Politics Weekly UK

• ‘The centre cannot hold’: John Curtice on the collapse of two-party politics

  No one likes being unpopular, so you could forgive both of the UK’s main political parties for wanting to look away when another damning poll dropped this week. Support for both parties has never been so low at the same time, the Green party is seeing record support and Reform UK continues to top the popularity contest. Does recent polling really suggest the end of the two-party hegemony? King of the pollsters John Curtice helps Politics Weekly UK read the runes. And, in the run-up to the budget next month, Keir Starmer has given the strongest indication yet that tax rises may be on the way, while immigration dominates headlines and the escaped sex offender whose case sparked protests at the Bell hotel in Epping is sent back to Ethiopia – with £500 in his back pocket. Pippa Crerar is joined by the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff to discuss the government’s game of immigration whack-a-mole and the consequences Labour could face if it breaks its manifesto pledge not to raise key taxes.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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• Immigration system in crisis: sky-high hotel bills and a convict on the loose

  Another week, another immigration crisis. A powerful parliamentary committee has accused the Home Office – for this government and the last – of squandering billions of pounds on asylum accommodation and overseeing a ‘failed, chaotic and expensive’ system. The report came days after the barely believable revelation that the convicted sex offender whose case sparked protests at the Bell hotel in Epping was accidentally let out of prison on Friday instead of being deported. He is now back in custody. Pippa Crerar and Eleni Courea discuss the ongoing firefighting at the Home Office and its impact on the public consciousness. Plus, what now for Labour after a crushing defeat in Caerphilly and the election of its new deputy leader, Lucy Powell? Finally, we go back to the China spy row – will this be the week the mystery is cracked open? • Send your thoughts and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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• Labour collapse in Caerphilly: the byelection that points to the future of UK politics

  Labour’s electoral dominance in Caerphilly, deep in the party’s Welsh heartlands, has collapsed while Reform UK and Plaid Cymru have hoovered up votes. On a visit to the south Rhymney Valley ahead of a historic byelection, John Harris finds a polarised community, reminiscent of the final days of the European referendum contest. Kiran Stacey joins him to discuss the significance of the Caerphilly byelection, how it is being fought on the ground and online, and what it tells us about the future of UK politics. Plus, we look at problems facing the grooming gangs inquiry as a fourth survivor quits and the prime minister brings in the trusted trouble-shooter Louise Casey to try to shore up the process. And finally, Labour’s deputy leadership contest comes to a close … at last • Send your thoughts and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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• The budget, the black hole and the Brexit blame game

  Rachel Reeves is facing difficult choices before her second budget next month and has been busy preparing the ground. In a significant shift in the government’s narrative, Reeves has – at last – stressed the long-term damage done to the UK economy by Brexit. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the options available to the chancellor and whether the pivot to blaming Brexit will convince the public. Plus, what a foul-mouthed meeting tells us about Reform, why the imminent result of Labour’s deputy leader contest matters, and what parliament can do about Prince Andrew. Send your thoughts and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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• Trump’s fragile ceasefire plan: what next for Gaza?

  As the Gaza ceasefire continues to hold, what road lies ahead in the peace process? John Harris speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, what is at the heart of the Chinese spying case row? Why has Rachel Reeves changed her tone when it comes to Brexit? What’s behind the Green party’s surge in membership? And should Labour follow Zack Polanski’s lead in taking the fight to Reform? Kiran Stacey joins Harris to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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