Public finances
The government still needs a coordinated story on its response to the Middle East war
Keir Starmer needs to seize the news agenda and communicate his response to the Iran crisis.
The “welfare versus defence” framing oversimplifies the difficult trade-offs
Lord Robertson is wrong to suggest welfare cuts alone can pay for defence.
Is the UK (and Keir Starmer) under attack?
The team discuss Britain's national security - and what Keir Starmer should do about it.
Designing and delivering employment support
How can government better support people out of work due to ill health?
Managing the economic consequences of the Iran war
How should the government respond to the crisis in the Middle East?
Who will pay the prices of war?
Economist Duncan Weldon joins the podcast team to discuss what the government can actually do to respond to rising energy prices.
The government’s “don’t panic” message on energy is preventing sensible efficiency measures
Ministerial messages on energy prices risk looking complacent.
Money talks: Influence and interference
Philip Rycroft, who ran the Rycroft Review into foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics, joins the podcast team.
Rules for funding for political parties
How much funding do political parties receive?
Can the UK weather the Middle East storm?
The podcast team review the prime minister's response to rising energy bills and assess the UK's resilience.