Should anyone go to prison for an abortion?

Should anyone go to prison for an abortion?

Author: Sky News June 13, 2025 Duration: 45:07
A landmark bill is due to be voted on in the House of Commons next week that could decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.  
 
Currently, any woman who has had an abortion after 24 weeks - without two doctors signing it off - could be jailed under a Victorian law. So why has it taken until 2025 for this vote? And who are the women whose stories have led to a potential change in the law?  
 
Beth, Ruth and Harriet speak to Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour MP proposing an amendment on the Crime and Policing Bill.  
 
Also, are we going to see tax rises in the autumn budget after this week’s spending review? And is the Labour Party in turmoil over welfare cuts?  
 
Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Three formidable figures from the heart of British politics-Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman-sit down together each week for a conversation that cuts through the noise. This isn't a staged debate, but a frank, often surprising look behind the curtain of power. In Electoral Dysfunction, brought to you by Sky News, they apply their combined decades of frontline experience to dissect the real motives, the unspoken strategies, and the personal ambitions driving the headlines. You’ll hear them parse the language of politicians, questioning not just what is said but the meaning lurking between the lines. The core of this podcast is its unique dynamic: a blend of insider insight from across the political spectrum that identifies who is gaining ground and who, truly, is struggling with their own electoral dysfunction. It’s a masterclass in understanding the mechanics of politics, from policy to personality. Each episode feels like you’re eavesdropping on a private, knowledgeable discussion that makes sense of the week’s events in Westminster and across the country, offering clarity where there is often only confusion. For anyone trying to navigate the complexities of modern political life, this series provides an essential and deeply informed perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Electoral Dysfunction
Podcast Episodes
Is the Burnham government starting to feel like The Traitors? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:00
In appointing his new cabinet Andy Burnham has removed many of Keir Starmer's faithfuls, including previously key figures like Rachel Reeves and Darren Jones.And critics feel 'traitors' who had tried to destabilise the r…
Did a "difficult woman" upset Andy Burnham's cabinet plans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:11
We didn't get details of Andy Burnham's top team until most people had gone to bed... so why did it take so long?Beth, Jess, Harriet and Ruth discuss whether some ministers negotiated for different jobs – and whether nob…
Has Starmer done Burnham any favours? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
We're in a transition as Andy Burnham becomes Labour leader three days before he becomes Prime Minister.In Ukraine, Beth Rigby asks the outgoing PM, Keir Starmer, about why he chose to see President Zelenskyy on his fina…
Could Farage's by-election plan backfire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:08
Rachel Reeves says if Nigel Farage wants to "spend the summer arguing with a bin" then that's up to him.The Reform leader triggered a by-election by resigning this week. He is standing again to fight for the seat. Count…
Will women get a seat at Andy Burnham’s table? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
The New Labour band might be getting back together around Burnham’s cabinet table. Good for nostalgia, but the women have other thoughts if there are set to be two Milibands in the great offices of state and no women.Thi…
Can Andy Burnham really govern without an election? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:15
Andy Burnham is closing in on Downing Street as Nigel Farage endures a tricky political week. But does Burnham actually have a mandate to be Prime Minister? Or should we have a general election?Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson…
Keir Starmer resigns. What’s next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:12
The prime minister has resigned after less than two years in Downing Street.In this extra episode, Beth Rigby and Harriet Harman react to a dramatic morning in Westminster and ask the question now hanging over Labour: ha…
‘Andy Burnham is going to be Prime Minister’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:38
Andy Burnham is coming back to Westminster – is he about to become prime minister? And could Sir Keir Starmer be in denial?After a stunning victory in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham has gone from mayor of Greater Ma…
Introducing our first members' episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:21
Find out how to subscribe to our members' club, Sky News Insider, here: https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionBeth Rigby, Harriet Harman, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson are back early this week with details of the fir…
More resignations for Keir Starmer: can it get any worse? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
As we sat down to get voters’ verdicts on the prime minister in Makerfield, he suffered yet another massive headache – his Defence Secretary, John Healey, resigned. And a few hours later, two more resignations. How weak…