Ft Politics

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily sacked by Theresa May, following a leak inquiry on the National Security Council. Can we be sure he was responsible? Who are the new entrants to the end cabinet? Plus, we discuss England’s local election results and what the Lib Dem revival portends for the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne and James Blitz, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley, David Bond and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An unprecedented leak from the National Security Council this week about the UK's 5G network has prompted much angst and a leak inquiry at the top of government. What was the row about and what does it say about the state of May's government? Plus we discuss Change UK's launch of its MEP candidates and whether the party might misfire in the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, David Bond, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Westminster is in recess, but campaigning has begun for the unexpected European Parliament elections on May 23. Will the Brexit party and TIGs surpass the two main established parties? Why have the Remain parties failed to co-ordinate? And will turnout be crucial? Plus, we discuss Sajid Javid's speech on crime and how the home secretary is using his past to sell his present politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Helen Warrell. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK did not leave the EU (again) this week. Instead, exit day has been pushed back until the end of October. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the process moving any closer to a resolution? Plus, we discuss how the Conservative party can broaden its appeal and what its next leader must do to win over younger voters. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliott Kime.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister concluded a long cabinet debate this week by deciding to work with the Labour party, thus annoying many Tories. Will they broker a cross-party deal? Or is it all politics? Plus, we discuss Theresa May’s latest request to delay Brexit, whether the EU will insist on a longer extension and if a second referendum is becoming more likely. Presented by Sebastian Payne with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Henry Mance. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliott Kime.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theresa May brought her Brexit deal for a third vote this week. Once again it failed to get through. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the UK heading for a permanent customs union with the EU? Will MPs direct the process from here? And has Mrs May fired the starting gun on a Conservative party leadership contest that will see her replaced with a harder Brexiter? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker and James Blitz in Westminster, plus Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliot Kime  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a tumultuous week in Westminster, Britain's departure from the EU has been delayed until at least April 12, while Theresa May tried to pin the blame on parliament for all the chaos in an extraordinary speech. So where is Brexit heading? And is the prime minister's time in office drawing to a close? Plus, we discuss whether a no-deal Brexit might still happen. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister brokered legal tweaks to her Brexit deal and brought it back for MPs to vote on. It failed to pass once again. We discuss all the Commons votes against a no-deal exit, in favour of an extension to delay leaving the EU and the prospect of indicative votes. Plus, we look at whether Theresa May and Geoffrey Cox can win over more MPs and whether a third or even fourth vote could pass. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Geoffrey Cox spent much of this week in Brussels but failed to negotiate any kind of Brexit breakthrough. With another meaningful vote due next week, does the prime minister have any hope of breaking the deadlock? Plus, we discuss the recent rise in violent crime and ask who is to blame. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Robert Wright. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theresa May survived another week of crucial Brexit votes, but only by pledging to delay leaving the EU to avoid a crash exit. What will happen over the next fortnight? And is the UK making any progress in talks with Brussels? Plus, we discuss the Labour party’s abrupt decision to support a second referendum this week. while it continues to battle with its anti-Semitism crisis. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, James Blitz, Miranda Green and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a huge week in Westminster as eight Labour MPs broke away to form the Independent Group of MPs along with three Conservatives. Where might the group go next? Will it become a party? And will they work with the Liberal Democrats? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Caroline Grady and Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister was defeated in another meaningless vote in the House of Commons this week, where does this leave her talks with the EU? We also discuss the rumoured plans for Labour MPs to break away and whether a new political party can succeed. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Produced by Caroline Grady.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister returned to Brussels this week, only to be told once again that the Brexit withdrawal agreement would not happen. When/if might a breakthrough emerge? Plus, Labour shifts its Brexit stance to make life more difficult for the Tories. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Alex Barker, Robert Shirmsley, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister staved off defeat in the House of Commons this week, but now faces the daunting challenge of finding compromise changes to the Irish border backstop that work for both the EU and her party. What will happen next? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Alex Barker, James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shirmsley. Produced by Caroline Grady.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

MPs are likely to demand an end to a no-deal Brexit next week, what does this mean for Theresa May's deal and the Brexit debate? The consequences in Westminster will be huge. Plus is the Labour party shifting towards a second referendum? Or is a general election more likely? Presented by Miranda Green. With Sebastian Payne, James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Paul Mason. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brexit was finally put to a meaningful vote in the House of Commons this week and MPs gave a resounding no to Theresa May's deal. But her government survived a confidence motion so the stalemate has turned, We discuss what lies ahead for Brexit, the prime minister and the Conservative party. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Caroline Grady.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We look back on a traumatic year in British politics for Brexit and the Conservative and Labour parties. Will the UK leave the EU in March? Does Theresa May's deal have any hope of surviving? Does she? Will Jeremy Corbyn become prime minister? Plus, we take a special look at Northern Ireland and whether a united Ireland is now a possibility. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green of the FT. Plus special guest Grace Blakeley from IPPR and former No.10 adviser Matthew O'Toole. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theresa May endured one of the most difficult weeks of her leadership: delaying the meaningful vote on her Brexit strategy, facing and winning a confidence vote in her leadership and rebuffed by Brussels for trying to improve her deal. Where does this leave the prime minister and can she save her deal? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

MPs began debating Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the Commons this week and there was little sign of a breakthrough for the prime minister. The government’s legal advice on the deal was also made public - but has it set a bad precedent? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Harry Robertson  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

John McDonnell tipped the Labour party towards supporting a second Brexit referendum this week. Does this make it any more likely to happen? And we dig into the "Norway Plus" model and discuss whether it is the Brexit plan B Westminster is hunting for. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, Martin Sandbu and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Harry Robertson  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.