Politics At Sam and Anne's

Can the government find more cuts across Whitehall to fund its NATO defence commitments?
With less than a week to the budget, Treasury minister – Emma Reynolds – says squeezing more efficiency out of SW1 could free up cash for defence. But with public services already under pressure, where can the cuts be made without making things worse?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy crunch the numbers, look at which sectors are already flashing the warning signs and which policies the Prime Minister could scrap to score a political win.
Elsewhere, is Education Secretary – Lucy Powell – planning on making shifts in the department after a luke warm response to keeping Sir Martyn Oliver as the chief inspector of OFSTED?

The Jackdaw gas field has been approved by the government.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh says the decision will support the country’s energy security and that it is compatible with legally binding climate commitments.
Critics say the move breaks the spirit of the 2024 Labour manifesto – and makes Andy Burnham look likes he’s living in a “parallel universe” after the hottest summer on record.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how he goes about squaring the circle of gas drilling with potential budget cuts to green projects?

John Healey’s first budget is shrouded in secrecy so how come we know he won’t be touching capital gains tax?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ponder whether the Treasury is worried about growth and discuss how Kemi Badenoch is trying to get the Conservatives on an economic front foot.
Plus, they pull apart the weekly polling numbers, and Sam’s got a story about the wait times for parents of SEND children.

Having more than a million young people not in education, employment or training is an “economic catastrophe” according to the prime minister. So, what will the government do about it?
With Alan Milburn’s long-awaited review due next month, is Andy Burnham laying the groundwork for tougher benefit conditions in the budget – as ministers look to rein in the spiralling welfare bill?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the report’s findings could complicate the government’s plans for reform.
Plus, Anne has the latest on the protests in France and a stark warning over the political cost of attempting to shrink the size of the state.

Is Reform facing another growing crisis over alleged racist, sexist and violent language within its ranks?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess what the latest claims within an ITV News undercover investigation mean for Nigel Farage and whether more damaging revelations are still to come.
Reform say there is “no room for racism” within its party.
Elsewhere, President Zelenskyy says Donald Trump cut Ukraine’s access to vital satellite technology – Starlink – claiming it cost lives. If America can switch off vital military technology, how safe is Britain’s growing reliance on Elon Musk’s satellite networks?
Plus, is the cabinet office heading for an historic re-brand and who will hold the power at the heart of government?