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
Feb 24, 2026 • 25min
A three horse race in Gorton and Denton
Ben Walker, senior data journalist who models elections, breaks down a three-way race in Gorton and Denton. He maps the constituency split and explains how distinct Labour bases face different threats. He walks through who is standing, tactical-vote pressures, turnout effects, and a Britain Predicts photo finish that puts Labour, Greens and Reform in a near tie.
Feb 23, 2026 • 36min
What if Russia wins?
Carlo Masala, German political scientist and author on Russian strategy, offers a stark look at a possible Russian victory. He explores Russia testing NATO, targeting border towns, and using war to legitimize expansion. He discusses European capability gaps, nuclear signalling, and whether Europe can shoulder more defence without full US backing.
4 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 28min
Labour Together’s attack on press freedom
Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor at the New Statesman, offers sharp analysis of UK political turmoil. She explains why Labour Together matters and the controversy over a commissioned report into journalists. Short takes cover the delayed local elections, the political U-turn, and Reform UK’s new shadow cabinet and internal tensions.
Feb 20, 2026 • 22min
Rutger Bregman “This Trump phenomenon really is fascism”
Rutger Bregman, Dutch historian and author known for bold public interventions and books on optimism and social policy, discusses viral media moments and the persona behind them. He tackles whether current US political shifts amount to a modern form of fascism. He reflects on liberalism’s decline, moral ambition versus happiness, and historical lessons about eroding norms.
Feb 19, 2026 • 28min
Andrew arrested
Will Lloyd, royal correspondent who covers the monarchy, gives concise analysis of Prince Andrew's arrest and its fallout. He discusses police searches, legal constraints on commentary, royal accountability through history, and how the incident affects the King’s image and plans. Short, sharp takes on media handling, constitutional implications, and the potential impact on upcoming royal engagements.
Feb 18, 2026 • 36min
Is Bridget Phillipson really the most dangerous woman in Britain?
Pippa Bailey, executive editor at the New Statesman who wrote the cover profile on the education secretary, delves into Bridget Phillipson’s motivations and political positioning. She discusses Phillipson’s cautious reform style, white paper priorities like narrowing attainment gaps, pressures around SEND and EHCPs, and debates on phones, curriculum and academy powers. Short, vivid reporting from interviews and visits.
Feb 17, 2026 • 27min
Has Starmer killed Welsh Labour?
Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour, former council-estate kid turned devolved policy-maker. She discusses backing Keir Starmer for Welsh stability. Talks include Welsh recycling and powers, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, threats from Reform and Plaid, and plans for skills, apprenticeships and long-term investment.
Feb 16, 2026 • 32min
Should we ban social media for under-16s?
George Eaton, senior editor and UK politics analyst, breaks down the debate over banning social media for under‑16s. He outlines Australia’s approach, global momentum and Labour’s shifting stance. Short discussions cover enforcement challenges, public polling, alternatives like curfews and design changes, plus wider tech geopolitics and political risks.
Feb 14, 2026 • 33min
The Labour Party's "unpopularity contest"
A lively roundup of political chaos, from a fake resignation email to allegations of illicit foreign influence. They riff on AI oddities, including a dangerous nutrition chatbot. The conversation highlights a dive into party unpopularity data and bizarre media headlines. Plus culture beats: sporting controversy and strange local noise fights.
Feb 13, 2026 • 24min
£100k salary, feeling poor – is tax killing ambition?
A listener earning over £100k warns of a 'tax trap' that creates 67% marginal rates and lost childcare support. The discussion covers ways to blunt the threshold hit like pensions and salary sacrifice. They also debate student loan forgiveness, public polling and political fallout. Finally, they unpack MPs earning extra income, media loopholes and rules letting politicians present shows.
