The Flint Podcast

In this episode, Flint experts examine  the implications of the latest election results across Scotland, Wales and England, as pressure grows on the Prime Minister and both Labour and the Conservatives face losses to Reform UK and the Green Party.  They explore what the results mean for the future of the UK Government, how administrations are likely to be formed in Scotland and Wales, and the impl...

In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections, as voters head to the polls with no party expected to secure a majority in either nation.  They explore potential post-election scenarios and coalition negotiations, the implications for economic, planning and infrastructure policy, and what the results signal about the growing role of multi-part...

In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for US–Iran talks following the fragile ceasefire, and the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the evolving Middle East conflict. They explore potential scenarios for the ceasefire and negotiations, the regional impact across the Gulf and beyond, the effects on energy markets and the global economy, and the wider political consequenc...

France held nationwide municipal elections on 22 March, with all towns and cities going to the polls. This marks the final major electoral milestone before the 2027 presidential and legislative elections and will offer a snapshot of the political landscape. It will also be the start of Macron’s final year in office, in a political situation that is more fragmented than ever. In this episode, Flint...

The conflict in the Middle East is colliding with an already fragile global economy. While much of the immediate focus has been on Europe and the US, the second-order effects for Asia may prove more enduring — from energy security and capital flows to critical supply chains and financial stability. In this episode, Flint experts examine how renewed instability in the Middle East could reshape the...

The conflict with Iran is entering a more dangerous and unpredictable phase, with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East. As the region undergoes a profound geopolitical realignment, businesses face mounting disruption to trade routes, energy markets, supply chains and personnel security. In this episode, Flint experts assess how the crisis could evolve in the short to medium term, the...

The EU enters 2026 under sustained external and internal strain. As it readies its response to Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, growing US pressure over Greenland risks escalating into the deepest transatlantic crisis in decades. One year into Ursula von der Leyen’s second term, the EU will also need to calibrate its increasing focus on sovereignty and “Made in Europe” with delivery of the Dr...

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a long-awaited Autumn Budget. In this episode, Flint experts discuss the Budget decisions, what it means for Labour's programme, and the political and economic impacts for the business community.   Flint Specialist Partner Sue Owen chairs a discussion with Specialist Partners, Andy King , former member of the OBR’s Budget R...

As COP30 in Brazil approaches, Flint experts unpack what this pivotal summit means for global climate action and international business. In this episode, our panel explores the key themes and initiatives shaping COP30 — from the next round of national emissions targets (NDCs) to the implications for global investment, carbon markets, climate finance, and sustainable infrastructure. They discuss ho...

As the Labour Party Conference 2025 draws to a close, Flint experts unpack the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor and wider Cabinet.  In this episode, our panel explores Labour's policy programme, its strategic direction ahead of the next Budget, the Deputy Leadership race, and the implications for the UK business environment.  Flint Director Anna Abela chairs a discussion...

President Trump has followed through on the trade agenda he laid out at the start of his term, seeking to “rebalance” global trade in favour of the United States. On 7 August, a global regime of reciprocal tariffs came into force, marking a dramatic shift in the trade landscape. Alongside this, the administration has imposed targeted tariffs on autos and auto parts, copper, steel and aluminium, wi...

France faces a new phase of political uncertainty and instability as President Macron’s government, led by François Bayrou, loses a vote of no confidence, paving the way for Sébastien Lecornu’s new appointment as Prime Minister. In this podcast, Director François-Joseph Schichan chairs a discussion with Anne-Juliette Rohrbach , Partner & Managing Director, Flint France, David Wright , Speciali...

Following a tumultuous week in British politics, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has initiated a major reshuffle of his cabinet, a move accelerated by the resignation of his Deputy, Angela Rayner. This reshuffle has resulted in new appointments into several high-profile ministerial roles, including the Foreign Office and Home Office, setting the stage for a recalibration of government priorities a...

On 6 May, Friedrich Merz was formally elected Chancellor by the German Bundestag. Merz and his government will take office at a critical moment for Germany and for Europe. Our experts consider the implications for business of the choices confronting Friedrich Merz’s first cabinet. The challenges that Merz and his top team face are marked by economic difficulties, geopolitical uncertainties, declin...

On Wednesday, 2 April, President Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all US imports with specific tariffs for individual markets. Some of the highest rates were imposed on Asian jurisdictions. Countries across APAC have responded in a variety of ways: China has imposed retaliatory tariffs, Vietnam has offered to remove all tariffs, and a number of others, such as Japan, India and South Kor...

On Wednesday, 26 March, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement. What she originally hoped would be a low-key statement has taken on much greater significance as downgrades to economic forecasts test the Government’s ‘non-negotiable’ fiscal rules. In this podcast, our experts discuss the decisions the Chancellor has made and consider the implications these choices will have f...

In this podcast, our experts assess the results of the German federal elections held on Sunday, 23 February. The new government faces considerable domestic headwinds, with a challenging economic outlook, waning international competitiveness, and significant investment needed to stimulate growth. Our experts discuss how the new government might tackle these challenges and the outlook for the busine...

In this podcast, our experts take stock of Trump’s first month in office and discuss the implications for the US’s political, security and economic relationships around the world. The Trump Administration has moved quickly, making a range of announcements about domestic policy, deregulation, tariffs, and foreign affairs. Even if this momentum slows, it is clear that the new Administration means ch...

Yesterday, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Budget along with a one-year Spending Review setting departmental plans for 2025-26. In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for Labour’s government programme and the political and economic impacts for the business community.  Flint Partner Jon Sell hosts the discussion between:  Fl...

In this podcast, our experts examine the successes and shortcomings of the Government to date, the style and dynamics of the top ministerial team and the potential impact of recent changes in No10. They also consider what Labour can do to regain momentum, including through Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget and the delivery of promised major policy strategies.         Partner Kiran Horwich cha...

Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a new phase of conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have suffered major blows in the past few days, with Israel demonstrating the superiority of its military and intelligence services. It is unclear yet how Iran and its proxies will respond. Int...

In our latest podcast, Flint experts r eview the Labour Party Conference, the Party’s first conference in power in 15 years. Our experts examine the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the wider Cabinet. We discuss Labour’s policy programme, its direction and strategy ahead of the Autumn Budget, and what all of this means for organisations and businesses in the...

In this podcast, Flint experts explore the structure and policy direction of the new European Commission unveiled by President Ursula von der Leyen.  Our experts discuss what the new allocation of portfolios reveals about the EU’s balance of power, internal dynamics and political priorities for the upcoming mandate, in the wake of Mario Draghi’s recently published report on the future of European...

The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchanged. In addition, the situation in Ukraine has to some extent stabilised, there has been no major conflagration in the Middle East, and the temperature has been controlled between the US and China. But beneath the surface, a trend of political fragme...

The second round of the French snap parliamentary elections took place over the weekend with surprising results. Over the coming days, the final count will probably raise more questions than answers. French politics will now likely change dramatically, with implications well beyond France’s borders.     In the Flint Briefing Call recording our experts will explore these implications and what they...