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
10 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 34min
Trump wins peace in the Middle East
Katie Stallard, a policy expert on Middle East diplomacy, joins Ethan Croft, a New Statesman contributor, and Rachel Cunliffe, a political journalist, to analyze a major hostage return and ceasefire. They unpack the complexities of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the durability of this peace. The discussion shifts to the UK's behind-the-scenes role, highlighting Tony Blair’s influence and Jonathan Powell's key involvement. The panel also debates Donald Trump's contributions to the deal, with cautious optimism about the future stability of the region.
Oct 11, 2025 • 26min
Is Labour just mild-mannered Faragism?
The discussion dives into whether Labour's approach mirrors Farage's politics, especially on immigration and rhetoric. They compare Labour's immigration policies against Reform's extreme proposals, highlighting vital policy differences. Child poverty is a significant focus, with debates on the two-child benefit cap and its impact since 2017. The hosts also discuss the implications of raising income tax versus other fiscal reforms and examine the political landscape surrounding workers' rights. Lastly, they explore the intersection of housing, insecure work, and child poverty.
Oct 10, 2025 • 33min
On the ground in the new Calais Jungle
Miles Ellingham, a journalist specializing in migrant issues, and Jack Jeffrey, a seasoned reporter with conflict zone experience, dive deep into the new Calais Jungle. They discuss the harsh realities of migrant camps, including the zero fixation policy that keeps people in flux. Hear personal stories like that of a mother named Hope, and the trauma faced by young migrants from war-torn regions. They expose the complexities of smuggling routes, the financial burdens of crossing, and the moral failures within policy responses, advocating for a more humane approach.
Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
Labour's deja vu problem
In this discussion, Andrew Marr, a seasoned political journalist and the political editor for the New Statesman, joins Tom McTague to dive into Labour's current landscape. They explore Shabana Mahmood's ambitious plans to reform migration laws and the internal clashes within Keir Starmer's team. Marr analyzes the influence of Blair-era figures on today's politics and reflects on the nostalgic allure of those years. The conversation also tackles Britain's geopolitical stance, the tension between migration policy and progressive values, and the role of seasoned operatives in contemporary governance.
Oct 8, 2025 • 27min
Tory conference through the eyes of the NS ... and GB News
Join Ethan Croft, an on-the-ground reporter who provides a vivid account of the Conservative conference, capturing Kemi Badenoch's electrifying speech and the party's ambitious yet questionable policy proposals. Will Dunn, a journalist who watched the conference through GB News, analyzes the channel's Reform-centric approach and its unique framing of political events. Together, they dissect the atmosphere of a seemingly nostalgic Tory gathering and explore the tension between feel-good politics and hard policy realities.
Oct 7, 2025 • 41min
Abolish landlords?
Megan Kenyon, a journalist and New Statesman contributor, and Luke O'Reilly, an experienced political journalist, dive into the Green Party's bold proposal to abolish landlords. They explore the implications of targeting rentier capitalism and discuss how this connects to historical Labour ideas. The conversation also touches on the party's eco-populist policies and electoral strategies. Additionally, they analyze Labour's reforms on house-buying processes and the Tories' controversial funding plans for first-time buyers, all while questioning the impact of these policies on housing affordability.
Oct 6, 2025 • 58min
October 7th changed the West forever
Rachel Cunliffe, a journalist specializing in politics and culture, discusses the profound impact of the October 7th attacks on Jewish life in Britain. She explores the rise of antisemitism and the personal ramifications for Jewish communities, contrasting today's climate with historical ties on the left. Cunliffe sheds light on the dangerous conflation of Jews with Israeli policies and warns against right-wing exploitation of Jewish safety to promote Islamophobia. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and a renewed humanist approach that values both Jewish and Palestinian lives.
Oct 4, 2025 • 22min
Are we talking about Reform too much?
This discussion dives into the disproportionate media attention given to Reform, exploring how polling influences this visibility. The hosts dissect how mainstream parties craft their messages in response to Reform's increasing prominence. They also examine Labour's proposed digital ID system, its implications for non-smartphone users, and the potential backlash in Northern Ireland. The podcast highlights public skepticism surrounding ID cards, questioning the balance between efficiency and privacy.
Oct 3, 2025 • 27min
Dispatch from the Manchester synagogue attack
Ethan Croft, a political reporter for the New Statesman, shares his harrowing experience reporting on the horrific synagogue attack in Manchester. He describes the tense atmosphere upon arrival and emphasizes the impact of the incident on the close-knit Jewish community. Discussion reveals the grassroots security measures at synagogues and the rise in anti-Semitic incidents. The conversation also addresses political responses, including Keir Starmer's solidarity, and raises ethical questions about media coverage of the attacker's motives.
Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Is a Starmer comeback on the cards?
In this discussion, political journalist Andrew Marr shares insights on Keir Starmer’s unpopularity and potential comeback. He evaluates the impact of Starmer's recent conference speech, noting how it defined his stance and contrasted with Nigel Farage’s rhetoric. Marr also explores the challenges posed by social media in shaping public opinion and the evolving communications strategies within the Labour Party. As Starmer faces upcoming political tests, Marr emphasizes the need for robust internal debates to refine policy arguments.
