£100k salary, feeling poor – is tax killing ambition?

£100k salary, feeling poor – is tax killing ambition?

Author: The New Statesman February 13, 2026 Duration: 24:24

A listener paying 67% in tax asks if Labour are destroying UK productivity.


From the new and improved New Statesman podcast studio, Anoosh and Rachel answer listener questions on tax, student loans and Nigel Farage MP's second (and third, and fourth) jobs.


In the mailbag this week:


A listener earning over £100,000 writes in to ask why the government is failing to address the "tax trap" that means high-earning parents are "penalised".


Would the British public back student loan forgiveness?


And why can Nigel Farage and other parliamentarians present TV shows, run consultancies, and earn money on the side of their MP job?


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Each weekday, Daily Politics from the New Statesman cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to offer something more substantial. Hosted by Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore, along with the wider New Statesman team, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, it provides sharp reporting and clear analysis from the heart of Westminster, paired with thoughtful conversations that look beyond the capital to the cultural and societal forces shaping the political landscape. You'll hear from the magazine's own journalists and a range of expert guests who help explain not just what is happening, but why it matters. The perspective is inherently progressive, rooted in the New Statesman's long tradition as a leading voice in British political commentary. Tuning into this podcast means getting a deeper, more considered understanding of the day's events, delivered with clarity and insight. It’s designed for anyone who feels that politics is too important to be left to soundbites, offering a reliable and engaging daily digest that makes complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them.
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