Politics At Sam and Anne's

Sky News’ Sam Coates and Poltico’s Anne McElvoy hold their hands up on this episode – that they didn’t see Keir Starmer’s big defence announcement coming yesterday morning.  The plan to shift defence spending to 3% of GDP (and a new Downing Street podium slogan) is a pivot for the PM.   Sam and Anne discuss the reasons behind it - is this all about having enough to say to Donald Trump in Washington this week? Or is there a glimmer of the vision for Blue Labour Starmer showing through too?  They also go over the reaction to the cuts to the international aid budget and whether the politics of that move could be easier for Labour than people might think.  Elsewhere, NHS England needs a new boss – will that be the gateway for the reforms which Wes Streeting has talked about?    You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk  

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.   It’s vibes versus facts on the Tuesday episode.   Vibes – Downing Street seem happy with the Trump-Marcon meeting.  Facts – didn't the US just side with Russia on UN resolutions on Ukraine?  Also on this episode – is it the current Tory leader or a previous one getting the most attention at the moment  Kemi Badenoch gives a speech on foreign policy today – but has it been overshadowed by Boris Johnson’s comments that “complete untruths” are being said about Ukraine by the Trump administration?  And, will today’s speech offer a reset moment for the Tory leader?    You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk  

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.    On the third anniversary of Ukraine’s invasion, Sam and Anne take stock on the milestone’s significance for global politics. With transatlantic tensions remaining, from a controversial UN vote to high stakes talks at the White House, they break down the fresh wave of sanctions and domestic drama. How will Starmer manage Trump when he visits later this week? And conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz received the highest vote share in the German elections over the weekend, securing his place as the country’s next Chancellor. What impact will he have on Europe's political landscape?  Plus, Sam and Anne outline what to expect from the rest of the week.    You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Although it's recess, Sam and Anne explain why this week could be a major moment in British politics as they discuss whether the Transatlantic alliance has collapsed. Anne shares her insider analysis from the Munich Security Conference where Ukraine was top of the agenda, and Sam breaks down what the implications from the dramatic conference are for Britain. Plus, they outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.  Chancellor Rachel Reeves starts her birthday with good news – the economy grew slightly at the end of last year, according to the early showing of official figures.  So where does the glimmer leave her big plan for growth? And what can we read into how the Tories are responding – and who’s responding for them?  And, ahead of the Munich security conference, we discuss some of the UK reaction to Trump and Putin’s Ukraine phone call.  You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk 

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.  Growth spends another day on the agenda – as Heathrow gets ready to announce multibillion pound expansion plan. How feasible are some of the proposals and the timescale for them?  At the same time – there’s a warning to Rachel Reeves that her fiscal plans could mean a squeeze on spending.  And who’s the person up for the borders watchdog job who's based in Finland?  You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Today they discuss the sudden major changes to the assisted dying bill from MP Kim Leadbeater which means cases would not need signing off by a High Court judge and whether this could change how MPs vote on the bill.  Plus, Sam has been investigating whether Keir Starmer can really deliver his promises to end future bat tunnels.  They also discuss the latest on Trump, and friend of the podcast, Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig, shares his exclusive story on a well-known bar in Westminster.  You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Overnight, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into America would come into affect "soon". Sam and Anne discuss what this could mean for the UK which imports 10% of its steel to the US and whether reverse tariffs could be on the cards.Meanwhile, as Kemi Badenoch celebrates 100 days as Conservative party leader, Sam shares what senior Conservative MPs make of her impact to date. Plus Anne and Sam ask if there are any lessons to be drawn from Germany as far-right chancellor candidates clash in a TV debate.You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.   Sam and Anne discuss Starmer’s plans to break down barriers to building nuclear reactors in the UK, and Kemi Badenoch’s new proposals for stricter immigration rules in a possible bid to win back voters moving towards Reform.   Elsewhere, Jonathan Powell, Starmer’s National Security Advisor, goes to Washington to discuss plans for the Chagos Islands.  You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk 

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.   Today, the fallout from President Trump’s claim that the US should take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians, and how Labour might respond. Gabriel Pogrund of The Sunday Times sheds light on Starmer's approach to the Middle East via his WhatsApp correspondence.   Elsewhere, Labour are trying to keep their plans for flood defences on the agenda, and control the narrative around the Chagos Islands. And is Rachel Reeves going to have to breach her own fiscal rules?  You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk