Daily Politics from the New Statesman
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics – every weekday.Anoosh Chakelian, Oli Dugmore 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 Daily 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 ChakelianOli DugmoreRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefWill Lloyd, Deputy editorAndrew Marr, Political editorGeorge Eaton, Senior editor, politicsHannah Barnes, Associate editorRachel Cunliffe, Associate political editorWill Dunn, Business editorMegan Gibson, Foreign editorKatie Stallard, Global affairs editorTanjil Rashid, Culture editorKate Mossman, Senior writerProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesVideo producer: Rob Le MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 4, 2026 • 23min
Was Rachel Reeves’ spring statement out of date on arrival?
Discussion of how a major fiscal statement was sidelined by global conflict. Analysis of why forecasts became outdated once geopolitical shocks hit. Examination of claims on inflation, interest rates, and a touted £1,000 gain for households. Scrutiny of migration, pay, housing targets and how rising energy prices could erase projected benefits.
10 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 32min
Should the phrase "special relationship" be banned?
Ben Judah, journalist, author and ex-Foreign Office special adviser, offers sharp analysis on Anglo-American ties. He questions whether the phrase 'special relationship' still fits. He discusses US unpredictability under Trump, the erosion of bipartisan foreign-policy consensus, and why Britain might pivot toward deeper European and Franco-British cooperation.
8 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 23min
Iran war: Trump is playing into Putin's hands.
Katie Stallard, global affairs editor and foreign policy analyst focused on Russia, China and the Middle East. She discusses Russia and Iran’s pragmatic partnership and Putin’s reaction to the strike. She outlines short-term tactical gains for Moscow and longer-term risks to its influence. She explains how China sees the conflict and whether Russia or China might militarily back Iran.
10 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 45min
Does Trump have an endgame in Iran?
Fiona Hill, former senior U.S. presidential advisor and foreign policy expert, offers sharp analysis on recent Iran strikes. She explores why the action was timed now and whether it reflects a neocon resurgence or a chaotic power play. She maps immediate regional fallout, risks of asymmetric retaliation, Turkey and NATO implications, and how China and Russia might respond.
Mar 1, 2026 • 21min
Rare diseases: from lived experience to lasting treatments | Sponsored
Terry Pirovoulakis, a parent who led fundraising to develop a gene therapy for his son Michael with SPG50. Sam Barrell, CEO of LifeArc, who funds and shapes rare-disease translation. They discuss long diagnostic journeys, gaps in data and regulation, parent-led innovation, and calls for joined-up policy and a national rare-disease champion.
Feb 28, 2026 • 34min
"I'll handle a sea bass however I like" | Anoosh & Will's weekly round-up
A weekly roundup of headline political chaos and quirky local news. They cover Kemi Badenoch's clash over student loan policy and heated PMQs rhetoric. Reform UK’s proposals and problematic candidates get unpacked. There's a surreal Your Party hustings saga and inventive local stories like food-waste truck naming and a reporter's punch-bag discovery. New guidance on sea bass rules and fishing limits also gets a mention.
9 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 51min
The end of the Starmer project?
Alva Ray, political editor and commentator known for Westminster analysis, breaks down the Gorton & Denton shock. She discusses how the Greens upended Labour strategy. They probe Labour’s target-voter gamble, possible leftward pivots, and whether the Greens could become the new left alternative. The conversation examines voter realignment, internal party strains, and wider implications for British politics.
5 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 14min
Historic win for the Greens
Ben Walker, senior data journalist who decodes election numbers, breaks down the Greens' surprise win in Gorton and Denton. He parses why Labour lost ground, how local demographics and campaign tactics helped the Greens, and the role of controversial decisions and scandals in shifting votes. Short, sharp analysis of a political upset and its ripple effects.
Feb 26, 2026 • 28min
Puberty blockers, blocked
Hannah Barnes, investigations editor at the New Statesman who covers health and public service probes, explains the paused Pathways puberty-blockers trial and why ethical and safety concerns emerged. She also outlines Baroness Amos's interim findings that England’s maternity system is failing, with staff shortages, inequality and shocking care examples.
Feb 25, 2026 • 40min
Andrew, Epstein and the crumbling crown
Will Lloyd, royal correspondent and deputy/editorial contributor at the New Statesman, outlines the fallout from Andrew's arrest and his links to Jeffrey Epstein. He talks about the palace losing control, the limits of old royal PR, collapsing public deference, questions of accountability and comparisons with other royal figures. Short, sharp takes on how the monarchy is being tested.
