Political Fix

It has been an embarrassing week for the Johnson government, as education secretary Gavin Williamson was forced into a U-turn on exam results. Will the prime minister rethink his management style and does he face a leadership challenge? Plus, the UK and EU are still struggling to strike a trade deal in the latest Brexit negotiations. Will an agreement be reached in time for the end-of-year deadline? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Paul Goodman, editor of the ConservativeHome website, and the FT's Laura Hughes, Peter Foster and Sam Fleming. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor is Liam Nolan. Theme music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC Scotland, Sky News, Reuters, European Union Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest from our summer interview series, Sebastian Payne talks to Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leadership candidate, about why he thinks the party’s “radical reforming agenda” can win over voters at the next election. Produced by Fiona Symon. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor is Liam Nolan. Theme music by Metaphor Music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK is in its deepest recession on record, official data showed this week. Not only does Britain have the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe, but the economy has been harder hit than any other G7 country. Is it Boris Johnson’s fault? Plus, we discuss the exams debacle and the anger at how grades have been awarded to students who couldn’t sit their exams because of Covid-19. Presented by George Parker, with Delphine Strauss, Alice Hancock, Mure Dickie and Bethan Staton. Produced by Anna Dedhar. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor is Liam Nolan. Theme music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, Scottish Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson’s government has been warned by the opposition that it has less than a month to fix the test, track and trace system to get pupils back into schools, while avoiding another coronavirus outbreak. Can it be done? Plus, we delve into the biggest shake-up in England’s housing planning rules since the second world war and whether it will lead to beautiful new buildings or ugly eyesores.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sarah Neville, Robert Shrimsley and George Hammond. This episode was produced by Anna Dedhar. Our sound engineer is Breen Turner and our editor is Liam Nolan. Theme music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC and Parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest from our summer interview series, former UK chancellor Sajid Javid joins Sebastian Payne for a discussion on whether the government has the right approach to getting the country's economy moving again and why he thinks the civil service could benefit from greater diversity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put a brake on the reopening of parts of the UK, as cases of coronavirus began to surge again. Will these localised lockdowns work? Plus, we discuss the chaos over the introduction of quarantine restrictions on tourists returning from countries such as Spain, and whether the traditional “Red Wall” Labour heartlands are still supporting the Conservatives after changing sides in last year’s election. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and Andy Bounds. Produced by Anna Dedhar, Josh de la Mare and Breen Turner. The editor is Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC, Sky and Parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The long-awaited report on Russian interference in British politics was finally released this week. Although it is no smoking gun, what should Westminster do about this real threat? We also discuss the future of the United Kingdom and why Boris Johnson is so worried about Scotland. Sebastian Payne is joined by guests George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar, Josh de la Mare and Breen Turner. Clip sources: Parliament and Scottish government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former home secretary Amber Rudd finds the state of the Conservative party "devastating” and "embarrassing". In the second episode of a special interview series, she tells Sebastian Payne that Boris Johnson’s all-male cabal is promoting inequality, is high-handed with business and is heading for a hard Brexit without appearing to analyse different outcomes on trade.In response to Ms Rudd’s comments, Downing Street said the government was “focused on improving diversity throughout our ministerial ranks and crucially lining up the next generation of female talent”.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Number 10 found itself at odds with its own MPs this week, as its plan to install former minister Chris Grayling as chair of the intelligence committee backfired. With serious questions also raised about the investigation into home secretary Priti Patel, what does it tell us about Downing Street's state of mind and that of prime minister Boris Johnson? Plus we discuss the long-trailed decision to phase out Huawei from the UK’s 5G phone networks and whether the country risks mobile blackouts. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Helen Warrell and Nic Fildes. Produced by Josh de la Mare and Breen Turner. Review clips: BBC Newsnight, Parliament Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a £30bn plan to save British jobs this week, with a big boost for pubs and restaurants, but will it be enough to stem the tide of unemployment? We delve into his summer statement, its impact on public finances and why so much hope is pinned on the hospitality and retail sectors. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Alice Hancock and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar, Josh de la Mare and Breen Turner. Clip sources: Parliament and Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.