Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his spending review this week amid the harsh economic effects of coronavirus and the UK's mounting debt pile. Why was foreign aid cut, should public sector workers have received a pay rise and have all the hard choices been delayed until next year? Plus, we discuss how England will exit its national lockdown next week, what happens at Christmas and why there is much unhappiness about the new system of regional tiers.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Jim Pickard, Chris Giles and George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Radio 4, ParliamentFurther reading:-‘Economic emergency’ adds pressure for a rethink on fiscal rules-Sunak warns of ‘economic emergency’ as borrowing hits record £394bn-Boris Johnson picks former Treasury adviser as new chief of staff-Boris Johnson facing big backbench revolt over Covid tier system-London set to be spared toughest Covid curbs-UK economy tracker: the tough outlook for jobs-England hit with tough new regional Covid curbs-Someone forgot to tell Covid it’s Christmas-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

FT Politics

Rishi's spending review and fears for new tiers

In his bid to reset the UK government's image, Boris Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a 'green recovery' costing billions of pounds. Will it do enough to tackle climate change and does it risk alienating Johnson's 'Red Wall' supporters? The prime minister has also pledged the biggest investment in defence since the end of the cold war. But is there any strategy behind the spending, and can the UK afford it? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Pilita Clark, Jim Pickard, Helen Warrell and George Parker. Produced by Josh de la Mare and Anna Dedhar. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Breakfast, Ed Miliband Twitter, Parliament TVFurther reading:-UK government deficit soars to record high on pandemic borrowing-Britain’s military still faces hard choices despite spending boost-Half a cheer for Boris Johnson’s green revolution-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why Johnson's splashing cash on climate and defence

In a dramatic week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost two of his key aides, chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain, both senior forces in the Vote Leave campaign. Will their departure mark a new beginning for Downing Street? Plus, Westminster welcomed the news of a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough from Pfizer, but how much will it allow the UK to relax social distancing rules? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, BBC Radio 4, LBC Radio, Parliament TVFurther reading:-Inside the hunt for a Covid-19 vaccine: how BioNTech made the breakthrough-Scientists defend controversial head of UK vaccine task force-Dominic Cummings to leave No 10 by new year-Video: Boris Johnson's battles with coronavirus, Brexit and himself-England’s deputy medical chief proposes ‘mum test’ for Covid vaccine  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What Cummings' exit means for Downing Street

With Joe Biden on the cusp of becoming the 46th US president, how will Boris Johnson recalibrate and repair transatlantic relations? We discuss whether the two can overcome their differences on Brexit and how the election result will affect trade talks and diplomatic relations. Plus, we examine Rishi Sunak's latest economic stimulus package, why the chancellor had to extend furlough again and whether the Johnson government is struggling to see obvious policy threats ahead. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, George Parker, Mure Dickie and and special guest Bronwen Maddox, director of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, Scottish Government, Policy ExchangeFurther reading:-Joe Biden win will reshape the special relationship:https://www.ft.com/content/77ed195c-303e-49cf-adb9-9aadb3f80ba2-Concerns grow inside Downing Street as polls point to Biden victory: https://www.ft.com/content/fbf9461c-9962-4c59-ba10-70911cd4de48- Rishi Sunak extends UK furlough scheme to end of March:https://www.ft.com/content/8f9371a7-e8e2-4a73-b1b6-d2330bb224a3-Three reasons for Rishi Sunak to keep furlough in place:https://www.ft.com/content/b6b16f19-4537-442e-ac26-bd1a1101ec5e-BoE and Sunak join forces to support UK’s Covid economy:https://www.ft.com/content/b9612f86-cf99-4c34-b448-d7b4a9587852  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What Biden means for Johnson

Keir Starmer made the dramatic move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party this week, following an investigation into anti-Semitism. Is a new and bitter rift about to start within the opposition party? Plus, we speak to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham about his battles with Boris Johnson, why mayors need more powers and whether he will ever return to Westminster. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard and special guests Andy Burnham and Sienna Rogers. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Liam Nolan. Sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Original music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Labour's day of reckoning

The prime minister found himself at odds with northern leaders this week, as disputes grew over localised coronavirus restrictions. Is Boris Johnson facing a governing crisis with mayors and devolved leaders? Plus, we discuss yet another economic stimulus package from Rishi Sunak to save jobs and whether the Treasury has given up on going for growth this year. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and special guest Gemma Tetlow. Produced by Anna Dedlar and Liam Nolan. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Aimee Keane.Original music by Metaphor Music. Clips: BBC Newsnight, Sky News, Parliament TV  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris vs Burnham

Boris Johnson's coronavirus strategy was yet again tested to breaking point this week, as Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer and leaders of northern English cities tore into the government's new three-tier alert system. Where does this leave the the prime minister's strategy for handling the pandemic? Meanwhile, Brexit talks are set to enter a tense couple of weeks. Following a European Council meeting on Friday, Mr Johnson said he was convinced the EU was not ready to offer the UK a "Canada-style" trade agreement. Will there be a deal by January 1st? Presented by George Parker, with Andy Bounds, Jim Pickard, Peter Foster and special guest Georgina Wright of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: Parliament TV, Channel 4 News, European Commission  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gloves come off over coronavirus

Tension over coronavirus rules pervaded local and national UK politics this week as the north of England faced further restrictions, and pubs and restaurants in central Scotland were closed. Will Westminster now take a more centralised approach to restrictions? Plus, we discuss Prime Minister Boris Johnson's virtual Conservative party conference speech and whether he has any hope of achieving his domestic agenda in the age of coronavirus. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Mure Dickie, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor, Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Manchester Evening News, Scottish government, Parliament  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coronavirus clampdowns go regional

Home secretary Priti Patel's initiative to examine plans for an offshore immigration centre on Ascension Island — more than 4,000 miles from the UK — put the government's asylum policy under the spotlight this week and bore striking similarities with policies adopted by Australia's centre-right Liberal party. Why are the Tories so fond of Australia? Plus, a look at why Downing Street has not shied away from warning the public that tougher coronavirus restrictions may lie ahead this winter.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sarah Neville and special guest, John McTernan. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, Parliament TV.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tories dream of Terra Australis

Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced further restrictions to halt the spread of Covid-19 in the UK but faced a backlash from Conservative MPs. Chancellor Rishi Sunak's winter economic plan, however, received a much warmer reception. How much will it help the UK economy? We also discuss Keir Starmer's first conference speech as Labour leader and whether the party's grassroots are happy with the direction he is going. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Jim Pickard and special guest Ellie Mae O'Hagan. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Parliament TV, Reuters, BBC Politics Live  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coronavirus returns as Chancellor Sunak walks a tightrope

Boris Johnson found himself in another parliamentary stand-off over Brexit legislation this week, and eventually found a compromise with rebellious Conservative MPs. Why is the prime minister struggling with his party and is he becoming a diminished figure in Westminster? Plus, with the takeover by US chipmaker Nvidia of British-based chip designer Arm, and Hitachi's decision to withdraw from a major nuclear power project in Wales, does the UK have a coherent industrial policy?Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Peggy Hollinger. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner. The editors were Liam Nolan and Aimee Keane. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: US government, UK Parliament, Sky News  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tory tribes go back to war

Boris Johnson's government is bringing in a new law — the internal market bill — that threatens to undermine the UK's withdrawal agreement with the EU. Will this push negotiations for a trade deal between the UK and EU even closer to collapse? Plus, coronavirus is spreading rapidly once more in Britain and, in response, new measures to limit gatherings are to be introduced. But will they be enough to stop the UK heading towards a second national lockdown?Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Peter Foster, George Parker, Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Parliament, RTÉ News.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brexit deal or no deal?

In the latest from our special interview series, the FT's Sebastian Payne talks to Bridget Phillipson, Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, about the government's economic recovery plan, and how Labour would approach it differently. Plus, how the party plans to regain support across the north of England and why it needs to move beyond the Brexit divide.  Produced by Fiona Symon and Liam Nolan, with research by George Steer. The sound engineer is Breen Turner. Theme music by Metaphor Music. Review clip: BBC  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bridget Phillipson on Labour's long-term strategy

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned both the public and Conservative MPs that difficult decisions must be taken on tax and spending. How dire is the UK economy and will taxes rise? We also discuss the closure of the Department for International Development, which has been rolled into the all-new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Will this strengthen the UK's foreign policy, and at what cost to aid projects? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Robert Shrimsley and Bronwen Maddox, director of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Parliament, ITV News, LabourList, BBC Radio 4  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sunak's tax dilemma

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made yet another abrupt policy change this week to get pupils in England back to school. Are the wrong people in government making these decisions, and how much is the civil service at fault? Plus, we discuss the election of Ed Davey as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats and whether the party can reclaim the centre ground of British politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Lib Dem MP Daisy Cooper. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Parliament, Times Radio, BBC Newsnight  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Government U-turns and the blame game

Discussion and analysis of UK politics from the Financial Times' political commentators and correspondents. Presented by Sebastian Payne.

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