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
Sep 12, 2024 • 52min
Can Starmer really fix the NHS?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks boldly about NHS reform, suggesting it must ‘reform or die.’ He draws comparisons to past policies and discusses the tough choices ahead. Kamala Harris reflects on her pivotal debate with Trump, while Taylor Swift’s endorsement raises questions about celebrity impact in politics. The conversation also pivots to the evolving role of social media in campaigns and the dynamics of post-Brexit UK-France relations, highlighted by Michel Barnier's new role in French governance.
Sep 9, 2024 • 36min
EMQs: Should you pay if you miss an NHS appointment?
Should you face fees for missing NHS appointments? The hosts debate this provocative idea, weighing accessibility concerns against possible improvements in wait times. They also venture into the world of MPs, discussing the challenges of vacationing in the public eye. Exploring historical shifts in parliamentary questioning, they reflect on the UK versus Australian systems. Plus, the importance of diverse international political literature is emphasized, ensuring global voices aren't overlooked in political discourse.
Sep 5, 2024 • 51min
Will Rachel Reeves be forced to U-turn on winter fuel payments?
Rachel Reeves joins to discuss the politically charged issue of winter fuel payments and whether she’ll reconsider recent cuts impacting low-income pensioners. The conversation probes the government's response to arms shipments to Israel, framed as a legal matter. The hosts debate if central bankers are truly responsible for falling inflation or just riding a wave of luck. Amidst political miscalculations, they reflect on the ramifications of internal party dynamics and the latest developments in the Conservative leadership race.
Sep 2, 2024 • 31min
Summer EMQs: Where are all the great parliamentary orators?
In this engaging discussion, Ed Balls, a former Labour politician, and George Osborne, who served as Chancellor, reminisce about the great parliamentary orators of yesteryear. They explore the nuances of seating dynamics during Prime Minister's Questions and the evolution of oratory skills. The duo delves into the challenges of party loyalty versus representation, and whether live fact-checking could actually enhance or hinder political debates. Expect humor along with insightful takes on contemporary political challenges.
Aug 29, 2024 • 60min
Osbornomics, Oasis, and Opposition
Jonathan Ashworth, the Chief Executive of Labour Together, joins former Chancellor George Osborne to discuss the political landscape as Parliament reconvenes. They analyze Keir Starmer’s recent speech and its implications for Labour's economic strategies. The pair delve into the merits of strengthening ties with EU nations post-Brexit, exploring potential boosts to growth and public sentiment. They also provide insights from their time in shadow cabinets, offering advice for the next Tory leader navigating opposition challenges.
Aug 26, 2024 • 32min
Summer EMQs: Who really runs the country?
Ed Balls, a former UK politician, and George Osborne, ex-Chancellor and current newspaper editor, dive into the mechanics of government. They discuss the often-misunderstood roles of civil servants versus politicians, revealing the complexities of leadership and policy implementation. Personal sacrifices in balancing family life with public duties offer a poignant glimpse into their daily struggles. Light-hearted anecdotes about Treasury team dynamics and the quirks of government residences add humor to their insightful reflections.
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 1min
Are the Democrats celebrating too soon?
Jonathan Ashworth, a former shadow Paymaster General, shares firsthand insights from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He discusses the euphoric atmosphere surrounding Kamala Harris's potential nomination and questions whether the Democratic Party is celebrating too soon amidst a tight election race. The conversation shifts to the strategic lessons the Democrats might be learning from the Labour Party and the significance of political literature during the summer months, emphasizing how reading shapes political thought and decision-making.
Aug 19, 2024 • 36min
Summer EMQs: Was Austerity a Mistake?
Ed Balls, a former UK politician and economic adviser, and George Osborne, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, engage in a spirited debate about austerity’s impact on the UK's financial crisis. They dissect whether Labour could have better defended their record and explore the long-term effects of government fiscal policies. Delving into hyperinflation, they share historical examples, revealing the dangers of excessive money printing and fiscal mismanagement. Their analysis also touches on the complexities of national debt and the challenges facing political parties in maintaining economic credibility.
Aug 15, 2024 • 58min
The secret to launching a political career
Gillian Keegan, a former education minister advocating for more business involvement in politics, joins Ed Balls, a seasoned political figure focused on education funding. They discuss the current landscape for aspiring politicians and how real-world business experience could enhance parliamentary effectiveness. Gillian argues for a shift towards a more diverse representation in politics, while Ed shares valuable tips for new MPs navigating their careers. Together, they explore the crucial balance between education and practical experience in shaping future leaders.
Aug 12, 2024 • 27min
Summer EMQs: The Political Currency constituency
Join Ed Balls, a former UK politician-turned-media personality, and George Osborne, ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a lively discussion on political life. They tackle the art of political U-turns and what makes a good press conference. Hear the duo ponder whether all politicians are self-serving and who might be the next to jump from politics to media stardom. With humor and insight, they explore the importance of cross-party collaboration in achieving significant political goals!
