Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Cindy Yu and many others.
Donald Trump's latest comments on Ukraine and its leader have united the British political spectrum in condemnation – almost. Nigel Farage has tread a careful path given his friendship with the U.S. President, but also the fact that the majority of the British public disagree with Trump's critical attitude towards Ukraine. Can he keep this up? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Heale.
Produced by Cindy Yu.
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9:15
Why Rachel Reeves is safe, for now
Foreign affairs are inescapable this week, with the readout from the meeting yesterday between Russian and American diplomats in Saudi Arabia. We understand that Trump told Putin that Ukraine will be part of the next round of peace talks. However, Trump’s shock-and-awe foreign policy continues to deliver significantly more shock than awe, especially after he seemingly blamed Ukraine for starting the war. What is he thinking? Could there be more to Trump's foreign policy than he is letting on?
Back in the UK, pressure is mounting on Rachel Reeves as more inaccuracies in her CV come to light, and inflation rises to 3 per cent. There have been murmurs that she could be replaced, but is there a viable candidate to replace her? And would anything actually change if she was reshuffled?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Kate Andrews and James Heale.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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14:05
How Europe’s consensus on Ukraine broke down
The future of Ukraine is being decided in a meeting between US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia today. So far, we understand that America will insist that Ukraine is recognised as a sovereign nation, but NATO membership remains off the table. Meanwhile, European leaders have been cut out of the conversations. In response, they held their own summit yesterday, but it didn’t seem like they were all singing from the same hymn sheet. While the UK is pushing for higher defence spending and is willing to commit troops, other European nations seem more dovish, especially Germany and Italy. This is reflected in opinion polls as well. What's going on?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and James Johnson, director at JL Partners.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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13:27
Can Starmer be the bridge between Europe and the US?
There is lots to make sense of today in a huge week for European and world politics, with the fallout of the Munich Conference and today’s emergency summit in Paris. European powers are trying to navigate peace in Ukraine in the face of a belligerently isolationist Trump administration. The UK is caught between preserving its privileged position with the US and the desire for a European reset, as well as the need for an end to the war in Ukraine without giving in to Russia. Can Starmer bridge the transatlantic chasm that has opened up? Do the Europeans want us, and do the Americans need us?
Events in Europe will be incredibly consequential here in the UK. In an op-ed for The Telegraph, the Prime Minister has confirmed that he is ready and willing to put British troops in Ukraine and has set out plans to maintain the manifesto promise to pledge 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence spending, going against the Treasury. How difficult will it be for Starmer to make the case for increased defence spending?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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14:01
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 16/02/2025
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.
Next week, European leaders will hold an emergency summit in response to Trump attempting to seize control of the Ukraine peace process. This morning, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds attempted to downplay any rift between the US and its European allies, but accepted that Europe had to contribute more to its own defence. Priti Patel claimed that it was too early to say what the US's position on Ukraine will be. And we also hear about how technology could allow us to design plants which revolutionise agriculture.
Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Cindy Yu and many others.
UK