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Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: Attack Of The Clones
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A group of people from across England who voted for the Conservatives at the 2019 election, but now say they plan to vote for Labour give their verdict on Rishi Sunak, who they describe as a "clone", and Keir Starmer, who they think is "smug". Matt is joined by James Johnson of J.L. Partners to find out why they're switching, and what might bring them back.
Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss whether MPs should be banned from drinking in parliament if they behave badly, if it matters that the government's plan to move civil servants out of London isn't working, and compare their worst travel experiences to Prue Leith's on the Caledonian Sleeper.
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Funding Healey’s Defence Plans
27:11|The Chancellor is looking at off-the-books ways to boost defence spending, including schemes reminiscent of Gordon Brown's controversial PFI - has the government learned the lessons of the past?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.
Healey Finds Out We're In Hock To The Bond Markets
34:52|The think-tanks have been poring over John Healey's first budget, and they find plenty of grim news in the small print.The chancellor didn't frighten the bond markets, but did he in fact sound a bit in hock to them?Lara Spirit is joined by Juliet Samuel and Josh Glancy to unpack the politics of the day.
PMQs: Burnham's Brexit Booby-Trap
26:10|Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of contradicting himself on Brexit, after he said he didn’t want to reopen the debate about re-joining the EU, but wants to improve the deal struck by the Tories - has the PM walked into a Brexit booby-trap? Hugo unpacks PMQs with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire
Chancellor Braces For 'Economic Storm'
32:12|John Healey told his cabinet colleagues they must find more savings as Britain heads into an "economic storm" caused by high borrowing costs and energy prices - can his Budget balance the books while easing the cost of living?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Andy Silvester.
Burnham Flirts With Europe
29:40|Andy Burnham says he won't push for allowing Britain to join Europe's freedom of movement scheme without a referendum, but would like to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime - but is he being clear on what he wants the relationship to look like?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd
Is Britain Prepared For War?
28:39|The government is urging the public to stockpile essential supplies, warning that conflict, climate disasters and cyberattacks could disrupt everyday life. But will people take the threat seriously?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon
The Chancellor Gets Down to Business
31:09|The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Parris.
PMQs: Burnham’s Borrowing Problem
45:27|Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia.
Andy Burnham's Small Ideas
29:56|The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.