Has Starmer been too weak on Iran?

Has Starmer been too weak on Iran?

Author: The Guardian March 5, 2026 Duration: 34:01
The UK prime minister has defended his stance on the war in the Middle East amid growing pressure from Cyprus, Bahrain and the UAE. John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether he has shown strength or weakness. Plus: the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced her controversial asylum plans. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

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.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Politics Weekly UK
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 45:02
The conversation about asylum and immigration is at the centre of British politics, and nowhere more so than in Kent. This week, John Harris is on the road in a special episode looking at both sides of the immigration st…
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Duration: 25:56
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the UK’s recognition of Palestine as a state. With the US and Israel criticising the move, what will it mean for the war in Gaza, and for diplomacy? Plus, what do we know about the s…
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Duration: 29:20
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Could Trump’s visit be a useful distraction for Starmer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:06
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Keir Starmer’s handling of the sacking of the US ambassador, Peter Mandelson. And with growing questions about whether the prime minister can survive, they ask wheth…
Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to the minister for EU relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, about the fallout from Brexit and our relationship with the European Union. Plus, we hear his thoughts on Keir Starmer’s leadersh…
Starmer’s Mandelson mess and deputy leadership damage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
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Reshuffle, Rayner resignation and rift with the unions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:48
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and Keir Starmer’s subsequent cabinet reshuffle. Why has Rayner’s departure raised concerns among union leaders? Who could become the nex…
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Duration: 36:21
John Harris is at the Reform UK conference, asking how this once insurgent party came to dominate the political mainstream. And he speaks to people in Birmingham to find out what the rise of Nigel Farage’s party tells us…