The New Statesman Podcast

Martin Lewis's direct line to the government, Burnham's parking fine crackdown, and do the British public prefer picky bits or holly bobs? Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/economy/2026/10/martin-lewis-i-get-criticised-that-im-a-sticking-plaster https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/10/in-space-no-one-can-hear-britain-scream LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. It is a decision that has split the Labour Party. It may only be the beginning - the far more controversial decision on the Rosebank gas field is still to come. Anoosh Chakelian is joined today by Megan Kenyon to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 3 November, Americans will head to the polls for the midterm elections. We will be publishing one episode a week for the next three weeks, every Wednesday, taking in the lead up and results. In this first episode, we ask: Where are the key battlegrounds these elections will be fought? US correspondent Freddie Hayward is joined by the NS’s senior data journalist, Ben Walker, political scientist Lisa Bryant and New York Times White House reporter Shawn McCreesh. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK is in crisis, amid a cascade of scandals The party’s poll rating has fallen from mid-thirties highs to the low twenties, with a recent poll showing them slipping to third place. This has come amid the “Burnham bounce” - Labour’s improved polling triggered by the change in Prime Minister. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform falls behind Labour and the Tories for the first time since the general election, how animals shape our voting patterns and 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/10/our-mania-for-animals-warps-politics-priorities-and-personal-lives https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/10/tiktoks-irreverent-slop-was-made-for-nigel-farage https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2026/10/in-praise-of-winnie-the-poohs-idleness LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years after the Brexit referendum, a British Prime Minister has said out loud what much of the country has concluded: Brexit did more harm than good. Andy Burnham has told his party that no credible ten-year plan for Britain can avoid the Europe question, and has since declined to rule out rejoining the EU in Labour’s next manifesto. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ethan Croft to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a tumultuous time for the Green Party. Their controversial “Zionism is racism vote” and leader Zack Polanski’s defeat in a by-election in North London has led to turmoil within the party. Meanwhile, is the long-suffering Tory party finally experiencing a “Kemi-bounce”? And how about the Lib Dems? Is leader Ed Davey facing a coup? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ethan Croft. Correction: Jamie Driscoll was not suspended from the Labour Party. He wasn’t allowed to stand as a candidate and so he left the party. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform clearing its own officials of breaking party funding law, Kemi Badenoch’s inheritance tax gambit and was Britain really better off in the 1980s? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn for our weekly round up. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/2026/10/spains-warning-to-andy-burnham https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/10/vegan-sausages-and-loathing-at-green-party-conference https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/10/was-britain-really-better-off-in-the-1980s LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour has held the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with Sagal Abdi-Wali retaining the seat for the party despite a hard-fought contest from Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The result preserves Labour’s long-standing grip on the constituency, and disrupts Polanski’s momentum. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ben Walker to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Green Party conference, party members backed a motion to describe Zionism as racism. Zack Polanski, currently campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, missed the controversial vote, which called for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state. Is this a watershed moment for the Green Party? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Megan Kenyon. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At this week’s Labour conference, Andy Burnham announced bigger and bolder policy ambitions than anyone expected. Was this too big a swing? Or the grand vision the country needs? Elsewhere, next Thursday, there is a by-election happening in Holborn and St Pancras, the seat vacated by Keir Starmer. Oli Dugmore is joined by business editor Will Dunn and political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour Conference 2026 draws to a close with Andy Burnham's speech. The PM's announcements included scrapping the triple lock pension, electoral reform, a new help-to-buy scheme, Great British Grid, an end to the public ownership ban on water companies and a range of options for our relationship with Europe which he will be looking into. Anoosh Chakelian is at the Labour Conference and is joined by Ethan Croft and Ailbhe Rea to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chancellor gives his conference speech just four weeks before his first budget and Andy Burnham proposes a national care service in England. Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft bring you the latest from the Labour Conference. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rise of balaclava Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s billionaire baloney and Donald Trump’s AI rebrand. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week. 📚 READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/ed-davey-has-a-superpower-immunity-from-embarrassment https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/the-rise-of-balaclava-britain https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/09/kemi-badenochs-billionaire-baloney LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week’s New Statesman, our Politics Show stars have been busy interviewing some key players in the past year of Labour turmoil. Ailbhe Rea, our Political Editor, had a fascinating encounter with the MP and former chief secretary to the Prime Minister, the Starmer loyalist Darren Jones. And speaking of Andy Burnham, Tom McTague, our Editor-in-Chief, has been busy profiling the Prime Minister himself… LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are tech companies turning apocalypse into profit? In 2022, we were all having fun with a new chatbot called ChatGPT. Meanwhile, ministers and civil servants of the British government were imagining how it might go horribly wrong. Four years ago, AI experts were concerned about what people might do using their technology. Today, they fear what the technology is doing on its own, without being asked. Tom McTague is joined by Will Dunn to discuss his cover story. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/business/2026/09/will-ai-kill-us-all LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK received two £36 million donations from crypto billionaire Ben Delo. This has sent shockwaves through Westminster and thrown the question of political finance reform into sharp relief. Labour is caught in an uncomfortable bind - appalled by the scale of Reform's fundraising, but reluctant to cap donations in a way that could threaten trade union funding and destabilise its own finances. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from Reform’s latest scandal, John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor and Ukraine’s plan to tax porn stars. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week. Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/09/the-gospel-according-to-nigel-paul-farage LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled the biggest reset in UK relations with Israel for decades, and, in typical fashion, is putting his stamp on his new role. Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding Reform and their finances continues, with the Met Police announcing they are launching a criminal investigation. Pippa Bailey is joined by Ailbhe Rea, and guest Ben Judah, to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/andy-burnham-cant-explain-the-economy https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/09/britain-must-stop-paying-benefits-to-millionaires LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs. As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting? Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate. Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK’s climate goals. They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future. This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public. But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference. How is the Green leader faring one year on? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan Kenyon Produced by Chris Stone LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains. After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use. Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative? Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium. Our panel discusses the UK’s recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill. They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state. Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits. Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sorry about all the bangs, things got a little crazy at Clacton Leisure Centre. After a long and fairly ridiculous night, Nigel Farage has been reinstated as MP for Clacton. What happens now? Could it be another by-election? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journailst and Labour councillor, Ben Walker. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clacton is heading for a by-election on Thursday, triggered by Nigel Farage, amidst the Reform leader's financial scandals. Anoosh Chakelian spends the day in Clacton, getting the perspective of locals. READ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/hes-made-us-look-like-right-plonkers-clacton-prepares-for-more-farage LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham’s vision – to reground the Labour party in a sense of place, tradition and belonging – began over a decade ago, rising from the rubble of the Blair and Brown years. Off the back of the party’s 2010 defeat, figures now key to his government argued that Labour had become too centralised; too detached from working class voters. Now, Burnham wants to revive “community” as both a value and a means of reforming the UK. Is this the era of “Woke Blue Labour”? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by editor-in-chief Tom McTague. Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/are-we-living-under-woke-blue-labour LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is supporting North Sea drilling an extremist position? Does Jeremy Clarkson have the right to ask benefit claimants for a thank you note? And should you grass on naughty neighbours breaking the hosepipe ban? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss some of the biggest questions of the week. 📚 READ Supporting North Sea drilling is an extremist position https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/07/north-sea-drilling-is-an-extremist-position The road to Nowhereville https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/the-road-to-nowhereville LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Kemi Badenoch allow a man with a neo-Nazi past to stand as a council candidate? Is Andy Burnham running into his first bump in the road as Prime Minister over his pausing of the early release of prisoners scheme? And could Reform and Restore set aside their differences and form a pact? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Ethan Croft. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For some time, Zack Polanski’s tenure as Green Party leader had been largely characterised as a success. But he’s been having a turbulent time in recent weeks. He was accused of inciting violence with an Instagram post, failed to steal the Manchester mayoralty from Labour, and the party is becoming increasingly divided on the subject of defence of spending. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best day of Andy Burnham's life, Chris Philp goes gonzo in the Channel, and more climate change denial in a burning country. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up some stories you might have missed this week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham’s policy and comms blitz powers on - he is setting out his intentions early, and with a very different style than his predecessor. Meanwhile, on his second week, his government is fully appointed, but the fallout is still rumbling away in the background. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman’s Igniting Growth Conference. The UK has world-leading science, research and regulatory expertise, but too often struggles to turn those strengths into investment, innovation and better patient access. Can it turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership? Chaired by New Statesman policy correspondent Samir Jeraj, the panel brings together Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Naomi Weir from the CBI, David Knechtel from argenx UK and Ireland, and Clare Pelham from the Epilepsy Society. Our panel discusses why the UK’s scientific and regulatory strengths are not consistently translating into growth and patient access, as well as the commercial pressures affecting confidence in the sector. They talk about the need for more joined-up delivery across government, the NHS and industry, how innovation can reach patients, and what must change for the Life Sciences Sector Plan to deliver. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of Stella Creasy's parakeet misidentification. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s premiership. His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out. The PM has also begun to announce his measures to tackle the cost of living, from bus fares to energy bills, and a big clear target from the off: end rough sleeping. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister. He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job. Anoosh Chakelian is in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck. As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final week, and ponder his unpopularity. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power. Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss: Anne Widdecomb's role in British Politics Keir Starmer's final days as Prime Minister The people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinet Why appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principles Why the briefing against Ed Miliband shows Burnham's plan to improve Number 10 culture will be an uphill battle 📚 READ Exclusive: Andy Burnham appoints Number 10 policy chief https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/07/exclusive-andy-burnham-appoints-number-10-policy-chief LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cyberattacks on the UK’s critical national infrastructure are becoming faster and more sophisticated. What will it take to protect the systems and services that keep the country running? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Matt Western MP, Chair of the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, and Chris Parker, Director of Government Strategy at Fortinet UK. Our panel discusses how ransomware, hostile state actors and AI-enabled attacks are changing the threat landscape facing the UK’s critical national infrastructure, as well as where regulation and governance may need to go further. They talk about the risks posed by legacy systems and cyber skills shortages, what effective resilience looks like in practice, and why closer cooperation between government and industry matters. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Fortinet. LINKS Fortinet 2026 Global Threat Landscape Report Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report Fortinet 2026 OT Report Government Cyber Action Plan UK Cyber Growth Action Plan LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.