Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Cindy Yu and many others.
After last week’s bond market jitters, the Chancellor pledged to go ‘further and faster’ to improve the UK’s anaemic economic growth. It looks as though Rachel Reeves’ hunt for growth could come at the expense of Labour’s green agenda.
Reeves is poised to make a series of announcements over the next month, starting with a softened stance on non-doms and approval for Heathrow’s third runway – as well as expansions at Gatwick and Luton airports. The move indicates a shift in priorities, with economic growth taking precedence over climate targets. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is believed to be privately opposed to the airport expansion scheme. What happened to the ‘green Chancellor’? And is a power struggle emerging between two of the most influential Cabinet members?
Also on the podcast: after criticism of Labour’s education plans, is it really all Bridget Phillipson’s fault? Or is there blame to share around?
Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Michael Gove.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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9:48
Should Rachel Reeves be at Davos?
It’s Davos day two, and Rachel Reeves has touched down in Switzerland to continue her hunt for growth. On the agenda today was a fireside chat with the Business Secretary on ‘The Year Ahead for the UK’, and she will also be attending a series of meetings with business leaders. The party line is that ‘the time to invest in Britain is now’; however, she will be doing this from the sidelines, having not been given one of the headline speaking slots. Can she bring home the bacon? And why is Davos so important?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Rupert Harrison, former chief of staff to George Osborne.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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12:20
Why wasn’t the Southport killer stopped?
At a press conference this morning, Keir Starmer moved quickly to announce a public inquiry into the Southport murders. This comes after Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to murdering three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class last year. The Prime Minister promised that ‘no stone’ will be ‘left unturned’ when it comes to asking the ‘difficult questions… unburdened by cultural or institutional sensitivities’.
Chief among these difficult questions is why – when Rudakubana had been referred to the counter-extremism Prevent programme three times – he wasn’t stopped? And is there any substance to claims by Nigel Farage of a ‘cover-up’?
Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Photo: Merseyside Police
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13:20
Could Trump 2.0 derail the Starmer project?
The parties - and protests - have already kicked off, as Trump's inauguration gets underway in Washington D.C. today. Katy Balls speaks to Michael Gove and Republicans Overseas UK's Sarah Elliott about what we can expect from the first week of Trump's second presidency, and how Keir Starmer will attempt to navigate the 'special relationship'. Sarah updates us on the mood in the US capital; which UK politicians have been spotted joining in on the fun?
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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12:30
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 19/01/2025
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows.Â
It’s a momentous few days, as a ceasefire begins in Gaza, and the US prepares for Trump’s inauguration. We hear about the plight of the hostages and their families, and then Darren Jones and Priti Patel give their opinion on the UK’s relationship with the incoming president.
Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Cindy Yu and many others.
South Africa