Politics At Sam and Anne's The three things keeping Keir Starmer in his job
Mar 12, 2026
They unpack leaked Mandelson files and the growing wave of disclosures around Number 10 communications. They outline Iran-driven oil shocks and how rising energy costs could reshape domestic politics. They examine defence readiness gaps, naval mine-hunting shortfalls and tensions between military leadership and the government.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Iran Escalation Risks Oil Prices Hitting $200
- Global oil supply risks are pushing prices sharply higher and threatening renewed inflation.
- Sam Coates highlights attacks on tankers, releases of reserves and warnings oil could hit $200 a barrel without a change in course.
Mortgage Market Reacts Immediately To Energy Shock
- Rising mortgage rates show immediate domestic fallout from global energy shocks and market nervousness.
- Sam Coates notes two-year fixed deals rose above 5% and lenders are withdrawing products at levels seen after the 2022 mini-budget.
Concerns Grow Over UK Combat Readiness In Gulf
- Whitehall is worried about UK combat readiness after mine-hunting and naval deployment gaps surfaced.
- Anne McElvoy reports the only mine hunter left the Gulf and questions why major assets like carriers weren't visibly deployed.