Talking Politics

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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