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
Sep 22, 2025 • 18min
Reform's deportations & Your Party's implosion
Ethan Croft, a political correspondent at the New Statesman, shares insights on Reform's controversial immigration policies. He discusses Nigel Farage's plan to abolish indefinite leave to remain and its potential impact on various communities. Joining him is Megan Kenyon, also from the New Statesman, who delves into the chaos within 'Your Party.' She highlights the recent tensions between Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, exploring the challenges of leadership versus grassroots participation.
Sep 20, 2025 • 33min
Has history overlooked the enslaved who fought for freedom? | Sudhir Hazareesingh interview
Sudhir Hazareesingh, a historian and politics tutor at Oxford University, delves into the often-overlooked role of the enslaved in their own emancipation. He uncovers stories of resistance dating back to the 1500s, challenging the conventional narrative of abolition. Hazareesingh discusses spiritual arguments for freedom drawn from Christian, Islamic, and indigenous traditions. He contrasts ideas of individual rights with African concepts of collective autonomy, and explores the implications of these histories for modern discussions on reparations and unity in contemporary movements.
Sep 19, 2025 • 32min
The US has bought Britain
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Marr, a prominent broadcaster and political commentator, dives into the implications of a massive £150bn US investment in the UK. He explores the historical ties between the two nations and the potential cost of this growing dependency. The conversation highlights American tech's influence on British institutions and the pressures on local infrastructure, including job cuts and tax revenue losses. With insights on how investment may reshape Britain, Marr and his co-host Will Dunn leave listeners questioning the real impact of this American influx.
Sep 18, 2025 • 27min
Your Party meltdown
Ethan Croft, the new political correspondent at the New Statesman, joins to dissect the chaos surrounding 'Your Party'. He discusses the confusion over its membership launch, including claims of hacking and mixed messaging. The internal rift is highlighted, especially Zahra Sultana's 'boys club' accusation, revealing deep-seated tensions between personalities and policy. Croft also touches on grassroots dynamics and the potential for a split, all while forecasting the party's next moves leading up to their November conference.
Sep 17, 2025 • 46min
Can Zohran Mamdani save the American left?
Guest Ross Barkan, a New Statesman columnist, discusses Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking campaign in New York City. Born in Uganda and raised in Manhattan, Mamdani is captivating voters with progressive policies like rent freezes and free public transport. Barkan highlights the backlash from business elites due to his proposals and examines shifting attitudes among Jewish voters regarding Israel. He also connects Mamdani’s rise to a resurgence of the left, questioning if this could reshape the Democratic Party's future.
Sep 16, 2025 • 38min
Trump, Starmer and Mandelson don't walk into a banquet
The podcast dives into Trump's highly anticipated state visit to the UK, focusing on the debates around Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment. The scandal involving Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein raises pressing questions about oversight in political appointments. Meanwhile, listeners get a humorous take on royal accommodations for Trump and speculations about the state banquet. Amidst this, the Labour Party faces internal turmoil, with implications for their leadership as they navigate recent controversies and unrest.
11 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 32min
Tommy Robinson's protests & Danny Kruger's defection
A massive far-right protest in London drew over 110,000 attendees, spotlighting a surge in nationalist sentiment. The chaotic atmosphere featured prominent figures like Katie Hopkins, while the rally sparked debates on race and identity. Meanwhile, Danny Kruger’s defection from the Conservative Party to Reform raises eyebrows, questioning the future of British conservatism. The discussions delve into the implications of reclaiming national symbols and the evolving dynamics within a fractious political landscape.
9 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 16min
Are politicians LARPing? | Listener questions
The hosts tackle provocative listener questions about the political landscape. They explore whether the Greens are ‘anarchists’ and discuss the Americanization of British politics. Insights into Theresa May's puzzling rise to the premiership reveal how chaos shaped her journey. The conversation dives into the chaos surrounding Brexit and its implications for electoral stability. Plus, they critique the tendency of British politicians to 'LARP' their roles, emphasizing the need to refocus on domestic issues rather than reflexively adopting American narratives.
Sep 13, 2025 • 59min
Where does JK Rowling get the time to obsess about me? | Nicola Sturgeon interview
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, shares her journey of reshaping Scottish politics while navigating crises like the independence referendum and the Covid-19 pandemic. In a candid discussion with Anoosh Chakelian, she addresses the complexities of nationalism, her polarizing persona, and a surprising public feud with JK Rowling. Sturgeon also reflects on her early political challenges, emotional vulnerability, and the evolving dynamics of Scottish independence, urging a more responsible dialogue on sensitive issues.
11 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 24min
Political violence becomes mainstream in the US
Freddie Hayward, a Washington, D.C. correspondent for the New Statesman, delves into the shocking murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and its implications for American politics. The discussion highlights the increasing normalization of political violence and how it’s impacting rhetoric across the political spectrum. Hayward examines the dangerous narratives emerging from these events, the emotional toll on communities, and the repercussions for democratic processes. This conversation sheds light on a troubling trend that’s reshaping political discourse in the U.S.
