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Whitehall Sources
Westminster Gossip, The Bute House Agreement and Rail
Season 3, Ep. 14
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Kirsty's got fresh gossip from all of her swanky Westminster events about the timing of an election; Calum explains why Humza Yousaf might not be First Minister of Scotland for much longer; and will Labour be the Government to finally improve rail services?
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32. Chris Curtis MP on Fixing Broken Britain
26:55||Season 4, Ep. 32Newly elected Labour MP Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North) joins the podcast to reflect on his whirlwind first year in Parliament. In this candid conversation, Curtis—former pollster and co-founder of Labour's Growth Group—talks about:What it's really like being one of 400+ Labour MPsHis fight for a new £320m hospital in Milton KeynesThe broken state of the UK government after years of crisisWhy Labour needs a bigger and bolder plan for changeWhether Keir Starmer is radical enough to meet the momentHow political communication needs to evolveWhy policy bravery matters more than daily headlinesAnd yes, whether Parliament is more like a dodgem ride or a ghost train…This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in Labour's direction, the challenges of governance, and what it takes to rebuild public trust.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with key political figures. 📩 Contact us: hello@whitehallsources.com31. Louise Haigh on NDAs, Labour's First Year, and What's Next
38:12||Season 4, Ep. 31In this episode, Labour MP Louise Haigh joins Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Calum Macdonald to unpack her recent legislative victory: a groundbreaking new ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination.We cover:🔒 Why NDAs are no longer enforceable in harassment or discrimination cases💥 How a former Weinstein assistant helped kickstart a global movement🧑⚖️ What this change means for UK employment law and workplace culture🗣️ Louise’s reflections on being more effective outside government🛠️ What’s next: retrospective reform, implementation risks, and holding firms accountableLouise also reflects on the first year of Labour in power—praising key reforms but warning of a missing "thread" tying decisions together.30. Badenoch’s Power Play and Starmer’s Warning on Riots
40:49||Season 4, Ep. 30In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to PM Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) unpack Kemi Badenoch’s dramatic reshuffle of the shadow cabinet — is it about party unity, performance, or a subtle pivot toward the centre?We discuss:James Cleverley’s return to the frontbench and Rob Jenrick’s surprise survivalKemi’s “think tank” leadership style vs. the need for visible political fightTrump’s upcoming visit to Scotland: footgolf diplomacy, tariffs, and political theatreSir Keir Starmer’s warning about social cohesion and rising far-right disinformationThe inside scoop from Jo’s recent appearance on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (including a hilarious paparazzi moment)📲 Got a question or comment? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”)📰 Mentioned:Will Lloyd’s New Statesman article on BadenochThe Times reporting on protests and immigration disinformation🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes taking you Inside Politics at Westminster.29. The Afghan Data Breach
39:45||Season 4, Ep. 29The podcast discusses the recent Afghan data breach incident, focusing on the implications of a super injunction that was put in place to protect individuals whose details were leaked. The conversation explores the processes that led to the leak, the political responses from government officials, and the public's trust in the political establishment. The role of Nigel Farage in the controversy is also examined, along with the future of Afghan relocation efforts and the ongoing scrutiny of government actions.28. Migration: Can Starmer and Macron solve it?
49:30||Season 4, Ep. 28In a world often clouded by political uncertainty, the upcoming deal between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron offers a glimmer of hope. This landmark agreement, set against the backdrop of post-Brexit relations, promises to redefine migration policies and strengthen UK-French ties.The Promise of Cooperation: As President Macron visits the UK, the focus is on a one-in-one-out migration agreement. This deal aims to return small boat migrants crossing the English Channel to France, while accepting asylum seekers with UK connections. The collaboration extends beyond migration, symbolizing a deeper security cooperation between the two nations.Gerald Knaus, chairman of the European Stability Initiative, highlights the strategic importance of this relationship. Despite Brexit, the UK and France share common values and interests, from supporting Ukraine to promoting international trade. This deal could set a precedent for Europe, showcasing how countries can tackle irregular migration without compromising human rights.The optimism surrounding this deal is palpable. If successful, it could transform the political landscape, offering a medium-term victory for Prime Minister Starmer. Drawing parallels with Greece's migration policy success in 2016, this agreement could significantly reduce illegal crossings, addressing one of the UK's most pressing issues.As the world watches, the Starmer-Macron deal holds the potential to redefine UK-French relations and set a new standard for migration policies. With the right communication and swift implementation, this agreement could mark a turning point in European cooperation. Subscribe now to stay updated on this evolving story.27. One Year of Sir Keir
45:50||Season 4, Ep. 27The conversation explores the political landscape a year after Keir Starmer's election as Prime Minister. It delves into the challenges faced by Labour, including managing expectations, the significance of key flashpoints, and the importance of relatability in politics. The discussion also highlights the struggles of the Conservative Party and the potential impact of Robert Jenrick's approach. Ultimately, the focus is on the need for Labour to prioritize the NHS and regain voter trust.26. Trump Bombs Iran; Labour's Welfare Rebellion
38:38||Season 4, Ep. 26In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the implications of a reasoned amendment in the UK Parliament regarding welfare reform. The conversation highlights the complexities of political strategy, the challenges of governance, and the importance of effective communication in policy-making.Tensions in the Middle East are impacting UK foreign policy decisions.The UK government's position on international conflicts can appear weak.Reasoned amendments in Parliament can significantly impact legislation.Welfare reform is a contentious issue within the UK government.The Labour Party faces challenges in its political strategy and public perception.Effective communication is crucial in conveying government policies.The role of MPs' personal experiences shapes their political stances.The podcast emphasizes the importance of diplomatic solutions in foreign affairs.The discussion reflects on the evolving political landscape in the UK.25. Israel-Iran Tensions and Abortion Legislation
47:34||Season 4, Ep. 25In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political climate in the UK, focusing on the Israel-Iran conflict, recent changes to abortion legislation, and the inquiry into grooming gangs. They analyze the implications of these issues on society and the political landscape, highlighting the roles of key figures like Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful consideration in legislative changes and the importance of addressing contested issues in a constructive manner.24. Spending Review leaves a credibility gap
48:14||Season 4, Ep. 24In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner analyse into the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They discuss the implications of the CSR on various government departments, the political context surrounding it, and the public's perception of the Labour government's fiscal policies. Key themes include the allocation of funds to the NHS, defence spending, and the challenges faced by policing and education. The conversation also highlights concerns over the credibility of promised efficiency savings and the impact of cybersecurity on government spending. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of government spending, the challenges of achieving economic growth, and the implications for public services. They discuss the Labour Party's current position and the expectations set by their recent budget announcements. The conversation highlights concerns about the sustainability of growth, the burden on taxpayers, and the long-term impact of current policies on public services and investment strategies.