For the first episode of the year, host Aggie Chambre goes inside right-wing TV channel GB News and investigates the role it might play in shaping the future of the U.K. Conservative Party. And she looks at the scandals, controversy and culture that has surrounded the channel so far. With the help of the channel’s chief … Read more
LONDON — Britain’s politicians can’t seem to stop swearing. The British public don’t like it. The air around the famous green benches of the House of Commons is turning increasingly blue these days as MPs — and their House of Lords counterparts — indulge in record levels of cursing in speeches and debates. Others have … Read more
LONDON — They might not be wearing MAGA hats, but some of Britain’s most prominent Conservatives are flirting with Donald Trump again. A steady stream of Tory politicians — and even former prime ministers — have recently been heaping cautious praise on, or even endorsing, the controversial former U.S. president as his bid to re-enter … Read more
LONDON — “I don’t really have a football team … Wimborne Town Football Club!” A U.K. minister appeared to temporarily forget, and then suddenly remember, what football team he supports, during an excruciating back and forth with a broadcaster Wednesday morning. Immigration Minister Michael Tomlinson — who was tasked with making the government’s case ahead … Read more
Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — Rishi Sunak will need to watch his step this year. The U.K. prime minister faces a succession of tripwires that will make his second (and potentially last) full year in the job the toughest yet. With MPs returning to parliament Monday and … Read more
LONDON — Nigel Farage didn’t bother showing up — but his Reform U.K Party is making a big pitch to “save Britain” from both the Tories and Labour. The right-wing populist party — led by the businessman Richard Tice with the arch-Brexiteer Farage as party president — set out its stall for the next election … Read more
Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — It was meant to be the year two quiet technocrats, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, brought calm to the fevered Westminster swamp. Unfortunately SW1 didn’t get the memo. Politics remained pretty much as wild in 2023 as it has been since David Cameron — back in action as U.K. foreign secretary … Read more
LONDON — Britain’s honors system will be back in the spotlight Saturday as another procession of celebrities, government cronies and community heroes are handed New Year’s gongs. Up for grabs will be the usual mix of archaic titles, royal-approved medals and — best of all — jobs for life as lawmakers in the House of … Read more
Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — Plots, bills and parties give way Monday to family — and ritual. The little traditions we make for ourselves on Christmas Day pause time and briefly silence the rattle of the outside world. POLITICO London Playbook sent out the call for Westminster’s … Read more
For the final episode of the year, host Jack Blanchard and a series of expert guests look ahead to 2024 and what is certain to be an extraordinary year of world politics. The Spectator’s Katy Balls and the Times’ Patrick Maguire survey the election prospects of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer respectively, while More in … Read more
