Politics from the New Statesman
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics – every week.Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On Politics, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.--START HERE:▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?--LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.--MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday--Hosts:Anoosh ChakelianRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefAilbhe Rea, Political editorProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesPodcast and video producer: Rob Le MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 4, 2025 • 40min
Huntingdon train attack: knife crime in suburbia
Anoush Chakelian, a political journalist focused on crime trends, joins Rachel Cunliffe, a commentator on local politics, to tackle the alarming rise of knife crime in suburban England. They explore how these violent incidents are reshaping public perceptions and police priorities. Rachel reveals that despite increased visibility, overall knife crime rates may be falling, while social media amplifies public fear. The duo also connects cuts to mental health services with rising violence, shedding light on the broader societal issues at play.
Nov 3, 2025 • 44min
What's Farage's plan for the economy?
Ethan Croft, a journalist for the New Statesman, reports on Nigel Farage's economic vision for the UK. He discusses Farage's shift towards fiscal orthodoxy, abandoning major tax cuts, and focusing on appealing to rural voters by targeting inheritance tax. The conversation explores how Farage addresses criticisms of Brexit, his views on immigration's economic impact, and the party's preparations for governance. Ethan sheds light on Farage courting wealthy donors and potential non-MP cabinet members, positioning Reform as a serious contender in British politics.
Nov 1, 2025 • 20min
Do we have too many leftist parties?
Luke O'Reilly, a journalist and colleague at New Statesman, dives into the complexities of UK politics. He tackles pressing listener questions including the viability of the 'Build Baby Build' initiative and the potential fallout over safety concerns. The conversation shifts to Labour's hesitant critique of Katie Lamb, along with speculation on her leadership ambitions. A lively discussion ensues on whether the UK can sustain five large leftist parties, exploring vote-splitting and the role of trade unions in shaping party dynamics.
Oct 31, 2025 • 23min
David Lammy's plan to stop Farage | Exclusive interview
David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister and a prominent Labour politician, discusses his plan to counter the populist threat from Nigel Farage and Reform. He emphasizes tackling the cost of living crisis, fostering unity between the centre and left, and putting security at the forefront of Labour's strategy. Lammy also shares insights on international progressive wins, the importance of restoring public services, and engaging disaffected voters. He stresses the need for a broad coalition to ensure Labour resonates across different political spectrums.
Oct 30, 2025 • 24min
England's most deprived areas revealed
Ben Walker, a senior data journalist specializing in datasets like the English Indices of Deprivation, joins the discussion to unravel the stark realities of England's most deprived neighborhoods. They examine troubling trends, like rising deprivation in Birmingham and the Isle of Wight, as well as the ongoing struggles in areas like Jaywick and Blackpool. Walker sheds light on how local government challenges and housing pressures skew funding. They also explore the implications of child poverty, particularly in London, and how these trends impact voter intentions and political landscapes.
6 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
Abolish the rotten monarchy
Will Lloyd, Deputy Editor at New Statesman and advocate for abolishing the monarchy, explores the need for change in British royalty. He discusses Prince Andrew's controversial past, linking it to wider institutional problems. Lloyd also analyzes the media's role in shaping royal narratives and the idea of 'Windsorism.' The conversation dives into the monarchy's political influence and the contradictions in royal personas, while laying out a compelling republican case based on equality and humanist values.
Oct 28, 2025 • 25min
Can Labour afford to raise taxes?
Steve Akehurst, a polling analyst and director of Persuasion UK, dives into public attitudes towards Labour's tax pledges. He reveals that voters prefer tax increases over failing public services, like those in the NHS and crime. Akehurst highlights the strong support for taxing the wealthy but expresses doubts about its sufficiency. He also discusses the importance of framing tax rises to link them to immediate relief. Ultimately, he cautions that breaking tax promises could further erode public trust in politics.
Oct 27, 2025 • 26min
Should Labour sack Starmer to beat Reform?
Harry Clarke-Eziddio, a political reporter who recently covered the Caerphilly by-election, joins the discussion on the surprising election results and their implications for Labour and Reform. He shares insights on local voter sentiment and the missteps of Reform's campaign. The podcast delves into whether Keir Starmer can lead Labour to overcome growing challenges, especially with the rise of Plaid Cymru. The conversation also touches on the significance of the new deputy leader, Lucy Powell, and her potential impact on Labour's strategy moving forward.
18 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 46min
Two decades later, Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai returns
Kiran Desai, the celebrated Booker Prize–winning novelist, discusses her long-awaited new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, after nearly two decades. She reflects on the intense pressure of literary prizes and the evolving landscape of South Asian writing. Desai delves into how migration and loneliness shape her characters and the weight of history in storytelling. She also examines the impact of political issues like Hindu nationalism on her work and the role of literature in fostering empathy, particularly in a culturally rich but complex India.
Oct 24, 2025 • 29min
The death of Welsh Labour
Dan Evans, a sociologist and author, explores the shifting landscape of Welsh politics following a surprising by-election upset in Caerphilly. He discusses Welsh Labour's historical fragility and its failure to connect with voters. The conversation touches on why Labour's current problems stem from national unpopularity and local campaign missteps. Evans also analyzes the rise of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, potential governance chaos ahead, and the growing sentiment for Welsh independence among younger audiences.
