Episodes

  • The Starmer backlash

    The Starmer backlash
    Mar 17 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    With Chancellor Rachel Reeves's spring statement fast approaching, Labour faces a major challenge from its own backbenchers ahead of an announcement to restrict some sickness and disability benefits. Sam and Anne discuss the stakes for Sir Keir Starmer and the plausibility of a party rebellion.

    Plus, it's classroom war over schools and academies, as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson comes under pressure over her plans to shake up curriculums. But why is the schools bill causing such a stir?
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    21 mins
  • When is Keir Starmer's first reshuffle?

    When is Keir Starmer's first reshuffle?
    Mar 13 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    It’s crunch time for Keir Starmer’s government. With rumours of a cabinet reshuffle rife - when might it take place? And who’s on the chopping block?

    This at a time when a rebellion over planned cuts to the welfare budget is brewing.

    Sam and Anne also explain how the subject of civil service reform is in fact very interesting – Keir Starmer will want to take note. Today he’ll apparently be announcing changes to defence spending, AI, and radical reform of the state.

    WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    21 mins
  • Starmer and Trump – best of frenemies?

    Starmer and Trump – best of frenemies?
    Mar 12 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    Tariffs are back on the agenda for this morning’s episode – the US has put them on all steel and aluminium imports, including those from the UK.

    How do ministers respond now? Does it go any further than the stiffly worded statement from business secretary Jonathan Reynolds?

    And as the US and Ukraine await Russia’s response to the proposal for a 30 day ceasefire, what is the role of the Starmer government at the moment – and what are the negotiating tactics at play?

    WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    22 mins
  • Keir the builder - can he fix it?

    Keir the builder - can he fix it?
    Mar 11 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    Bats, pylons, and planning reforms - how far is Keir Starmer willing to go to achieve the growth and infrastructure he’s promised, and will Labour’s new reforms help the UK get there? And what has the fallout been after Mike Amesbury announced his resignation, triggering a by election in Runcorn?

    And over in Riyadh, ahead of peace talks over the war in Ukraine, how significant a role has Keir Starmer’s National Security advisor Jonathan Powell been playing?

    WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    20 mins
  • Farage gets tough

    Farage gets tough
    Mar 10 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    With Zelensky heading to Saudi Arabia to join US sponsored peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Sam and Anne assess the UK’s response to any concessions Ukraine might be made to make to Russia.

    And with Mark Carney waiting in the wings to take over from Prime Minister Trudeau in Canada, how will his premiership differ and how will he respond to Trump’s threat of tariffs?

    Domestically, Labour’s wish for economic growth is well known, but do their planning reforms go far enough to get it? And speaking of Reform - as their internal rows rumble on, Anne and Sam discuss what the latest intervention from an unnamed KC means for the party.

    WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    22 mins
  • Fire alarm in the classroom

    Fire alarm in the classroom
    Mar 6 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    As Matt Wrack, a former hard-left firefighter is endorsed as the the next leader of one of the two main teaching unions Sam and Anne discuss the fall out for the government. Mr Wrack who is the preferred candidate for the NASWT is a former general secretary of the fire brigade's union, but he has no professional educational background.

    They also discuss the ongoing conversations about defence spending and how Europe will protect itself as both Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer spend their day on defence visits.

    Plus are there plans to remove President Zelensky from office? Anne has been speaking to members of the Ukrainian government.

    WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    19 mins
  • The plan to save Rachel Reeves

    The plan to save Rachel Reeves
    Mar 5 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    The domestic agenda is key today with some hints starting to emerge about what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning in her Spring statement in three weeks' time.

    Sam reveals details of a four-point plan to get big government announcements out there before the statement itself.

    Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, may or may not help her preparations when he appears before the Treasury select committee today.

    You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    20 mins
  • Trump tanks Starmer’s plan

    Trump tanks Starmer’s plan
    Mar 4 2025
    Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.

    President Donald Trump has just pulled the plug on US military aid to Ukraine, leaving Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders scrambling to respond. Just yesterday, the prime minister was praised in the House of Commons for his diplomatic efforts, will he now be forced to rethink his approach?

    In today's episode, Sam and Anne unpack the decision, the ripple effects on European defence, and whether Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron can convince Trump to reverse course.

    Plus, new polling shows Labour are back in the lead, but is Sir Keir losing focus on the domestic agenda?

    You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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    19 mins