Shows / The Politics Show
The Politics Show
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…
Episodes
The Politics ShowBritain's summer of discontent | Cover Story with Anoosh Chakelian
Asylum protests. NHS strikes. A faltering economy. Is the Labour government facing a summer of discontent? Last year, riots sparked by the brutal murder of…
The Politics ShowStarmer's threat to recognise Palestine | Politics with Megan Gibson
The UK will recognise Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel abides by a ceasefire, commits to a two-state solution and agrees not to annex the West…
The Politics ShowWhy can't Trump shake Epstein? | US politics with Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward
Once upon a time Donald Trump loved to talk about conspiracy theories. Now, well, not so much. Why can’t Trump shake the Epstein story - and what could it mean…
The Politics ShowAll hail Emperor Trump | Politics with Tom McTague
As Donald Trump visits Scotland, world leaders - including Keir Starmer - flock to pay tribute at the emperor's feet. Subscribe on YouTube…
The Politics ShowTax Netflix now! | Peter Kosminsky interview
Director, writer and producer Peter Kosminsky, who directed of the BBC's adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, has worked in the television industry for 45…
The Politics ShowIf you care about Gaza, why vote Labour? - Listener questions episode
Our Listeners ask: With Keir Starmer and his government under fire over their approach to Gaza, and the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new…
The Politics ShowThe fraying of the social fabric | Politics with Rachel Cunliffe
This week - Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has identified immigration, economic insecurity and time spent online as key causes of unrest and rioting in…
The Politics ShowKemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague
She was the Tory saviour. Now, by November, she could be gone. Where did it all go wrong for Kemi Badenoch? -- For this week's New Statesman magazine, Will…
The Politics ShowThe Trump, Epstein and MAGA saga
Could Donald Trump’s plea to his support base to “not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein” finally drive a wedge between the US president and his MAGA…
The Politics ShowNow, re-nationalise water | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Water regulator Ofwat is to be abolished - but Labour should go further. *** On Monday the results of an independent review of the water industry were…
The Politics ShowWhat does "Blue Labour" really mean? - Morgan Jones interview
As Keir Starmer's government appears to be buffeted by internal storms, multiple factions are influencing the flow of power. Not least, the…
The Politics ShowIs AI coming for our jobs? - Listener questions episode
The government are pursuing AI developments, but at what cost? Why aren't Labour rebels protesting about stealth taxes? And will Jeremy Corbyn join the Green…
The Politics ShowIs Keir Starmer "bold and brave" to suspend rebels?
On Wednesday, the prime minister removed the whip from the group of MPs for breaches of discipline. The group of MPs have persistently rebelled against the…
The Politics ShowIsrael is committing war crimes - former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption exclusive interview
Jonathan Sumption, Lord Sumption, served on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018. He has written a powerful and sobering essay for the…
The Politics ShowIs English literature dying - and does it matter?
English literature no longer makes the top ten of A-level subject choices. English departments at universities are regularly closing. Studies show dramatic…
The Politics Show🚨 How to defeat Reform - *Exclusive* with political polling analyst Steve Akehurst
Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike. We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would…
The Politics ShowExclusive Green Party leadership debate
In a New Statesman exclusive, two of the Green Party's leadership candidates, Zack Polanski and Adrian Ramsey, present their visions for the party to host…
The Politics ShowHow can the UK take the lead in the skills revolution? | Sponsored
As the UK faces economic and technological change, building a skilled workforce is critical - but what should that workforce look like? And how can employers…
The Politics ShowHow is Sultana's new party ever going to work? - Listeners questions episode
Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved? Also in the show…
The Politics ShowLarge parts of the State a 'complete car crash'
With resident doctors set to strike yet again, the courts log jammed and the OBR sounding the alarm over Britain's financial trajectory, what can and should be…
The Politics ShowRobert Jenrick: Genuine PM potential or just foreshadowing Farage?
'Some of his views are pretty extreme... I found it pretty sinister' - Harry Lambert, contributing writer to the New Statesman, talks to Anoosh Chakelian and…
The Politics ShowAre Oasis in fact the greatest Irish band ever?
With the biggest reunion tour in years kicking off in Cardiff last weekend, the culture show asks if Oasis were just too Irish to be the best Britpop band in…
The Politics ShowSEND: Labour's next backbench battle
After the bruising passage of the government's welfare reform bill, attention on the backbenches is now turning to another lightning rod issue - the potential…
The Politics ShowJake Richards MP on the welfare bill and ECHR reform
Labour MP Jake Richards sits down with Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the drama over the government's welfare reform bill and why he thinks the European…
The Politics ShowWas exorcising "the ghost of Jeremy Corbyn" a fatal mistake for Labour? - Listeners questions episode
Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom…
The Politics ShowOne year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better?
'We've not been here since the 70s' As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to…
The Politics ShowJUST RAISE TAX
'You walk around the country and you know something's off' - After a bruising passage of the government's heavily altered welfare reform bill, for the sake of…
The Politics ShowGlastonbury's political hangover rages on
With some calling for the Director-General of the BBC to resign, Somerset police launching a criminal investigation and the US Deputy Secretary of State…
- The Politics Show
Daily Politics from the New Statesman - Trailer
The British political system is failing. From the castration of state capacity to the shortage of human capital in our political parties, not much is working…
The Politics ShowWelfare warfare just the start of Starmer's problems
With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined…
The Politics ShowIain Dale on debunking the myths around Margaret Thatcher
Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely? Broadcaster and author Iain…
The Politics ShowAddressing the dementia diagnosis waiting game | Sponsored
Too many people in the UK are stuck anxiously waiting up to a year for a dementia diagnosis — and even longer in more deprived areas. In this episode, we…
The Politics Show"Why won't Keir Starmer stand up to Israel?" - Listener questions episode
Our listeners ask: How long will the government continue to support Israel after its actions in Gaza? Also in the show, one listener asks why longstanding…
The Politics Show“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss the the growing rebellion among Labour MPs over the government's welfare reform bill, and…
- The Politics Show
Welcome to the new nuclear age
“The proliferation toothpaste does not go back in the tube” - Ankit Panda - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs - With events in…
The Politics ShowTrump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs
Publicly at least, most American Presidents have "held their tongue" over their disputes with Israel - Trump is a "different kettle of fish." - YOUR NEXT…
The Politics ShowIran War: "Our economy will be smashed"
Diplomacy has been "pushed aside" after Donald Trump bombed Iran - leaving Britain "weak". - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump bombs Iran - Donald Trump has hinted in a…
- The Politics Show
Emergency podcast: Trump bombs Iran
“American citizens will die” - Lee Siegel — YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? — Donald Trump announced on Sunday that US forces have bombed…
The Politics ShowCan Labour win the next election?
Our listeners ask: Do Labour have a realistic chance of winning the next election, and can Reform become a party for all regions of the UK? Also in the show…
The Politics ShowWill Starmer back Trump on Iran?
Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton, Freddie Hayward and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the fast moving situation in the Middle East, how the UK Government…
The Politics ShowIsrael vs. Iran: what next? | Professor of War Studies, Lawrence Freedman, on the Isreal-Iran conflict.
Is there a route to de-escalation between Israel and Iran? -- YOUR NEXT LISTEN: As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Isreal? -- On Friday, the 13th…
The Politics ShowSpending review: NHS wins - but tax rises are coming
Andrew Marr, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe review Rachel Reeves's latest financial statement. LISTEN NEXT: What Keir Starmer can't say - NS editor Tom…
- The Politics Show
What Keir Starmer can't say - New Statesman editor Tom McTague on his new profile of the Prime Minister
Keir Starmer had tears in his eyes as he spoke of the death of his brother. The Prime Minister was talking with the New Statesman's new editor, Tom McTague…
The Politics ShowJeremy Hunt: Reform's mission is to destroy the Tories
Jeremy Hunt held an extensive number of briefs in successive Conservative cabinets; culture secretary, health secretary, foreign secretary, and chancellor…
The Politics ShowBritain is trapped in a new build nightmare
If you live in a new build, or know someone who does, who might already be all too familiar with the fact that Britain has a housing problem. Yes we have a…
The Politics ShowDoes Andy Burnham want to be prime minister?
There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it! Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss Andy…
The Politics ShowWhy is Trump shilling crypto?
If there's one thing that the president loves, it's money. Recently, Trump has turned his attention to crypto - going into business with his sons and also…
The Politics ShowWho can fill the left-wing gap?
With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks. And…
The Politics ShowLabour are U-turning it up
Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner? The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the…
The Politics ShowAs Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Israel?
Last week, the Israeli military launched a major new ground assault on Gaza. The aim, according to Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to force the…
The Politics ShowGordon Brown on the “cruel” two-child benefit cap
The former Labour prime minister speaks to the New Statesman Podcast about how the government can reduce levels of child poverty. Read: Gordon Brown: the moral…
The Politics ShowBrentrance
Starmer has sealed the deal with the EU, U-turned on winter fuel, and made a marked departure on the UK's stance on Israel. This has been a big week for…
The Politics ShowThis house believes private schools should be abolished
Seven per cent of British children attend private school – a tiny minority – and yet they retain a grip on our elite institutions. The latest figures show that…
The Politics ShowAlice Vincent: rediscovering music after trauma
In our teenage years, music can be everything. But as we age, our relationship with music changes. Alice Vincent was a music journalist for many years, and in…
The Politics ShowShould we abolish the Treasury?
“Having moved on from Blue Labour, which other policies will Turquoise Labour adopt from the far right?"; “Given that they are a break on everything, should…
The Politics ShowStarmer moves right on immigration
This week saw potentially the boldest moment of Keir Starmer’s leadership, as the Government announced its white paper - Restoring Control over the Immigration…
The Politics ShowAn American in the Vatican
For the first time, the Conclave of cardinals at the Vatican have elected an American pope. Pope Leo XIV has ascended to the papacy following the death of his…
The Politics ShowTurner at 250: why Britain's most influential artist still matters
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner, widely celebrated as Britain's greatest landscape painter. -- YOUR NEXT…
The Politics ShowDo the Greens need a more charismatic leader?
The team answer questions on the Green party's charisma issue, how Reform's power in local council could hurt their overall polling, and whether too many Lib…
The Politics ShowThe Labour party is turning in on itself
Tom McTague, the incoming editor of the New Statesman, joins Andrew Marr to discuss Labour's rocky week following Reform's dramatic wins, the India and US…