Politics Weekly

After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable? And will Labour MPs really be able to support this? John Harris hears from the head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, Tom Pollard, and the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to welfare and foreign aid the best way to balance the budget?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the UK pledges to boost defence spending by slashing our foreign aid budget, ActionAid’s CEO, Taahra Ghazi, tells John about the fallout for organisations working on the ground. Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey reflect on the momentous events of the last few days, after the jaw-dropping exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Keir Starmer takes on a pivotal role in lowering the temperature between the US and Ukraine, will his plan for a ‘coalition of the willing’ work? And, what does it all mean for the future of the war? Pippa and Kiran speak to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com Click here to buy tickets to Pippa Crerar’s Guardian Live event with the health secretary, Wes Streeting. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey have a behind-the-scenes look at Keir Starmer’s trip to meet Donald Trump at the White House, after Pippa travelled with the prime minister to Washington DC. So, how was Starmer’s charm offensive received by the president? And has the trip moved the dial on Ukraine and tariffs? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

This week, Politics Weekly UK is on the road in south-east Wales, hearing from those in traditional Labour heartlands. But with people increasingly frustrated that public services are crumbling and that nothing seems to change, Nigel Farage’s party fancies its chances at next year’s Senedd elections. John Harris asks why Reform UK is on the rise in Wales and what it tells us about the future of British politics. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to a pivotal week of diplomacy for Keir Starmer as he prepares to visit the White House. With Donald Trump’s hostility towards Kyiv looming large over the three-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, can the prime minister persuade the US president to change tack? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Donald Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine have taken centre stage this week. But, with Ukraine excluded from US-Russia talks, could they really accept what might be on offer? And what role will the UK and Europe play?John Harris hears from diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour and columnist Gaby Hinsliff about what a resolution could look like Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The spotlight was back on the assisted dying bill this week after it was revealed that the requirement for a high court judge to decide on cases was to be scrapped. Those in favour of assisted dying say the change will make it safer, but does it undermine trust in the bill? Gaby Hinsliff, in for John Harris, talks to our deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot, about the changes, and asks Kit Malthouse and Jess Asato – MPs on different sides of the debate – what happens next Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As Reform UK creeps up the polls, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how the Conservatives and Labour are responding to the threat from Nigel Farage’s party. Plus, will the government’s efforts to show voters it is serious about tackling illegal migration cut through? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Almost three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, what is the situation like on the ground in Kyiv? And is there a path to peace? Pippa Crerar travelled to the war-ravaged country with the foreign secretary to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Keir Starmer is treading a fine line as he avoids picking sides between the EU and US. But with Donald Trump saying he wants to ‘take over’ Gaza and threatening to impose tariffs on the EU, can the prime minister really keep both on side? John Harris asks Prof Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, and Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey chat to the veteran Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt about how to handle Donald Trump’s trade wars, his new life in opposition, and what’s next for the Tories. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Keir Starmer’s trip to Brussels this week, as he attempts a post-Brexit reset. But how risky is seeking closer ties with the EU when Donald Trump is threatening a trade war?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

In her big plan to get the economy growing again the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has prioritised growth over almost everything else. But at what cost? John Harris speaks to the Labour MP Clive Lewis about concerns that climate action is taking a back seat. Plus, the columnist Gaby Hinsliff talks us through whether the party’s quest for growth will work. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk through what Keir Starmer’s first phone call with Donald Trump since the inauguration means for the ‘special relationship’. Also, as the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, prepares for a big speech on growth, does she have any new plans to boost the economy? And will they work?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The government has announced a public inquiry into why authorities failed to stop Axel Rudakubana before he killed three girls in Southport. But is it enough to stop another such attack? John Harris asks the counter-terrorism practitioner Rashad Ali. Plus, the Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey explores how Keir Starmer will deal with Donald Trump’s return. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at what Donald Trump’s second term in the White House might mean for the US, the UK and the world. And with the Gaza ceasefire in place, how close are we to lasting peace in the Middle East?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

With A&E departments at breaking point and the NHS on its knees, what is the government doing to repair the health service? Will it be enough? John Harris hears from an emergency medicine doctor about the dire situation on the ground, and speaks to our political correspondent Kiran Stacey about Labour’s plans to put things right. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at just how serious warnings about the UK’s financial position really are, and what this means for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Plus, why the government is hoping AI could be the magic bullet that revives our economy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod