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It’s not just the Trump administration attacking the UK’s defence capabilities. Now a Labour grandee and former head of Nato, Lord George Robertson, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of ‘corrosive complacency’ over delays to defence spending.  With the 10-year plan for defence stuck in deadlock, host Lucy Fisher discusses the choices faced by the PM with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and political columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter, Stephen Bush.  Plus, they look ahead to country-wide elections in less than three weeks and hear about the developing story around the vetting of Lord Mandelson. NOTE: This episode was recorded on Thursday April 16. Follow Lucy: @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more?   Starmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency’ on UK defence by former Nato chief UK defence ministry left to foot £200mn bill for Ukraine mission Rebuke by former Nato chief points to wider government inaction Keir Starmer plans May relaunch with King’s Speech  The great independence charade Foreign Office top civil servant forced out over Mandelson vetting fiasco No scenario in latest Mandelson drama makes Keir Starmer look good Sign up here for Stephen’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode on May 11th. Email: [email protected] Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Edwin Lane. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer had promised 2026 would be the year the UK economy and household finances would finally “turn the corner”. But the Iran war has nixed those hopes. Now the pressure from unions to increase public sector pay is mounting, and resident doctors are continuing their rolling strikes. Student finance remains another open sore despite the announcement of a cap on loan interest rates. To discuss the pressures on the public purse, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, with local elections just weeks away, the panel also discusses the prime minister’s trip to the Middle East.   Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social Want more? Starmer leans into his Iran response to resonate with voters Unions prepare for UK public sector pay push as inflation bites  UK health officials discuss banning doctors from going on strike What happens when the Green Party governs? Capping student loan interest rates is a step in the right direction NHS data chief pushes for deeper rollout of Palantir technology despite outcry Can the Iran war save Keir Starmer’s premiership? UK exposes covert Russian submarine operation The political power struggle behind the Bayeux Tapestry Have a question for the panel? We’re planning a question-and-answer episode. Email your questions to [email protected] Sign up here for Stephen’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has heaped insults on Sir Keir Starmer in recent weeks over his stance on the Iran war. The US president labelled the UK prime minister “no Winston Churchill”, said Britain’s aircraft carriers were mere “toys” and told Britain to “go get your own oil” from the Gulf. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that the PM appears to be pivoting heavily towards the EU. Host Lucy Fisher unpicks the shift with colleagues Jim Pickard, Anna Gross and Robert Shrimsley. They also discuss how the Middle East conflict will play out in the upcoming local elections. Have a question for the panel? We’re planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to [email protected] Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Jim @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Anna @AnnaSophieGross & @annasophiegross.bsky.social Want more?  Keir Starmer signals major UK pivot towards EU after Donald Trump’s taunts Lessons from history on how to survive a fuel crisis Cracks appear in US-UK security co-operation after Trump-Starmer tensions Starmer strikes upbeat note amid dismal polling ahead of May 7 local elections Political drama reaches heart of UK’s nuclear deterrent Hammering Farage-Trump links could suppress Reform’s poll lead Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Sean McGarrity. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of Audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer’s authority is slipping and Westminster is alive with speculation about potential successors. But chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley joins host Lucy Fisher, alongside deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and public policy editor Chris Smyth, to argue why he believes Labour may be better off sticking with Starmer. The panel also discuss the government’s plans to ban political donations in cryptocurrency and cap overseas donations at £100,000 a year. What does it mean for Reform UK, which has been a major beneficiary of overseas donors and crypto donations?  Have a question for the panel? We’re planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to [email protected] Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social Want more?  The case for keeping Keir Starmer a little longer Starmer set to make Sadiq Khan a Lord  Overseas donations to UK parties to be capped at £100,000  Companies face having to declare individuals behind UK political donations  Net zero is not a zero-sum game  Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer was Bianca Wakeman and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Opus Dei, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Antonia Cundy uncovers the cultural and political influence of a controversial Catholic organisation in America. Opus Dei exists to help people get closer to God, but some members say they found other agendas – and unexpected harm – entangled in that spiritual mission. The first episode of Untold: Opus Dei launches March 25.  Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Rayner heaped scorn on Sir Keir Starmer’s administration this week, fuelling fresh scrutiny of her ambitions. Does she want to return to cabinet or seize the reins? The former deputy prime minister issued a stark warning that the government is running out of time to change direction under Starmer, while also attempting to court the City. At the same time, the Greens continue to beat Labour in the polls with an unabashedly socialist platform. Does all this signal the government will shift left? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s political editor George Parker, political correspondent Anna Gross, and Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush to unpack what it all means. Plus FT US national editor Ed Luce shares insights on how he caught up with Donald Trump on his mobile this week. Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Anna: @AnnaSophieGross and @annasophiegross.bsky.social Want more?  Is the Green Party too radical for Britain? Labour’s leftward shift and the bond vigilante threat British right must not allow prejudice to be masked as principle Starmer calls on Badenoch to sack shadow minister over Muslim prayer comments  Donald Trump warns Nato faces ‘very bad future’ if allies fail to help US in Iran  Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Clip: BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a week of red faces for party leaders. On Thursday, Keir Starmer apologised and took personal responsibility for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US – after a first round of document disclosures suggested the prime minister was largely absent from the decision-making process. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch were both busy executing awkward U-turns on their earlier vocal support for a US war on Iran that is proving distinctly unpopular with UK voters.  Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics’ newsletter Stephen Bush, and political editor George Parker to debate the twists and turns of the week in Westminster. Clip from: The Mirror Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; and George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social Want more?   Mandelson papers: what do they show? Pressure grows on Starmer over Mandelson due diligence Embarrassing Iran U-turn for the right, but Keir Starmer’s problems are worse The irrepressible Nigel Farage Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis.  Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer Political FIx is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Laurence Knight.  The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Breen Turner.  The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week into the Iran war and Sir Keir Starmer is scrambling to defend the UK’s position on the conflict. Criticised by Donald Trump over blocking the US from using British military bases to launch initial strikes on Iran, and under pressure from allies such as Cyprus to do more to protect the region, the PM is also facing demands to participate in strikes from the British right. But polling suggests the UK public is broadly in line with his policy on the conflict. This week host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and our economics editor, Sam Fleming, to discuss London’s response to the war. Plus, the panel examines chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring forecast and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s new immigration policy. Want more?   Keir Starmer calls for de-escalation and defends his leadership over Iran attacks In defence of hand-wringers and pearl-clutchers Trump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible’ Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill’ Rachel Reeves faces hazardous fiscal picture even without Iran war UK to further curtail rights of asylum seekers Wealthy Dubai residents race back to UAE to avoid tax bills Clips from: BBC With Kevin Warsh nominated as the next Federal Reserve chair, join FT journalists on Thursday March 19 at 1pm (GMT) for an exclusive subscriber webinar exploring the future direction of the greenback, monetary policy and the global financial system. Register now for The Dollar under Trump at ft.com/trump-dollar and send us your questions. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Our email address is [email protected] Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky; @lucyfisher.ft.com ;Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming and Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson and Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gorton and Denton by-election was supposedly a three-horse race, but on polling day the Green Party stormed to victory by a vast margin. It was a devastating defeat for Labour, which was pushed into third place behind Reform UK. Sir Keir Starmer now faces intense pressure, while his party must battle a threat from the left as well as the right. Does this historic result – the first ever by-election triumph for the Greens – signal the end of the two-party system? And where does it leave Reform? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams, and political editor George Parker. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @georgewparker; Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT; Anna @AnnaSophieGross  Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insights into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. This episode was produced by Fiona Symon and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Clip from BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveiled his ‘shadow cabinet’ at a glitzy event in London this week, with a newly bespectacled Robert Jenrick announced as ‘shadow chancellor’. The event was a hit with Reform’s supporters in the room – but can the party appeal to a broader base? One clue as to Reform’s prospects: the by-election next week in Gorton and Denton. The Manchester seat – where Reform, Labour and the Greens are all vying for victory – is a crucial bellwether.  Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, and columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and [email protected]  Want more?   Perhaps we should all be banned from social media Concerns were raised with Cabinet Office before Antonia Romeo appointment Pupils’ special needs support to be reassessed at secondary school level The Conservatives’ foundational sin Sign up here for Stephen’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Clips from Reform UK and the Independent Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another torrid week for the prime minister, the focus has shifted from No 10 to Whitehall as the UK’s top civil servant is shown the door. Cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald had been in the job for less than 14 months, and his departure — following the resignations of Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff and communications director — has intensified questions about the PM’s judgment over key appointments. While Starmer’s cabinet appears to have rallied behind him in the short term, the impending release of further documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s time as UK ambassador to the US looms large.  Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social Want more?   Keir Starmer faces backlash over ousting of Britain’s top civil servant Political crises lead to ‘perma-purdah’ in Whitehall Westminster fears release of ‘embarrassing’ exchanges in Mandelson data dump Keir Starmer’s route to recovery The Labour Party has become devoid of purpose Sign up here for Stephen’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Clip from Channel 4 News Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh revelations about Peter Mandelson’s relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked a political explosion in Westminster, reopening questions about Keir Starmer’s decision to return him to the heart of public life. Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington, has resigned from the House of Lords and from the Labour Party, while a criminal investigation has been launched into allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown. Starmer has apologised for appointing Mandelson and pledged to publish the files relating to his vetting for the ambassadorship, but with pressure growing on his leadership, how can the prime minister and the Labour Party hope to move on? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Jim Pickard, Stephen Bush and Ashley Armstrong to discuss the fallout. Follow the panel on Bluesky - Lucy @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; and Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social   Want more? Free links:    Keir Starmer apologises to victims of Jeffrey Epstein  Pressure grows on Keir Starmer’s chief of staff over Peter Mandelson ambassador appointment Every doomed prime minister has a moment – this is Starmer’s Mandelson and the money that never sleeps Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government tax plans to Jeffrey Epstein  George Parker’s interview from 2025 – Peter Mandelson’s back: The Prince of Darkness returns  Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free. Presented by Lucy Fisher, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected] Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer is 5,000 miles away in China, meeting President Xi Jinping to drum up investment and deepen relations, but back on the home front the PM’s leadership looks increasingly beset. Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s ambitions may have been thwarted for now, but the plotting continues in rival contenders’ camps. In a bid to wrestle back control of the agenda, the government is pressing on with fresh policy announcements. Meanwhile, the Tories have seen more MP defections to Reform, as senior centrist figures seek to drag the Conservatives away from the right. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Jim Pickard, Jennifer Williams and Robert Shrimsley – plus George Parker is on the ground in Shanghai. Follow Lucy: @lucyfisher.ft.com or @LOS_Fisher;  George: @georgewparker.bsky.social, or @GeorgeWParker; Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social or @robertshrimsley, Jim: @pickardje.bsky.social or @PickardJE and Jennifer: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social or @JenWilliamsMEN Want more?   Donald Trump warns Keir Starmer against closer business ties with China  China rolls out the red carpet for Keir Starmer Government plans to tighten scrutiny of Chinese influence in UK The prisoner of Downing Street Labour triggers early by-election to limit fallout from Andy Burnham row Reform UK picks Matt Goodwin for Gorton and Denton by-election UK government caps ground rents paid to freeholders Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free. Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. The producer is Clare Williamson and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Our email address is [email protected] Clip from:  Reuters Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From ‘brilliant ally’ to ‘weak and stupid’ within the same paragraph, it’s hard to know how to handle the impulsive outbursts from America’s 47th President. And yet, this is the position in which the British prime minister found himself this week as he stood firm in the face of Donald Trump’s threats to Greenland.  Some back channel diplomacy in Davos helped put US European relations back on an even keel but it’s clear the so-called ‘special relationship’ is under strain. So where does Keir Starmer turn now? Does he stick with the decades-old transatlantic alliance, does he push for more European integration, or does he look further afield to China? To discuss this and more, political editor George Parker is joined by Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics’ newsletter Stephen Bush, and the FT’s foreign editor Alec Russell. Follow: George on X @GeorgeWParker or Bluesky: @georgewparker.bsky.social, Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen: @stephenkb @stephenkb.bsky.social & Alec Russel on X:https://x.com/alecurussell  Want more? UK ‘will not yield’ on Greenland, Keir Starmer warns Donald Trump Trump’s Davos rant should alarm Starmer ‘Thank you Tony’: Blair’s ‘Board of Peace’ role prompts Trump praise and Westminster anger Westminster ‘riding it out’ is not a strategy for UK-US relations Flatter or confront? How world leaders are dealing with Trump And sign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter, Inside Politics, for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue-(mostly)-in-cheek analysis. Get 30 days free Political Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Clare Williamson. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound engineering by Breen Turner. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio. Clip from Channel 4 What did you think of this episode? Let us know at: [email protected] Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First he was pushed and then he jumped: high drama at Westminster after Kemi Badenoch sacked her rival for the Tory leadership Robert Jenrick - his crime was plotting a defection to Reform UK. Hours later, Jenrick appeared at Nigel Farage's side, branding his former party "rotten". Did Badenoch’s decisive action help the Tory recovery plan? Which party is left weaker and which stronger in the fight for the right - could this, the most significant defection so far, further fuel Farage’s claim that the Conservative Party’s days are numbered?   Deputy opinion editor Miranda Green hosts a discussion about the ‘psychodrama’ that has rocked Westminster this week with the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics’ newsletter Stephen Bush, and FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Follow Miranda, Jim, Stephen & Robert Want more? Betrayal, plots and a mole who derailed Jenrick’s defection to Reform Robert Jenrick joins Reform UK after being sacked from Tory shadow cabinet Jenrick’s sacking is both threat and opportunity for Badenoch Lunch with the FT Robert Jenrick: ‘I’m unashamedly provincial in my attitudes’ Latest U-turn raises renewed questions over Keir Starmer’s judgment And sign up for Stephen's morning newsletter, Inside Politics, for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue-(mostly)-in-cheek analysis. Get 30 days free Political Fix was presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Julia Webster. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound engineering by Breen Turner. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio. Clips from BBC, X What did you think of this episode? Let us know at: [email protected] Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.