Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said net migration is too high following data showing that it hit a record last year, but he insists it’s not out of control. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher digs into the political debate over immigration with columnist Stephen Bush and chief political commentator Rober Shrimsley. Also, what to make of the Cabinet Office referring Boris Johnson to the police over further potential breaches of coronavirus regulations? Plus, Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams gives an update on her scoop about the government’s flagship regeneration scheme - now under scrutiny amid allegations of cronyism and waste.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more?  UK net immigration hits record high of 606,000The old cycle of British immigration policy is unwindingYes, Suella Braverman should go, but not for the reason you thinkSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Mix by Jake Fielding and Breen Turner. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. View our accessibility guide  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Critics claim the Tories lack an industrial strategy and three former business secretaries have said that this fails to prepare Britain for the future. George Parker, the FT’s political editor, hears from Greg Clark, one of those former ministers, and industry correspondent Sylvia Pfeiffer. Plus, Labour leader Keir Starmer’s recent speeches reveal much about the conservatism of the country - an issue that will be key in the general election expected next year. Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and the FT’s new Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher discuss.Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 Best Newsletter award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Follow @GeorgeWParker on Twitter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cutting inflation and stopping small-boat migration are two of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s five core priorities, but there's no let-up in inflation or unhappiness with the government's policy on asylum seekers. George Parker, the FT’s political editor, discusses with economics correspondent Delphine Strauss and economics editor Chris Giles how far off target the government is. Plus, the UK’s stretched public finances are braced for a hit of up to £10bn in compensation claims for those affected by a decades-long NHS contaminated blood scandal. How did it happen? George hears from global health editor Sarah Neville and Barry Flynn, one of the victims who has severe haemophilia A and was infected with hepatitis C.Want more?UK faces bill of up to £10bn to cover blood scandal compensationInflation and NHS waiting lists threaten Rishi Sunak’s five-pledge strategyUK borrowing costs increase to their highest level in almost 15 yearsUK plans curbs on visas for overseas students’ family membersSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Follow @GeorgeWParker on Twitter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Prime Minister Rishi Sunak the results were ‘disappointing’, Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer claimed his party was heading for power and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey wore a ‘Cheshire cat’ grin. What do this week’s local elections in England show about the likely direction of the next general election? Host George Parker discusses with columnist Stephen Bush, Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams and the FT’s new Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher.Presented by George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh Gabert-Doyon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer is Breen Turner and the FT’s head of audio is Cheryl BrumleyNews clips: Sky, BBC, GB NewsSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Follow @GeorgeWParker on Twitter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has launched a charm offensive to win back the support of business while Labour wines and dines the financial community. Are their efforts to connect with corporate Britain convincing? Host George Parker discusses with the FT’s markets editor Katie Martin and deputy political editor, Jim Pickard. Plus, we look ahead to next week’s local elections. George and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe compare notes on the mood they found on the doorsteps around the country and columnist Robert Shrimsley provides his analysis.Want more?Why the Tories worry about Labour’s charm offensive with businessJeremy Hunt admits UK business taxes too high as government pressed on strategySunak aims to woo Britain’s business leaders in corporate resetSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh Gabert-Doyon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The sound engineer is Jan Sigsworth and the FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Follow @GeorgeWParker on Twitter Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.