Iran shock for Starmer
Political Fix
Spring forecast rendered out of date
Sam explains how the OBR spring statement was quickly overtaken by the energy shock and fiscal limits.
A week into the Iran war and Sir Keir Starmer is scrambling to defend the UK’s position on the conflict. Criticised by Donald Trump over blocking the US from using British military bases to launch initial strikes on Iran, and under pressure from allies such as Cyprus to do more to protect the region, the PM is also facing demands to participate in strikes from the British right. But polling suggests the UK public is broadly in line with his policy on the conflict. This week host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and our economics editor, Sam Fleming, to discuss London’s response to the war. Plus, the panel examines chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring forecast and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s new immigration policy.
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Keir Starmer calls for de-escalation and defends his leadership over Iran attacks
In defence of hand-wringers and pearl-clutchers
Trump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible’ Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill’
Rachel Reeves faces hazardous fiscal picture even without Iran war
UK to further curtail rights of asylum seekers
Wealthy Dubai residents race back to UAE to avoid tax bills
Clips from: BBC
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Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky; @lucyfisher.ft.com ;Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming and Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson and Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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