The raw sewage being pumped into rivers and seas in England has become a seismic election issue. The musician turned environmentalist Feargal Sharkey joins the FT’s Lucy Fisher, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley to assess how we got here, while the FT’s infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer analyses Thames Water’s woes. Plus, the team looks at scandals in Westminster and considers how much William Wragg’s honeytrap debacle and allegations that Angela Rayner failed to pay the right tax on a former house sale – which she denies – might damage their parties’ chances in this election year. Since recording, Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Angela Rayner potentially broke electoral law by failing to properly disclose her main residence in official documents. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, George @GeorgeWParker, Gill @gillplimmer1, Feargal @Feargal_Sharkey, Want more? Free links: The great stink of Thames Water Raw sewage discharges in England and Wales hit record levels  UK seeks to quell public anger on sewage with £11mn restoration fund  Senior MP quits Tory parliamentary party amid sexting scandal Labour’s Angela Rayner refuses to publish tax records as police probe house sale Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many ‘red wall’ constituencies across northern England, the Midlands and north Wales switched from Labour to the Conservatives in the 2019 general election partly thanks to then prime minister Boris Johnson’s energetic pledge to revitalise struggling communities outside the south-east. It was a seismic shock to Britain’s political landscape but can the Tories hold on to these seats in May’s local and mayoral elections and in an upcoming general election? Host Lucy Fisher, the FT’s Whitehall editor, discusses with colleagues Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush, and is joined by Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common, a strategy and communications consultancy focused on explaining public opinion to policymakers. Want more? Free links: Will the ‘red wall’ reshape British politics again? UK’s electoral landscape swings into volatility Only 10% of UK levelling up funds spent, say MPs Sketchy Politics: can anything save Sunak? Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is preparing a crackdown on Chinese entities operating in the UK, following malicious cyber campaigns linked to Beijing. But there are tensions among ministers over how to protect the UK’s national interests without heavily damaging trade with China. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to discuss the government’s tricky balancing act. Plus, as the political term draws to a close, it’s time to mark Rishi Sunak’s report card. Want more? Free links: Rishi Sunak promises ‘careful’ crackdown in wake of China cyber attacks US and UK accuse China of cyber attacks on politicians and companies Rishi Sunak’s attempt to boost Tory morale hit after two ministers resign MPs clock off early as length of Commons work day hits record low The frightening chill on free speech Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParker Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister is urging his MPs to unite or face electoral defeat. Rishi Sunak has rallied backbenchers to hold their nerve, as he cleaves to the prospect of an improving economy rescuing the Tory party’s fortunes. But in a week where the government’s flagship Rwanda policy faced more hold-ups, will rumours of plots against Sunak die down? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Anna Gross to discuss the week’s events in parliament. Plus, a look at what Labour is promising to deliver for the NHS. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Anna @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Free links: Rishi Sunak urges Tories to unite as he bets on an improving UK economy Rachel Reeves pledges to borrow only to invest under Labour fiscal rules UK’s electoral landscape swings into volatility UK civil service boss and spy chief quit male-only Garrick Club Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservatives’ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done. Clip: BBC Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb Want more? Free links: The delicate balance in policing extremism Conservatives’ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute Why Sunak’s latest blunder troubles MPs How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit  Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the ‘centre’ of government Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s overriding message in his big pre-election Budget was that hard economic choices were paying off in the form of tumbling inflation, improved growth and the promise of more cuts to personal taxes. But his Budget also promises a brutal fiscal reckoning for whoever wins the general election expected later this year. Lucy Fisher discusses the Budget’s implications with FT economics columnist Soumaya Keynes and Political Fix regulars George Parker and Stephen Bush. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links: Chancellor’s modest Budget giveaways set up fiscal pain for after election Labour claims chancellor will create a £46bn fiscal hole with pledge to scrap NI The 2024 Budget in brief Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa with Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran agitator George Galloway is returning to parliament after storming a divisive by-election in Rochdale. He claims his victory puts “scores” of other Labour seats at risk. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to analyse the by-election result and examine the division and sectarianism stalking British politics. Plus the team looks ahead to what the government has in line for next week’s Budget.  Free Links: George Galloway wins divisive Rochdale by-election Galloway victory points to frustration with UK political establishment The price of not policing the Tories’ paranoid frontier Jeremy Hunt urged not to put ‘politics ahead of economics’ as he eyes Labour policies Conservative party suspends Lee Anderson over Sadiq Khan comments Clips: Real America’s Voice BBC Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs – and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the balance. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss how we got here and why it matters. Plus veteran broadcaster Michael Crick, the brains behind the ‘Tomorrow’s MPs’ initiative, shares his analysis of who the Tories and Labour are selecting to stand as new candidates at the upcoming general election.  Free Links Backing for wider police powers to protect MPs amid fears of political violence Gaza vote highlights security fears in parliament Parliament finds itself in a dangerous position after the Speaker’s intervention Why are MPs angry with the Commons speaker? Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Michael Crick @MichaelLCrick Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservatives suffer a double blow, losing two safe seats to Labour, amid growing signs that Rishi Sunak’s party is losing votes to the populist Reform UK party. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and the FT’s Rafe Uddin to discuss the by-election results in detail, along with elections guru Professor Sir John Curtice. Plus, Lucy sits down with the FT’s foreign editor Alec Russell in a week when foreign secretary David Cameron faced sharp criticism from right-wing US politicians for intervening in the row in Congress over aid for Ukraine.  Free links: Tories reel as Labour wins two by-elections and Reform UK gains more than 10% of the vote Reform UK voter support highlights threat to Rishi Sunak’s right flank Keir Starmer and big business, a love story UK’s ‘technical’ recession is politically toxic for Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer under growing pressure to overhaul vetting of potential Labour MPs Why Nato members are sounding the alarm on Russia’s aggressive posture Sketchy Politics: the rules of the electoral race Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Rafe @rafeuddin Clip: Sky News Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer dismantles Labour’s flagship pledge, shredding the party’s £28bn green investment plan. The FT’s Jim Pickard joins Miranda Green and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to assess the damage to Labour after weeks of confusion over the policy. And in the week when Liz Truss launched the latest Tory ginger group, the team dissects the Tory party’s threats on the right - including from Reform UK. Plus, FT Ireland correspondent Jude Webber discusses whether a Northern Ireland executive led by a Sinn Féin first minister now moves Ireland closer to reunification.  Free links: Labour’s green U-turn: how Starmer dropped £28bn ‘albatross’ Mandates are overrated - Keir Starmer just needs the win Sunak urges Northern Irish executive to focus on ‘day-to-day matters’  Northern Ireland revisits the success of ‘constructive ambiguity’ Liz Truss takes aim at Tories for failing to tackle ‘leftwing extremists’ Follow, Miranda on @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jude @jude_webber Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award-winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have questions about this year's US presidential election, we have answers. Swamp Notes is a new podcast from the FT News Briefing. Listen every Saturday morning as our journalists analyse and discuss the latest happenings in US politics. We’ll go beyond the horse race for the White House and offer a global perspective on the election.   You can subscribe to Swamp Notes here or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservatives are languishing in the polls, while Labour is riding high – but beneath the headline figures, how does the voter appeal of the main parties break down by sex, age and other factors? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to hear from chief data reporter John Burn-Murdoch. John also delves into the glaring ideological gap that has opened up between men and women under 30 and the team considers what his findings mean for the general election. Free links: A new global gender divide is emerging Tories remain restless for excitement as the nation loses trust in their delivery Rishi Sunak’s ‘Italian Job’ moment  How to heal the great education divide in UK politics  The housing crisis is still being underplayed  MPs pass legislation aimed at reviving Northern Ireland executive  Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda Green @greenmiranda, Stephen Bush @stephenkb, John Burn-Murdoch @jburnmurdoch Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT’s Whitehall Editor Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s George Parker and Robert Shrimsley to lift the veil on the Tory party plots against the prime minister. As rightwingers prepare to launch the new Popular Conservatives (PopCons) group and the demand for a new direction for the party grows, the trio delve into the choices the government faces. Plus, the FT’s William Wallis joins to paint a picture of the crisis in local authority funding. Free links: Rishi Sunak braced for further rightwing rebellion after resignation call Tories must oust Rishi Sunak to avoid ‘extinction’, says ex-minister Cash-strapped English councils to get extra £600mn Next UK government faces historic challenge to curb debt, report finds Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, George @GeorgeWParker, William Wallis @WWFTUK Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award winning Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Untold, a new podcast from the special investigations team at the Financial Times. In its first series, The Retreat, host Madison Marriage examines the world of the Goenka network, which promotes a type of intensive meditation known as Vipassana. Thousands of people go on Goenka retreats every year. People rave about them. But some people go to these meditation retreats, and they suffer. They might feel a deep sense of terror, or a break with reality. And on the other side, they’re not themselves anymore. Untold: The Retreat launches Jan. 24. Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government’s plan to send undocumented migrants to Rwanda has overcome a series of hurdles in the House of Commons, but how will it fare in the Lords? FT columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush are with Lucy Fisher to debate what could happen next. And the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster joins them round the table to tell us more about the FT’s scoop on the dire state of finances in UK universities.  Free links: Rwanda bill rebellion takes heavy toll on Rishi Sunak Rishi Sunak secures Commons approval for Rwanda bill as rebel MPs back down UK universities risk falling into deficit as foreign student numbers fall The UK’s political class needs to learn to love the economy it actually has Biden, Attal, Pitt the Younger - what is the right age for a politician? Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda: @greenmiranda, Stephen: @stephenkb and Peter: @pmdfoster Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who should foot the bill – both financial and political – for the Post Office scandal? Hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted of theft and false accounting on the basis of faulty data now face pay-outs and exoneration. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Rafe Uddin, who has been reporting from the Post Office inquiry, to ask who should pay the compensation bill, and who should shoulder the blame for the biggest miscarriage of justice in modern British history. Plus, Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and George Parker dissect Keir Starmer’s new plan for supervised toothbrushing in schools and a crackdown on junk food, to consider whether Labour will run a ‘nanny state’. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 Best Newsletter award.  Free links:  Fujitsu could face ‘financial sanctions’ over Post Office scandal Fujitsu won contracts on Sunak’s watch despite Post Office scandal The bitter technological lesson of the Post Office scandal  Why Starmer will not tread lightly on voters’ lives Keir Starmer rejects claim Labour seeking to create ‘nanny state’ on child health Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert on @robertshrimsley, George on @GeorgeWParker, Rafe on@rafeuddin_ Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The next 12 months will be an epic year for democracy. Half the world’s population will have the chance to vote. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s editor Roula Khalaf and chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman to give a global perspective, while Political Fix regular Robert Shrimsley offers sharp analysis on how Britain’s political parties are shaping their offerings to the public at the start of an election year in the UK. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 Best Newsletter award.  Free links:  Can democracy survive 2024? Rishi Sunak seeks to harvest political advantage with autumn poll strategy UK economy will enter ‘grey gloom’ until polling day, economists say  The optimistic case for the British economy Narendra Modi responds to assassination claims Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Roula on @khalafroula, Gideon on @gideonrachman and Robert on @robertshrimsley. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Simon Panayi. Broadcast engineer: Andrew Georgiadis. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Lucy Fisher and the Political Fix team take a break over the Christmas period, we’re sharing an episode of Working It, the FT’s workplace podcast hosted by Isabel Berwick.  Here’s what it’s about: It's the work Christmas party season: you're out of the office, and the alcohol is flowing. How can you make sure you don't embarrass yourself (or derail your career)? And how can you bounce back if you do go wrong? Isabel Berwick speaks to FT columnist and veteran party-goer Stephen Bush, author and comedian Viv Groskop and party-shy FT columnist Emma Jacobs to find out. Warning: contains drunken secret Santas, dancefloor embarrassment and toe-curling apologies. You can raise money for the FT's charity, the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign, by bidding to have lunch with Political Fix regulars Miranda Green, Stephen Bush, George Parker or one of their colleagues at top restaurants that are donating meals for an excellent cause. Want more? Free links: Workers and bosses opt for Christmas payments over parties The office grinch may have a point — it’s not fun if it’s forced Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year draws to a close, Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker and Stephen Bush to consider where British politics goes next. What challenges await Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in January, and what ammunition are the Tories and Labour stockpiling to fire at each other in the election campaign? Plus, the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf sits down for an end of year chat with Lucy to dissect the big economic problems facing the government - and what fixes are available. You can raise money for the FT's charity, the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign, by bidding to have lunch with Martin Wolf or with Political Fix regulars Miranda Green, Stephen Bush, George Parker or one of their colleagues at top restaurants that are donating meals for an excellent cause. Go to ft.com/appeal to see what's on offer. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 Best Newsletter award.  Free links:  Britain desperately needs a growth strategy Britain won’t rejoin the EU for decades - if ever  Rishi Sunak rapped over claim that UK debt is falling Sunak’s ‘five pledges’ strategy doesn’t cut the mustard. What next? Does Sunak’s maths revival add up? Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Martin on: @martinwolf_, George on: @GeorgeWParker, Stephen on: @stephenkb, Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline and Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As politicians and political hacks limp towards the end of a long year in Westminster, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to assess the turmoil engulfing Sunak’s Tory party. The PM has won an important battle, but faces more strife in the new year. Also, the FT’s climate reporter Kenza Bryan has been in Dubai and sums up what, if anything, the COP28 mega-gathering really achieved and appraises the UK’s performance at the summit.  You can raise money for the FT's charity, the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign, by bidding to have lunch with Political Fix regulars Miranda Green, Stephen Bush, George Parker or one of their colleagues, at top restaurants that are donating meals for an excellent cause. Go to ft.com/appeal to see what's on offer. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 Best Newsletter award.  Free links:  Sunak’s Rwanda fight is really a battle for control of the Conservatives Rwanda vote exposes Tory divisions despite Rishi Sunak’s win Countries reach ‘historic’ COP28 deal to transition from fossil fuels Ex-Tory MP faces 35-day suspension for giving impression he was ‘for sale’ Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda on: @greenmiranda, Robert on: @robertshrimsley, Kenza on: @KenzaBryan Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.