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
Oct 17, 2024 • 24min
Should the government prescribe Ozempic?
The health secretary's push to use weight loss injections like Ozempic as a solution for unemployment sparks a gripping debate. Experts question whether this pharmaceutical approach overlooks the deeper issues of economic deprivation and mental health. The conversation also tackles the accessibility of unhealthy foods and its connection to public health. With budget dynamics on the table, discussions about progressive taxation and the need for effective government investment strategies highlight the complexities of stimulating economic growth.
Oct 16, 2024 • 30min
Are we actually ready for assisted dying?
Craig Scott shares his poignant experience advocating for assisted dying following his father's end-of-life care. Hannah Barnes discusses the complexity and emotional challenges of assisted dying, drawing from her family's experiences. Catherine Sleeman highlights the pressing issues in palliative care, emphasizing the need for improvement. Nancy Preston brings attention to funding and awareness gaps in palliative services, shedding light on the ethical and societal dimensions of assisted dying legislation in the UK. This discussion is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.
Oct 12, 2024 • 27min
How do we solve the NHS productivity puzzle? | Sponsored
Join Sarah Woolnough, CEO of The King’s Fund; Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Julian Hunt, PwC’s Health Services Sector Leader, as they tackle the NHS productivity conundrum. They discuss how COVID-19 amplified existing inefficiencies and the gap between digital solutions and real-world needs. The trio highlights the importance of staff training and patient engagement to drive productivity, while emphasizing that successful practices from other sectors could inspire vital changes in healthcare.
Oct 11, 2024 • 23min
Rachel Reeves on who will foot the budget bill
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses Labour's economic strategies and upcoming budget plans. She emphasizes the need for equitable tax responsibilities, especially for the wealthy and non-Domiciled individuals. The conversation touches on Labour's vision for improving living standards and managing fiscal shortfalls. They also delve into recent policy shifts regarding public ownership and initiatives aimed at enhancing women's safety. Finally, climate change takes center stage as Reeves stresses the importance of science-based solutions.
Oct 10, 2024 • 37min
Nicola Sturgeon on Boris Johnson the “playground bully”
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, critiques Boris Johnson's memoir, calling it 'gut-wrenching' and 'craven.' She highlights the inconsistencies in his narrative, especially regarding his COVID leadership. George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe delve into the recent chaos in the Conservative Party's leadership race, spotlighting candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. They examine the implications of Keir Starmer's team shake-up and how it shapes future political dynamics in the UK.
Oct 9, 2024 • 37min
The US election result is already being legally challenged
Travis Doss, Georgia's election officials' president, shares the harrowing reality of navigating election integrity amidst political pressure. Jill Filipovic discusses how manipulation threatens democracy, while Katie Stallard reveals the looming legal challenges with 120 lawsuits in play. Dawn Brancati warns of potential unrest as delays in results could spark civil discord. The conversation delves into the erosion of trust in electoral processes and how election officials are increasingly facing threats in a charged political climate.
13 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 17min
Is our political funding system broken?
Andrew Marr, a prominent political commentator, and George Eaton, a political journalist, dive into the tangled web of political funding and its impact on British elections. They discuss recent controversies surrounding transparency and hypocrisy in the Labour Party, sparking debate on the effects of funding on working-class voters. The duo also tackles radical policies proposed by the Labour government, and the complexities surrounding Lebanon's right to self-defense amidst regional tensions, revealing the shifting dynamics of party politics.
Oct 3, 2024 • 28min
What really happened at the Conservative Party party?
Join Rachel Cunliffe, political commentator, alongside veteran journalist Andrew Marr, editor George Eaton, and former foreign affairs correspondent Katie Stallard. They dive into the unexpected vibrant energy at the Conservative Party's conference, despite recent electoral setbacks. The group discusses the party's optimism facing challenges, the importance of the upcoming vice presidential debate, and how voter priorities like the economy may overshadow issues of electoral integrity. A blend of humor and insight offers a lively perspective on current politics.
Oct 2, 2024 • 34min
One year of devastation in the Middle East
In this insightful discussion, guest Sharone Lifschitz shares a deeply personal account of her parents' abduction by Hamas, reflecting on the devastating impact on families amid the ongoing conflict. Alongside Lawrence Freedman, an Emeritus Professor of War Studies, they analyze the drastic escalation of violence in the Middle East and the emotional toll on civilians. The conversation also explores the complexities of peace negotiations and the growing humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for understanding and resolution in this tumultuous region.
Sep 26, 2024 • 40min
Could conspiracy trump democracy in America?
Hannah Barnes, an associate editor with a sharp political lens, joins Gabriel Gatehouse, a seasoned journalist, to dissect the alarming rise of conspiracy theories in the U.S. They explore a 2022 poll revealing widespread distrust in government, and the emergence of QAnon as a major influence on the political landscape. The discussion includes the interplay of misinformation, media partisanship, and the events of January 6th, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard democracy amid a growing belief in conspiracies.
