Politics At Sam and Anne's

Can King Charles save the UK-U.S. special relationship?
As the King touches down in Washington for a state visit, Anne – who was at the White House correspondent’s dinner – describes the moment a security incident plunged the night into chaos.
With a critical three days ahead Sam and Anne discuss the high stakes diplomacy facing Britain and whether the strained relationship could be reset.
Back in Westminster, with Parliament days from prorogation, Sam runs through the key government bills hanging in the balance and previews a major day at the Foreign Affairs Committee, as the Peter Mandelson scandal rumbles on.
Plus, with 10 days until the local and national elections what options does Keir Starmer have on the table post polling day?

Will the Prime Minister ever escape the ghost of Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint the ‘Prince of Darkness’ as the UK’s ambassador to Washington?
With fresh committee hearings looming – including an appearance from Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little – and senior ministers appearing uncomfortable defending No10 on the airwaves, Sam and Anne ask if the row is anywhere near its peak.
The duo also examine the growing tension between Downing Street and the civil service and whether pulling top mandarins into political warfare risks lasting damage to the system.
Over on Planet Tory, Anne has an update on the rumoured reshuffle of Kemi Badenoch’s shadow cabinet.
Plus, why isn’t the government more worried about a shortage of jet fuel due to the Iran war?

Has the Prime Minister and No10 weathered the storm on the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal?
With the dust only beginning to settle, Sam and Anne dissect the mixed, uncomfortable and carefully worded reactions from senior figures across the Labour party after Olly Robbins’ combative session in parliament.
Keir Starmer braces for another grilling from MPs at Prime Minister Questions on the Mandelson saga but has he contained the damage, or has he been left out in the cold to face it alone?
Away from Starmer drama, the duo look at the latest polling in Wales where Reform seem to be making ground on Plaid Cymru.

The news agenda may be dominated by Olly Robbins’ highly-anticipated evidence session to MPs on the Mandelson scandal – but is an even more significant story unfolding elsewhere?
Cabinet ministers and other senior Labour figures (but not the Prime Minister) will gather at a key conference – setting out competing visions on growth, energy security and economic policy. Are they positioning themselves for a future without Keir Starmer?
Sam and Anne assess what Labour grandees can do to revive the party’s public standing and define what happens next.
Plus, the duo have their weekly check-in on the state of the polls, and wonder whether the Mandelson saga has had an impact.

The Prime Minister faces another defining day as he confronts MPs over one question - when did he and No10 learn that Peter Mandelson had failed his security vetting?
Keir Starmer has blamed top foreign office diplomat - Sir Olly Robbins - for not telling him, but allies of the mandarin are fighting back ahead of his expected appearance before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee tomorrow.
Sam and Anne unpack the competing claims, the ongoing fallout and whether this has become a defining crisis for the PM - just a fortnight before the local and national elections.
And, away from the fighting in Westminster, are Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner already planning for a future without Keir Starmer?
Plus, is a Kemi Badenoch shadow cabinet reshuffle on the cards?