Show Notes
Is Britain about to re-engage with the world in a more meaningful way than any time in the past decade? After a frantic 24 hours in New York, Andy Burnham declared to the UN: “Britain is back.” But what does that mean in practice? And after a rebuke over rhetoric on Russia from Donald Trump, is the new PM taking a different stance to Moscow from his predecessor? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the PM’s message on Ukraine, the US and the future of AI – and ask whether these themes will shape his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister.
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It’s budget eve but can the Chancellor really deliver a ‘breathing space’ budget? With living standards under pressure, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy explore the trade-offs John Healey must balance between the cost-of-living crisis, the government’s plan for growth and whether ministers can convince voters that they’re easing the pressure. Plus, Sam heads to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport where a bold bet on devolution could deliver where the private sector failed.
At its core will this be a John Healey or Andy Burnham budget – and will it deliver any real breathing space? With the biggest fiscal event of the year looming, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine some of the cabinet divisions across a range of topics including oil drilling, migration policy and a new relationship with Europe. Plus, is the Prime Minister reopening Labour’s battle over Europe and free movement? Where are the red lines for the party, Andy Burnham and the country?
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.