Maz Ebtehaj

Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s delayed response to the war in Gaza and its failure to call for a ceasefire sooner, saying the party did not get its stance right. He stops short of describing the situation on the ground as genocide. The podcast is an edited version of Pippa Crerar’s conversation with Burnham, discussed with Kiran Stacey.

Jonathan Freedland interviews New York Times journalist Jonathan Swan about how Donald Trump’s second term has differed from his first. With political challengers gone and legal or institutional resistance weakened, Trump is portrayed as having consolidated extraordinary executive power over the economy, immigration policy and the presidency itself, raising concerns about the future of checks and balances in the United States and the wider world.

Reform UK is presented as facing internal difficulties while announcing immigration plans. Nigel Farage reignited his dispute with Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe, and deputy leader Richard Tice is under investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog. The programme examines whether the party’s immigration proposals are intended to divert attention from these problems.

Nigel Farage has proposed that Reform UK would deploy the navy to address small-boat crossings in the English Channel. The podcast examines whether this familiar immigration policy can divert attention from the party's internal problems. It also discusses Andy Burnham's devolution plans and whether they could represent the UK's most significant restructuring of the state since the Second World War, alongside a parliamentary standards investigation involving Richard Tice.

The podcast examines the growing influence of left-wing Democrats, citing Zohran Mamdani’s rise in New York, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and calls for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028. Jonathan Freedland and Bhaskar Sunkara discuss whether democratic socialism has moved from the political fringe into the mainstream and whether its proponents can win back crucial swing voters.

The video examines the growing influence of left-wing Democrats, highlighting Zohran Mamdani in New York, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and calls for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to seek the presidency in 2028. Jonathan Freedland discusses with Bhaskar Sunkara whether democratic socialism has moved into the political mainstream and whether its advocates can win back crucial swing voters.

The podcast examines Andy Burnham’s proposal for a national care service and the possibility of higher taxation to fund social care. It considers his attempt to build cross-party support among Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, while noting that Reform UK and the Greens were not included. Reform’s Robert Jenrick accused the prime minister of pursuing a “death tax,” prompting discussion of whether that accurately reflects Burnham’s plans. Pippa Crerar and Peter Walker also discuss criticism of Green Party leader Zack Polanski over a social media post.

Andy Burnham welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK for Burnham’s first major international meeting as prime minister. The visit is presented as a signal that the UK intends to preserve its close relationship with Ukraine, while the video considers whether Burnham’s energetic and personable style will translate effectively to the international stage.

Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot discuss Andy Burnham’s plans to address difficult UK policy challenges, including social care, and assess what he could do differently. They also examine Burnham’s expected meeting with Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the UK’s stated commitment to supporting Ukraine.

The programme examines whether American politicians are too old to remain in public office. The debate has resurfaced following the reported death of Republican senator Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell’s unexpected return to public view at age 84 after a long absence. Continuing questions about Donald Trump’s health prompt a broader discussion of why US politicians remain in power for so long. Jonathan Freedland speaks with presidential historian and New York Times Book Review columnist Alexis Coe about whether the US is becoming a gerontocracy and what reforms might address the issue.

Jonathan Freedland discusses with presidential historian Alexis Coe whether American politicians are staying in office too long and whether the United States is becoming a gerontocracy. The discussion follows the reported death of Republican Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell’s return to the spotlight at age 84, and continuing questions about Donald Trump’s health.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Andy Burnham’s planned arrival as UK prime minister, the cabinet appointments he has yet to announce, and the competing possibilities of Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband for chancellor. They examine what is known about Burnham’s governing plans and the major issues likely to dominate his initial agenda.

Following the murder of Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK members argue that the House of Commons and Speaker Lindsay Hoyle are failing to provide adequate security for the party’s MPs. Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice frame the dispute as a conflict between Reform UK and the establishment, echoing arguments previously made by Nigel Farage. People in Hoyle’s team reject the claims and have responded angrily.

The podcast examines a dispute sparked by the murder of Ann Widdecombe. Reform UK has criticised Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and argued that its MPs are not receiving adequate security, while reporting from Pippa Crerar outlines the response from Hoyle’s team.

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK prime minister and Labour leader less than two years after winning a large election majority, prompting questions over who will succeed him, with Andy Burnham emerging as a potential uncontested replacement.

Donald Trump has signed a 14‑point agreement with Iran aimed at ending a conflict he played a role in initiating and is now shifting his focus toward achieving peace in Ukraine. Jenna Amatulli speaks with Andrew Roth about the likelihood of the Iran deal holding and the reasons behind Trump’s renewed attention to Ukraine.

US strikes on Iran ended a recently agreed ceasefire as Donald Trump revived threats to seize Greenland and departed a Nato summit in Ankara claiming unity. Jonathan Freedland and Susan Glasser examine the challenges of navigating diplomacy under Trump's repeated shifts in stance.

Jonathan Freedland and Susan Glasser discuss the US strikes on Iran, Donald Trump’s declaration that a recently co-signed ceasefire was over, renewed threats to take Greenland, and his conciliatory presentation at the NATO summit in Ankara. The discussion examines the difficulty of making diplomatic progress when Trump revisits confrontational policies while seeking unity with NATO allies.

Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s slow call for a Gaza ceasefire and urges stronger pressure on the Israeli government, including banning trade with illegal settlements. He notes growing evidence suggesting possible war crimes but stresses that international courts must make such determinations. The episode also covers political fallout from Nigel Farage’s sudden resignation and ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK.

Nigel Farage is under scrutiny following revelations that George Cottrell, an aristocrat previously convicted of fraud in the US, financially supported him in 2024, funding social media staff and security. The disclosure follows a separate investigation into Farage’s undeclared £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is examining whether parliamentary rules were broken, while Farage denies wrongdoing and characterizes the developments as an establishment attack.

Nigel Farage faces scrutiny after revelations that he received money from George Cottrell and an undisclosed £5m gift from Christopher Harborne, prompting an active investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner. The questions surrounding these donations raise concerns about his conduct and the future leadership of Reform UK while additional transaction reports involving the party have been submitted to the National Crime Agency.

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, concerns grow that declining patriotism is overshadowing the milestone while Donald Trump is accused of turning national celebrations into a personal spectacle. Jonathan Freedland discusses these trends with Yoni Appelbaum, examining why many Americans feel increasingly detached from traditional expressions of national pride.

The discussion examines how Donald Trump has redirected public attention around the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence toward himself, contributing to declining feelings of patriotism among many Americans. Jonathan Freedland and Yoni Appelbaum explore broader concerns about national identity, historical understanding and the political climate shaping reactions to the anniversary celebrations.

Keir Starmer faces criticism for a defence investment plan that adds £15bn in spending but leaves a £4.7bn shortfall for a future chancellor, prompting allies of Andy Burnham to describe it as a political burden for the incoming prime minister. The discussion explores the potential implications for Labour, the strategic challenges for Burnham and wider party reactions, while also addressing listener questions about Labour’s direction and upcoming political dynamics.

Andy Burnham outlines plans for a northern No 10 and greater devolution aimed at regenerating neglected towns, drawing comparisons to past levelling-up efforts and raising questions about the potential impact of his proposals.

Andy Burnham outlines plans for devolution, a major council housebuilding programme and wider economic reform in a speech positioning himself as prime minister-in-waiting. The discussion examines his critique of the Westminster system and his proposed creation of a 'No 10 North' to support regional growth.

The reflecting pool in Washington DC must be drained again after repeated failures to maintain the water’s intended appearance, a costly setback attributed by Donald Trump to vandalism. Discussion highlights how the multimillion‑dollar project has become an embarrassing symbol for a president focused on image, with commentators examining why the effort continues to falter.

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool must be drained again after repeated failures to maintain its appearance, a problem Donald Trump attributes to vandalism. Discussion highlights how the costly project has become an embarrassing setback for a president focused on image, with hosts examining what the situation suggests about the administration’s broader challenges.

Marks the 10-year anniversary of the UK’s vote to leave the EU, with Kiran Stacey presenting interviews reflecting on the events and consequences of Brexit.

Analysis of Andy Burnham’s unchallenged Labour leadership bid explores which MPs may gain influence in his prospective cabinet and what their roles might indicate about his leadership style.

Donald Trump signs a 14‑point agreement with Iran aimed at ending the war he helped initiate and shifts his focus toward pursuing peace in Ukraine. Jenna Amatulli speaks with Andrew Roth about the likelihood of the deal succeeding and Trump’s motivation for redirecting attention to the Ukraine conflict.

Keir Starmer’s plan to ban major social media apps for under-16s is highlighted as stricter than expected, while attention also turns to preparations for the upcoming Makerfield byelection and the potential for an Andy Burnham victory.

Recent violence in Belfast has prompted political calls for calm while concerns grow about further unrest. The episode also features conversations with undecided voters in Makerfield ahead of the byelection and provides a rundown of all declared candidates.

Discussion of Donald Trump’s growing use of major sporting events, including the World Cup, UFC and basketball, as platforms for political influence, examining whether his involvement helps or harms these sports and considering concerns surrounding his impact on international football as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

Donald Trump’s use of major sporting events as a political stage is examined through his influence on football, UFC and basketball. The discussion weighs whether his involvement helps or harms these sports during the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.