Sophy Ridge On Sunday

Sky News’ Yalda Hakim and NBC’s Richard Engel have covered world events for years. Now, they team up for a new podcast to share their experiences from the frontline.     They debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They’ll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events.   From conflict in the Middle East, to the US election, and the war in Ukraine there is no better place for analysis and expertise. New episodes from Richard and Yalda every Wednesday, starting October 9th.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2024

Today, something different – we're bringing you the trailer of an exciting new podcast from Sky called Electoral Dysfunction. Beth Rigby. Jess Philips. Ruth Davidson. With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond. Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election.  With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you. Here's the trailer. For more, follow Electoral Dysfunction now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2024

It's Sophy Ridge's final time presenting Sophy Ridge on Sunday, but she doesn't go quietly. On this week's episode she interviews former Prime Minister Tony Blair and business secretary Kemi Badenoch who is in New Zealand negotiating Britain's biggest trade deal since Brexit. Plus, in the studio is programme editor Scott Beasley, political correspondent Sam Coates, as well as Sophy's successor, Trevor Phillips. They discuss the political interviews this week, the highlights of Sophy's interviews during the past six years, the impact of the podcast, and what is to come in Trevor's new show in September.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2023

She could be the most powerful woman in Britain if the election goes her way. Joining Sophy on the podcast is the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, who explains more about her vision for Britain, and why she’s not a big fan of Just Stop Oil. For the Government, financial secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, defends the Prime Minister’s aim of halving inflation, and answers Sophy’s questions about a mural for child asylum seekers that was painted over by the Home Office because it was deemed too welcoming. Joined by Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets up the upcoming week in politics. Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

Host Sophy Ridge interviews Health Secretary Steve Barclay, who has criticised junior doctors, accusing them of "walking away" from talks over pay and conditions. For teachers, Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tells Sophy that giving teachers a pay rise is a "complicated issue". Joined by Claire Ellicott, deputy political editor of the Mail On Sunday, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets us up for the upcoming week in politics. Producer: Soila Apparicio

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2023

With the Bank of England trying to bring down inflation, interest is now at 5%, its highest rate since April 2008. The Government is now urging people to "hold their nerve", as Rishi Sunak put it. But Britian may be headed for another Summer of Discontent, with one Treasury minister unable to commit to a public sector pay rise live on Sky News. On this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Trevor Phillips' interviews with the Conservatives' John Glenn, Labour's shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy, and the First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf. Plus, analysis from Trevor, the communications advisor Laura-Emily Dunn, and the show's editor, Scott Beasley. You can watch Trevor's new documentary, Windrush and Us, here. Producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Dave Terris

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2023

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has called a new leaked partygate video "terrible" - and says the fact the event went ahead is "indefensible". The footage appears to show Tory staff drinking, dancing and joking about "bending" COVID lockdown rules in December 2020. On this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday podcast, hear Mr Gove's reaction to the clip - and the views of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. They also discuss the mortgage market, Scottish independence and the green transition. To analyse those interviews, Sophy is joined on the podcast by political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley. Plus, hear Sophy's exclusive broadcast interview with former Tesco boss John Allan, who was forced to step down over misconduct allegations. Speaking to Sky News, he insisted he was "completely innocent", but admitted making an "ill-judged remark".

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2023

After an explosive weekend, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP, taking supporters Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams with him in exiting the Commons, with whispers that more may follow. It's left his eventual successor, Rishi Sunak, with an almighty by-election-related headache, as Westminster rolls towards the summer break. Sir Keir Starmer says the country now needs a snap general election, with Mr Johnson's resignation overshadowing a major u-turn in Labour's £28bn flagship "green prosperity plan", and yet another MP being suspended from the Party, pending investigation. On this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear interviews with the energy secretary Grant Shapps, and Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Pat McFadden. Former Downing Street Director of Communications under Mr Johnson, Guto Harri, gives an insight into what his former boss might do next. Plus, hear analysis from the Sun on Sunday's Kate Ferguson, and the Guardian's Peter Walker. Producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2023

MPs return to parliament this week after recess amid some headache headlines for the government surrounding the COVID inquiry and Boris Johnson's WhatsApp messages when he was prime minister. Meanwhile, immigration minister Robert Jenrick reckons many more migrant boats have been intercepted in the English Channel after "landmark deals" with France. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear interviews with Mr Jenrick and Labour's shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who's asked about the party's response to serious allegations involving Geraint Davies MP, who's been suspended under investigation. On the podcast today, Daily Mirror's political editor John Stevens joins Sophy for analysis and discussion. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2023

As Home Secretary Suella Braverman faces criticism over claims she asked civil servants to help her avoid completing a driving awareness course alongside other motorists, the Prime Minister is under pressure to launch an investigation into accusations of impropriety in his government. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Sophy's interviews with Environment minister Thérèse Coffey, Conservative Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street. Plus, Sophy is joined by Sky's political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley to analyse those interviews.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2023

The fallout from local election results, where the Conservatives lost more than 1,000 councillors and 49 councils, is hitting home for the Tories as Rishi Sunak faces criticism from his own party. Plus, Brexit is back. Energy Secretary Grant Shapps says Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wants to "re-open" the Brexit settlement while Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg tells Sophy Ridge that Brexit stopped the Ukraine invasion from succeeding. On the Sophy Ridge On Sunday podcast, hear Sophy's interviews with Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps, as well as shadow business secretary Jordan Reynolds. Plus, Sophy's joined by Sky's political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley to unpick and analyse those interviews.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2023

The Tories suffering a “hammering” in the local elections, losing more than 1,000 councillors and 49 councils. Sky News analysis also suggested Labour would become the largest party in Westminster in a general election - but short of an overall majority. And Saturday’s coronation has prompted questions over the police response to the anti-monarchy protests following arrests. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Sophy’s interviews with the Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper. Joining Sophy on the podcast this week for analysis and discussion: Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates and James Heale, The Spectator’s political correspondent. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2023

As campaigning ahead of this week’s local elections in England ramps up, so is the expectation management from both Labour and the Conservatives. Transport Secretary Mark Harper says his party expects to lose 1,000 seats on Thursday and Labour Leader Keir Starmer defends his party’s personal attacks on PM Rishi Sunak. Plus, are governments prepared for the impact of AI on our economy, artificial intelligence expert Stuart Russell says they aren’t. Political Editor at the Daily Express, Sam Lister joins Sophy Ridge to unpick all those interviews and look ahead to the week in Westminster. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2023

Days after former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab's resignation, Sophy Ridge talks to the new man in the job, Oliver Dowden. They discuss if he believes Dominic Raab is a bully, the upcoming local elections, and whether Tory scandals are distracting from court backlogs. Plus Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, tells Sophy about the party "gaining momentum" and his thoughts on the Raab bullying report. To discuss these interviews in-depth, Sophy is joined by The Guardian's deputy political editor Jessica Elgot, as well as programme editor Scott Beasley. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2023

Chairman of the Conservative Party Greg Hands admitted the party could lose 1,000 seats at the forthcoming local elections on May 4. Speaking to presenter Trevor Phillips on Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr Hands said that the party was “fighting really hard”. Plus, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended his party’s recent controversial advertising campaign, saying “the figures speak for themselves”. The Daily Mirror’s political editor John Stevens and programme editor Scott Beasley join Trevor to analyse this week’s interviews. Podcast producers: Rosie Gillott and Soila Apparicio Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2023

It's been a busy few weeks for the Home Secretary Suella Braverman. There's been the damning report into London's Metropolitan Police, questions over the Government's plans to reduce crossings in the Channel, and just as schools begin to break-up for the Easter holidays, back-to-back queues are affecting the Port of Dover. The Home Secretary speaks to Sophy about all these issues, plus her plans to introduce a new legal duty for people working with children to report "signs or suspicions" of sexual abuse. For Labour, shadow housing and communities secretary Lisa Nandy tells Sophy why she believes the Government hasn't properly prepared for a post-Brexit Britain. Plus, the employment minister and Conservative MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman, tells the programme why he wants better maternity care, and support for parents who experience child loss. For a midweek political hit, why not try subscribing to the Beth Rigby Interviews... podcast? Programme Producer: Lucy Bishop Programme Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: David Chipakupaku Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2023

On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy speaks to levelling up secretary Michael Gove about measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, banning nitrous oxide - widely known as laughing gas - and an undercover sting by anti-Brexit campaign group Led by Donkeys, targeting MPs including former Tory ministers Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng. Plus, Sophy interviews Labour’s shadow culture secretary, Lucy Powell. And there’s analysis with Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2023

After the government said it was working on starting its deportation flights to Rwanda by the summer, Sophy Ridge speaks to Oliver Dowden, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, about ministers' plans to reduce small boat crossings to the UK and asks him if his party is avoiding scrutiny on the policy. Sophy also speaks to Miguel Berger, the German ambassador, about the UK's improved relationship with the EU under Rishi Sunak. She is joined by Sam Lister, the Daily Express's political editor, to dissect the interviews and look ahead to Boris Johnson's appearance before MPs on the Privileges Committee over accusations he deliberately misled Parliament about partygate this week. Programme Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2023

Despite a big week in politics looming, the row over Gary Lineker’s controversial tweet and subsequently stepping back from presenting Match of the Day is dominating headlines this weekend. But that’s not all that’s happening. Just days ahead of the Spring Budget Sophy Ridge speaks to the Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt as well as Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves. They talk about their own party spending techniques as well as their opposing views on the Lineker row. Plus, ahead of the Sky News Scottish Leadership Debate – Sophy asks candidate Ash Regan some quick-fire questions. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to analyse all the interviews. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2023

New small boat crossings legislation will be “very black and white”, the Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said. Speaking to podcast host Sophy Ridge, he said the new laws will mean that people who come to the UK illegally will be banned from claiming asylum. We also hear from former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt, who said sending weaponry to Ukraine “almost certainly” depletes the UK's defence capability but that it's important to support the country in its war with Russia. Our political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley join Sophy to analyse this week’s interviews. Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2023

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab reckons the government is on the 'cusp' of an agreement to change the Northern Ireland protocol - the agreement, negotiated during Brexit talks, which allows goods to move across the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland without needing checks. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, we also hear the thoughts of Mark Francois, who chairs the European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative Eurosceptic MPs. Also, we hear from Mr Raab on the bullying claims made against him, tougher rules for transgender prisoners and the courts backlog in England and Wales. Plus, Sophy interviews former US presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders. On the podcast joining Sophy with analysis of this week’s interviews is senior associate editor at the New Statesman, Rachel Cunliffe, and programme producer, Scott Beasley. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2023

But, just as Westminster had thought Boris Johnson was out of the picture, sources tell Sky News he thinks it would be a "great mistake drop the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill", controversial legislation which allows UK ministers to rip up parts of the protocol and ignore EU rules. On this episode, Trevor Phillips is joined by The Scotsman's Westminster correspondent Alexander Brown to analyse interviews with Leader of House Penny Mordaunt and Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Plus, former Northern Ireland Secretary under Tony Blair, Lord Peter Mandelson, and the leader of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party, Naomi Long. Podcast producer - David Chipakupaku  Editor - Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2023

As the death toll from the earthquake in Syria and Turkey continues to rise, Development Minister Andrew Mitchell defends the governments cuts to the international aid budget as Conservative MP John Redwood calls for tax cuts at home. Plus, SNP MP John Nicolson and member of the DCMS select committee says Richard Sharp’s position is no longer tenable after a report critical of the BBC chairman’s connections to former prime minister Boris Johnson is published. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to analyse the interviews. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2023

Liz Truss has broken her silence after resigning, becoming the shortest serving prime minister in UK history. In a 4,000 word essay, the former PM defended her controversial economic policies and said she didn't get a "realistic chance". On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by Camilla Turner, chief political correspondent at The Telegraph who broke the story, and producer Scott Beasley. They react to the prime minister's comments, as well as unpack the reaction from today's guests. Plus Sophy, Camilla and Scott discuss the dangers of TikTok, after Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns warns Sophy to delete the social media app. Show Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2023

Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked as Tory party chairman after an ethics inquiry into the handling of his tax affairs found a "serious breach" of the ministerial code. On the podcast, Sophy is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor of the New Statesman, and producer Scott Beasley to react to the news. Programme Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2023

The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, avoids answering questions on the latest 'sleaze' allegations to hit the Conservative Party – from Boris Johnson’s £800,000 loan to Party chair and former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs. Plus, General Secretary of Unite the Union, Sharon Graham accuses the government of lying about negotiating to end strikes. Sophy is joined by The Daily Mirror’s political editor, John Stevens and show editor Scott Beasley to discuss both explosive interviews. Show Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2023

As further strikes take place across the country this week, the Royal College of Nursing has threatened its biggest walkout in England next month unless talks with the government progress soon. At the same time, Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer has warned the NHS will “die” without drastic change. But it’s not just industrial action in the health service the government is up against; teachers plan to walk out in February too and rows across the transport network are among those ongoing. Is there a way forward to end strikes across different areas of the public sector? And do unions think Labour have a better plan for the health service? On this edition of the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, interviews with transport secretary Mark Harper, Labour’s shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle and chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Philip Banfield – plus, analysis with Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates and show editor Scott Beasley. Also, Sophy interviews Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko after a deadly missile attack in Dnipro, a city in central Ukraine. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Dave Terris - editor

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2023

How much does your MP earn, on top of their salary, and where does the money come from? For years, many stories have come out of Westminster that have seen MPs wrestling with money - the expenses scandal, cash for questions, the Owen Paterson saga - and time after time, politicians have promised to make changes. But a Sky News investigation with Tortoise Media has pulled together the details of the money that is still flowing around politics, with MPs making £17.1m on top of their salaries in this parliament (i.e. since 2019). Around two-thirds of that money has gone to just 20 MPs. On this edition of the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, our deputy political editor Sam Coates joins Sophy and show editor Scott Beasley to talk through the Westminster Accounts project, and why it matters. Elsewhere, with Labour continuing to hold a lead in the polls, the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer sits down with Sophy for his first big interview of 2023, outlining his plans for the country, should he win the next election. Plus, both he and Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, give their first responses to the Westminster Accounts project. You can search The Westminster Accounts for your MP by clicking here. Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2023

“More people will die” this winter due to strikes, Dr Emma Runswick, the deputy chair of the British Medical Association council, has warned. James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, says the health secretary’s door is open for talks but repeatedly told the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that negotiation on pay was down to independent pay review bodies. Meanwhile, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting says he's willing to engage with unions but isn't prepared to "just accept lower standards for patients". On the podcast today, Jayne Secker - in for Sophy this week - is joined by Scott Beasley, the show’s producer, and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, political correspondent for the Financial Times. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Dave Terris – editor

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2022

The government could use the army to help ease the disruptions caused by possible public sector strikes, Conservative Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi told Sky’s Sophy Ridge. Sophy is joined by Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor at the Financial Times, to analyse Zahawi’s comments. Also, Sophy and Sebastian discuss German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger’s suggestion that Germany does not see a fundamental change in the Russian position amid the war in Ukraine. Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2022

Sophy Ridge with some of the week's biggest political interviews – plus, analysis of what her guests have had to say. This week she interviews Transport Secretary Mark Harper who is quizzed on strikes – who says inflation matching pay-rises for public sector workers are unaffordable. Shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy also talks strikes – as well as hitting out at the government’s "back of a fag packet" immigration policies. Plus former FA chairman, Greg Dyke, gives his take on the Qatar World Cup controversy. Joining Sophy to unpack all of this is Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates – and they start by discussing Matt Hancock reaching the final of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2022

Sophy Ridge with some of the week's biggest political interviews – plus, analysis of what her guests have had to say. Sophy speaks to Health Secretary Steve Barclay about the planned strike by nurses and winter pressures on the NHS. Mr Barclay says demands from the Royal College of Nursing for an above-inflation pay rise are "unreasonable". Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth calls for more talks about the strike. Plus, social housing activist Kwajo Tweneboa joins Sophy to discuss the story of Awaab Ishak – the two-year old boy who died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his family's flat. To discuss those interviews for the podcast, Sophy is joined by Daily Mirror political editor John Stevens and programme producer Scott Beasley.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2022

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt promises "we’re all going to be paying a bit more tax" ahead of his autumn statement but promises his budget statement "won’t just be bad news". On this episode Sophy is joined by the Daily Telegraph's associate editor Christopher Hope to examine her interview with Mr Hunt as well as former minister and Liz Truss-backer Simon Clarke, who urged the government to focus on spending cuts rather than tax rises. Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2022

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, on the economy, threat of strikes and new Cabinet Office minister Sir Gavin Williamson facing bullying claims. Plus, Labour MP Paul Blomfield talks about his decade-long campaign for a change in the law to allow assisted dying, after his 87-year-old father Harry took his own life following a terminal cancer diagnosis. We also hear from Dr Mark Pickering, from the organisation Care Not Killing, which promotes palliative care. Sophy is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley to talk through her big interviews. WARNING: This podcast features discussion about suicide. If you need to speak to someone, call the Samaritans helpline for free on 116 123 or email [email protected] SROS producer: Scott Beasley Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2022

Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, has apologised for the Tories installing Liz Truss as leader. "We made a mistake. We took the wrong turn," he tells Sophy Ridge. Also, Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper says it is "irresponsible" to have a home secretary in Suella Braverman who "isn't trusted by the security service," and Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun on how she talks to her son about the threat of nuclear war. Sophy is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley to talk through her big interviews. SROS Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2022

Liz Truss is out of Number 10 – and by next Sunday, we’ll have a completely new Prime Minister in her place. Will Rishi Sunak head back to Downing Street? Does Penny Mordaunt have a shot instead? And will Boris Johnson decide, three months after resigning, to try to get his old job back? On this episode, Sophy is joined by our political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley to look over the interviews with a supporter of each of the candidates – Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker for Rishi Sunak; his boss, Chris Heaton-Harris, for Boris Johnson; and former deputy under Theresa May, Damian Green, for Penny Mordaunt. This episode was produced by David Chipakupaku. The editor was Paul Stanworth.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2022

Conservative MP Robert Halfon tells Sophy Ridge that some in the Conservative Party have looked like "libertarian jihadists" over the past few weeks and have treated the country "like laboratory mice" The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, says that Liz Truss still has the support of her government despite the economic turmoil. Sophy is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Rob Powell and producer Scott Beasley to talk through her big interviews.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2022

After a bruising few weeks for Liz Truss, and warnings that Britain may face blackouts this winter, Trevor Phillips steps in for this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast. On this episode, Trevor is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Rob Powell, to examine his interviews with Cabinet Office Minister Nadhim Zahawi MP, and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Ashworth. Plus, we hear from the SNP's Angus Robertson on the future of the Scottish indpendence movement, and the Royal College of Nursing's General Secretary Pat Cullen, as nurses debate whether to strike. Podcast producers - Emma Rae Woodhouse and David Chipakupaku Editor - Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2022

The Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast comes from Birmingham this week, where the Conservative's party conference is taking place. On this episode, Sophy is joined by our political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley as they discuss the continued fallout from the government’s fiscal event as well as today's interviews - featuring Conservative Party Chairman Jake Berry on attending a drinks reception with the Chancellor as the markets crashed, plus Conservative Mayor of the West Midland Andy Street and Chair of the Treasury Select Committee Mel Stride. Editor - Paul Stanworth Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2022

The Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast comes from Liverpool this week, where Labour’s party conference is taking place. On this episode, Sophy is joined by our political correspondent Liz Bates as they discuss reaction to the Tories’ mini-budget from new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and fears over potential general strike action as well as today’s interviews – featuring Labour's Energy and Climate Change Secretary and former party leader Ed Miliband, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, trade union general secretaries Christina McAnea, from Unison, and Mick Lynch, from the RMT. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth – editor

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2022

Sophy Ridge is back after the summer recess to a busy week in politics, interviewing Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, former chancellor Philip Hammond, and former adviser to Boris Johnson Lord Edward Lister. The day before a new prime minister is chosen by Conservative party members, Sophy is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Amanda Akass and producer Scott Beasley to discuss the fractures in the Tory party, and analysis of today’s interviews. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2022

Tory leadership debates got underway this week, as the race to become the next prime minister sees five candidates battle it out – Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Penny Mordaunt, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat. Sophy Ridge is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell and editor Toby Sculthorp as they discuss interviews with those backing three of the hopefuls looking for the keys to Number 10. Also, a reminder that on Sky News this Tuesday at 8pm, Kay Burley will host a leadership debate, with the final Tory candidates taking part. Host: Sophy Ridge Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2022

Interviews with three Conservative leadership hopefuls: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Sophy and team on discussions of tax and spending plans from three of those hoping to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributors: Scott Beasley & Toby Sculthorp Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2022

Interviews with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and RMT union General Secretary Mick Lynch. This week we’re focusing on the nationwide train strikes that will see mass disruption as railway workers walkout to demand big pay rises given the cost of living crisis. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributors: Scott Beasley & Toby Sculthorp Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2022

Interviews with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, RMT trade union general secretary Mick Lynch and Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik. There are discussions about the Prime Minister’s future following the Sue Gray report, the potential for a nationwide rail strike and an extremely powerful account of what has happened to Ukraine and its people. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributors: Rob Powell and Scott Beasley Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2022

Interviews with Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko. Sophy and Scott talk through discussions over Sue Gray’s Partygate report, the cost of living crisis and a very powerful account of the situation in Ukraine. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributor: Scott Beasley Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2022

Interviews with Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Shadow Climate Change Secretary & former Labour leader Ed Miliband and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney. Sophy and Scott talk through discussions over the Northern Ireland Protocol and the cost of living crisis - all with the backdrop of Ukraine winning Eurovision. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributor: Scott Beasley Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2022

Post-election interviews with Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Labour’s Lisa Nandy and Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper. There are discussions of local elections across Great Britain plus the historic result in Northern Ireland where Sinn Fein topped the polls – and the possibility of the Lib Dems in coalition. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributor: Scott Beasley Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2022

A pre-election special featuring interviews with Labour leader Keir Starmer, First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and the Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng. There's discussions of sexual misconduct at Westminster, the cost of living crisis and independence for Scotland. Host: Sophy Ridge Contributor: Scott Beasley Producer: Scott Beasley

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2022

The Conservative MP, who came out as trans, talks exclusively to Sky’s Sophy Ridge about the start of his transition process. Jamie Wallis, who represents Bridgend, also discusses the support he's had and admits the process ahead will be 'challenging and difficult.' He also speaks about his experiences of rape and blackmail. Presenter: Sophy Ridge Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: Paul Stanworth

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2022