Was it a huge fit of pique or a genuine desire to protect the Elgin Marbles that prompted Rishi Sunak to cancel his date with the Greek prime minister? Lucy Fisher unpicks the row with the help of the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. They also consider, in the wake of record legal net migration figures, whether immigration is tearing the Tories apart. The FT’s Delphine Strauss weighs in to explain the particular plight faced by some migrant workers in the care sector. Plus, the group reflects on the legacy of Alistair Darling.  Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter : @LOS_Fisher Free links: Long hours and large debts: care workers stranded by UK’s migration policy Sketchy politics: Sunak sets out his stall for the election 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.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt put a £20bn tax giveaway at the heart of his Autumn Statement. But will it be enough to win back disenchanted Tory voters? Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s consumer editor Claer Barrett and economics commentator Chris Giles to analyse the package on offer. Plus, Political Fix regular George Parker gives his take on whether voters will be wooed by personal tax cuts. Free links: Jeremy Hunt cuts national insurance but taxes head to postwar high Would Aussie rules boost UK pensions? Jeremy Hunt makes early move on tax as Tory poll slump continues Follow Lucy on X on @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Claer @ClaerB and Chris @ChrisGiles 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

What a turbulent week in politics: home secretary Suella Braverman sacked, the government’s flagship Rwanda policy deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court and a major Labour rebellion. Not to mention the return of David Cameron. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s George Parker and Stephen Bush to chew over events. And the FT’s William Wallis goes through the government’s options for revitalising its plan to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda.  Free links: Why the UK Supreme Court ruled against Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda policy  Sunak reshuffle shows a government running on empty Starmer suffers major rebellion over Israel-Hamas war  How David Cameron tried to make his fortune with cash from China Follow Lucy, Stephen and George on X @LOS_Fisher, @stephenkb and @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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

Suella Braverman’s tirade against the Metropolitan Police’s handling of pro-Palestinan marches has divided opinion among her Tory colleagues. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the fallout from the home secretary’s article in The Times. Plus, did the King’s Speech reveal a government running out of steam? And the FT’s Camilla Cavendish tells Lucy about the desperation some parents and children feel in England’s unreformed family courts.   Free links: Suella Braverman pushes to restrict tents for rough sleepers  The strategic confusion at the heart of Rishi Sunak’s final push  Sketchy Politics: mapping the next election  Law and disorder in the family courts  Follow Lucy, Miranda and Robert on X @LOS_Fisher @greenmiranda @robertshrimsley 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 Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

Rishi Sunak played the part of chat show host with tech leader Elon Musk this week, after hosting an AI summit at Bletchley Park. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Stephen Bush and Anna Gross, who was reporting from the conference, to ask what it achieved. Plus, the FT’s Camilla Cavendish examines what the Covid-19 inquiry has revealed to date about the shortcomings of the British state. Clip: X @RishiSunak Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Want more?   Elon Musk tells Rishi Sunak AI will render all jobs obsolete Matt Hancock wanted to decide “who should live” if the NHS overwhelmed, Covid inquiry told Labour dissent on Israel-Gaza grows as latest shadow minister calls for ceasefire 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

As Rishi Sunak celebrates his first year in office, the FT’s Lucy Fisher asks whether he has succeeded in steadying the Tory ship, while the FT’s Miranda Green and George Parker mark his scorecard. The Political Fix team also examines the tough choices facing Keir Starmer as he braces himself for potential frontbench resignations over his approach to the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, economics columnist Soumaya Keynes joins to outline how she spotted apparent plagiarism in Labour shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves’s newly published book, The Women Who Made Modern Economics. You can find Lucy, Miranda and George on X, formerly Twitter, @LOS_Fisher and @greenmiranda and @GeorgeWParker Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   Rishi Sunak faces intractable problems on first anniversary as prime minister Muslim Labour MPs urge Keir Starmer to back Gaza ceasefire The Women Who Made Modern Economics by Rachel Reeves - credit where it’s due? How Claudia Goldin transformed our understanding of women and work  Clip: BBC 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's Labour party has pulled off two stunning by-election victories. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush to discuss whether Keir Starmer’s party is now on track for a 1997-style landslide, and what the Tories’ dismal results mean for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Plus, the group examines the PM’s tour of the Middle East as fears grow that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate. What are the repercussions for UK politics as the conflict deepens? Clips: BBC Want more? Free links: Labour seizes Tamworth and Mid Beds from Conservatives in UK by-elections Historic by-elections and the curious case of Tamworth Labour’s twin victories suggest it may be too late to save Tory bacon Keir Starmer faces growing mutiny from within Labour over Israel-Hamas stance  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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

Keir Starmer eschewed flashy policy vows at Labour’s annual conference, but did his promise of stability and certainty cut through? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to reflect on the opposition party’s gathering in Liverpool, where events were overshadowed by the Hamas attack on Israel. The FT’s chief foreign affairs columnist, Gideon Rachman, joins with his analysis of how the Israel-Hamas conflict could unfold and its repercussions for the UK and the wider world. Want more? Free links: ‘Change is coming’: Labour bullish about return to power A bitter blame game will follow Israel’s wartime unity Labour cuts back £28bn green investment pledge again Forget the glitter - Starmer offers hope as a mechanic, not a magician 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

Rishi Sunak is pitching himself as the change candidate at the next election with a raft of policy shake-ups - but does the substance match the rhetoric? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Robert Shrimsley and political editor George Parker to discuss what we learned from the Conservatives’ conference about the election campaign the party will run. The trio also look ahead to Labour’s gathering in Liverpool. Plus, the FT’s Jen Williams reviews whether voters in the north and Midlands feel the Tories have lived up to their 2019 pledge to “level up” the country. Want more?   Can Rishi Sunak win the next election as the ‘change’ candidate? The HS2 rail line: what has been cut and what will replace it? Sunak’s strategy makes Starmer the real election issue 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher Clip: BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Tories waver over major elements of HS2 and Labour is forced to clarify its policy on private schools, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to assess the political damage. And with the party conference season under way, the FT’s Anna Gross gives her impressions of her “weird” first visit to the Liberal Democrats’ gathering. Plus: what was Suella Braverman seeking to achieve this week with her most hard-nosed rhetoric to date on refugees? Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   Liberal Democrats vow to knock down Tory ‘blue wall’ in the south of England Why the Lib Dem’s Ed Davy doesn’t use the B-word Greater Manchester mayor proposes compromise on HS2 rail line Suella Braverman questions UN treaty’s definition of refugee persecution Clips from BBC Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Jake Fielding. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak sparked a fierce backlash from eco-minded Tories, as well as fury from industry, over his rowback on net zero policies. But will his gamble pay off with voters? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss how it plays in electoral terms. The FT’s Jim Pickard meanwhile delves into the details of the impact on electric vehicles and the auto sector. Plus, the gang examines Keir Starmer’s major intervention on relations with the EU. Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter : @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   What Sunak’s net zero pivot means for UK climate goals and the next election Carmakers in UK to face EV sales targets despite delay to petrol vehicle ban Keir Starmer pledges to seek major rewrite of Brexit deal  Clip from: BBC Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour leader Keir Starmer is attempting to seize the initiative on dealing with clandestine immigration. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to examine his plan to strike a returns deal with the EU. Plus, political editor George Parker joins the pod to chew over his recent interview with Tony Blair, and the fallout from allegations of Chinese espionage in Westminster. Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter: @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   Tories hit out at Labour plan for migration deal with the EU Rishi Sunak launched China reset despite alleged spy arrest Labour cannot fix UK through tax and spend, says Tony Blair Sketchy Politics: Are all the pieces in place for Starmer? Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As hundreds of schoolchildren are forced out of their classrooms by unsafe buildings, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and columnist Stephen Bush to discuss the government’s handling of the crumbling concrete crisis. Plus, the FT’s William Wallis is in Birmingham to assess the damage to the city’s services as the country’s biggest local authority declares itself bankrupt, and Lucy, Stephen and Robert consider the winners and losers in Keir Starmer’s reshuffle. Want more?   Rishi Sunak defends record over crumbling concrete in England’s schools Sunak’s problem is that Britain has stopped listening to the Tories Local government audit is a serious mess Follow Lucy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @LOS_Fisher Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. 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.

FT Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher hosts a panel of Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, FT deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and Stephen Bush, FT columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter. They discuss government policy on education, housing, the environment and next year’s electoral prospects.  Want more?  Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Follow Lucy on X, formerly known as Twitter, @LOS_Fisher Presented by Lucy Fisher. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Sound design and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global 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.

Rishi Sunak has prepared for the new political term with a mini-shuffle, promoting his closest political ally Claire Coutinho to energy secretary and Grant Shapps to defence secretary. What do the limited changes say about the PM’s grip on his party? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political correspondent Anna Gross to analyse the shake-up. Plus, what, if anything, did James Cleverly’s visit to China achieve? And Lucy is also joined by the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster to examine how the UK government is coping with post-Brexit rule changes. Follow Lucy on Twitter: @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   ‘Safe pair of hands’ Grant Shapps appointed UK defence secretary UK foreign secretary hits back at Tory critics of China policy  UK government announces fifth delay to post-Brexit border controls on food Clips from: BBC Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s almost time to wave goodbye to the summer, but is Rishi Sunak also poised to bid farewell to some of his ministers? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political editor George Parker to discuss a cabinet shake up. Plus, the FT’s US political correspondent Lauren Fedor beams in from Washington to analyse the status of Donald Trump’s political campaign and legal cases, considering the implications for the UK of the result of next year’s race for the White House.  Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   Jeremy Hunt urged to cut UK taxes after better than expected borrowing data The real problem of Rubbish Rishi UK-India trade talks intensify in bid to remove ‘significant’ barriers Republican candidates split over Donald Trump, abortion and Ukraine at debate Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Clips: BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a week of results: economic data that lays the path for a steep rise in the state pension, followed by A-Level results that saw tens of thousands of pupils miss out on top grades. Is it a good time to be old and a tough time to be young? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to consider the question. Plus, the FT’s Ireland correspondent Jude Webber analyses the deepening crisis caused by the data breach at the Police Service of Northern Ireland.  Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links here: UK exam boards make sharp cuts to top A-level grades Why Rishi Sunak’s silly inflation target matters British neglect risks Northern Ireland’s future Record UK wage growth fuels inflation concerns Health leaders welcome new UK cancer targets but warn more ‘resources’ needed Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Sound design and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global 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.

After months of delay and safety concerns, the first asylum seekers were marched up the gangplank of the Bibby Stockholm barge this week. If they don’t like the vessel, they can ‘f*** off back to France’, was the eyebrow-raising verdict of Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson. The senior Tory MP made a second startling statement: a public admission the government has ‘failed’ on migration. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to rake through the facts. They also consider the pitfalls of too much caution in politics. Plus, James Kynge, the FT’s global China editor, offers his take on claims the UK has been ‘weak’ over giving in to US pressure to cut back on dealings with Beijing.  Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links here: Starmer won’t give the Tories an opportunity – that’s their opportunity  The great ‘Brexit’ and ‘coalition’ taboos are holding the Lib Dems back Bibby Stockholm and the battle over asylum  Rishi Sunak weighs following Biden on curbing tech investment in China Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich and Lulu Smyth with Andrew Georgiades. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Mix by Simon Panayi. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global 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.

Rishi Sunak calculates that by portraying himself as “on the side” of motorists and adopting a “pragmatic and proportionate” approach to climate change, he’s aligning himself with the views of middle Britain. Is he right? The FT’s Lucy Fisher weighs up the question with columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. They also consider the Labour party’s chances in a key autumn by-election in its former stronghold of Scotland. Plus, Lucy and political editor George Parker unpick what it will take to reform the House of Lords. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more? Free links here: Rishi Sunak downplays green policies to court middle England Labour faces test of by-election appeal in Scotland after ex-SNP MP ousted Industry calls on UK to accelerate carbon capture as new projects approved House of Lords speaker calls for better vetting of prospective peers Arcane, hereditary, all-male – and at the heart of British democracy For a free 90-day offer of Stephen Bush's award-winning 'Inside Politics' newsletter, click here Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth and Manuela Saragosa with Andrew Georgiades. Mix by Simon Panayi. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has signalled he plans to soften his eco policies to avoid heaping extra “hassle” and expense on the British public. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to examine the government’s shifting approach to net zero. They also dissect Nigel Farage’s battle with Coutts bank, while public policy editor Peter Foster discusses the graduates suing UK universities for damages over Covid disruption. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Want more?   NatWest chair says he will stay as he appoints lawyers to probe Farage row Everyone loses if net zero becomes the new partisan divide The Conservative war on Big Everything Students are suing UK universities over Covid disruption. Do they have a case? Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Clips: BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.