In their final summer Q&A, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet dig into why politics feels permanently stuck in panic mode. Why does it feel like there's an election imminent when the prime minister isn't required to call one for four years? What's fuelling the chaos? And is the media to blame? Plus, your questions on whether Reform defections are actually a problem for the Tory party, what happens to ex-MPs, and could Donald Trump actually win the Nobel Peace Prize? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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30:48
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30:48
Starmer’s dilemma in Trump and Putin’s shadow
Can Britain afford both welfare and warfare? Beth takes us inside the row that could define Sir Keir Starmer's premiership.From that huge Commons rebellion over welfare cuts to the looming pressure on defence spending, how can the government look after Britain at home, whilst holding the line abroad?For this special episode, Beth speaks to the former chancellor Jeremy Hunt and ex-Labour welfare minister Jim Murphy.Also, Ruth and Harriet ask whether anything has actually changed after the Trump-Putin Alaska summit and whether European leaders can make a difference after crowding into the White House this week?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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25:25
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25:25
Conservatives v Reform: Battle for the Right
Nigel Farage's Reform won more than 40% of seats at May's council elections. The Conservatives lost control of 16 English councils and won 20% of seats - one of the lowest proportions in the past two decades. How do the Tories make sure they keep right-wing voters at future elections? Beth talks to shadow chancellor, and former work and pensions secretary, Mel Stride on this episode about that challenge. He also talks about adapting to life on the opposition benches and why he believes Kemi Badenoch is the right leader for his party. Interview with Mel Stride recorded on July 15th.
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35:51
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35:51
Is Corbyn’s comeback a headache for Starmer - or a red herring?
Jeremy Corbyn's back - with Zarah Sultana and a new party. But is it a real threat to Labour, or just political theatre? This week Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer your questions on whether Corbyn's comeback could fracture the left and hand seats to the Tories and Reform. What does it mean for Starmer? Could the Green Party seize the moment? And is this a political headache - or just a red herring? Plus - your questions on rebuilding the Tory party, Scottish Labour and the elections north of the border next year, and we shout out the podcasts we can't stop listening to. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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28:34
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28:34
What happened when I quit the government
Anneliese Dodds sits down with Beth Rigby for her first long-form interview since stepping down from Labour's front bench.Reflecting on the party's first year in power, the former International Development Minister and Women and Equalities Minister reveals what happened the moment she decided to resign from Sir Keir Starmer's government - and the "uncomfortable" days she spent in the run up to telling the prime minister - who was otherwise engaged... sitting in the White House with Donald Trump.Dodds explains how difficult her decision was - partly due to her ingrained support for the government - she was once as close as you could get to the prime minister, his shadow chancellor in Opposition. But in this podcast, she gives her assessment on Labour's economic policy and makes the argument for more taxation.So, how does Dodds rate Labour's first year? And how can the government "change" for the better, going into its second year?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
Political powerhouses Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every episode, they will examine politicians, what they stand for and how they sell polices as UK politics enters a new era.They will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.WhatsApp - 07934 200444