The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

After the purported 'Easter truce' fighting has resumed in Ukraine and Russia, meanwhile peace talks in the West have broken down with the US speaking to Russia separately. Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr to discuss this week in UK politics, and later in the episode by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to look at Reform UK's surging popularity ahead of the local elections. Read: Can Reform grow up?, Steve Reed: “Reform is a symptom of broken trust” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

China's modern history is also a story about trade. So how will the echoes of the past 200 years shape the trade war that Donald Trump has waged on the world's second largest economy? Katie Stallard is joined by Rana Mitter and Kevin Xu. Read: What will China look like in 20 years Read: Interconnected Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Former senior civil servant Jill Rutter joins the podcast to answer listener questions on the inner workings of government. This episode is hosted by the New Statesman's associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

How did a joke gone awry in 1967 forever changed the nation’s relationship with the truth? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Phil Tinline, a regular writer for the New Statesman and author of the new book Ghosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax that Duped America and its Sinister Legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Major pharmaceutical companies - or Big Pharma - research, develop and distribute medicines and treatments that we rely upon. However, their pursuit of commercial interests has often led to accusations of prioritising profits over the healthcare of patients both in the UK and beyond.  Katie Stallard is joined by doctor and medical commentator Dr Phil Whitaker, and author/campaigner Nick Dearden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new 50-point AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to drive national growth and transform public services. In this episode host Jon Bernstein talks to AWS Director of Technology for the UK Public Sector Holly Ellis, and Director of Government Innovation Policy at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Alexander losad about the plan and what it could mean for businesses, policymakers and the wider economy. The conversation covers AI’s role in reshaping government operations, challenges in implementation, and the UK's potential as a global AI innovation hub. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by AWS. USEFUL LINKSRegister for the AWS Summit London 2025 | AI innovation on AWS | Using generative AI to improve inclusivity – Swindon Borough Council case study | UK Ministry of Justice accelerates critical decisions with AWS analytics and machine learning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

The first of May is set to be a big day for local government with council elections, mayoral races, and even a by-election taking place. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss what's being contested and where the polls stand at the moment. Read more from Ben here Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Thanks to Donald Trump and his dodgy formula, last week tariffs were applied to countries all over the world. Consequently, the stock markets had their worst downturn since the pandemic. And economists warned of a weakened dollar, trade wars, and global recession. The White House denied for days that the US would back down on the tariffs. Until yesterday, when Trump pressed pause on higher tariff rates, with a few notable exceptions. To unpack what on earth is going on in Washington and around the world Rachel Cunliffe is joined by business editor and Will Dunn and US correspondent Freddie Hayward. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Rodrigo Duterte led a bloody war on drugs — now he faces The Hague. As the former Philippine president is brought closer to justice, what could his fall could mean for other powerful figures with ICC warrants, including Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu? Katie Stallard is joined by photojournalist Basilio Sepe and political scientist Kelebogile Zvobgo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

The women who loved Picasso shaped his art in surprising ways. -- YOUR NEXT EPISODE:Why we can't let go of Never Let Me Go -- "We look at paintings to imagine other worlds, other times. They are doors into an alternative, creative way of life." So writes Sue Roe in her latest book, Hidden Portraits: the Untold Story of Six Women Who loved Picasso.  And if there was ever an artist who opened the door to an alternative view of the world, surely Picasso qualifies: unorthodox, exhilarating, and experimental, his art broke new ground and made him the most successful artist of the 20th century. But as is so often the case, his work was underpinned by a series of women - remarkable women - whom Picasso loved, and seemingly attempted to control. Sue Roe's book tells their stories in turn, unveiling their extraordinary lives, exploring the impact they had on the artist and he on them. In doing so it reveals, without moralising, some patterns of behaviour by Picasso which one might conclude were, at best, controlling and manipulative.  This opens up the fashionable question in 2025: can we appreciate the art while recognising that the artist could be a very unpleasant human being. -- BUYHidden Portraits: the Untold Story of Six Women who Loved Picasso READPicasso's mistreated muses - book review by Sue Prideaux LISTEN AD-FREEDownload the New Statesman app: iOS / Android STAY IN TOUCHGet our best writing every weekend in The Saturday Read email newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

As Putin wages a shadow war across the European continent—and the US commitment to NATO grows uncertain—we ask: would the West really defend the Baltic states if Russia advanced? Andrew Marr is joined by Oliver Moody, Berlin bureau chief for The Times and author of Baltic: The Future of Europe. Drawing on deep history, extensive reporting, and sobering military realities, Moody argues that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are not just small nations on the edge of Europe—they are a test of whether the West still believes in itself. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Yesterday the US president Donald Trump unveiled his plans for his long trailed tariff liberation day. After a lengthy ‘speech’ about the cost of eggs and why the rest of the world wont buy American chicken and beef, Trump unveiled the quote unquote reciprocal tariffs the US will impose in the coming week. So do the figures add up? And what will these tariffs mean for the UK and for the global economy? Andrew Marr is joined by economist and journalist Duncan Weldon. Read more from Duncan Weldon Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

US President Donald Trump has his sights set on making Greenland part of the US, claiming the autonomous, self-governing territory of Denmark is essential "for national security and international security." However, the vast majority of Greenlanders have said they do not want to become part of the US. Denmark has also strongly opposed the suggestion. Despite this, the US President has continued to pursue the issue - his vice president JD Vance recently visited Greenland to make the case for the US annexing the territory. Katie Stallard is joined by Markus Valentin, a journalist based in Greenland, and Romain Chuffart, a professor of Arctic Studies, to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

"Meet your heroes - it'll help you get over them" Kate Mossman is known for her singular, surprising and ultra-perceptive interviews - in which she often reveals more about her subjects than sometimes they appear to know themselves. And there is one breed of interview subject Kate has written about more than any other: the ageing male rock star. If anyone knows about meeting their heroes, it’s her. In her debut book, Men of a Certain Age, Kate Mossman collects and revisits the interviews she’s conducted with rock royalty such as Kiss, Jon Bon Jovi, Nick Cave, Ray Davies… and her teenage obsession: Roger Taylor of Queen. In this episode of Culture from the New Statesman Kate join Tom Gatti to discuss her obsession with ageing rockers, and shares some behind the scenes stories of her time with rock royalty. BUY KATE'S BOOKMen of a Certain Age is available to pre-order here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/men-of-a-certain-age-my-encounters-with-rock-royalty-kate-mossman/7792527?ean=9781788705646 SEE KATE LIVEKate Mossman in discussion with Alexis Petridis, live in Londonhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/men-of-a-certain-age-kate-mossman-with-alexis-petridis-tickets-1270535970289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*25lj0d*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU1MDAwNzE1Ni4xNzQzMTg1MTYz*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTc0MzE4NTE2My4xLjAuMTc0MzE4NTE2My4wLjAuMA.. READ MORE Kate interviews Jon Bon Jovi: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2016/11/jon-bon-jovi-on-trump-bono-bieber-and-the-agony-of-his-split-with-richie-samboraKate meets Terence Trent D'Arby: https://www.newstatesman.com/long-reads/2015/10/i-was-killed-when-i-was-27-curious-afterlife-terence-trent-d-arbyHow Jeff Beck became a guitar hero by saying no: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music/2023/01/jeff-beck-interview-tribute-guitar-hero LISTEN AD-FREEGet the New Statesman app:iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/new-statesman-magazine/id610498525Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.progressivemediagroup.newstatesman&hl=en_GB SUBSCRIBEJoin the New Statesman from £8.99 per month https://secure.newstatesman.com/offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

How would it work? Can a state really find out how rich someone is? If Britain were to introduce serious wealth taxes, would the super rich simply leave? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the prospect of a wealth text, and the implications of the Houthi PC small group on Westminster's Whatsapp addiction. Read: Would a wealth tax work?, Westminster’s WhatsApp addiction must end Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Growth has halved, welfare has been cut, and defence is hoovering up more and more. Things are looking, and sounding, pretty grim for the Chancellor - and in yesterday's Spring Statement we learned what the fallout from this harsh economic reality will be. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr and economist Ben Zaranko from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

In today's Spring Statement Labour are having to make cuts - and welfare has been hit hard. Last week the health secretary Wes Streeting said that too many people were being written off work due to overdiagnosis. A statement which received considerable backlash. But what do we really mean by overdiagnosis? And how is it affecting public health? Hannah Barnes is joined by neurologist and author Suzanne O’Sullivan about her increasing fears of overdiagnosis and the impact it can have on both physical and mental health; what she thinks about those comments from Wes Streeting (and the reaction to them); and the relationship between public policy and health. This conversation was recorded in partnership with the Cambridge Literary Festival. If you’d like to register for tickets for the upcoming festival from 23-27 April please follow the link: cambridgeliteraryfestival.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Kazuo Ishiguro's most popular novel is as relevant today as when it was published 20 years ago. -- When it was published in 2005, Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go was acclaimed by critics and shortlisted for the Booker Prize.  Twenty years on – having been adapted for stage and screen and adopted as a set text for schools – it is Ishiguro’s most read work, and is considered a modern classic. Why does this profoundly settling book continue to absorb us? And what does it tell us about the role novels play in helping us grapple with the ethical dilemmas created by advances in science and technology? The critic David Sexton has been re-reading Never Let Me Go and joins Tom Gatti on the Culture from the New Statesman to discuss the impact of Ishiguro's most popular work. RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE: Winner of the 2025 Booker Prize, Samantha Harvey, on her novel Orbital - and how "political choices are sculpting the surface of the earth"https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/culture-podcast/2024/11/booker-prize-winner-samantha-harvey-political-choices-are-sculpting-the-surface-of-the-earth READDavid's essay: Kazuo Ishiguro's everyday dystopiahttps://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2025/03/kazuo-ishiguro-never-let-me-go-everyday-dystopia GO AD-FREESubscribers can listen to all episodes ad-free in the New Statesman app: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/new-statesman-magazine/id610498525Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.progressivemediagroup.newstatesman&hl=en_GB&gl=US&pli=1 SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERGet the best of our reporting direct to your inbox every weekend with The Saturday Read.Sign up at saturdayread.substack.com BECOME A SUBSCRIBERFull access from £8.99 per month: https://secure.newstatesman.com/offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

Are Labour on track for their target of 1.5million homes? What is NHS England? Why can't the Green's electrify the left in the same way that Reform has done for the right? What will the consequences be of cutting international aid? Hannah Barnes answers listener questions with the New Statesman's political editor, Andrew Marr, and associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Read: Labour’s housing slump Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

The prospect of peace in Ukraine, Liz Kendall's welfare cut announcements, and while Kemi Badenoch flails as Conservative leader ... who's waiting around the corner for her job? Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss this week in Westminster and beyond. Read: A Labour welfare revolt is still brewing, Diane Abbott rails against Keir Starmer, What went wrong for Kemi Badenoch?, Who could succeed Kemi Badenoch? Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Since Nato’s inception in 1949, the US has always formed a central part of the alliance and been the biggest contributor to its defensive strength. However, since his second term began, President Donald Trump has shifted the US’s allegiances towards Vladimir Putin’s Russia and away from Nato. Simultaneously, the US President has repeatedly criticised Europe’s defence spending and the continent’s reliance on the US. This radical shift from the Nato status quo has brought the alliance’s future into question. Katie Stallard is joined by David Reynolds and Max Bergmann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

A fateful meeting at a village fête "tilted" the 20th Century "on its axis" So argues Ian Leslie in his new book, John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs. In the book, Leslie argues that The Beatles didn't just dominate pop culture - they redefined how we see ourselves. He reframes the relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a kind of love story, which shaped the second half of the 20th Century and continues to influence us today. Leslie joins Kate Mossman on Culture from the New Statesman to discuss the book, The Beatles and their legacy. John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs is available from March 27 in book shops and online. Pre-order it here* The author Deborah Levy has reviewed the book for New Statesman. Her review is available to read online now, and will appear in the March 20 issue of the New Statesman magazine. Get full access to all the New Statesman's cultural reviews - as well as our leading politics and global affairs reporting - by becoming a subscriber from just £8.99 per month. Visit www.newstatesman.com/offer. Get the best of the New Statesman direct to your inbox every weekend for FREE by signing up to our newsletter, The Saturday Read. Visit saturdayread.substack.com. *Purchasing a book may earn the New Statesman a commission from Bookshop.org, who support independent bookshops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

Given the Rupert Lowe drama, what does the future looks like for Reform and Farage? Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to answer listener questions about trouble in Reform land and where to watch in the upcoming local elections. Read: Inside the Reform civil war, Will the Farage-Lowe saga hurt Reform at the polls?, A Reform Labour showdown looms in the Runcorn by-election Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

This morning the PM announced that the state is overstretched and unfocused. The solution? NHS England has been scrapped, quangos are to be slashed, and the civil service shrunk. Do we finally have a vision of Starmerism? Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and later in the episode by business editor Will Dunn to discuss Britain's work and benefits problem. Read: Why Britain isn’t working Listen: Why Britain isn't working - with Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Employment Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

In recent weeks President Trump’s foreign policy pronouncements have been loud and abrasive. American allies watched in barely concealed dismay as the US president shouted at Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval office. Since then Trump has halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine and embarked on trade wars with Canada, Mexico, China - and perhaps next, the EU. In this episode Katie Stallard reports on America First - the Trumpian turn in US foreign policy and the end of the world as we knew it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Lady Gaga rewrote the rules of female pop stardom. Now she's back with a new album. Can she do it again? Kate Mossman reviewed Lady Gaga's latest album, Mayhem, for the New Statesman and joins Tom Gatti on the Culture podcast to discuss the changing face - and powerful influence - of pop music. Read Kate's review here: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music/2025/03/on-mayhem-lady-gaga-makes-a-chaotic-return-to-form Mayhem by Lady Gaga is published by Insterscope Records. Excerpts used in this episode are taken from the following for the purposes of criticism and review: Disease (Lady Gaga)Abracadabra (Lady Gaga)Killah (Lady Gaga feat. Gestaffelstein)Die with a smile (Lady Gaga feat. Bruno Mars) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

 Could Farage’s lack of criticism of Trump damage Reform’s prospects in future UK elections? The team answer listener questions on Trump and Reform, the prospects of the Tories in the local elections, and the point of state visits. Read: The The strange rise of the pro-Russia right, Tories’ anti-Farage opportunity Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

The politics team discuss Starmer's week on the world stage and whether he can be the pivotal bridge between Ukraine and the US, as well as the prospective welfare cuts which have been announced ahead of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and senior editor George Eaton. Listen: Europe’s battleground: war or peace? Read: Can Starmer make Labour the security party? Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Not even a week ago European countries were hailing the prospects of peace in Ukraine, but after a disastrous visit to the White House for President Zelensky, and the pause of aid from the US government - things have soured. In this episode we’re asking what role Europe can play in the future of Ukraine.  Kate Lamble is joined by Sam Greene and Hans Kundnani. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Reflecting on the passing of the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, award-winning author Andrey Kurkov has written the diary for this week’s New Statesman magazine. In this conversation, with Tom Gatti, Kurkov contemplates daily life in his hometown, Kyiv, and how the war has changed him as a writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Keir Starmer returns victorious from his meeting with Donald Trump. But was it the success it seems? Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes and Rachel Cunliffe answer listener questions on the New Statesman podcast. Also in this episode: Has Zelensky "put one over" on Trump with the rare earth minerals deal?Trump's "mob boss" geopoliticsHow the UK could make a radical pivot towards Europe - and have Putin to thank. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Keir Starmer has promised defence spending will reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament. There’s been some sparring over exactly how much money this equates to, has a maths crime been committed? And how far can this money go? Hannah Barnes is joined by political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn, and later in the programme byt Phil Whitaker, GP and the New Statesman's health writer, to speak about the shake up at the top of NHS England. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

Last week Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist for the first seven months of his first term in office, graced the stage at CPAC (the annual Conservative Political Action Conference) to rapturous applause. "We're not going to retreat. We're not going to surrender. We're not going to quit. Fight! Fight! Fight!" Although Bannon fell out of favour with the president back in 2017, he's managed to maintain great influence over the Maga movement, a movement he helped create. His speech created headlines worldwide after he was accused of performing a Nazi salute to the crowd. Something he denies. He also called for Trump to run for a potentially constitutional breaching third Presidential term in 2028.  So what does he really believe Maga are still fighting for?  Kate Lamble is joined by the New Statesman's US correspondent Freddie Hayward, and Politico reporter Ian Ward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

The number of working age people out of work in Britain 2010 was around 9 million. In 2025? Around 9 million. But why is worklessness in Britain now deemed a crisis, and what can the government do to fix this? Will Dunn, the New Statesman's business editor, is joined by Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Employment. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Donald Trump has reached out to Vladimir Putin, over the heads of Ukraine and Europe. The Western alliance is fracturing, so what comes next? Can European nations find the defence budget? And whose terms will this war end on? Hannah Barnes is joined by Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of War Studies at Kings College London, and later in the programme by the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, and the former justice secretary David Gauke to discuss the future of our prisons. Read: The threat of peace, Penal populism has broken Britain’s prisons Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Last Friday the US Vice President - JD Vance, took to the stage and railed against his country’s European allies, accusing them of not listening to voters on issues of migration and free speech. That speech raised serious questions about how the transatlantic alliance will be transformed.  But Vance also called into question the "democracy" of the firewall. In Germany, there has long been an agreed firewall against the far right. That centrist parties will not collaborate with them, to prevent far right groups from getting in to power.  This weekend Germany will head to the polls, and currently the far right populist - Alternative fur Deutchland or AfD are polling at around 20%. Could Germany’s far right break through the firewall?  Kate Lamble is joined by Hans Kundnani and Annette Dittert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

The novel is a living thing, argues author Deborah Levy in the New Statesman Goldsmith's Prize lecture. Tom Gatti hosts Deborah Levy, author of Swimming Home and The Man Who Saw Everything, to deliver a special lecture live from the Southbank Centre in London. Presented in partnership with the Goldsmiths Prize and the Southbank Centre, and recorded at the Southbank Centre. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHFN7ZY9lzM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

Are local council changes "an attack on democracy"? Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon join Hannah Barnes to discuss changes to the rules governing local elections, which Ed Davey and Nigel Farage have attacked as anti-democratic. They answer a listener question about why their local council can "delay my right to vote". Also in this episode, Megan Kenyon meets Kim Leadbeater for an update on the assisted dying bill, and we answer your questions about the checks and balances that would apply if the bill were to pass. Submit a question for us to answer on a future podcast: www.newstatesman.com/youaskus Get our free daily politics newsletter, Morning Call: morningcall.substack.com Subscribe to the New Statesman. Get your first five weeks for just £5 at www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Keir Starmer is making a radical shift to appease Reform and "blue labour". "There has been a conservative revolution going on around the world," says Andrew Marr - and it leaves Keir Starmer with some hard choices. Andrew joins Hannah Barnes to explain why the prime minister is making a "handbrake turn", and how a new group of MPs known as Blue Labour are having an outsized impact on Labour policy. Hannah also speaks to Blue Labour member David Smith MP, who claims that the group has more members than are currently known. Ask a question for us to answer in a future episode: www.newstatesman.com/youaskus Get more politics coverage every day direct to your email inbox by signing up for our daily politics newsletter: morningcall.substack.com Save money on a New Statesman subscription to get full access to all our reporting and analysis from just £5 for your first 5 weeks: www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

The freedoms that the UK's academy schools have been granted could be curtailed. Labour's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes centralising and standardising decision making across state schools in the UK. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, claims this will improve conditions for every student across the country. Katharine Birbalsingh, who has been called "Britain's strictest headteacher", is highly critical of these developments, calling them cultural Marxism. However, senior educator Leora Cruddas - who leads an organisation representing two thirds of UK academies - has welcomed many of the measures in the bill. Pippa Bailey is joined by Birbalsingh, Cruddas and the New Statesman's Hannah Barnes to discuss who should decide how and what children are taught. Ask a question for us to answer in a future episode: www.newstatesman.com/youaskus Get more politics coverage every day direct to your email inbox by signing up for our daily politics newsletter: morningcall.substack.com Save money on a New Statesman subscription to get full access to all our reporting and analysis from just £5 for your first 5 weeks: www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. In this episode, we explore how responsible innovation can reduce misinformation's impact and protect creators. Host Jon Bernstein is joined by Adobe’s Head of Policy and Government Relations EMEA Stefanie Valdés-Scott, Vale of Glamorgan MP Kanishka Narayan and AI and deepfake expert Henry Ajder. Our panel discusses the balance between risk and opportunity in AI development, as well as how to approach AI innovation ethically. They talk about how government, industry and creators might work together to create a safer, more reliable digital landscape and address the impact new AI copyright laws might have. Learn how government policies and industry initiatives like the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative are fostering innovation and building a more trustworthy and transparent digital ecosystem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. In this episode, we explore how responsible innovation can reduce misinformation's impact and protect creators. Host Jon Bernstein is joined by Adobe’s Head of Policy and Government Relations EMEA Stefanie Valdés-Scott, Vale of Glamorgan MP Kanishka Narayan and AI and deepfake expert Henry Ajder. Our panel discusses the balance between risk and opportunity in AI development, as well as how to approach AI innovation ethically. They talk about how government, industry and creators might work together to create a safer, more reliable digital landscape and address the impact new AI copyright laws might have. Learn how government policies and industry initiatives like the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative are fostering innovation and building a more trustworthy and transparent digital ecosystem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

Ten years ago the sunshine state was mainly known for its outlandish stereotypes: swamps, gators, retirees, Disneyland all the time. But now power is shifting. How did that state that was once the political joke of America become the nation’s centre of power? Tom Gatti is joined by Gary Mormino author of Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida, and New Statesman contributor Lily Lynch. Read: Donald Trump's Florida project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2025

US investment already owns much of the British high street. Are "ignorant" politicians "selling the UK down the river"? As Donald Trump announces new tariffs on trading partners around the world, Hannah Barnes and Rachel Cunliffe are joined by Angus Hanton, author of Vassal State, to explore how the UK economy is, in many ways, "in thrall" to the US. They also discuss Trump's shock declaration of intent to "take over" the Gaza Strip. Later in the show they're joined by George Eaton to analyse Keir Starmer's great EU reset - and discuss whether the Prime Minister can please both Europe and the United States (spoiler: he can't). Ask a question for us to answer in a future episode: www.newstatesman.com/youaskus Get more politics coverage every day direct to your email inbox by signing up for our daily politics newsletter: morningcall.substack.com Save money on a New Statesman subscription to get full access to all our reporting and analysis from just £5 for your first 5 weeks: www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Andrew Marr is joined by the authors of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire. But while this is ostensibly the story of Starmer's Labour, who really runs the party behind the scenes? Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

For some with epilepsy, valproate is the only medication which can control their seizures. But for decades women say they were not made aware of the risk this drug posed for their unborn children. Today we know around 11% of the children born to women who take valproate during pregnancy have major congenital disorders. 30-40% experience other conditions including delays in early development, poor language skills, and lower intellectual abilities. There’s also an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. Restrictions on how the drug should be used have since been tightened. But this week on Insight we hear from neurologists who believe the system might have overcorrected as a result of this tragedy, causing more harm than good. Kate Lamble is joined by Janet Williams, Hannah Barnes, and Dr Dominic Heaney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

In 1989, following the shock resignation of the chancellor, Nigel Lawson, Margaret Thatcher sat down with veteran broadcaster, friend, and former Labour MP Brian Walden for a 45 minute interview. It was a disastrous encounter for Thatcher, that ultimately spelled the beginning of the end of her 10 years in power – a year later she resigned. The story behind this is told by Rob Burley in his book Why is this Lying Bastard Lying to Me? Searching for the Truth on Political TV – which has now been adapted into a two part dramatisation, Brian and Maggie, starring Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter. The show raises bigger questions, too: why does the political interview matter? And how do you solve the riddle of Margaret Thatcher on screen? Tom Gatti is joined by TV producer and editor Rob Burley, and the New Statesman’s TV critic - Rachel Cooke. Read: Rachel Cooke's review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

Last week marked the end of the sanctioned 6 month whip removal of 7 Labour MPs who voted against the two-child benefit cap in July. Andrew Marr is joined by one of them, John Mcdonnell MP for Hayes and Harlington to ask - what next? Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Rachel Reeves' latest growth speech has failed to convince one curious listener. George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe join Hannah Barnes for a special listener questions episode. They tackle your questions on Labour's latest intervention on growth, which George describes as an "attempt" at a vibe shift. They also discuss whether Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have a charisma problem, as well as one listener who asks if the media should be giving the Liberal Democrats more attention. Ask a question for us to answer in a future episode: www.newstatesman.com/youaskus Get more politics coverage every day direct to your email inbox by signing up for our daily politics newsletter: morningcall.substack.com Save money on a New Statesman subscription to get full access to all our reporting and analysis from just £5 for your first 5 weeks: www.newstatesman.com/jan25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Last year Scunthorpe’s two blast furnaces Queen Anne and Queen Bess became the last remaining primary steelmaking facility in the UK. However there were reports that those facilities were soon to be mothballed - 2,500 jobs lost before Christmas.  Despite those reports, smoke is still rising from the Scunthorpe Steelworks and talks about its future are continuing between Jingye - the Chinese company which owns the plant - and the government. But what is the government's plan for the future of British steel? How reliant are we on offshore production? And how did Scunthorpe come to own the latest poltical football? Kate Lamble is joined by Megan Kenyon and Sam Alvis, as well as Ben Houchen, Nic Dakin, Tony Gosling, Andrea Jenkyns and Martin Foster. Read: The cost of net zero in the town that steel built Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025