Ed Balls and George Osborne, former Chancellor and shadow chancellor, take listeners behind closed doors to discuss the decisions that affect the nation's pockets. They explain how good politics follows economics and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents. The podcast releases new episodes every Thursday and is a Persephonica production.
Episodes
EMQs: Regrets, leaks and data centres
Ed Balls and George Osborne hear from former BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, who asks them to reflect on their biggest regrets in politics. It turns out that both have the same issue that nags at them after all of these years.An expat in Germany wonders why debates around Freedom of Movement in the UK focuses so much on immigration rather than on emigration. Ed and George discuss whether it
Could the midterms be bad news for Burnham?
The midterms were an enormous rejection of Donald Trump’s Republicans – but what are the lessons to be learned, in the US and closer to home? Ed Balls and George Osborne unpack the implications of the ‘blue tsunami’, asking whether analysis that pins it entirely on the cost of living and Iran are too narrow. They also question whether they represent an opportunity or a threat for Andy Burnham. A w
EMQs: Will Burnham return to free movement?
Sunday Times political editor Ben Riley-Smith asks Ed Balls and George Osborne a question on this week’s EMQs, off the back of his Andy Burnham profile interview. Can the prime minister win the argument on free movement, either at a referendum or General Election? The pair are sceptical, conceding it could be done but pose massive risks to the Labour coalition.Then, the hymns chat inspires a flurr
Will Burnham risk it all on an early election?
The Budget is over, and John Healey may want you to forget about it already. That’s what Ed Balls and George Osborne debate on this week’s episode, where they interrogate whether this Budget was biding time until an election or a sign that the Burnham government is even more hemmed in than previously thought. Will they go early and risk losing their majority? Or are they going to whittle through w
HOT TAKE: Was Healey’s Budget inconsequential?
Ed and George went live this afternoon to give their Hot Take on John Healey’s Budget. They concluded the new chancellor was comfortable in his style, but the substance was not there.George declares it an inconsequential Budget, and wonders if Healey’s plan is to do nothing. Ed speculates if this looks like a pre-election Budget.We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQ
EMQs: Are the Tories against welfare cuts?
After the great response to Ed Balls’ scepticism on Burnham trying to rejoin the EU, former Labour MP Gloria De Piero got in touch. She asks Ed and George Osborne just how they would make the case for rejoining, to their former constituents. With Gloria’s seat now held by Lee Anderson, it’s clear that the case in some leave voting areas will be a hard one to make…Then, Times writer and former Spec
Will Healey’s budget burst the Burnham bubble?
The Budget is less than a week away, and the pressure is on for Andy Burnham and John Healey to deliver. Ed Balls and George Osborne debate whether the right moves are being taken for the new chancellor’s first budget, or if the bold rhetoric from the PM will not be matched by what is set to be a small Budget. George is in Paris this week, days after the media was dominated by scenes of rioting ac
EMQs: Who Lifts Heavier, Ed or George?
Author Philip Delves Broughton asks Ed Balls and George Osborne whether Britain could survive an energy shock like the 1973–74 oil crisis, which ended with a three-day week and the fall of the Heath government. George warns of voters blaming the government while Ed argues that the real danger, like in the ‘70s, is the energy shock landing alongside other collapsing post-war assumptions.They then d
Does Burnham have a foot in mouth problem?
International politics can disrupt the best laid plans of any government, and this week was no different. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into a week that has been dominated by the war in Ukraine, and how Andy Burnham has chosen to navigate it. Donald Trump has made a deal with Russia on diesel, which Zelenskyy said was a betrayal. Burnham has to walk a careful line to side with Ukraine, but not
EMQs: The truth about government war gaming
Money saving expert Martin Lewis sends in a question for Ed Balls and George Osborne this week, all about the tiny fixes. He tasks the pair with contributing to his new Small Ideas Initiative, proposing their own solutions to the most annoying problems in Britain. Ed goes for football tickets, while George hits on driving tests.They then turn to a former FT colleague of Ed’s, who asks whether the
Have Burnham & Badenoch restored two-party politics?
Party conference season is over, and it went out with a bang. The Greens have been engulfed by controversy over Zionism, and the Tories have been repositioning as the leading party on the right. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into what the troubles for the Greens means for Labour, who now couldn’t do a deal in the event of a hung parliament. George argues the Greens are now diminished post-Star
EMQs: Should John Healey recruit ex-chancellors?
A questioner from Instagram takes Ed Balls and George Osborne back 20 years in this week’s EMQs, reminiscing on fringe events at party conferences that drew no audience. They reflect on how to handle hosting a sparsely attended event, and the awkwardness George got into when asked a question about his childhood.Natalie Livingstone, author of the new book The Nuremberg Women, then asks how we can e
Will Burnham’s big and bold speech backfire?
The dust has settled on Andy Burnham’s conference speech, and the verdict is positive. However, there are lingering questions. Ed Balls and George Osborne, fresh off their Hot Take, set out to answer the most pressing ones. Is the PM moving too early on the triple lock? Has the National Care Service been thought through? Should he be taking inspiration from George on Brexit? Does all of this play
HOT TAKE: Our verdict on Burnham’s conference speech
Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference speech was pitched as a break from your standard conference speech, but did it deliver? Ed Balls and George Osborne went live earlier this afternoon to give their verdict on the speech.How will reform of the triple lock work? Has he sewn up a coalition with the Lib Dems? Is his social care plan too ambitious? All of this and more is answered on this Hot Take
EMQs: Biggest conference clangers
In a star studded edition of EMQs, Sky News political editor, and rival podcaster, Beth Rigby asks Ed Balls and George Osborne for their biggest party conference cock-ups over the years. George takes us behind the scenes and back to 2007 to a moment that could have ended his and David Cameron’s careers, while Ed recounts the moment that changed British political history.Labour’s party Chair, Bridg
Can the Burnham & Trump love-in last?
Andy Burnham has finally met Donald Trump, and George Osborne concludes it went as well as it possibly could. He and Ed Balls delve into the two leaders’ meeting in New York this week, and just how Britain navigates the rising tensions around AI in the wake of Australia’s health data breach. George also proposes Trump’s meeting with President Xi could be the start of a global consensus forming on
EMQs: The challenges criticising Netanyahu with rising anti-semitism?
How do you unite leaders to come together and work for a common goal? Tom Fletcher, who works for the UN on Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, asks this very question to Ed Balls and George Osborne on this week’s EMQs. As part of the Be Hope podcast takeover, Tom asks the pair how to make a global philanthropic message land in a divided, economically challenged world. Off the back of
Has Burnham wasted his honeymoon?
The budget crunch is on for Andy Burnham’s new government, with Ed Balls and George Osborne warning that the economic outlook has got much worse from when the new PM entered No. 10. The Fed raising interest rates, and the Bank of England likely to follow this autumn, create a stark picture for Burnham and John Healey. George reports a lack of confidence internationally, and wonders if the honeymoo
EMQs: Why does Farage fall out with everyone?
Veteran journalist John Sweeney starts this week’s EMQs asking Ed Balls and George Osborne why Farage falls out with all his mates. From Rupert Lowe right back to his Ukip days, the Clacton MP has a long list of former friends turned bitter enemies. Is this part of the grit needed to be a successful politician? Or are Farage’s interpersonal challenges stopping him from reaching No. 10?Labour MP Jo
Has Andy Burnham gone too far on Israel?
Foreign affairs took centre stage in British politics this week, with Andy Burnham finally showing where he stands. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the shake-up in rhetoric to Israel/Gaza, but suggest the policy was already planned by the Starmer government. George wonders whether Ed Miliband’s tone was too populist, and whether this was all a play for uniting the left vote. Elsewhere, they ex
EMQs: From Athelstan to Dollywood
Off the back of our preview of the Bayeux Tapestry, The Rest is History’s own Tom Holland asks Ed Balls and George Osborne about another significant English date: 926. The show is broadcast from inside the British Museum and Tom asks whether we should celebrate this date, commonly thought to be the beginning of England as we know it, and if so how?Two listeners also ask about education; one
Inside the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry Coup
In this week’s episode, George Osborne and Ed Balls broadcast from the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum - the only podcast allowed in the space. Joined by curator Michael Lewis, they discuss the dramatic diplomacy that saw the delicate masterpiece travel from France to Britain, the real story this 70 metre long tapestry tells and the parallels with politics today
EMQs solutions special: Burnham reviving Sunak’s national service plan?
In this policy focused edition of EMQs, Ed Balls and George Osborne are thinking about the big ideas to help solve Britain’s big issues. They first consider whether steps should be taken to offer tax incentives for having children, as countries like Hungary have done. Ed and George explain why this is an ineffective measure, but an important debate governments must get on top of sooner rather than
Amol Rajan: Why I’m leaving the BBC
In our final special summer interview, George Osborne sits down with Amol Rajan as he leaves the Today Programme for a new venture. Amol gives George the scoop on his latest endeavour on YouTube and how he sees the media landscape shifting from his old stomping grounds of newspapers, radio, and television.They reflect over his career, touching on rumours of feuds among the Today Programme hosts, t
EMQs What If: Ed and George had never entered politics?
For our third summer EMQs we’re returning to our What Ifs. Ed Balls and George Osborne first consider how Britain would change had they never entered politics? Would the Bank of England become independent? Would there be a Manchester mayoralty? Or, would it have had no impact?What if George got the US Ambassador gig over Peter Mandelson? The pair consider how George would approach the job differen
Sue Gray: Why working under Keir Starmer became ‘unbearable’
The third of our exclusive summer interviews sees Ed Balls sit down with the former Chief of Staff for No. 10 Sue Gray. In her first major interview since her dramatic split from Keir Starmer’s team, she details the lead up to entering Downing Street and just where things went wrong. Gray explains how she tried to prepare Starmer’s team for government in 2023, where things went wrong at the b
EMQs America special: Best President there never was
This week’s themed EMQs is all about America. Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on their memories of the US from the Founding Fathers right through to Trump. They first consider whether the MAGA worldview is baked into American politics, particularly on an international level, and will affect things like NATO for decades to come.Amol Rajan, from the Today Programme, then poses an idea for Andy B
Yvette Cooper: What Starmer got wrong
Our second summer interview sees George Osborne sit down with the new Health Secretary and one of Labour’s most experienced ministers, Yvette Cooper. She was the first minister to take maternity leave and is of course George’s podcasting partner’s other half. They talk about her nearly 30 years as an MP, how politics has changed and what it was like being in cabinet with her husband Ed Balls. 
EMQs Media special: Did podcasts ruin Keir Starmer?
In this media themed episode of EMQs, Ed Balls and George Osborne dip into the archive of questions from the past year to put all things media and politics into the spotlight. Fellow podcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover send in a question to find out why there are no interviewers quite like Brian Walden anymore, and whether biographies assisted by AI should be labelled as such in future.Ed and Geo
Kemi Badenoch: Why she won’t make a deal with 'woke' Reform
In the first of our summer interviews, Ed Balls sits down with Kemi Badenoch, leader of Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition. The wide ranging interview begins with her Nigerian upbringing, coming to the UK at 16, and how that informs her immigration policy.Badenoch also details just how different her Conservative party is from not only Labour and Reform, but also the party that lost th
EMQs: Is Britain lazier than America?
Grimsby MP Melanie Onn sends in a question for this week's EMQs, querying why George went straight to Grimsby as a challenge for devolution in a recent episode. The pair delve into challenges facing Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda, and how past governments have failed and succeeded in addressing these disparities.A listener then poses a question: is Britain lazier than other countries? And, is th
Can Burnham end Britain’s social care crisis?
Week two of the Andy Burnham premiership has come with a honeymoon and polling bounce. Ed Balls and George Osborne look at how he’s returned to a more collaborative approach with his cabinet, and the comms strategy which has seen pork scratchings become an international talking point. But what bigger political strategy is Burnham building? Despite protestations, is he still weighing up a General E
EMQs: The reality of reshuffles
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard is our first questioner on this week’s EMQs, asking whether other MPs will follow in Andy Burnham’s footsteps and leave Westminster to become mayors. Ed Balls and George Osborne speak about the career opportunities that could come with these positions and how they can uniquely prepare you for No. 10 more than any cabinet role can.A civil servant then enquires w
Will Burnham’s radical reshuffle work?
A new dawn has broken, with the Andy Burnham premiership finally beginning. Ed Balls and George Osborne dive deep into the packed first week of PM Burnham, from his first words at Downing Street, to his massive reshuffle, and initial policy announcements. Is he being too ambitious out of the gate? Can he do politics differently? Will this really be a circuit breaker for Britain?The big surprise of
EMQs: Why don’t politicians apologise?
This week, Ed Balls and George Osborne hear from a current and former Member of Parliament. Former Tory minister Greg Clark asks if Andy Burnham’s pledge for ‘devolution in every postcode’ is attainable, while Starmer loyalist John Slinger puts forward his proposals for a ‘youth triple lock’ to improve prospects for young people in the UK. Should there be guarantees on above-inflation maintenance
How Ann Widdecombe’s killing has reshaped British politics
The shocking killing of Ann Widdecombe has set a sombre tone in British politics in the last week. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into the political implications of this tragedy, examining the changing police messaging and debating what the solution for protecting politicians should be. They also share memories of Widdecombe, who they both worked with throughout the years. ‘The King of Nor
EMQs: Why no one will end the triple lock
Hot off Centrist Dad’s sellout show last week, two listeners at the gig have sent in questions. Our Kitchen Cabinet winner, Douglas Law, asks a question on the mind of every junior Labour MP right now: will Burnham promote them? Ed Balls and George Osborne explain what ministers must do to secure a promotion in government, and what Burnham will look for.Then, they answer a question that has
Is Reform unravelling?
The Nigel Farage donation scandal reached a breaking point on Tuesday when he took the extreme step of triggering his own by-election. But was this a shrewd move or has it backfired? Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the risks to Reform, how Kemi Badenoch may use it to her advantage, and whether Count Binface could really be Clacton’s next MP. While some see Farage as future PM, the next ma
EMQs: Are holiday taxes a threat to tourism?
The proposed holiday tax from the King’s speech is a subject of controversy in the hospitality sector, and on this week’s EMQs Ed Balls and George Osborne speak to these concerns. Does this drive away tourism? Or, can they follow in the footsteps of other European cities and help inject funding into these destinations through the extra cashflow?Then, they delve into the lack of employment rights f
The two major challenges facing Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham is now prime minister-in-waiting and is laying out his vision for Britain. On Monday he outlined his approach to the economy, but is his vision any different to Keir Starmer’s? Ed Balls and George Osborne worry the speech lacks a theory of change, and sets him up for the same troubles Starmer faced. George puts forward the two key challenges Burnham will face: defence and communicatio
EMQs: The reshuffle dilemma facing Andy Burnham
Should Andy Burnham appoint an entirely new Cabinet or resist the temptation for a full reshuffle? Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss whether constant ministerial churn is a hindrance to effective government, and who the new Prime Minister should keep in post to provide stability.They also revisit one of the biggest political "what ifs" of the year. Was Keir Starmer wrong to stop Burnham returnin
The Andy Burnham we know
The pathway from Makerfield to Downing Street seems inevitable. Andy Burnham was sworn in to Parliament hours after Keir Starmer resigned and now seems set to be crowned as prime minister next month. But who is he? Ed Balls and George Osborne have known him for over 25 years, and speak to how the man they know will govern once he enters No. 10. How will his style as a footballer be reflected in hi
HOT TAKE: Starmer resigns, what comes next?
After Keir Starmer delivered his resignation speech this morning, Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on what comes next for the government, for the country, and for the outgoing Prime Minister. Was Starmer’s ‘clinical’ address a sign of a weak legacy and further inability to communicate his successes? The pair argue the performance was lacking in both emotion, and in recognition for the work of h
EMQs: Keir Starmer’s problem with ministers
Al Carns revealed in the wake of his resignation he only met Keir Starmer in an official capacity once. On this week’s EMQs, Ed Balls and George Osborne break down how unusual this is for a PM and why it may explain the problem at the heart of the Starmer operation. Baroness Jan Royall, Chair of the Jo Cox Foundation asks what lessons have been learned in the decade since her tragic murder an
How’s Britain and George Osborne, 10 years on from Brexit?
Keir Starmer’s legacy is on the line, no matter who wins in Makerfield. A flurry of announcements from social media bans to the defence strategy have seen the PM attempt to recentre himself in the narrative as his greatest rival comes closer and closer to re-entering Westminster. This week, Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into what it means for Labour, whether Wes Streeting is still a contender,
EMQs: Will new laws protect children online?
How effective will new UK laws be at protecting children online? Ed Balls and George Osborne hear a question from Natalie Fleet, the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls. They discuss the technology that can help, the importance of legislation keeping pace with risks, and the legal decision that made social media platforms more likely to host misleading content.Plus, why
Is it the final blow for Starmer as Healey resigns?
The shock resignation of defence secretary John Healey has prompted an emergency input from Ed Balls and George Osborne for this week’s episode. They react to why he went, what it means for the government and how defence spending will become a bigger crunch point than it was already.In one week’s time voting will open for the by-election of the century. Will Andy Burnham return to Parliament
EMQs: The best place to be an MP if you're a lover of rhubarb
In this week’s EMQs George Osborne and Ed Balls take on a question from Jeremy Hunt who asks if chancellors are under pressure to push through new reform as soon as they are in office. Ed and George bring their experience to the query. Following the Pope’s letter on the topic of AI, one listener asks for Ed and George’s reaction to the papal intervention. In the Pope’s encyclical
Did Farage go too far or score political points this week?
British politics has been dominated this week by the horrifying murder of student Henry Novak and the political storm that followed the release of police bodycam footage. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the tragedy, the questions it raises around “two-tier policing” and the political firestorm it has ignited. The pair analyse the contrasting responses from Nigel Farage, Keir Starmer and K
EMQs: Is Makerfield the UK’s presidential election?
Was George Osborne about to abandon David Cameron in the 2005 Tory leadership race? That’s the first question on this week’s EMQs, where George recounts the mistakes made by the David Davis campaign that allowed Cameron to ascend. Ed Balls shares similar mistakes of David Miliband’s 2010 campaign, and the pair offer their own advice to all backbench MPs assessing the current Labour leadershi
Is Tony Blair the Logan Roy of Britain?
The battle for Makerfield is on, so this week Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into this consequential by-election’s frontrunners. Andy Burnham is radical in tone, but are his policies more conservative when you dig in? Reform’s Robert Kenyon has lost his shine as sexist and remain leaning views have been dug up but a spokesperson for the party said they "fully back" him and added that the "comment
EMQs: Should retired politicians go on Question Time?
Following Green MP Hannah Spencer’s comments on drinking culture at Westminster, Ed Balls and George Osborne answer whether MPs should be better behaved in general during Parliamentary sessions. They make the case for heckling and jeering, comparing it to more civilised Parliaments and systems to explain how it helps hold our leaders accountable. They then reflect on their experience on Quest
Burnham, Streeting, and Rayner’s race to No. 10
British politics has moved at a rapid pace the last week, with Andy Burnham securing his root to parliament, Wes Streeting reigniting Brexit debates, and a defiant No. 10 fighting on through all of it. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the leadership race, the manoeuvres being made by Streeting to court the Labour faithful and how Burnham is having to campaign on two fronts. Why is the cabinet s
EMQs: Should we vote on weekends?
Last week’s local elections saw votes counted during the Friday to save costs, and inspired one listener to ask Ed Balls and George Osborne why that isn’t always the case. He also wondered why we don’t vote at weekends like other European countries. The pair explain the historical roots of the tradition and the benefits of weekday votes and overnight counts for general elections. Plus they r
Who should be the next prime minister?
Wes Streeting’s resignation is the latest domino to fall amid the threat to Keir Starmer’s premiership, in a chain reaction that could lead to months of chaos. Ed Balls and George Osborne evaluate where the government and Keir Starmer can go from here. Should he resign? And how would Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and the wildcard option of Al Carns, fare against him in a leadership con
HOT TAKE: Is it over for Starmer?
The fallout of the local elections was as many had predicted, but the chaotic aftermath demanded a reaction. Ed Balls and George Osborne went live on YouTube earlier today to give their thoughts on just how bad things are for Keir Starmer.They reflect on the heavy defeat Labour suffered on Thursday, and the prime minister’s fightback. Why did he bring back Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman? Why did
EMQs: Is politics like snooker?
Fresh off his trip to the Crucible to see the snooker, Ed Balls brings a question for him and George Osborne to answer on just how similar politics and snooker are. Is it all about the long game? Or do you take the risky shot when the opportunity arises? Are the two even similar? And do Ed and George know enough about the sport to say for certain?Sunday Times columnist Charlotte Ivers then asks wh
Why are Labour so aggressive on the Greens?
It’s polling day, and the tensions have never been higher for Keir Starmer. The threat to his left, with the Greens, or to his right, with Reform, makes this a defining moment of his premiership. Ed Balls and George Osborne take this time to look at the future of the devolved governments, which could all be led by nationalist parties for the first time. Which parties will be willing to work togeth
EMQs: Should MPs drink in parliament?
Before getting into questions this week, Ed Balls and George Osborne take on the big talk around Westminster: should MPs be allowed to drink? They respond to the criticism by new Green MP Hannah Spencer, who said MPs smelling of alcohol while voting made her uneasy. Ed and George offer the pros and cons of this, and even how drinking in parliament getting out of hand may have led to Jeremy Corbyn…
Why no one can 'land a glove' on Farage
A dramatic week in UK politics has seen the successful state visit to the US by King Charles and another hit on Keir Starmer in the ongoing Mandelson scandal. Ed Balls and George Osborne break down all the moving parts of these events. Is the special relationship saved? Did Kemi Badenoch move too early against Starmer? And what does this all mean going into a seismic set of local elections?On said
EMQs: What do the public think of Ed and George?
Off the back of last week’s EMQs, Tamara Finkelstein sends in a correction to the idea that UK schools don’t prepare for attacks like those in the US. She highlights that Jewish schools have to prepare and feel threatened in this current environment. Ed Balls and George Osborne highlight the worrying trend of antisemitism in the UK and the need for public figures to actively combat it.Alders
Is the clock ticking for Keir Starmer?
Another dramatic revelation in the Mandelson scandal has reignited the tensions around Keir Starmer’s leadership and the future of his government. Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on the latest developments, and look forward to how this will impact the local elections in just two weeks' time. The pair question the sacking of Olly Robbins, assess Kemi Badenoch’s performance at PMQs, and look at
EMQs: Should PMs be youthful or experienced?
Fresh off the back of our latest episodes Ed Balls and George Osborne get an answer to their queries around the curate eggs and a follow up to the Libya crisis series on age in politics. In politics, particularly the Tories, you’re considered young at 40 or 50 while in tech it makes you ancient. Why is this? Youth is often seen as a negative in politics, but is there value to not being weighed dow
Is it risky for the Chancellor to attack Trump?
The Middle East conflict raged on during our Easter break and George Osborne comes back to us with news from Washington and word from friends in high places, like incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. He and Ed Balls discuss the failed peace talks from George’s other mate, JD Vance, and where things go from here. They then weigh in on the UK’s shifting tone towards the Trump administration, and why
What If: George was PM during Covid?
In another special ‘What If’ edition of EMQs George Osborne and Ed Balls consider the would be worlds and outcomes, if just one historical event went another way. In a more theoretical ‘What If’ they consider what would happen if MPs couldn’t abstain and had to vote aye or nay on every bill. Ed believes this could lead to a breakdown in our system, while George thinks it could reprimand a mis
Inside The Room - The Libya Conflict: The Aftermath (Part Three)
How can it be ensured countries will face a better future after a large-scale military intervention? It’s a question which applies to both politicians dealing with the war in Iran today, and for politicians dealing with the aftermath of Muammar Gaddafi’s killing in 2011.In this third and final part of this series, Ed Balls, George Osborne, and Sir John Sawers reflect on the fallout of the 42-year
Inside The Room - The Libya Conflict: The Campaign (Part Two)
Planes are in the air and the military intervention in Libya has now begun. But how does the operation progress from here? And what actually happens in a war room?In the second part of this mini series, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask Sir John Sawers about how MI6 gathered intelligence to guide the path forwards. He tells the story of leaving William Hague "aghast" by securing a visa for the Libya
Inside The Room - The Libya Conflict: The Build Up (Part One)
As renewed violence erupts across the Middle East, governments have been forced into crisis mode... but when is the right time to intervene, how involved should you get and when, if ever, is it time for 'boots on the ground'?It's these dilemmas and more that are currently facing Keir Starmer and other world leaders, but it's not the first time a UK government has had to find answers for such big q
EMQs: Is Wes Streeting a good health secretary?
Fellow ex-MP and former health minister Steve Brine sends in a question asking Ed Balls and George Osborne how we judge the performance of a health secretary, and in particular Wes Streeting. They lay out the historical challenges of the role, and where Streeting has risen or succumbed to them thus far.A colleague of Ed’s from King’s College then asks how useful it is for benefits to be so conditi
What on earth happened to Morgan McSweeney’s phone?
Nearly a month into the war in Iran, and the White House’s objectives are no clearer. Donald Trump is sending conflicting signals - peace overtures in one moment, threats of further escalation in the next. The consequences of this instability is rippling far beyond the Middle East. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine what Trump actually wants, and what his mixed messages might mean for allies
EMQs: Are robotaxis coming for London?
Fresh off regaling us with his tales in a Silicon Valley robotaxi, George Osborne is asked if they’re bound for London and what risks they may pose, in this week’s EMQs. Ed Balls echoes some of our listener’s concerns, but George argues this is no different than other tech evolutions like Uber.The pair are then asked why Britain often appears reactive and not proactive for big economic
Has the race to succeed Starmer kicked off?
The war in the middle east has entered its third week. Tensions rose overnight when Israel hit a natural gas field in Iran, and Iran retaliated by bombing gas facilities in Qatar. The result was oil prices skyrocketing. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss what appears to be a communication breakdown between Israel and the US, and question whether they are aligned in their respective endgames. 
EMQs: From Beatlemania to... K-pop?
The saga of Gordon the chicken continues this week with Beatrice Gove, Michael’s daughter, sending in a question to tell us more about the incident. Ed Balls and George Osborne then answer her question about polling showing Labour and Reform out in front as the parties most trusted by business. Is this a concern for Keir Starmer? What does it mean when business starts gravitating towards oppositio
Is there an inflation crisis coming?
After weeks of speculation we finally saw the first release of the files concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment and sacking as US Ambassador. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into the revelations within the files, and whether any of the new information damages the government or prime minister. Was there a smoking gun in the files? Is the worst information now out there? Or, are there more damag
EMQs: Are betting markets more reliable than polling?
Fresh off the absolute victory for the Greens in Gorton and Denton, Ed Balls and George Osborne debate whether the betting markets - which accurately predicted the results - are reliable forecasters in elections in this week’s EMQs. George ponders if, unlike official polling, it might be possible to influence the odds in your favour? Fellow ex-MP Gyles Brandreth asks the brutally honest question:
Trump’s Iran Strike and Britain’s Dilemma
After weeks of warnings from George Osborne and Ed Balls, Donald Trump has rolled the dice and launched Operation Epic Fury and Operation Rising Lion against Iran. The strikes sent shockwaves around the world, with many wondering what Trump’s real motivations were. Why did Trump act now? What is his endgame? And what could the domestic and geopolitical consequences be?Ed and George unpack the stra
EMQs: Will the AI bubble burst?
On the heels of the AI Impact Summit, former advisor to Nick Clegg and author Verity Harding asks how Ed Balls and George Osborne’s experiences of the dot com bubble and rise of social media can inform the current government’s approach to AI. They also discuss whether AI is heading for its own Dot Com crash.And, what’s in a Department Name? More than you’d think apparently. The pair get surprising
The existential threats facing Keir Starmer
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EMQs: Is it time for another referendum?
Should a government hold a referendum on tax? A civil servant messages in to pose this idea to Ed Balls and George Osborne on this week’s EMQs. The two debate the merits of holding any referendum, reminisce on how easily they become about more than their central question, and ponder whether tax policy is suited to the form of a referendum. Former MP Luke Hall asks the pair about charities fun
How bad could the by-election be for Labour?
We’re one week from the Gorton and Denton by-election, which could prove another brutal blow to Keir Starmer’s already unstable premiership. Could Reform gain another MP or will this be the Green Party’s first by-election victory? And is a Labour hold out of the question? Ed Balls and George Osborne explore the state of play for the parties, including the U-turn on postponing 30 local electio
