Politics At Sam and Anne's

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets China’s President Xi calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” - but can both nations achieve that amidst global uncertainty?
Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.
Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the time to debate and scrutinise the legislation in the House of Lords.
Plus, have the welfare reforms – led by Pat McFadden – been shelved for the foreseeable future?

As Keir Starmer touches down in Beijing – does the UK face a choice between a “golden age” or an “ice age” with its relationship with China?
Sam and Anne assess:
Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?
How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?
Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?
Should Sir Keir be globetrotting whilst domestic issues pile up?

Back in blighty, Sam has been on the ground in Manchester gathering reaction to the upcoming by election in Gorton and Denton – as some of the campaigns got started

As the Prime Minister prepares to fly off to China he leaves behind plenty of problems at home – including a snap by-election in Manchester – but what will he do about it?
Sam is on his way to the North West to see if Keir Starmer can navigate this moment of jeopardy, as some parties launch their campaigns for the Gorton and Denton seat.
Back in Westminster, the government makes a significant announcement on ground rents.
Plus, we have some exclusive polling looking at who could be seen as potentially doing a better job than Keir Starmer as PM – shockingly there is only one name in the mix.

After a weekend of will he or won’t he – Labour’s National Executive Committee decided to block Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by election – but has this move just ignited a massive internal civil war?
Sam and Anne reveal some of the details from the crucial NEC meeting – assessing how damaging the move could be and whether the argument to shut the door on Mr Burnham’s potential return to SW1 is robust enough.
Away from the red-on-red infighting, the policing white paper is published and a significant decision looms on whether to freeze ground rents.

After President Trump’s dramatic tariff climbdown at Davos, the Prime Minister and European leaders will be breathing a sigh of relief – but has it left more questions than answers and can the UK claim any credit for the change in position?
Sam and Anne reflect on a month - primarily dominated by foreign issues and U-turns - and discuss whether if it was a missed opportunity for the government to push its priorities at home.
The duo also ponder the view of business on Starmer’s premiership and if they are calling for a change in leadership.
Plus, the peers in the Lords back a significant bill to ban social media for under 16s.