Rachel Reeves’ Pre-Budget Speech and Tax Speculation

Hosts examine Reeves’ unusual pre-budget remarks and the possibility of tax changes, pensions, and political positioning.

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Episode notes

Nish and Coco celebrate the win of Progressive New York Democratic Mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani - and ponder what British lefties can learn from his social-media friendly campaign.

And is Chancellor Rachel Reeves about to rip up Labour’s manifesto promise not to introduce any new taxes on “working people”? She certainly seems to be laying the groundwork for it, after an unusual pre-budget speech on Tuesday. Nothing was announced - but it’s what wasn’t denied that tells a story…

Later - Nish and Coco discuss the disturbing influence of American anti-abortionist lobbies on the UK’s political system and what we can do about it with New York Times investigative reporter Jane Bradley and campaigner for sexual and reproductive health and rights Lisa Hallgarten. To nobody’s surprise, Nigel Farage is involved.

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GUESTS

Lisa Hallgarten - advocate, educator and campaigner for sexual and reproductive health and rights with a recent focus on young people’s right to better sex education. You can follow her on Instagram and Bluesky @FundamentalWrites

Jane Bradley - UK investigative reporter at the New York Times

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Jane Bradley's NYT article

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/world/europe/uk-abortion-farage.html

AUDIO CREDITS

CNN

Sky News

Reform UK

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