Political Fix

What a turbulent week in politics: home secretary Suella Braverman sacked, the government’s flagship Rwanda policy deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court and a major Labour rebellion. Not to mention the return of David Cameron. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s George Parker and Stephen Bush to chew over events. And the FT’s William Wallis goes through the government’s options for revitalising its plan to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda. Free links:Why the UK Supreme Court ruled against Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda policy Sunak reshuffle shows a government running on emptyStarmer suffers major rebellion over Israel-Hamas war How David Cameron tried to make his fortune with cash from ChinaFollow Lucy, Stephen and George on X @LOS_Fisher, @stephenkb and @GeorgeWParkerSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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

Suella Braverman’s tirade against the Metropolitan Police’s handling of pro-Palestinan marches has divided opinion among her Tory colleagues. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the fallout from the home secretary’s article in The Times. Plus, did the King’s Speech reveal a government running out of steam? And the FT’s Camilla Cavendish tells Lucy about the desperation some parents and children feel in England’s unreformed family courts.  Free links:Suella Braverman pushes to restrict tents for rough sleepers The strategic confusion at the heart of Rishi Sunak’s final push Sketchy Politics: mapping the next election Law and disorder in the family courts Follow Lucy, Miranda and Robert on X @LOS_Fisher @greenmiranda @robertshrimsleySign 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 Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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

Rishi Sunak played the part of chat show host with tech leader Elon Musk this week, after hosting an AI summit at Bletchley Park. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Stephen Bush and Anna Gross, who was reporting from the conference, to ask what it achieved. Plus, the FT’s Camilla Cavendish examines what the Covid-19 inquiry has revealed to date about the shortcomings of the British state.Clip: X @RishiSunakFollow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more?  Elon Musk tells Rishi Sunak AI will render all jobs obsoleteMatt Hancock wanted to decide “who should live” if the NHS overwhelmed, Covid inquiry toldLabour dissent on Israel-Gaza grows as latest shadow minister calls for ceasefireSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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

As Rishi Sunak celebrates his first year in office, the FT’s Lucy Fisher asks whether he has succeeded in steadying the Tory ship, while the FT’s Miranda Green and George Parker mark his scorecard. The Political Fix team also examines the tough choices facing Keir Starmer as he braces himself for potential frontbench resignations over his approach to the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, economics columnist Soumaya Keynes joins to outline how she spotted apparent plagiarism in Labour shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves’s newly published book, The Women Who Made Modern Economics.You can find Lucy, Miranda and George on X, formerly Twitter, @LOS_Fisher and @greenmiranda and @GeorgeWParkerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Rishi Sunak faces intractable problems on first anniversary as prime ministerMuslim Labour MPs urge Keir Starmer to back Gaza ceasefireThe Women Who Made Modern Economics by Rachel Reeves - credit where it’s due?How Claudia Goldin transformed our understanding of women and work Clip: BBCSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

The UK's Labour party has pulled off two stunning by-election victories. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush to discuss whether Keir Starmer’s party is now on track for a 1997-style landslide, and what the Tories’ dismal results mean for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Plus, the group examines the PM’s tour of the Middle East as fears grow that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate. What are the repercussions for UK politics as the conflict deepens?Clips: BBCWant more? Free links:Labour seizes Tamworth and Mid Beds from Conservatives in UK by-electionsHistoric by-elections and the curious case of TamworthLabour’s twin victories suggest it may be too late to save Tory baconKeir Starmer faces growing mutiny from within Labour over Israel-Hamas stance Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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

Keir Starmer eschewed flashy policy vows at Labour’s annual conference, but did his promise of stability and certainty cut through? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to reflect on the opposition party’s gathering in Liverpool, where events were overshadowed by the Hamas attack on Israel. The FT’s chief foreign affairs columnist, Gideon Rachman, joins with his analysis of how the Israel-Hamas conflict could unfold and its repercussions for the UK and the wider world.Want more? Free links:‘Change is coming’: Labour bullish about return to powerA bitter blame game will follow Israel’s wartime unityLabour cuts back £28bn green investment pledge againForget the glitter - Starmer offers hope as a mechanic, not a magicianFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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