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Politics Unpacked
Sir Keir Starmer
In this bonus episode for Red Box subscribers to mark the start of the new series of Past Imperfect, Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson talk to Sir Keir Starmer about his childhood and the experiences that helped shape him.
The Labour leader talks candidly about growing up in a crowded home, where money was tight and the phone was cut off. He shares bittersweet memories of his early years overshadowed by his mother’s degenerative illness and frequent stays in hospital high dependency units. He went on to become director of public prosecutions, and could be the next prime minister of the UK.
The Past Imperfect series sees hosts Rachel and Alice talk to outstanding people about how moments in their early lives informed their identities, their careers and their drive to succeed.
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Burnham's Continuity Government?
33:56|The Chancellor says Andy Burnham is running a 'continuity government,' hinting that his economic policies won't differ much from Keir Starmer's. But can the prime minister really implement a 'fiscally disciplined' Budget without taking a hit to his poll ratings?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Michael Binyon.
Burnham’s Welsh Challenge
35:08|Andy Burnham is in Wales for his first official visit to the former Labour heartlands since taking power. He'll be hoping to spark a Welsh Labour recovery - but can the PM win back voters?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Daisy McAndrew.
Burnham's Balancing Act on Israel
35:15|Andy Burnham is set to announce tough new sanctions on West Bank settlements, but is warned they could turn into a de facto boycott of the whole country. How does he balance the competing demands within the Labour party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.
The Long Road to the Budget
33:43|Andy Burnham has hinted at tax rises in the Budget, saying he “won’t be unrealistic” about the state of the public finances - but what do prime ministers mean when they talk about 'challenging' and 'difficult' decisions? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers
Burnham On The World Stage
37:28|A visit to Ukraine is Andy Burnham's first chance to prove himself on the world stage. Will he, like other former PMs, end up over shadowing his foreign secretary?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.Picture: Getty Images
Burnham Banks On Optimism
32:38|In his first month in office, Andy Burnham has tried to project a message of hope and optimism. But as problems pile up, will that start to look out of touch?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon.
The Problem With Labour's Asylum Leaflet
31:54|Asylum seekers are being given a pamphlet telling them that domestic abuse and sex with children is illegal.The government says it needs to teach people from different cultures about British values, but opposition parties have branded it a disgrace.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Jimmy McLoughlin.
Burnham: Popular Or People-Pleaser?
33:35|Andy Burnham tells the Times that the job of being prime minister is to be popular, rather than making a "fetish" of toughness. But does that mean avoiding difficult decisions?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.Reform Suspends Tory Defector
35:10|Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon