Shows / Political Fix
Political Fix
The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Political Fix
Third defeat for Theresa May's deal, the PM vows to bow out
Theresa May brought her Brexit deal for a third vote this week. Once again it failed to get through. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the UK heading for a…
- Political Fix
Brexit is officially delayed, May changes her tune and no-deal chances rise
After a tumultuous week in Westminster, Britain's departure from the EU has been delayed until at least April 12, while Theresa May tried to pin the blame on…
- Political Fix
Theresa May's Brexit deal fails again, total chaos ensues
The prime minister brokered legal tweaks to her Brexit deal and brought it back for MPs to vote on. It failed to pass once again. We discuss all the Commons…
- Political Fix
Back to Brexit stalemate and tackling knife crime
Geoffrey Cox spent much of this week in Brussels but failed to negotiate any kind of Brexit breakthrough. With another meaningful vote due next week, does the…
- Political Fix
Theresa May offers Brexit delay, Labour battles over second referendum and anti-Semitism
Theresa May survived another week of crucial Brexit votes, but only by pledging to delay leaving the EU to avoid a crash exit. What will happen over the next…
- Political Fix
The Independent Group emerges
It was a huge week in Westminster as eight Labour MPs broke away to form the Independent Group of MPs along with three Conservatives. Where might the group go…
- Political Fix
Humiliation again for Theresa May, a new centrist party begins to emerge
The prime minister was defeated in another meaningless vote in the House of Commons this week, where does this leave her talks with the EU? We also discuss the…
- Political Fix
May enters Brexit hell and Labour finally budges
The prime minister returned to Brussels this week, only to be told once again that the Brexit withdrawal agreement would not happen. When/if might a…
- Political Fix
Amendment success and back to Brussels for Theresa May
The prime minister staved off defeat in the House of Commons this week, but now faces the daunting challenge of finding compromise changes to the Irish border…
- Political Fix
The end of no-deal Brexit and Labour's shifting stance
MPs are likely to demand an end to a no-deal Brexit next week, what does this mean for Theresa May's deal and the Brexit debate? The consequences in…
- Political Fix
May's Brexit deal dies, but the prime minister survives
Brexit was finally put to a meaningful vote in the House of Commons this week and MPs gave a resounding no to Theresa May's deal. But her government survived a…
- Political Fix
2018 in review special
We look back on a traumatic year in British politics for Brexit and the Conservative and Labour parties. Will the UK leave the EU in March? Does Theresa May's…
- Political Fix
Theresa May's worst week in politics - what happens next?
Theresa May endured one of the most difficult weeks of her leadership: delaying the meaningful vote on her Brexit strategy, facing and winning a confidence…
- Political Fix
Brexit finally arrives in the Commons, legal advice is given
MPs began debating Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the Commons this week and there was little sign of a breakthrough for the prime minister. The government’s…
- Political Fix
Labour edges towards a second referendum and can 'Norway Plus' fly?
John McDonnell tipped the Labour party towards supporting a second Brexit referendum this week. Does this make it any more likely to happen? And we dig into…
- Political Fix
Theresa May struggles to sell her deal and what happens next
The UK prime minister has survived a failed coup, but her Brexit deal is going nowhere. Can she sell it to the nation above the heads of MPs? Plus we discuss…
- Political Fix
May's deal lands, Raab resigns and chaos ensues
Theresa May finally struck a Brexit deal this week, but it did not please much of her Conservative party with two cabinet ministers resigning. Will Mrs May…
- Political Fix
A Brexit deal slowly emerges and Arron Bank's troubles
Westminster is awaiting a Brexit deal but Theresa May is still facing great challenges. Will she strike a deal that is acceptable to her cabinet as well as the…
- Political Fix
Philip Hammond's giveaway Budget
Emboldened by an OBR windfall, Britain's chancellor tossed largesse to potential Brexit problem groups and declared austerity was coming to an end. But was he…
- Political Fix
Brexit 'hell week' and more universal credit mishaps
Negotiations between the UK and the EU are hotting up. A deal might be in sight, but can Theresa May sell it to her sceptical cabinet and party? Plus we…
- Political Fix
NDAs, Sir Philip Green and parliamentary privilege
The allegations against Sir Philip Green were thrown into the public thanks to Lord Hain's use of parliamentary privilege. Was the businessman wrong to try and…
- Political Fix
Another failed Brexit summit and bullying in the House of Commons
Theresa May did not achieve a breakthrough in this week’s Brussels summit of EU leaders. So where do the Brexit talks now stand? Plus a new report has unveiled…
- Political Fix
Tory conference reviewed and a tricky fortnight for Brexit
The Conservative party gathered in Birmingham this week for a broadly successful if uneventful conference. But is Theresa May safe as leader for the duration?…
- Political Fix
Labour conference reviewed as the Tories head to Birmingham
The opposition party's conference was a success, with Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell delivering speeches that continued the party in its radical direction…
- Political Fix
Troubling times in Salzburg and previewing Labour conference
The British prime minister's hopes of a Brexit breakthrough at a summit this week were dealt a heavy blow. Where does this leave negotiations with the EU and…
- Political Fix
Leadership plots, Tory wars and John McDonnell's plans for workers
Chatter about a leadership challenge against Theresa May has abounded this week, but is it all talk and no trousers? Plus we discuss John McDonnell's speech to…
- Political Fix
Labour moves on anti-Semitism and Brexit deadlock continues
Westminster returned from from its summer break this week and we discuss the two main stories that still dominate the headlines: Labour's travails with…
- Political Fix
Summer interview special: Peter Mandelson
Sebastian Payne speaks to the former New Labour minister about his efforts to halt Brexit through another referendum, Theresa May's efforts to strike a…
- Political Fix
Summer interview special: Nick Boles
In our fourth summer special, we speak to the Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford in Lincolnshire about why, as a former Remainer, he is happy to get on…
- Political Fix
Summer interview special: Lisa Nandy
In our third episode, we visit the town of Wigan in the north-west of England to speak to its Labour MP. We discuss what should be done to help boost Britain’s…
- Political Fix
Summer interview special: Jacob Rees-Mogg
In the second of this series, the Financial Times speaks to the Conservative MP for North East Somerset and ardent Brexit supporter. We discuss whether a…
- Political Fix
Summer interview specials: Liz Truss
Westminster is in recess, so this summer we are interviewing interesting MPs who will be setting the political agenda for the rest of the year. First up is Liz…
- Political Fix
What a 'no-deal' Brexit would mean and taking-out-the-trash week
Talk of a crash Brexit has ramped up this week, but how likely is it actually to happen? And how bad would it be for the UK and the EU? Plus we discuss the…
- Political Fix
The Brexit votes and Labour's antisemitism problem
The amendment votes in the House of Commons, the likely fate of Theresa May's Brexit plan and the Labour Party's problem with antisemitism. With Miranda Green…
- Political Fix
Johnson and Davis say goodbye, Trump says hello
The dual departures of two cabinet ministers this week has challenged Theresa May's authority. Where do her Brexit plans stand now? Plus, we discuss Donald…
- Political Fix
Cabinet chaos special
The resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis have shook both Theresa May and the government. Sebastian Payne discusses what it means and what happens next…
- Political Fix
The joys of English football and the pains of Brexit
We're gearing up for Saturday's World Cup match against Sweden and the announcements coming out of Theresa May's Cabinet meeting at Chequers. Will Britain be…
- Political Fix
Cabinet ruptures and further Brexit stalemate
Collective responsibility has collapsed within Theresa May’s government, so can ministers now do and say whatever they like? Plus, two columnists debate…
- Political Fix
A big birthday gift for the NHS and a new Brexit destination emerges
Theresa May is giving the NHS an extra £20bn a year for its 70th birthday. Will it help the suffering health service and is it money well spent? Plus, is…
- Political Fix
Withdrawal bill woes and uncovering sexual harassment in Westminster
Tight votes and compromises dominate this week as Theresa May’s government puts Brexit into law. But has any actual progress been made? Plus, what can be done…
- Political Fix
Two Brexit tantrums and one year on from the botched election
David Davis and Boris Johnson found themselves falling out with Theresa May this week over her Brexit strategy. But neither resigned and the prime minister…
- Political Fix
Northern Ireland's abortion quandary, and how to fund the NHS
The Irish Republic's vote to end the ban on abortion has raised questions about whether their northern neighbours are next. Will Theresa May, once again, be…
- Political Fix
Renewal in office and where Brexit is likely to land
The Conservative party's efforts to renew themselves while in government are ramping up. But how big is the challenge they face? And with tensions increasing…
- Political Fix
East Coast rail nationalisation and another Brexit fudge
The government's decision to bring the East Coast railway back into public ownership has fuelled the debate on nationalisation. Will this be the last franchise…
- Political Fix
Brexit stalemate and tackling intergenerational unfairness
Another week, another round of infighting about the customs union with no conclusion. How long can the Cabinet remain divided? Plus, we discuss whether…
- Political Fix
Stalemate in England's local elections, and the customs union debate
Neither Conservatives nor Labour made big gains in this week's local elections. Is there any impetuous for the parties to change course? Plus, Theresa May…
- Political Fix
Customs union conundrums and the upcoming local elections
The May government has yet to fully decide if it will have a customs union with the EU after Brexit. Does it need one and will parliament force her hand? Plus…
- Political Fix
The Windrush fiasco and the troubles with a 2nd Brexit referendum
Theresa May's government has suffered from one of its worst weeks since the general election, thanks to the uncertainty about the "Windrush generation". What…
- Political Fix
Should the UK bomb Syria, and 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement
The latest chemical weapons attack in Syria has shocked the world. Can Theresa May join Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron in bombing the nation without asking…
- Political Fix
Russia's propaganda battle and knife crime in London
The war of information over the events in Salisbury has become increasingly tense. Is the UK engaging a hopeless propaganda battle with Russia? Plus, why is…
- Political Fix
Corbyn's anti-Semitism woes and Sheffield's battle with trees
It has been a difficult week for the Labour leader, who has struggled to stem criticisms of his stance on racial hatred. Plus the row in Sheffield about trees…
- Political Fix
The use and abuse of data in politics - plus May's Brexit breakthrough
The scandal around Cambridge Analytica has raised questions about whether data is being misused. Will the revelations about the British firm's Facebook…
- Political Fix
Corbyn's Russia troubles and the first Spring Statement
Jeremy Corbyn has taken a firm line on Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack, much to the annoyance of his colleagues. Has civil war broken out in the…
- Political Fix
Salisbury under attack and Hammond's offer on financial services
The attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy in Salisbury has shocked the country. If there are links to the Russian state, what will happen to its relations with…
- Political Fix
Theresa May's third Brexit speech and profiling John McDonnell
The prime minister delivered her vision of the UK's future relationship with the EU, did it strike the right note? And will it be well received in Brussels?…
- Political Fix
Brexit chess at Chequers and Corbyn vs the media
The May government has finally decided what it wants from Brexit. But will it fly in Brussels? Plus, did Jeremy Corbyn receive an unfair hearing from the media…
Political FixBoris blunders on Brexit and talks collapse in Belfast
Boris Johnson delivered his “road to Brexit” speech this week but did not say anything new. Was it his fault or the Cabinet? Plus, power sharing talks between…
- Political Fix
Trading blows over Brexit and women in politics 100 years on
The UK cabinet spent hours locked in debate over what to ask for in the Brexit negotiations, but little has emerged with any clarity. In Brussels, they call…
- Political Fix
May's travails and the end of the Anglo-Chinese golden era
The prime minister went to China this week on a mission to make the case for "Global Britain". At home the colleagues Theresa May left behind argued about…
- Political Fix
Boris on manoeuvres and the case for the customs union
Is the foreign secretary lining up for a leadership bid? Or just frustrated at Theresa May’s leadership? Plus, is there a case for staying in the EU customs…