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As the Tories waver over major elements of HS2 and Labour is forced to clarify its policy on private schools, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to assess the political damage. And with the party conference season under way, the FT’s Anna Gross gives her impressions of her “weird” first visit to the Liberal Democrats’ gathering. Plus: what was Suella Braverman seeking to achieve this week with her most hard-nosed rhetoric to date on refugees?Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Liberal Democrats vow to knock down Tory ‘blue wall’ in the south of EnglandWhy the Lib Dem’s Ed Davy doesn’t use the B-wordGreater Manchester mayor proposes compromise on HS2 rail lineSuella Braverman questions UN treaty’s definition of refugee persecutionClips from BBCSign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-s

Rishi Sunak sparked a fierce backlash from eco-minded Tories, as well as fury from industry, over his rowback on net zero policies. But will his gamble pay off with voters? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss how it plays in electoral terms. The FT’s Jim Pickard meanwhile delves into the details of the impact on electric vehicles and the auto sector. Plus, the gang examines Keir Starmer’s major intervention on relations with the EU.Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter : @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  What Sunak’s net zero pivot means for UK climate goals and the next electionCarmakers in UK to face EV sales targets despite delay to petrol vehicle banKeir Starmer pledges to seek major rewrite of Brexit deal Clip from: BBCSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics&nb

The Labour leader Keir Starmer is attempting to seize the initiative on dealing with clandestine immigration. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to examine his plan to strike a returns deal with the EU. Plus, political editor George Parker joins the pod to chew over his recent interview with Tony Blair, and the fallout from allegations of Chinese espionage in Westminster.Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Tories hit out at Labour plan for migration deal with the EURishi Sunak launched China reset despite alleged spy arrestLabour cannot fix UK through tax and spend, says Tony BlairSketchy Politics: Are all the pieces in place for Starmer?Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As hundreds of schoolchildren are forced out of their classrooms by unsafe buildings, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and columnist Stephen Bush to discuss the government’s handling of the crumbling concrete crisis. Plus, the FT’s William Wallis is in Birmingham to assess the damage to the city’s services as the country’s biggest local authority declares itself bankrupt, and Lucy, Stephen and Robert consider the winners and losers in Keir Starmer’s reshuffle.Want more?  Rishi Sunak defends record over crumbling concrete in England’s schoolsSunak’s problem is that Britain has stopped listening to the ToriesLocal government audit is a serious messFollow Lucy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @LOS_FisherGet the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of

FT Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher hosts a panel of Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, FT deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and Stephen Bush, FT columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter. They discuss government policy on education, housing, the environment and next year’s electoral prospects. Want more? Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Follow Lucy on X, formerly known as Twitter, @LOS_FisherPresented by Lucy Fisher. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Sound design and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has prepared for the new political term with a mini-shuffle, promoting his closest political ally Claire Coutinho to energy secretary and Grant Shapps to defence secretary. What do the limited changes say about the PM’s grip on his party? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political correspondent Anna Gross to analyse the shake-up. Plus, what, if anything, did James Cleverly’s visit to China achieve? And Lucy is also joined by the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster to examine how the UK government is coping with post-Brexit rule changes.Follow Lucy on Twitter: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  ‘Safe pair of hands’ Grant Shapps appointed UK defence secretaryUK foreign secretary hits back at Tory critics of China policy UK government announces fifth delay to post-Brexit border controls on foodClips from: BBCSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of

It’s almost time to wave goodbye to the summer, but is Rishi Sunak also poised to bid farewell to some of his ministers? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political editor George Parker to discuss a cabinet shake up. Plus, the FT’s US political correspondent Lauren Fedor beams in from Washington to analyse the status of Donald Trump’s political campaign and legal cases, considering the implications for the UK of the result of next year’s race for the White House. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Jeremy Hunt urged to cut UK taxes after better than expected borrowing dataThe real problem of Rubbish RishiUK-India trade talks intensify in bid to remove ‘significant’ barriersRepublican candidates split over Donald Trump, abortion and Ukraine at debateSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: h

It’s been a week of results: economic data that lays the path for a steep rise in the state pension, followed by A-Level results that saw tens of thousands of pupils miss out on top grades. Is it a good time to be old and a tough time to be young? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to consider the question. Plus, the FT’s Ireland correspondent Jude Webber analyses the deepening crisis caused by the data breach at the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links here:UK exam boards make sharp cuts to top A-level gradesWhy Rishi Sunak’s silly inflation target mattersBritish neglect risks Northern Ireland’s futureRecord UK wage growth fuels inflation concernsHealth leaders welcome new UK cancer targets but warn more ‘resources’ neededGet the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Sound des

After months of delay and safety concerns, the first asylum seekers were marched up the gangplank of the Bibby Stockholm barge this week. If they don’t like the vessel, they can ‘f*** off back to France’, was the eyebrow-raising verdict of Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson. The senior Tory MP made a second startling statement: a public admission the government has ‘failed’ on migration. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to rake through the facts. They also consider the pitfalls of too much caution in politics. Plus, James Kynge, the FT’s global China editor, offers his take on claims the UK has been ‘weak’ over giving in to US pressure to cut back on dealings with Beijing. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links here:Starmer won’t give the Tories an opportunity – that’s their opportunity The great ‘Brexit’ and ‘coalition’ taboos are holding the Lib Dems backBibby Stockholm and the battle over asylum Rishi Sunak weighs following Biden

Rishi Sunak calculates that by portraying himself as “on the side” of motorists and adopting a “pragmatic and proportionate” approach to climate change, he’s aligning himself with the views of middle Britain. Is he right? The FT’s Lucy Fisher weighs up the question with columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. They also consider the Labour party’s chances in a key autumn by-election in its former stronghold of Scotland. Plus, Lucy and political editor George Parker unpick what it will take to reform the House of Lords.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? Free links here:Rishi Sunak downplays green policies to court middle EnglandLabour faces test of by-election appeal in Scotland after ex-SNP MP oustedIndustry calls on UK to accelerate carbon capture as new projects approvedHouse of Lords speaker calls for better vetting of prospective peersArcane, hereditary, all-male – and at the heart of British democracyFor a free 90-day offer of Stephen Bush's award

Rishi Sunak has signalled he plans to soften his eco policies to avoid heaping extra “hassle” and expense on the British public. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to examine the government’s shifting approach to net zero. They also dissect Nigel Farage’s battle with Coutts bank, while public policy editor Peter Foster discusses the graduates suing UK universities for damages over Covid disruption.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  NatWest chair says he will stay as he appoints lawyers to probe Farage rowEveryone loses if net zero becomes the new partisan divideThe Conservative war on Big EverythingStudents are suing UK universities over Covid disruption. Do they have a case?Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://ft.com/insidepoliticsofferPresented by Lucy Fisher

The Conservatives faced a rout in both Selby and Somerton, but is their narrow win in Uxbridge enough to lift the party’s mood? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s political editor George Parker and columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to fillet the results of this week’s hat trick of by-elections. Plus, since it’s the end of term, the panel offers its political report cards.Want more? Read for free:UK Conservatives lose two seats after big by-election swings to Labour and Lib DemsTories look for lessons from parliamentary by-election lossesRelying on wedge issues like Ulez won’t save Tories from wipeoutSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politicsFollow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT’s glo

Miranda Green is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley to ask whether there’s any way out of the economic and political "doom loop" afflicting Rishi Sunak’s government. Plus, the FT’s political editor George Parker discusses UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s plans to boost growth. And with three by-elections coming up, the FT’s Anna Gross reports on the mood in Somerset, where the Liberal Democrats hope to win. Follow Miranda on Twitter @greenmirandaRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?Hunt looks to City of London to bolster UK growthWe are on for a massive defeat: can the Tories prevent the inevitable?The Conservative crisis of capitalismLib Dems look to deepen Tory gloom with west country by-election winClip from: Sky News Beethoven’s "Emperor" symphony: Paul Lewis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiri Belohlavek. Beethoven: Complete Piano Concertos BBC / harmonia mundi.Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World A

As Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sketches out his vision for education, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnists Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how to boost vocational training. Plus, the NHS reaches 75 - but is there much to celebrate? The FT’s global health editor Sarah Neville gives the service a health check. And will Threads overtake Twitter as the premier social network for political chat? Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more?  Badly run Britain needs lessons in managementTory MP Chris Pincher should be suspended for eight weeks, report findsNHS doctors’ 35% pay demand ‘not set in stone’, BMA union chief saysClips: BBC Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen T

Pressure is growing on the UK’s water sector, as swelling debt threatens to overwhelm Thames Water and other companies. What is the remedy for the country’s sewage and water woes? Lucy Fisher discusses the options with the FT’s infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer. Plus the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green discuss the Court of Appeal ruling against the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. And with by-elections approaching, Lucy visits Boris Johnson’s former constituency to hear voters’ views on the ground.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Why Thames Water is under growing strainMinisters seek to overturn ruling against UK migration plan Britain is being primed for a ‘hopeless’ electionSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://ft.com/insidepoliticsofferPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced

Soaring interest rates are alarming mortgage holders and could derail the UK government’s strategy for re-election. This week Lucy Fisher is joined by regular FT panellists Stephen Bush and George Parker to assess the political fallout from the latest rate rise. Plus the FT’s economics editor Chris Giles considers whether the Bank of England deserves criticism, while consumer editor Claer Barrett assesses the damage to Britons’ finances.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Central banks’ battle with inflation enters new phase of ‘pain’Ever tougher for Tories and Bank of England to avoid public blame in meme ageThe Bank of England’s credibility is still on the lineSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://ft.com/insidepoliticsofferListen to Claer Barrett’s Money Clinic podcast, out on June 27:Money Clinic with Claer Barrett

The blistering report into Boris Johnson’s behaviour by the House of Commons privileges committee casts doubt over his political future. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to discuss the committee’s brutal conclusions — and where the former prime minister goes next. Plus, the FT’s Scotland correspondent Lukanyo Mnyanda joins Lucy from Edinburgh for an update on the turmoil engulfing the ruling Scottish National Party.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  Has Rishi Sunak seen the back of Boris Johnson?Johnsonism will haunt the Conservative partyHumza Yousaf rejects calls to suspend Nicola Sturgeon from SNPSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Audrey Tinl

Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden have agreed a new ‘Atlantic declaration’ to improve UK trade ties with the US. What does it tell us about the bilateral relationship now? Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnist Miranda Green and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to weigh up the prime minister’s Washington trip. Plus, the FT’s political editor George Parker drops in from DC and Lucy is joined by chief political correspondent, Jim Pickard, to discuss the way Keir Starmer has reshaped the Labour party.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more?  Keir Starmer’s ruthless remaking of the Labour PartyJoe Biden and Rishi Sunak agree ‘Atlantic declaration’The Invention of Essex - developed but not tamedClips from BBC, Guardian NewsSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Audrey Tinline. T

Rishi Sunak’s government is heading to court to challenge the Covid inquiry’s right to demand ministers’ unredacted messages, following a row over Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Miranda Green and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss the saga. Plus, the FT’s global health editor Sarah Neville tells Lucy why more staff alone won’t solve the NHS’s problems. And the panel members reveal their musical tastes - with cultural recommendations for your own downtime. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? UK government takes legal action over Boris Johnson’s Covid messagesNHS productivity lags as recruitment fails to keep pace with demandHow the Thatcherites lost their Brexit dream and their partyThe great ‘Brexit’ and ‘coalition’ taboos are holding the Lib Dems back Clips from Sky News, BBC.”Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan. Written by Bob Dylan. &nbs

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said net migration is too high following data showing that it hit a record last year, but he insists it’s not out of control. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher digs into the political debate over immigration with columnist Stephen Bush and chief political commentator Rober Shrimsley. Also, what to make of the Cabinet Office referring Boris Johnson to the police over further potential breaches of coronavirus regulations? Plus, Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams gives an update on her scoop about the government’s flagship regeneration scheme - now under scrutiny amid allegations of cronyism and waste.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  UK net immigration hits record high of 606,000The old cycle of British immigration policy is unwindingYes, Suella Braverman should go, but not for the reason you thinkSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of Ne