It’s shaping up to be another tricky week for the government, with Donald Trump’s tariffs threatening to blow up everything the chancellor announced in her spring statement. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at what the fallout might be, and whether Keir Starmer’s friendly approach will pay off. Plus, with major bill increases hitting millions of households, can the government keep its promise to improve living standards? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
31 mars 2025 - 21 min 37 s
The government has put improving the NHS at the heart of its plans, but will it be able to deliver on its promises? And how long could it take to turn the health service around? Pippa Crerar asked health secretary Wes Streeting at a special Guardian Live event. In a wide-ranging discussion, he also took questions on others issues including assisted dying, transgender rights and the war in Gaza. To purchase the full event video on demand, go to the theguardian.live. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
28 mars 2025 - 36 min 11 s
Amid poor economic growth forecasts and global instability, Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books by cutting spending on benefits. So why is a Labour government choosing this path? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey to unpick what was in the spring statement, and what it will mean for you. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
26 mars 2025 - 35 min 02 s
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey walk us through what we can expect to hear when Rachel Reeves makes her spring statement on Wednesday. With the government facing downgraded growth forecasts, rising borrowing costs and the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs, how can it boost the economy and save public services? And how will major spending cuts go down with the party and the public?. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
24 mars 2025 - 25 min 57 s
An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. This week, John Harris is in Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looks like, and whether it is too late to save this vital service. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
20 mars 2025 - 35 min 52 s
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
17 mars 2025 - 22 min 59 s
After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable? And will Labour MPs really be able to support this? John Harris hears from the head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, Tom Pollard, and the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
13 mars 2025 - 33 min 45 s
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to welfare and foreign aid the best way to balance the budget?. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
10 mars 2025 - 27 min 27 s
The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the UK pledges to boost defence spending by slashing our foreign aid budget, ActionAid’s CEO, Taahra Ghazi, tells John about the fallout for organisations working on the ground. Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
6 mars 2025 - 30 min 53 s
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey reflect on the momentous events of the last few days, after the jaw-dropping exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Keir Starmer takes on a pivotal role in lowering the temperature between the US and Ukraine, will his plan for a ‘coalition of the willing’ work? And, what does it all mean for the future of the war? Pippa and Kiran speak to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com Click here to buy tickets to Pippa Crerar’s Guardian Live event with the health secretary, Wes Streeting. Help support our independent journalism at a href= https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod theguardian.com/politicspod /a
3 mars 2025 - 25 min 59 s