Will Starmer have to agree to war?

Will Starmer have to agree to war?

Author: Sky News June 20, 2025 Duration: 45:00
Is Donald Trump about to join Israel in attacks on Iran, and will he ask Keir Starmer to help him out? If he does - would it even be legal?

A lot has happened since Beth, Ruth and Harriet last got together, with further significant developments expected before a big NATO summit next week - a gathering we don't even know if the US president will turn up to.

So how did we get to the point where we're asking whether the UK will allow its ally - the US - to use its airbases? And how does the current situation compare to the invasion of Iraq in 2003?

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
EXTRA: Who will be Labour's deputy leader? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
Two powerhouse Labour politicians are vying to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader. With the winner being announced on 25 October, Beth Rigby has been speaking to both candidates about party unity, leadership, leaks,…
Is the government too close to China? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:57
There are new questions about who knew what and when about the collapse of a trial of alleged Chinese spies. Beth, Ruth, and Harriet explain why a row involving names you might not know does have implications for the cou…
Is it too late for Kemi Badenoch? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
Fresh from the conference in Manchester, Beth gives Ruth and Harriet the inside track on her 'tetchy' interview with Badenoch - why couldn't she answer a question about Nigel Farage in the same way Keir Starmer did? And…
Kemi Badenoch’s biggest weakness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:53
Beth’s at the Conservative party conference – talking to the shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins. She says that Kemi Badenoch has shown resilience and character in her first year as party leader- but it’s taken…
Is Keir Starmer obsessed with Nigel Farage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:23
When the Prime Minister said Reform’s migration policy was ‘racist’ - was that a mistake? It dominated the Labour Party conference in Liverpool this week, where Beth asked Keir Starmer about his comments... and pulled hi…
Wes Streeting on why he didn't want Home Secretary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:52
Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn't want to get moved to the Home Office in the recent reshuffle - and he planned how to get out of it if the job was offered. Beth asks also asks him about future strike action by docto…
Why Do Some Men Know Best About Pregnancy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
Donald Trump gave his two cents on what women should be doing whilst pregnant this week... and Nigel Farage followed suit with his view back here. So how damaging are their comments? And why do men think they know best a…
Beth asks Trump about Mandelson and Epstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
Starmer and Trump meet at Chequers and the world's eyes are on them. So why did Trump say he doesn't know Peter Mandelson? The UK's former ambassador to Washington who was sacked last week?And what did Trump mean when he…
Mandelson sacked over Epstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:53
Peter Mandelson is sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US - his former cabinet colleague, Harriet, says it's shameful that he didn't resign. It's all after new revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.Ruth i…
Is Labour too London? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:02
A long list of women all want to be Labour’s next deputy leader - Lucy Powell, Emily Thornberry, Bridget Phillipson, Alison McGovern, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Paula Barker have all thrown their names into the mix. Beth, Rut…