Politics At Sam and Anne's

With days until the local and national elections – along some grim polling projections – are Labour facing a double-edged threat from both the left and right of British politics?
As instability in the Middle East intensifies, Keir Starmer is preparing to host a summit to tackle antisemitism, but will Labour’s punchy attack on the Greens – including claims of antisemitic remarks made by their candidates – cut through with the voters?
Away from the campaigning Sam and Anne assess the state of potential leadership challengers. Are they ready and can they realistically force the Prime Minister’s hand?
Plus, have Rachel Reeves’ warnings to the U.S. that the war with Iran would be “folly’ come back to haunt her?

With one week until voters head to the polls in Scotland, Wales and England – are we about to see a seismic shift in British politics?
In a special episode, Sam and Anne are joined by YouGov pollster Patrick English to break down the data and assess what it could all mean for the parties.
As the vote splits across the spectrum, who is set to benefit – and is British politics entering a new multi-party era?
A reminder that all the candidates standing in these elections can be found here.

Has King Charles’s warmth and humour helped save the special relationship?
It may be a diplomatic win for Keir Starmer in Washington, helping to steady UK-U.S. relations – but have private comments by his U.S. ambassador made life more difficult back in London?
Yesterday, the Prime Minister survived a vote demanding he appear before the privileges committee, but after another blockbuster Foreign Affairs Committee session, questions remain over his judgement to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States.
Elsewhere, could Angela Rayner make a comeback post local elections and will there be a wider cabinet reshuffle?
Plus, Sam flags some under-the-radar issues that could be highly consequential in the long run.

What might Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney reveal about the Mandelson vetting scandal?
Today, the former foreign office mandarin and Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff give evidence to MPs on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
That’s before the Commons vote on whether there should be an inquiry on if the Prime Minister misled Parliament.
As well as select committees and votes, there are still 13 active bills to deal with before Parliament prorogues tomorrow.
Sam’s in London for a pivotal day in the Starmer leadership and Anne’s in Washington for the King’s state visit.

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?