Political Fix

This week we analyse prime minister Boris Johnson’s game on social care reform, what the plan involves and whether the Conservative party and its voters will swallow tax rises. Political editor George Parker and economics editor Chris Giles dissect the details. Plus we look at how the UK government hopes to try to avoid another coronavirus lockdown this winter through vaccine passports and booster...

This week we examine how the UK got its withdrawal from Afghanistan so badly wrong and the subsequent Whitehall briefing war against the Foreign Office.  Robert Shrimsley, our chief political commentator, and Laura Hughes, political and diplomatic correspondent, will analyse the issues. We also look at Whitehall’s contingency planning for what will happen to the UK’s nuclear deterre...

In the fifth and final of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne meets Liz Truss, international trade secretary and minister for women and equalities. Truss is the most popular member of Boris Johnson’s government, and a keen advocate of a buccaneering policy of striking free trade deals with everyone and everywhere. We explore the economic worth of such agreements, what’s coming down the tracks and...

In the fourth of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne meets Sir Malcolm Rifkind. In a week when the Taliban shocked the West with its rapid advance in Afghanistan, the former Conservative defence and foreign secretary examines where this leaves UK foreign policy. What does it mean for the UK’s so-called special relationship with the US and for the future of foreign interventions? Produced by Howie...

In the third of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne speaks to Steve Baker, the Tory MP for Wycombe and one of the Conservative party's most formidable campaigners. Whether it's through the European Research Group, his work as a Brexit minister or simply his campaigning, Baker is one of the people Downing Street fears the most, because when he's taken on policy positions, it's very difficult to co...

In the second of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne speaks to Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London. Nicknamed Professor Lockdown by some newspapers, the leading epidemiologist and government scientific adviser has emerged as one of the most prominent voices during the pandemic. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner.  Review clips: BBC -Read the la...

In our first summer special, Sebastian Payne speaks to the leader of the Scottish Labour party Anas Sarwar about countering Nicola Sturgeon, how he intends to revive his party’s prospects and leadership in lockdown. They also discuss whether Labour is truly a unionist party and if Sarwar will budge his stance against another independence referendum to win back lost voters. Produced by Howie Shanno...

In what should have been a big final week of term at Westminster, Boris Johnson had to abandon plans for a big announcement on social care reform. Instead, ministers tried to come up with a series of exemptions to the Covid isolation rules. Plus, how a new front has opened in the ongoing war of attrition with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol. Presented by George Parker, with Sarah Neville...

The UK is pressing ahead with the easing of all lockdown measures on July 19, despite coronavirus infections hitting 50,000 a day. How has Downing Street got itself into a mess over masks? Plus we discuss Boris Johnson’s major speech on ‘levelling up’ and ask whether anyone is wiser about what it’s all about. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Robert Shrimsley, Peter Foster and Jim...

Boris Johnson has announced that all remaining lockdown restrictions will end on July 19 in England, but is he acting too hastily with Covid-19 cases rising so quickly? Plus, we debate whether a new form of English patriotism is emerging through the Euro 2020 matches and what this means for Conservative culture warriors. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, Robert Shrim...

Sir Keir Starmer was given a reprieve after Labour clung on at the Batley and Spen by-election this week. What does it mean for his leadership? And was Matt Hancock's breaking of lockdown rules to blame for the Conservative party's failure to win? Plus, we discuss what kind of health secretary Sajid Javid might be and how his return to the cabinet will affect the coronavirus and social care debate...

The UK eased travel to several holiday destinations this week, but will they welcome British tourists? And when are vaccination passports being introduced? Plus we reflect on five years since the Brexit referendum and how it has reshaped the country, its economy and the political parties. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Robert Shrimsley and special...

Boris Johnson reluctantly delayed the easing of England’s lockdown for another month due to the spread of the Delta strain of coronavirus. Will the July 19 easing go ahead? Plus, we discuss the Liberal Democrats’ surprise victory in the Chesham and Amersham by-election and what it means for the government’s planning reforms. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Sarah Neville, Robert Shr...

The leaders of the west descended on Carbis Bay, along with podcasters, for this year's G7 summit. Boris Johnson and Joe Biden appeared to develop a bromance - despite their split on Northern Ireland. We discuss the key themes of the summit and whether Brexit overshadowed the prime minister's efforts to forward his Global Britain agenda. Plus we look at why the June 21 easing of lockdown restricti...

The hopes of international travel this summer were dashed as Portugal was taken off the UK's green list for travel amid a rise in cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus. But will the June 21 easing still go ahead? Plus, we discuss the battle between education secretary Gavin Williamson and chancellor Rishi Sunak over funding for post-lockdown schooling and whether the Treasury will eventually p...

Boris Johnson's former chief adviser made an epic seven-hour appearance at a parliamentary hearing this week, claiming the prime minister was unfit for the job and the health secretary a liar. We explore his bombastic claims and the political impact for Johnson. Plus, we examine the impact of the cuts to foreign aid on the ground and whether the budget will rise again. Presented by Sebastian Payne...

The UK's easing out of lockdown was put under threat by a new strain of coronavirus that originated in India. Can the race between inoculations and infections be won? Will the June 21 easing go ahead? Plus we discuss the biggest shake-up in British rail travel for 25 years and whether passengers will benefit from the new era of Great British Railways. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Nevil...

The opposition Labour party was consumed by infighting this week after Sir Keir Starmer botched a shadow cabinet reshuffle, leading to questions about whether he can survive as leader. Did Starmer overreact and is Labour facing a civil war? Plus, we discuss this year's Queen's Speech and whether the Johnson government's legislative agenda is bold or packed with filler. Presented by Sebastian Payne...

Thursday's local elections resulted in gains for Boris Johnson's Conservatives, including a historic win in the Hartlepool by-election. What does this mean for Labour and Keir Starmer's leadership? Plus, we discuss clashes with the French over Jersey fishing this week and where UK-EU relations will go next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard, Peter Foster and special gue...

Boris Johnson is facing three inquiries into the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Why hasn't the prime minister offered a clear explanation of what happened? Will he face sanctions and will it have an impact on the Conservatives in next week's local elections? Plus, we discuss the departure of Arlene Foster as Northern Ireland's first minister and who might replace her as DUP leader. Pres...

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of sleaze after allegations that friends can text him seeking special treatment. Is lobbying worse today? Plus, we discuss the collapse of the plan by big football clubs to form a European Super League, and whether politicians should get more involved in the regulation of the game. Presented by George Parker, with Robert Shrimsley, Hele...

The collapse of Greensill Capital and the involvement of former prime minister David Cameron have raised serious questions about the UK's lobbying regime. We discuss whether any rules were broken and which guidelines need to be reformed. Plus, we remember Prince Philip's contribution to public life and whether the British monarchy is set to undergo major changes. Presented by Sebastian Payne...

Britain’s vaccination programme suffered a setback this week over the use of the AstraZeneca jab — the workhorse of the UK immunisation effort — among younger people. How will new guidance for under-30s affect the vaccine rollout and the bounce it has given Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the polls? Plus, what's behind Northern Ireland's most violent disturbances in recent years? Presented by Geor...

Relations between Britain and the rest of Europe thawed this week, after the EU had threatened an export ban on vaccines. Will the UK have enough jabs to complete its second round of doses? And what does it say about broader post-Brexit UK-EU relations? Plus, we discuss the row over Union Jacks and whether more overt signs of patriotism are becoming a new part of British culture. Presented by Seba...

The UK encountered the first bumps in its vaccine roll out programme, as the government warned supplies of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab would drop significantly in April. Why? How will this affect the lockdown easing? What caused this shortfall and how does it play into Europe's issues with the vaccine? Plus, we discuss whether policing in the UK requires fundamental reform, following the Met’s hand...