Politics At Sam and Anne's

Britain is about to take its toughest stance yet against Israel – but will it make a difference, or will it leave the UK isolated on the international stage?
Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband will unveil a package of sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, putting Britain at the forefront of the G7’s effort to pressure Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the move means in practice - and why the government has chosen to act now.
But with tensions rising, will the move impact the UK’s relationship with the United States and Israel?
Plus, after a turbulent conference, have Reform UK seen a bounce in the polls and could it give an early indication for the direction of travel for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election?

Can the chancellor deliver growth without breaking his own self-imposed fiscal rules?
John Healey will set out his vision for the economy this morning, but with pressure mounting on the public finances, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether he is preparing to flex the rules to make it happen.
Amidst an increasingly turbulent economic backdrop, the duo examine the warning lights beginning to flash – from the rising cost of borrowing to the instability of mortgage rates – and what it could mean for households and the government’s room for manoeuvre
Plus, as the AfD romp to victory in the German state election, Anne gives her take on where it all goes next.

A launchpad for power – or a warning of problems to come for Reform UK?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy debrief Reform UK’s biggest ever party conference and ask if the past few days have marked a turning point in Nigel Farage’s political career.
The duo examine the fallout from the Channel 4 investigation involving two of Farage’s closest aides - and whether it raises fresh questions about the party’s readiness for power.
Behind the headlines, Sam and Anne also discuss the increasingly visible battle between Robert Jenrick and Zia Yusuf for the soul of Reform.
Has Reform already peaked in its quest for power – or is Nigel Farage still on course to occupy No10?
Reform’s Robert Jenrick spoke to Sky News about the Channel 4 claims on Saturday.

As Reform UK kick off conference season in Birmingham, Nigel Farage appears to have some work to do.
The party has gone from dominating the political conversation to facing a fall in polling numbers, mounting scandals and fresh questions over Farage’s leadership.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview a crucial three days for Reform, with major announcements expected on migration and the economy – while a French connection could be significant.
Elsewhere, the Conservatives are ramping up the pressure on Andy Burnham over defence spending, unveiling their own plan on how they would cut welfare to fund more money for the military.
Plus, ahead of Sunday’s state elections in Germany, Anne reports from the campaign trail on the rise of the far-right AfD party and her dramatic encounter at a rally in Lützen.
Sam and Anne will return on Sunday afternoon for a special de-brief episode to reflect on the Reform party conference.

As Andy Burnham prepares for his first Prime Minister’s Questions, he faces a gathering economic storm.
With markets driving up government borrowing costs and the prospect of another interest rate rise, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the turmoil could mean for mortgage holders, public spending and the government plans going forward.
Could the chancellor be left with almost no room for manoeuvre ahead of October’s budget?
The duo also look ahead to the looming Holborn and St Pancras by-election and whether the Green Party leader – Zac Polanski – will consider standing?
Plus, as Emmanuel Macron arrives in Britain, why are the French taking such a keen interest in the new PM.