Our Week, Untangled

This week on Our Week, Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn unpack another busy week in UK politics, current affairs and justice.We begin with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to No. 10, as the Ukrainian leader became Andy Burnham’s first international guest since entering Downing Street. We discuss the significance of the meeting, the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine, and what Burnham’s early foreign policy priorities tell us about his premiership. Next, we examine the controversy surrounding Green Party leader Zack Polanski’s social media post, the political reaction it provoked, and the wider debate about political responsibility and campaigning in the age of social media. The conversation then turns to Andy Burnham’s plans to reform adult social care, including his call for cross-party cooperation to tackle one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the NHS and local government, and whether meaningful reform is finally within reach. We also preview the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, recorded before the result was declared. We assess the campaign, the candidates, the key issues facing voters, and what the contest could mean for Labour following Burnham’s move to Downing Street. Finally, we discuss the latest developments involving Axel Rudakubana, following new assault charges brought against him while in custody, and what the case means for prison safety, the criminal justice system and public confidence.This episode was first broadcast live on Spire Radio. We'll give you a heads up next time we bring this to live radio first.Our Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

This week on Our Week, Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn review Andy Burnham's first full week as Prime Minister, analysing the policies, promises and political direction that have defined his opening days in office.We begin with Burnham's first major pledge to end rough sleeping, discussing his commitment to tackling homelessness, how it builds on his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester, and whether his plans can be delivered nationwide. We then break down a series of cost-of-living announcements, including the decision to remove VAT from household electricity bills, the introduction of a £2 nationwide bus fare cap, and plans to reduce business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues. We discuss who stands to benefit, how the measures will be funded, and whether they go far enough to ease pressure on households and high streets. The conversation also turns to the government's decision to review the early release prisoner scheme, examining why ministers believe the policy needs reconsidering and what it could mean for prison capacity, sentencing and public confidence in the justice system. Finally, we discuss Burnham's first meeting at No. 10 North in Manchester, why he has chosen to base key government meetings outside Westminster, and what this signals about his commitment to devolution and rebalancing power across the UK. Our Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

This week on Our Week, Untangled, we bring you a special edition as Jordan and Kathryn are joined by the entire Derbyshire County Council Cabinet for an in-depth discussion on the biggest issues affecting residents across the county.Together, we explore the future of education and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, discussing the challenges facing schools, support for families, and the council's plans to improve outcomes for children and young people.The Cabinet also provides an update on its latest priorities and decisions, including the Government's confirmation of Local Government Reorganisation, which will see Derbyshire's current council structure replaced by two new unitary authorities. We discuss what the changes mean for local services, council staff and residents across the county. We take a closer look at Derbyshire's new DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) programme, how it aims to improve value for money, streamline council services and deliver better outcomes for taxpayers.Other topics include the growing pressures on adult social care, the future of Shipley Country Park, the council's response to National Grid's proposed Chesterfield-to-Willington electricity transmission project, and the ongoing battle against potholes on Derbyshire's roads. Whether you live in Chesterfield, the Peak District, Derby or anywhere across the county, this special episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Derbyshire's political leadership about the decisions shaping your local community.Our Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

This week on Our Week, Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn break down another eventful week in UK politics, public policy and current affairs.We begin with Andy Burnham's first major speech since becoming Prime Minister, analysing his vision for the country, his plans to devolve power away from Westminster, and what his priorities could mean for the future of government and public services. Next, we discuss the government's newly published Defence Investment Plan, including the proposed increase in defence spending, the questions surrounding how it will be funded, and what it means for Britain's armed forces and national security. We also examine the government's formal apology for the historic forced adoption scandal, looking at why the apology was made now, what support has been promised to those affected, and whether it goes far enough. The conversation then turns to justice, as we discuss the extended sentences handed to the teenagers convicted of raping two girls, the public reaction to the case, and the wider debate about sentencing for serious youth offences.We also cover the release of Shabir Ahmed, one of the men convicted in the Rochdale grooming gang case, the legal barriers surrounding deportation, and the political response following his release from prison. To round off the episode, we reflect on Keir Starmer's first BBC interview since announcing his resignation, discussing his reasons for stepping down, his reflections on his time in office, and what his departure means for both Labour and the country. Our Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

In this special bonus edition, Kathryn sits down with Toby Perkins, the Labour MP for Chesterfield, for an in-depth conversation about politics, Parliament and the person behind the politician.From his journey into politics and life representing Chesterfield at Westminster, to the realities of being an MP, Toby shares his experiences, the challenges of public service, and the moments that have shaped his career.The conversation also explores the biggest developments in British politics following Keir Starmer's resignation, the transition to Andy Burnham's government, and what the latest changes mean for Parliament, the Labour Party and the country.Whether you're interested in how politics really works or want to hear directly from one of Westminster's longest-serving MPs, this is an insightful conversation that goes beyond the headlines.

This week on Our Week, Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn unpack the biggest stories dominating UK politics and public life.We begin with the political fallout following Keir Starmer's resignation and what comes next for the Labour Party. With Andy Burnham now firmly at the centre of British politics, we discuss how he could approach life in 10 Downing Street, the priorities he may set as Prime Minister, and the challenges awaiting the next government as Labour enters a new chapter. Next, we turn to the UK heatwave, looking beyond the soaring temperatures to examine the strain placed on Britain's infrastructure. From rail services and roads to healthcare, water supplies and the electricity network, we discuss whether the country is prepared for increasingly frequent periods of extreme weather and what needs to change for the future. To finish the episode, we explore the publication of King Charles III's financial accounts, breaking down what the figures reveal about the Royal Family's income, spending and taxation. We discuss how the Sovereign Grant works, the King's voluntary tax arrangements, and the continuing debate over royal finances and transparency. We also discussed the upcoming Manchester Mayoralty Election. As of Sunday 28th June, the canditates are: Geraldine Coggins - Green Party, Bev Craig - Labour, Phil Eckersley - Conservative, Richard Kilpatrick - Liberal Democrats, Marlon West - Restore BritainOur Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

In this special bonus edition of Our Day: Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn react to one of the biggest days in recent British politics.We break down Keir Starmer’s resignation, examining the events that led to his departure, the reaction from across Westminster, and what it means for the future of the Labour Party and UK government.The focus then turns to Andy Burnham’s bid to become Prime Minister. We discuss his leadership ambitions, the support and criticism surrounding his campaign, and whether he can unite the party and convince the country he is the right person to lead.From the immediate political fallout to what could happen next in the race for Labour’s leadership, this is a rapid-response episode unpacking a fast-moving story that could reshape British politics.Our Day: Untangled. One extraordinary day, untangled.

This week on Our Week, Untangled, Jordan and Kathryn break down a packed week of major stories from the UK and around the world.We begin with the government's announcement of a proposed social media ban for under-16s, exploring what the plans would mean for young people, parents and tech companies, as well as the debate over online safety, age verification and digital freedoms. The main focus of the episode is the Makerfield by-election, from the final days of campaigning through to the declaration of the result. We discuss the issues that dominated the race and what the outcome means for Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, Labour and the wider political landscape following one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent history. We then turn our attention overseas to the latest developments surrounding the Iran peace deal, looking at the efforts to reduce tensions in the region, the diplomatic challenges that remain, and what the agreement could mean for international stability. Finally, we reflect on the tragic East Midlands Railway (EMR) train crash near Bedford, discussing what is known so far, the emergency response, and the questions investigators will now be seeking to answer following the fatal collision and injuries to dozens of passengers. Our Week, Untangled: Two generations. One tangled week.

We're away this week, but we're bringing you this Bonus episode where Kathryn chatted to John and Chris from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign.This was taken from Kathryn's show on 'Let's Chat with Kathryn' on Spire Radio, you can listen live every Friday from 12pm.We'll be back next week with a usual episode of Our Week, Untangled.