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The Politics Show

Politics, news and analysis from Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague


Latest episode

  • Can the UK turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?

    17:39|
    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.

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  • Gary Lineker wants to pay more tax. What's stopping him?

    32:15|
    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.
  • Burnham's cabinet

    44:24|
    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.
  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham

    32:56|
    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.
  • Starmer bows out

    50:34|
    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.
  • The transition begins

    41:16|
    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 PoliticsKeir Starmer's final days as Prime MinisterThe people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinetWhy appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principlesWhy 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 chiefhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/07/exclusive-andy-burnham-appoints-number-10-policy-chief
  • How can the UK protect its Critical National Infrastructure from cyberattacks?

    22:03|
    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