Episodes

  • Will the Mandelson saga do for Starmer's premiership?

    Will the Mandelson saga do for Starmer's premiership?
    Apr 21 2026

    After high drama at Westminster, the team debate the low politics that seem to bedevil decision-making at the heart of the government. Has the PM's famous ruthlessness backfired? And how vulnerable is he to a potential challenge after the May 7 elections? Might Scotland provide a twist?


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    50 mins
  • Is Britain in peril because of Starmer’s complacency on defence spending?’

    Is Britain in peril because of Starmer’s complacency on defence spending?’
    Apr 16 2026

    The former NATO Secretary General and Labour peer, George Robertson , has accused Keir Starmer of being complacent in relation to defence, arguing Britain’s national security and safety are in “peril”. Is he right? Plus, Reform and the local elections.


    Warning: apologies for the sound quality on Iain’s recording. Do not be alarmed. He sounds ill but that is the result of a problem with the microphone. Please enjoy the rest of the episode and normal service resumes next week.

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    44 mins
  • Has UK politics become too tribal?

    Has UK politics become too tribal?
    Apr 8 2026
    With elections looming in which a dramatically different set of electoral competitions will play out, the team debates whether we are in an age of uber partisanship. When does party loyalty tip into something destructive? And will Tim's rare foray into predictions work out?

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    45 mins
  • Will May's elections spell the end for the two main parties?

    Will May's elections spell the end for the two main parties?
    Apr 1 2026
    With the campaigns well under way for parliament and government in Scotland and Wales, plus local fights across much of England, the team debate how high the stakes might be for both Labour and the Conservatives. Could it prove a terminal catastrophe for Starmer and Badenoch? And will the electoral splintering to the right and left to Reform and the Greens be permanent? Spoiler: we do not agree.

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    52 mins
  • How will the UK handle the energy crisis?

    How will the UK handle the energy crisis?
    Mar 25 2026
    With the international situation so fluid, the team debate government options for help with bills, and furious business complaints. Is it time to say no? Is it the 1970s all over again? Plus: we all confess to being fans of Alan Johnson, and of thrillers.

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    40 mins
  • Is the Iran war a disaster?

    Is the Iran war a disaster?
    Mar 18 2026
    With the conflict in its third week, the team debates the consequences of the war and assesses where the British and American public are on the military action and the pressure on prices. Yes, the team also dares to debate energy policy and net zero polarisation. Plus: has Ed Davey gone too far?

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    56 mins
  • Is there a good outcome in Iran?

    Is there a good outcome in Iran?
    Mar 11 2026
    With President Trump improvising his way towards a possible exit strategy, the team debate the wisdom of positions taken by Starmer and by Britain’s opposition parties. Plus: the bleak economic effects and an attempt at highlighting some positive political developments.

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    53 mins
  • Will war in the Middle East drive the US and Britain apart?

    Will war in the Middle East drive the US and Britain apart?
    Mar 4 2026
    With a regional conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is far from "shoulder to shoulder" with the US president. As Trump rains down disapproval on his head, the team hotly debate American strategy and ask whether the so-called special relationship is collateral damage. Plus: the fascinating political backdrop to the Chancellor’s deliberately dull spring statement.

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    52 mins