Political Fix

Boris Johnson will finally set his exit strategy this weekend, but any changes will be gradual and limited. Why is the prime minister reluctant to move quickly? We also discuss why the government is failing to continue to meet its 100,000 target for coronavirus tests, growing concerns from the Treasury about the cost of the shutdown and Keir Starmer’s interview with the FT about how he intends to make the Labour party electable again. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister returned to Downing Street this week and began to set out how the lockdown will end. Why is Johnson relying on the science and the R rate? Are businesses and Britons ready to go back to work? Plus, we discuss the 100k tests-a-day target, why the UK’s death toll is surpassing other European countries and why Labour leader Keir Starmer is being cautious in his criticism. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government is confident of reaching its target for daily Covid-19 tests by the end of April, but why is it still struggling to use its capacity? Is the NHS ready for nationwide contract tracing through volunteers and a new app? Plus, we look at what the prime minister faces when he is back in Downing Street, what can be done to help struggling small businesses and how the new Labour leader Keir Starmer performed at his first PMQs. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sarah Neville and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dominic Raab, standing in for Boris Johnson while the prime minister recovers from Covid-19, announced this week another three weeks of social distancing. What can Britain learn from other European countries as they begin tentatively to ease their lockdowns? Plus, we discuss the government’s hardline stance on an extension to the transition period to leave the EU, and what Brussels thinks of it. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Ben Hall. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The health of the prime minister has dominated this week, as the prime minister was admitted to intensive care suffering from Covid-19. Can foreign secretary Dominic Raab fill his shoes? Will the Quad of ministers be important in his absence? Plus, we discuss how and when the UK can exit the lockdown and what Keir Starmer has done in his first week as Labour leader. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The coronavirus crisis deepened this week as Boris Johnson’s government battled to increase the levels of testing, or explain why the UK is having such problems. Who is to blame? We also discuss why chancellor Rishi Sunak is having to provide extra help to small businesses and what Keir Starmer will do if he is elected Labour leader today. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister addressed the nation and put Britain in lockdown at the beginning of the week after persuasion alone proved failed to keep people apart. By the end of the week Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock, health secretary, tested positive themselves. Can he run the country from isolation? Plus, we discuss concerns over the shortage of testing kits and PPE for NHS staff. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Clive Cookson and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson significantly upped the UK’s action to tackle coronavirus this week with stringent new social distancing measures, while the chancellor unveiled a huge economic stimulus to keep the economy going. We also discuss the prospect of a London shutdown, how the NHS is coping and how Mr Johnson is coping with the crisis. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sarah Neville and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new chancellor delivered his first Budget this week and pulled off a complicated, uncertain fiscal event. Has he defined what Johnsonism is? How does the Conservative party feel about the big spending increases? And how will it all be paid for? Plus we discuss Boris Johnson's decision to increase the UK's efforts to combat coronavirus, why No10 is relying on behavioural scientists and taking a different approach to the virus from other countries. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris GIles, Laura Hughes and Sarah Neville. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rapid spread of coronavirus has dominated this week's political agenda, as Boris Johnson tried to grapple with the crisis. Has the government shifted out of campaigning mode and into governing? We also discuss the collapse of Flybe and what it means for the government's levelling-up agenda. Plus, we discuss the resignation of senior civil servant Philip Rutnam and what is to blame for his clashes with home secretary Priti Patel. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes, Miranda Green and special guest Jill Rutter. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.