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In what should have been a big final week of term at Westminster, Boris Johnson had to abandon plans for a big announcement on social care reform. Instead, ministers tried to come up with a series of exemptions to the Covid isolation rules. Plus, how a new front has opened in the ongoing war of attrition with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol.Presented by George Parker, with Sarah Neville, Peter Foster, Jim Pickard and Lord Gavin Barwell. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. - Archive: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker, @Sarah Neville, @Jim Pickard and @Peter Foster-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK is pressing ahead with the easing of all lockdown measures on July 19, despite coronavirus infections hitting 50,000 a day. How has Downing Street got itself into a mess over masks? Plus we discuss Boris Johnson’s major speech on ‘levelling up’ and ask whether anyone is wiser about what it’s all about. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Robert Shrimsley, Peter Foster and Jim Pickard. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne, @Robert Shrimsley, @Sarah Neville and @Peter Foster and @Jim Pickard-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson has announced that all remaining lockdown restrictions will end on July 19 in England, but is he acting too hastily with Covid-19 cases rising so quickly? Plus, we debate whether a new form of English patriotism is emerging through the Euro 2020 matches and what this means for Conservative culture warriors.Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, Robert Shrimsley and Gideon Rachman. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner.-Read the latest on ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne, @Robert Shrimsley, @Gideon Rachman, @Sarah Neville and @Clive Cookson-Subscribe to ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sir Keir Starmer was given a reprieve after Labour clung on at the Batley and Spen by-election this week. What does it mean for his leadership? And was Matt Hancock's breaking of lockdown rules to blame for the Conservative party's failure to win? Plus, we discuss what kind of health secretary Sajid Javid might be and how his return to the cabinet will affect the coronavirus and social care debate. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and Sarah Neville. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Sean McGarrity.Review clips: BBC-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne,  @Robert Shrimsley, @Jim Pickard, @Sarah Neville and  @George Parker-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK eased travel to several holiday destinations this week, but will they welcome British tourists? And when are vaccination passports being introduced? Plus we reflect on five years since the Brexit referendum and how it has reshaped the country, its economy and the political parties. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Anand Menon. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Sean McGarrity. Review clips: News pool, BBC, Sky News -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne,  @Robert Shrimsley, @Jasmine Cameron Chileshe, @Anand Menon and  @George Parker-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Description:Boris Johnson reluctantly delayed the easing of England’s lockdown for another month, due to the spread of the Delta strain of coronavirus. Will the July 19 easing go ahead? Plus we discuss the Liberal Democrats’ surprise victory in the Chesham and Amersham by-election abs what it means for the government’s planning reforms. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Sarah Neville, Robert Shrimsley and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner.Review clips: News pool-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk-Follow @Seb Payne,  @Robert Shrimsley, @Jasmine Cameron Chileshe, @Jim Pickard and  @Sarah Neville-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The leaders of the west descended on Carbis Bay, along with podcasters, for this year's G7 summit. Boris Johnson and Joe Biden appeared to develop a bromance - despite their split on Northern Ireland. We discuss the key themes of the summit and whether Brexit overshadowed the prime minister's efforts to forward his Global Britain agenda. Plus we look at why the June 21 easing of lockdown restrictions is unlikely to go ahead. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and Peter Foster. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Review clips: News pool, BBC, European Union.Further reading:EU leaders to pressure Boris Johnson over Northern Ireland at G7Johnson and Biden seek to smooth over Northern Ireland differencesG7 to pledge 1bn Covid vaccine doses for poorer countriesUK’s lockdown easing should be slowedWhy ‘sausage wars’ illustrate how both sides are now on a collision course over Northern IrelandHow serious is Delta Covid variant for UK and do vaccines stop it?Fragile US-led G7 tax compromise threatened by search for exemptionsRealism from all sides is needed over Northern Ireland-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley-Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The hopes of international travel this summer were dashed as Portugal was taken off the UK's green list for travel amid a rise in cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus. But will the June 21 easing still go ahead? Plus, we discuss the battle between education secretary Gavin Williamson and chancellor Rishi Sunak over funding for post-lockdown schooling and whether the Treasury will eventually put forward more cash. Presented by Sebastian Payne with Sarah Neville, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and Bethan Staton. produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Review clips: Sky News, BBC News, BBC Today, Channel 4.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson's former chief adviser made an epic seven-hour appearance at a parliamentary hearing this week, claiming the prime minister was unfit for the job and the health secretary a liar. We explore his bombastic claims and the political impact for Johnson. Plus, we examine the impact of the cuts to foreign aid on the ground and whether the budget will rise again. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and special guest Andrew Mitchell MP. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Sean McGarrity. Review clips: Parliament TVFurther reading:Cummings exposes dangers of a lightweight leader and a dysfunctional systemHancock admits some patients with Covid were moved into care homesRelations between Johnson and cabinet secretary fray over Cummings tiesCummings’ testimony reveals fatal flaws of the British stateCummings launches stinging attack on Johnson and handling of Covid crisisLessons of Dominic Cummings’ testimony are still to be learntUK aid cuts ‘directly hamper’ fight against HIV, warn politicians and Aids groupsCutting aid undermines the vision of Global BritainAfrica feels the brunt of UK foreign aid cuts-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley-Subscribe to FT UK politics newsletter  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK's easing out of lockdown was put under threat by a new strain of coronavirus that originated in India. Can the race between inoculations and infections be won? Will the June 21 easing go ahead? Plus we discuss the biggest shake-up in British rail travel for 25 years and whether passengers will benefit from the new era of Great British Railways. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, Jim Pickard and special guest Christian Wolmar. Produced by Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Sean McGarrity. Review clips: Downing Street, Parliament TV, Sky News.Further reading-We will be lost if we panic at every Covid mutation-UK races to tackle coronavirus variant through rapid vaccination-English town of Bolton pins hopes on jabs to avoid another lockdown-UK’s new model railway is likely to serve the public poorly-A rational new model for Britain’s railways-UK rail looks to private sector in biggest shake-up since 1990s  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The opposition Labour party was consumed by infighting this week after Sir Keir Starmer botched a shadow cabinet reshuffle, leading to questions about whether he can survive as leader. Did Starmer overreact and is Labour facing a civil war? Plus, we discuss this year's Queen's Speech and whether the Johnson government's legislative agenda is bold or packed with filler. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and Sarah Neville. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Review clips: UK news pool, BBC, Parliament TVFurther reading:-Labour’s problem is that Keir Starmer is no Tony Blair-Reeves promotion underlines Labour shift to centre ground under Starmer-Starmer must listen to voters, not Labour factions-Starmer warned of prospect of leadership challenge over summer-Queen’s Speech: The key bills in Johnson’s post-Covid agenda-Putting flesh on the bones of the levelling up agenda-Boris Johnson’s levelling-up agenda takes toll on southern Tories-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley-Susbcribe to FT UK politics newsletter  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thursday's local elections resulted in gains for Boris Johnson's Conservatives, including a historic win in the Hartlepool by-election. What does this mean for Labour and Keir Starmer's leadership? Plus, we discuss clashes with the French over Jersey fishing this week and where UK-EU relations will go next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard, Peter Foster and special guest Georgina Wright of the Institut Montaigne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Review clips: News pool, BBC  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson is facing three inquiries into the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Why hasn't the prime minister offered a clear explanation of what happened? Will he face sanctions and will it have an impact on the Conservatives in next week's local elections? Plus, we discuss the departure of Arlene Foster as Northern Ireland's first minister and who might replace her as DUP leader. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Noonan, plus special guest Sam McBride of Belfast News Letter. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner.Review clips: Parliament, Downing Street, DUPRead more:-Team Johnson needs some levelling up-Westminster redecorating could tarnish Johnson’s carefree image-Boris Johnson commits to probe into ‘cash for curtains’ saga-Main players emerge in UK’s ‘cash for curtains’ saga-Poll tracker: how will the SNP fare in Scotland’s May elections?-Labour’s lost heartlands. Can it win them back?-Foster’s departure leaves Northern Ireland braced for more division-Arlene Foster to step down as Northern Ireland first minister-Brussels warns Britain on Northern Ireland as MEPs vote on trade deal-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of sleaze after allegations that friends can text him seeking special treatment. Is lobbying worse today? Plus, we discuss the collapse of the plan by big football clubs to form a European Super League, and whether politicians should get more involved in the regulation of the game. Presented by George Parker, with Robert Shrimsley, Helen Thomas, Murad Ahmed and special guest Steve Parish, chair of Crystal Palace Football Club. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Review clips: Parliament TV, News pool, Arsenal press officeRead more on FT.com:-Boris Johnson is not the man to clean up British public life-Dyson texts seem low-level sleaze but still raise lobbying questions-Closing the ‘revolving door’ would weaken government further-Dyson moves residency back to UK as text dispute refuses to die down-‘It was utter chaos’: the inside story of football’s Super League own goal-Super League would break football’s essential promise-Super League: European politicians give US sports model a good kicking  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The collapse of Greensill Capital and the involvement of former prime minister David Cameron has raised serious questions about the UK's lobbying regime. We discuss whether any rules were broken and which guidelines need to be reformed. Plus, we remember Prince Philip's contribution to public life and whether the British monarchy is set to undergo major changes. Presented by Sebastian Payne with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, plus special guests Hannah White and Sir Max Hastings. Produced by Anna Dedhar. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor was Liam Nolan. Review clips: UK Parliament, Reuters, UK news pool.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Britain’s vaccination programme suffered a setback this week over the use of the AstraZeneca jab — the workhorse of the UK immunisation effort — among younger people. How will new guidance for under-30s affect the vaccine rollout and the bounce it has given Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the polls? Plus, what's behind Northern Ireland's most violent disturbances in recent years? Presented by George Parker with Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Clive Cookson and Peter Foster together with special guest Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair's chief negotiator ahead of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan. Review clips: Department of Health, UK news pool, BBC.Read more:-AstraZeneca vaccine guidance leaves UK facing challenges over supply and hesitancy-Experts back UK age limit for rollout of AstraZeneca vaccine-Pragmatism must triumph over politics in Northern Ireland-London and Dublin call for calm after fresh riots in Northern Ireland-Brexit ignites the debate about a united Ireland-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Relations between Britain and the rest of Europe thawed this week, after the EU had threatened an export ban on vaccines. Will the UK have enough jabs to complete its second round of doses? And what does it say about broader post-Brexit UK-EU relations? Plus, we discuss the row over Union Jacks and whether more overt signs of patriotism are becoming a new part of British culture. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Salma Shah. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Liam Nolan.Review clips: European Union, Parliament TV, BBC BreakfastRead more:-UK and EU move to calm tensions over access to jabs-Vaccine-friendly Britons puzzled by AstraZeneca jab’s EU troubles-Johnson lobbies EU leaders in bid to avert vaccine export blocks-Boris Johnson preys on Labour’s self-doubt in flag row-Labour’s difficult choices to regain its northern heartlands-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The UK encountered the first bumps in its vaccine roll out programme, as the government warned supplies of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab would drop significantly in April. Why? How will this affect the lockdown easing? What caused this shortfall and how does it play into Europe's issues with the vaccine? Plus, we discuss whether policing in the UK requires fundamental reform, following the Met’s handling of a vigil in London’s Clapham Common last weekend. Do current laws offer enough protection for women? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Sarah Neville, Clive Cookson, Robert Shrimsley 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: 10 Downing Street, European Commission, UK ParliamentRead more:-EU threat to vaccine exports exposes mutual risks to global supply chain-Coronavirus tracker: the latest figures as countries fight the Covid-19 resurgence-Johnson urges EU to step back from coronavirus vaccine war-Retesting 1.7m vaccines and Indian delay blamed for UK shortage-NHS warns of ‘significant reduction’ in vaccine supplies-The police must learn to listen to women-Boris Johnson must make the security of women a national priority-Met faces its MeToo moment with anger over attitude of officers-Priti Patel insists new laws will protect women-Freeing women from the constant fear of violence-Fury at Everard murder spurs pledge to tackle violence against women-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker and @Robert Shrimsley  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The explosive TV interview the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave this week raised major questions about the future of the monarchy, as well as tricky issues for Downing Street on how to handle the accusations of racism. We explore the constitutional relationship and how politics are divided. Plus, we look ahead to the Integrated Review next week into the UK's foreign and defence policy and what it will say about global Britain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, George Parker and special guest Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane.Review clips: CBS/Harpo Productions, BBC News, Downing Street Read more:-From fairy tale to culture war: Britain gripped by royal race row-Royal rift marks a tragic missed opportunity-Like all firms, the royal family must learn to listen on diversity-The ‘invisible’ pact binding the UK royals and their tabloid tormentors-Royals nearly drove me to suicide, Meghan Markle tells Oprah Winfrey-Britain’s royal family must downsize if it wants to survive-Johnson set to unnerve allies with ‘Global Britain’ defence review-UK’s policy towards China is riddled with contradictions-Boris Johnson takes passage to India to support ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’-Squandering trust is no route to a ‘Global Britain’-EU capitals weigh tougher response to UK’s Brexit ‘provocations’-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 presented his second Budget this week, tearing up Conservative economic orthodoxy with billions of pounds of spending and tax rises. What state are the UK's public finances in? And will he actually go ahead with planned spending cuts? Plus, we examine the 'levelling up' pledges and whether they go far enough to help rebalance the needs of the economy with those of the north of England. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Andy Bounds and special guest Diane Coyle. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Josh de la Mare. The sound engineer was Breen Turner and the editor Aimee Keane. Review clips: Parliament TV, Institute for Fiscal Studies.Read more on FT.com:-Relocating UK’s civil service is crucial to Johnson’s levelling-up agenda-Johnson under pressure to publish ‘levelling-up’ fund criteria-Rishi Sunak prepares the ground for Tory election strategy-Rishi Sunak’s un-Tory Budget confounds assumptions once again-The Budget, your money and how to prepare for what comes next-Sunak’s tax freezes are not as harmless as they seem-The UK’s ‘new Tory’ economics are different but insufficient-Read the latest on UK politics-Follow @Seb Payne and @George Parker  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.