Summary
In a recent episode of the Sky News podcast "Stuff Matters," host Ed Conway explores various objects and their broader economic implications, including how a banana could inspire a CIA-backed coup. Meanwhile, in political news, Labour has returned to a 20% polling figure for the first time since October, showing equal standing with the Conservatives, according to a new YouGov poll. Reform UK is also gaining traction with 24%.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting's efforts to resolve the junior doctors' strike were ultimately overshadowed by current Health Secretary James Murray, who successfully negotiated an end to the longstanding dispute with a substantial pay increase of approximately 35.2% over the past four years for resident doctors. There is still tension within the British Medical Association, as some feel more progress is necessary to restore pay levels prior to 2008.
Keir Starmer is expected to make a significant announcement regarding a long-delayed defence investment plan, committing an additional £15 billion over four years to address budget shortfalls in the Ministry of Defence. However, concerns remain as service chiefs continue to seek assurance that the funding will be adequate, particularly regarding new technology and capability integration.
Political dynamics within the Labour Party are shifting, particularly with Andy Burnham's role as he prepares to potentially take a prominent position in the new government. The transition may be marked by efforts to smooth relations between outgoing and incoming administrations, with hopes for a collaborative approach to governance as the country faces pressing issues in health and defence.
Show Notes
Will the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan be the Prime Minister’s final and most contentious act? Months of delays, a multi-billion-pound funding gap and the resignation of his Defence Secretary has Keir Starmer done enough to satisfy his military chiefs? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political and strategic stakes and assess how NATO allies, not least Donald Trump, will make of the plans. Elsewhere, with the PM’s departure from No10 on the horizon, is Labour already seeing a polling bounce? And, after more than two years of disruption has Health Secretary – James Murray – finally succeeded where others have failed by bringing the resident doctors strike to an end?
More from Politics At Sam and Anne's
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.
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.