Why was the chancellor buoyed by forecasts that the UK would avoid a technical recession when the economy is still set to shrink? We dissect the economic and political implications of  Jeremy Hunt’s Budget, including his giveaway on pension limits - set to benefit the country’s richest - which Labour seized on as helping the wrong people.  Presented by George Parker, with economics editor Chris Giles, political columnist Stephen Bush, consumer editor Claer Barrett and special guest Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragossa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner  Claer Barrett’s new book is What They Don’t Teach You About Money: Habits to get you unstuck and on the road to financial freedom  Order the book here -Follow @GeorgeParker @StephenBush @ClaerB -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  -View our accessibility guide   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even the Home Secretary Suella Braverman admitted there were questions over the legality of the tough new legislation introduced in the House of Commons this week. Others criticised it for being inhumane. We discuss the language and strategy of the policy and ask, is it workable? Plus, the UK-France summit in Paris shines a spotlight on the warmth between Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron and the two countries’ post-Brexit relationship. Presented by George Parker, with deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Paris bureau chief Leila Aboud and special guest former UK ambassador to France Lord Peter Ricketts. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Persis Love. The sound engineer was Breen Turner   -Follow @GeorgeParker  -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  -View our accessibility guide  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson may have criticised the prime minister’s deal on post-Brexit trading in Northern Ireland but a number of formerly staunch Eurosceptic rebels — including Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker — have enthused about Sunak’s success. How is the PM going to manage dissent within his own ranks, or is Eurosceptic opposition crumbling? Plus, what the deal on the new-look protocol - aka the Windsor framework - means in practice for business. Presented by George Parker, with political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Ireland correspondent Jude Webber, Brussels correspondent Andy Bounds and special guest former Tory cabinet minister and New Statesman columnist David Gauke. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner News clips: BBC, GB News, Sky -Follow @GeorgeParker  -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  -View our accessibility guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deal to resolve the bitter dispute over post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland was due this week but the UK prime minister appears to have a fight on his hands to stop it unravelling as he faces opposition from Tory Eurosceptics and the Democratic Unionist party. Is Sunak facing a moment of truth on his authority? Plus, a new report revealed the dire state of Britain’s public services and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer laid out his five “missions” to sort out the country. Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, columnist Robert Shrimsley, Ireland correspondent Jude Webber and special guest Hannah White, director of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner.  -Read the latest on UK politics  -Follow @GeorgeParker @RobertShrimsley and @GreenMiranda  -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  -View our accessibility guide Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland’s first minister announced this week that she was stepping down after eight years in office. What does her resignation mean for the Scottish National party and Scotland’s independence campaign? We discuss the country’s future. Plus, presenter George Parker talks to Douglas Alexander, former Labour cabinet minister, about his Scottish Labour comeback and his party’s prospects. With Scottish correspondent Lukanyo Mnyanda and special guest constitutional expert Professor Nicola McEwen. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner  We'd like to hear from you. What do you like (or not)? Please help us by filling in our listener survey at ft.com/politicssurvey It will take you around 10 minutes to complete and you will be in with a chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort earbuds!  -Read the latest on UK politics  -Follow @GeorgeParker  -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  -Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  -View our accessibility guide Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Truss and Boris Johnson have both been intervening this week. Could they challenge Rishi Sunak? We discuss how much of a threat to him they are. Plus, we delve into the cabinet and Whitehall shake-ups. An industrial strategy was dropped while areas like energy security and technology became priorities. Is this more than a change of labels? Presented by George Parker, with deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, columnist Robert Shrimsley and special guests Conservative MP Greg Clark and Hannah White, director of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner We'd like to hear from you. What do you like (or not)? Please help us by filling in our listener survey at ft.com/politicssurvey It will take you around 10 minutes to complete and you will be in with a chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds! -Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @GeorgeParker and @RobertShrimsley @GreenMiranda -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week that’s seen mass strikes and a growing number of bullying allegations against his deputy Dominic Raab, we discuss how Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has fared during his first 100 days in office. Plus, we delve into the government’s approach to net zero and the pressure Sunak is under to ditch the ‘green crap’. Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner Credits: Channel 4/BBC We'd like to hear from you. What do you like (or not)? Please help us by filling in our listener survey at ft.com/politicssurvey It will take you around 10 minutes to complete and you will be in with a chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds! -Follow @GeorgeParker @RobertShrimsley  -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer attacked Rishi Sunak as ‘weak’ as calls escalated for the Tory party chair Nadhim Zahawi to be sacked over his £5mn settlement with Inland Revenue. How much is the row damaging the PM’s credibility and his vows to clean up parliamentary standards? Plus, as Sunak and his cabinet met for an awayday at Chequers to map out strategy, we discuss the challenge of his rocky ‘narrow path’ to election victory. Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner We'd like to hear from you. What do you like (or not)? Please help us by filling in our listener survey at  ft.com/politicssurvey  It will take you around 10 minutes to complete and you will be in with a chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds! -Follow @GeorgeParker @RobertShrimsley -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com View our accessibility guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves gave a pre-Davos interview to the FT before setting off to woo the global elite in Switzerland at the World Economic Forum in a remarkable turnround in Labour sentiment. Why were they going, with what message, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chose to go to Morecambe instead? And what do the financial titans make of the UK’s prospects? Plus, we discuss the UK’s controversial plans for a bonfire of more than 4,000 EU rules that would put huge power in ministers’ hands, unleash regulatory uncertainty and is causing dismay among businesses.      Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, markets editor Katie Martin, public policy editor Peter Foster and special guest Professor Catherine Barnard of UK in a Changing Europe. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner  -Read the FT interview with Sir Keir Starmer  -Follow @GeorgeParker -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clash at PMQs as they set out their plans for a year that could shape the outcome of the general election. The prime minister faces industrial unrest, demands to solve the Northern Ireland standoff and the ever-present threat of a resurgent Boris Johnson, and can the Labour leader show he has any answers? Plus, we look at the outlook for business and the economy. Presented by George Parker, with columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush, chief UK business correspondent Daniel Thomas and special guest Syma Cullasy-Aldridge of the CBI. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer was Breen Turner -Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @GeorgeParker and @RobertShrimsley -Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final episode of 2022, we look back on an especially turbulent year in Westminster - from partygate to Chris Pincher, Ukraine to market meltdown, Boris Johnson to Rishi Sunak, Kwasi Kwarteng and Jeremy Hunt.  We reflect on the most significant events, what we got right and wrong at the time, and what British politics will bring in 2023.  This marks Sebastian Payne's last episode presenting the podcast, but we will be back in the new year with a new host.  Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, chief political correspondent Jim Pickard, chief UK political columnists Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green.  Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne  -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: BBC / Sky / ITV Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak confronted a growing wave of industrial unrest facing the UK with tough new proposals for anti-strike laws, but will they work?  We explore how the prime minister is handling the challenges of the winter ahead and whether we’re any closer to a “Sunakism”.  Plus, we discuss the Edinburgh Reforms of financial services and whether they will boost growth and help the City of London flourish after Brexit.  Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief UK political columnist Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, political editor George Parker and business editor Dan Thomas.  Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: BBC / Sky Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain is seeing a swelling wave of industrial action this winter, from nurses to rail workers. Is the country facing a de facto general strike and is there an economic landing zone for the government and workers? We discuss what the different unions want. Plus, we examine Sir Keir Starmer's strategy for attacking Rishi Sunak - does it amount to class war, or just expose the prime minister's weaknesses?  Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard, economic correspondent Delphine Strauss, associate editor and columnist Stephen Bush and special guest political strategist John McTernan.  Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Howie Shannon and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: BBC / Sky Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak's authority with Tory MPs is waning and he is now facing policy battles on almost every front.  We analyse which fights the new prime minister can win and which aren’t worth engaging in, and whether the Conservative party is serious about the next election.  Plus, we look at the Tory and Labour wooing of business at this week’s CBI conference and if Sir Keir Starmer is doing enough on immigration to win enterprise over.  Presented by Sebastian Payne, with columnist and associate editor Stephen Bush, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and chief business correspondent Dan Thomas.  Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers are Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: BBC / Sky Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chancellor unveiled a £55bn plan for fiscal tightening this week, with the biggest drop in living standards for 70 years. We unpack all of the fiscal forecasts, tax rises, spending cuts and how Rishi Sunak can navigate the tricky politics. Plus, we also examine whether Hunt has shot Labour’s fox and what alternatives the party might put forward.  Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Jim Pickard and special guest Carys Roberts of the IPPR think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk Follow @SebastianEPayne Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak forced Sir Gavin Williamson out from his government this week, the third time the former cabinet minister has been made to quit. Why did Sunak hire the controversial former chief whip in the first place? And what does his departure say about the prime minister's judgment? Plus, we look ahead to next week's Autumn Statement and where the Treasury's tax and spend axe will fall. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief UK political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and special guest Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Persis Love and Jan Sigswoth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: Sky News / BBC / The Bunker Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask whether the home secretary Suella Braverman can survive in her post with attacks on multiple fronts.  Does she have a plan for dealing with backlogged asylum claims? Can she be trusted with national security? And does she have the confidence of prime minister Rishi Sunak? Plus, the curious and hilarious case of Matt Hancock, the former health secretary who has decided to make good use of his constituents' time by going on the reality show 'I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' Is it ever a good idea for politicians to diddle off from Westminster when parliament is sitting? Presented by Sebastian Payne with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Persis Love, Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: Sky News / BBC / ITV Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another turbulent week and the potential return of Boris Johnson. Rishi Sunak became Britain's latest prime minister - its first non-white leader and the youngest in modern history. We discuss how he triumphed in the leadership contest, how Johnson failed to gain momentum, the make-up of Sunak's first cabinet and the options for filling the fiscal blackhole left by “Trussonomics”. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, chief political correspondent Robert Shrimsley, economics editor Chris Giles and special guest former Treasury official Jill Rutter. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @SebastianEPayne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: Sky News / BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back on what can only be described as a total bonkers week in Westminster: how Liz Truss became the shortest and one of the worst prime ministers in British history, the very sticky end, and crucially what happens next - including the question on everyone’s lips: will Boris Johnson return? Our political editor George Parker and associate editor Camilla Cavendish will be unpacking it all with special guest Paul Goodman, editor of the Conservative Home website. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk Follow @Seb Payne Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: Sky News / BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A tumultuous week and a dramatic Friday as Liz Truss was forced to reverse on tax cuts again and sacked Kwasi Kwarteng. Doubts are growing over whether she can survive as prime minister. Presented by Sebastian Payne with political editor George Parker, economics editor Chris Giles and associate editor Camilla Cavendish.  Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters Audio: Sky News / BBC Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.