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Rishi Sunak will deliver his second Budget next week, where the chancellor will set out a mission to put the UK's public finances on a sounder footing. Will he reveal rises in spending, tax or both? Plus, we discuss Alex Salmond's select committee appearance on Friday and whether the former Scottish first minister's testimony is a threat to his successor Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Mure Dickie, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Gemma Tetlow. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: Parliament TV, Scottish Parliament-After the pandemic: Sunak signals the UK’s return to fiscal conservatism-Levelling up tests Johnson’s ‘Heineken’ credentials-Salmond accuses Sturgeon of presiding over ‘failures of leadership’-SNP feud threatens its Scottish independence hopes-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson made it clear this week that he will not rush into easing the nationwide lockdown - what will the UK prime minister set out in his road map next week? Will schools return and when will further measures be eased? Plus, we discuss the surprise appointment of Lord David Frost to Johnson's cabinet and what it says about relations with the EU and the next ministerial reshuffle. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan.Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament TVFurther reading:-Diplomats and business express caution over Frost cabinet role-The equivalence tussle is giving UK a lesson in Brexit power politics-Johnson puts final touches to cautious easing of English lockdown-Covid infections dropping fast across England, study shows-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hotel quarantine will finally be introduced to the UK next week, but can the logistics work? Will it stop new variants of the virus spreading - and are enough countries going to be included? Plus, we discuss whether Sir Keir Starmer is stalling as Labour leader and whether he is critical enough of the government's coronavirus policies. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Alice Hancock, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Sienna Rodgers, editor of LabourList. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: BBC Radio 4, Parliament TV, PA Media, Novara MediaFurther reading:-UK Covid border measures under increasing strain ahead of rollout-Travel bosses fear summer season at risk after UK warns on holidays-Britain wakes up to the power of border controls-Should Britons abandon hope of a summer holiday?-Labour’s Starmer has no quick fix; Johnson stole his story-Labour party looks to Biden for inspiration-Labour attacks £1bn cuts to flagship green homes scheme  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week the UK faced the prospect of the emergence of new coronavirus mutations while surging past 10m vaccinations. Will this progress speed up the relaxation of the lockdown? What timetable is the prime minister working to? Plus, we discuss how Brexit is affecting trade in Northern Ireland and whether the contentious trade protocol will be suspended or improved to ease tensions. Presented by Sebastian Payne. With Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, George Parker and Peter Foster. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan.Review clips: 10 Downing Street, Parliament TV, BBC Radio UlsterFurther reading:UK coronavirus quarantine system to start on February 15Treasury economists work on plan for phased lifting of Covid restrictionsJohnson remains cautious on easing England’s lockdownCan the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol survive?Brussels pushes back on UK bid to rewrite Northern Ireland protocolJohnson threatens to use emergency powers to avoid barrier in Irish Sea  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson set out how England will exit its nationwide lockdown this week, with schools set to reopen in early March but shops and other businesses due to come later. We speak to Mark Harper, chair of the Covid Recovery Group, about what Tory MPs want to hear from the prime minister. Plus, we examine the Scottish National party's latest push for independence and whether their plan B will run foul of UK law. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Mure Dickie and special guests Conservative MP Mark Harper and Nicola McEwan from Edinburgh University. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh da la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Cheryl Brumley.Review clips: UK pool, Scottish governmentFurther reading:A grim accounting of the UK’s virus mishandlingEngland lockdown starts to suppress Covid-19, study suggestsSchools in England to remain closed until at least early MarchTory activists hope for Covid ‘bounce’ if curbs are liftedIndependence vote ‘irrelevant’ to most Scots, says JohnsonThe battle is under way to save the UK unionThere is no cunning wheeze to stop Scottish independence  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joe Biden was inaugurated as the new US president this week - what does it mean for UK-US relations? Can Boris Johnson forge a rapport with him on shared policy areas? Plus, we examine how the UK-EU Brexit trade deal has bedded in and whether the supply disruption in Northern Ireland will be permanent. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Gideon Rachman, Peter Foster and special guest Anna Jerzewska. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan.Review clips: US Congress, Sky News, Times Radio, BBCFurther reading:-EU hits back over UK downgrade of its ambassador’s status-First fishermen and now musicians cry ‘betrayal’ over Brexit deal-Labour party looks to Biden for inspiration-Boris Johnson on back foot as UK tries to reset relationship with US-Boris Johnson vows to business he will seize ‘opportunities of Brexit’-Democratic Unionists are now Irish reunification’s secret weapon  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK's battle against the new strain of Covid-19 has had mixed results this week – deaths continued to be high while infections started to fall. Are enough people following the rules? And is the vaccine rollout going to plan? Plus, we discuss the government's plans to move 22,000 civil servants out of Whitehall and whether it will help the prime minister's "levelling up" agenda. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Andy Bounds and special guest Jill Rutter of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament, BBCFurther reading:-Covid infection trends in England put scientists at odds-UK government pressed to extend free school meals scheme-UK set to step up coronavirus vaccinations-England’s Covid infection rates ease as restrictions are reinforced-Pledge to level-up UK questioned after northern transport budget cuts-‘Treasury North’ leads march of civil servants out of London  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson put England into its third lockdown this week, as the new strain of coronavirus risked the health service being overwhelmed. How long will it last and why does everything now rely on vaccine roll out? Plus, we discuss Mr Johnson's political struggles with the latest restrictions, the chaos around schools reopening and closing again and whether the local elections in May will become a Covid referendum. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament, Sky News.Further reading:-Covid reached UK in three waves from southern Europe, study shows-MPs back England’s third coronavirus lockdown-Rightwing sceptics helped deepen the UK’s Covid crisis-Teacher assessments to replace GCSEs and A-levels in England-Boris Johnson’s abrupt lockdown shift driven by bleak Covid data-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK has fully left the EU, ending 47 years of membership. In this Brexit special, we examine the last-minute trade deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson brokered last week, the new checks and red tape that have been introduced, how Britain will use its regulatory freedoms and why the future of the United Kingdom will dominate politics in 2021. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Peter Foster and special guest Allie Renison of the Institute of Directors. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Sky News, Parliament.Further reading:-How will Boris Johnson use Britain’s hard won ‘freedom’ from Brussels?-UK and EU agree one-year grace period on rules of origin forms-With Brexit ‘done’, Britain must rebuild trust in Europe-Ministers fear port disruption in January as formal ties with EU end-Exit from single market closes a chapter UK did so much to write-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Talks between the UK and the EU on a trade deal have reached their final days. Can a deal be agreed, or could an accidental no-deal still occur? Plus, we discuss the latest Covid-19 rules, progress on vaccine plans and whether the easing of restrictions during the Christmas period will lead to a third national lockdown in January. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Brunsden, Sarah Neville and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC/news pool, European Parliament, UK Parliament, Downing Street, BBC Radio Manchester.Further reading:-Michel Barnier warns EU-UK trade deal talks have reached ‘moment of truth’-Boris Johnson refuses to rule out third national lockdown in England-Brexit stockpiling triggers cross-Channel freight crunch-MPs prepare for pre-Christmas push to sign off Brexit trade deal-UK draws up plans to rival Singapore with post-Brexit shipping regime-Johnson defies calls to ‘cancel Christmas’, urging small gatherings-UK government expands strictest Covid restrictions in England-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With negotiations on a Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU stalled again, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning of a no-deal outcome, can the process be salvaged? Plus, with the Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland resolved this week in a new protocol, has the threat of a new trade border in the Irish Sea really been removed? Presented by George Parker, with Jim Brunsden, Peter Foster, Sam Lowe of the Centre for European Reform and Jess Sergeant from the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Downing Street, European Union, Parliament.And why not join us this Tuesday 15 December, 2020 at 15:00 GMT for an unmissable opportunity to quiz FT Journalists on the plans to prevent short-term Brexit-related chaos and economic disruption. Be part of an interactive discussion on how borders, customs, trade and travel will change in 2021. Find out how supply chains are being impacted and the effect of the negotiations on food, farming and fishing. Join the conversation on the likely effects of the new rules on UK business – from major corporations to SMEs. Register free today hereFurther reading:-Standing on the edge of the Brexit precipice-Nine things you need to know about a no-deal Brexit-Boris Johnson warns Britain to prepare for no-deal Brexit-Brexit border plan leaves Northern Ireland business groups uneasy-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Britain became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine this week. The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab will arrive soon, but is the UK ready to distribute it? Which groups will get it first and what impact will it have on the Covid-19 restrictions? Plus, we speak to Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, about his plans to save the United Kingdom, how he intends to take on Nicola Sturgeon and whether he finds Boris Johnson embarrassing. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson plus special guest Douglas Ross. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Parliament, Downing Street, LBC Further reading:-Vaccine approval brings a ray of economic hope-UK set for Covid vaccinations ‘next week’ after regulatory approval-UK regulator defends rapid approval of vaccine after Fauci criticism-Sturgeon tells SNP conference Scots have right to determine their future-Scottish Tory leader issues ‘wake-up call’ to Westminster over union-France issues veto warning as Brexit trade deal talks drag on-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his spending review this week amid the harsh economic effects of coronavirus and the UK's mounting debt pile. Why was foreign aid cut, should public sector workers have received a pay rise and have all the hard choices been delayed until next year? Plus, we discuss how England will exit its national lockdown next week, what happens at Christmas and why there is much unhappiness about the new system of regional tiers.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Jim Pickard, Chris Giles and George Parker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Radio 4, ParliamentFurther reading:-‘Economic emergency’ adds pressure for a rethink on fiscal rules-Sunak warns of ‘economic emergency’ as borrowing hits record £394bn-Boris Johnson picks former Treasury adviser as new chief of staff-Boris Johnson facing big backbench revolt over Covid tier system-London set to be spared toughest Covid curbs-UK economy tracker: the tough outlook for jobs-England hit with tough new regional Covid curbs-Someone forgot to tell Covid it’s Christmas-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In his bid to reset the UK government's image, Boris Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a 'green recovery' costing billions of pounds. Will it do enough to tackle climate change and does it risk alienating Johnson's 'Red Wall' supporters? The prime minister has also pledged the biggest investment in defence since the end of the cold war. But is there any strategy behind the spending, and can the UK afford it? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Pilita Clark, Jim Pickard, Helen Warrell and George Parker. Produced by Josh de la Mare and Anna Dedhar. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: BBC Breakfast, Ed Miliband Twitter, Parliament TVFurther reading:-UK government deficit soars to record high on pandemic borrowing-Britain’s military still faces hard choices despite spending boost-Half a cheer for Boris Johnson’s green revolution-Read the latest on UK politics -Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a dramatic week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost two of his key aides, chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain, both senior forces in the Vote Leave campaign. Will their departure mark a new beginning for Downing Street? Plus, Westminster welcomed the news of a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough from Pfizer, but how much will it allow the UK to relax social distancing rules? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, BBC Radio 4, LBC Radio, Parliament TVFurther reading:-Inside the hunt for a Covid-19 vaccine: how BioNTech made the breakthrough-Scientists defend controversial head of UK vaccine task force-Dominic Cummings to leave No 10 by new year-Video: Boris Johnson's battles with coronavirus, Brexit and himself-England’s deputy medical chief proposes ‘mum test’ for Covid vaccine  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With Joe Biden on the cusp of becoming the 46th US president, how will Boris Johnson recalibrate and repair transatlantic relations? We discuss whether the two can overcome their differences on Brexit and how the election result will affect trade talks and diplomatic relations. Plus, we examine Rishi Sunak's latest economic stimulus package, why the chancellor had to extend furlough again and whether the Johnson government is struggling to see obvious policy threats ahead. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, George Parker, Mure Dickie and special guest Bronwen Maddox, director of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Review clips: Sky News, Scottish Government, Policy ExchangeFurther reading:-Joe Biden win will reshape the special relationship:https://www.ft.com/content/77ed195c-303e-49cf-adb9-9aadb3f80ba2-Concerns grow inside Downing Street as polls point to Biden victory: https://www.ft.com/content/fbf9461c-9962-4c59-ba10-70911cd4de48- Rishi Sunak extends UK furlough scheme to end of March:https://www.ft.com/content/8f9371a7-e8e2-4a73-b1b6-d2330bb224a3-Three reasons for Rishi Sunak to keep furlough in place:https://www.ft.com/content/b6b16f19-4537-442e-ac26-bd1a1101ec5e-BoE and Sunak join forces to support UK’s Covid economy:https://www.ft.com/content/b9612f86-cf99-4c34-b448-d7b4a9587852  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keir Starmer made the dramatic move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party this week, following an investigation into anti-Semitism. Is a new and bitter rift about to start within the opposition party? Plus, we speak to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham about his battles with Boris Johnson, why mayors need more powers and whether he will ever return to Westminster. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard and special guests Andy Burnham and Sienna Rogers. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Liam Nolan. Sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Original music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The prime minister found himself at odds with northern leaders this week, as disputes grew over localised coronavirus restrictions. Is Boris Johnson facing a governing crisis with mayors and devolved leaders? Plus, we discuss yet another economic stimulus package from Rishi Sunak to save jobs and whether the Treasury has given up on going for growth this year. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and special guest Gemma Tetlow. Produced by Anna Dedlar and Liam Nolan. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Aimee Keane.Original music by Metaphor Music. Clips: BBC Newsnight, Sky News, Parliament TV  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson's coronavirus strategy was yet again tested to breaking point this week, as Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer and leaders of northern English cities tore into the government's new three-tier alert system. Where does this leave the prime minister's strategy for handling the pandemic? Meanwhile, Brexit talks are set to enter a tense couple of weeks. Following a European Council meeting on Friday, Mr Johnson said he was convinced the EU was not ready to offer the UK a "Canada-style" trade agreement. Will there be a deal by January 1st? Presented by George Parker, with Andy Bounds, Jim Pickard, Peter Foster and special guest Georgina Wright of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor, Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music. Review clips: Parliament TV, Channel 4 News, European Commission  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tension over coronavirus rules pervaded local and national UK politics this week as the north of England faced further restrictions, and pubs and restaurants in central Scotland were closed. Will Westminster now take a more centralised approach to restrictions? Plus, we discuss Prime Minister Boris Johnson's virtual Conservative party conference speech and whether he has any hope of achieving his domestic agenda in the age of coronavirus. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Mure Dickie, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Louise Burton and the editor, Liam Nolan. Music by Metaphor Music.Review clips: Manchester Evening News, Scottish government, Parliament  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.