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
41 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 37min
Is English literature dying - and does it matter?
Join James Marriott, a sharp columnist for The Times and keen critic, alongside Tanjil Rashid, the New Statesman’s fresh culture editor, as they dissect the decline of English literature in education and society. They delve into alarming statistics on literacy among teenagers and discuss literature's fading significance in a digital world. The conversation touches on literature’s evolution from mere entertainment to a tool for moral and political engagement, pondering the repercussions of our shifting reading habits in an age dominated by quick media.
11 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 22min
🚨 How to defeat Reform - *Exclusive* with political polling analyst Steve Akehurst
Steve Akehurst, a political polling analyst and founder of Persuasion UK, joins hosts Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe to dissect the threats posed by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. They delve into the vulnerabilities of Reform, including how Labour and the Lib Dems can strategically counterattack. Akehurst shares innovative methods for testing political messages, revealing how associations with figures like Donald Trump influence voter perceptions. The discussion also touches on the shifting dynamics of the 'blue wall' and the importance of anti-elite sentiments in political messaging.
Jul 13, 2025 • 50min
Exclusive Green Party leadership debate
In this insightful discussion, Adrian Ramsey, the current co-leader of the Green Party, and Zach Polanski, its Deputy Leader, articulate their visions for the party's future. They delve into key priorities for the upcoming general election, stressing the importance of grassroots activism and social justice. The candidates also examine leadership dynamics, the challenges of forming political partnerships, and the need for effective representation. Additionally, they critique housing legislation, urging a balance between affordability and environmental protection.
Jul 12, 2025 • 24min
How can the UK take the lead in the skills revolution? | Sponsored
Sharon Hague, UK Lead at Pearson, champions the need for better training and education to fill skills gaps. David Bell, Vice Chair of Skills England, emphasizes aligning education with industry demands as a path to economic advancement. They dive into the financial impact of a skills mismatch and discuss the vital role of government in fostering a culture of continuous learning. The duo explores how the UK can leverage technology and innovative training approaches to lead in the evolving AI-driven economy.
Jul 11, 2025 • 25min
How is Sultana's new party ever going to work? - Listeners questions episode
Joining the discussion are Rachel Cunliffe, a lobby correspondent specializing in UK politics, and Megan Kenyon, a writer focused on the welfare rebellion and new left parties. They tackle the challenges of Zarah Sultana's new left-wing party, debating how to unite diverse viewpoints. The conversation also covers Labour's media strategy and how effectively they’ve dealt with scrutiny. Additionally, they explore the implications of voting reform amidst these political shifts, analyzing the future of UK party dynamics.
13 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 28min
Large parts of the State a 'complete car crash'
Join Anoush Chakelian as he chats with Rachel Cunliffe, who delves into the implications of the five-day doctor's strike for Labour. George Eaton discusses the challenges the junior doctor strikes present to the government, while Will Dunn analyzes the OBR report, highlighting Britain's long-term fiscal issues, like an aging population and rising pension debts. The discussion reveals the urgent need for policy changes to restore confidence and addresses the crisis in the justice system, marked by an overwhelming backlog.
Jul 9, 2025 • 32min
Robert Jenrick: Genuine PM potential or just foreshadowing Farage?
Harry Lambert, a contributing writer at the New Statesman, delves into the controversial rise of Conservative MP Robert Jenrick. They discuss Jenrick's radical political evolution and his surprising popularity on social media. Lambert highlights the implications of Jenrick's hardline views and controversial stance on immigration. The conversation also touches on how viral content is reshaping political engagement, especially among younger voters, and how the Conservative Party navigates its identity amid shifting demographics.
Jul 8, 2025 • 19min
Are Oasis in fact the greatest Irish band ever?
As Oasis embarks on their much-anticipated reunion tour, the hosts dive into the band's intriguing Irish roots and what that means for their legacy in Britpop. They share exhilarating concert experiences, contrasting intimate shows with massive festival performances. The discussion highlights cultural identity in music, examining how audiences from different backgrounds connect with performances. Plus, they tackle the rise of the politically charged band Kneecap, exploring the intersection of music and activism in shaping national identity.
Jul 7, 2025 • 19min
SEND: Labour's next backbench battle
Will Dunn, a writer for the New Statesman and creator of the Morning Call newsletter, joins the discussion on the urgent challenges within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. He highlights the implications of recent welfare reform and the looming financial strains on local councils. The conversation also delves into the rising costs of outsourced childcare services and the Labour Party's internal struggles over education policy. Dunn emphasizes the need for substantial reforms to ensure better support for disabled children amidst political austerity.
Jul 6, 2025 • 21min
Jake Richards MP on the welfare bill and ECHR reform
Jake Richards, Labour MP for Rother Valley, discusses the pressing need for reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights. He highlights the political risks of changing the UK’s ECHR membership and the impact of welfare reform on Personal Independence Payment claimants. Richards advocates for a bolder strategy in addressing these challenges while navigating public misconceptions. He shares personal experiences from parliamentary life, emphasizing the importance of impactful changes for his constituents and the nation.
