Politics Weekly UK

The Guardian

Guardian political columnist John Harris hosts a cast of voices from up and down the country as well as across the political spectrum to analyse the week’s political news. For US Politics with Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland, make sure to search 'Politics Weekly America' wherever you get your podcasts

  • 24 minutes 58 seconds
    Blue Labour, ‘Manchesterism’ and Lords reform: your questions answered
    What is Blue Labour? Can Andy Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism’ be replicated elsewhere? And is the two-party system over in British politics? In a special episode, Pippa and Kiran take your questions. Please keep sending them to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    16 February 2026, 7:00 am
  • 32 minutes 33 seconds
    Zombie Labour: Starmer staggers on
    After a week when it seemed all but over for Keir Starmer, John, Pippa and Kiran unpack how the prime minister survived – and what it means for Labour in the long run. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    12 February 2026, 3:53 pm
  • 27 minutes 8 seconds
    Starmer survives Sarwar’s putsch, for now
    Keir Starmer’s future as prime minister suffered another major blow when the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, called for him to go. With the cabinet rallying around him, the PM seems to be safe for now, but for how much longer? Pippa and Kiran look at what might happen next Please send your questions and messages for Pippa Crerar, Kiran Stacey and John Harris to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    9 February 2026, 9:38 pm
  • 31 minutes 4 seconds
    The Mandelson Scandal: has Starmer finally lost control? – Politics Weekly
    As Starmer apologises for believing Mandelson’s ‘lies’, just how damaging will the latter’s links to Jeffrey Epstein be for the PM’s own reputation? John Harris and Kiran Stacey discuss the latest. Plus, the mood on the ground from the Gorton and Denton byelection Why this Manchester byelection is a lesson in 21st century politics – video Please send your questions and messages for Pippa Crerar, Kiran Stacey and John Harris to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    5 February 2026, 5:30 pm
  • 24 minutes 37 seconds
    Mandelson, Epstein and what Labour knew when
    Peter Mandelson has resigned his Labour party membership after new details of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein came to light. But why did Labour ever decide to appoint him as US ambassador? Pippa and Kiran chat through what No 10 knew and when. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    2 February 2026, 3:23 pm
  • 21 minutes 32 seconds
    What happened when Starmer met Xi Jinping?
    Keir Starmer held talks with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week and proclaimed Britain should have a more ‘sophisticated’ relationship with China. Pippa Crerar, who was with the prime minister on the trip, tells Kiran Stacey what all this means. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    29 January 2026, 4:09 pm
  • 38 minutes 4 seconds
    Matt Goodwin becomes Reform UK candidate, and Esther Ghey on banning social media
    Reform UK has announced Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the hotly anticipated Gorton and Denton byelection. John Harris and Kiran Stacey discuss his chances. Plus, John speaks to Esther Ghey about why the government should back a social media ban for under-16s. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    28 January 2026, 4:34 pm
  • 20 minutes 8 seconds
    Burnham blocked: Has Starmer messed up?
    The Labour party has once again been plunged into turmoil after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Will the row quickly fade, or does it risk piling further pressure on the prime minister? Meanwhile, Pippa Crerar will be joining Keir Starmer on his trip to China – but can he focus on diplomacy abroad, or will the Westminster psychodrama continue to overshadow the visit?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    26 January 2026, 1:06 pm
  • 32 minutes 52 seconds
    Taco Thursday: Trump climbs down on Greenland tariffs
    John Harris is joined by Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey to discuss Donald Trump’s climbdown on tariffs over his move to buy Greenland. Plus, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne is to stand down, which could open the way for Andy Burnham to take his seat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    22 January 2026, 2:41 pm
  • 33 minutes 56 seconds
    Ditch Nato and dump Trump: Zack Polanski’s foreign policy
    Leader of the Green party, Zack Polanski, tells Pippa and Kiran that Nato is over and the UK should consider expelling the US from British military bases. Plus he explains why he isn’t worried about billionaires leaving the country. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    20 January 2026, 5:00 am
  • 24 minutes 50 seconds
    Starmer: ‘We don’t want a trade war’
    Keir Starmer has held an emergency press conference in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland. Pippa and Kiran discuss what the UK prime minister said and how it may be received. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
    19 January 2026, 1:19 pm
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