Politics Weekly

Keir Starmer has defended the language he used in a speech on immigration this week. But many Labour MPs have criticised his choice of words, with some even claiming the prime minister’s language echoed that of Enoch Powell. John Harris speaks to the Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy about why she and others are so concerned. Plus, who is writing the script, literally and figuratively? The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff and Kiran Stacey discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s plans to drastically reduce net migration. Will it work? And how will it land with the public and the Labour party?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As Reform UK reaches new highs in the polls, it feels more and more likely that Nigel Farage’s triumph at local elections will be remembered as a huge turning point in UK politics. With support for the Tories at historic lows, and Keir Starmer’s government in deep trouble, is there a way back for the mainstream parties? John Harris is joined by the Guardian columnists Gaby Hinsliff and Polly Toynbee to make sense of what could be the biggest political change to hit the UK in living memory. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After Reform UK stormed to victory at local elections, has its leader reshaped politics for ever? And how will Labour and the Conservatives respond? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey go through the results and unpick what they mean. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Before this week’s local elections, John Harris is on the road in Doncaster – which could prove to be a canary in the coalmine for the government. Labour has been in power here for decades but this time Nigel Farage’s Reform UK fancies its chances. So why are people turning away from Labour? Why are they so disillusioned with politics in general? And what would a Reform-run city actually be like?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether Nigel Farage can translate Reform UK’s rise in the polls into success at the ballot box as local elections take place this week. And, how will the two major parties fare in the first big electoral test for both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch since the general election?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parliament, how serious is Labour about tackling the problem? John Harris hears from a headteacher, and speaks to our political editor, Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris speaks to the Today in Focus podcast about how music helped him connect with his autistic son, James. He tells Helen Pidd what he’s learned about the way some autistic people experience music, and how songs opened up the world for James. Plus, they discuss the challenges and stereotypes autistic people still face.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The future of the steelworks in Scunthorpe has been hanging in the balance after the government stepped in to try and save it from collapse. So what happens next for the UK steel industry and the people of Scunthorpe? And why does it matter for our national security? Kiran Stacey speaks to Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, a national officer for the GMB union in Scunthorpe, and the Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As fears of a global recession continue in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs, Keir Starmer insists the UK should keep a cool head. But with markets in turmoil and a looming economic crisis, does the prime minister need to be bolder? John Harris asks the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Plus, he speaks to Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, about whether people should ‘buy British’ to combat the tariffs. -- Listen to John discuss how music helped him connect with his autistic son on the Today in Focus podcast here: https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/apr/04/how-the-beatles-helped-my-autistic-son-find-his-voice-podcast --. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After weeks of cosying up to Donald Trump, the UK has still been hit with 10% tariffs on exports to the US, which is bad news for the economy and the public finances. So, how tough could things get for Britain? And how should Keir Starmer’s government respond? John Harris asks the former UK ambassador to the US Kim Darroch and the Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee. Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

It’s shaping up to be another tricky week for the government, with Donald Trump’s tariffs threatening to blow up everything the chancellor announced in her spring statement. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at what the fallout might be, and whether Keir Starmer’s friendly approach will pay off. Plus, with major bill increases hitting millions of households, can the government keep its promise to improve living standards? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The government has put improving the NHS at the heart of its plans, but will it be able to deliver on its promises? And how long could it take to turn the health service around? Pippa Crerar asked health secretary Wes Streeting at a special Guardian Live event. In a wide-ranging discussion, he also took questions on others issues including assisted dying, transgender rights and the war in Gaza. To purchase the full event video on demand, go to the theguardian.live. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Amid poor economic growth forecasts and global instability, Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books by cutting spending on benefits. So why is a Labour government choosing this path? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey to unpick what was in the spring statement, and what it will mean for you. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey walk us through what we can expect to hear when Rachel Reeves makes her spring statement on Wednesday. With the government facing downgraded growth forecasts, rising borrowing costs and the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs, how can it boost the economy and save public services? And how will major spending cuts go down with the party and the public?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. This week, John Harris is in Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looks like, and whether it is too late to save this vital service. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable? And will Labour MPs really be able to support this? John Harris hears from the head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, Tom Pollard, and the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to welfare and foreign aid the best way to balance the budget?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the UK pledges to boost defence spending by slashing our foreign aid budget, ActionAid’s CEO, Taahra Ghazi, tells John about the fallout for organisations working on the ground. Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod