Political Fix

An unprecedented intervention from the UK’s chief rabbi has knocked Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign off course. A disastrous BBC interview also raised questions about his party’s economic credibility. Can the leak from UK-US trade talks put Labour’s campaign back on track? Plus, we look at the Conservatives’ manifesto, which has already almost been forgotten. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Par...

The second week saw Labour propose sweeping tax and spend changes, the Liberal Democrats struggle to make an impact and the inconclusive first TV leadership debate. We discuss whether the sums made public so far add up and look ahead to the Conservatives' manifesto, too. Plus, we hear what the voting public is saying in marginal seats around the country. Presented by Miranda Green,...

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn survived their first head-to-head encounter but neither candidate to be prime minister scored major points or made much headway. Plus, we discuss the manifestos from the Liberal Democrats and Labour and where the opposition parties sit in the campaign. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Clips f...

The first week of campaigning is over, but none of the parties have made much progress. Boris Johnson struggled with the floods, Nigel Farage tied himself in knots on where to stand candidates, Jo Swinson tried to cut through and Jeremy Corbyn unveiled a radical policy to offer free broadband for all. We examine all their campaigns and what might happen next. Presented by Sebas...

Nigel Farage's decision to stand down his candidates in Tory-held seats was intended to help the Conservatives, but should he stand them down in Labour marginals, too? How is Jo Swinson going down on the doorstep, and who is winning in the Labour-Tory battle over spending? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   Hosted on Acast. See a...

The first week of the election did not go to plan for the Conservatives, as their campaign was beset by gaffes and mistakes. Can Boris Johnson get back on track? Is Labour pleased with how its campaign is going, despite the resignation of Tom Watson? Plus, we delve into the new fiscal rules pledged by both parties and what the spending splurge means. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parke...

The prime minister finally succeeded in calling a general election this week, so Britain is heading to the polls on December 12. How is the campaign going to shake up? How did the launches for Labour and the Brexit party go? What will be the key themes? Plus, we discuss why so many female moderate Conservatives are quitting politics and the changing face of parliament. Presented by...

The prime minister introduced legislation to parliament this week to deliver Brexit. It may have passed a vote in principle, but the government's rapid timetable for implementing it was rejected. Why did Boris Johnson not agree a slower implementation? And why is he now pushing once again for a general election? We examine the bill, the parliamentary arithmetic and the scenarios of what...

After a week of intense diplomacy with the EU, Boris Johnson brokered a new withdrawal agreement - without the troublesome Irish border backstop but with a contentious customs border in the Irish Sea. He lost support from the DUP, but does it have a chance of passing parliament? We dig into all the details and drama. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Robert Shrimsley,...

The highest court in Britain ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament was unlawful, with parliament unexpectedly returning this week. What are the constitutional implications of this landmark decision? What is the Commons planning to do now? And has our political rhetoric become too toxic? Plus, we review a radical Labour party conference, its latest convulsions on Brexit and ra...

After months of stalemate, a Brexit deal suddenly became increasingly possible after an unlikely breakthrough between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar on the Wirral this week. What sort of new deal is being cooked up? Can it pass parliament? And will it be ready for October 31? Plus we discuss whether 10 Downing Street is dysfunctional or if the apparent chaos surrounding Dominic Cummings is planned...

As the Conservative’s annual conference came to a close in Manchester, Boris Johnson made his bold play on Brexit - proposing the long-awaited ideas to replace the infamous Irish border backstop. Does it have any hope of gaining favour with the EU? And is another Brexit delay inevitable? Plus we’ll be reviewing Boris’ first conference as Tory leader and look at how ready the party is for an electi...

Brexit returned to the Supreme Court this week as judges and lawyers debated whether Boris Johnson legally prorogued parliament earlier this month. We discuss what arguments were made and what will happen if the government loses. Plus, we look back at the Liberal Democrats' conference, whether its new Brexit policy will help the party at the next election and how Labour might respond. Presented by...

The government is accused of not doing enough preparation to rescue a deal but there are rumours of movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. Plus, as the conference season opens, we discuss who might emerge stronger or weaker - Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson or Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, David Bond, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley. Produced b...

The prime minister lost control of his Brexit strategy this week, as parliament forced no deal off the table, 21 Tory MPs rebelled and were ejected from the party. Will Johnson be successful in forcing a snap election? Plus we discuss Labour’s plans for government, the radical redistribution of assets and when it wants Britain to go to the polls. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, J...

The prime minister announced plans to shut down parliament for five weeks this autumn to thwart efforts to stymie his Brexit strategy. Was it wrong, clever or unconstitutional? And what does it mean for legislative efforts to avoid a no-deal Brexit? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz of the FT - plus Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Gover...

The prime minister set off on his first visit to world leaders, meeting Angela Merkel in Germany and Emmanuel Macron in France. What was his Brexit message - and has anything changed? Plus, we discuss the leak of the Operation Yellowhammer document. Presented by Sebastian Payne with James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze   Hoste...

The Labour leader announced plans this week to form a temporary government to avoid a no-deal Brexit, appealing to other opposition MPs to back his efforts. But he was soon rebuffed by the Liberal Democrats and independents who don't trust him in office. Does this plan to stop a no deal have any chance of success? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and guest Maddy T...

The prime minister and his aides have made it known they’re ready to force through leaving the EU with or without a deal, even if MPs collapse his government. Is this a bluff, and will it work? Plus, we discuss Labour’s position on forming a caretaker government and whether it is now aligned with the Scottish nationalists. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Mure...

We look back at a mixed first full week in the job for Boris Johnson, as he toured Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland against a backdrop of a slump in sterling and Bank of England warnings about economic trouble ahead. In Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the self-styled "Minister for the Union" was warned he could break up the country if he presses ahead with a no deal Brexit. Opinion polls look...

The key appointments by Britain's new Conservative prime minister and what we're learning about his priorities and strategy, especially - of course - on Brexit. Plus, we discuss the jostling for position among the other political parties, and Nigel Farage's latest project in the US. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and Jim Pickard of the FT and Henry Newman of the Open Europe think-t...

Theresa May's last days in No 10 - is she going with a bang or a whimper? And who will be the next prime minister, and what do we know about him? Plus, the new top team in Brussels, the balance of power in Europe and what it will mean for Brexit. Presented by George Parker, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Ben Hall and Alex Barker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast...

The resignation of the UK's ambassador to the US this week caused a huge stir in Westminster, thanks to a leak of confidential diplomatic cables. Why did Kim Darroch decide to go? Was Boris Johnson to blame? And what does it tell us about the state of the civil service? Plus, we discuss the BBC expose of how Labour has dealt with anti-Semitism complaints and whether it is finally becoming the part...

The ballot papers have gone out to Conservative members for the leadership election and voting has begun. Boris Johnson is leading in the polls, Jeremy Hunt is still fighting - but is it game over for him? We also discuss the prospect and wisdom of an early election. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and James Blitz in London and Sebastian Payne on the campaign trail in Darlington. Pr...

The skirmishes between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt became more personal, with clashes over character and scrutiny. Is the foreign secretary gaining momentum? And has the frontrunner recovered from his difficult weekend? We also discuss the prospect of Sajid Javid as the next chancellor and what both candidates plan to do on the economy and immigration. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Geo...