Political Fix
Episodes
Theresa May offers Brexit delay, Labour battles over second referendum and anti-Semitism
02 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May survived another week of crucial Brexit votes, but only by pledging to delay leaving the EU to avoid a crash exit. What will happen over t...
The Independent Group emerges
23 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It was a huge week in Westminster as eight Labour MPs broke away to form the Independent Group of MPs along with three Conservatives. Where might the ...
Humiliation again for Theresa May, a new centrist party begins to emerge
16 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister was defeated in another meaningless vote in the House of Commons this week, where does this leave her talks with the EU? We also di...
May enters Brexit hell and Labour finally budges
09 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister returned to Brussels this week, only to be told once again that the Brexit withdrawal agreement would not happen. When/if might a b...
Amendment success and back to Brussels for Theresa May
02 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister staved off defeat in the House of Commons this week, but now faces the daunting challenge of finding compromise changes to the Iris...
The end of no-deal Brexit and Labour's shifting stance
26 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
MPs are likely to demand an end to a no-deal Brexit next week, what does this mean for Theresa May's deal and the Brexit debate? The consequences in W...
May's Brexit deal dies, but the prime minister survives
19 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brexit was finally put to a meaningful vote in the House of Commons this week and MPs gave a resounding no to Theresa May's deal. But her government s...
2018 in review special
22 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We look back on a traumatic year in British politics for Brexit and the Conservative and Labour parties. Will the UK leave the EU in March? Does There...
Theresa May's worst week in politics - what happens next?
15 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May endured one of the most difficult weeks of her leadership: delaying the meaningful vote on her Brexit strategy, facing and winning a confi...
Brexit finally arrives in the Commons, legal advice is given
08 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
MPs began debating Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the Commons this week and there was little sign of a breakthrough for the prime minister. The g...
Labour edges towards a second referendum and can 'Norway Plus' fly?
01 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
John McDonnell tipped the Labour party towards supporting a second Brexit referendum this week. Does this make it any more likely to happen? And we di...
Theresa May struggles to sell her deal and what happens next
24 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The UK prime minister has survived a failed coup, but her Brexit deal is going nowhere. Can she sell it to the nation above the heads of MPs? Plus we ...
May's deal lands, Raab resigns and chaos ensues
17 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May finally struck a Brexit deal this week, but it did not please much of her Conservative party with two cabinet ministers resigning. Will Mr...
A Brexit deal slowly emerges and Arron Bank's troubles
10 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Westminster is awaiting a Brexit deal but Theresa May is still facing great challenges. Will she strike a deal that is acceptable to her cabinet as we...
Philip Hammond's giveaway Budget
03 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Emboldened by an OBR windfall, Britain's chancellor tossed largesse to potential Brexit problem groups and declared austerity was coming to an end. Bu...
Brexit 'hell week' and more universal credit mishaps
29 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Negotiations between the UK and the EU are hotting up. A deal might be in sight, but can Theresa May sell it to her sceptical cabinet and party? Plus ...
NDAs, Sir Philip Green and parliamentary privilege
27 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The allegations against Sir Philip Green were thrown into the public thanks to Lord Hain's use of parliamentary privilege. Was the businessman wrong t...
Another failed Brexit summit and bullying in the House of Commons
20 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May did not achieve a breakthrough in this week’s Brussels summit of EU leaders. So where do the Brexit talks now stand? Plus a new report h...
Tory conference reviewed and a tricky fortnight for Brexit
06 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Conservative party gathered in Birmingham this week for a broadly successful if uneventful conference. But is Theresa May safe as leader for the d...
Labour conference reviewed as the Tories head to Birmingham
29 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The opposition party's conference was a success, with Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell delivering speeches that continued the party in its radical dir...
Troubling times in Salzburg and previewing Labour conference
22 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The British prime minister's hopes of a Brexit breakthrough at a summit this week were dealt a heavy blow. Where does this leave negotiations with the...
Leadership plots, Tory wars and John McDonnell's plans for workers
15 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chatter about a leadership challenge against Theresa May has abounded this week, but is it all talk and no trousers? Plus we discuss John McDonnell's ...
Labour moves on anti-Semitism and Brexit deadlock continues
08 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Westminster returned from from its summer break this week and we discuss the two main stories that still dominate the headlines: Labour's travails wit...
Summer interview special: Peter Mandelson
01 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastian Payne speaks to the former New Labour minister about his efforts to halt Brexit through another referendum, Theresa May's efforts to strike ...
Summer interview special: Nick Boles
25 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In our fourth summer special, we speak to the Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford in Lincolnshire about why, as a former Remainer, he is happy t...
Summer interview special: Lisa Nandy
18 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In our third episode, we visit the town of Wigan in the north-west of England to speak to its Labour MP. We discuss what should be done to help boost ...
Summer interview special: Jacob Rees-Mogg
11 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of this series, the Financial Times speaks to the Conservative MP for North East Somerset and ardent Brexit supporter. We discuss whethe...
Summer interview specials: Liz Truss
04 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Westminster is in recess, so this summer we are interviewing interesting MPs who will be setting the political agenda for the rest of the year. First ...
What a 'no-deal' Brexit would mean and taking-out-the-trash week
28 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Talk of a crash Brexit has ramped up this week, but how likely is it actually to happen? And how bad would it be for the UK and the EU? Plus we discus...
The Brexit votes and Labour's antisemitism problem
21 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The amendment votes in the House of Commons, the likely fate of Theresa May's Brexit plan and the Labour Party's problem with antisemitism. With Miran...
Johnson and Davis say goodbye, Trump says hello
14 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The dual departures of two cabinet ministers this week has challenged Theresa May's authority. Where do her Brexit plans stand now? Plus, we discuss D...
Cabinet chaos special
10 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis have shook both Theresa May and the government. Sebastian Payne discusses what it means and what happ...
The joys of English football and the pains of Brexit
07 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We're gearing up for Saturday's World Cup match against Sweden and the announcements coming out of Theresa May's Cabinet meeting at Chequers. Will Bri...
Cabinet ruptures and further Brexit stalemate
30 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Collective responsibility has collapsed within Theresa May’s government, so can ministers now do and say whatever they like? Plus, two columnists de...
A big birthday gift for the NHS and a new Brexit destination emerges
23 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May is giving the NHS an extra £20bn a year for its 70th birthday. Will it help the suffering health service and is it money well spent? Plus...
Withdrawal bill woes and uncovering sexual harassment in Westminster
16 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Tight votes and compromises dominate this week as Theresa May’s government puts Brexit into law. But has any actual progress been made? Plus, what c...
Two Brexit tantrums and one year on from the botched election
09 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
David Davis and Boris Johnson found themselves falling out with Theresa May this week over her Brexit strategy. But neither resigned and the prime min...
Northern Ireland's abortion quandary, and how to fund the NHS
02 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish Republic's vote to end the ban on abortion has raised questions about whether their northern neighbours are next. Will Theresa May,...
Renewal in office and where Brexit is likely to land
26 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Conservative party's efforts to renew themselves while in government are ramping up. But how big is the challenge they face? And with tensions inc...
East Coast rail nationalisation and another Brexit fudge
19 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The government's decision to bring the East Coast railway back into public ownership has fuelled the debate on nationalisation. Will this be the last ...
Brexit stalemate and tackling intergenerational unfairness
12 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Another week, another round of infighting about the customs union with no conclusion. How long can the Cabinet remain divided? Plus, we discuss w...
Stalemate in England's local elections, and the customs union debate
05 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Neither Conservatives nor Labour made big gains in this week's local elections. Is there any impetuous for the parties to change course? Plus, Theresa...
Customs union conundrums and the upcoming local elections
28 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The May government has yet to fully decide if it will have a customs union with the EU after Brexit. Does it need one and will parliament force her ha...
The Windrush fiasco and the troubles with a 2nd Brexit referendum
21 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Theresa May's government has suffered from one of its worst weeks since the general election, thanks to the uncertainty about the "Windrush generation...
Should the UK bomb Syria, and 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement
14 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The latest chemical weapons attack in Syria has shocked the world. Can Theresa May join Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron in bombing the nation without...
Russia's propaganda battle and knife crime in London
07 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The war of information over the events in Salisbury has become increasingly tense. Is the UK engaging a hopeless propaganda battle with Russia? Plus, ...
Corbyn's anti-Semitism woes and Sheffield's battle with trees
31 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a difficult week for the Labour leader, who has struggled to stem criticisms of his stance on racial hatred. Plus the row in Sheffield abo...
The use and abuse of data in politics - plus May's Brexit breakthrough
24 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The scandal around Cambridge Analytica has raised questions about whether data is being misused. Will the revelations about the British firm's Faceboo...
Corbyn's Russia troubles and the first Spring Statement
17 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Corbyn has taken a firm line on Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack, much to the annoyance of his colleagues. Has civil war broken out ...
Salisbury under attack and Hammond's offer on financial services
10 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy in Salisbury has shocked the country. If there are links to the Russian state, what will happen to its relat...
Theresa May's third Brexit speech and profiling John McDonnell
03 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister delivered her vision of the UK's future relationship with the EU, did it strike the right note? And will it be well received in Bru...
Brexit chess at Chequers and Corbyn vs the media
24 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The May government has finally decided what it wants from Brexit. But will it fly in Brussels? Plus, did Jeremy Corbyn receive an unfair hearing from ...
Boris blunders on Brexit and talks collapse in Belfast
17 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Boris Johnson delivered his “road to Brexit” speech this week but did not say anything new. Was it his fault or the Cabinet? Plus, power sharing t...
Trading blows over Brexit and women in politics 100 years on
10 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The UK cabinet spent hours locked in debate over what to ask for in the Brexit negotiations, but little has emerged with any clarity. In Brussels, the...
May's travails and the end of the Anglo-Chinese golden era
03 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister went to China this week on a mission to make the case for "Global Britain". At home the colleagues Theresa May left behind argued a...
Boris on manoeuvres and the case for the customs union
27 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Is the foreign secretary lining up for a leadership bid? Or just frustrated at Theresa May’s leadership? Plus, is there a case for staying in the EU...
Carillion goes into liquidation and Macron comes to Britain
20 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Was the government responsible for the financial troubles at the construction giant? Is this the end of PFI and outsourcing? Plus, did Macron strike t...
Theresa May’s botched reshuffle, and why the Tories are going green again
13 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister tried to make some decisive moves in her government this week - and failed. Where does this leave her now? Plus, is the Conservativ...
Health, membership, rail and reshuffle conundrums for May
06 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
2018 has brought a slew of domestic challenges for Theresa May, can she tackle them while keeping her government on the tracks? Plus, what do the stat...
Farewell Damian Green and 2017 political roundup
22 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Was Theresa May’s de facto deputy right to resign? And who will replace him? Plus. a review of the political year for the Conservatives, Labour, Bre...
Phase One is complete, and can the Tory party reinvent itself?
16 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Now that the UK has a divorce settlement with the EU, how difficult is phase two going to be? Plus, can the Conservative party find a way to reinvent ...
May’s Brexit breakthrough
09 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How did Theresa May unlock the stalled negotiations with the EU? What is in the divorce settlement? And what does it mean for the next stage of talks?...
Settling the Brexit bill and Corbyn vs. bankers
02 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Has the UK agreed a financial settlement with the EU? What does this mean for making progress with Brexit? Plus, what motivated Jeremy Corbyn’s atta...
Hammond's Budget success and the Irish border conundrum
25 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week's budget went without a hitch for the May government, but what does the future hold for the economy? And why was Labour's response so poor? ...
Budget 2017 special: Fiscal Phil's housing gamble
22 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Philip Hammond delivered his autumn Budget on Wednesday - was it enough to placate his Conservative critics? What do the dire growth forecasts suggest...
The Brexit mutineers and how the City of London will survive
18 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
EU legislation was back in the House of Commons this week and not all Conservative MPs were willing to back the government. Plus, how will Europe's fi...
Farewell Priti hello Penny, and solving the Northern Ireland conundrum
11 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Has Theresa May’s government been fatally weakened by the forced departure of Priti Patel? And is any progress being made in addressing the Northern...
Westminster in crisis and a raise in rates
04 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
British politics is engulfed in a tide of sexual harassment allegations, where will it go next? Is it time for a cultural shift in the Palace of Westm...
Unpicking the Universal Credit crisis and Brexit wars, continued
28 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Is the government's welfare programme about to come off the rails, or can tweaks be made to ensure the poorest in society receive the support they nee...
Theresa May’s dish of disappointment in Brussels
20 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The UK prime minister did not get the result she was hoping for at this week’s EU summit, so what comes next for Brexit? And what was Jeremy Corbyn ...
An eventful week for Brexit
14 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The ball is bounced back across the court in the negotiations, business worries over lack of urgency on transition, talk of a leadership challenge has...
Theresa May's terrible week
07 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Conservative party conference was supposed to be the prime minister's big moment, yet her keynote speech was a disaster and the overall mood was ...
Labour's galvanising conference in Brighton
30 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The UK opposition party gathered for their annual conference this week and it was a success for leader Jeremy Corbyn. But how united is the party behi...
Theresa May's Brexit speech in Florence
23 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The UK prime minister delivered a landmark speech in Italy on Friday with the aim of unlocking the stalled Brexit negotiations. Did she say enough to ...
Theresa May heads to Florence, and unfreezing the pay cap
16 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The UK prime minister is set to give a big Brexit speech in Florence next week - what might she say and how important is it? And has the government ma...
The repeal bill, and Labour's Brexit repositioning
08 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As parliament debates the legislation for Britain's EU exit, we discuss the dangers of the Henry VIII powers and Keir Starmer's new line on customs un...
Brexit talks round three and will Theresa May cling on?
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The political news season has kicked off again with David Davis going head-to-head with Michel Barnier in Brussels - have the talks stalled already? A...
Summer special: immigration
25 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Will the UK ever manage to reduce migration levels to the "tens of thousands?" Should it? And how will immigration change after the UK has left the EU...
Summer special: the education debate
18 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Who should pay for expanding undergraduate degrees, the shake-up of state school funding and apprenticeships. With Claer Barrett and Sarah O'Connor of...
Summer special: fixing Britain's housing crisis
12 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Why is the UK not building enough new homes when there is a consensus that more are desperately needed? And is social housing receiving the attention ...
Summer special: the devolution revolution
05 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Britain has been promised that political power will flow from Whitehall to local government to help rebalance the economy - but how successful has it ...
Summer special: Brexit one year in
29 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of our summer policy specials, the Financial Times examines the state of Brexit one year after the historic vote to leave the EU - what p...
Brexit reset and a summer of plotting
22 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How did the second batch of talks between Britain and Brussels go? And will the Conservative leadership plots to overthrow Theresa May grow over the s...
Brexit at home and abroad
15 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As the UK prepares to enter the next round of negotiations with the EU, we discuss how much progress has been made, whether Brussels and Britain are o...
Theresa May listens to business and Labour deselections
08 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With George Parker and Miranda Green of the Financial Times, plus commentators Paul Mason and John McTernan. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on A...
A good week for Theresa May, a bad one for Jeremy Corbyn
01 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Queen's Speech is passed through the Commons, the DUP deal is sealed and Labour's splits on Brexit are exposed. With George Parker, James Blitz an...
One year on since the referendum and the Queen's Speech
24 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Plus, why the Conservatives have failed to negotiate a deal with the DUP. With Jim Pickard, Miranda Green and Vincent Boland of the Financial Times. P...
Theresa May's future, the Grenfell fire and the end of austerity
17 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Martin Wolf, Chris Giles, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Election wrap-up, and how long will Theresa May last?
09 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Janan Ganesh, Miranda Green and Matt Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
General election: Theresa May loses her gamble
09 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With George Parker and Matthew Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Final week of the general election, and what Theresa May said to the FT
03 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Roula Khalaf, George Parker, Philip Stephens, Jim Pickard and Matt Singh of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian PayneRead the full interv...
The aftermath of the Manchester terror attack
27 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A week in which Britain was shaken. And how Labour and Ukip will tackle terrorism. With George Parker, Sam Jones, Matt Singh and Miranda Green of the ...
Week 4 of the general election and Mayism takes shape
20 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Matt Singh of the Financial Times and Julian Glover, writer and former No 10 adviser. Presente...
Week of 3 general election and Labour's leaked manifesto
13 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How Theresa May is trying to soften her image, Ukip's decision to stand aside in many seats for the Tories and why Labour's draft manifesto was leaked...
Local elections: a blue wave hits Britain
06 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Conservatives have made great gains in England and Scotland in the local and mayoral elections this week - what lies ahead for Labour? And what hi...
Week 2 of the 2017 general election and the revival of the Scottish Tories
29 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The pros and cons of tactical voting, Ukip's campaign launch, Labour's decline in the Wales and taxing issues for the Tories. With Henry Mance and Mir...
Week 1 of 2017 general election
22 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With George Parker, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Henry Mance of the Financial Times, plus pollster Matt Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted ...
Special: Theresa May calls a snap general election
18 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Janan Ganesh, George Parker and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
Boris' blunders and grammar schools for 'ordinary people'
15 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Roula Khalaf, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
US air strikes in Syria and May's Brexit repositioning
08 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With Roula Khalaf, Janan Ganesh, David Gardner and Henry Mance. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...