As Iran names its new supreme leader oil prices skyrocket, sending shockwaves across the global economy – but how will the UK government deal with the issue?

President Trump claims the surge is a “small price to pay” for peace - but as G7 finance leaders hold an emergency meeting later today can they find ways to limit the damage?

Sam and Anne discuss the steps Keir Starmer can take to reassure the public, if the conflict could hit people’s pockets and whether there is potential of world economies collapsing under the pressure.

The pair also consider the increasingly turbulent “special relationship's”: is it just a one-way street?

Plus, with the courts bill returning to the House of Commons tomorrow will we get a picture of how big a potential rebellion could be?

As the war in the Middle East enters its sixth day, questions remain over the Prime Minister’s stance – but did a cabinet revolt shape the UK’s response?

Reports suggest Keir Starmer was in favour of granting the US access to UK military bases sooner, but was overruled by an alliance of Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Lord Hermer.

Sam and Anne unpack the power dynamics at the top of government and the pressure the PM faces from international allies – some of whom are wondering which side Britain is on.

Away from the conflict, Home Secretary Shabanna Mahmood unveils tougher immigration plans in a major speech - but will the rhetoric cross the line?

Plus, the duo have insider gossip from Morgan McSweeney’s leaving do.

“This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with here” - the words of Donald Trump as he attacks Keir Starmer over the UK’s approach to the Iran war - but does this mark a new low for the transatlantic relationship?

As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the UK deploy military hardware to Cyprus to protect its assets, is this a further sign the UK is being dragged into the war?

Sam and Anne assess if events have overshadowed the Spring Forecast, examine where the UK stands in its special relationship with the United States and look at whether Whitehall is preparing for months of war.

Remember, you can get a full analysis of the Rachel Reeves’ Spring Forecast in Politics at Sam and Anne’s The Debrief here

The Chancellor has been on her feet in the Commons – the backdrop?

The momentous conflict unfolding in the Middle East - so was it a “non-event” that dated almost immediately?

Or did the Spring forecast give us clues to the direction of the government?

Rachel Reeves reiterated that her economic plan was “the right plan” but have the government made certain assumptions and do the OBR agree with them?

Sam at the Resolution Foundation thinktank and Anne in Berlin debrief the contents of Spring Forecast and pour over all key economic indicators - with a focus on areas which might be trouble down the tracks.

Its Spring Forecast day but as the war continues across the Middle East – is the special relationship now under threat?

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and U.S. President, Donald Trump, trade blows on the legality of the military action but is Britain military and economically ready for what’s to come?

Sam and Anne look at all options on the table and assess whether this could impact the Spring Forecast, and more importantly, people’s pockets.

Elsewhere, we have an exclusive poll which puts the Greens on a stronger footing with the public.

Plus, should MPs be paid close to £100,000 a year?

After a weekend of destabilisation and tension across the Middle East, the UK allows the U.S. to use its military bases for attacks in Iran – but what challenges do the government face?

The U.S. President says he will continue bombings on Iran until “all objectives are met” posing problems for Keir Starmer with thousands of Brits stuck in the region and hundreds of oil tankers dropping anchor around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sam and Anne examine the domestic and political reaction; the tight rope the Prime Minister is walking to maintain a working relationship with Donald Trump and how costly this could be on people’s day-to-day lives.

Tomorrow, Sam and Anne will bring you a bonus de-brief episode on the Spring Forecast, which will be in your feed's late afternoon.

The plumber come politician – Hannah Spencer – claims a seismic and historic win for the Greens at the Gorton and Denton by-election but, where does this leave the Keir Starmer project?

Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb.

The duo also consider:

1. Is the Labour vote bleeding from both the left and the right flanks of the party?
2. Is this truly the end of two-party politics in Britain?
3. What are the consequences of this result and has the blame game began?

After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?

Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.

Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn’t a moment for increased spending.

Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer’s government?

Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.

Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”

A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer’s government over the coming days, weeks and months?

With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK’s top man in Washington.

Sam and Anne consider:

1. Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election?
2. Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy?

Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy.

Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?

Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?

Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?

Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?

Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?