Politics At Sam and Anne's

Is Britain about to re-engage with the world in a more meaningful way than any time in the past decade?
After a frantic 24 hours in New York, Andy Burnham declared to the UN: “Britain is back.”
But what does that mean in practice? And after a rebuke over rhetoric on Russia from Donald Trump, is the new PM taking a different stance to Moscow from his predecessor?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the PM’s message on Ukraine, the US and the future of AI – and ask whether these themes will shape his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister.

How on edge will Andy Burnham feel as he prepares to meet Donald Trump?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess the risks as the two met get together for the first time – where could the US President take umbrage?
Also – why has Andy Burnham agreed to help Saudi Arabia with “defensive military support” against the Houthis?
Sam’s been speaking to Liberal Democrat leader – Sir Ed Davey – as their conference wraps up in Brighton but why has AI, technology and social care become a major theme?
And, why are Lib Dem candidates being told to ditch the suits for quarter zip tops?

Can the Liberal Democrats withstand the political turbulence around them?
As delegates gather in Brighton for their party conference, Sam Coates gauges the pressure on Sir Ed Davey’s party as it faces a squeeze from the Greens and the Andy Burnham bounce.
Elsewhere, the Prime Minister prepares to go to New York for the UN General Assembly, the duo look ahead to his first meeting with Donald Trump – can they find any common ground?
Plus, Anne McElvoy - who's in Germany - reports on a disastrous set of regional elections for Friedrich Merz – but is he in a similar position to Keir Starmer post elections in May 2026?

What happens when the keys to No10 are handed back?
Anne reports from a gathering of former Prime Minister’s - Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer - and reveals what life after power really looks like.
Meanwhile, after some football diplomacy with Canadian PM – Mark Carney – could it offer a chance for Andy Burnham to unlock closer ties with the EU or has the reset hit another roadblock?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at how political communication has changed – from Keir Starmer’s government paying influencers to promote its message, to Andy Burnham putting himself front and centre of the social media operation.
Sam has a scoop on how much it all costs.
Elsewhere, former No10 chief of staff – Morgan McSweeney – has been speaking about his time in No10 and how he tried to launch a thinktank in Downing Street to develop policy.
Plus, with energy bills forecasted to rocked up near £450 in January, how worried are the government and what can they do to help families?