Political Fix

UK prime minister Boris Johnson put England into its third lockdown this week, as the new strain of coronavirus risked the health service being overwhelmed. How long will it last and why does everything now rely on vaccine roll out? Plus, we discuss Mr Johnson's political struggles with the latest restrictions, the chaos around schools reopening and closing again and whether the local elections in May will become a Covid referendum. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament, Sky News.Further reading:-Covid reached UK in three waves from southern Europe, study shows-MPs back England’s third coronavirus lockdown-Rightwing sceptics helped deepen the UK’s Covid crisis-Teacher assessments to replace GCSEs and A-levels in England-Boris Johnson’s abrupt lockdown shift driven by bleak Covid data-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has fully left the EU, ending 47 years of membership. In this Brexit special, we examine the last-minute trade deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson brokered last week, the new checks and red tape that have been introduced, how Britain will use its regulatory freedoms and why the future of the United Kingdom will dominate politics in 2021. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Peter Foster and special guest Allie Renison of the Institute of Directors. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Sky News, Parliament.Further reading:-How will Boris Johnson use Britain’s hard won ‘freedom’ from Brussels?-UK and EU agree one-year grace period on rules of origin forms-With Brexit ‘done’, Britain must rebuild trust in Europe-Ministers fear port disruption in January as formal ties with EU end-Exit from single market closes a chapter UK did so much to write-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talks between the UK and the EU on a trade deal have reached their final days. Can a deal be agreed, or could an accidental no-deal still occur? Plus, we discuss the latest Covid-19 rules, progress on vaccine plans and whether the easing of restrictions during the Christmas period will lead to a third national lockdown in January. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Brunsden, Sarah Neville and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC/news pool, European Parliament, UK Parliament, Downing Street, BBC Radio Manchester.Further reading:-Michel Barnier warns EU-UK trade deal talks have reached ‘moment of truth’-Boris Johnson refuses to rule out third national lockdown in England-Brexit stockpiling triggers cross-Channel freight crunch-MPs prepare for pre-Christmas push to sign off Brexit trade deal-UK draws up plans to rival Singapore with post-Brexit shipping regime-Johnson defies calls to ‘cancel Christmas’, urging small gatherings-UK government expands strictest Covid restrictions in England-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With negotiations on a Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU stalled again, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning of a no-deal outcome, can the process be salvaged? Plus, with the Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland resolved this week in a new protocol, has the threat of a new trade border in the Irish Sea really been removed? Presented by George Parker, with Jim Brunsden, Peter Foster, Sam Lowe of the Centre for European Reform and Jess Sergeant from the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Downing Street, European Union, Parliament.And why not join us this Tuesday 15 December, 2020 at 15:00 GMT for an unmissable opportunity to quiz FT Journalists on the plans to prevent short-term Brexit-related chaos and economic disruption. Be part of an interactive discussion on how borders, customs, trade and travel will change in 2021. Find out how supply chains are being impacted and the effect of the negotiations on food, farming and fishing. Join the conversation on the likely effects of the new rules on UK business – from major corporations to SMEs. Register free today hereFurther reading:-Standing on the edge of the Brexit precipice-Nine things you need to know about a no-deal Brexit-Boris Johnson warns Britain to prepare for no-deal Brexit-Brexit border plan leaves Northern Ireland business groups uneasy-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine this week. The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab will arrive soon, but is the UK ready to distribute it? Which groups will get it first and what impact will it have on the Covid-19 restrictions? Plus, we speak to Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, about his plans to save the United Kingdom, how he intends to take on Nicola Sturgeon and whether he finds Boris Johnson embarrassing. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson plus special guest Douglas Ross. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Parliament, Downing Street, LBC Further reading:-Vaccine approval brings a ray of economic hope-UK set for Covid vaccinations ‘next week’ after regulatory approval-UK regulator defends rapid approval of vaccine after Fauci criticism-Sturgeon tells SNP conference Scots have right to determine their future-Scottish Tory leader issues ‘wake-up call’ to Westminster over union-France issues veto warning as Brexit trade deal talks drag on-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his spending review this week amid the harsh economic effects of coronavirus and the UK's mounting debt pile. Why was foreign aid cut, should public sector workers have received a pay rise and have all the hard choices been delayed until next year? Plus, we discuss how England will exit its national lockdown next week, what happens at Christmas and why there is much unhappiness about the new system of regional tiers.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Jim Pickard, Chris Giles and George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Radio 4, ParliamentFurther reading:-‘Economic emergency’ adds pressure for a rethink on fiscal rules-Sunak warns of ‘economic emergency’ as borrowing hits record £394bn-Boris Johnson picks former Treasury adviser as new chief of staff-Boris Johnson facing big backbench revolt over Covid tier system-London set to be spared toughest Covid curbs-UK economy tracker: the tough outlook for jobs-England hit with tough new regional Covid curbs-Someone forgot to tell Covid it’s Christmas-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his bid to reset the UK government's image, Boris Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a 'green recovery' costing billions of pounds. Will it do enough to tackle climate change and does it risk alienating Johnson's 'Red Wall' supporters? The prime minister has also pledged the biggest investment in defence since the end of the cold war. But is there any strategy behind the spending, and can the UK afford it? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Pilita Clark, Jim Pickard, Helen Warrell and George Parker. Produced by Josh de la Mare and Anna Dedhar. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Breakfast, Ed Miliband Twitter, Parliament TVFurther reading:-UK government deficit soars to record high on pandemic borrowing-Britain’s military still faces hard choices despite spending boost-Half a cheer for Boris Johnson’s green revolution-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a dramatic week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost two of his key aides, chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain, both senior forces in the Vote Leave campaign. Will their departure mark a new beginning for Downing Street? Plus, Westminster welcomed the news of a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough from Pfizer, but how much will it allow the UK to relax social distancing rules? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, BBC Radio 4, LBC Radio, Parliament TVFurther reading:-Inside the hunt for a Covid-19 vaccine: how BioNTech made the breakthrough-Scientists defend controversial head of UK vaccine task force-Dominic Cummings to leave No 10 by new year-Video: Boris Johnson's battles with coronavirus, Brexit and himself-England’s deputy medical chief proposes ‘mum test’ for Covid vaccine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Joe Biden on the cusp of becoming the 46th US president, how will Boris Johnson recalibrate and repair transatlantic relations? We discuss whether the two can overcome their differences on Brexit and how the election result will affect trade talks and diplomatic relations. Plus, we examine Rishi Sunak's latest economic stimulus package, why the chancellor had to extend furlough again and whether the Johnson government is struggling to see obvious policy threats ahead. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, George Parker, Mure Dickie and special guest Bronwen Maddox, director of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, Scottish Government, Policy ExchangeFurther reading:-Joe Biden win will reshape the special relationship:https://www.ft.com/content/77ed195c-303e-49cf-adb9-9aadb3f80ba2-Concerns grow inside Downing Street as polls point to Biden victory: https://www.ft.com/content/fbf9461c-9962-4c59-ba10-70911cd4de48- Rishi Sunak extends UK furlough scheme to end of March:https://www.ft.com/content/8f9371a7-e8e2-4a73-b1b6-d2330bb224a3-Three reasons for Rishi Sunak to keep furlough in place:https://www.ft.com/content/b6b16f19-4537-442e-ac26-bd1a1101ec5e-BoE and Sunak join forces to support UK’s Covid economy:https://www.ft.com/content/b9612f86-cf99-4c34-b448-d7b4a9587852 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer made the dramatic move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party this week, following an investigation into anti-Semitism. Is a new and bitter rift about to start within the opposition party? Plus, we speak to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham about his battles with Boris Johnson, why mayors need more powers and whether he will ever return to Westminster. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard and special guests Andy Burnham and Sienna Rogers. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Liam Nolan. Sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Original music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.