Politics Weekly UK
The Guardian
SummaryPolitics Weekly UK is your essential guide to the rapidly shifting landscape of British governance. Hosted by a rotation of sharp-witted Guardian journalists, the show moves beyond the daily headlines to pull back the curtain on the real-world consequences of Westminster power struggles. Whether they are dissecting the fallout of a cabinet resignation, mapping the rise of figures like Andy Burnham, or interrogating the fine print of national policies—from social media bans to major defense spending—the team brings much-needed clarity to a volatile political era. Each episode blends rigorous reporting with deep, analytical commentary. The show shines when it tackles the tension between policy ambition and fiscal reality, regularly questioning whether current leadership has the vision to implement change or is merely managing the next crisis. You will hear detailed breakdowns of high-stakes by-elections, the evolving strategies of opposition parties like Reform UK, and reflective deep dives into historical turning points like the Brexit referendum. What makes this podcast stand out is its commitment to context. The hosts do not just report the what; they explain the why, exploring the personal dynamics, party friction, and hidden agendas that drive modern British politics. It is an honest, inquisitive, and frequently bracing conversation that invites you to look past the rhetoric and understand the machinery of government as it navigates a nation at a crossroads.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
Reform UK row: who funds Farage?
New allegations regarding undisclosed financial gifts place Nigel Farage under intense scrutiny and internal party strain.
Is Starmer deliberately leaving a mess for Burnham?
As Keir Starmer exits, an eleven billion pound hole in the defence budget leaves Andy Burnham a poisoned chalice.
Can Andy Burnham’s ‘No 10 North’ change anything?
Andy Burnham promises a new era of devolution and regional power, but can his vision survive the lack of scrutiny?
Brexit: An Oral History
Key figures recount the high-stakes political battles, fateful promises, and bitter divisions of the Brexit referendum.
Andy Burnham: who’s really got his ear?
As Andy Burnham prepares for power, he is being pulled between his past political allies and new, ambitious advisors.
Keir Starmer resigns: what now?
Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister, leaving the Labour Party to navigate a swift transition to Andy Burnham.
Andy Burnham: our next Prime Minister?
After a decisive by-election victory, Andy Burnham is being tipped as the potential successor to Keir Starmer.
How will the under-16s social media ban work?
The government plans to ban social media for under 16s to tackle addiction and give parents a tool for enforcement.
Can politicians bring calm to Belfast?
As violence erupts in Belfast, politicians scramble to address the growing unrest and the divisive debate over borders.
The defence secretary quits with ‘blistering’ criticism of Starmer
Defense Secretary John Healey has resigned with a blistering attack on Keir Starmer’s weak leadership and security.
Zelenskyy: Putin is ‘playing games’ with Trump
Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Putin is playing games with Donald Trump while urging stronger Western support for Ukraine.
Is Keir Starmer in his ‘legacy’ era?
As Starmer faces internal pressure and leadership speculation, he is pushing to secure a legacy through key policy goals.
On the byelection campaign trail with Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham hits the campaign trail in Makerfield, testing if he can win back disillusioned voters from Reform UK.
New Mandelson files: how embarrassing are they?
Leaked files reveal security vetting failures, embarrassing ministerial infighting, and Mandelson’s criticism of Starmer.
Tony Blair and the battle for Labour’s soul
Tony Blair attacks Keir Starmer’s leadership as the Labour Party faces a widening battle for its ideological soul.
The byelection, Wes Streeting and Europe: your questions answered
Labour faces a critical test in the Makerfield byelection as leadership chatter grows and EU relations remain tense.
Stateside with Kai and Carter – Why the fight over abortion in US isn’t finished
The battle over abortion pills is far from over as legal threats escalate and the push to criminalize patients grows.
Wes Streeting: ‘Andy Burnham doesn’t live rent free in my head’ – podcast
Wes Streeting discusses his departure from the cabinet, his vision for Labour, and why he believes Keir Starmer must go.
Andy Burnham’s first election hurdle: Brexit
Andy Burnham faces a difficult by-election as his past comments on Brexit risk alienating voters in Makerfield.
NEW: Stacey Abrams on why gutting of the US Voting Rights Act is ‘evil’ – Stateside with Kai and Carter
Stacey Abrams warns that the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act is an evil attempt to silence voters.
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