Ft Politics

Brexit returned to the Supreme Court this week as judges and lawyers debated whether Boris Johnson legally prorogued parliament earlier this month. We discuss what arguments were made and what will happen if the government loses. Plus, we look back at the Liberal Democrats' conference, whether its new Brexit policy will help the party at the next election and how Labour might respond. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Jane Croft and David Allen Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The government is accused of not doing enough preparation to rescue a deal but there are rumours of movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. Plus, as the conference season opens, we discuss who might emerge stronger or weaker - Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson or Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, David Bond, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Janina Corboye.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister lost control of his Brexit strategy this week, as parliament forced no deal off the table, 21 Tory MPs rebelled and were ejected from the party. Will Johnson be successful in forcing a snap election? Plus we discuss Labour’s plans for government, the radical redistribution of assets and when it wants Britain to go to the polls. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles - plus special guest Maddy Thimont Jack. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister announced plans to shut down parliament for five weeks this autumn to thwart efforts to stymie his Brexit strategy. Was it wrong, clever or unconstitutional? And what does it mean for legislative efforts to avoid a no-deal Brexit? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz of the FT - plus Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister set off on his first visit to world leaders, meeting Angela Merkel in Germany and Emmanuel Macron in France. What was his Brexit message - and has anything changed? Plus, we discuss the leak of the Operation Yellowhammer document. Presented by Sebastian Payne with James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Labour leader announced plans this week to form a temporary government to avoid a no-deal Brexit, appealing to other opposition MPs to back his efforts. But he was soon rebuffed by the Liberal Democrats and independents who don't trust him in office. Does this plan to stop a no deal have any chance of success? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and guest Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister and his aides have made it known they’re ready to force through leaving the EU with or without a deal, even if MPs collapse his government. Is this a bluff, and will it work? Plus, we discuss Labour’s position on forming a caretaker government and whether it is now aligned with the Scottish nationalists. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We look back at a mixed first full week in the job for Boris Johnson, as he toured Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland against a backdrop of a slump in sterling and Bank of England warnings about economic trouble ahead. In Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the self-styled "Minister for the Union" was warned he could break up the country if he presses ahead with a no deal Brexit. Opinion polls look good for the new PM, but in the real world the Tories lost the Brecon by-election. Presented by George Parker, with Miranda Green, William Wallace, Mure Dickie and Vincent Boland. Produced by Caroline Grady and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The key appointments by Britain's new Conservative prime minister and what we're learning about his priorities and strategy, especially - of course - on Brexit. Plus, we discuss the jostling for position among the other political parties, and Nigel Farage's latest project in the US. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and Jim Pickard of the FT and Henry Newman of the Open Europe think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theresa May's last days in No 10 - is she going with a bang or a whimper? And who will be the next prime minister, and what do we know about him? Plus, the new top team in Brussels, the balance of power in Europe and what it will mean for Brexit. Presented by George Parker, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Ben Hall and Alex Barker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The resignation of the UK's ambassador to the US this week caused a huge stir in Westminster, thanks to a leak of confidential diplomatic cables. Why did Kim Darroch decide to go? Was Boris Johnson to blame? And what does it tell us about the state of the civil service? Plus, we discuss the BBC expose of how Labour has dealt with anti-Semitism complaints and whether it is finally becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz and Jim Pickard - and Bronwen Maddox from the Institute of Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ballot papers have gone out to Conservative members for the leadership election and voting has begun. Boris Johnson is leading in the polls, Jeremy Hunt is still fighting - but is it game over for him? We also discuss the prospect and wisdom of an early election. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and James Blitz in London and Sebastian Payne on the campaign trail in Darlington. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The skirmishes between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt became more personal, with clashes over character and scrutiny. Is the foreign secretary gaining momentum? And has the frontrunner recovered from his difficult weekend? We also discuss the prospect of Sajid Javid as the next chancellor and what both candidates plan to do on the economy and immigration. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Giles. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four candidates were knocked out of the Conservative party leadership race this week: Michael Gove, Sajid Javid, Rory Stewart and Dominic Raab. Does the foreign secretary have any hope of beating the frontrunner? Plus we discuss whether Jeremy Corbyn is finally moving Labour towards becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green - plus special guest Tim Montgomerie. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership contest, Boris Johnson confirmed his place as the clear frontrunner. Matt Hancock, Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom and Mark Harper have all exited. Who will win the battle for second place? Plus, we discuss whether a new prime minister could stop no deal, even by shutting down parliament. Presented by Sebastian Payne with George Parker, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Plus special guest Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Brexit party came close but failed to win its first seat in Westminster. What lessons are there for Labour and the Tories? Plus, we discuss the latest from the Tory leadership race and who will bag second place alongside Boris Johnson. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jeremy Hunt lost momentum in the Tory leadership contest this week, suggesting that the final race might end up being Boris Johnson versus Michael Gove - just like the 2016 contest. Plus, we discuss Donald Trump’s first state visit to the UK next week and the health of the ‘special relationship’. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Gideon Rachman and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister announced her intention to resign on Friday, following a dramatic week in Westminster where a final Brexit speech misfired and brought an end to May's time in office. We discuss how events unfolded, what her legacy will be, the impending leadership contest and how the likely successors are shaping up. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theresa May has finally agreed to step down, clearing the way for a leadership contest this summer, against the background of the European Parliament elections. Might we have three prime ministers this year? And what does this all mean for Labour? Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and John Burn-Murdoch of the FT and political strategist John McTernan. Produced by Anna Dedhar.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anger is growing in the Conservative party against Theresa May, but MPs have failed to move against her. Will next week be a decisive moment for the prime minister? Plus, we discuss whether a universal basic income would help or hinder inequality, and whether Labour will support the policy at the next general election. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.