Political Fix Financial Times
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The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday.
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Britain’s China conundrum
The government is preparing a crackdown on Chinese entities operating in the UK, following malicious cyber campaigns linked to Beijing. But there are tensions among ministers over how to protect the UK’s national interests without heavily damaging trade with China. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to discuss the government’s tricky balancing act. Plus, as the political term draws to a close, it’s time to mark Rishi Sunak’s report card.
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Rishi Sunak promises ‘careful’ crackdown in wake of China cyber attacks
US and UK accuse China of cyber attacks on politicians and companies
Rishi Sunak’s attempt to boost Tory morale hit after two ministers resign
MPs clock off early as length of Commons work day hits record low
The frightening chill on free speech
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParker
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. 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
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Will the economy save Sunak?
The prime minister is urging his MPs to unite or face electoral defeat. Rishi Sunak has rallied backbenchers to hold their nerve, as he cleaves to the prospect of an improving economy rescuing the Tory party’s fortunes. But in a week where the government’s flagship Rwanda policy faced more hold-ups, will rumours of plots against Sunak die down? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Anna Gross to discuss the week’s events in parliament. Plus, a look at what Labour is promising to deliver for the NHS.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Anna @AnnaSophieGross
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Rishi Sunak urges Tories to unite as he bets on an improving UK economy
Rachel Reeves pledges to borrow only to invest under Labour fiscal rules
UK’s electoral landscape swings into volatility
UK civil service boss and spy chief quit male-only Garrick Club
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.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. 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. -
Who’s an extremist in the UK?
The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservatives’ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done.
Clip: BBC
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb
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The delicate balance in policing extremism
Conservatives’ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute
Why Sunak’s latest blunder troubles MPs
How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit
Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the ‘centre’ of government
Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government
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.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. 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. -
Jeremy Hunt: tax-cutting wizard or fiscal drag queen?
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s overriding message in his big pre-election Budget was that hard economic choices were paying off in the form of tumbling inflation, improved growth and the promise of more cuts to personal taxes. But his Budget also promises a brutal fiscal reckoning for whoever wins the general election expected later this year. Lucy Fisher discusses the Budget’s implications with FT economics columnist Soumaya Keynes and Political Fix regulars George Parker and Stephen Bush.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher
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Chancellor’s modest Budget giveaways set up fiscal pain for after election
Labour claims chancellor will create a £46bn fiscal hole with pledge to scrap NI
The 2024 Budget in brief
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.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa with Leah Quinn. 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
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Labour’s worst nightmare?
Veteran agitator George Galloway is returning to parliament after storming a divisive by-election in Rochdale. He claims his victory puts “scores” of other Labour seats at risk. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to analyse the by-election result and examine the division and sectarianism stalking British politics. Plus the team looks ahead to what the government has in line for next week’s Budget.
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George Galloway wins divisive Rochdale by-election
Galloway victory points to frustration with UK political establishment
The price of not policing the Tories’ paranoid frontier
Jeremy Hunt urged not to put ‘politics ahead of economics’ as he eyes Labour policies
Conservative party suspends Lee Anderson over Sadiq Khan comments
Clips: Real America’s Voice
BBC
Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix 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. -
Why would anyone want to become an MP?
The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs – and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the balance. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss how we got here and why it matters. Plus veteran broadcaster Michael Crick, the brains behind the ‘Tomorrow’s MPs’ initiative, shares his analysis of who the Tories and Labour are selecting to stand as new candidates at the upcoming general election.
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Backing for wider police powers to protect MPs amid fears of political violence
Gaza vote highlights security fears in parliament
Parliament finds itself in a dangerous position after the Speaker’s intervention
Why are MPs angry with the Commons speaker?
Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Michael Crick @MichaelLCrick
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix 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.