Merryn Talks Money

Why Britain Needs A Crisis To Turn The Country Around

Britain has once again been plunged into political turmoil. Despite rebellion in the ranks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to go, and it's not yet clear which - if any - of his potential challengers will lay down the gauntlet to try to take the leadership from him. And nor is it clear, given the divided nature of the Labour party, that any new Prime Minister could hold down the job until the next general election. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek discuss why Britain may need a 1976-style crisis to persuade our politicians to finally get a grip.
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Mortgage rates have jumped sharply—and fast—leaving buyers and homeowners scrambling to decide what to do next. Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek sit down with mortgage expert Anthony Emmerson, director at Trinity Financial, to unpack what’s really driving the market, whether now is still a good time to buy, and the surprisingly simple strategy that could save you thousands when remortgaging.
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What if AI isn’t coming for your job — but for your mind? In this episode of Merryn Talks Money, Merryn Somerset Webb speaks to Tom Slater, manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and partner at Baillie Gifford about his provocative paper, “AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job. It’s Coming for Your Mind,” and why the real risk may be a world that looks more productive while quietly losing the judgement, learning and expertise that make progress possible. They also discuss what that means for the future workforce and smart investing.

Check out Tom Slater’s paper here:
https://www.bailliegifford.com/en/global/all-users/insights/ic-article/2026-q1-ai-isn-t-coming-for-your-job-it-s-coming-for-your-mind-10061431/

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Markets are ripping higher on blockbuster earnings and AI euphoria—but on this week's markets wrap, hosts Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek aren’t buying the calm. From contrarian magazine covers to a looming of IPO supply, they ask whether this melt-up is masking the seeds of the next downturn.
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What if owning a single share could get you discounted wine, cheaper holidays—or even a stronger voice in corporate decisions? Merryn Somerset Webb and John Stepek explore the forgotten world of shareholder perks, arguing they’re not just fun freebies but a powerful way to reconnect investors with the companies they own.
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