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

Politics Uncensored

• Podcast Home
• Download Episode

Thursday, 16 July 2026 - 50 minutes

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

Subscribe to this podcast

• Apple Podcasts
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• RSS Feed