Political Currency
Persephonica
Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday.Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 7, 2024 • 59min
Trump 2.0: The economic fallout
Donald Trump 2.0 presents potential seismic shifts in the global economy. Discussion centers on how aggressive trade policies might affect the UK's growth. Trump claims he could end the Ukraine war in a day—would that lead to peace or simply appeasement? Nigel Farage could serve as a unique British envoy to Trump, adding an interesting twist. Meanwhile, new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's first performance at PMQs is reviewed, reflecting a pivotal moment in UK politics. The complexities of UK-US trade relations and the challenges posed by Trump's style further complicate the economic landscape.
5 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 31min
HOT TAKE: Donald Trump is President
Donald Trump's surprising election victory ignites a debate on the importance of economic issues over identity politics. The discussion highlights the shifting demographics and voter priorities that led to his win. Concerns arise for UK Labour, echoing the fate of the Democrats if they fail to address living standards. The implications of Trump's leadership for both American and British politics are explored, alongside the potential support for Reform from a newfound Trump-Farage connection. It's a whirlwind analysis of shifting political landscapes!
Nov 4, 2024 • 39min
EMQs: Can you revamp a political image?
Rishi Sunak's future might not be as bleak as it seems, as insiders speculate about his potential comeback. The conversation takes a humorous turn when discussing political endorsements and their impact on elections. Historical accountability comes into play as they debate reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. There's a focus on how personal interactions can reshape how politicians are viewed, underscoring the need for humanity and respect in political discussions.
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h
What did Rachel Reeves’ Budget miss?
The aftermath of Rachel Reeves’ budget reveals significant omissions, particularly regarding child poverty and support for pensioners. Ed and George offer a critical analysis of the economic strategy and its potential impact on Labour’s future. Meanwhile, the U.S. elections heat up with a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, raising questions about political dynamics. The discussions also touch on Japan's recent election missteps, reflecting on its economic challenges and their implications for global stability.
10 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 36min
Budget Hot Take: Rachel Reeves’ Tax Raid
The podcast dives into Rachel Reeves' bold budget announcement, sparking a debate over £40 billion in new taxes. Ed Balls and George Osborne dissect whether the budget is a strategic gamble for Labour or a reckless move amidst economic stagnation. They analyze the potential impacts on public services like the NHS and the implications for various economic groups. The conversation touches on Labour's fiscal strategies and the delicate balancing act between increased funding and actual benefits for citizens.
Oct 28, 2024 • 36min
EMQs: Budget traditions, Briefings and Brits for Trump
The podcast dives into the impact of recent cuts to winter fuel payments and the hesitance of Labour to make bold welfare moves. A quirky discussion ensues about the tradition of Chancellors sipping brandy while unveiling budgets. The hosts dissect the murky world of political communication, including infamous leaks and briefings throughout British history. They also explore the surprisingly mixed sentiments towards Donald Trump among the UK public. Finally, Nordic music recommendations add a cultural twist to the lively conversation!
13 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
Who is George Osborne backing for Tory leader?
George Osborne finally reveals his pick for the Tory leadership between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, weighing the impact of exiting the European Convention on Human Rights. Meanwhile, Labour faces backlash after Donald Trump accuses them of meddling in foreign elections, with Ed Balls calling their actions naive. As Labour prepares for its first budget in 14 years, questions arise about their economic strategy and whether it will satisfy the public and financial markets.
7 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 40min
EMQs: Can you have friends in politics?
George Osborne and Ed Balls dive into the world of political friendships and rivalries, revealing the secret behind David Cameron and George's lasting bond. They discuss how Brexit has complicated Conservative relationships and question the reliability of economists. Plus, the duo reflects on changing definitions in fiscal rules and the role of language learning in politics. With anecdotes from Finnish politics and popular culture, this engaging conversation navigates the tightrope of trust and personal connections in the political arena.
6 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 56min
How to plug a £40bn black hole
Dive into the challenges of closing a £40 billion budget gap while maintaining political promises. Explore the implications of raising employer National Insurance contributions and what it means for growth. Discover the barriers to UK infrastructure development and why strategic financial decisions are crucial. Reflect on the legacy of Alex Salmond and the influence of cultural icons at Labour's recent investment summit. It’s a lively discussion on politics, economy, and the historical context shaping today’s decisions!
Oct 14, 2024 • 32min
EMQs: Can HS2 be revived from the dead?
The podcast dives into the potential revival of the HS2 high-speed rail line, previously shelved amid political turbulence. Insights from Northern Powerhouse Chief Executive Henri Murison spark lively debates with Ed Balls and George Osborne on its future. The discussion shifts to the complexities of defining 'pensioners' and their financial impacts, exploring the fairness of benefits distribution. Both hosts share amusing tales from politics, including George's scariest moment, blending humor with serious political commentary.
