As Keir Starmer meets with Donald Trump for the first time since the latter’s re-election, international order appears to be fragmenting around us. George Osborne and Ed Balls ask, are European leaders having to face up to a painful truth that their security is now at the whim of Trump’s? Could other countries even come close to providing the kinds of military forcepower the Americans can provide?All the same, Starmer made a big splash this week ahead of his momentous trip to the White House by announcing increased defence spending - and a slashing of the aid budget. The pair consider how this massive strategic shift will recast Britain’s role on the world stage. And what does it say about Starmer’s grip on his Cabinet? Plus, pure podcast gold as George and Ed take a look at the latest Elon Musk amplified conspiracy: that the US’s reserves in Fort Knox might be missing. Why is gold of such political and economic importance, and how do the optics of Musk and Trump's pronouncements remind us of Gordon Brown's sale of reserves - or even the ‘Pasty Tax’? This episode is brought to you by British Airways. British Airways will take care of you over a lifetime of journeys. Book your next flight at britishairways.com Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Or, join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Producers: Jarek Zaba, Miriam Hall and Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Danny PapeExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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