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Keir Starmer says the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a UN meeting in September unless Israel meets certain conditions. As the UN warns of famine and aid agencies are raising concern about widespread starvation, countries are coming under pressure to change their approach and influence Israel. The UK's announcement follows Emmanuel Macron’s decision that France will do so in September and after more than 200 cross-party MPs signed a letter endorsing recognition.Political editor Tim Shipman and senior associate fellow at RUSI Michael Stephens join deputy political editor James Heale to discuss the situation. Plus, as Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland comes to an end, they discuss the surprising nuance in Trump’s position on Israel which was evident when he met Starmer yesterday.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Tim Shipman, Political Editor at The Spectator, provides keen insights into the dynamics between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump during their recent interaction at Turnberry. They explore the contrasting priorities regarding the Gaza conflict and UK-US trade relations, emphasizing how personal diplomacy can sway trade negotiations. The conversation delves into Starmer's navigation of public sentiment on Palestinian statehood and examines Trump's balancing act amidst rising scrutiny of Israel's actions. It's a compelling take on politics in action.

Kemi Badenoch, a British politician and current Cabinet Minister, shares her thoughts on pressing political issues. She discusses the UK government's stance following France's recognition of Palestine and the implications for the region. Badenoch dives into the complex humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for urgent resolutions and a ceasefire. Additionally, she tackles the contentious topic of immigration policies amid rising boat crossings, highlighting contrasting approaches between Labour and Conservative parties.

Katie Lam, a newly elected MP and former finance professional turned scriptwriter, joins Tim Shipman to discuss critical immigration issues. She reveals that 1.3 million non-British individuals receive universal credit, sparking debate over welfare dependency. Lam critiques current immigration policies, balancing empathy for migrants with taxpayer burdens and calls for a complete policy overhaul. She reflects on her family's immigrant history and shares insights on navigating political challenges and her ambitions to enhance trust in government.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned journalist for The Spectator, dives into the chaos surrounding Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new political venture. He reveals the awkward launch of their party, originally dubbed 'Your Party', and its potential to compete against Reform UK. The conversation covers the struggles of the left to unite amidst ongoing unrest, the importance of identity in political movements, and the shifting tides of voter sentiment. Shipman also touches on the challenges faced by Kemi Baden-Ock in navigating a complicated political landscape.

The UK has secured a landmark free-trade deal with India after lengthy negotiations, promising a £4.8 billion boost to the British economy. This agreement opens doors for exports like cars and whisky, marking a significant shift for India's traditionally protectionist stance. The discussion highlights both the strategic benefits of this alliance and the political ramifications for leaders like Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi. Additionally, there's a look at the challenges facing UK political leaders as they navigate economic hurdles and prepare for upcoming elections.

Madeline Grant shares insights on crafting political sketches, revealing why Keir Starmer is a prime subject for humor. The discussion touches on the record high FTSE linked to Trump's trade deal with Japan, juxtaposed with concerns about national debt. Exploring the blend of comedy and politics, the hosts highlight performance art’s role in shaping political satire. They also reflect on creative inspirations from figures like Michael Gove and the whimsicality of Gilbert and Sullivan in contemporary political commentary.

Tim Shipman, a key writer for The Spectator, shares insights on recent turmoil within the Conservative Party following a summer reshuffle led by Kemi Badenoch. He discusses the significance of Ed Argar's withdrawal for health reasons and how it opens doors for new roles, like Sir James Cleverley stepping back into the spotlight. Shipman explores the implications of these changes, particularly in the face of Labour's influence and the urgent need for the Tories to revamp their leadership strategy ahead of upcoming elections.

James Heale, a writer for The Spectator, joins the discussion on the Reform Party's bold crime policies proposed by Nigel Farage. They delve into the potential impact of a 'three strikes' system for serious offenders and how this could challenge the current government. The conversation also covers the Conservatives' strategies in response to these initiatives, as well as the complexities behind crime statistics that shape public perception. Additionally, Heale addresses the critical state of Britain's aging water infrastructure and the need for urgent reforms.

This discussion dives into Labour's bold plan to halve sewage pollution by 2030 and the challenges facing water company regulation. Nigel Farage pushes for partial nationalization, stirring debate around financial accountability. The talk shifts to the internal rifts in political parties regarding climate policies, showcasing the struggle between job preservation and green energy investments. Lastly, the Liberal Democrats present an ambitious vision to cut energy bills in half, critiquing current government strategies while emphasizing the urgency for renewable energy solutions.