Politics Weekly UK

Politics Weekly UK

Author: The Guardian Language: English Episodes: 50
Every seven days, the whirlwind of Westminster, Holyrood, and beyond offers more headlines than anyone can easily digest. That’s where Politics Weekly UK comes in, offering a necessary pause for reflection and analysis. Hosted by Guardian columnist John Harris, the conversation is joined by the paper’s political editor Pippa Crerar and policy editor Kiran Stacey. Together, they don’t just recount the events; they pull apart the parliamentary manoeuvres, scrutinise the policy announcements, and trace the human stories behind the soundbites. You’ll hear informed debate that cuts through the noise, drawing on the deep reporting resources and editorial insight that The Guardian is known for. This isn't about partisan point-scoring, but a clearer understanding of the forces shaping the country. Tuning into this podcast provides a coherent narrative through the complexity, making sense of what just happened and what might come next. It’s an essential companion for anyone trying to look beyond the day-to-day frenzy and grasp the deeper currents in British public life.
Episodes
Farage wins Clacton byelection, but was it worth it? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:40
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton byelection he triggered by resigning from the seat because he wanted to allow voters to ‘stick two fingers up at the entire establishment’. The Reform UK leader’s political finances were…
Heatwave Britain: why are politicians so slow to act? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
As another summer of extreme heat rumbles on, warnings about excess deaths, ageing infrastructure and potential food shortages are growing louder. So how well prepared is the UK to cope, both now and in the years ahead?…
What chaos? Farage tries to distract with immigration plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:16
Nigel Farage has promised that Reform UK would call in the navy to tackle small boat Channel crossings. Will this familiar-sounding immigration policy distract from the party’s internal problems? Plus – as we learn more…
Will we pay more tax to fund social care? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:50
Andy Burnham gave a major speech on Wednesday on his plans for a national care service. He sought cross-party consensus on the issue by speaking to the Tories and Lib Dems. But not Reform UK or the Greens. On Thursday, R…
Will Andy Burnham charm Volodymyr Zelenskyy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:24
Andy Burnham’s first overseas visitor will be the Ukrainian prime minister, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a show of the UK’s ‘unwavering support’ for the country. And, as Burnham sets out his ambitious plans for tackling the U…
All change please: Burnham rips up the Starmer playbook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:29
Andy Burnham’s first week in office has seen him announce a range of measures to help people with the cost of living crisis, and scrap several of Keir Starmer’s big policies. But critics – including former Starmer minist…
Can Andy Burnham’s cabinet fix Britain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:15
The new prime minister has promised a ‘circuit breaker’ moment for the country, as he becomes the UK’s seventh leader since 2016. But will he be able to make the changes that are desperately needed? Pippa Crerar and Kira…
Mahmood v Miliband: who will Burnham choose for chancellor? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
Andy Burnham will become prime minister of the UK on Monday. But he has yet to reveal any cabinet picks, and rumours suggest he still hasn’t chosen a chancellor. What do we actually know about his plans for governing? Pi…
Reform UK triggers row over MPs’ safety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:16
After Ann Widdecombe’s murder, Reform UK has criticised the Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle and suggested its MPs are not given enough security. Pippa Crerar tells Kiran Stacey what Hoyle’s team have been telling her. Hel…