Politics At Sam and Anne's
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy provide a daily briefing on British politics, covering key interviews, main stories, and party strategies. Each episode is under 20 minutes and released around 7:30am, offering listeners a concise overview of what Westminster will be discussing that day.
Episodes
The ghosts of Burnham past haunt his campaign
Andy Burnham’s political opponents are finding plenty of attack lines to throw at him. So, are past comments and policy positions – from WASPI women to calls for an early election – coming back to haunt the Burnham campaign?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also wonder who is to blame for Keir Starmer’s troubles? Well, according to a focus group of Labour members – it's all the media’s fault!The duo unp
Belfast violence prompts fight on the right
Has the unrest in Belfast sparked a new political battle over Britain’s immigration systemPolitical leaders have condemned the violent overnight protest after a Sudanese national was charged with attempted murder of a man in the city.With parties scrambling to seize control of the narrative, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the case has reignited questions about immigration, border security
Why Burnham agrees with Farage
Is Andy Burnham having trouble putting clear teal water between himself and Nigel Farage, following comments calling for a tougher stance on immigration?Sam Coates has more from Manchester on the state of the Burnham campaign and how his movements after the Makerfield by-election remain unclear.Meanwhile, Anne McElvoy delves deeper into the defence dilemma – with military chiefs still reportedly i
Will Keir fight on?
Can Keir Starmer wrestle back the spotlight from the Makerfield by-election?After hosting world leaders in Downing Street and unveiling new plans for social media restrictions on children, the Prime Minister is trying to reclaim the agenda. But is the political attention still fixed on Andy Burnham in Manchester?Sam Coates is on the ground in Manchester where the Labour bigwigs are out in force to
Could Andy Burnham build to victory?
With two weeks until the Makerfield by-election, does Andy Burnham really have a plan in place to run the country?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the policy ideas – including an ambitious expansion of social housing construction – which could form a future leadership pitch.Back in Westminster, the duo assess the fierce political fallout from the murder of Henry Nowak after a tense PMQs. What d
Revealed: Who are the brains behind Burnham
Westminster may look busy but are MPs just waiting for the potential return of Andy Burnham?With the Makerfield by-election just over a week away Burnham insists he's focussed on winning the seat. But behind the scenes allies are already developing ideas that could underpin a future bid for No10.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at who is moulding the Burnham project and why certain plans for the e
Life after Keir - will it be coronation or contest?
What has Starmer loyalist Pat McFadden really been thinking when he’s been out defending the PM?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how the latest Mandelson drop makes for an awkward morning in cabinet.And they’ve lines from Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, from a podcast recording last night. Was she hinting that a leadership coronation is better than a leadership contest?Plus, our latest vot
The Mandelson files: How bad can it be?
The ghost of Peter Mandelson returns as more than 1,000 documents, emails and WhatsApp messages due to be released – but how damaging will it be for the government?With ministers, officials and advisors braced for impact, Sam and Anne assess what could be in the files, whether the most sensitive material has been withheld and what the disclosures reveal about government communications in the age o
Morgan McSweeney on voters and discontent
With two hugely consequential months ahead in British politics, Sam and Anne look beneath the headlines and Westminster drama to ask what really comes next.As Donald Trump escalates tensions in the Middle East once again, the duo examine the pressure on Whitehall. Would any Prime Minister, whoever occupies Number 10, make a difference or face the same issues?Anne reports back from the Prague Secur
The story behind Britain’s sanctions blunder
The Starmer government has made another blunder after it emerged that sanctions are being relaxed on Russian oil processed through third countries. As a political row unfolded, Sam and Anne discuss the fallout. Plus, Westminster is buzzing with rumours of a possible Labour coronation before the summer. If events moved quickly, what might an Andy Burnham cabinet look like? Sam and Anne discuss the
Rachel Reeves picks a fight on judicial review
After a fortnight of local and national elections drama - can the machinery of government get back moving again amid global instability?With the Straits of Hormuz still shut, Sam and Anne examine a raft of announcements coming from the Treasury. Is Rachel Reeves about to open a massive argument with the NIMBYs on the right to launch judicial reviews?Away from the levers of government, the duo look
How can Starmer’s cabinet look each other in the eye?
Andy Burnham makes his opening pitch to the voters of Makerfield but is he already in campaign mode for PM, as well as MP? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss his launch video.Back in London, there’s a cabinet meeting this morning. Just how awkward will that be for Keir Starmer? Especially with those who were pushing him to have a plan to leave office.And what happens over the next few weeks in go
Burnham’s 55% chance of losing Makerfield
Andy Burnham says Britain needs a “circuit breaker for politics” as he plots his return to Westminster. But with Labour sources putting his chances of success in the Makerfield by-election at less than 50:50, will his plan to stand for PM unravel before it’s begun?Sam and Anne unpack the political chaos consuming Labour, including the growing speculation about Sir Keir Starmer’s exit timetable, an
Wes v Angela: The battle commences
Is the Labour leadership contest about to get messy and plunge the party into chaos?Sam and Anne start the day expecting Wes Streeting to resign as Health Secretary to spark a contest, but an early intervention may have swung the momentum.Angela Rayner has come out saying a HMRC investigation into her tax affairs is over, paving a way for a challenge but will she join the contest? Can Andy Burnham
Starmer eyeballs Streeting - a clash or just coffee?
Will it be a ‘showdown’ when Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting meet today? Or does the King’s Speech calm Labour’s passions for 24 hours?Sam Coates and McElvoy wonder if any Labour leadership has got a bit stuck after a dramatic day of resignations. Because if Streeting doesn’t have the numbers and Andy Burnham doesn't even have a Commons seat – what can anyone do?Plus, amongst the pomp and pageantry
Will Wes Streeting fire the starting gun today?
Will today’s cabinet showdown push Keir Starmer to make a final decision on his future?And will that mean Wes Streeting starts a leadership campaign?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy go over the dynamics of the cabinet meeting and who of the 32 is thinking what – with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood the most blunt so far about the PM needing to go.They also go over what they’re hearing from those who wan
Can Burnham delay Starmer’s exit?
A speech which could define the Keir Starmer premiership – but can he reset or will it be another underwhelming relaunch?With Labour MPs on edge, leadership contenders circling and worries over what stalking horse – Catherine West – will do next, Sam and Anne look at how quickly it all could spiral out of control if the PM fails to land his message.But could a quick contest potentially backfire on
Keir’s defences: Has the dam broken?
Is anyone really prepared to put their head above the parapet to challenge Keir Starmer?After a disastrous set of election results, Labour backbencher Catherine West has launched a stalking-horse threat to force the Prime Minister out.But, with rival camps in disarray and would-be successors staying silent, will the cabinet unite around a successor or fracture even further?In this special debrief
Have election results decided Starmer’s fate?
As early results are declared in England and counting begins across Scotland and Wales has the narrative of these elections already been set?With Labour losing seats and council across England, Reform are already making significant gains.The pressure on the Prime Minister is ramping up…and we don’t have a full picture yet.Sam and Anne assess the early results and what they mean for the parties so
Vote 2026: The final countdown
On the eve of a hugely significant set of local and national elections – who has the momentum and who is staring into an electoral abyss?Sam and Anne pore over the final voting intention polls before the elections – covering England, Scotland and Wales. Have the latest headlines for Reform and the Greens done any damage?Meanwhile, as part of a series of leader interviews on Sky News, Sam has been
Ready or not: Keir’s rivals flounder
With days until the local and national elections – amid some grim polling projections – are Labour facing a double-edged threat from both the left and right of British politics?As instability in the Middle East intensifies, Keir Starmer is preparing to host a summit to tackle antisemitism, but will Labour’s punchy attack on the Greens – including claims of antisemitic remarks made by their candida
Local elections: The pollster’s verdict
With one week until voters head to the polls in Scotland, Wales and England – are we about to see a seismic shift in British politics?In a special episode, Sam and Anne are joined by YouGov pollster Patrick English to break down the data and assess what it could all mean for the parties.As the vote splits across the spectrum, who is set to benefit – and is British politics entering a new multi-par
“My prime minister” - the King steps in
Has King Charles’s warmth and humour helped save the special relationship?It may be a diplomatic win for Keir Starmer in Washington, helping to steady UK-U.S. relations – but have private comments by his U.S. ambassador made life more difficult back in London?Yesterday, the Prime Minister survived a vote demanding he appear before the privileges committee, but after another blockbuster Foreign Aff
Will McSweeney stumble on Starmer?
What might Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney reveal about the Mandelson vetting scandal?Today, the former foreign office mandarin and Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff give evidence to MPs on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.That’s before the Commons vote on whether there should be an inquiry on if the Prime Minister misled Parliament.As well as select committees and votes, there are s
The King in Washington: Charles’s real job this week
Can King Charles save the UK-U.S. special relationship?As the King touches down in Washington for a state visit, Anne – who was at the White House correspondent’s dinner – describes the moment a security incident plunged the night into chaos.With a critical three days ahead Sam and Anne discuss the high stakes diplomacy facing Britain and whether the strained relationship could be reset.Back in We
Cat amongst the pigeons: Mandarins at war
Will the Prime Minister ever escape the ghost of Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint the ‘Prince of Darkness’ as the UK’s ambassador to Washington?With fresh committee hearings looming – including an appearance from Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little – and senior ministers appearing uncomfortable defending No10 on the airwaves, Sam and Anne ask if the row is anywhere near its pe
Keir's cabinet: Who's left on the barricades
Has the Prime Minister and No10 weathered the storm on the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal?With the dust only beginning to settle, Sam and Anne dissect the mixed, uncomfortable and carefully worded reactions from senior figures across the Labour party after Olly Robbins’ combative session in parliament.Keir Starmer braces for another grilling from MPs at Prime Minister Questions on the Mandelson s
Why Olly Robbins isn’t Labour’s only problem
The news agenda may be dominated by Olly Robbins’ highly-anticipated evidence session to MPs on the Mandelson scandal – but is an even more significant story unfolding elsewhere?Cabinet ministers and other senior Labour figures (but not the Prime Minister) will gather at a key conference – setting out competing visions on growth, energy security and economic policy. Are they positioning themselves
The problem with Keir’s Mandelson defence
The Prime Minister faces another defining day as he confronts MPs over one question - when did he and No10 learn that Peter Mandelson had failed his security vetting?Keir Starmer has blamed top foreign office diplomat - Sir Olly Robbins - for not telling him, but allies of the mandarin are fighting back ahead of his expected appearance before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee tomorrow.Sam and A
Going postal: The election brawl begins
With three weeks to polling day, postal voting is underway in local and devolved elections across the UK - but will the process stay clean and how much could deepfakes distort the campaign?In Scotland, an almighty row has erupted between Labour and Reform over an alleged behind-the-scenes alliance to remove the SNP, with both parties branding each other liars.Down in Wales, questions are being rai
Trump v Britain: The war of words spirals
Donald Trump unloads another scathing attack on Keir Starmer – throwing out threats and casting doubt on the special relationship once again – raising fresh question about what could happen next.All very awkward as the Chancellor touches down in Washington for a key IMF meeting and a state visit from King Charles looms on the horizon.Away from Trump-Starmer division – Sam and Anne unpack the react
Is Starmer guilty of “corrosive complacency” on defence?
The man who wrote Keir Starmer’s defence review says the Government is putting the UK ‘in peril’ at a time of war.With more pressure to overhaul the defence budget, Sam reveals that talks going on this week to find billions of pounds worth of savings from this year’s MOD budget.Also – has Ed Miliband shifted his stance on new North Sea oil and gas drilling?Plus, in our weekly polls check-in: are t
The rising cost of trouble abroad
What is the Prime Minister’s top priority as he faces down a critical month? He has a busy basket of problems on the domestic and foreign front – all set on the backdrop of a crucial set of elections.In the Middle East, with no peace deal between the U.S. and Iran and the Strait of Hormuz still blocked, a leading think tank issues some stark warnings about the impact on British households.In Parli
Why is so much at stake in the May elections?
With one month to go until the local elections in England, Wales and Scotland - is the electoral map about to be redrawn?In his first major test since the general election, Sir Keir Starmer faces a major health check and verdict on his government and leadership. Could the results reshape his premiership?In this special episode, Sam and Anne are joined by elections analyst Professor Rob Ford to dis
Keir takes charge on Iran contingencies
MPs may be on recess - but as the Iran war enters its fifth week should Whitehall ramp up contingency planning for its impact at home?With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and reports of a potential U.S. ground invasion the Prime Minister will host a roundtable with key stakeholders from industry to discuss the ongoing impacts.Elsewhere, Labour launch its local elections campaign, and the duo look
From Tehran to Teesside: Could Starmer run out of energy?
The Iran conflict may be dominating the headlines, but it’s the unintended consequences back home that are bothering the Prime Minister.With Tehran rejecting Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan, will the government be forced to step up contingency planning to cover issues as diverse as fertiliser, fuel costs and even helium production?Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a military summit – so Sam an
The fuel plan ministers don’t want to talk about
How does the government plan for making sure the country has enough fuel without accidentally triggering a change in public behaviour which causes shortages?Sam and Anne discuss that tightrope this morning. Ministers will be frustrated by comments from the CEO of Shell about ‘ripple effects’ from the Iran war.The UK says supplies are solid, but it’ll be looking at different approaches being taken
Rachel Reeves takes back control
Does Donald Trump always chicken out or is Keir Starmer in the dark about what is going to happen next in the Middle East? The U.S. President has paused military action in Iran for five days, but pressure remains on the government to support those struggling with energy bills.Sam and Anne unpack a turbulent 24 hours for the Prime Minister - examining how far the Chancellor can go to help those in
The cost of war becomes Reeves’ nightmare
As oil prices climb again – with neither the U.S. nor Iran backing down over the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz – what can the Prime Minister do to ease the economic strain?Later today Keir Starmer will convene an emergency COBR meeting to assess the cost-of-living impacts of the Iran war and consider if the government can further support households with a potential energy crisis looming.Sam a
Is Reeves next on the Rayner hit list?
After a targeted attack on Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reforms, has Angela Rayner forced another climbdown from the Starmer premiership?Rayner allies are eyeing her return to frontline politics before the May elections – will Rachel Reeves be her next target? And does the Prime Minister really need his former deputy’s support?Sam and Anne consider all the factors and assess how credible a Rayner
Angela v Shabana: Who will win?
With a full-on pointed and personal attack at the Prime Minister – is Angela Rayner beginning to position herself for something bigger?The former deputy prime minister ramped up the rhetoric – claiming that the future of the Labour party was at stake if mistakes continued and that certain reforms were “un-British.”Sam and Anne pore over her explosive comments, assessing what an ‘Ange-Britain’ coul
Angela cashes in - but at what price?
Global insecurity and transatlantic tensions dominate the agenda for Keir Starmer - but is the UK about to edge closer to the EU?Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver a speech on plans to deepen the ties with the European Union, as Donald Trump ramps up the rhetoric on Britain’s limited involvement in the Iran war.But - with oil and gas supplies under pressure - how long can the Prime Minister hol
Can Starmer win by defying Trump?
The U.S. President is pilling the pressure on the UK to back his war in Iran – but how long can Keir Starmer hold his nerve?Barrels of oil remain above $100, and the Straits of Hormuz remain shut - all as Donald Trump casts doubt on the future of NATO for nations not co-operating with him.Ahead of a key PM speech later today, Sam and Anne examine the diplomatic fallout and assess how Starmer will
The three things keeping Keir Starmer in his job
The release of the Mandelson files, war in the Middle East and a fresh cost-of-living crisis are all causing turmoil for the Prime Minister – but strangely, are they also doing him a favour?The fallout from the first details of Peter Mandelson’s departure from Washington have already exposed the cracks between Keir Starmer and some advisors. With thousands more emails, messages and WhatsApps to co
What Starmer doesn’t want to see in the Mandelson files
The first wave of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador get released today.Not only will we see emails, WhatsApps and minutes about the due diligence, any comments about the US president himself will also be there for us all to see.Sam and Anne discuss the potential consequences.Peter Mandelson denies any wrongdoing, including misconduct in public office. He has apologis
Military chiefs vs the PM
The government, like the rest of us, is trying to work out where it stands this morning after Donald Trump swung from hitting Iran ‘twenty times harder’ to ending the war ‘very soon’.If Trump’s got things to boiling point and now looking for an offramp – how will that make the UK response look?Sam and Anne pick up on what they’re hearing about relations between the PM and his defence chiefs.Back i
Oil spikes: How high is the price of war?
As Iran names its new supreme leader oil prices skyrocket, sending shockwaves across the global economy – but how will the UK government deal with the issue?President Trump claims the surge is a “small price to pay” for peace - but as G7 finance leaders hold an emergency meeting later today can they find ways to limit the damage?Sam and Anne discuss the steps Keir Starmer can take to reassure the
The hole in Starmer’s story on Iran
As the war in the Middle East enters its sixth day, questions remain over the Prime Minister’s stance – but did a cabinet revolt shape the UK’s response?Reports suggest Keir Starmer was in favour of granting the US access to UK military bases sooner, but was overruled by an alliance of Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Lord Hermer.Sam and Anne unpack the power dynamics at the top of go
UK prepares for war lasting months
“This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with here” - the words of Donald Trump as he attacks Keir Starmer over the UK’s approach to the Iran war - but does this mark a new low for the transatlantic relationship?As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the UK deploy military hardware to Cyprus to protect its assets, is this a further sign the UK is being dragged into the war?Sam and Anne
Spring forecast: Decoding Reeves’ boasts
The Chancellor has been on her feet in the Commons – the backdrop?The momentous conflict unfolding in the Middle East - so was it a “non-event” that dated almost immediately? Or did the Spring forecast give us clues to the direction of the government?Rachel Reeves reiterated that her economic plan was “the right plan” but have the government made certain assumptions and do the OBR agree with them
Starmer and Trump trade blows on Iran
Its Spring Forecast day but as the war continues across the Middle East – is the special relationship now under threat?Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and U.S. President, Donald Trump, trade blows on the legality of the military action but is Britain military and economically ready for what’s to come?Sam and Anne look at all options on the table and assess whether this could impact the Spring Foreca
Why Starmer bowed to Trump on Iran
After a weekend of destabilisation and tension across the Middle East, the UK allows the U.S. to use its military bases for attacks in Iran – but what challenges do the government face?The U.S. President says he will continue bombings on Iran until “all objectives are met” posing problems for Keir Starmer with thousands of Brits stuck in the region and hundreds of oil tankers dropping anchor aroun
Labour’s disaster: The blame game begins
The plumber come politician – Hannah Spencer – claims a seismic and historic win for the Greens at the Gorton and Denton by-election but, where does this leave the Keir Starmer project? Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb. The duo also consider: Is the Labour vote bleeding f
Has the government sealed the fate of the assisted dying bill?
After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for furth
Can Starmer conquer Burnham's kingdom?
With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer’s government?Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.Back in Westminster, are the Metro
Can Starmer shake off Mandelson’s ghost?
Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer’s government over the coming days, weeks and months?With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the
Make or break: The SEND reforms Keir Starmer must win
A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of cont
Keir’s succession: The field widens
In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next
Revealed: Starmer’s three near-death moments
As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM’s judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what p
What did Starmer promise to buy loyalty?
Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It’s only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief
Has Streeting painted a target on his back?
After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.Away from the psychodra
Can Starmer live without Morgan McSweeney?
The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer’s survival?Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets. Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parl
Starmer: Is there a future?
As the political drama over Peter Mandelson spills into the Commons - with another climbdown and a damaging revelation – it raises the bigger question: How secure is the Keir Starmer premiership?With some MPs calling for Starmer to go – along with his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – pressure is mounting over the stark confession that the PM knew about Mandelson’s continuing relationship with Jef
Can Starmer keep Mandelson vetting secret?
Another day and another podcast dominated by Peter Mandelson – but as the political pressure ramps up across parliament, how will No10 react and is the carnage over?In a frantic 24 hours, Lord Mandelson gave up his peerage and is facing a criminal investigation over alleged leaking of sensitive material to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Facing a key Conservative vote in the commons later tod
Is Mandelson already plotting his next comeback?
Peter Mandelson is still the main topic for discussion on the podcast again – as Anne reports back from an event with the US ambassador to London.Sam and Anne both pick over Mandelson’s interview with the Times – where, beyond the photos at the Aga, he seems to hint that there’s still a way back to politics by saying “I want to be more of an outsider”.At last night's event, Anne picks up on U.S. r
Mandelson fall: A body blow for McSweeney?
As another large dossier of Epstein files comes into the public domain – Lord Peter Mandelson resigns his membership to the Labour party, claiming he “doesn’t want to cause further embarrassment” – but is that the end or only the beginning?Sam and Anne assess the political ramifications for Mr Mandelson and whether his links to the convicted paedophile – Jeffrey Epstein - will force him to give up
President Xi vs the Tories
Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets China’s President Xi calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” - but can both nations achieve that amidst global uncertainty?Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the
Can 'never here Keir' bring back the goods from China?
As Keir Starmer touches down in Beijing – does the UK face a choice between a “golden age” or an “ice age” with its relationship with China?Sam and Anne assess:Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?Should Sir Keir be globetro
Starmer in China: Will he trigger Trump?
As the Prime Minister prepares to fly off to China he leaves behind plenty of problems at home – including a snap by-election in Manchester – but what will he do about it?Sam is on his way to the North West to see if Keir Starmer can navigate this moment of jeopardy, as some parties launch their campaigns for the Gorton and Denton seat.Back in Westminster, the government makes a significant announ
Can Starmer withstand the Burnham backlash?
After a weekend of will he or won’t he – Labour’s National Executive Committee decided to block Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by election – but has this move just ignited a massive internal civil war?Sam and Anne reveal some of the details from the crucial NEC meeting – assessing how damaging the move could be and whether the argument to shut the door on Mr Burnham’s
Trump climbdown: Has January been a wasted month
After President Trump’s dramatic tariff climbdown at Davos, the Prime Minister and European leaders will be breathing a sigh of relief – but has it left more questions than answers and can the UK claim any credit for the change in position?Sam and Anne reflect on a month - primarily dominated by foreign issues and U-turns - and discuss whether if it was a missed opportunity for the government to p
Farage lobbies Team Trump in Davos
Donald Trump finally descends on Davos despite a delayed flight – and is set to dominate the day at the annual get-together of the global elite.Sam and Anne reflect on his mega press conference prior to his departure – where he criticised Keir Starmer on the Chagos deal once again – and ask whether the PM will be missed in the Swiss Alps.Anne has the latest on the ground, gathering intel from acro
Trump unleashes Chagos Bazooka on Keir
Sam and Anne started this episode wonder if Starmer and Trump relations were showing signs of being back on track.And as they were recording – the latest Trump Truth Social post calls the UK Chagos Islands deal “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY”.A move that’ll dominate the day – Sam explains how it’ll land in Westminster and Anne explains what people will be saying at Davos. There’s also more u-turn talk
Why Starmer is saying Trump is wrong
After a weekend tariff assault by President Trump on the UK and Europe – triggered by the fallout from the U.S. ambition to buy Greenland – the Prime Minister rips up the agenda to hold an emergency news conference in Downing Street.Sam in London and Anne in Davos to go through what options Sir Keir Starmer has on the table and assess whether the PM should retaliate or find a diplomatic way throug
Starmer’s three big woes revealed
Is the theme of anger and unhappiness dominating British politics and what, if anything, is the Prime Minister doing to quell the mood amongst his party and the public?Sam has details of misery and irritation within the Labour ranks over plans to overhaul parts of the jury system to cut the courts backlog – but is another u-turn or rebellion on the horizon?Elsewhere, will the assisted dying bill m
Why is the UK so bad at getting stuff done?
Another day and another u-turn – what does the climbdown on digital ID say about the credibility and authority of the Prime Minister?Sam and Anne also get you up to speed on another government idea that you’ll have heard a lot about before – rail investment in the north of England. Can links between big cities ever be improved? And why is the Chancellor trying to whip up excitement like it’s not b
Labour MPs vs the Spooks
A row is brewing between the government, Labour backbenchers and the security services over the Hillsborough law. Sam has the intel on why MPs want it to go even further, leaving No10 in a tricky position.After several policy U-turns and potentially more on the horizon – is the Prime Minister still in the driving seat and to what extent?Plus, as Reform UK claims its most high-profile scalp so far
Red on red: How X is upsetting Labour
As global instability continues to dominate the Prime Minister’s agenda, is the threat to his premiership receding?After a rollercoaster week of foreign events, and now the possibility of the collapse of the Iranian regime, Sam and Anne asses the perception of his actions on the home and domestic fronts.Link to foreign affairs, Anne has some intel on defence spending and how the funding doesn’t ma
Bridget Phillipson fights back
Today, Sam and Anne ask the question, is the Prime Minister’s focus abroad distracting from his own problems and domestic reforms at home?With a plethora of contentious legislation to get through ahead of the spring statement in March and the Kings speech in May - the duo forecast whether there could be more rebellions down the line. The pair home in on the complicated problems facing Bridget Phil
New restrictions: Government plans every driver will care about
Three things from Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy to start your political day.What the government is having to deal with – the unpredictability of Donald Trump.Just as Britain signs up to troops in Ukraine if there’s a peace deal, it’s having to use its best diplomatic language on what the President’s thinking about Greenland.What the government wants to deal with – publishing the road safety strategy
