Politics At Sam and Anne's
About
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy with what you need to know about the day ahead in British politics. All in under 20 minutes and in your feed around 7.30am. They're across the key interviews, the main stories and what the parties are saying. Whatever they're talking about, Westminster will be talking about today.
Episodes
- Have election results decided Starmer’s fate?
As early results are declared in England and counting begins across Scotland and Wales has the narrative of these elections already been set? With Labour losing seats and council across England, Reform are already making significant gains.…
- Vote 2026: The final countdown
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's covers the final voting intention polls for the upcoming elections in England, Scotland, and Wales. It also includes discussions on Kemi Badenoch's interview and Keir Starmer's campaign strategies.
- Ready or not: Keir’s rivals flounder
This episode discusses Labour's political challenges from both the left and right, ahead of local and national elections. It also examines potential leadership challengers and past statements by Rachel Reeves regarding the war with Iran.
- Local elections: The pollster’s verdict
This episode previews the upcoming local elections in Scotland, Wales, and England. Sam and Anne are joined by YouGov pollster Patrick English to analyze the data and discuss the potential implications for the political parties involved.
- “My prime minister” - the King steps in
This episode discusses King Charles’s warmth and humor and its impact on the special relationship between the UK and the US. It covers diplomatic wins and challenges for Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister's political struggles, and a potenti…
- Will McSweeney stumble on Starmer?
This episode discusses Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney giving evidence to MPs regarding the Mandelson vetting scandal. It also covers a Commons vote on whether the Prime Minister misled Parliament, and the active bills before Parlia…
- The King in Washington: Charles’s real job this week
This episode covers King Charles's state visit to Washington, D.C., focusing on the UK-U.S. relationship and diplomatic efforts. It also touches on current events in Westminster, including government bills and the upcoming local and nation…
- Cat amongst the pigeons: Mandarins at war
Sam and Anne discuss the Prime Minister, Peter Mandelson, and the appointment. They also examine the growing tension between Downing Street and the civil service, a rumored shadow cabinet reshuffle, and the government's concerns regarding…
- Keir's cabinet: Who's left on the barricades
Sam and Anne dissect the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal and its fallout within the Labour party. They also examine the latest polling data from Wales.
- Why Olly Robbins isn’t Labour’s only problem
This episode discusses Olly Robbins' evidence session and a Labour conference where ministers will set out competing visions on growth, energy security, and economic policy. Sam and Anne assess how Labour figures might revive the party's p…
- The problem with Keir’s Mandelson defence
This episode unpacks the political fallout from Keir Starmer's "Mandelson defence," focusing on the Prime Minister's knowledge, and the blame placed on Sir Olly Robbins. The discussion also covers the implications for upcoming elections an…
- Going postal: The election brawl begins
This episode discusses postal voting, deepfakes, and political disputes in the lead-up to local and devolved elections in the UK. It also covers UK-Germany relations and contingency plans for food shortages.
- Trump v Britain: The war of words spirals
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses Donald Trump's attacks on Keir Starmer and its implications for the UK-US relationship, especially with the Chancellor's visit to Washington and a looming state visit from King Charles.…
- Is Starmer guilty of “corrosive complacency” on defence?
This episode discusses Keir Starmer's defence review, potential cuts to the MOD budget, Ed Miliband's position on North Sea oil and gas, and the Green Party's current political momentum.
- The rising cost of trouble abroad
The Prime Minister faces a critical month with domestic and foreign policy challenges. Topics include Middle East tensions, parliamentary legislation, and the implications of political shifts in Hungary.
- Why is so much at stake in the May elections?
This episode previews the May elections in England, Wales, and Scotland. Sam and Anne, joined by Professor Rob Ford, discuss the implications for political parties and leaders across the devolved nations.
- Keir takes charge on Iran contingencies
The episode focuses on the potential impact of the Iran war on the UK and contingency planning in Whitehall. It also covers Labour's local elections campaign and a national poll analysis. The hosts also look ahead to their next episode wit…
- From Tehran to Teesside: Could Starmer run out of energy?
This episode explores the potential domestic impact of the Iran conflict on the UK, including its effects on fuel costs and helium production. The discussion also covers government contingency planning and recent developments in Westminste…
- The fuel plan ministers don’t want to talk about
Sam and Anne discuss the government's fuel plan, considering public behavior and potential shortages, and how comments from Shell's CEO regarding the Iran war could affect it. The episode also touches on the last PMQs before recess and the…
- Rachel Reeves takes back control
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses Rachel Reeves, the Prime Minister's recent challenges, and support for those struggling with energy bills. The hosts also examine poll numbers and local council spending on planning deci…
- The cost of war becomes Reeves’ nightmare
This episode examines the economic impact of rising oil prices and the Iran conflict on the UK, and discusses the challenges facing the Prime Minister and Chancellor. It also touches on the Home Secretary's issues with the Hillsborough law…
- Is Reeves next on the Rayner hit list?
This episode discusses Angela Rayner's political actions, including her influence on immigration reform and a potential challenge to Rachel Reeves. It also explores new steel tariffs in the UK and public opinion on the policing system.
- Angela v Shabana: Who will win?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses Angela Rayner's recent comments and her political strategy, including how it aligns with or diverges from Keir Starmer's approach. The episode also covers a vote on assisted dying in Hol…
- Angela cashes in - but at what price?
This episode discusses global insecurity, transatlantic tensions, and the UK's relationship with the EU. It also covers Donald Trump's rhetoric, President Zelenskyy's visit to Downing Street, and Angela Rayner's return to front line politi…
- Can Starmer win by defying Trump?
This episode discusses Keir Starmer's position as the US President pressures the UK regarding the Iran conflict. It examines the diplomatic implications, rising oil prices, and the strained relationship with Donald Trump, also considering…
- The three things keeping Keir Starmer in his job
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's examines the challenges facing Keir Starmer, such as the Mandelson files, the Middle East conflict, and the cost-of-living crisis. Sam and Anne analyze how these issues affect his leadership and p…
- What Starmer doesn’t want to see in the Mandelson files
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses the release of files concerning Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Sam and Anne explore the potential consequences of these revelations. The episode also touches on tensions…
- Military chiefs vs the PM
This episode discusses the relationship between the Prime Minister and defense chiefs, particularly concerning the UK response to international developments. It also examines the Courts and Tribunal Bill and features mentions of Kwasi Kwar…
- Oil spikes: How high is the price of war?
This episode explores the recent surge in oil prices, examining the economic implications for the UK and the global economy. Sam and Anne discuss potential government responses, the "special relationship", and the upcoming courts bill.
- The hole in Starmer’s story on Iran
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's examines questions about Keir Starmer's position on Iran and internal government dynamics concerning the UK's response to the Middle East. The hosts also delve into new immigration policies and po…
- UK prepares for war lasting months
Sam and Anne discuss UK war preparations, the UK-US relationship, and the deployment of military hardware to Cyprus. They also examine Donald Trump's comments regarding Keir Starmer.
- Spring forecast: Decoding Reeves’ boasts
This episode of "Politics At Sam and Anne's" analyzes Chancellor Reeves' Spring forecast. Sam and Anne discuss economic indicators and government assumptions, highlighting potential future challenges.
- Starmer and Trump trade blows on Iran
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump discuss military action in the Middle East, while Sam and Anne analyze the potential economic impact. The episode also covers an exclusive poll on the Green party and a discussion on MP salaries.
- Why Starmer bowed to Trump on Iran
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's examines Keir Starmer's reaction to US military actions in Iran, the use of UK military bases, and the broader implications for international relations, British citizens, and oil supplies. Sam and…
- Labour’s disaster: The blame game begins
Sam and Anne discuss the Gorton and Denton by-election results, where Hannah Spencer of the Green party won. They examine the consequences for the Prime Minister and the Labour party, including a collapse in votes and the potential end of…
- Has the government sealed the fate of the assisted dying bill?
Sam and Anne discuss the assisted dying bill and the government's allocation of time for its passage. The episode also covers policy areas seeking additional funding and the role of the United States in the sale of the Chagos Islands.
- Can Starmer conquer Burnham's kingdom?
This episode previews the Gorton and Denton by-election, examining voter sentiment and the role of Andy Burnham. It also touches on a situation involving the Metropolitan Police.
- Can Starmer shake off Mandelson’s ghost?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses Peter Mandelson's arrest and its potential implications for Keir Starmer's government and upcoming political events. It also covers the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and…
- Make or break: The SEND reforms Keir Starmer must win
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses the SEND white paper in England, analyzing reform challenges and governmental approaches to legislation. It also touches on issues related to the new head of the civil service and potent…
- Keir’s succession: The field widens
This episode of Politics at Sam and Anne's examines the potential successors to Keir Starmer and European perspectives on his government. Discussions also include the Peter Mandelson affair and upcoming announcements for Reform UK’s shadow…
- Revealed: Starmer’s three near-death moments
Sam and Anne discuss Prime Minister Starmer's recent challenges and near-death moments, as well as a controversial interview by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration.
- What did Starmer promise to buy loyalty?
Sam and Anne discuss Labour's internal politics, including alleged promises made by Keir Starmer, the actions of Wes Streeting, and the suspension of Matthew Doyle. They also explore the possibility of the civil service appointing its firs…
- Has Streeting painted a target on his back?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's discusses Keir Starmer's leadership, Wes Streeting's actions, and potential disaffiliation of Unite the Union from the Labour party. Also, it examines challenges in special educational needs provi…
- Can Starmer live without Morgan McSweeney?
This episode discusses Prime Minister Starmer's situation following Morgan McSweeney's resignation and Peter Mandelson's appointment. Sam and Anne analyze Labour's reactions and consider the Prime Minister's standing with his party and pot…
- Starmer: Is there a future?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's examines the current state of Keir Starmer's leadership, including the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. The hosts also discuss Andy Burnham's political prospects.
- Can Starmer keep Mandelson vetting secret?
This episode discusses the political pressure on No10, Lord Mandelson's legal issues, and Keir Starmer's association with him. It also covers a key Conservative vote in the commons and the battle in parliament regarding disclosure of sensi…
- Is Mandelson already plotting his next comeback?
Sam and Anne discuss Peter Mandelson's recent interview and potential return to politics. They also cover U.S. reactions to the Mandelson saga and its implications for transatlantic business relations, and what this means for the Prime Min…
- Mandelson fall: A body blow for McSweeney?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's examines Peter Mandelson's resignation from the Labour party and the ongoing scrutiny of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The hosts also discuss the Prime Minister's views on Andrew Mountbatten…
- President Xi vs the Tories
This episode discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with China's President Xi to foster a "more sophisticated relationship," the future of the assisted dying bill in the House of Lords, and the status of welfare reforms led by Pat…
- Can 'never here Keir' bring back the goods from China?
This episode of Politics At Sam and Anne's covers Keir Starmer's trip to China, examining the UK's relationship with the country and the challenges he faces. The hosts also discuss the upcoming by-election in Manchester.