The Politics Show

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

Nigel Farage, pollings' current front runner to win the next general election, has resigned as an MP.However, he plans to stand as a candidate in the by-election this move will trigger. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories have labelled this a “stunt” and won’t stand in the contest.Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is continuing to prepare for power…Tom McTague is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft to discuss.

Nigel Farage loses his cool as he’s grilled on his £5 million “gift”, the “anti-woke” Davos and the elephant seal that’s terrorising Tasmania. Will and Anoosh round up the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/is-nigel-farage-losing-momentum

Andy Burnham is preparing for power – which means horsetrading, negotiations and planning.Ailbhe Rea has been speaking to MPs and advisors inside the Labour party to find out what's really happening in Team Burnham, who's in line for the top jobs, and why some Labour MPs are giving Burnham "the ick".Plus: Reform say Nigel Farage is having a great time. Other sources say he’s struggling. What’s going on inside the “unofficial opposition”? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea.

This morning Andy Burnham delivered a speech criticising “Whitehall culture” and promising to rebalance resources between national and local governments. On course to enter Downing Street in as little as three weeks, the former Greater Manchester Mayor laid out his vision for a “Number 10 North”, promising “growth in every postcode”.But how will that work in practice? And how different is it from what’s been before?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

Keir Starmer’s turn at the resignation lectern, Peter Murrell’s £400,000 shopping spree and Will Dunn’s attempt at a “Man v Horse” race. Will and Anoosh discuss the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/this-england/2026/06/one-small-step-for-man-much-further-for-a-horse

From a by-election victory in Wigan, to the resignation of Keir Starmer, to an Avanti West Coast train bound for London, tracked by news helicopters - Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster has been a remarkable spectacle.Whilst Burnham’s coup has overcome multiple challenges to get to this point, in many ways, the hard part is about to begin.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.

This morning, Keir Starmer stood outside No 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as Prime Minister - the sixth to leave office since the EU referendum, which was ten years ago this week. He will remain in office until Labour selects a new leader. The Prime Minister’s likely successor Andy Burnham is sworn in as an MP today after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham has already announced his intention to stand as a leadership contender.How did the Prime Minister come to this momentous decision, and what happens next?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague. 

The importance of branding in British politics, banning social media for under 16s and the Reform councillor who made “the biggest mistake” of his life.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/the-brand-is-back-in-british-politics