Political Fix

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became more brutal this week, with urban bombardment of civilians. We discuss what is likely to happen next and the west’s response. Plus, we explore whether the UK is doing enough to tackle dodgy Russian money in London and what further sanctions should be introduced. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, Laura Hughes, Tom Burgis and special guest Tom Tugendhat. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of warnings from the west, Russia invaded Ukraine this week, prompting what some say could be the continent's worst conflict since the second world war. We explore why President Vladimir Putin decided to invade, his histrionic explanation, the situation on the ground and how the conflict will pan out. Plus, we examine the response from western nations, whether sanctions will work and what the effect on Britain would be.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Max Seddon, Ben Hall, George Parker and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliament may have been in recess this week but the political action hasn't stopped. We discuss our significant story about the next election featuring Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Not since the days of Paddy Ashdown's ultimately unproductive courtship of Tony Blair in the 1990s have relations between the two opposition parties looked so promising.Plus, we look at the Ukraine crisis and the way Boris Johnson's government is handling it, as Germany hosts a very tense Munich Security Conference this weekend. Presented in Sebastian Payne's absence by George Parker with Gideon Rachman, Laura Hughes and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe of the FT and Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We examine the abrupt departure of Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick, what it means for the police investigation into the “partygate” scandal and how it plays into Boris Johnson’s hopes of resetting his government. We also look at the mini Cabinet reshuffle and the new No10 team. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss.Plus, the government signals an end to all Covid restrictions in England by the end of February. Is it too hasty or a welcome return to normality? Is the decision driven by science or politics? Health editor Sarah Neville and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe explore.Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask whether the prime minister can survive the latest scandal engulfing his government. Is the departure of his closest and longstanding aide Munira Mirza the beginning of the end? Or the start of a reset? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will discuss with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley.Plus, we look into the long-awaited levelling up white paper and ask if it delivers on the high promises to rebalance the UK - and will those pro-Brexit first-time Tory voters feel it is delivering for them. Special guests Rachel Wolf, who penned the 2019 Tory manifesto will discuss with the Manchester Evening News’s Jennifer Williams.Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: Sky News / Channel 5-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The official investigation into lockdown Downing Street gatherings was due to be concluded this week, but a criminal probe by the police has thrown Whitehall’s Sue Gray off course. When will the inquiry be released? Plus, we discuss the UK’s involvement in the worsening situation in Ukraine and what it says about post-Brexit foreign policy. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shirmsley, Laura Hughes and Gideon Rachman. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: Sky News-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest twists and turns in the ‘partygate’ drama this week as Conservative MPs threatened a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson. We explore the progress of Sue Gray’s inquiry into the partygate row, how Johnson will respond and whether he can survive. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Camilla Cavendish. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth.Audio: Sky News-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re devoting the episode to the “partygate” row which has blown up in Westminster. After the prime minister revealed he attended a party, calls for his resignation grew in and outside of the Tory party. Can he survive? Does his fate lie in the hands of a senior civil servant? Will Rishi Sunak walk out of the cabinet? And where does the story go next?We’ll be unpacking all the news and drama with a top line-up of guests: political editor George Parker, chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and special guest Hannah White, deputy director of the Institute for Government think-tank.Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrityAudio: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at the trouble ahead for Boris Johnson, starting with the crisis in the energy market. What can the government do to stop bills doubling in the coming months? Along with sleaze investigations, how much of a threat is this to the PM? Political editor George Parker will discuss, together with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard.And we look at the latest with the spread of Omicron over the festive season and whether the new variant is putting too much pressure on the health service. What will that mean for the NHS? Health editor Sarah Neville and health and science reporter Oliver Barnes will explain.Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cockerell has made some of the best political documentaries about UK politics, covering prime ministers from Harold Macmillan to Boris Johnson. His new book, “Unmasking Our Leaders”, takes us into a career of political journalism and interviews regarding not just politicians and MPs and ministers but also the secret world of Whitehall.Cockerell looks back on the leaders he has met and what he learnt from them.Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity, Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/ukFollow @Seb Payne Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.