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Sophy Ridge on Sunday

220 Episodes

48 minutes | Apr 2, 2023
Planes, ports, and paternity | Suella Braverman, Lisa Nandy, and Guy Opperman
It's been a busy few weeks for the Home Secretary Suella Braverman. There's been the damning report into London's Metropolitan Police, questions over the Government's plans to reduce crossings in the Channel, and just as schools begin to break-up for the Easter holidays, back-to-back queues are affecting the Port of Dover. The Home Secretary speaks to Sophy about all these issues, plus her plans to introduce a new legal duty for people working with children to report "signs or suspicions" of sexual abuse. For Labour, shadow housing and communities secretary Lisa Nandy tells Sophy why she believes the Government hasn't properly prepared for a post-Brexit Britain. Plus, the employment minister and Conservative MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman, tells the programme why he wants better maternity care, and support for parents who experience child loss. For a midweek political hit, why not try subscribing to the Beth Rigby Interviews... podcast? Programme Producer: Lucy Bishop Programme Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: David Chipakupaku Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth
34 minutes | Mar 26, 2023
Anti-social behaviour, ‘laughing gas’ ban plus Matt Hancock | Michael Gove and Lucy Powell
On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy speaks to levelling up secretary Michael Gove about measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, banning nitrous oxide - widely known as laughing gas - and an undercover sting by anti-Brexit campaign group Led by Donkeys, targeting MPs including former Tory ministers Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng. Plus, Sophy interviews Labour’s shadow culture secretary, Lucy Powell. And there’s analysis with Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates.
41 minutes | Mar 19, 2023
Rwanda policy, strike deals and Boris Johnson | Oliver Dowden and Miguel Berger
After the government said it was working on starting its deportation flights to Rwanda by the summer, Sophy Ridge speaks to Oliver Dowden, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, about ministers' plans to reduce small boat crossings to the UK and asks him if his party is avoiding scrutiny on the policy. Sophy also speaks to Miguel Berger, the German ambassador, about the UK's improved relationship with the EU under Rishi Sunak. She is joined by Sam Lister, the Daily Express's political editor, to dissect the interviews and look ahead to Boris Johnson's appearance before MPs on the Privileges Committee over accusations he deliberately misled Parliament about partygate this week. Programme Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth
39 minutes | Mar 12, 2023
Spring Budget, Scottish leadership race and Gary Lineker | Jeremy Hunt, Rachel Reeves, and Ash Regan
Despite a big week in politics looming, the row over Gary Lineker’s controversial tweet and subsequently stepping back from presenting Match of the Day is dominating headlines this weekend. But that’s not all that’s happening. Just days ahead of the Spring Budget Sophy Ridge speaks to the Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt as well as Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves. They talk about their own party spending techniques as well as their opposing views on the Lineker row. Plus, ahead of the Sky News Scottish Leadership Debate – Sophy asks candidate Ash Regan some quick-fire questions. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to analyse all the interviews. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
39 minutes | Mar 5, 2023
The small boats plan and the Northern Ireland deal | Chris Heaton-Harris and Lord Dannatt
New small boat crossings legislation will be “very black and white”, the Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said. Speaking to podcast host Sophy Ridge, he said the new laws will mean that people who come to the UK illegally will be banned from claiming asylum. We also hear from former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt, who said sending weaponry to Ukraine “almost certainly” depletes the UK's defence capability but that it's important to support the country in its war with Russia. Our political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley join Sophy to analyse this week’s interviews. Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
51 minutes | Feb 26, 2023
Northern Ireland Protocol latest | Dominic Raab, Mark Francois and US Senator Bernie Sanders
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab reckons the government is on the 'cusp' of an agreement to change the Northern Ireland protocol - the agreement, negotiated during Brexit talks, which allows goods to move across the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland without needing checks. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, we also hear the thoughts of Mark Francois, who chairs the European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative Eurosceptic MPs. Also, we hear from Mr Raab on the bullying claims made against him, tougher rules for transgender prisoners and the courts backlog in England and Wales. Plus, Sophy interviews former US presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders. On the podcast joining Sophy with analysis of this week’s interviews is senior associate editor at the New Statesman, Rachel Cunliffe, and programme producer, Scott Beasley. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor
52 minutes | Feb 19, 2023
Not So Quiet On the Northern Irish Front | Penny Mordaunt, Yvette Cooper, Lord Peter Mandelson, and Naomi Long
But, just as Westminster had thought Boris Johnson was out of the picture, sources tell Sky News he thinks it would be a "great mistake drop the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill", controversial legislation which allows UK ministers to rip up parts of the protocol and ignore EU rules. On this episode, Trevor Phillips is joined by The Scotsman's Westminster correspondent Alexander Brown to analyse interviews with Leader of House Penny Mordaunt and Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Plus, former Northern Ireland Secretary under Tony Blair, Lord Peter Mandelson, and the leader of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party, Naomi Long. Podcast producer - David Chipakupaku  Editor - Paul Stanworth
37 minutes | Feb 12, 2023
Tax, international aid and the loan that keeps attracting interest| Andrew Mitchell, John Nicholson and John Redwood
As the death toll from the earthquake in Syria and Turkey continues to rise, Development Minister Andrew Mitchell defends the governments cuts to the international aid budget as Conservative MP John Redwood calls for tax cuts at home. Plus, SNP MP John Nicolson and member of the DCMS select committee says Richard Sharp’s position is no longer tenable after a report critical of the BBC chairman’s connections to former prime minister Boris Johnson is published. On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to analyse the interviews. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth
38 minutes | Feb 5, 2023
Liz Truss comeback | Grant Shapps, Jonathan Reynolds and Alicia Kearns
Liz Truss has broken her silence after resigning, becoming the shortest serving prime minister in UK history. In a 4,000 word essay, the former PM defended her controversial economic policies and said she didn't get a "realistic chance". On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by Camilla Turner, chief political correspondent at The Telegraph who broke the story, and producer Scott Beasley. They react to the prime minister's comments, as well as unpack the reaction from today's guests. Plus Sophy, Camilla and Scott discuss the dangers of TikTok, after Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns warns Sophy to delete the social media app. Show Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont
25 minutes | Jan 29, 2023
Nadhim Zahawi is sacked
Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked as Tory party chairman after an ethics inquiry into the handling of his tax affairs found a "serious breach" of the ministerial code. On the podcast, Sophy is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor of the New Statesman, and producer Scott Beasley to react to the news. Programme Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth
35 minutes | Jan 22, 2023
"You're the journalist not me." | James Cleverly and Sharon Graham
The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, avoids answering questions on the latest 'sleaze' allegations to hit the Conservative Party – from Boris Johnson’s £800,000 loan to Party chair and former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs. Plus, General Secretary of Unite the Union, Sharon Graham accuses the government of lying about negotiating to end strikes. Sophy is joined by The Daily Mirror’s political editor, John Stevens and show editor Scott Beasley to discuss both explosive interviews. Show Editor: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont
43 minutes | Jan 15, 2023
What next for strikes? | Mark Harper, Peter Kyle and Dr Philip Banfield
As further strikes take place across the country this week, the Royal College of Nursing has threatened its biggest walkout in England next month unless talks with the government progress soon. At the same time, Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer has warned the NHS will “die” without drastic change. But it’s not just industrial action in the health service the government is up against; teachers plan to walk out in February too and rows across the transport network are among those ongoing. Is there a way forward to end strikes across different areas of the public sector? And do unions think Labour have a better plan for the health service? On this edition of the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, interviews with transport secretary Mark Harper, Labour’s shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle and chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Philip Banfield – plus, analysis with Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates and show editor Scott Beasley. Also, Sophy interviews Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko after a deadly missile attack in Dnipro, a city in central Ukraine. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Dave Terris - editor
49 minutes | Jan 8, 2023
"The NHS is on its face" | The Westminster Accounts and Sir Keir Starmer
How much does your MP earn, on top of their salary, and where does the money come from? For years, many stories have come out of Westminster that have seen MPs wrestling with money - the expenses scandal, cash for questions, the Owen Paterson saga - and time after time, politicians have promised to make changes. But a Sky News investigation with Tortoise Media has pulled together the details of the money that is still flowing around politics, with MPs making £17.1m on top of their salaries in this parliament (i.e. since 2019). Around two-thirds of that money has gone to just 20 MPs. On this edition of the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, our deputy political editor Sam Coates joins Sophy and show editor Scott Beasley to talk through the Westminster Accounts project, and why it matters. Elsewhere, with Labour continuing to hold a lead in the polls, the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer sits down with Sophy for his first big interview of 2023, outlining his plans for the country, should he win the next election. Plus, both he and Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, give their first responses to the Westminster Accounts project. You can search The Westminster Accounts for your MP by clicking here. Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
42 minutes | Dec 11, 2022
Winter strikes: James Cleverly, Wes Streeting and Dr Emma Runswick
“More people will die” this winter due to strikes, Dr Emma Runswick, the deputy chair of the British Medical Association council, has warned. James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, says the health secretary’s door is open for talks but repeatedly told the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that negotiation on pay was down to independent pay review bodies. Meanwhile, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting says he's willing to engage with unions but isn't prepared to "just accept lower standards for patients". On the podcast today, Jayne Secker - in for Sophy this week - is joined by Scott Beasley, the show’s producer, and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, political correspondent for the Financial Times. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Dave Terris – editor
48 minutes | Dec 4, 2022
December strikes, migrant crossings | Nadhim Zahawi and Miguel Berger
The government could use the army to help ease the disruptions caused by possible public sector strikes, Conservative Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi told Sky’s Sophy Ridge. Sophy is joined by Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor at the Financial Times, to analyse Zahawi’s comments. Also, Sophy and Sebastian discuss German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger’s suggestion that Germany does not see a fundamental change in the Russian position amid the war in Ukraine. Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Paul Stanworth
48 minutes | Nov 27, 2022
Strikes, immigration and I’m A Celebrity | Mark Harper and Lisa Nandy
Sophy Ridge with some of the week's biggest political interviews – plus, analysis of what her guests have had to say. This week she interviews Transport Secretary Mark Harper who is quizzed on strikes – who says inflation matching pay-rises for public sector workers are unaffordable. Shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy also talks strikes – as well as hitting out at the government’s "back of a fag packet" immigration policies. Plus former FA chairman, Greg Dyke, gives his take on the Qatar World Cup controversy. Joining Sophy to unpack all of this is Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates – and they start by discussing Matt Hancock reaching the final of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
48 minutes | Nov 20, 2022
NHS, Swiss-style EU relations, housing | Steve Barclay, Jonathan Ashworth, Kwajo Tweneboa
Sophy Ridge with some of the week's biggest political interviews – plus, analysis of what her guests have had to say. Sophy speaks to Health Secretary Steve Barclay about the planned strike by nurses and winter pressures on the NHS. Mr Barclay says demands from the Royal College of Nursing for an above-inflation pay rise are "unreasonable". Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth calls for more talks about the strike. Plus, social housing activist Kwajo Tweneboa joins Sophy to discuss the story of Awaab Ishak – the two-year old boy who died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his family's flat. To discuss those interviews for the podcast, Sophy is joined by Daily Mirror political editor John Stevens and programme producer Scott Beasley.
41 minutes | Nov 13, 2022
The Autumn Statement | Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Simon Clarke
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt promises "we’re all going to be paying a bit more tax" ahead of his autumn statement but promises his budget statement "won’t just be bad news". On this episode Sophy is joined by the Daily Telegraph's associate editor Christopher Hope to examine her interview with Mr Hunt as well as former minister and Liz Truss-backer Simon Clarke, who urged the government to focus on spending cuts rather than tax rises. Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
53 minutes | Nov 6, 2022
Oliver Dowden on Rishi Sunak's leadership | Paul Blomfield on assisted dying
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, on the economy, threat of strikes and new Cabinet Office minister Sir Gavin Williamson facing bullying claims. Plus, Labour MP Paul Blomfield talks about his decade-long campaign for a change in the law to allow assisted dying, after his 87-year-old father Harry took his own life following a terminal cancer diagnosis. We also hear from Dr Mark Pickering, from the organisation Care Not Killing, which promotes palliative care. Sophy is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley to talk through her big interviews. WARNING: This podcast features discussion about suicide. If you need to speak to someone, call the Samaritans helpline for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org SROS producer: Scott Beasley Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth
47 minutes | Oct 30, 2022
Rishi Sunak’s first week | Michael Gove, Yvette Cooper, and Inna Sovsun
Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, has apologised for the Tories installing Liz Truss as leader. "We made a mistake. We took the wrong turn," he tells Sophy Ridge. Also, Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper says it is "irresponsible" to have a home secretary in Suella Braverman who "isn't trusted by the security service," and Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun on how she talks to her son about the threat of nuclear war. Sophy is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Liz Bates and producer Scott Beasley to talk through her big interviews. SROS Producer: Scott Beasley Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Paul Stanworth
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