day. The town is part of the Blaenau Gwent where 62% of the population voted for Brexit, compared to an average of 52.5% across Wales. James talks to people about how they voted at the time and their thoughts on the decision ten years later.

Where did it go wrong for Sir Keir Starmer? Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Former First Minister Mark Drakeford joins James Williams and Gareth Lewis to assess Sir Keir Starmer's legacy, and to explain why he's backing Andy Burnham as his successor.

Can Extra Cash Cut NHS Waiting Lists? Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales' Health Correspondent to discuss his interviews with the new Health Minister and whether the extra funding he's announced can cut down waiting lists.

A Senedd Walkout and Education Updates Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James unpack the Senedd row that saw a walkout after a controversial speech in the Siambr by Reform MS Joe Martin. They’re joined by BBC Wales Political Reporter David Deans, who was there at the time, to break down what happened and why. The team also turn their attention to education, analysing the latest announcements from the Welsh Education Minister. They discuss her stance on social media bans, restrictions on mobile phones in schools and the ongoing difficulties around teachers’ pay and PISA with our Correspondent Bethan Lewis.

Plaid's childcare expansion: What's the plan? Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Childcare returns to the political spotlight in Wales this week. James is joined by Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the Welsh Government’s commitment to the policy, after surviving an important vote in the Senedd. They’re also joined by Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation to explore the real-world impact of getting childcare policy right (or wrong). Plus, James takes a closer look at a Welsh Affairs Committee report into prisons, probation and rehabilitation and the ''serious concerns'' it raises. Ella Rabaiotti from the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice breaks down the findings and what it all means for Wales.

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