Episodes

  • What’s really going on with Rachel Reeves?

    What’s really going on with Rachel Reeves?
    Jul 3 2025
    Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics.

    After Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen visibly sobbing in PMQs, the Prime Minister last night confirmed she would be Chancellor for a long time to come – but will that be enough to calm fears in the markets? And what do we think is really going on with the Chancellor? Sam and Anne discuss.

    And what about Keir Starmer’s fate – are some in his own party questioning his longevity?

    Also, the NHS 10-year plan includes the creation of 200 new neighbourhood health centres as well as improvements to the NHS app – but does it improve the fundamentals?
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    24 mins
  • Does Starmer read his speeches?

    Does Starmer read his speeches?
    Jun 30 2025
    Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics.

    The Prime Minister has made significant concessions on the welfare bill after the threat of a mass rebellion from his own MPs.

    The changes have left Chancellor Rachel Reeves with another black hole in the public finances and some MPs are still planning on voting against the bill when it comes in front of the House of Commons tomorrow.

    Also, as Sir Keir Starmer celebrates his first full year in power, has this latest U-turn left him in a vulnerable position with his party and the wider public?
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    21 mins
  • Who will take the fall for welfare chaos?

    Who will take the fall for welfare chaos?
    Jun 26 2025
    Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics.

    In a statement sent to Sam overnight, the government admits that concessions are on their way after an internal struggle over welfare reforms inside the Labour Party.

    It seems like meaningful talks are under way. Next Tuesday - the day of a supposed crunch vote on disability cuts that could have seen the government lose a vote - could now be just "the start".

    As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to row back on savings, how much of the £5bn she wanted to save will she forgo? And why does this government always seem to be U-turning?
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    23 mins
  • Inside the blame game as the welfare rebellion worsens

    Inside the blame game as the welfare rebellion worsens
    Jun 25 2025
    Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics.

    Today, Labour is still reeling by a rebellion by 1 in 4 of its MPs over welfare cuts, how can Chancellor Rachel Reeves and PM Keir Starmer recover the numbers and avoid a political humiliation?

    The government’s working majority is 165, so it only takes 83 Labour MPs to vote with a united opposition and this bill is dead, and along with it a lot of this government’s political and moral credibility.

    And Sam been sent a draft of part of the latest NHS 10-year plan about alcohol treatment.
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    22 mins
  • Is Keir Starmer going to have to give in again?

    Is Keir Starmer going to have to give in again?
    Jun 24 2025
    A NATO summit will be held in The Hague today, hours after Donald Trump announced Israel and Iran had agreed to a "complete and total" ceasefire.

    Meanwhile, on the domestic front, more than 100 Labour MPs have shown their hand and vowed to defeat Sir Keir Starmer's disability cuts.

    On this episode, Sam and Anne discuss what to expect from the NATO summit where defence spending will be top of the agenda - and while the prime minister tries to justify his sums to NATO leaders, at home the biggest rebellion of his premiership goes public. What options does the government have?
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    20 mins
  • The four questions Starmer will be asking on Iran

    The four questions Starmer will be asking on Iran
    Jun 23 2025
    Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump about the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table after Tehran's warning of "everlasting consequences" for the US bombing raid on their nuclear sites.

    On this episode, Sam and Anne discuss the key questions facing the UK government after the military action, including what escalation could look like and whether Britain is ready for the economic blowback.

    Plus, they also discuss the government's new industrial strategy, with eight industries singled out for support and a promise to help lower energy prices from 2027 for certain companies, though not for others. Sam and Anne discuss how it will be paid for.
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    22 mins