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• Starmer’s Final U-Turn?

  The Week Unwrapped
  Andy Burnham’s first week in Downing Street
  Parliament is back after the summer recess, and Andy Burnham has delivered his first major speech as Prime Minister, setting out a vision for Britain centred on regional power, public investment and economic growth. Burnham took aim at decades of deindustrialisation, privatisation and austerity, while also arguing that Brexit had contributed to a period of low growth. Zoë and Ali discuss Burnham’s first performance at the dispatch box, his more left-wing approach compared with Keir Starmer and his and whether he has brought the political analysis he developed before entering Downing Street with him into government.
  James Cleverly sets his sights on City Hall
  Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly is preparing a bid to become the next Mayor of London, promising a “classically conservative” campaign. Zoë and Ali discuss whether Cleverly is the strongest candidate the Conservatives have, and whether his appeal to the wider London electorate could give him a route to victory. They also look at the tension between Cleverly’s more economically conservative, One Nation-style pitch and Kemi Badenoch’s increasingly culture-war-focused Conservative Party. Could the approach that works for the Tories nationally actually hurt them in London?
  Fancy a night at Number 10? 
  Booking.com has come under fire after a consumer watchdog managed to create and pay for a fake listing for Number 10 Downing Street. The bogus listing even claimed guests could hang out with Larry the Cat, and 14 people attempted to book the property in just 20 minutes. Zoë and Ali question how such an obviously fake listing was able to remain online, particularly given Booking.com’s claims that AI is used to identify fraudulent listings. They also unpack whether the incident really represents a security risk to the Prime Minister, or is simply an embarrassing failure for the booking platform.
  Keir Starmer Resigns as MP, triggering byelection in Holborn and St Pancras
  Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped down as an MP, triggering a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, the London constituency he has represented for 11 years. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has announced that he will stand, turning what should be a safe Labour seat into an early political test.Zoë and Ali discuss Starmer’s decision to leave Parliament, particularly after he had previously said he would remain an MP until the next general election. They question why he chose to leave rather than return to the backbenches. They also look at what the by-election means for Andy Burnham, who will face weeks of campaigning and media attention just as he begins his premiership.Zoë and Ali also unpack why, for the Greens, Polanski’s decision to stand represents a gamble. The party’s polling has fallen from its earlier highs, and a potential defeat for its leader could raise questions about whether the Green surge has plateaued. 
  Why are Brits moving house less and less?
  New research suggests the UK housing market has become increasingly frozen, with people now moving house roughly once every 21 years, compared with once every nine years in the late 1980s, despite many people still wanting to move. Ben Cooper, research manager and lead at the Fabian Housing Centre, joins Zoë and Ali to explain why so many people are stuck and what can be done about it.
  The final Politics Uncensored
  Some in house news, this is the final episode of Politics Uncensored on Fubar Radio. Zoë and Ali look back on some of their favourite moments from the show. Zoë will be returning in a few weeks with a brand-new show, so stay tuned….
  Guest: Ben Cooper, Research Manager and Lead at the Fabian Housing Centre. You can find him on X here.
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• The UK’s Youth Crisis, Musk’s Political Money & The Battle for Brick Lane

  The Week Unwrapped
  New data shows one in eight young people out of work or educationJust under one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, according to new ONS data. The latest figures show 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were NEET between April and June, equivalent to around 13% of that age group
  Rupert Lowe set to be paid as much for divisive posts on Elon Musk’s X as for being MPRupert Lowe is on course to earn almost as much from posting on Elon Musk’s X as he does from his salary as an MP, raising questions about whether the platform financially incentivises divisive political content. His total income from X since the 2024 general election has now passed £105,000, with more than half of that earned in the first eight months of 2026.
  Burnham wants UK to bid for 2042 Fifa World CupAccording to reports, Andy Burnham wants the UK to bid for both the Olympics and the men's FIFA world cup. The Prime Minister told a meeting of regional mayors at No10 North that he was in talks with the FA and Premier League to explore a proposal.
  Britain Response to Israel SettlementsThe UK has issued its strongest condemnation yet of Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described Israel’s plans to grow the settlements as “unacceptable and destructive”, warning that Britain would not stand by and accept the breakdown of a two-state solution. The plans, known as the E1 project, would involve the construction of around 3,400 homes across 12 square kilometres of land — an area which critics say would effectively divide the West Bank in two.
  Save Brick Lane CampaignPlans for a 500 million pound redevelopment plans for Brick Lane in East London were approved last month by Labour. This has cleared the way for the construction of a data centre, office and apartments on the Truman Brewery Estate, despite opposition from the local council and campaign groups.
  Producer:Monica Lillis and Yasmin Stephenson

• Is the Press to Blame for Jason Arday’s Death?

  The Week Unwrapped
  Farage wins in Clacton, meanwhile Count Binface gets more than 25% of the voteWe start with the news from the Clacton by-election, where Nigel Farage comfortably held onto the seat, securing more than 63% of the vote. Farage stood down as an MP in July, forcing the by-election. This came amid scrutiny over whether he should have declared a £5 million gift he received from a billionaire party donor in 2024. A parliamentary standards watchdog had been investigating the claim, but that investigation was paused when Farage resigned. Now that the Clacton seat is once again in the hands of Farage and Reform UK, the investigation is again underway. Zoë and Ali discuss this political move and the impressive performance by Count Binface.
  Reform’s Tice urges people to enjoy heatwavesThe party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, has been accused of spreading misinformation after he dismissed efforts to tackle the climate crisis at a press conference earlier this week. He said that there was no evidence that net zero would stop climate change, and urged British people to enjoy the hot weather. He also suggested that one of the benefits of warmer weather will mean that English wine will get better. His comments come amid one of the UK’s hottest summers on record, with extreme heat linked to thousands of deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. Zoë and Ali unpack why they think this is out of touch, and how this summer will act as  a ‘sea change” for climate awareness publicly.
  Scientists 'stunned' by children's lung recovery in ultra low emission zoneThere is evidence however, that some climate policies do work… A new study shows that children’s lungs have grown bigger and stronger since the introduction of Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emission Zone or ULEZ in 2019 - which restricts the most polluting vehicles from entering London. Examinations of the capital’s school children before and after the policy was introduced, found a restoration of lung capacity that had been previously stunted by exposure to pollution. Zoë and Ali discuss the good news, and how controversial the policy was when it was introduced.
  The Scrutiny of Jason Arday - are Black Academics held to a different standard in the UK?Jason Arday, a 41-year-old academic who resigned as Cambridge’s Professor of Sociology of education earlier this month, was found dead on Friday. In recent weeks, allegations surrounding his PhD thesis, alongside other claims about his achievements and charitable work, had come under intense scrutiny in the press. His story was dissected in more than 200 articles across the majority of the British media. His death has sparked widespread reaction. At the time of recording, more than 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for a public inquiry, which argues that Arday’s death was “the direct, foreseeable and foreseen result of press harassment”. So, what does the scrutiny surrounding Arday tell us about the pressures and expectations placed on Black academics in Britain? Dr Femi Owolade, Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society joins us to share his take. 
  NUS campaign for Automatic Voter RegistrationStudents here in the UK have launched a campaign calling on the government to make it easier for people in full-time education to register to vote. The National Union of Students and Purpose Union are calling for a nationwide automatic enrolment system, which they say would remove the need for universities and colleges to manually encourage students to register. As of 2023, 60% of those aged 20 and under were not registered to vote. So could a new system help remove some of the barriers facing young voters and encourage more young people to have their say at the ballot box? Favour Samuel, President of the NUS joins us 
  Guests:
  Dr Femi Owolade, Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. You can find him on X here.
  Favour Samuel, President of the NUS. You can find her on Instagram here.
  Producer:
  Monica Lillis
  

• Why Burnham needs to tap into the politics of happiness. Plus: How can we ease the pressure on our prison system?

  The Week Unwrapped
  Voters head to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea by-electionVoters are heading to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea for perhaps the weirdest by-election in a generation. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his seat last month following scrutiny over his financial support. He said he hoped that the vote would silence his critics and prove he has a mandate with voters. And a record 34 candidates are standing, presenting voters with the longest ballot paper in history. Zoë and Ali discuss what they think might happen.
  Trump confirms he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible Iran threatDonald Trump confirmed this week that he secretly swapped planes after leaving a Nato summit in Turkey, due to a possible Iranian assassination threat. The Washington Post revealed that after publicly boarding Air Force One, the US President was covertly smuggled onto a catering truck and then moved to a different military aircraft. Meanwhile, over 100 aides, officials and reporters remained on the flight, raising questions about whether he knowingly put them at risk. Zoë and Ali question the unprecedented move.
  Reform UK Tells Its Activists ‘Don’t Drink and Tweet’Leaked training videos reveal Reform UK is warning its activists not to ‘drink and tweet’ and to treat ‘every social media post like a press release’ because, as the materials say, its own members are the "biggest threat to Reform."
  According to the Byline Times, the videos also appear to tell canvassers to ignore "no junk mail" signs and leaflet houses anyway. They're also told to avoid wearing any party branding while doing so, to stay "unidentifiable." Zoë and Ali analyse what this says about the credibility of Reform’s activists.
  Andy Burnham’s Cost of Living Tour Andy Burnham is back from his holiday, and this week he’s been touring the UK as part of his plan to “bring back hope” to every postcode. One of the problems he wants to tackle is the state of Britain’s high streets. Burnham has pledged to give local councils more power to stop betting shops and vape shops from “taking over”. Zoë and Ali unpack the changing face of the highstreet and why the new PM needs to tap into the politics of happiness. They also discuss the government's lack of action on the climate crisis so far.
  Can the government ease prison overcrowding without risking public safety?Andy Burnham's move to pause early prisoner releases has sparked backlash from police and the family of PC Andrew Harper, whose killers are due out in January. Shortly after becoming PM, Burnham announced that people convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming offences would be exempt from early release - but manslaughter convictions were not included.
  The government is set to release 5,000 offenders later this year to create space in overcrowded prisons. Meanwhile, Reform UK says it would tackle overcrowding by sending foreign offenders abroad to serve their sentences.
  With prisons already close to capacity, and ministers warning they could run out of space as soon as November, how will the government balance the need to relieve pressure on the prison system without compromising public safety? Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors, a justice reform charity, joins us to tell us more.
  Guest: Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• “Nigel Farage Is MORE Right-Wing Than Rupert Lowe” – The Ceuta Crisis and the Divided British Right

  The Week Unwrapped
  Bev Craig wins in Greater Manchester
  Labour has won a decisive victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral election, with Bev Craig securing a strong result to succeed Andy Burnham. Zoë and Ali unpack what this means for Burnham’s premiership and why the scale of Labour’s win could be an important sign that voters are willing to give the party another chance. 
  Jeremy Clarkson’s welfare solution?
  Jeremy Clarkson has offered his answer to Britain’s welfare crisis, suggesting in the Sunday Times, that unemployed young people claiming benefits should be made to write weekly letters thanking taxpayers for funding them. Zoë and Ali discuss why they think the proposal is insulting to disabled people and fails to recognise the wider problems facing young people trying to find work. 
  Infantino or Autocrat?
  We’re dabbling in football again this week...Gianni Infantino is set to remain as FIFA president despite growing criticism of his leadership, including scrutiny over a now-shelved plan involving private investment in FIFA competitions. Some critics of Infantino say he is turning the organisation into a dictatorship, but just how authoritarian does he sound? Zoë and Ali play a game of “Infantino or Autocrat” and attempt to work out whether a series of increasingly bizarre quotes came from the FIFA president or a historical dictator.
  The Migration Crisis in CeutaLast week, more than 70,000 unauthorised migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, creating the latest flashpoint in Europe’s migration debate. Zoë and Ali are joined by independent journalist Jack Hadfield to discuss what happened. They also challenge his claims about the criminal backgrounds of migrants and examine how Reform UK has responded to the crisis, including its plans to use the Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings. Jack also gives us his take on the division on the British right and why he thinks Nigel Farage is more right wing than Rupert Lowe.
  What will US-UK ties look like under Burnham?Ed Miliband has travelled to Washington to meet his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio, in what was seen as an opportunity to reset relations with an administration that has previously been sceptical of him. Zoë and Ali discuss the meeting, the awkward moment when Miliband was asked about his previous comments describing Donald Trump as a racist and misogynist, and what the encounter tells us about the future of the UK-US relationship under Andy Burnham’s government.
  Guest: Jack Hadfield, Independent journalist. You can find him on X here
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• How long will the ‘Burnham Bounce' last?

  The Week Unwrapped
  Rejoin EU, say two thirds of Londoners A new poll by a team at Queen Mary University of London, has found that more than 65% of Londoners would vote to rejoin the European Union if a referendum was held 'tomorrow'. The survey also found the figure was even higher amongst young adults ages 18-35. Zoë and Ali unpack why they think this figure is quite low in reality as well as the regional and age-group divisions on Brexit.
  Reform UK reports Zack Polanski to police over guillotine T-shirt postEarlier this week, Reform UK reported Green Party leader Zack Polanski to the police, after he shared what Nigel Farage called an “inciteful post” on Instagram. Polanski re-shared a collection of photos on the social media platform including one of a man wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “We’re only making plans for Nigel” accompanied by an image of a guillotine. The police have said they are taking no further action, and The Green Party leader has so far refused to apologise. This all comes at a time around heightened fears for the security of politicians following the murder of Reform UK Spokesperson, Ann Widdecome. Zoë and Ali discuss why they believe it would benefit Polanski to apologise and the significance of digital communications and social media strategy in politics.
  Count Binface reveals his manifesto for Clacton-on-sea by-electionAnother update from the Clacton-on-Sea by-election…Nigel Farage’s main rival, Count Binface, has revealed his full manifesto ahead of the vote next month. Some of his pledges include capping the cost of 99 Flake ice-creams to 99p, building at least one affordable house and a windfall tax on cosy crime novels ‘written’ by celebrities. Zoë and Ali tell us why they think the ice-cream issue is more important than some might think. 
  The Burnham BounceIt's only Andy Burnham’s second week as Prime Minister, but it looks like the public are liking what they see. Earlier this week, Labour overtook Reform UK in a voter intention poll for the first time in over a year. It’s being dubbed as ‘The Burnham Bounce’ but how long will the momentum behind the new PM last?
  Zoë and Ali unpack the wider context including why weeks of bad headlines for Reform UK and Greens might be contributing to Labour’s revived popularity. After that, Burnham’s policy blitz this week includes reform on education and social care - Zoë and Ali analyse why these changes could be so significant for the country. 
  After the break, Zoë and Ali discuss the challenge of climate change for the new Prime Minister. Record-breaking temperatures, drought and wildfires here in the UK, mean that environmental policy is more important than ever. However, with plans for oil drilling in the North Sea set to go ahead, will our new leader take it seriously enough?
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• “A Desperate Move?” Ben Habib on Farage’s Future. Plus: The Burnham Era Begins

  The Week Unwrapped:
  Andy Burnham is the UK’s latest Prime MinisterWe start with the biggest political story of the week. On Monday, Andy Burnham officially became the UK’s fifth Prime Minister in four years. This comes just over a month after he was elected as MP for Makerfield. Zoë and Ali unpack what they made of his first speech outside Downing Street. 
  Mamdani says he lacks legal power to arrest NetanyahuFrom a former mayor to a current one. Since campaigning for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani has promised to honour an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, if he were to ever show up in the city. However, in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, Mamdani conceded that he won’t be able to do so without federal government help. Zoë and Ali discuss Mamdani’s popularity, why he didn’t have this particular legal power and the effectiveness of using your words in politics.
  Trump backs Gianni Infantino to be next UN bossAlthough the World Cup is over, Trump’s friendship with the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino seems to be going strong. Earlier this week, the US President said that Infantino would be his pick to be the next head of the United Nations. He told the New York Post that the football administrator was “respected by everyone around the world", and "recognises he has a special ability to bring people together”.
  Ben Habib on Nigel Farage and the upcoming Clacton by-electionNigel Farage will face a record 33 opponents in the contest he triggered after resigning his seat, citing parliamentary and media scrutiny of his financial affairs. The number of candidates is thought to be the largest in a modern UK by-election, featuring 20 independents and a number of joke contenders. However, with the main Westminster parties not fielding candidates, and questions being asked about the level of support in the constituency, what could this all mean for Nigel Farage and Reform UK? Ben Habib, former MEP, Brexiteer and current Chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee joins us to share his thoughts. He tells us why he thinks the move from Farage was “desperate” and discusses the Reform UK leader’s need for media attention. Habib also speaks about his own affiliation with Restore Britain and where he’s drawing the line. 
  What will Andy Burnham’s Britain look Like?We continue with our top story. Andy Burnham has officially become the UK's fifth Prime Minister in four years. Since taking office on Monday, Burnham has announced his first Cabinet appointments and outlined his initial policy priorities, including a pledge to end rough sleeping, cut VAT on energy bills and pause the early prisoner release scheme. It's been a busy first few days in office, but what do these early decisions tell us about the direction of his government? Zoë and Ali discuss his first policy moves and what they make of his communication style. 
  Guest: Ben Habib, Former MEP, Brexiteer and current chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee. You can find him on ‘X’ here. 
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• The most unpopular Prime Minister in modern history? Keir Starmer's legacy

  No Ali in the studio this week, but joining us to discuss the latest is Ros Taylor, writer, journalist and broadcaster.
  The Week Unwrapped:
  Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe, diesFormer Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in South West England on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. A man in his twenties has been arrested, and counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation. The authorities say the alleged murder was a targeted attack, and are looking into a possible leftwing motivation.  Her death has reignited debate over the safety and security of politicians in this country. Zoë and Ros unpack the shocking news, the media reaction to her death and what it tells us about society. 
  Green MP Hannah Spencer to introduce bill on maximum workplace temperaturesRecord breaking temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves here in the UK have renewed calls for stronger action on climate adaptation. One of those is maximum workplace temperatures, which Green MP Hannah Spencer is planning to introduce to Parliament. If passed, the legislation will create an independent body to recommend safe temperatures to work in, and set out guidance on how employers should implement them. Zoë and Ros discuss how difficult it is to work in the heat, the importance of climate adaptation and how businesses might be able to adapt.
  Australia’s teen social media ban struggles to clear age-verification hurdle, study findsLast year, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from using social media. But a new study suggests enforcing that ban may be harder than expected. Researchers from testing firm KJR found that several major platforms weren't asking for proof of age when they created test accounts claiming to be 16, raising fresh questions about whether current age-verification technology is fit for purpose. Zoë and Ros analyse why these new laws aren’t working.
  Keir Starmer’s Best MomentsKeir Starmer will formally resign as Prime Minister on Monday, after just two years in office. Despite a landslide election win and an end to 14 years of Conservative rule, his time in Downing Street was overshadowed by economic pressures, internal divisions and flailing public support. But was his record more successful than many people give him credit for? Zoë and Ros look back on some of the things he got right including on immigration, progress in the NHS and renewable energy.
  Keir Starmer’s Worst MomentsDespite a string of wins, Keir Starmer never managed to win the hearts of the public. Opinion polls suggested he was the most unpopular Prime Minister in modern history. So, where did it all go wrong? Zoë and Ros reflect on what Starmer could have done better, including his communication style and multiple policy U-turns.
  Guest: Ros Taylor, Writer, Journalist and Broadcaster. You can find her on X here. Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• The Battle For Clacton: Farage vs Count Binface

  The Week Unwrapped
  Farage Resigns: First ReactionsAnother big week in British politics. Nigel Farage announced he will stand down as MP for Clacton. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of his finances. Earlier this week, The Times reported that Farage had failed to declare benefits, including staff and security, provided by his long-time ally George Cottrell. Farage is already under investigation by the Parliament standards commissioner over an alleged failure to register a £5 million gift from a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency billionaire. Since Farage’s announcement, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting in the Clacton by-election. Zoë and Ali discuss what they made of his resignation speech, whether it was the right decision for the main parties not to stand, and his main challenger: Count Binface.
  Trump’s Red Card Intervention Heading across the pond now, where the FIFA World Cup and politics have become intertwined once again this week. One of the USA's star players had his one-match suspension, following a red card, overturned by FIFA after intervention from President Donald Trump. The decision has raised questions about the relationship between football’s governing bodies and political leaders, with critics questioning whether the president’s intervention crossed a line. Ali and Zoë unpack the backlash, and discuss why they think this World Cup has been particularly bad for FIFA’s reputation. 
  Voting Intention by Taste in Pop MusicA new survey by polling company More in Common suggests your playlist might reveal more about your politics than you think. According to the results, Reform UK voters are most likely to be Dua Lipa fans, One Direction tops the charts for Conservative supporters, while Chappell Roan is the artist of choice for Green Party voters. Ali and Zoë try to make sense of the new figures. 
  Farage’s Resignation Gamble
  Back to the top political story of the week….Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP for Clacton. Ellie Hodges, political journalist & commentator joins the show to unpack why, in her view, Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election was an important move and why she believes the ‘establishment’ media are against the Reform UK leader. 
  Nato Summit: Key Takeaways
  This week saw dozens of world leaders gather in Turkey for this year’s NATO summit. The meeting comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, with the war in Ukraine showing no signs of ending and tensions continuing to rise in the Middle East.  There is also growing pressure from Donald Trump for NATO allies to shoulder more of the burden on defence spending. Kateryna Lisunova, a Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media adviser with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, joins us to unpack the key moments.
  Guests: Ellie Hodges, Political Commentator and Journalist. You can find her on X here.
  Kateryna Lisunova, Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media advisor with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine. You can find her on X here.
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• Will Burnham make us trust in politics again? Plus: Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan

  The Week Unwrapped:
  US-UK drug deal could result in 229,000 excess deaths in England, analysis suggestsA pharmaceutical trade deal between the UK and the US could lead to more than 200,000 avoidable deaths over the next decade, according to new analysis by the British Medical Journal. The agreement, struck last December, removed tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports to the US but committed the NHS to higher spending on branded medicines. This could now see around £45 billion diverted away from NHS care towards purchasing new drugs. 
  While ministers called it a “landmark deal”, critics say it amounts to “pacifying Donald Trump and big pharma’s demand for higher medicine prices.” Zoë and Ali unpack the pressure on the UK government from Donald Trump and the impact of Brexit on the pharmaceutical market. 
  Refugees would be told to repay around £10,000 under new asylum billAsylum seekers will be required to repay up to £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under new government plans. The scheme, part of a revised Immigration and Asylum Bill introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, aims to recoup the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels, HMOs and other accommodation. But critics say it will push the immigration system in a more restrictive direction. Zoë and Ali discuss why this legislation might be considered cruel and the government’s shifting messaging towards immigration. 
  250 years of American Independence This Saturday marks 250 years since the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence. But celebrations of the milestone have become politically divided. Congress created the bipartisan America250 Commission in 2016 to plan the anniversary. But upon returning to office last year, President Trump launched a rival organisation, Freedom 250. This weekend, the two groups are hosting separate celebrations: a Trump-led rally in Washington, D.C., while America250 is holding a concert in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah. Zoë and Ali explore the political divisions and issues that the relatively young country continues to face.
  Plus: Breaking news whilst we were on air: Keir Starmer has passed emergency legislation to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico! Let’s hope for celebrations, not commiserations!
  Burnham sets out Westminster Devolution visionOn Monday, Prime Minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, delivered his first major policy speech since winning the Makerfield by-election. 
  Speaking at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, the former Mayor of the city set out his plans for the country if he becomes Prime Minister. His offer to the public centres on a major transfer of power from Westminster to local communities. Other pledges include reforming utilities, reindustrialisation, and a major push to build council housing. Burnham is on course to take over from Keir Starmer in just over two weeks’ time - but do his policies hold up? Zoë and Ali give their first impressions of Burnham’s speech, what ‘Manchester-ism’ might look like in practice and how he might get people to trust in politics again.
  Starmer unveils Defence Investment Plan On Wednesday, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled his long-delayed Defence Investment Plan to the public. The plan sets out the UK’s defence budget, including targets for key weapons programmes. Since the resignation of defence secretary John Healey last month, the plan has been revised and extra spending over the next four years has increased to £15 billion. However, the plan is already becoming a political headache. Critics say it still falls well short of what is required and questions still remain over how it will be funded. Mason Boycott-Owen, Politico’s UK Defence Reporter, joins us to talk through what the deal entails, why defence is an increasing priority for the UK and the so-called black hole in funding that this will leave for Andy Burnham if he becomes PM. 
  Guest: Mason Boycott Owen, UK Defence Reporter. You can find his most recent work here and follow him on ‘X’ here.
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• Will Andy Burnham be the UK’s next Prime Minister?

  In this special edition of Politics Uncensored, we discuss why Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister. Plus, with Andy Burnham looking like the next person to take the role, we talk through an exclusive archive interview to get an idea of what his policies could be. 
  The Week Unwrapped: 
  Keir Starmer Steps Down as Prime MinisterAfter months of mounting pressure, Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister on Monday after just 23 months in office. Andy Burnham has now confirmed that he will stand in the Labour leadership contest following his dramatic victory in the Makerfield by-election. With support reportedly growing among Labour MPs and senior ministers, many now believe he is on course to become Britain's next Prime Minister. Ali and Zoë unpack what they made of Starmer’s resignation speech and what they think might happen next.
  King Charles Reveals Personal Tax BillKing Charles has become Britain’s first monarch in modern times to reveal his personal tax bill. His tax payments were shared on Thursday, showing the figures covering the 2024-25 financial year. Buckingham Palace said the move was part of a modernising drive for greater transparency. Zoë and Ali discuss how unusual this move is and how much impact this will have on public opinion of the Royal Family.
  Sturgeon and Gove to Team Up for Reality TV ‘War Game’This week, Sky announced a new reality television series, The War Game, which will see a host of political figures simulate a response to a Russian attack on the UK. Its main stars are ex-Conservative minister Michael Gove and former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, who will serve as PM and Deputy PM respectively. Zoë reveals to Ali her role in the upcoming programme! The pair also unpack what they think about political reality shows. 
  Why Did Keir Starmer Resign? We continue with the big story of the week - Keir Starmer’s resignation and what’s next for the Labour Party. John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor, joined Zoë and Ali to discuss where Starmer went wrong and why he had to step down.
  What Would an Andy Burnham Premiership Look Like?Everything is pointing to Andy Burnham becoming the next Prime Minister. On Tuesday, he held a private meeting with Keir Starmer and cabinet ministers have been calling for a swift transition. Ahead of the 2015 Labour leadership election - which Burnham ultimately lost - FUBAR spoke to him about the key issues he wanted to tackle if he became leader. We revisit this exclusive archive interview with MP John McDonnell to try and discern what Burnham’s policies could be.
  Guest: John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington. You can find him on 'X' here.
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• Who Wants to Be a Trillionaire? Plus: Starmer's Social Media Ban

  Ali hosts from Makerfield for the last time before the by-election. He’s joined by author and historian, Alex von Tunzelmann to unpack the big stories of the week.
  The Week Unwrapped: 
  The US and Iran sign a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ - Just as we thought things in the Middle East were getting boring…The US announced that a framework peace deal with Iran has been reached, bringing the 15 week conflict to a tentative end. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Washington and Tehran, and both parties are set to meet in Switzerland later this week for the initial talks. Ali and Alex discuss whether the US has achieved its foreign policy goal, how Iran will fare from the deal and the reaction from Israel.
  Ban on Palestine Action was lawful, court of appeal rulesOn Monday, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is lawful. Earlier this year, the High Court found the proscription was disproportionate, in a judgment that threatened to undermine hundreds of ongoing criminal prosecutions. That ruling has now been overturned, in a win for the government. Ali and Alex unpack the significance of this and what it means for the right to protest in this country.
  Voters head to the polls in MakerfieldAll eyes are on Makerfield as voters head to the polls after weeks of build-up for one of the biggest by-elections this country has seen. Ali and Alex look ahead to what it might mean for the Labour Party if Andy Burnham wins, and what the scenario might be if he doesn’t.
  Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire Entrepreneur Elon Musk is the world's first trillionaire. The milestone came over the weekend after the stock market debut of SpaceX, the company behind his rocket launches, satellite internet network and artificial intelligence business. Musk was already the richest person on the planet, but reaching a net worth of $1 trillion marks a new era of affluence. Ali and Alex discuss what this means for Musk’s power and political influence and public attitudes towards extreme wealth. 
  Keir Starmer announces a ban on social media for under-16’sEarlier this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for the UK to restrict social media access for under-16s. The government says the measures would go further than ‘any country in the world’ to protect children from online harms. The new rules will mean that starting from 2027, young people under-16 would be barred from a range of major platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram. 
  Cosima Wiltshire, Lead of Strategy and Public Affairs at FlippGen, tells us her thoughts on the ban, how young people have reacted and how the government can make social media a safer place for all. 
  Guests:Alex von Tunzelmann, Author and Historian. You can find her on Instagram: @alexvontunzelmann 
  Cosima Wiltshire, Lead of Strategy and Public Affairs at FlippGen. You can find her on Instagram: @cosimawiltshire
  Producer:  Monica Lillis 
   
  

• The UK Defence Secretary Resigns. Plus: Violence in Belfast and Albania’s Backlash Against a Jared Kushner Backed Hotel Development

  The Week Unwrapped 
  What’s next for the war in the Middle East?
  Hopes for a truce in the Middle East are fading, as the United States launched a second round of airstrikes into Iran on Thursday morning. The attacks were launched after the downing of an American helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting the US’s allies in the Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday night that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalling peace negotiations. Zoë and Ali discuss what these breaches mean for peace, whether it is turning into a long-term war, and what the cost is domestically for Donald Trump.
  Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over military spending plans
  Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from Keir Starmer’s government over military spending plans. In a letter to the PM on Thursday, he says the defence investment plan "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time" and that he had no choice but to stand down. Zoë and Ali unpack why this comes as a surprise and what this significant move means for Keir Starmer’s future. 
  One week to go until the Makerfield By-election
  Ali is in Makerfield again this week, so he brings us the latest from the constituency ahead of the consequential by-election. Ali also tells us about the mood locally, why he thinks it is going to be a tight race and why he is concerned about the rise of the right-wing Restore Britain.
  Violence breaks out in Belfast after protests over a knife attack
  Earlier this week, footage was widely circulated on social media of a serious knife attack in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Authorities say the suspect is a Sudanese refugee, a detail that has fuelled anti-immigration protests. Some were peaceful, but others descended into violence.Demonstrators have set fire to vehicles and buildings, largely in Belfast, with residents reporting that many of those targeted were people of colour. 
  The unrest comes as anger over the fatal stabbing of Southampton student Henry Nowak remains raw. While the two cases are unrelated, both have sparked protests and renewed debate around immigration and asylum in the UK. 
  Zoë and Ali unpack why this is more than an immigration issue, how this casts light on increasing racist rhetoric in the UK and the role of social media. 
  Albania’s Flamingo Revolution: Jared Kushner’s hotel development sparks fierce backlash
  To Albania now, where thousands of people have taken to the streets of the capital, Tirana, to protest a multi-billion-dollar development linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump.
  Plans for a 10,000-room luxury resort complex on the former military outpost of Sazan Island, alongside a development near the neighbouring Vjosa-Narta Lagoon, a protected stretch of Albania's coastline, have sparked opposition. Albania's government is backing the investment and appears determined to push ahead. 
  Una Hajdari, Politico Europe contributor and Balkans expert joins us to explain the political difficulty of the project, why Albanians are so angry and what this might mean for the country’s future.
  Guest: Una Hajdari, Politico Europe contributor and Balkans expert. You can find Una on X here. 
  Producer: Monica Lillis
  

• Footage of Henry Nowak’s murder sparks national outrage. Plus: The rising level of youth unemployment

  On this edition, body-cam footage of 18 year old Henry Nowak’s death in police custody has sparked division and outrage - we’ll unpack the latest. And later on we’ll find out why so many young people are out of work right now. 
  The Week Unwrapped: Two weeks to go until the Makerfield by-election:Ali is in Makerfield again this week ahead of the consequential by-election on 18th June which could determine the future of leadership in Britain. Ali tells Zoë about the mood on the ground, what the polls are saying right now and the scrutiny that the Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon, is under.
  Hungary set to be the first EU country to introduce a wealth tax In April, long-term far right leader, Viktor Orban, was ousted from government and lost his 16 year grip on power. His replacement, Péter Magyar, won his campaign on the promise that he would crack down on corruption, funneling funds towards public services. And it seems he will be delivering on that promise - with his centre-right Tisza party expected to announce a wealth tax in the coming days. Zoë and Ali discuss how this originally left-wing policy has become mainstream, whether this feeling will spread across Europe and whether it will work in practice. 
  The second set of Mandelson files are released A second set of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s time as UK ambassador to the US were released on Monday. The documents were published in an attempt to reveal what ministers know about Mandelson’s links to Epstein, but it seems we have been left with more questions than answers. Zoë and Ali unpick why this slow drip of new information will continue to make the public lose faith in the current administration. 
  Murder of Henry Nowak sparks identity politics rowThe murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sent shockwaves across the UK. Last year, the Southampton student was handcuffed after killer Vickrum Digwa falsely claimed to police that Nowak had racially abused him. In reality, Digwa had stabbed Nowak five times with a blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith.
  Footage released this week shows Nowak pleading with officers that he'd been stabbed, one officer dismissed him. Nowak died shortly after. The case has sparked fierce political debate. Critics, including Nigel Farage and Elon Musk say the tragedy highlights two-tier policing, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Farage of "exploiting tragedy to create grievance and division". Zoë and Ali consider the importance of centering his family in the discussions, how certain figures are using this as a political tool and the Right-wing’s changing views towards the police. 
  Why are so many young people out of work in the UK?A new report released by the government last week says that one million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) - the highest level in more than a decade. The report’s author, Alan Milburn, outlined that career opportunities for young people are “not growing, they’re shrinking” and warned that “we are at risk of a lost generation.”  So why are so many people currently out of work? Dani Payne, Head of Education and Social Mobility at the Social Market Foundation joins us to dispel the myths of the ‘snowflake generation.’ She tells us about the factors that have led to such a high level of youth unemployment, the death of the ‘Saturday job’ and what the government can do next. 
  Guest: Dani Payne - You can find her @danihpayne on Instagram and TikTok
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• The UK’s growing heatwave problem. Plus: Would a social media ban actually work?

  Ali is presenting from Makerfield today, but he’s joined by Ros Taylor, writer, journalist and podcaster to cover the top stories of the week.
  The Week Unwrapped:
  Former SNP Chief, Peter Murrell, Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Party FundsEarlier this week, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of previous first minister Nicola Sturgeon, used illicit party funds to purchase luxury goods including jewellery, two cars and a motorhome. Ros and Ali discuss how the SNP have survived the scandal, whether Sturgeon deserves to be scrutinised and some of Murrell’s questionable purchases. 
  Robert Kenyon’s Old Social Media Accounts ExposedLast week, Reform UK announced local plumber, Robert Kenyon, as their candidate in the Makerfield by-election. However, several social media accounts linked to Kenyon have come under scrutiny, after a series of historic posts resurfaced online. Some posts attributed to the account appear to express controversial views on issues including Covid vaccines and immigration as well as degrading comments about women and anti-Ukraine sentiment. Ros and Ali question whether Kenyon is right for the role, the vetting process for Reform UK and his refusal to apologise. 
  Why does every Labour frontbencher have the same haircut?Finally, a recent article by Hannah Camilleri on her Substack ‘Soft Power’ has pointed out an interesting phenomenon in Westminster. She writes that if you cast your eye over the Labour benches at the moment, there is an exceptionally high rate of what has been nicknamed the “Labour Right Bob” From Shabana Mahmood to Rachel Reeves, it seems that plenty of the top women in the Commons all have the same short haircut. Ali and Ros unpack why that might be. 
  Up Next:
  Is a Social Media Ban on the Horizon?On Tuesday, the government wrapped up a consultation on whether to impose an Australian-style social media ban for under 16s. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, vowed to take "decisive” action to tackle the impact of social media on children in the UK. This is part of a wider debate about how the government can increase pressure on tech companies over online safety concerns, especially for young people. The Labour party is expected to announce a crackdown within weeks. Ali and Ros unpick the complex debate, what can be done and whether the legislation will actually work.
  Heatwaves: Should the Government be doing more?The UK has experienced a record breaking heatwave this week. The hottest ever May temperature was recorded on Tuesday in London - 35.1C. This warm weather is, however, a cause for concern. High temperatures have led to deaths, infrastructure failures as well as economic disruption. Scientists expect that heatwaves will happen more often as a result of climate change. So, is the UK doing enough to prepare itself for this shift? Issey Gladston, Climate Journalist and Communications Strategist, joins us to unpack why it’s currently so hot in Europe, the rise of conspiracy theories and why we should frame this as a national security issue. 
  Guests: Ros Taylor - Writer, Broadcaster and Journalist. You can find her on Bluesky here
  Issey Gladston - Climate Journalist and Communications strategist. You can find her on Instagram here. 
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor the Ultimate Nepo Baby?

  The Week Unwrapped:
  Files related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as trade envoy in 2001 have been released - A fresh batch of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appointment as trade envoy in 2001 has been released by the government. Earlier this year, lawmakers agreed to publish the documents after the disgraced royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The pages reveal that there was no formal due diligence or vetting process undertaken prior to his appointment. Ali and Martha unpack whether this new information will be damaging to Buckingham Palace, whether Andrew was qualified enough for the position and the difficulties placing Royals in political positions. 
  UK loosens Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise -This week, the government has loosened strict sanctions on Russian oil as concerns over supply grow as a result of the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the US-Israel war in Iran, fuel prices have skyrocketed which is having a huge knock on effect on British industry. The government has expressed the need to be flexible, but in the meantime has signed a G7 statement reaffirming its "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine. Ali and Martha discuss realpolitik: will the general public care if it’s making prices cheaper or is this an immoral move? 
  UK formally assesses bid for England to host Olympics in 2040s -The UK government is looking into a potential bid to host the Olympics and Paralympic Games in the 2040’s. Ministers have commissioned UK Sport to assess whether the competition could return to Britain, this time in the north of the country. Ali and Martha reminisce on the excitement of London 2012, and how the soft-power benefits of hosting another Games. 
  Campaigns for the Makerfield By-Election begin: Up next, Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a potential challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership. Reform UK also announced their candidate - local man, Robert Kenyon. Meanwhile, Starmer remains insistent that he isn’t going anywhere. Ali and Martha unpack why this is such a pivotal moment in British politics, what to expect in the coming weeks and what might happen if Labour don’t win.
  Putin’s Visit to China: This week, Xi Jinping welcomed the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, just days after the Chinese leader hosted Donald Trump in the same location. Putin touched down in Beijing on Tuesday, confident that despite the US’s touting of trade deals, there is little evidence of significant progress for Washington and Beijing. George Magnus, Research associate at China Centre, Oxford University, and SOAS and Author of ‘Red Flags: Why Xi’s China is in Jeopardy”, joined Ali to unpack Guests: 
  Martha Gill (@Martha_Gill on X and @marthagill.bsky.social on BlueSky)
  George Magnus (@georgemagnus1 on X)Producer: Monica Lillis

• Andy Burnham Paves the Way to Challenge Keir Starmer for Labour Leadership. Plus: The Politics of Eurovision

  The Week Unwrapped:US President, Donald Trump, is on a rare visit to China this week to meet with premier Xi Jinping. The summit aims to ease the fragile relationship between the two superpowers. Zoe and Ali discuss Trump’s surprising change of heart on China, the importance of Taiwan in these discussions and whether Beijing will assist Washington on Iran. 
  Then, following on from our discussion last week: Reports confirm that Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property in cash shortly after he received a £5 personal gift from a Thailand based crypto billionaire. The revelation comes after The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner separately confirmed that he will be facing a formal investigation over the fact he didn’t declare the gift. The Reform UK leader says he was under “no obligation” to make it public because it was given before he was an MP. His opponents however say he should have. Zoë and Ali question the reasons why this wasn’t declared, Farage’s comments to The Sun newspaper that it was a ‘reward’ for pioneering Brexit and what the consequences might be for him. 
  Finally, over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron angrily interrupted a speech at an event in Kenya, to demand silence from the audience. Macron appeared visibly upset at the level of noise in the room, and stormed onto the stage. The summit was meant to show off France’s new policy for the continent and improve relations in a shift from a dominating former colonial power to what Paris describes as an equal partnership. Zoë and Ali unpack the backlash. 
  Threats to Keir Starmer’s Leadership:Keir Starmer is facing serious threats to his leadership. Following on from Labour’s worst ever performance in the local elections, nearly a quarter of the party’s MP’s have called for Starmer to resign. 
  Earlier this week, Wes Streeting resigned from his position as Health Secretary saying that he has lost confidence in him. Reports say but he is expected to launch a challenge for leadership, but this is yet to happen. 
  But waiting in the wings was Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Former Starmer ally, Josh Simons, has said he will step down from his seat in Makerfield, to pave the way for Burnham to be the next leader. Zoë and Ali unpack another wild week in the Commons, Westminster’s short-termism problem and where the Labour Party will go next. 
  Eurovision - Can It Ever Be Free of Politics?Finally, the grand final of the Eurovision, now in its 70th year, is being held in Vienna on Saturday night and hundreds of millions of people will be tuning in. However, this year’s competition is shrouded in controversy. Disputes are growing over Israel’s participation and as a result, five countries, including Spain and Ireland are boycotting. 
  Chris West, author of Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest joins us to tell us the history of the politics of Eurovision, the accusations of political double standards threatening to overshadow the music, and what this year’s edition will look like. 
  Guest: Chris West 
  Producer: Monica Lillis

• Local elections day: Why Local Politics Matters and Nigel Farage's £5mil Crypto "Gift"

  This episode went live on polling day for the local elections, here's why local politics matters.But first it's the week unwrapped with winner of Make me a Prime Minister Natalie Balmain
  
  STORY 1: Hantavirus Outbreak, how worried should we be?
  
  Earlier this week, The World Health Organisation confirmed an outbreak of the deadly rodent-borne Hantavirus aboard a Dutch cruise ship. So far 3 of the 150 passengers have died and one British citizen has been taken into intensive care.
  
  The vessel, MV Hondus, was in transit from Argentina to the Canary Islands. The ship is expected to arrive at Granadilla on the island of Tenerife “within three days”
  
  
  STORY 2: Graduate jobs fall by a third as employers cut hiring
  Fresh figures from jobs platform Adzuna, published in The Times on Wednesday shows a 34.9 percent decline in vacancies for graduates in the year to March. Many companies are cutting back on hiring and using AI tools and technologies instead.
  
  STORY 3: Cost of a pint has reached £10 in London
  And finally, if you’re heading for a drink in London this weekend, prepare not to get any change from that £10 note - According to the Telegraph, a number of bars in the capital are now charging a tenner or more for a pint of beer.
  --Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has accepted a £5million “gift” from billionaire backer Christopher Harborne. Farage has claimed that he had “no obligation” to declare the gift, said to pay for his security.
  
  In a Telegraph interview last week, Farage revealed that in early 2024, Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne had given him the money to pay for his security.
  
  Labour and other rival parties have accused Farage of breaking parliamentary rules by not declaring the £5m gift in the register of interests for MPs - and the Conservatives have referred the Reform UK leader to the parliamentary standards commissioner.
  
  But speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, Farage said the £5m gift was "purely private" and "wasn't political in any sense at all". "The rules are very clear," Farage said.
  
  "And believe you me, we've looked at this from every legal angle, there is no obligation to declare something that is an unconditional, non-political, personal gift.
  --And then to wrap up the show, whilst voting was ongoing, Zoe was joined by Steve Akehurst (PRONO: Ache-hurst), Director of electoral think-tank, Persuasion UK to discuss the history, influence and importance of local elections.
  
  Why May's local elections are more important than you might think - ITV:
  
  This year's elections in the UK are much more important than you might think - and the results could have a huge impact in both the immediate aftermath and in years to come.
  
  On May 7, millions of people in England, Scotland, and Wales will elect over 5,000 politicians in elections that could produce a set of results the UK has never seen before.
  
  The Welsh and Scottish national elections could set a path for the breakup of the UK.England's council elections could decimate Labour and the Conservatives, and the results across the board could be the end of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
  What's happening where? And what’s changed?
  
  In England, elections are being held for 4,851 council seats across 134 of England’s 317 council areas.
  
  The areas include big cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle, as well as counties including Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
  
  What is happening in Scotland and Wales?
  
  In Wales, the electoral system has changed for the first time since its first devolved election in 1999.
  
  The number of Senedd seats up for grabs is increasing from 60 to 96, but the number of constituencies is decreasing from 40 to 16, and each will elect six politicians.People in Wales will now only cast one vote, rather than the two in previous elections - and ballot papers will only display party names rather than candidates.Scotland, which is electing 129 members to the Scottish parliament, is still using the Additional Member Electoral System
  
  This means Scots will cast two votes - one for a candidate and another for a party.In Scotland and Wales, 16-year-olds can vote.The voting age in England will still be 18 until the government lowers it across the UK ahead of the next general election.
  
  Politicians elected in Wales and Scotland will make decisions that affect their whole country, while councillors in England only preside over their local areas.All of these elections are critical for the Labour Party and could be fatal for Starmer.
  Host: Zoe Grunewald
  Guests: Natalie Balmain and Steven Akehurst
  Producers: Monica Lillis and Hugh Smiley
  

• The rise of political violence in the UK following antisemitic attacks in London. Plus: The role of the Royal Family in diplomacy

  The Week Unwrapped: 
  Police are treating the stabbing of two men in Golders Green, in north London as terrorism. The assaults, claimed by Iran-linked terror group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) follow a series of arson attacks on Jewish targets in the capital since March. The suspect, who has been named as Essa Suleiman, has been described as hunting for anyone “visibly Jewish” to attack. Zoë and Ali discuss the rise of antisemitism in the UK, the concern around growing political violence and what the government can do beyond increased police funding. 
  Then, new analysis shows the world’s 100 biggest oil companies made more than $30 million every hour in unearned profit in the first month of the US-Israeli war in Iran. This includes UK petroleum giant BP who saw their profits double. Ali tells us why the narrative that 'we are all in this together' when it comes to rising prices is wrong.
  Finally, recently elected Green Party MP, Hannah Spencer caused a stir in political circles after describing her “unease” over the smell of booze in Westminster. Fellow parliamentarians, including Nigel Farage, were quick to criticise her comments, raising questions and eyebrows around the drinking culture in parliament. Zoë and Ali unpack the risks surrounding this and whether this is a class issue.
  Is Labour on week footing going into next week’s local elections?
  The story that is still dominating the headlines is the fallout from the Mandelson scandal. 
  This week, Keir Starmer dodged a parliamentary investigation over claims he misled parliament about the process to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. The Conservative led motion was dismissed, with MP’s voting against it 335 to 223.
  Downing Street deployed its full weight to force Labour MPs to block a referral to the privileges committee, however some 15 MPs defied the party whip and did not vote against the motion as instructed.
  Zoë and Ali unpack why Keir Starmer didn’t refer himself to the privileges committee himself if he was confident enough and ask whether this has irreparably damaged his reputation. With local elections coming up next week, we discuss how all this will impact Labour, especially with fresh forecasts that the party are set to lose 1850 seats.
  Then, speaking of the local elections, Labour is doing its best to squash the number of voters for The Reform Party next week. The party this week published a so-called - “uncensored” version of its election broadcast, highlighting comments made by Reform UK politicians too offensive to be aired on TV. Zoë and Ali tell us why they think this reverse psychology strategy is a strong campaign choice.
  King Charles’ State Visit to the US 
  This week King Charles paid a state visit to the United States - the first trip of its kind since 2007. Ties between the US-UK have been fractured of late with President Trump openly expressing his dislike for Keir Starmer and his policies. The Royal visit comes with the hope that the special relationship can be repaired and it has seemingly gone well. Amanda Matta, Royal Commentator joined the show to explain the state of the ‘special relationship’, the Royal Family’s role in diplomacy and American perception of the King. 
  Guest: Amanda Matta, Royal Commentator. You can find her on TikTok and Instagram @matta_of_fact 
  Producers: Monica Lillis and Hugh Smiley

• Can Keir Starmer Survive the Mandelson Scandal? Plus: Why Palantir is ‘not an appropriate partner’ for the NHS

  It’s been a busy week in Westminster as it continues to reel from the news of Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting. To recap: last week, The Guardian published the explosive revelation that Mandelson did not secure vetting clearance before he was appointed as Ambassador to Washington in late 2024. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he was in the dark about the decision. On Monday afternoon, Starmer defended himself in the commons saying that it was “beggars belief" that the result was withheld from him by the since-sacked Foreign Office Chief, Oliver Robbins. In his own questioning, Robbins told the Foreign Affairs Select Committee that there was a “very strong expectation” that Mandelson should hold the post - claims which No10 deny. Zoë Grünewald and Matthew Torbitt unpack the fallout and whether Keir Starmer will survive the scandal. 
  Up next, we unpack the ties between Big Tech and Britain’s institutions with Director of Advocacy at Foxglove, Donald Campbell. Over the weekend, US based Data Analytics firm Palantir posted on X what they called a ‘brief’ summary of CEO Alex Karp’s book “The Technological Republic.” Dubbed as the company’s mini manifesto, the post sets out Palantir’s controversial ideology and denounces inclusivity and ‘regressive pluralist cultures’ Palantir has operations in multiple government agencies across the world, including here in the UK. According to the Good Law Project, NHS trusts are rolling out Palantir software and in 2023, the government handed a £330 million NHS data contract to Palantir. The software is designed to link up otherwise incompatible databases, fixing an issue that has hampered the NHS where unrelated IT systems are used in different locations. However, Donald Campbell tells Zoë that he thinks that the Labour Government should bring their contract to an end, and according to the British Medical Association, Palantir are ‘not an appropriate partner to have working in the NHS.’ Critics also point to Palantir's funding links to the CIA, leading to allegations around surveillance, its contracts with the Israeli Defence Force, and its co-founder Peter Thiel being a major donor to Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Also, according to Novara Media, the most recent dump of Epstein files sheds light on the links between Palantir, Thiel, Epstein and the former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson. 
  Guests: Matthew Torbitt and Donald Campbell Producer: Monica Lillis

• "It's Giving Partygate" - Peter Mandelson Failed Security Check but Still Appointed

  Peter Mandelson was appointed as Ambassador to the US, despite failing his security check. The decision was overruled by the Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post as ambassador to the US, an investigation by the Guardian revealed.
  Ali and Zoe discuss this breaking story, the "partygate" vibes and if this is the end for Keir Starmer.
  Via the Guardian: According to multiple sources, Mandelson was initially denied clearance in late January 2025 after a developed vetting process, a highly confidential background check by security officials.
  Keir Starmer had by then announced he would be making Mandelson the UK’s chief diplomat in Washington, posing a dilemma for officials at the Foreign Office, who decided to use a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from security officials.
  The decision, which rests with the Cabinet Office, has not yet been taken. Any attempt to withhold the documents from the intelligence and security committee could amount to a breach of a parliamentary motion to release “all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment”.Starmer will also be pressed over whether he misled the public in remarks about the security vetting process, which he said had given Mandelson “clearance for the role”.--Then with local elections coming up in the UK, parties are doubling down on their stance on affordable housing and particularly the issue of Leasehold. The Labour Party pledged in their 2024 manifesto that they would abolish the so-called ‘feudal’ agreements, but so far progress has been slow. Ali and Zoe are joined by founder Free Leaseholders, a grassroots campaign for the abolition of leasehold, Harry Scoffin, to discuss.
  Key Facts and Figures
  Total Leasehold Homes: Approximately 5 million leasehold homes exist in England, representing 20% of the housing stock.Composition: 70% of leasehold properties are flats, and 30% are houses.Transaction Volume: In 2023, 24% of all residential property transactions in England and Wales were leasehold.Ground Rent Statistics: As of 2023/24, 77% of leaseholders paid ground rent, with a median of £120 per year; however, 23% paid zero ground rent.
  The 2-Year Rule: The requirement to own a property for two years before extending a lease or buying the freehold has been abolished In the build up to the 2024 general election all major UK political parties pledged some form of leasehold reform, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats committing to abolition, and the Conservatives promising further reform.
  With the local elections coming up on the 7th May, Green Party leader Zack Polanski also claimed the government had U-turned on its promise to scrap the "feudal" leasehold system "because it's more interested in pleasing property developers than freeing five million people from the financial burden of service charges".
  Guest Bio:
  Free Leaseholders is a grassroots group of leaseholders fighting for so-called ‘true’ homeownership. The group claims that 5.3 million homes in England and Wales are under leasehold. This means that you pay for the right to occupy the property you live in but you don’t truly own the flat itself or the ‘bricks and mortar’.
  Occupiers are therefore subject to ground rents, service charges, and the threat of forfeitureFree Leaseholders say that the law dates back to 1066 and it no longer exists in most of the world
  They’re campaigning because governments have been pledging for decades to abolish it but each time they’ve given into pressure from powerful lobbies that benefit from leasehold.--To wrap up the show Zoe and Ali give an update on the War in Iran, where local and US officials are still hashing out a plan for a ceasefire. Indirect talks are said to be “ongoing and productive” but fundamental differences still remain.
  US Secretary of ‘War’ Pete Hegseth says the US will maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for as long as it takes.
  Pakistan’s Army chief is in Iran as part of ongoing mediation efforts to renew negotiations as the deadline for the fragile US-Iran ceasefire looms.
  Iranian officials say that fundamental disagreements remain between the warring parties, specifically over Iran’s nuclear programme.
  The White House says discussions around a possible second round of peace talks between the US and Iran are "ongoing" and "productive" - but no time or place have been confirmed. The two-week ceasefire is due to end on 22 April.
  Hosts: Ali Milani and Zoe GrunewaldGuest: Harry ScoffinProducers: Monica Lillis and Hugh Smiley

• Netanyahu Wants to Create "GREATER ISRAEL" By Expanding into Iran - Professor Scott Lucas

  Benjamin Netanyahu has different plans then Donald Trump, aiming to expand their territory to make "Greater Israel", argues Professor Scott Lucas.
  No Zoe today so Ali breaks down the war in Iran so far before being joined by Professor of International Studies at the Clinton Institute in Dublin, and founder of the EA WorldView, Scott Lucas to chat about the shaky ceasefire between the US and Iran. We also rerun Zoe's interview with Matthew Spence, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy under Obama.
  After this Scott Lucas joins the show, where he breaks down the different aims in this war for Israeli Leader Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, arguing that Israel wants to expand, creating "Greater Israel" in Lebanon.
  "No one wins" a war, argues Lucas, as they explain the ever-increasing death tolls, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and JD Vance's plans to become President after Trump leaves office.
  They also discuss the UK's role in the war, and the US's precarious position with its allies.
  Guest Bio:
  Scott Lucas became Professor of International Politics in 2014, having been on the staff of the University of Birmingham since 1989 and a Professor of American Studies since 1997.
  
  He began his career as a specialist in US and British foreign policy, but his research interests now also cover current international affairs --- especially North Africa, the Middle East, and Iran --- New Media, and Intelligence Services.
  
  A professional journalist since 1979, Professor Lucas is the founder and editor of EA WorldView, a leading website in daily news and analysis of Iran, Turkey, Syria, and the wider Middle East, as well as US foreign policy.
  Host: Ali MilaniGuests: Scott Lucas and Matthew SpenceProducer: Hugh Smiley
  

• Simon Dudley's Awful Grenfell Comments and the Billionaires who own London

  On today’s show, we found out about the billionaires who really own London with investigative journalist Andrew Kersley. Then Zoe and Ali discuss Trump’s bold claim that his “objectives” in Iran are nearly complete.
  But first it's the Week Unwrapped:
  Grenfell was a “tragedy” but “everyone dies in the end”, this is what the now former Reform housing spokesman, Simon Dudley, said in an interview with Inside Housing. These comments have sparked outrage from Grenfell campaigners and the politicians alike.
  Simon Dudley this week in an interview with Inside Housing said in response to a question on whether he thought Grenfell was a warning about insufficient regulation. ‘That (Grenfell) was a tragedy. It was a failure" But he doesn’t believe the current regulatory regime is proportionate saying “Sadly, you know, everyone dies in the end. It’s just how you go, right?”--The Israeli Parliament has passed a highly controversial law mandating the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly terror attacks. The bill has been described by opponents as "Immoral"--Long serving Labour MP Karl Turner lost the whip this week after a “pattern of behaviour” for opposing the government. Turner has been especially vocal in opposing David Lammy’s Jury Trial reforms, he said he was "disappointed to be suspended without prior discussion”. --Welcome back, who is it that owns London? It’s been a well known fact that much of the capital is bought up by foreign private investors, but who are they? And how far does their ownership spread? Investigative Journalist for the Londoner Andrew Kersley joins the studio to break down his excellent piece: Revealed: the billionaires who really own London
  32,611 properties in London are owned by overseas entities. We can do this because a recent change in the law is forcing these foreign companies to register their real owners.a story that concerns some of London’s most iconic pubs, Camden market, President Trump’s golf buddy and even an Oxford Street Harry Potter store whose landlord is seemingly the sanctioned Libyan government.--Hosts: Zoe Grunewald and Ali MilaniGuest: Andrew KersleyProducers: Hugh Smiley and Jules Bradford
  

• Will Landmark Meta Ruling Lead to a SOCIAL MEDIA BAN?

  On today’s show, Meta and Google found negligent in social media addiction trial joining us to discuss this landmark ruling is Tech Reported for Politico Aaron Mak.But first it's the week unwrapped:
  Failed Reform candidate Matt Goodwin’s new book is reportedly filled with falsehoods and hallucinations after allegations that he extensively used ChatGPT to write it. Prompting him to have the nickname, MattGpt.
  The Reform UK candidate who lost a crunch by-election last month has defended using AI to help write his latest book.
  Matt Goodwin came in second place, behind the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, in the Gorton and Denton vote – a sign that Nigel Farage’s party may be losing momentum with voters.Now the ex-university academic, who came under fire during the campaign for calling for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check, has had to defend his use of ChatGPT on his latest book, Suicide of a Nation: Immigration, Islam, Identity.
  The book has been described as a “story of how Britain, one of the most remarkable countries on earth, is not just in decline but is committing national suicide”.--Morgan Mcsweeney has claimed that his phone, containing all his messages for friend of a nonce Peter Mandelson has been stolen. The convenience of which has led to some doubting this claim. Keir Starmer today said it was “far-fetched” to claim that Mcsweeney is lying. --And finally Nigel Farage has hinted that one of his former MPs in Essex, who quit Reform UK after allegations of financial misconduct, could rejoin his party.Nigel Farage has hinted that one of his former MPs in Essex, who quit Reform UK after allegations of financial misconduct, could rejoin his party.
  James McMurdock gave up his party whip last year over questions about his eligibility for Covid-19 support loans that he received through two companies. He denied any wrongdoing.Asked during a local election campaign visit to Corringham in Essex, Farage said "I'm hoping we can get this thing ironed out".
  McMurdock sits as an independent for South Basildon and East Thurrock, which includes Corringham, and he confirmed he would like to rejoin the party.--After this, Technology Reporter for Politico, based in the US, Aaron Mak joins the show to explain several landmark social media rulings.
  Meta has just lost a court case that could have huge implications for children in the future. The company behind Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook has just been fined $375 million dollars for damaging children’s mental health and exposing them to sexual content.But that is not the only court case which Meta has lost this week. Yesterday a woman successfully won her case over her childhood addiction to social media.In a small court in Los Angeles, both Meta and Youtube were found liable. Now they are facing a wave of 40 more similar lawsuits.
  Los Angeles Case
  The woman, known as Kaley, was awarded $6m in damages (NYT) She also received an additional $3m punitive damages (NYT) Jurors determined Meta and Google "acted with malice, oppression, or fraud" (NYT)Kaley said she started using Instagram aged nine and YouTube aged six, and encountered no attempts to block her because of her age (NYT)Meta and Google said they disagreed with the verdict and intended to appeal (BBC)Meta said: "Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”Meta faces a wave of more than 40 similar lawsuits
  Child Social Media Case
  A court in New Mexico ruled that the company behind WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook was liable for how its platform exposed children to sexually explicit content and predators.Meta says it will appeal the decision and that it works hard to keep people safe on its platforms.Experts say the ruling could now have big consequences around the world (NYT)There are currently more than 2,000 active cases looking at social media harm in the US (BBC)
  Guest Bio:
  Aaron Mak is a technology reporter at POLITICO. As an undergraduate, he interned at POLITICO Magazine and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Aaron later worked as a technology reporter at Slate, where he won a Writers Guild of America award for a feature delving into Asian men’s rights groups on social media. Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale College and a JD from Yale Law School. In his free time, he likes watching cult classics and listening to cloud rap.
  Hosts: Zoe Grunewald and Ali MilaniGuest: Aaron MakProducers: Hugh Smiley and Ruth Rashleigh

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