Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
A disastrous end to the Afghanistan war: Politics Weekly Extra
As the last of the US troops took off from Kabul on Tuesday, Jonathan Freedland spoke to Thomas Kean. Kean co-wrote the 9/11 commission report, detailing who was to blame for the events of September 11, and making recommendations to prevent a subsequent attack. He shares his thoughts on the…
Can David Frost actually make Brexit work? Politics Weekly podcast
In the last episode of our special summer series, Jessica Elgot asks her guests: Who is the elusive David Frost? When did he become such a Eurosceptic? And how will the continuous fallout from Brexit affect his legacy?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
From the archive: Republicans and race – Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland revisits an enlightening conversation with Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican national committee, who campaigned for a Joe Biden victory in last year’s US presidential election. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Drakeford’s secret for Welsh Labour success: Politics Weekly podcast
In the third episode of our special summer series, Rowena Mason asks her guests: who is the first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford? Is it his politics, or his character, that drives his success? And what would he like his legacy to be?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
How did UK ministers fail to see the fall of Afghanistan: Politics Weekly podcast
Taking a break from our summer series, Jessica Elgot and Dan Sabbagh discuss what the UK government can do after the Taliban completed their takeover of Afghanistan much more quickly than many ministers were expecting. How do they plan to help thousands of stranded Afghans looking for asylum?. Help support…
Are the Democrats doomed in 2022? Politics Weekly Extra
Analyst David Shor and Jonathan Freedland look at the data and the polls and discuss why the Democrats should be worried – and what they need to do to improve their chances of winning the next presidential election. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Is Angela Rayner gunning to be Labour leader? Politics Weekly podcast
In the second episode of our special summer series, Rowena Mason asks her guests: is Angela Rayner the politician that can get Labour back to winning ways? How has her now well-known backstory informed her politics? And should the Tories be worried about where she goes next?. Help support our…
The Republicans confusing the vaccine effort: Politics Weekly Extra
Jessica Glenza and Jonathan Freedland discuss how party politics is playing a role in helping – and hindering – public health messaging. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
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…