The Politics Show

The Politics Show

NewLabour split over JackdawOctober 22, 2026 · 21 min
Episodes
1,483
Released
several times a week
Latest episode
Oct 22, 2026

About the podcast

Helping you make sense of politics – every week.

Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.

The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.

--

START HERE:

▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague

▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?

▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?

--

LISTEN AD-FREE:

📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.

--

MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

--

Hosts:

Anoosh Chakelian

Regular contributors and co-hosts:

Tom McTague, Editor-in-chief

Ailbhe Rea, Political editor

Production team:

Senior podcast producer: Catharine Hughes

Podcast and video producer: Rob Le Mare

Assistant producer: Biba Kang

Executive producer: Chris Stone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes 1,483

  1. Labour split over Jackdaw

    21 min

    The government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. It is a decision that has split the Labour Party.It may only be the beginning - the far more controversial decision on the …

    Show notes

    The government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. It is a decision that has split the Labour Party.


    It may only be the beginning - the far more controversial decision on the Rosebank gas field is still to come.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined today by Megan Kenyon to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. US midterms: Where are the key battlegrounds?

    21 min

    On 3 November, Americans will head to the polls for the midterm elections.We will be publishing one episode a week for the next three weeks, every Wednesday, taking in the lead up and results.In this first …

    Show notes

    On 3 November, Americans will head to the polls for the midterm elections.


    We will be publishing one episode a week for the next three weeks, every Wednesday, taking in the lead up and results.


    In this first episode, we ask: Where are the key battlegrounds these elections will be fought?


    US correspondent Freddie Hayward is joined by the NS’s senior data journalist, Ben Walker, political scientist Lisa Bryant and New York Times White House reporter Shawn McCreesh.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Can Reform weather the scandals?

    29 min

    Reform UK is in crisis, amid a cascade of scandalsThe party’s poll rating has fallen from mid-thirties highs to the low twenties, with a recent poll showing them slipping to third place.This has come amid the …

    Show notes

    Reform UK is in crisis, amid a cascade of scandals


    The party’s poll rating has fallen from mid-thirties highs to the low twenties, with a recent poll showing them slipping to third place.


    This has come amid the “Burnham bounce” - Labour’s improved polling triggered by the change in Prime Minister.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Reform slips to third in the polls

    43 min

    Reform falls behind Labour and the Tories for the first time since the general election, how animals shape our voting patterns and 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the …

    Show notes

    Reform falls behind Labour and the Tories for the first time since the general election, how animals shape our voting patterns and 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.


    Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.


    READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/10/our-mania-for-animals-warps-politics-priorities-and-personal-lives


    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/10/tiktoks-irreverent-slop-was-made-for-nigel-farage


    https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2026/10/in-praise-of-winnie-the-poohs-idleness

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Burnham's Brexit reversal

    33 min

    Ten years after the Brexit referendum, a British Prime Minister has said out loud what much of the country has concluded: Brexit did more harm than good.Andy Burnham has told his party that no credible ten-year …

    Show notes

    Ten years after the Brexit referendum, a British Prime Minister has said out loud what much of the country has concluded: Brexit did more harm than good.


    Andy Burnham has told his party that no credible ten-year plan for Britain can avoid the Europe question, and has since declined to rule out rejoining the EU in Labour’s next manifesto.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ethan Croft to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. The Green Party is in crisis

    37 min

    It’s been a tumultuous time for the Green Party. Their controversial “Zionism is racism vote” and leader Zack Polanski’s defeat in a by-election in North London has led to turmoil within the party.Meanwhile, is …

    Show notes

    It’s been a tumultuous time for the Green Party. Their controversial “Zionism is racism vote” and leader Zack Polanski’s defeat in a by-election in North London has led to turmoil within the party.


    Meanwhile, is the long-suffering Tory party finally experiencing a “Kemi-bounce”?


    And how about the Lib Dems? Is leader Ed Davey facing a coup?


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ethan Croft.


    Correction: Jamie Driscoll was not suspended from the Labour Party. He wasn’t allowed to stand as a candidate and so he left the party.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Reform clears its own officials over donations sting

    33 min

    Reform clearing its own officials of breaking party funding law, Kemi Badenoch’s inheritance tax gambit and was Britain really better off in the 1980s?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn for our weekly …

    Show notes

    Reform clearing its own officials of breaking party funding law, Kemi Badenoch’s inheritance tax gambit and was Britain really better off in the 1980s?


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn for our weekly round up.


    READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/2026/10/spains-warning-to-andy-burnham


    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/10/vegan-sausages-and-loathing-at-green-party-conference


    https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/10/was-britain-really-better-off-in-the-1980s

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Labour holds Starmer’s seat

    18 min

    Labour has held the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with Sagal Abdi-Wali retaining the seat for the party despite a hard-fought contest from Green Party leader Zack Polanski.The result preserves Labour’s …

    Show notes

    Labour has held the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with Sagal Abdi-Wali retaining the seat for the party despite a hard-fought contest from Green Party leader Zack Polanski.


    The result preserves Labour’s long-standing grip on the constituency, and disrupts Polanski’s momentum.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ben Walker to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. The Green Party’s Zionism reckoning

    26 min

    At the Green Party conference, party members backed a motion to describe Zionism as racism.Zack Polanski, currently campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, missed the controversial vote, which …

    Show notes

    At the Green Party conference, party members backed a motion to describe Zionism as racism.


    Zack Polanski, currently campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, missed the controversial vote, which called for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state.


    Is this a watershed moment for the Green Party?


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Is Burnham brave or naive?

    38 min

    At this week’s Labour conference, Andy Burnham announced bigger and bolder policy ambitions than anyone expected. Was this too big a swing? Or the grand vision the country needs?Elsewhere, next Thursday, there …

    Show notes

    At this week’s Labour conference, Andy Burnham announced bigger and bolder policy ambitions than anyone expected. Was this too big a swing? Or the grand vision the country needs?


    Elsewhere, next Thursday, there is a by-election happening in Holborn and St Pancras, the seat vacated by Keir Starmer.


    Oli Dugmore is joined by business editor Will Dunn and political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Burnham delivers packed conference speech

    21 min

    Labour Conference 2026 draws to a close with Andy Burnham's speech.The PM's announcements included scrapping the triple lock pension, electoral reform, a new help-to-buy scheme, Great British Grid, an end to …

    Show notes

    Labour Conference 2026 draws to a close with Andy Burnham's speech.


    The PM's announcements included scrapping the triple lock pension, electoral reform, a new help-to-buy scheme, Great British Grid, an end to the public ownership ban on water companies and a range of options for our relationship with Europe which he will be looking into.


    Anoosh Chakelian is at the Labour Conference and is joined by Ethan Croft and Ailbhe Rea to discuss.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. Has Andy Burnham reached his peak?

    24 min

    The Chancellor gives his conference speech just four weeks before his first budget and Andy Burnham proposes a national care service in England. Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft bring you the latest …

    Show notes

    The Chancellor gives his conference speech just four weeks before his first budget and Andy Burnham proposes a national care service in England.


    Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft bring you the latest from the Labour Conference.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Is Ed Davey too nice?

    34 min

    The rise of balaclava Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s billionaire baloney and Donald Trump’s AI rebrand. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.📚 READ …

    Show notes

    The rise of balaclava Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s billionaire baloney and Donald Trump’s AI rebrand.


    Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.


    📚 READ:


    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/ed-davey-has-a-superpower-immunity-from-embarrassment


    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/the-rise-of-balaclava-britain


    https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/09/kemi-badenochs-billionaire-baloney

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Has power changed Andy Burnham?

    56 min

    For this week’s New Statesman, our Politics Show stars have been busy interviewing some key players in the past year of Labour turmoil.Ailbhe Rea, our Political Editor, had a fascinating encounter with the MP …

    Show notes

    For this week’s New Statesman, our Politics Show stars have been busy interviewing some key players in the past year of Labour turmoil.


    Ailbhe Rea, our Political Editor, had a fascinating encounter with the MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, the Starmer loyalist Darren Jones.


    And speaking of Andy Burnham, Tom McTague, our Editor-in-Chief, has been busy profiling the Prime Minister himself…

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Will AI kill us all?

    1 h 9 min

    Are tech companies turning apocalypse into profit?In 2022, we were all having fun with a new chatbot called ChatGPT. Meanwhile, ministers and civil servants of the British government were imagining how it might …

    Show notes

    Are tech companies turning apocalypse into profit?


    In 2022, we were all having fun with a new chatbot called ChatGPT. Meanwhile, ministers and civil servants of the British government were imagining how it might go horribly wrong. 


    Four years ago, AI experts were concerned about what people might do using their technology. Today, they fear what the technology is doing on its own, without being asked.


    Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss his cover story.


    READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/business/2026/09/will-ai-kill-us-all

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Burnham's political donations headache

    32 min

    Reform UK received two £36 million donations from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This has sent shockwaves through Westminster and thrown the question of political finance reform into sharp relief.Labour is caught …

    Show notes

    Reform UK received two £36 million donations from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This has sent shockwaves through Westminster and thrown the question of political finance reform into sharp relief.


    Labour is caught in an uncomfortable bind - appalled by the scale of Reform's fundraising, but reluctant to cap donations in a way that could threaten trade union funding and destabilise its own finances.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Farage’s fan club doesn’t care about scandal

    28 min

    The fallout from Reform’s latest scandal, John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor and Ukraine’s plan to tax porn stars.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.Read …

    Show notes

    The fallout from Reform’s latest scandal, John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor and Ukraine’s plan to tax porn stars.


    Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.


    Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/the-gospel-according-to-nigel-paul-farage

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Ed Miliband resets relations with Israel

    1 h 5 min

    Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled the biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades, and, in typical fashion, is putting his stamp on his new role.Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding Reform and …

    Show notes

    Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled the biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades, and, in typical fashion, is putting his stamp on his new role.


    Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding Reform and their finances continues, with the Met Police announcing they are launching a criminal investigation.


    Pippa Bailey is joined by Ailbhe Rea, and guest Ben Judah, to discuss.


    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Andy Burnham can’t explain the economy

    36 min

    Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week.READ …

    Show notes

    Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush. 


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week.


    READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/andy-burnham-cant-explain-the-economy


    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/09/britain-must-stop-paying-benefits-to-millionaires 

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Burnham vs Badenoch: PMQs, round one

    1 h 3 min

    This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.Anoosh Chakelian is …

    Show notes

    This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.


    As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. How can the UK protect its historic buildings from climate change?

    23 min

    As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that …

    Show notes

    As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting?

     

    Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate.

     

    Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK’s climate goals.

     

    They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future.

     

    This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. The investigation into “Farage Fest”

    28 min

    The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the …

    Show notes

    The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.


    Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Zack Polanski's honeymoon is over

    37 min

    It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with …

    Show notes

    It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. 


    In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public. 


    But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference.


    How is the Green leader faring one year on?


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan Kenyon


    Produced by Chris Stone



    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. How will Burnham navigate the North Sea?

    30 min

    One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but …

    Show notes

    One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. 


    Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains.


    After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Is the UK really poorer than Mississippi?

    29 min

    What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the …

    Show notes

    What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. 


    Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week.


    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  26. Will Andy Burnham call an early election?

    31 min

    On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature …

    Show notes

    On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  27. What should the UK do with its unrecyclable waste?

    21 min

    The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or …

    Show notes

    The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.


    Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative?


    Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium.


    Our panel discusses the UK’s recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill.


    They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry.


    This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  28. Reform's big benefits gamble

    38 min

    After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign …

    Show notes

    After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.


    Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits.


    Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.


    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  29. Burnham bounce: Labour overtakes Reform

    39 min

    Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore …

    Show notes

    Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf. 


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss the stories of the week.


    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  30. Farage wins again at Clacton circus

    18 min

    Sorry about all the bangs, things got a little crazy at Clacton Leisure Centre.After a long and fairly ridiculous night, Nigel Farage has been reinstated as MP for Clacton. What happens now? Could it be another …

    Show notes

    Sorry about all the bangs, things got a little crazy at Clacton Leisure Centre.


    After a long and fairly ridiculous night, Nigel Farage has been reinstated as MP for Clacton. What happens now? Could it be another by-election?


    Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journailst and Labour councillor, Ben Walker.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These are the latest 100 of 1,483 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.