Talking Politics

How bad could things get for the UK economy as Iran war bites?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0100

Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is underway but how long can it last, and have the Americans backed themselves into a corner?

On Talking Politics, Tom and Robert examine why the blockade could become a “slow and painful” strategy.

They also break down the latest “depressing” forecasts for economic growth from the International Monetary Fund, a major blow to the UK economic outlook.

And with fresh warnings from former Labour Defence Secretary and ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson that Britain’s security is “in peril,” Tom and Robert discuss how Sir Keir Starmer should respond.

Sir Keir Starmer tells Talking Politics why Israel should stop attacking Lebanon

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:22:00 +0100

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told ITV News' Talking Politics podcast that Israel is "wrong" to continue its strikes on Lebanon amid a ceasefire with Iran, saying it "should stop" as a "matter of principle".

The exclusive interview with ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston is the prime minister's first since the establishment of a fragile two-week ceasefire deal made between the US and Iran.

Starmer in Gulf: Will Iran ceasefire pull UK out of crisis?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:27:00 +0100

A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has brought a moment of relief, but how stable is this fragile truce - and what comes next? In this week’s episode of Talking Politics,

Robert joins Tom from Saudi Arabia where he’s travelling in the region with the PM ahead of an exclusive interview.

Tom and Robert break down how Trump has been left humiliated by the deal, and discuss whether world leaders think the President has ‘lost his marbles’.

Plus, they ask if the war signifies the end of Nato, or whether it’s just a bump in the road for the alliance.

Iran oil crisis: Is Rachel Reeves doing enough to keep energy bills down?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:50:00 +0100

Rachel Reeves has vowed to support “those who need it most” if energy bills surge amid the Iran war - but is she already “boxed in”?

In this week’s Talking Politics, Tom and Robert break down the Chancellor’s options and why Rachel Reeves is determined not to repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss.

Could this spiral into a crisis on the scale of 2008? Robert gives his predictions for the long-term economic fallout of the conflict.

Plus: why large bets placed just before Donald Trump’s peace talks announcement on Monday have triggered accusations of insider trading.

Trump and Starmer’s Iran fallout: Can UK keep out of the war?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:01:00 +0100

Trump has ramped up attacks on Starmer, blasting his handling of the Iran war and claiming the special relationship was good "until Keir came along."

On this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom and Robert discuss whether the UK–US partnership can survive - and how much Trump’s broadsides really matter.

Starmer says he doesn’t want to get drawn into the “wider” war, but how long can that position hold?

Tom and Robert are also joined by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, to discuss the Iran war, why Canada is prioritising new alliances beyond the US, and whether the UK should cancel the King’s state visit to America.

Mandelson files released: Will they ruin Starmer?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:47:00 +0100

The Mandelson files are out - and they raise serious questions. The new documents show Starmer was warned of a “general reputational risk” linked to Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein before Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador.

In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert and Tom unpack the key revelations, ask whether Starmer can recover politically, and explore why Mandelson asked for a £500,000 payout after he was sacked And Robert reveals why reading the files made him feel like his head was exploding...

Could war in the Middle East wreck the UK economy?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:57:00 +0100

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the government has 'restored economic stability' despite downgraded growth forecasts for 2026, whilst the US-Israel war with Iran means narrow improvements in the economy revealed in her spring statement are likely to be overturned.

On Talking Politics, UK Editor Paul Brand and Political Editor Robert Peston discuss what it means for energy prices, interest rates and economic growth - and whether the UK can afford to become further involved in the conflict.

What does US-Israel war with Iran mean for Starmer?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:17:00 +0100

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will allow the US to use British bases for 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites, but says the UK government 'will not join offensive action now'.

Donald Trump says he’s ’very disappointed’ in Starmer and condemned the delay in making that decision.

So is the UK at war with Iran and what does it mean for the UK-US special relationship?

On this episode of Talking Politics Robert speaks to Julie Etchingham who is in Erbil, northern Iraq, about the escalating war in the Middle East and what it means for Starmer.

Green Party wins in Gorton and Denton | What it really means for British politics

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:45:00 +0100

Shockwaves are surging through British politics after a dramatic by-election in Gorton and Denton. In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert and Tom unpack what the Greens’ victory means for Labour - was Starmer “nuts” for not taking the left-wing party more seriously? And will he have to step down? With cries of dodgy practices and unfair treatment, they also discuss ‘family voting’ and whether it was an issue in the contest.

How Commons Speaker Hoyle tipped off police about Mandelson 'flight risk'

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:05:00 +0100

In a week that started with Peter Mandelson's arrest, and will end with a crucial by-election for the PM, Tom and Robert discuss whether Mandelson's arrest will prove terminal for Starmer.

They unpack why Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle warned the Met that Mandelson was a flight risk - triggering his arrest.

The former Business Secretary denies any wrongdoing, and says his overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation and clear his name.

But will Mandelson's arrest define the PM's premiership?

Tom and Robert discuss what could happen in this week's by-election in Gorton and Denton and how it could be the most important result of the PM's career.

Full list of candidates in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Nick Buckley – Advance UK

Charlotte Cadden – Conservatives

Dan Clarke – Libertarian Party

Matt Goodwin – Reform UK

Sir Oink A Lot – The Official Monster Raving Looney Party

Joseph O’Meachair – Rejoin EU

Sebastian Moore – Social Democratic Party

Jacqueline Pearcey – Liberal Democrats

Hannah Spencer – Green Party

Angeliki Stogia – Labour Party

Hugo Wils – Communist League

The astronaut-turned-politician Trump wanted punished 'by death'

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:35:00 +0100

Meet Senator Mark Kelly: distinguished Navy Pilot, NASA astronaut and Democratic Senator for Arizona, but when Kelly urged service members to refuse illegal orders, Donald Trump said he should be punished “by death”.

Trump later clarified, "I'm not threatening death, but I think they're in serious trouble."

Now Kelly's contemplating a run for the Presidency himself.

Tom sits down with the Senator to discuss the death threats and lawsuits that have followed, why he believes you need to "stand up to bullies" and his advice to the UK: "You don't want somebody like him in charge of the UK."

Is the US a reliable ally? If he was still serving, would he obey orders to invade Greenland? And what lessons can the UK learn from the MAGA movement?

Who could replace Starmer and how could they do it?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:20:00 +0100

Tom and Robert discuss how much trouble how much trouble Sir Keir Starmer is in, who could replace him as PM and how Labour chooses a new leader.

It follows the latest relation that Downing Street's former Director of Communications Matthew Doyle was given a peerage, despite him campaining in 2017 for a councillor who had been charged with child sex offences.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer said Doyle "did not give a full account of his actions" before he was made a Lord in January.

Doyle has had the whip removed and apologised. In a statement he said: “I want to apologise for my past association with Sean Morton. His offences were vile and I completely condemn the actions for which he was rightly convicted. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by these crimes.”

Will Starmer survive the week?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:50:00 +0100

Can Sir Keir Starmer survive the Peter Mandelson scandal? Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss his chances, after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar becomes the most senior serving Labour figure to call for the PM to stand down.

It comes after the resignation of Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, who had masterminded Starmer's path to power but accepted responsibility for advising the PM to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador.

The latest release of files relating to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed the extent of his friendship with Mandelson. Pressure is mounting on Starmer after he admitted Mandelson's links to Epstein, following his sex offence conviction, were mentioned in his vetting. Starmer told MPs Mandelson had 'repeatedly' lied during in the vetting process.

ITV News has attempted to contact Mandelson multiple times in relation to the allegations against him but has not received a response. Being named in emails and documents released from the US Department of Justice is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Epstein-Mandelson what does it all mean for Starmer?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:27:00 +0100

Tom and Robert discuss the Peter Mandelson fallout, after the former Business Secretary was forced to resign from the Labour Party and the House of Lords following the latest release of Epstein files.

Amongst the 3m documents are emails appearing to show that at the height of the financial crisis, Mandelson was sharing highly sensitive government information with the sex-offender financier.

So what exactly was that information and how could Epstein have used it?

Meanwhile, where does all this leave Keir Starmer after he made Mandelson US Ambassador when his association with Epstein was public knowledge.

Mandelson is yet to comment publicly on the allegations, but has said that he regrets his friendship with Epstein.

Tom and Robert also discuss the Polish PM's claim that Epstein could have been a Russian spy, and the continued problems the Epstein files bring the royal family - with the files revealing more details of the contact Epstein had with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson after his conviction for child sex offences. The former prince has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and the former Duchess has previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein.

Behind the scenes of the Starmer vs Burnham by-election row

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:25:00 +0100

As Keir Starmer tries to shake off the backlash of Andy Burnham's failed bid to get on the ballot for the Gorton and Denton by-election...what really went on behind closed doors?

Downing Street and the Greater Manchester Mayor have both denied reports he was told in advance that he would be blocked by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee. But Robert Peston has the inside story.

And with Labour leadership candidates waiting in the wings... how should Starmer have handled it instead?

Meanwhile, Robert exclusively reveals why events in Canada could put King Charles's trip to America in jeopardy.

Why the UK is in a TERRIBLE position after Trump's Greenland tariffs threat

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:10:55 +0100

Why has Keir Starmer ruled out economic retaliation against Donald Trump’s new tariff threat over the US purchase of Greenland?

And what options does it leave him and other world leaders to persuade the US president not to bring in 10% tariffs on 1 February for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss the fallout from Trump’s latest jaw-dropping power play in this special edition of Talking Politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Has the government's latest U-turn on digital IDs ruined Rachel Reeves' big day?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:44:39 +0100

Rachel Reeves today unveiled a huge rail infrastructure project, the long-awaited Northern Powerhouse Rail, which she insists "isn't just political, this is personal.

"But her big announcement comes on the day of yet another U-turn by the government, this time on digital IDs.

So, has the latest volte-face overshadowed the Chancellor's big day?

And with all these U-turns stacking up, we ask the seemingly eternal question: what does this government really stand for?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Can Labour REALLY solve Britain’s housing crisis?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:00:45 +0100

Do you want to buy your own home? Are you a renter paying record high housing costs? Are you a council tenant living in squalid conditions?

Or are you one of the 350,000 homeless without a place to live, trapped in temporary accommodation?

Having unearthed British housing at its very worst, Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt grills Housing Secretary Steve Reed on what Labour are doing to solve the national crisis.

It was the government’s number one priority on the first day of taking office, but 18 months on, house building remains slow, homelessness is still rising, and if the polls are to be believed, voters are not impressed.

So what’s the plan to turn it around?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Trump REALLY wants Greenland - and why it should worry Starmer

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:26:46 +0100

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss President Trump's frenetic start to 2026, which has escalated fears of a military seizure of Nato territory Greenland.

As Robert explains, Trump's obsession with the giant Danish island is not going to go away. Trump says it's in the interest of ‘national security’ - but is there something else driving him? Something which Greenland has - and which China has - that the United States doesn't?

All of this comes just days after Donald Trump attacked Venezuela and captured its president Nicolás Maduro - and just before the US seized a Venezuela-linked Russian oil tanker for violating US sanctions.

Tom and Rober discuss the potential consequences of two NATO allies being caught in a military standoff, and what Sir Keir Starmer can do to resolve tensions between the US and Europe - tensions that threaten to put the whole world in a much more dangerous place.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Can the BBC survive Trump's $10bn lawsuit?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:41:11 +0100

It's Trump vs the BBC as the President of the United States attempts to sue the broadcaster for $10bn over its Panorama documentary.

The BBC has admitted it made a "mistake" with its edit of a Trump speech on the day his supporters stormed the Capitol. The President's lawyers said it falsely portrayed him as a "violent insurrectionist" and was a “brazen attempt” to interfere in the US election.

The question now is, what could the consequences be for the BBC? Should they fight the case or settle with the President? And what will the broadcaster look like as the government begins a consultation on its future? Tom Bradby joins Political Editor Robert Peston to discuss.

Also, what will politics have in store for us in 2026? Tom and Robert both predict that Sir Keir Starmer will still be Prime Minister this time next year, despite all the recent talk of plots and challenges to his authority.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How Trump's new Security Strategy changes EVERYTHING for Britain and Europe

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:24:45 +0100

Tom and Robert discuss Trump's National Security Strategy - a 33-page document which sets down in black and white his vision of the world, and which has ramped up anxiety across Europe. In it, the threat of aggression from Russia and President Putin are all but disregarded - no wonder Moscow says it's 'largely consistent' with their own vision for global affairs. There's also little attention paid to the threat from China; instead, it's Britain and the EU who come under fire, as it warns of "civilisational erasure" as a result of immigration. What can Britain, and its European allies, do as the United States appears to take another step away from them? And how grave are the implications of this new Strategy for Ukraine?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Inside the Reeves-OBR Budget 'shambles' as Chancellor faces calls to resign

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:22:17 +0100

Warning: This episode contains some discussion of racist language which listeners may find distressing.

A week on from Rachel Reeves' Budget, Paul Brand and Robert Peston take stock of the extraordinary row between the Treasury, the Chancellor, and the OBR over who knew and said what about the public finances in the preceding weeks.

Robert says it's the result of one of the 'biggest shambles in terms of Budget preparation' that he can recall. But has the Chancellor ridden out the storm - or could she still have to resign?

Also: A former classmate of Nigel Farage has alleged the Reform UK leader racially "tormented" him when they were at school together. Farage says the claims are 'categorically' untrue - but how politically damaging could they be for him?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Budget tax rises and delay tactics come back to haunt Rachel Reeves?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:09:18 +0100

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has finally revealed her Budget plans, albeit after the Office for Budget Responsibility published them first, by mistake.

But will tax rise upon tax rise win over doubting voters - or will her tactic to delay many of the key measures coming in return to haunt Labour?

In Talking Politics, Paul Brand and Robert Peston are joined by Professor Jane Green, director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre, to pick apart the Budget strategy.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Starmer claims his government has restored respect in politics

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:38:06 +0100

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told ITV News his government has restored respect to politics since coming into power.

When he came into Downing Street in July 2024, Starmer promised to "restore honesty and integrity to government”.

However, since then, it's fair to say it's been a stormy ride for him and the Labour Party.

Shortly after becoming prime minister, he attracted attention for the scale of the gifts he had been receiving, and more recently in September his deputy Angela Rayner resigned after breaking the ministerial code.

When asked if he could "hand on heart" say that his government had restored respect to politics, Starmer answered, "yes".

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The tax rises we predict will be in the Chancellor's Budget

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:33:57 +0100

After months of furious speculation, briefing, leaking, and U-turning, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves is finalising her all-important second Budget.

It now looks like the rates of income tax won't rise after all - but, as Robert explains, there is a more hidden 'tax' on income that will affect millions of British workers and raise billions of pounds.

How will it all affect you, and how will it affect the Prime Minister's job security?

And what was the thinking behind the unusually family-focused video he posted on social media on International Men's Day?

Is it a sign that he's changing his style of leadership?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Home Sec Shabana Mahmood: 'Illegal migration is tearing our country apart'

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:36:10 +0100

It is about to get a lot harder to claim asylum in Britain.

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced significant changes to the UK's immigration system - the biggest, the government claims, of the modern era. She insists they will 'unite a divided country', but denies playing a political game to gain support from Reform voters.

Robert sat down with the Home Secretary to dig into the plans, how they will work in practice, and whether they risk another major rebellion within the Labour party.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Health Secretary forced to deny he wants the top job after Downing Street rumours swirl

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:18:58 +0100

This week on Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston analyse the rumours of a coup to oust Sir Keir Starmer.

In an extraordinary 24 hours, the Health Secretary Wes Streeting is forced to deny on the record that he wants the top job.

And the Prime Minister has had to say he will fight any leadership challenge.

Also, what next for the BBC after the Director General resigns and Donald Trump threatens to sue?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Budget tax rises WRECK trust in Labour? We asked its deputy leader

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:31:33 +0100

Rachel Reeves has, once again, said it without really saying it: Brace yourselves for tax rises.

In an unusual pre-budget speech today, the Chancellor said she would "make the choices necessary” as speculation mounts that she is preparing to raise income tax to help fill a gap in the public finances.

In her first in-depth interview since becoming Labour's deputy leader, Tom and Robert are joined by Lucy Powell to discuss whether the Labour 'brand' could be fatally hurt by this decision - and what it does to public trust in politics.

She says the government must 'tread carefully' when it comes to issues that threaten to undermine public trust.

They also discuss how Labour can turn the tide on Nigel Farage - and why she believes Labour is 'ceding the agenda' to Reform UK.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Rachel Reeves is likely to raise income tax to fill Budget black hole

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:37:23 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and political editor Robert Peston analyse the Chancellor's dwindling options for her upcoming budget and predict the impact of the decisions she might make.

They discuss how Rachel Reeves will fill that multi-billion-pound hole in the country's finances, whether she will increase income tax despite previous promises not to, and how she can hold onto the country's highest tax bracket.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

David Lammy: We can't let 'hooligans and fascists' appropriate the British flag

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:50:16 +0100

Robert is joined by the Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who says he wants his children to feel "confident" in the UK and England flags.

The Deputy PM - and Justice Secretary - claimed the flag was being appropriated by the far-right. He also spoke about a new AI tool being used in the justice system to help transcribe interviews. And he said it was "right" that MPs scrutinise Prince Andrew's living arrangements.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Pressure grows on the government to strip Prince Andrew of ALL his titles

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:11:21 +0100

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston chat with Lord Simon Case, who has served as right-hand man to both Prince William and four Prime Ministers, as Cabinet Secretary.

They discuss the growing pressure on the government to officially strip Prince Andrew of all his titles, including his Dukedom.

Lord Case also breaks down the threat China poses to the UK and explains why No.10 remains dysfunctional over a year since the general election.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

UK government used Chinese owned data centre, Cummings tells Peston

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:56:24 +0100

Dominic Cummings has disclosed in an exclusive interview with ITV News that government data has been stored on infrastructure owned and controlled by Chinese interests.

He told the Talking Politics podcast that he had been warned about the Chinese ownership in “early 2020”, shortly after becoming chief aide to the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

UK official sources have confirmed to Peston that Global Switch has provided data and communication services to the government.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Trump sold peace to the Middle East: but will it last?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:01:51 +0100

Donald Trump has hailed the Gaza ceasefire as a new dawn but what obstacles still stand in the way of lasting peace in the Middle East?

A diplomatic solution has long been sort but the President has a different approach: money. Will he be able to successfully sell the commercial opportunities of peace in the long term?

Robert and Tom also weigh up Tony Blair's potential part in the path to peace, given his history in both Northern Ireland and Iraq.

And Robert explains exactly how the government has entered another crisis over the dropped China spy court case.

Got a question for Tom or Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll look to answer it in our next Talking Politics Q&A episode.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The Jenrick 'white faces' race row and Badenoch's stamp duty promise

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:22:41 +0100

What's the fallout in the Robert Jenrick 'white faces' row? And will Kemi Badenoch's offer to ditch stamp duty win over voters?

In this Talking Politics, Robert Peston joins Tom Bradby from the Conservative's conference in Manchester to give expert analysis minutes after the Tory leader's speech.

Got a question for Tom or Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll look to answer it in our next Talking Politics Q&A episode.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

'Coverage of Gaza war inaccurate': Peston interviews Kemi Badenoch | Talking Politics | ITV News

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:00:09 +0100

In this special edition of Talking Politics from the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston sits down with the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch.

They discussed the challenges of anti-semitism and racism in the country, as well as the problems facing the party with the number of councillors deserting to Reform.

The Tory leader criticised the BBC and other media organisations for what she said was ‘inaccurate’ coverage of Israel’s war in Gaza.

And, in response to the controversy surrounding comments made by Robert Jenrick which were seen by many to be ‘racist’, Ms Badenoch defended the shadow justice secretary, saying his words were ‘taken out of context’.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

'This is the fight of our times': Peston interviews the Prime Minister

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:19:44 +0100

For this special edition of Talking Politics, Peston sits down with Sir Keir Starmer for a one-on-one interview right after a well-received speech at the Labour conference, in which he spent much - if not most - of his time taking aim at Nigel Farage.

The Prime Minister claimed the next election will be a battle between Reform and the Labour Party, describing it as "the fight of our times" - and said it would be a "mistake" to ignore the threat Reform posed, dismissing claims he was fueling the fire by making Farage the focus of his attacks.

Peston also asks him - after the many bruising experiences of late - whether he ever thinks about packing it all in and handing the job over to someone else.

All episodes of Talking Politics are also available to watch on the ITV News YouTube channel and ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Starmer attacks Farage - will it help or harm UK's 'least popular' PM?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:51:38 +0100

Can Sir Keir Starmer’s vision for a renewed Britain - littered with attacks on Nigel Farage - help reset the prime minister’s own dire standing with the public?

In this special Talking Politics at Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Robert Peston and Tom Bradby react minutes after the PM’s keynote speech.

And after a poll revealed Starmer is the least popular PM since records began, can the vision for growth he set out to a supportive flag-waving audience of Labour members help restore voter confidence in his government outside the conference hall?

Or could his repeat scripted jibes at the Reform UK leader play into his rival’s hands?

Got a question for Tom or Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll look to answer it in our next Talking Politics Q&A episode.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Exclusive: Hugh Grant says hacking victims have been ‘personally betrayed’ by Sir Keir Starmer

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:37:49 +0100

In an exclusive interview Talking Politics, actor and campaigner Hugh Grant said he feels let down by the Labour government.

He claims the Prime Minister had promised hacking victims that they would introduce a new law bringing tougher regulations for British newspapers while in opposition.

But Mr Grant says they feel “personally betrayed” by seeing the PM forging close relationships with major publishers.

The Hollywood star, who was the victim of press intrusion himself, has campaigned on behalf of hacking claimants since 2011, as part of the group Hacked Off.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Rachel Reeves’ £30bn tax rise NIGHTMARE

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:48:34 +0100

The Treasury is expecting £30 billion tax rises in November’s Budget - so how will chancellor Rachel Reeves fund that without breaking her spending rules?

In Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston look at her possible solutions and why the next moves represent a nightmare for the chancellor.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage claims Reform would save Britain billions cracking down on legal migration by removing the indefinite leave to remain for many who have made Britain home.

And while the controversial immigration policy’s funding plan has been widely questioned - could it add up to another voting win for Reform?

Plus, what does the freedom of speech row that took Jimmy Kimmel off air for a few days tell us about the Trump regime? And how has Robert’s question to the US president captured the imagination of Jon Stewart and the makers of Diaper Diplomacy?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Special episode: Robert grills Ed Davey on immigration, windfall taxes and why he thinks Elon Musk is running a criminal enterprise

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:14:59 +0100

In this special interview for Talking Politics and the Peston show, Robert Peston speaks to Sir Ed Davey from the Lib Dem party conference.

The pair discuss the surge in right-wing politics, whether windfall taxes on banks would choke economic growth and why the Lib Dem leader thinks Elon Musk is running a criminal enterprise.

You can watch the interview on the latest episode of Peston on Monday night and on ITVX thereafter.

Got a question for Robert and Tom? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

President Trump's state visit: Has Starmer's 'kowtowing' paid off?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:57:31 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and US Correspondent Dan Rivers from the Prime Minister's country residence Chequers, where he has just survived a press conference alongside the US President. Has Sir Keir Starmer, in spite all of his difficulties on the domestic front, played it perfectly with the world's most powerful man - and as a result, bagged billions upon billions of investment from some of America's top companies?

Plus, Tom and Dan discuss: After his day at Windsor Castle, why is it that Donald Trump seems to love and respect King Charles and the Royal Family so much?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Starmer’s leadership crisis worsens: How much trouble is he in?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:39:44 +0100

He's already lost his deputy Angela Rayner, the questions are mounting over Peter Mandelson’s disastrous appointment, and now one of Keir Starmer's top aides Paul Ovenden has been forced to quit after an ITV News exclusive revealed his own shocking private messages.

So how will the PM navigate the deepening leadership crisis without one of his key strategists?

In Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston are joined by our Political Correspondent Shehab Khan, who exposed the PM’s aide's sickening messages about Diane Abbott, to assess the fallout from the story.

Tom and Robert then discuss the looming threat to Starmer's position as he prepares to host Donald Trump's state visit and the emboldening of the far-right movement in the UK and US in the wake of the assassination of pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Does Angela Rayner deserve a pay off after resigning?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:38:08 +0100

Should ministers like Angela Rayner get thousands of pounds in severance pay if they resign?

In this Q&A Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer that audience question and more, including:

Will Rayner's resignation trigger more investigations into politicians and government officials to see what claims they’re making that they shouldn’t?
Could Keir Starmer ever take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights?
How can we have a Deputy PM in David Lammy who openly backs claims for reparations into the billions regarding slavery in the past?
And after 10 years of social media churning ‘politics’ for entertainment, can it ever now stop being a soap opera?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Mandelson sacked over Epstein revelations: Reaction and analysis

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:19:26 +0100

Keir Starmer has sacked Peter Mandelson as Britain's UK ambassador to the US following the release of more damaging emails he sent to Jeffrey Epstein.

In this emergency episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston react to the continued fallout after the bombshell birthday book revelations and assess the damage to the prime minister and the Labour government.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why the Mandelson-Epstein birthday book revelations are CATASTROPHIC for Keir Starmer

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:32:03 +0100

The Jeffrey Epstein birthday book revelations have further implicated Donald Trump and Bill Clinton and forced a grovelling apology from the UK Ambassador to the US’s Peter Mandelson.

In Talking Politics, Robert Peston and Tom Bradby examine why Mandelson’s past letters to the convicted paedophile financier - released now by a US congressional committee - are so catastrophic for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The duo analyse how Kemi Badenoch used the issue to finally dominate at PMQs, compare Mandelson’s precarious political predicament with Angela Rayner’s recent resignation over unpaid stamp duty and discuss the other biggest headaches facing Starmer heading into Autumn’s Budget, including why tax rises are now inevitable.Got a question for Tom and Robert?

Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll answer it in our weekly Talking Politics Q&A show

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Angela Rayner OUT, Farage gloating: Is Starmer more vulnerable than ever?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:59:50 +0100

After a momentous day in British politics, Julie Etchingham is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Political Correspondent Harry Horton who is at the Reform UK conference in Birmingham.

Angela Rayner finally fell on her sword, triggering a major reshuffle of Starmer's top team. David Lammy is stepping up as his deputy, Yvette Cooper becomes Foreign Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood fills in as Home Secretary. Is that the end of the chaos in Westminster for now - or is it just beginning?

Meanwhile, Harry Horton joins us from Birmingham where Nigel Farage kicked off Reform UK's biggest-ever conference in high spirits. He talks us through some of the familiar faces there, and why party members see it as a watershed moment for their movement.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: When did politicians STOP answering the question? Is this year Rachel Reeves’ last chance to fix the economy?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:14:29 +0100

In this Q&A Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer some of our audience’s burning questions, namely:

When did politicians first stop answering the question? And what are your strategies to make them answer it?
The cost of living crisis is getting worse and Rachel Reeves appears clueless to fix it. So is this Autumn now her last chance?
If Britain is broke, why do we need to give money to wealthy pensioners?

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

You can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why is Nigel Farage rowing back on his party's immigration policies?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:01:16 +0100

In this special episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby is joined by Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith to discuss Reform, immigration and Nigel Farage’s latest ‘flip-flop’.

Why did Mr Farage today change his tune on his party’s immigration policy for women and children, after saying at a press conference just yesterday that ‘absolutely anyone’ who comes here illegally will be detained and deported? How do Reform’s immigration policies in general hold up to scrutiny? And why could tackling the small boats crisis determine which party wins the next general election?

You can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube, or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why did the UK side with the 'tech bros' over Britain's creatives in AI battle?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:20:36 +0100

In this special episode of Talking Politics, Film director turned Member of the House of Lords Baroness Beeban Kidron exclusively tells ITV News why she thinks the government is pushing the Artificial Intelligence Bill, and siding with the big tech companies.

She tells us why celebrities like Elton John and Dua Lipa are backing her campaign to stop the government from using copyrighted creative work to train AI and what AI-produced films could mean for the industry.

You can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube, or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Ukraine peace talks at the White House: Has Zelenskyy evaded Putin's 'trap'?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:58:19 +0100

In this emergency episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby is joined by Global Security Editor Rohit Kachroo and US Correspondent Dan Rivers to react to the talks hosted by President Trump at the White House today. Is this a major step towards real, lasting peace in Ukraine - or has the difficult part of the discussions only just begun? What will the possible Ukraine-Russia-US meeting have in store - and is there any agreement on territories that will satisfy the different demands of Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

You can watch all episodes of Talking Politics on YouTube or the news section of ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Nicola Sturgeon's 'searingly personal' interview with Julie Etchingham

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:00:04 +0100

In this special episode, Julie Etchingham is joined by ITV News' Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith to discuss her exclusive interview with the former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.

Julie reveals how Sturgeon is "lifting the lid" on some deeply personal matters - and Peter explains how the "formidable" politician was one of the few people he would get nervous about interviewing.

They also reflect on some of the biggest moments of her titanic career, such as her relationship with Alex Salmond, her arrest in 2023, her attempt at gender recognition reform and much more.

You can watch 'Nicola Sturgeon: The Interview' on ITVX and on the ITV News YouTube page.

And, you can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Are the far left finished in UK Politics? What are the chances of a coalition government in 2029?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:18:47 +0100

In this Q&A special Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions, namely:

Are the far left finished in UK politics? Or could Jeremy Corbyn’s new party pose a threat to Labour?
What are the odds of our next government in 2029 being a coalition?
Will Reform end up defeating itself? And could you ever see Nigel Farage leading the Conservatives?

Trump talks at Turnberry: The new deadline set for Russia

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:06:30 +0100

On this special edition of Talking Politics, Carl Dinnen joins Tom Bradby from President Trump’s golf course in Turnberry where he hosted Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks.

Tom asks Carl what it was like being in the room with the two very different leaders and what he made of the issues discussed, including:

Trump’s shifting position on Putin and the new ceasefire deadline
How well Keir Starmer is handling the UK/US relationship with Trump in power
Trump and Starmer’s positions on the starvation crisis in Gaza
The awkward moment Trump reignited his beef with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
Why Trump struggled with deflecting questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Got a question for our Q&A show? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Starmer was EXPOSED in front of MPs | Could Farage really deport prisoners? | Why is the PM's team so secretive?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:14:39 +0100

What’s the problem at the heart of Nigel Farage's new prison pledge? And why was Keir Starmer so unprepared to talk poverty?

With Tom Bradby away, Paul Brand joins Robert Peston to discuss that, plus:

- Why Kemi Badenoch’s reshuffle may have surprised James Cleverly
- Can the PM placate Donald Trump during his golfing holiday in Scotland?
- Why are UK officials - unlike other nations - so reluctant to reveal details of the PM’s movements?

Got a question for our Q&A show? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why the Afghan data breach is so unnerving | Britain’s foreign policy FAILS | Trump’s state visit dilemma

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:08:13 +0100

Why is the Afghan data breach so unnerving? And why was Keir Starmer kept in the dark by his defence secretary?

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss that plus…

Why lessons are still to be learned from Britain's past foreign policy failings
How Keir Starmer and Donald Trump might have approached the Blair-Bush Iraq conflict
The US President’s changing tactics in dealing with Vladimir Putin
Why Trump and King Charles’ differing visions for the state visit is causing Downing Street kittens

Got a question for Tom and Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Should Labour target Reform voters?

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:17:34 +0100

WATCH the full episode here: https://youtu.be/T2wBEjJcaVQ

On this episode of Talking Politics Q&A, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston dig into how moves to court Reform voters will only damage Labour.

Plus, they answer:

Who is the Norman Tebbit of politics today?
Is Nigel Farage's £250,000 offer to non-doms to avoid tax good politics?
Why does standing in the Mayoral Elections cost £10,000?
How can the Lib Dems take advantage of Labour and Tory failings?

Got a question for Tom and Robert that you want featured in next week's show?

Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why we could all be carrying ID cards in new migration controls

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:07:40 +0100

What are the flaws in Britain and France’s new effort to control migration and stop the boats?

Why could we all be carrying identity cards before the next election?

Plus what is the difficult economic truth that ALL politicians need to start talking about?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston reveal all in Talking Politics…

Got a question for Tom and Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How Trump's reacted to Elon Musk’s new America Party

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:23:36 +0100

Another week, another public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This time it came after billionaire Musk announced he was launching a new party, the America Party, to challenge the Republican and Democratic "Uniparty".But what did Trump have to say about it, and will this feud ever end?

On this week's Talking Politics USA, Tom Bradby and Robert Moore discuss the bromance that’s turned into a bust-up, and where Trump goes from here.

Also on the show, President Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are very different leaders but are the challenges they face the same and what can they learn from each other?

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: What's Labour’s next embarrassing U-turn?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:08:36 +0100

WATCH the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_6UdoB3bM

In this Q&A special coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Labour's general election win, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions about the party and the government, namely:

What's Labour’s next embarrassing U-turn?
If Starmer continues to lose the faith of his party and the country, could he be forced to call a general election?
The latest opinion polls show Reform slipping to only 2% ahead of Labour, with the Tories 10 points behind. So, is talk of a Labour crisis exaggerated?
Why have we seen a rebellion within Labour about welfare reforms, but nothing when it comes to the genocide in Gaza?

Why tearful Rachel Reeves presents a HUGE problem for Keir Starmer

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:12:55 +0100

On this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston dig into Labour’s governing woes and debate whether Sir Keir Starmer’s chancellor Rachel Reeves will pay the price.

You can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for Tom and Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Government's HUGE welfare bill climbdown and where it leaves us - live Q&A and reaction

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:05:53 +0100

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston hosted a live question and answer session as rebel Labour MPs dealt Sir Keir Starmer his biggest humiliation yet in government. The prime minister's welfare reform bill passed its second reading in the Commons in the end, but it was watered down so heavily it was barely recognisable from when it was first unveiled. So what happens now to those in receipt of personal independence payments and Universal Credit? And with the government's series of U-turns this week losing them billions of pounds of planned savings, where on earth does Chancellor Rachel Reeves look now to plug the gap?

You can also watch all episodes of Talking Politics on YouTube and ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How Zohran Mamdani won and what it means for the Democrats. Plus a week of wins for Donald "Daddy" Trump

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:00:53 +0100

You might not have heard of Zohran Mamdani, but last week he took New York by storm to win the city's Democratic primary, beating establishment figure Andrew Cuomo and put himself within touching distance of becoming the city's next mayor.
So who is he, how did he do it and why do some people view him as so controversial?

On this week's Talking Politics USA, our Washington producer Aisha Kherallah spoke with Tom Bradby about the 33 year old's remarkable rise.

Also on the show, Tom and correspondent Rachel Younger discuss a week of wins for President Trump - aka "The Daddy" - and what it might mean for his grip on power.

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Could the UK ever ban the burka? Have you ever seen a politician cry?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:08:57 +0100

WATCH the full episode here: https://youtu.be/KyZqfgQaBgE

In this Q&A special Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer our audience’s questions, namely:

Can you ever envisage a UK government banning the burka?
Was anti-terror law really written to stop groups like Palestine Action?
Is the UK legally obliged to give free accommodation to illegal migrants?
Do disaffected Labour voters receive enough media coverage of the Lib Dems and Greens?
Have you ever seen a politician cry?

Has Trump handed Putin the right to strike without impunity?

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:05:28 +0100

Has Donald Trump's approach to Iran and Israel empowered Vladimir Putin? Is Britain buying US nukes for the RAF a bad deal? And why is the government in yet another U-turn mess on welfare?

Tom Bradby and Robert Peston talk through all the key political talking points.

Got a question for Tom and Robert? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What America's strikes on Iran could mean for the region, the UK and the world

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:33:08 +0100

On Talking Politics USA this week, Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston, Emma Murphy in Iraq and Dan Rivers in Washington to discuss America's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the potential consequences for the Middle East and the rest of the world.

The team discuss what Iran might do next, whether President Donald Trump and his administration really want regime change in Iran, and what America's actions tell us about the state of the relationship between the UK and the U.S.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How will Donald Trump’s actions now affect the next American elections?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:00:11 +0100

In a special edition of Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson is joined in the studio by Jessica Taylor, election expert and analyst for the Cook Political Report, who joined ITV News on US Election night in 2024 as Donald Trump swept to a second term in the White House. They discuss:

How the growing conflict in the Middle East is splitting the MAGA faithful
What impact will Trump's popularity have on next year's midterm elections
And the potential frontrunners to lead the Democratics and Republicans in 2028

Catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics USA on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment below.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Exclusive: Why Kim Leadbeater expects assisted dying vote victory

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:51:20 +0100

In a Talking Politics exclusive, the architect of the assisted dying bill Kim Leadbeater joins the podcast as MPs prepare for a crucial vote on the era-defining legislation.

She explains to Paul Brand why she is "positive and optimistic" a majority will support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Friday’s defining vote.

And while Health Correspondent Rebecca Barry outlines the concerns from sections of the medical community - and the many unknowns that remain on how assisted dying will be implemented - Kim argues why MPs are ruling on "the most robust assisted dying bill in the world".

Meanwhile, Robert Peston shares his analysis after grilling Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 in Canada on splits among world leaders over the Iran-Israel conflict and the handling of the grooming gangs inquiry.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What can Trump do about Israel vs Iran? Pete Souza on the power of images. Plus what was the president's military parade like?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:04:48 +0100

This week on Talking Politics USA, we hear from U.S. correspondent Dan Rivers about what influence Donald Trump could have on the developing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Lucy Watson speaks to Pete Souza, the man who was Barack Obama's chief photographer for eight years in the White House and thinks the images from today's administration are more like a "reality show".

And Stacy Foster recalls her whirlwind time covering for Dan in DC - from rushing coast to coast to cover the protests in Los Angeles, to trying to grab a glimpse of President Trump's much-discussed military parade.

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: What's Starmer achieved as PM? Plus which MP should take a lie detector test?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:21:49 +0100

In this week's Q&A, Paul Brand and Robert Peston answer the political questions that matter to you, including:

What has Keir Starmer achieved since he became PM?
What can the government realistically do to bring the cost of living down?
Why isn't financial, legal and political education part of the curriculum?
Which MP would you pick to take a lie detector test?

Catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Rachel Reeves’ spending spree pay off? And will her Farage jokes backfire?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:35:38 +0100

In this special edition of Talking Politics, Paul Brand is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston, Economics Editor Joel Hills and Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt to pour over the key inclusions - and omissions - in Rachel Reeves’s spending review, discussing…

The chancellor's key announcements
The winners and losers as the austerity era ends
What the headline announcement on affordable housing means for the country’s housebuilding crisis
Why this is the most significant political moment for this government
Where the money has been found for savings
And whether Rachel Reeves’s many jokes at Nigel Farage’s expense will backfire on her.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Trump vs Musk - who will come out on top?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:19:41 +0100

In this week's Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson, US correspondent Dan Rivers and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz answer your questions, including:

If Elon Musk and Donald Trump continue fighting, who will come out of it worse?
What's the difference between Trump's travel ban and his 2017 'Muslim ban'?
How effective is Trump's 'Mexican wall' and immigration policies?
How can a President who claims to understand business not understand the negative effect from constantly changing tariff arrangements?
Why are the Democrats' approval ratings down so low?
Is the While House press office just a propaganda machine?

Do you have a question you'd like the team to answer? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The Trump-Musk bromance IMPLODES - is the President in trouble?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:22:02 +0100

Lucy Watson, Dan Rivers, and Laura Schwartz gather for an impromptu bonus episode after relations between the world's richest man and perhaps the world's most powerful man collapsed at lightning speed.

Elon Musk ramped up the row between the pair yesterday after claiming, without evidence, that Trump's administration hasn't released all the records related to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein because the president is mentioned in them. He wrote on X: "Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public."

So what on earth just happened? Where did this spat begin? And how damaging could this be to the U.S. President?

The team will be back on Monday with another Q&A session.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Trump's Ukraine Envoy on whether US will give up on peace, inside a Putin phone call, and dealing with Trump's character

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:33:08 +0100

Keith Kellogg has perhaps the hardest job of all in the Trump administration. The retired general is the US President's Special Envoy for Ukraine, putting him right at the forefront of the American effort to end Russia's invasion - travelling between Washington, Kyiv, Turkey, the Middle East, attempting to reconcile the very, very different demands of Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and an increasingly impatient Donald Trump. And it has not been an easy ride. He was the first American official to meet with Zelensky after Trump called him a 'dictator' back in February; he was just a metre away when the pair later had that extraordinary shouting match in the Oval Office. And this week, he's been tasked with diffusing escalating tensions after Ukraine's audacious drone attack on Russian war planes. So it was quite a moment for our US Correspondent Dan Rivers to sit down with him for an extended interview, to discuss whether there is really ANY path to peace any more, and what it's been like dealing with Donald Trump behind the scenes.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Are Robert Jenrick’s video stunts clever or harmful? Plus Rachel Reeves’ next spending challenge

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:05:12 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, UK Editor Paul Brand and Political Editor Robert Peston evaluate the potential political gain and public damage from Robert Jenrick's recent video stunts.

The pair are then joined by Economics Editor Joel Hills to preview the challenges for Rachel Reeves heading into next week's Spending Review, including whether tax rises could now be unavoidable.

Plus, they dig into why the UK’s recent tariffs arrangement has caused absolute consternation among the country’s biggest food suppliers.

Watch or listen to the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Meeting the MAGA media at the White House, Musk's farewell & the TACO trend irking Trump

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:00:09 +0100

This week on Talking Politics USA, Dan goes behind the scenes at the White House to meet Natalie Winters, co-host of Steve Bannon's 'War Room' and one of the new MAGA media cohort who have been granted greater access by President Donald Trump.

As Elon Musk bids farewell to the White House, Lucy Watson and Laura Schwartz join Dan to discuss whether this really is goodbye to the world's richest man and what his legacy will be.

Plus after Trump goes to war with Harvard, Dan reflects on meeting students at the university and the team discuss the new TACO meme which is ruffling the president's feathers.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Exclusive: Simon Case on why China's Taiwan intent is an enormous threat to the UK

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:58:37 +0100

In this special edition of Talking Politics, Robert Peston meets ex-Civil Service chief Simon Case. Sir Simon served four prime ministers as Civil Service chief before standing down as Cabinet secretary in December.

In a wide-ranging conversation about the prime minister's plans to significantly invest in the UK's defence capability, including its nuclear deterrent, Sir Simon warned that the UK and West "better be ready" for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Plus:

The future of America in Europe
The struggle of government spending trade-offs
The infamous Truss letter: His side of the story

You can watch or listen to more episodes of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform. Got a question for Robert and the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts and we’ll feature them in our Q&A special episodes.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Do we have 'Farage Derangement Syndrome'? Plus the team reveal their most awkward interviews

Fri, 30 May 2025 05:00:07 +0100

In this week's Q&A, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Harry Horton answer the political questions that matter to you, including:

Why do you give Farage so much air time? Are we suffering from 'Farage Derangement Syndrome'?
How long can Labour get away with blaming the previous government for their problems?
What are the team's most difficult or awkward interviews?

Catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics USA on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How worried should Labour be by Reform's 'joke' policies? And could Robert Peston be a spy?!

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:11:55 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Paul Brand is joined by Robert Peston and Harry Horton to discuss Reform's latest pledges and attack on Labour, plus:

Is Reform the new party of the 'strivers'? And do Nigel Farage's promises add up?
The hard-hitting letter from senior police chiefs which piles more pressure on Keir Starmer.
Which MP would make the best James Bond?
And did Peston nearly become an MI6 spy?!

Watch or listen to the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The shocking inside story of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the 'Wildest Battle for the White House'

Sun, 25 May 2025 11:00:07 +0100

In this special edition of Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson speaks to NBC News Senior Politics Reporter Jonathan Allen, author of 'Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House'.

Jonathan tells Lucy about the shocking stories he and co-author Amie Parnes uncovered about former President Joe Biden's disastrous late exit from the race against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, how he made Kamala Harris beg for his endorsement and how Barack Obama wasn't convinced she was the right candidate.

Lucy and Jonathan also discuss what next for the Democrats, the state of the UK-U.S. relationship under Trump and whether the president is really going down an authoritarian path.

Want to get in touch with the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: How will Reform handle power? Plus Peston's final questions for Anushka

Fri, 23 May 2025 13:56:22 +0100

In this week's Q&A, Paul Brand and (for the last time) Anushka Asthana answer the political questions that matter to you, including:

Why were the arson attacks against the PM and his family not the top news story?
Does Reform have the discipline and commitment to genuinely deliver local services?
Is it possible to see a bright future with politics being such a toxic mess?

Plus! Some extra special questions for Anushka for her final episode with the podcast.

Catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics USA on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Starmer's been walked into a winter fuel 'disaster'

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:56:38 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Paul Brand and Anushka Asthana discuss Labour's costly rethink of their winter fuel policy, plus:

The leak from Angela Rayner that undermines Rachel Reeves's economic policy
Which Labour-held areas are set to be hardest hit by welfare cuts
Robert Peston analyses the UK's 'reset' deal with the EU and why Keir Starmer's deal is far worse than the one Theresa May negotiated
Whether Starmer has futher alienated Brexit voters but without big political gains
Could MP support for the assisted dying bill be fading?

'The Residence' author on Melania Trump's vanishing act. Plus, the questions over Joe Biden's cancer and a seashell controversy

Mon, 19 May 2025 17:02:59 +0100

This week on Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson speaks with journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower, whose book 'The Residence' inspired a Netflix murder mystery of the same name.

Kate discusses why we've seen so little of First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, and how Donald Trump's 18-year-old granddaughter Kai Trump is using her huge social media fanbase to soften the president's images.

U.S. Correspondent Dan Rivers joins Lucy to discuss former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and the questions it has raised.

They also delve into the meaning of the numbers 8-6-4-7 and why a seashell social media post has resulted in the former director of the FBI James Comey being interviewed by the Secret Service.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Will Keir Starmer sack Rachel Reeves?

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:22:19 +0100

Could Prime Minister Keir Starmer really sack Chancellor Rachel Reeves before the next election?

In this week's Talking Politics Q&A, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana answer that question and more, including:

How are Labour 'putting money in people’s pockets' as they claim?
Why is the government investigating whether to place a huge restriction on Cash ISAs?
Why isn't Labour ramming the point home that Nigel Farage backed Liz Truss' mini budget?
Why do politicians swear an oath to the monarch and not the public?

Remember to subscribe to Talking Politics on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. You can also catch up on ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Starmer’s immigration comments are a 'catastophe' for Labour

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:28:30 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana deep-dive into the issue that has foxed successive governments for years: immigration.

In light of Keir Starmer’s speech warning against the UK becoming a “nation of strangers”, the team discuss:

How Starmer’s language compares with Enoch Powell’s infamous “River of Blood” speech in 1968
Why Downing Street’s approach to the migration speech will come back to hurt the PM
The myths and misunderstandings at the heart of the immigration debate
Why successive governments have failed to handle the issue of migration
Plus Donald Trump’s influence on the Middle East as he talks up a deal with Iran and lifts US sanctions on Syria

You can watch or listen to Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

And - as mentioned in the episode - you can watch Peter Smith's report on how French police are being outpaced by cunning migrant smugglers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNAYDEksJLA

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Robert Moore on his new Donald Trump documentary. PLUS America First vs the First American Pope and is Air Force One getting upgraded?

Mon, 12 May 2025 16:37:08 +0100

This week on Talking Politics USA, award-winning correspondent Robert Moore tells Tom Bradby about his new documentary, 'Shock and Awe: Trump's Return'.

Robert has travelled from coast to coast meeting people caught in the eye of Donald Trump's storm during the first months of his second presidency, from those who support him to those who fear the potentially violent consequences of how America is changing.

Tom and Robert also discuss the potential implications if the royal family of Qatar gives the White House a luxury jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One. And is there conflict brewing between the two most influential Americans on the planet - President Trump and Pope Leo?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Would pro-Trump Farage turn the UK into a 'Little America'? Your key questions on Reform answered

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:09:25 +0100

In this week's Talking Politics Q&A, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana answer audience questions on Nigel Farage and Reform.

Could Nigel Farage turn our country into a Little America?
Will Farage tone down Reform’s rhetoric the closer to power?
Due to our electoral system Reform stand no chance of forming a government. Agree?
Can a viewer who voted Conservative, Lib Dem, Labour and now Reform be fitted into voter modelling?
Will the Labour government look to thwart Reform councillors?
What does the current Labour government stand for?

Peston: Why the US-UK tariff deal REALLY matters

Thu, 08 May 2025 17:43:07 +0100

It might have been overshadowed by another American at the Vatican today, but President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have struck a significant US-UK trade deal - the first deal done by the White House since its coercive global tariffs campaign began.

In this special edition of Talking Politics, Robert Peston offers his hot take on the deal to Paul Brand and explains why it matters for exports of steel, cars, food, and more.

You can watch or listen to Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How far can Nigel Farage and Reform rise?

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:56:47 +0100

How far could Nigel Farage’s Reform reshape British politics and what would he do if the party ever won power?

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana to discuss the impact of Reform's newfound place ahead in the polls and what the party's recent success at the ballot box says about the current mood of voters.

Our experts also evaluate whether Farage’s Reform are now the official opposition to Keir Starmer and Labour and if the party could break the traditional third party ceiling to find a route to Downing Street.

And they also give their verdict on the likelihood of Boris Johnson making a return to frontline politics with questions growing over Kemi Badenoch’s future as Conservative leader.

You can WATCH or LISTEN to Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: When was America greatest? And is it safe for LGBT+ people to visit the US?

Mon, 05 May 2025 08:44:55 +0100

In this week's Talking Politics USA, presenter Tom Bradby, US correspondent Dan Rivers, former White House adviser Laura Schwartz and correspondent Robert Moore answer your questions, including:

In what era was America greatest? And what will have changed when America is great again?
Is it safe for LGBT+ people to visit the United States?
Is there anything that is actually politically damaging to Trump?
And if you could meet one US president, who would it be and why?

Do you have a question you'd like the team to answer? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Local Elections Analysis: Too much too soon for Reform?

Fri, 02 May 2025 20:08:20 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Julie Etchingham is joined by ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston, Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana and Elections Analyst Professor Jane Green to discuss the Local Election results.

The team review why Reform has had so much success, who the Reform Party is now appealing to, and what the other parties can do to counter Nigel Farage.

Plus, each of our experts predicts how these results may impact the political landscape going forward.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Are the tech bros backing Trump to avoid jail?! Peston shares a source’s WILD claim - Plus the impact of Carney’s win and Kneecap's 'threat'

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:05:40 +0100

Are the big tech bros really backing Donald Trump to avoid jail?!

In this episode of Talking Politics, Robert Peston shares his Silicon Valley source’s remarkable claim as he, Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana discuss why the likes of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg remain loyal to the US president despite his tariffs agenda threatening their businesses and enormous bank balances.

Our political experts also talk...

The impact of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarkable turnaround victory for the Liberals in Canada's election
How Keir Starmer and Downing Street will react to Carney's win and the opportunity it offers for the UK prime minister to adopt a different strategy with Donald Trump
The politics of AI which can now manipulate authored books without the author's consent
Amazon's climbdown to Trump after public comments on the cost of his tariffs
The furore surrounding Northern Ireland rap trio Kneecap's alleged threat to MPs

Got a question? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

100 days of Donald Trump 2.0 and what does a baseball cap REALLY tell us about the future?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:10:30 +0100

This week, Donald Trump will mark 100 days of his second term as U.S. President.

So what has he achieved, what do Americans think and what could happen in the next 100 days?

The Talking Politics USA team also discuss the official Trump 2028 merchandise which has gone on sale and whether it's simply trolling liberals or a true statement of intent.

And US Correspondent Dan Rivers dials in from Canada ahead of an election there which has been heavily influenced by President Trump.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Which party leader is under the most pressure? And what colour can't you wear in TV news?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:07 +0100

Out of Farage, Badenoch, Starmer & Davey which party leader is currently under the most pressure?

In this episode of Talking Politics Q&A Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana identify which national party leader currently faces the biggest challenge. You can also expect:

When will the UK accept we will never have a “special relationship” with the US? And we shouldn’t expect a trade advantage from it…
Why are we still being punished by the bedroom tax? Labour condemned it when it was first introduced!
What’s the strangest encounter you’ve ever had with a politician?
How do you decide what to wear on air? Has anything ever been vetoed?

Remember to subscribe to Talking Politics on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. You can also catch up on ITVX.

Have you got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment on our social media posts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How Trump's tariffs mess boosts Putin, the new gender politics and inside Robert Jenrick's WhatsApp group

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:42:21 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss how Donald Trump’s humiliating climbdown in the global tariffs trade war has handed an advantage to Vladimir Putin in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The trio also discuss:

The new pressures on the US president and how it makes it harder for Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to defend Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the White House.

How damaged Donald Trump is politically from the economic damage sparked by his global tariffs.

The fallout from the Supreme Court gender row as Kemi Badenoch confronts Keir Starmer on his changing position on the definition of a woman.

The political risk if the Conservatives adopt Robert Jenrick’s strategy to do a political deal with Nigel Farage’s Reform.

Plus, Robert and Anushka reveal what they learned from being accidentally added into Shadow Justice Secretary Jenrick’s WhatsApp group.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Should Trump be sharing AI content? And what's it like on Air Force One?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:08 +0100

In the first Talking Politics USA Q&A, presenter Tom Bradby, correspondent Robert Moore and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including:

How can average Americans relate to a multi-millionaire president?
What are your thoughts on the Trump administration sharing AI content?
Will U.S. gun laws ever change?
And is there any truth to those Obama divorce rumours?

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The next test for Farage and Reform - plus has Grant Shapps earned his knighthood?

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:00:08 +0100

Can Nigel Farage and Reform really replace the Conservatives as the leading opposition to Labour? How big a test will the local elections be for the right-wing party?

In this episode of Talking Politics Q&A, Robert Peston identifies the next biggest test ahead for Farage beyond the local May ballot - and the potential silver lining for Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer if Reform do prove a vote winner.

Robert and Tom Bradby also take in questions on whether Ed Miliband's Net Zero energy spending is justified in the current economic climate, if the government is doing enough to protect the UK from Trump's tariffs and whether or not the USA's allies are actually taking advantage of Donald Trump.

And after those weighty topics are dealt with, Tom and Robert enjoy more than a chuckle as they ponder what prolific ex-Tory minister Grant Shapps has really done to deserve his knighthood.

Got a question? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Trump faces recession or worse - and how the UK can profit from it

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:52:19 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss:

The major risk at the heart of Donald Trump's tariffs gamble
How Britain could ultimately profit from the long-term economic crisis
The critical decision that looms for Keir Starmer as he talks trade with US and the UK
The flaws in Britain's recent tough talk on China over British Steel
Liz Truss’s planned move into social media to emulate Truth Social
Plus the benefits and dangers of dining with politicians...

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com

Remember you can WATCH or LISTEN to Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Donald Trump 'Make China Great Again'?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:05:16 +0100

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues his trade war with China, the Talking Politics USA team assess who is likely to come out on top in the battle between Beijing and Washington.

Presenter Tom Bradby, Correspondent Robert Moore and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz discuss whether America is in danger of losing its position as the world's dominant economy.

Also on the agenda this week: the "Kremlin-esque" showing from Trump's Cabinet, the impacts of the suspected arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, and why eggs matter more than ever for Americans this Easter.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why is 10 Downing Street's door painted black? Are Labour now just Tories 2.0?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:05:44 +0100

On this week's episode of Talking Politics Q&A, Paul Brand is in the chair and joined by Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana to discuss the burning questions you want the answers to, including:

Why is the Number 10 Downing Street door painted black?
How much will the UK's economy influence voters' decision in the upcoming local elections?
Is the UK government really still Labour or are they proving Tories 2.0 are in power?
What could the future look like for those who operate small businesses under the new workers' rights?
And why do some politicians say one thing to win votes and then switch once they're in government?

Remember, if you have a question you want answering email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com.

You can subscribe to Talking Politics on your favourite podcast platform and watch every episode on YouTube, Spotify and ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Exclusive: Keir Starmer addresses his AWKWARD past comments on Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:36:24 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, we get an exclusive reaction from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after we found an eye-opening clip from the ITV News politics podcast archive where he said he wanted Donald Trump out of power.

Starmer made the comments to Paul Brand in 2020 for the Acting Prime Minister podcast, when he said he couldn’t choose between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin - and wanted to “change them both”.

Robert Peston put those comments to the PM in a sitdown interview, while questioning Starmer on the UK’s response to the markets chaos sparked by Donald Trump’s international tariffs.

Anushka Asthana meanwhile grills Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall on our audience’s huge concerns about the impact of the government’s welfare cuts.

Then after a brief quiz, Anushka and Paul discuss whether Keir Starmer’s hopes of being a disruptor in politics are exactly what a majority of voters don’t want.

Got a question for the team? Email us at talkingpolitics@itv.com

Remember to subscribe to Talking Politics on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Donald Trump's tariffs are winning him some friends - but could push him and Elon Musk apart

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:15:35 +0100

U.S. President Donald Trump's taxes on imports into the country have been causing turmoil on global stock markets and sparking concern from all corners of America. But as the Talking Politics USA team explore, there are plenty of people still right behind Mr Trump.

Host Lucy Watson, correspondent Robert Moore and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett discuss why the president is so keen to stick to his guns on tariffs and whether his fellow Republicans will stand by him.

One person seemingly opposed to the idea is the world's richest man and Trump adviser, Elon Musk. So could this hasten his departure from the administration?

Got a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Peston analyses Trump’s tariffs, why Number 10’s ‘euphoria’ will be short-lived and where the trade wars go next

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:11:28 +0100

In this special pop up episode, we asked Robert Peston to give his snap analysis after US President Donald Trump declared his extraordinary tariffs on all America’s international rivals and allies.

Paul Brand sets out the questions and Robert delivers his expert answers as the world wakes up to a new trading world order and Sir Keir Starmer and his Downing Street officials consider their response to the 10% tariffs placed on the UK from the White House.

We're talking politics every week but what is it you want to know?
Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com and we will discuss on the show.

You can watch or listen to Talking Politics on your favourite podcast platforms, YouTube or ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why is Badenoch repeating a false Adolescence conspiracy? Can the world bully Trump on tariffs? Plus how power has changed Rachel Reeves

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:01:43 +0100

In the latest episode of Talking Politics, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Lewis Denison discuss:

Why Kemi Badenoch is helping to spread a false conspiracy theory about Netflix hit drama Adolescence
How the UK will look to react to Donald Trump’s tariffs and how low-income MAGA loyalists will be clattered by the US president’s protectionist policies
Why Canada PM Mark Carney is best placed to lead a coalition of nations against the USA
Whether UK consumers could boycott US goods in retaliation
Why Nigel Farage and Reform will be tested on their loyalty to Britain AND Trump
And finally, how power has changed Chancellor Rachel Reeves

You can WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Talking Politics on YouTube and Spotify.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Trump turns on Putin, tariff 'Liberation Day' looms, Trump talks up a THIRD term, and Musk's $1m Wisconsin voter payments

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:42:31 +0100

Donald Trump could not hide his frustration over the lack of progress on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, saying he is 'p***ed off' at Vladimir Putin whilst also hitting out at Volodymr Zelenskyy for 'backing out' of a rare earth minerals deal. US Correspondent Dan Rivers, former White House staffer Laura Schwartz, and host Lucy Watson discuss where this leaves the Trump-Putin relationship, and whether he can still secure a ceasefire and peace deal.

Also, the team discuss Trump's latest comments to NBC News about his plans for a third term in the White House being 'no joke'. Could it really happen, perhaps with JD Vance running for President then resigning, or is America heading for a constitutional crisis in 2028?

Also on the agenda is Trump's tariff 'Liberation Day' on Wednesday, and whether Americans are as excited about the imposition of sweeping new tariffs as Trump himself is - and how it will affect store prices as well as key industries such as car manufacturing.

Laura Schwartz describes how security really works inside the White House in light of the Houthi Signal group chat fiasco, and the team discuss why Elon Musk is controversially handing out $1 million dollars to voters ahead of Wisconsin's supreme court election on Tuesday.

We're talking politics every week but what is it you want us discuss?
Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com

You can watch Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Should expenses be scrapped for MPs after their pay rise? And what role could Donald Trump's sons play in a MAGA dynasty?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:13:24 +0100

In this brief episode of Talking Politics Q&A, with Anushka Asthana away, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer a range of questions, namely:

Isn't it time that all expenses for MPs and the Lords were stopped?
Do you think Trump is grooming and positioning his sons to run for presidency in four years to ensure a Trump presidential dynasty and the extreme MAGA movement continues?
Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith gave us the phrase: "the age of uncertainty". What age are we all living in now?
And... fun and politics do not go in the same sentence - agree or disagree?

Got a question for us? Email on talkingpolitics@itv.com

You can listen or watch Talking Politics on Youtube, ITVX or your favourite podcast platform.

Remember to subscribe so you NEVER miss an episode!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Spring Statement ‘fiction’, how far the UK is conceding to Trump on tariffs and trade, and do 'mediocre' MPs deserve their pay rise?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:24:18 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby is joined by Anushka Asthana (briefly) and Robert Peston for the duration to discuss:

The “fiction” at the heart of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement
Why Robert and Anushka have now both upset the Treasury
The future challenges the UK faces in the era of Donald Trump and his tariff wars
Why Robert is recoiling at the potential concessions the UK is making in trade talks in Washington
And whether MPs - even the "mediocre" ones! - deserve their above inflation 2.8% pay rise

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com for our Friday Q&A edition

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Canada versus USA, outrage at Trump envoy’s Putin love-in and the painting that has made Donald RAGE!

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:21:12 +0100

In this episode of Talking Politics USA, Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and Laura Schwartz react to the shocking pro-Putin sentiments being issued from Trump’s loyalists and the White House - in stark contrast to the brutality and war crimes Dan unearthed in Ukraine. The trio also discuss:

How Mark Carney is using Trump as the key campaign target for his bid to remain prime minister of Canada versus Pierre Poilievre.
Why Donald Trump’s tariff wars runs a major risk of alienating one section of core supporters.
How Vice President JD Vance and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff have deepened rifts with US allies while delighting the Kremlin.
Why Witcoff's warm words about Vladimir Putin have caused such offence amid peace negotiations over Ukraine.
The treasures in Greenland which have seen it become a territory of major interest to the Trump administration.
And why a painting hanging on the wall of the Colorado State Capitol building in 2019 has suddenly enraged Donald Trump.

Do you have a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

You can WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vLyvOf-qZsM&list=PLFXSE3NhAYiZ8ymySHRegjBOZL5pBv1bq&index=1&pp=iAQB

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: Could Trump call off elections? Could Badenoch EVER be PM? Which leader was a nightmare to interview?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:36:41 +0100

"I hope I never have to go through something like that again!"

Robert Peston opens up on his nightmare interview with a previous prime minister in the latest episode of Talking Politics Q&A special.

He,Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana give their answers to a wide range of audience queries, namely:

Why do people think the Trump ‘problem’ will fade after four years?
Will this war be settled between Trump and Putin with Zelenskyy just a side show?
What will it take for Labour to abandon the Chancellor’s fiscal rules and raise taxes?
Kemi Badenoch will never win the Tories an election. Agree or disagree?
Who is the most powerful person in government we don’t know?
Who is the hardest person you’ve ever had to interview?

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about what matters most to you...

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Trump has rocked Starmer’s confidence

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:03:18 +0100

''What happened in that conversation between Trump and Putin actually brings us quite close to a crunch moment for the British prime minister.''

In this week’s Talking Politics, Tom, Robert and Anushka discuss:

Why Donald Trump cosying up to Vladimir Putin could soon pop Keir Starmer’s newfound confidence
How a Trump-Putin deal would see Downing Street’s Ukraine strategy unravel
The possible growth reboot for the British economy amid the defence spending hike
The furious fallout from the government’s welfare reforms, both among listeners and inside Labour
Whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves has lost control ahead of next week’s Spring Statement or 'emergency budget'

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about the things that matter most to you...

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Donald Trump vs the law - AGAIN. Plus is Elon Musk giving Tesla owners buyer's remorse?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:04:43 +0100

"How this showdown between the executive and the judiciary plays out is the drama of the next four years!"

After U.S. authorities deported hundreds of Venezuelan and Central American men to El Salvador - potentially in defiance of a federal judge - the Talking Politics USA team discuss the latest court battle Donald Trump could be about to face.

Tom Bradby, Robert Moore and former White House advisor Laura Schwartz also examine the impact of Elon Musk's ties to Donald Trump on Tesla, and the state of the Democrats.

Plus, Laura has details from the Gridiron Dinner, one of Washington's most exclusive nights.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about what matters to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Q&A: How far could Trump go before Starmer criticises him?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:04:45 +0100

In our first Talking Politics Q&A special, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana give the listeners the answers to their key questions, burning concerns and a few less serious queries, namely:

What would tip the UK to realise Trump can’t be counted as ‘one of the good guys’?
How would Ukraine joining NATO affect the outcome of the war and America?
Why has Starmer backtracked on so many promises in his manifesto before the election?
Why does the media not cover stories on the Liberal Democrats?
What’s one political buzzword you absolutely hate?
If you could report on a different subject to politics or economics what would it be?

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about what matters most to you...

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How can the UK combat Trump’s tariffs? Plus Anushka’s Tesla confession

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:44:18 +0100

"Backing out from the Tesla, I take the entire side off it…"

Anushka reveals the expensive mistake which left her apologising to a Tesla driver as she, Robert and Tom discuss the damage Donald Trump and Elon Musk have done to the car’s market value amid the US president's continued assault on the world order.

The trio also give the inside track on:

The Downing Street response to the US president’s tariffs war with Europe
Why Keir Starmer should ignore domestic pressure and be bolder with defence spending
How the looming benefits cuts will hit our listeners
And how Nigel Farage is handling yet another high profile public bust up

Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana are Talking Politics every Wednesday.

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get them in the mix for our new Q&A special episodes…

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Fifty days of Donald Trump 2.0, presidential 'swagger' and Top Gun diplomacy

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:05:16 +0100

"Donald Trump is what every politician dreams to be - attitude and swagger".

Fifty days into the Trump presidency, the Talking Politics USA team discuss how the new administration is going down at home and abroad.

Tom Bradby, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett look at how Trump is picking fights with America's allies and whether any divisions are appearing within his own top team.

Plus, after a long haul flight, Tom ponders how films like Top Gun would land now with audiences worried about America's role in the world.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How Trump’s new world order changes EVERYTHING

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:16:33 +0100

“My instinct is simply to go on the news and say ‘what the hell is this appalling person doing?!’ But that wouldn’t be impartial journalism…”

In the latest Talking Politics, Tom Bradby, Anushka Asthana and a poorly Robert Peston react to one of the most shocking weeks in modern history and explain where the world is headed next, revealing:

How those in the UK government reacted to the Trump-Zelenskyy showdown…
How the US president has ripped up the international rulebook…
What it means for our world order, the future of Ukraine and the potential for British troops to be sent into battle…
Plus, how Trump’s trade war puts massive new pressure on UK spending - as Anushka reveals her insider scoop on how the government is exploring more cutbacks.

And there’s even time for Robert’s dog to make a late cameo appearance!

If you’ve got a question, please send it to talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll put them to Robert and Anushka.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What Trump and Zelenskyy’s Oval Office row means for Ukraine and Europe

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:53:36 +0100

“It was like a diplomatic hand grenade which went off inside the room”

After the jaw-dropping row between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House, the Talking Politics USA team take stock of what the consequences could be.

Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett dissect how the diplomatic spat unfolded, ask whether it could have all been planned and discuss how Europe should respond to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Got a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

THAT Trump Gaza video - and is Starmer serving America or Britain? Plus how politicians go viral on TikTok

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:25:24 +0100

“I almost can’t believe it’s happening. I almost can’t believe it’s real.”

In the latest Talking Politics, Paul Brand is joined in the pod studio by Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana and Digital Politics Reporter Lewis Denison as they react to Donald Trump sharing an unbelievably provocative new vision for Gaza.

Political Editor Robert Peston then dials in from DC to discuss everything from the heavyweight challenges facing Keir Starmer in Washington to whether the PM is a secret Spurs fan...

The team also take your questions, including whether Starmer can really please the U.S. president without alienating the British public.

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How will Trump deal with Starmer and a split Europe?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:28:38 +0100

“If he’s banking on the special relationship, he’s probably on a hiding to nothing.”

In the latest Talking Politics USA, our International Editor Emma Murphy and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett join Rageh Omaar to debate the weight of the US-UK “special relationship" as Keir Starmer heads to the White House in these most turbulent of times.

The team also react to Elon Musk’s chainsaw stunt, the next German leader Friedrich Merz’s outspoken comments about the US and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s controversial takeover of the James Bond franchise - as Emma makes a surprising 007 confession and Matthew explains how he was inspired by Daniel Craig’s wardrobe.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues which matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Donald Trump turns on Zelenskyy - so what will Keir Starmer do next?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:00:40 +0100

"The big judgement for Starmer is whether he needs to show that European interest trumps the requirement to have a friendly relationship with America"

As Donald Trump is accused of living in a "disinformation" bubble after he blamed Ukraine for Russia's invasion, the Talking Politics team explore the tricky position Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself in before his trip to Washington.

While Ukraine continues to dominate discussion, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Emma Murphy also talk about the latest scrutiny facing assisted dying legislation in England and Wales and its chances of becoming law.

And with Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing more questions over her CV, the team consider how easy it is to make mistakes on your online profile and how trust in politicians and institutions - or lack of it - is having such an influence on so many debates right now.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Are Trump, Putin and Xi carving up the world? Plus Donald at Daytona and Hygge's Hollywood ambition

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:30:17 +0100

"American underwriting of European security now has a question mark"

As Donald Trump looks to strike a peace deal with Russia over its war in Ukraine - and leave European leaders and Kyiv feeling left out in the cold - the Talking Politics USA team assess whether America remains the ally to Europe which it has been ever since the Second World War.

Before that, Rageh Omaar, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former advisor to President Bill Clinton, Laura Schwartz delve into the world of the young college grads at the heart of Elon Musk's cost-cutting operation.

And after President Trump made a claim for Greenland, the team hear from one of the people behind a satirical petition suggesting Denmark buy California in the ultimate real estate deal. Could Trump be tempted?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you…

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

PM exclusive! Keir Starmer talks Trump, Ukraine and more with Peston

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:55:36 +0100

“President Trump will make such calls as he thinks appropriate”

In a special edition of Talking Politics, Robert Peston sits down with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin, the prospect of peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and Britain’s role in that process.

Robert and the PM also discuss the government’s plans to build new towns across the country, and an ITV News investigation into the fast-growing neo-Nazi network ‘Active Club England’.

Got a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Westminster’s WhatsApp weakness and why is Kemi Badenoch ignoring Peston?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:17:30 +0100

“It’s just like texting into a black hole… you just don’t get a reply.”

In the latest episode of Talking Politics, Robert Peston bemoans the “zero contact” he’s had from Kemi Badenoch more than 100 days into her role as Tory leader. So why is she ignoring him? And why is she struggling to have any impact on voters?

With Tom and Anushka away, Nina Hossain discusses the recent WhatsApp leaks which has shamed two Labour MPs with Robert and Carl Dinnen, who explain how the world of Westminster has been transformed by encrypted messages - and why more MPs could be under threat.

The trio also take in the latest remarkable images from the White House as Elon Musk brings his son into Donald Trump’s Oval Office, and evaluate whether the new U.S. pressure on Nato means more bad news for the UK Treasury.

Got a burning question you want to ask the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the subjects that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The odd duck, the conspiracy theorist and the ‘Thomas Cromwell’ inside Donald Trump’s 'royal court'

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:23:42 +0100

“If Donald Trump is a rare bird, then he is something of an odd duck…”

The Talking Politics USA team step inside the royal court of Donald Trump to identify three potential key and controversial power players in his new administration.

U.S. Correspondent Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett explain to Rageh Omaar why Trump picks RFK Jr, Tulsi Gabbard and Russell Vought will become critical voices in the returning president’s ear - and whether he really is all powerful this time round.

But before that the trio look back at Trump’s history-making trip to the Super Bowl and how the president rewrote the map, dissed Taylor Swift and attempted to shift some more tectonic political plates with his nearest neighbours.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you…

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Coming to you on Monday… Talking Politics USA

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:08:45 +0100

You’re used to us talking politics every week…

Well now we’ll be talking politics USA.

Every Monday Tom Bradby will be speaking with the ITV News team in DC as well as a host of American strategists to get the inside track on Donald Trump’s America.

Do you have a question for the Talking Politics team?
Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about the things that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Starmer defy 'mafia boss' Trump? Plus Peston's voice coach revelation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:16:29 +0100

“The number of complaints we got from viewers who hated my voice…”

Robert Peston reveals to Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana the early backlash he received and the steps he took to train his voice for broadcast in the latest Talking Politics as the team react to Keir Starmer’s own coaching - and whether it’s a problem for the prime minister or his opponents.

The bulk of the team’s discussion focuses though on the far bigger issue for our prime minister: how the UK should react to Donald Trump’s shocking plans for Gaza.

And they also talk about the continued rise of Reform and whether or not the party’s latest poll success over Labour really puts Nigel Farage’s party on course for power.

Do you have a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about the things that matter most to you.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why we need to talk about immigration - plus Tom’s question which caused outrage

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:34:56 +0100

On this week's Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana discuss how governments have tried and failed to deal with the issue of immigration. Robert Peston flies by to give his take on Chancellor Rachel Reeves's growth plan - including a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Plus Tom and Anushka give the inside track on what it's really like getting to know politicians in Westminster.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What Trump has that Starmer needs, Southport lessons, the Prince Harry vs The Sun fallout, and why Ed Miliband's 'incandescent'

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:18:32 +0100

Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss the political fallout from Prince Harry's legal claim against The Sun's publishers and the prospect of another Leveson inquiry, the first week of Donald Trump 2.0, the newly-announced public inquiry into the Southport murders, and a brewing row among top ministers - including an 'incandescent' Ed Miliband.

You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics on YouTube and ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Did Badenoch miss an open goal at PMQs, and is it time she changed her strategy?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:27:30 +0100

After a turbulent week for the Chancellor – due to shrinking head room on her fiscal rules because of higher borrowing costs – it seemed the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, was being treated to an open goal at PMQs. So why did it feel like her attack missed the mark, and is it time she changed her strategy?

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss.

You can also watch Talking Politics episodes on YouTube and on ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Should there be a national inquiry into grooming gangs and why is Musk interfering in UK politics?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:44:55 +0100

After a fiery first PMQs of the year, Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss the calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs as Elon Musk continues to interfere in UK politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Reflections on a whirlwind year, and predictions for 2025

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:18:58 +0100

For a bonus episode to round off the year, Tom, Robert and Anushka offer their reflections on how 2024 will be remembered, how our politics has changed this year, and what might be to come in 2025.

Talking Politics will be back in January - until then, enjoy the Christmas break and have a happy New Year!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Starmer's 'honesty problem': Unforced error, or long-term strategy?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:51:05 +0100

Sir Keir Starmer has once again generated unfavourable headlines, by appearing to change his mind on whether women who were not told their pension age was increasing should be entitled to compensation. Was it poor planning in opposition, or is there a deliberate strategy behind all the bad news? Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss.

You can also watch Talking Politics episodes on YouTube and on ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Can Starmer find a solution to Reform's surge in the polls? And will the UK show leadership in Syria?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:33:17 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana as they discuss the week's big political topics including Assad's fall in Syria, Reform UK's new self-confessed billionaire donor, and whether Labour could ever consider rejoining the EU as a solution for immigration.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Could Elon Musk really give Nigel Farage's Reform UK $100 million?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:43:35 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana as they discuss all the week's big political topics, including the rumours that Elon Musk is planning to donate $100million to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, and what we do and don't know of the 'further information' which led to the former transport secretary Louise Hague's reisgnation.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will MPs vote for assisted dying? And how much longer can Labour keep blaming things on the Tories?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:32:09 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Romilly Weeks as they discuss all the week's big political topics, including the impending vote on assisted dying, whether Keir Starmer has become comfortable being boring - and should the UK be worried by Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Fears of World War Three, the farming fallout and this week's 'not quite' PMQs

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:20:10 +0100

Tom, Anushka and Harry dissect this week's 'not quite' PMQs. They discuss the world's security situation and whether the UK could follow Trump-style politics.

Plus, how damaging could the farming fallout be for the government?

You can watch episodes of Talking Politics on ITVX and YouTube. And if you're enjoying the show please do subscribe on your podcast platform of choice!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

'The most pathetic PMQs' - and is Starmer vulnerable to what brought down the Democrats?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:14:21 +0100

Tom, Robert and Anushka dissect a PMQs they describe as 'pathetic' and 'embarrassing', and ask whether Starmer is at risk of losing the 'economic argument' in the same way Joe Biden and the Democrats appear to have done in the United States. They also discuss the challenges of the Assisted Dying Bill, and Starmer's recent trip to the COP29 climate summit.

You can watch episodes of Talking Politics on ITVX and YouTube. And if you're enjoying the show please do subscribe on your podcast platform of choice!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Kemi vs Keir: Should the PM apologise for earlier comments on Trump?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:15:03 +0100

Is another Trump presidency Keir Starmer's worst nightmare, or has the PM built enough bridges to shore up the 'special relationship'?

Plus, it was Kemi Badenoch's first time at Prime Minister's Questions...So how did the new Conservative leader fare? Geraint Vincent is joined by Carl Dinnen and Shehab Khan for this week's episode of Talking Politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

BUDGET SPECIAL: Did Labour bottle it, and will they have to come back for more?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:39:33 +0100

£40 billion of tax rises, huge increases in public spending for Britain's creaking public services and even some punchy political allegations of Tory dishonesty...

It was a very big day for the government, as Britain's first ever female Chancellor laid out Labour's budget plans to the country.

Anushka Asthana, Robert Peston and Joel Hills join Tom Bradby for a special episode of Talking Politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Starmer's Trump problem, brewing budget rows, and the one politician you shouldn't underestimate

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:24:02 +0100

Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana return a week before the big Autumn budget - but there's another uncomfortable story taking up the headlines for the government in the form of a spat with the Donald Trump campaign. Is the potential next president seriously angry at the UK government? And is it a concern if he is?

Also on the agenda is whether your taxes are about to rise, and why one particular politician may be Labour's best asset - even if they don't seem to know it.

If you enjoy Talking Politics, why not subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also watch episodes on YouTube and ITVX.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Budget takes shape, a lively disagreement on Taylor Swift, and is Starmer too 'weird' on camera?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:23:16 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana as they discuss further revelations about tax and spending plans in the Autumn budget. They also reflect on some of Starmer's awkward moments at the despatch box this week.

Plus, they discuss the furore around the prime minister meeting with Taylor Swift behind the scenes at her concert. Should we be reporting on it? And should you care?

Remember to hit subscribe so you don't miss out! You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics on ITVX and YouTube.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The life, death and legacy of Alex Salmond

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 08:57:25 +0100

Following the death of Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond, Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana for a special edition of Talking Politics.

The team look back at the life of the man who will be remembered as bringing independence to the forefront of the Scottish political agenda, who lived a life of great achievement and at times controversy.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Bonus episode: Cleverly knocked out, as the race to replace Rishi is whittled down to two

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:26:50 +0100

Tom, Robert and Anushka are back for a special emergency episode , after the shock news that James Cleverly has been knocked out of the Tory leadership race. So has the party handed Sir Keir Starmer a gift? Or is it a stroke of genius?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Has Starmer finally put all the drama behind him... or is his Chancellor about to break an election promise?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:28:08 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana as they predict what exactly may be in the Autumn budget.

Plus, they discuss the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader, after Tom Tugendhat is knocked out of the contest.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Boris Johnson on Brexit, Covid, and regrets over Partygate apologies

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:37:21 +0100

In this special episode of Talking Politics, former prime minister Boris Johnson sat down with ITV News anchor Tom Bradby for his first major TV interview on his time in office since leaving Number 10.

The pair discussed Covid, Brexit, Partygate and much more. Remember to rate and subscribe!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What does the next Conservative leader need to do to regain power?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:50:46 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston - who is in Brussels where the PM is meeting European leaders - and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana - who is in Birmingham where the Tory party conference has been taking place.

The team take a closer look at how the Tory leadership hopefuls performed in their keynote speeches and who is most likely to come out on top.

Plus, they discuss how the threat of a regional war in the Middle East has overshadowed Sir Keir Starmer's trip to Brussels as he looks to 'reset' the UK's relationship with the EU.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why the upcoming budget could be the UK's most important since the 1970s

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:25:16 +0100

On today's episode Tom Bradby is joined by Carl Dinnen and Robert Peston, who's in New York and has sat down with the Prime Minister.

The team discuss whether the UK does still have any influence over events in the Middle East, after Sir Keir Starmer insisted it does in his interview with Robert.
They also ask 'what was Labour thinking' when it comes to the gifts scandal.
And Robert sets out why next month's budget could be the most important for the UK since the days of Geoffrey Howe.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Robert exclusively reveals Starmer's free Arsenal hospitality box, plus what does the PM want from his EU 'reset'?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:11:40 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana for today's episode.

The team discuss just how damaging the PM's hospitality habit is, and Robert reveals that Sir Keir has been given a free hospitality box at his beloved Arsenal.

Also on today's episode: What are Labour hoping to achieve from their 'reset' of relations with Europe?

Could a return to the customs union be on the cards?

And will we finally see some hope from the government at the Labour conference this weekend.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What has the Harris campaign learned from Keir Starmer? And has Labour botched its winter fuel announcement?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:36:24 +0100

Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana join Tom Bradby to discuss the fallout from last night's US presidential debate, as election day draws closer.

Plus, as millions of pensioners are set to lose out on their winter fuel payment, the team examine whether Labour has lost control of their messaging.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The Grenfell report, repairing the British state, and whether our politicians really get it yet

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:46:46 +0100

Sir Keir Starmer's response to the final Grenfell Inquiry report was emphatic: The British state failed, I am deeply sorry, and we will change things. But does he understand just how huge the task of rebuilding the state -and the public's faith in the state - is going to be?

Julie Etchingham is joined by Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana for the first show back after the summer.

New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How did Starmer fare in his first PMQs as Prime Minister?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:51:07 +0100

Political Editor Robert Peston and Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen join Paul Brand as Sir Keir Starmer takes the leading role on the PMQs stage for the very first time.

Plus, how has the new Prime Minister coped with his first rebellion?

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.

New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

After 14 years of waiting what laws did Labour prioritise in the King's Speech?

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:47:42 +0100

In today's epsiode of Talking Politics the team discuss Labour's plan for government, as laid out in the King's Speech.
Our elections analyst Professor Jane Green tells us renationalising the railways no longer feels like a left-wing policy, and Anushka explains why Sir Keir Starmer loves the idea of 'mission-led government'.
Plus, with plans to kick hereditary peers out the Lords, Robert asks: what will happen to the Duke of Norfolk?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The government changes, but the problems stay the same

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:10:25 +0100

Just six days into the top job in British politics and it’s been non-stop for Sir Keir Starmer and his new team.
Nina Hossain is joined by ITV News Poltical Editor Robert Peston in the studio, and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana who's travelled with the Prime Minister to Washington for his first trip abroad.
Plus how united can the Tories appear in the midst of a leadership battle?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The 'Starmer Tsunami', what now for the country?

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:56:13 +0100

Paul Brand is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana as Sir Keir Starmer becomes the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years.

Plus, Louise Scott comments on an 'incredibly tough night' for the Scottish National Party.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Was this the ‘most maddening and absurd election campaign’ so far?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:11:51 +0100

Julie Etchingham is joined by Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston on the eve of polling day, as they take a look back at a general election campaign filled with scandal, stunts and the return of old political figures.

Also Romilly Weeks and Carl Dinnen join the conversation to discuss the mood in the main two parties as six weeks of tireless campaigning draws to a close.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Postal vote delays and can a Prime Minister have a work–life balance?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:49:40 +0100

Julie Etchingham is joined by Robert Peston, Anushka Asthana and Professor Colin Rallings to discuss the ongoing delays to postal vote.

Plus, with only two days of campaigning remaining, the political attacks have become frenzied and somewhat personal.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

French Elections: How should you deal with a far-right neighbour?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:46:43 +0100

Julie Etchingham is joined by Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston as another country’s election steals the headlines with only three days before the UK heads to the polls.

Plus, are Rishi Sunak's potential successors getting their ducks in a row for a possible Tory leadership contest?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Racism, Reform and the Prime Minister's anger

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:58:20 +0100

Geraint Vincent is joined in the studio by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss how offensive remarks made by Reform supporters have ignited a debate around racism in this country.

Plus, Political Correspondent Harry Horton, who has been following the Reform party during the election explains how it changes the campaign on the ground.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

A week to polling day - who do you trust to end the doctors' strikes?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:57:17 +0100

We go to the polls in a week's time.
Today Junior Doctors in England went to the picket line - in their long running dispute.
Tom Bradby is joined by Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston to discuss how and who can settle the strikes.
Plus, Political Correspondent Shehab Khan joins the team to discuss why many members of the Muslim community are losing trust in Labour.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will the real Keir Starmer please stand up?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:02:34 +0100

Nina Hossain is joined by Daniel Hewitt who has been looking at the housing shortage and the main parties' plans to try to solve it.

In the studio, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss the scrutiny of Sir Keir Starmer's policies and personality.

Plus, why is Rishi Sunak in a spat with Dr Who?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What does the latest twist in the Tory gambling saga mean and why is 2024 the TikTok election?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:41:40 +0100

Nina Hossain is joined by Lewis Denison as political leaders fight for hits and likes on TikTok.

In the studio, Carl Dinnen and Robert Peston discuss the growing betting scandal as the Conservatives decide to take action.

Plus, which TV shows are the leaders watching?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

A withering economic assessment of the parties' manifestos plus what to expect from the last full week of campaigning

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:40:55 +0100

Julie Etchingham is joined by Joel Hills as economists give a damning assessment of both Labour and Conservative plans.

In the studio, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss the Tory betting scandal.

Plus, is Nigel Farage Britain's Donald Trump?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Place your bets: Will gambling-gate plague the PM all the way to polling day?

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:05:26 +0100

Julie Etchingham is joined by Romilly Weeks from the campaign trail as a betting scandal continues to engulf the final stages of the Tory election campaign.

In the studio Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana give their verdict on the latest setback for Rishi Sunak.

Plus, a leaked document reveals the Lib Dems' last minute tactics in the final days of the campaign.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The Conservative betting scandal, and what would Martin Lewis tell the next Chancellor?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:55:35 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana as a betting scandal overshadows the Conservative campaign. Will the party suspend those under investigation by the gambling watchdog?

Plus Martin Lewis, the money saving expert, tells us why he's so frustrated by the current campaign and sets out what advice he would give the next Chancellor.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Is there any path to Scottish independence - and why are billionaires batting for Labour?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:09:35 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana as the SNP launch their manifesto. But is their claim that they'll pressure Westminster for another independence referendum actually credible? Peter Smith sits down with their leader John Swinney to find out.

Meanwhile, the team in the studio dissect the latest inflation and migration statistics, whilst Robert interviews Sir Keir Starmer and finds out why so many billionares are backing Labour.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Labour be less cautious if they get elected?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:00:52 +0100

Robert Peston joins Tom Bradby in the studio whilst Anushka Asthana is on the road with Labour.

She's exclusively interviewed Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves about why the party is so resistant to lifting the two-child benefit cap.

Plus, Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen joins the team from Belfast ahead of the first Westminster election since power-sharing in Northern Ireland was restored.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Could Nigel Farage be Prime Minister in five years’ time?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:01:41 +0100

Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana join Tom Bradby to discuss Reform UK's ambitions and the party's 'contract with the people', otherwise known as their manifesto.

Plus, Harry Horton challenges Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage on how he'd make it all add up.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How accurate is Nigel Farage's claim that he is now "leader of the opposition"?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:10:42 +0100

Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston join Paul Brand as a buoyant Mr Farage reacted to the first poll suggesting that his party has overtaken the Conservatives.

Plus, Political Correspondent Harry Horton joins the team after a hastily arranged Reform UK press conference to share what the mood is like within the party.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Is Labour's 'safety first' manifesto ambitious enough?

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:16:33 +0100

Robert Peston, Anushka Asthana and Joel Hills join Gamal Fahnbulleh as Labour release their election manifesto.

Plus, they are joined by Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as her party's tax plans come under scrutiny.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Another Sunak slip-up, a change in Tory tactics and why Wordle is the light relief we all need...

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:59:55 +0100

Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana join Nina Hossain to discuss a possible Labour supermajority and change in Tory tactics.

Plus, Paul Brand reflects on the Sunak interview which stole headlines after the PM admitted he 'went without' Sky TV as a child.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

It's manifesto time...Rishi Sunak's big pitch for staying in power

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:31:48 +0100

Nina Hossain is joined by Robert Peston,Shehab Khan and Anushka Asthana as the Conservative Party unveil their election manifesto, as Rishi Sunak seeks to boost his party after a damaging few days following his disappearance at D-Day commemorations.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

What can we expect from manifesto week, and who can we trust?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:17:05 +0100

Nina Hossain is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss the Liberal Democrats' manifesto launch, and look ahead to what we can expect from Labour and the Conservatives.

Plus our UK editor Paul Brand, who has travelled to blue and red wall seats around the country, joins election analyst Professor Jane Green to examine what voters are looking for in the next prime minister.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How damaging could Rishi Sunak's early D-Day departure be for the Conservatives?

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:05:47 +0100

Geraint Vincent is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss the fallout from the Prime Minister's early departure from Normandy to do a TV interview - turning the whole situation into a political disaster.
Plus our Political Correspondent Shehab Khan brings us the mood from the Tory camp from the campaign trail.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Behind the scenes of ITV's moving interview with Sir Ed Davey

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:45:35 +0100

On the day the world commemorates the 80th anniverary of D-Day, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss Conservative and Labour's defence spending pledges.

Plus Rachel Younger provides behind the scenes details of her moving interview with Sir Ed Davey, and how his family life affects what he sees as his 'duty' to care sector policy.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Does Rishi Sunak's ITV debate £2,000 tax claim stand up to scrutiny?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:28:13 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana to discuss the fallout from ITVs debate as Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer went head-to-head for the first time.

Plus Julie Etchingham discusses the challenges of moderating the live debate, and Carl Dinnen also speaks of the mood in the Labour camp after Mr Sunak's £2,000 tax hike claim.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Sunak and Starmer prepare for the first debate, but Nigel Farage still steals the limelight

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:13:43 +0100

Tom Bradby presents Talking Politics: The Election in Salford, ahead of the first head-to-head TV debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

And while he may not be taking part in the debate, Nigel Farage continued to steal the limelight at the launch of his campaign in Clacton.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The moment Nigel Farage threw his hat back in the ring

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:15:06 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston at the exact moment Nigel Farage announced he was taking over the Reform Party, and running to be an MP (again).

So how much of an impact will he have on the election campaign?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

How messy could the Diane Abbott saga get for Labour? And can the ITV debate save Rishi Sunak?

Wed, 29 May 2024 17:56:03 +0100

Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana join Gamal Fahnbulleh, as the controversy over Diane Abbott threatens to derail Labour's election campaign.

And as ITV announce the first televised leadership debate, could it be an opportunity for Rishi Sunak to revive his fortunes?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The election is called - so why now? And why are Tory MPs so unhappy?

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:52:12 +0100

Tom Bradby presents a special edition of Talking Politics from Downing Street as Rishi Sunak confirms Britain will go to the polls on July 4.

Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana are on hand as ever with expert analysis, alongside Libby Wiener, to explain why the prime minister has chosen now for a General Election - and why it's gone down so badly among many of his own MPs.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Will Rishi Sunak choose a campaign of hope or fear at the General Election?

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:50:04 +0100

Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston and Carl Dinnen to discuss the week in politics. Robert went to see the PM's big security speech, seen by many as the starting pistol for this year's general election. But with Rishi Sunak warning of the insecurity facing the world, while also promising a brighter future, which tack will he take when it comes to the campaign?

The panellists also discuss whether PMQs has lost its punch and whether our political leaders are shouting about Artificial Intelligence enough.

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics. New episodes every Wednesday so do subscribe to ensure you won't miss out.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

A post-election shock defection, and is there really any chance of a hung parliament?

Wed, 08 May 2024 17:04:58 +0100

Anushka Asthana and Robert Peston join Tom Bradby to discuss the shock defection by Conservative MP for Dover, Natalie Elphicke, to Labour after she crossed the floor at the beginning of PMQs.

How damaging is this for the Prime Minister?

And how will Labour MPs feel about an MP usually more associated with the right of the Tory party joining their ranks?

Plus - is Sunak's warning of a hung parliament really a possibility?

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.

New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Local elections: A 'seismic' shift or a Sunak sigh of relief?

Fri, 03 May 2024 17:20:16 +0100

In a local elections special, ITV News analysts Professor Jane Green and Professor Colin Rallings join Julie Etchingham as the results roll in and the Conservatives lose hundreds of council seats.

Plus, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss a bruising by-election, the 'Reform factor' and what the future looks like for Rishi Sunak.

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.
New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Can the Rwanda scheme save Rishi Sunak?

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:26:04 +0100

Political Correspondents Shehab Khan and Carl Dinnen join Tom Bradby as the first failed asylum seeker heads to Rwanda. Can the first deportations to Rwanda save Rishi Sunak's election chances?

And how does the prime minister plan to pay for what Labour calls the unfunded £46bn plan to scrap National Insurance?

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.

New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Do voters really care about immigration? And are the Rayner allegations damaging for Labour?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:08:27 +0100

Elections expert Jane Green is a special guest this week, as we approach the local elections.

Along with Tom and Robert, she looks at whether anything can save the Conservatives from a predicted wipeout.

And are Tory attacks on Angela Rayner really damaging for Labour?

All that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.

New episodes every Wednesday - subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Is the tide finally turning for Rishi Sunak?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:58:38 +0100

The smoking ban and Rwanda deportations are expected to soon become law - but will they save Rishi Sunak?

In this week's episode, Tom, Anushka and Carl Dinnen discuss whether the tide is finally turning for the prime minister.

New episodes every Wednesday - remember to subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The local elections briefing, plus could Hunt and Mordaunt really lose their seats?

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:45:31 +0100

Nina Hossain is joined by Robert Peston and election analyst Professor Colin Rallings to analyse what might happen in May's local elections.

Plus, which high-profile cabinet ministers are nervously looking over their shoulders, after the latest major poll?

New episodes every Wednesday - remember to subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Do signs point to cost-of-living crisis ending? And will free childcare plan work?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:09:32 +0100

The PM claims the economy has turned a corner but when will families start to feel the benefits?

And will the government's plan to expand free childcare actually work?

Nina Hossain hears from Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana.

Parliament is in recess but Talking Politics is not.

New episodes every Wednesday - remember to subscribe so you don't forget!

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Could Conservatives disintegrate this year? Or can controversial attack ads save them?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:18:52 +0100

The Tories are in turmoil and could be facing an electoral wipeout - but will their attack ad strategy undermine Labour's lead in the polls?

And is it time for Labour to start making spending commitments to fund the NHS and other essential services?

Tom, Robert and Anushka discuss all that and more in this week's Talking Politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Can Sunak really hold on until a winter election?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:42:39 +0100

For how much longer can Rishi Sunak hold on to power?

Could the prime minister be forced to step aside by his unruly MPs?

Or could he be bounced into an early election as the political tide continues to turn against him?

And what would Labour do with the economy if it wins?

Plus, Taoiseach shock in Ireland and inflation drop in the UK.

Julie Etchingham, Robert and Anushka discuss all that and more in this week's episode of Talking Politics.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Does racism row show Sunak is hopeless at politics?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:37:57 +0100

Does Rishi Sunak's handling of the Tory donor racism row show he is hopeless at politics?

That's what Tom asks Robert and Anushka in this week's episode after Tory donor Frank Hester was accused of making racist remarks about black MP Diane Abbott.

And with the deadline for a May election just around the corner, the journalists also discuss when would be the most likely date for the PM to send voters to the polls.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Budget special: Tax giveaways and a big headache for Labour

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:39:59 +0100

What are the key takeaways from Jeremy Hunt's final Budget before the election? How will the Conservatives look to profit from them? And why could the current spending plans leave Labour at a big loss?

Political Editor Robert Peston and Political Correspondent Shehab Khan give Tom Bradby their instant reaction and analysis.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Prince Harry Vs the Home Office, Farage’s future and has Truss joined the conspiracists?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:17:07 +0100

In this week's episode, Tom, Robert and Anushka discuss the future of Nigel Farage, with several Tory MPs wanting him to join their party.

They also look at Sir Keir Starmer's claim that former PM Liz Truss really become a conspiracy theorist.

And does Prince Harry deserve taxpayer-funded personal security when he's in the UK? The royal has lost his latest legal battle.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Did Prince William criticise the government and can Badenoch really be the next Tory leader?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:18:57 +0100

An almighty row has broken out between the former Post Office chairman and Kemi Badenoch - Anushka and Robert discuss whether it could cost the business secretary her job.

Amid strong public comments from Prince William, they also assess how much of an impact the Gaza crisis is having on the UK's main political parties, with the SNP causing trouble for Labour and the Conservatives.

And Tom asks whether Rishi Sunak is getting fed up leading the unruly Tory party.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Is anti-Semitism the biggest crisis in Keir Starmer's leadership?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:02:31 +0100

This week, Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen joins Tom and Robert to discuss how the spectre of anti-Semitism has returned to haunt Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

Although Parliament is in recess, it hasn't been a quiet week for Labour, as its leader was forced to suspend not one, but two Parliamentary candidates, over comments made about Israel.

Tom, Robert and Carl also dissect today's inflation figures, with the UK teetering on the brink of a technical recession.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The King’s diagnosis, an elusive election, and should Sunak say sorry for trans jibe?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:05:55 +0100

Following the King's cancer diagnosis, the team discuss constitutional considerations and the wider political impact of an unwell monarch.

Tom, Robert and Anushka also contemplate when the next general election might be, after reports it could come sooner than most had expected.

And should Rishi Sunak have apologised for his controversial trans jibe at PMQs?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Is a united Ireland coming four years after Brexit?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:45:27 +0100

This week, Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen joins Robert and Tom for a discussion on the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

The trio examine whether a united Ireland is on the horizon with republican party Sinn Fein now in government.

And four years after officially leaving the European Union, has Brexit been a success?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

The logic behind Simon Clarke's explosive attack on Sunak

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:24:05 +0100

As Tory MPs line up to slam Simon Clarke for his stinging attack on the PM, Robert and Anushka explain why it might not be the political own goal it seems.

Presented this week by Julie Etchingham, the trio discuss how far will the PM go to weaponise the culture wars in this election year?

Plus, will Rishi Sunak's approach to Israel’s offensive change after John Irvine’s shocking footage raises claims of a war crime in Gaza?

Robert and Anushka will be Talking Politics every Wednesday to guide you through this critical election year.

You can also watch the latest episode on ITVX: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/talking-politics-watch-itv-news-new-podcast-with-sunaks-rwanda-bill-under-scrutiny/zhk7dmy

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Why Keir Starmer is the most ruthless politician in decades

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:09:01 +0100

With Labour warned only a record swing will put them into power, Robert and Anushka evaluate whether Keir Starmer has what it takes to achieve it.

After watching him spar with Rishi Sunak over the latest Rwanda row at PMQs, Anushka shares with Tom what she learned from shadowing the Labour leader for three months.

Robert identifies the current weakness in the Labour approach before explaining why he believes Starmer is the most ruthless politician we've seen in decades.

Tom, Robert and Anushka will be Talking Politics every Wednesday to guide you through this critical election year.

You can also watch the latest episode on ITVX: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/talking-politics-watch-itv-news-new-podcast-with-sunaks-rwanda-bill-under-scrutiny/zhk7dmy

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Who'll pay for the Post Office scandal and when will the PM call the election?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:26:52 +0100

Talking Politics is the new weekly podcast from ITV News as our political experts dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda.

In this edition, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss with Tom Bradby why it took an ITV drama for the victims of the Post Office scandal to get closer to justice, why all the parties could be troubled by the fallout and whether Lib Dem leader Ed Davey in particular can survive the scandal.

And, looking ahead to 2024, the trio examine when the prime minister will go to the polls and whether his decision could be impacted by the timing of the US election and a certain Mr Trump.

Click here for the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/talking-politics-is-keir-starmer-the-most-ruthless-politician-in-a-generation/zhk7dmy

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Introducing... Talking Politics

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:29:38 +0100

Welcome to Talking Politics!

This is the brand new podcast from ITV News to guide you through a massive election year.

Every week Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana will be chewing through the biggest political issues and talking points with Tom Bradby.

They’ll be assessing how the leaders are shaping up, bringing Tom the inside track on events at Westminster and analysing how the messages from the major parties are likely to be received across the nation.

So join them every Wednesday on ITVX and wherever you get your podcasts.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com