Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
Who is the real Sajid Javid? Politics Weekly podcast
In the first episode of our special summer series, Jessica Elgot asks her guests: who is the new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid? How did he rise to the top? What makes him tick? And is he as funny as some claim he is?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Biden’s battle to solve the climate crisis: Politics Weekly Extra
Last December, a month before his inauguration, Biden announced he was naming former secretary of state John Kerry as the first ever presidential envoy for climate as part of his plan to deal with the crisis. Joan E Greve talks to Oliver Milman about what Biden’s climate change plans are,…
Police mock Johnson’s big crime plan: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Rafael Behr discuss ‘crime week’, as the government attempts to shift the narrative. Plus, Katy Hayward, Daniel Boffey and Jess Sargeant look at what’s behind the latest tensions over the Northern Ireland protocol. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
The GOP’s push for anti-trans laws: Politics Weekly Extra
Republican lawmakers have introduced the highest number of anti-trans bills to be filed in a single year in 2021. Joan E Greve speaks to Sam Levin about why some in the GOP are trying to ban transgender children from certain sports teams and limit their access to gender-affirming healthcare.. Help…
Government ‘all over the place’ as summer recess begins: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Polly Toynbee discuss a purge of so-called far-left factions from the Labour party. Plus, as Boris Johnson again delays the social care overhaul, Heather Stewart, David Gauke, Jill Rutter and Ryan Shorthouse look at the future for his premiership goals. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
What is the state of US-China relations? Politics Weekly Extra
It’s been 50 years this month since Henry Kissinger, the then national security advisor, made a secret trip to the People’s Republic of China. Joan E Greve talks to the Guardian’s China affairs correspondent, Vincent Ni, to find out how the current diplomatic relationship compares with 1971. Help support our…
Politicians wrestle with patriotism: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Martin Kettle discuss the government’s narrow win to slash foreign aid spending. Plus, Sienna Rodgers, Will Tanner and Sunder Katwala reflect on how politicians are waking up to a progressive patriotism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Is Harris a good vice-president? Politics Weekly Extra
After a rocky few weeks for Kamala Harris, Joan E Greve speaks to Lawrence Haas, former communications director for Al Gore, about the ins and outs of being a successful second in command to the president. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s gamble with Covid: Politics Weekly – podcast
Heather Stewart is joined by Sonia Sodha to discuss the government’s announcement that most coronavirus restrictions in England will end on 19 July. Plus, after last week’s win in Batley and Spen, Labour feels emboldened. How does Keir Starmer use this victory to his advantage?. Help support our independent journalism…
Trump’s true battle with coronavirus: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland speaks to Yasmeen Abutaleb, author of a new book that details just how serious the president’s condition was when he contracted Covid-19 last October. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Javid brings confidence after scandal: Politics Weekly Podcast
Jessica Elgot and Rafael Behr discuss Matt Hancock’s departure and the issues facing the new health secretary, Sajid Javid. Plus, after one of the nastiest campaigns in UK politics in recent times, will the Batley and Spen byelection cause another electoral upset for Labour?. Help support our independent journalism at…
Biden v US Catholic bishops: Politics Weekly Extra
Last week Catholic bishops in the US voted to move forward with plans that could result in Joe Biden being banned from receiving communion because of his stance on abortion. Jonathan Freedland speaks to former congressman Tom Perriello about the decision and its potential impact on voters. Help support our…
Did Brexit transform UK politics forever? Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Gaby Hinsliff look at the latest news out of Westminster. Plus: as we mark the fifth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, has it changed British politics irreversibly? Laura Parker, James Starkie and Anand Menon look back.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Joe Manchin and the filibuster: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland and Prof Sarah Binder discuss why two Democratic senators are proving a thorn in Joe Biden’s side. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s reluctant surrender to science: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Martin Kettle discuss the political fallout of the announced delay to the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England. Plus: Peter Walker is joined by Sonia Sodha and Katy Balls to ask why MPs are so keen to get involved in the perennial culture wars. Help support our…
How much trouble is Rudy Giuliani in? Politics Weekly Extra
As an investigation and lawsuit hang over the former New York mayor and lawyer to Donald Trump, Jonathan Freedland finds out about the man from biographer Andrew Kirtzman. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Domestic pressures ahead of hosting the G7: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Polly Toynbee discuss the Tory rebellion over foreign aid cuts in a week in which the government will host the G7 group of wealthy nations. Jessica Elgot is joined by Patrick Wintour and Sir Ivan Rogers to look ahead to the summit. Plus: Rory Carroll asks Dr…
Republicans grapple with Marjorie Taylor Greene: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland and Joan E Greve look at what it might take for the Republican leadership to properly punish Marjorie Taylor Greene for the outrageous and offensive comments she continues to make. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s latest lockdown dilemma: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Zoe Williams look at the arguments for and against pushing over that last hurdle in England on 21 June. Libby Brooks, Dani Garavelli, and Kezia Dugdale discuss the newly elected Scottish parliament. Plus, Aubrey Allegretti talks to Sajjad Karim about the Tory Islamophobia report, published last week…
Should Biden reform the supreme court? Politics Weekly Extra
Last week, the US supreme court agreed to hear a case that could significantly roll back abortion rights. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Christopher Kang, former deputy counsel to President Obama, about calls to restructure the highest federal court in the country. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod