Talking Politics

How bad could things get for the UK economy as Iran war bites?

Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is underway but how long can it last, and have the Americans backed themselves into a corner? On Talking Politics, Tom and Robert examine why the blockade could become a “slow and painful” strategy. They also break down the latest “depressing” forecasts for economic growth from the International Monetary Fund, a major blow to the UK economic outlook. And with fresh warnings from former Labour Defence Secretary and ex-NATO chief Lord Robertson that Britain’s security is “in peril,” Tom and Robert discuss how Sir Keir Starmer should respond.

Sir Keir Starmer tells Talking Politics why Israel should stop attacking Lebanon

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told ITV News' Talking Politics podcast that Israel is "wrong" to continue its strikes on Lebanon amid a ceasefire with Iran, saying it "should stop" as a "matter of principle". The exclusive interview with ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston is the prime minister's first since the establishment of a fragile two-week ceasefire deal made between the US and Iran.

Starmer in Gulf: Will Iran ceasefire pull UK out of crisis?

A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has brought a moment of relief, but how stable is this fragile truce - and what comes next? In this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Robert joins Tom from Saudi Arabia where he’s travelling in the region with the PM ahead of an exclusive interview. Tom and Robert break down how Trump has been left humiliated by the deal, and discuss whether world leaders think the President has ‘lost his marbles’. Plus, they ask if the war signifies the end of Nato, or whether it’s just a bump in the road for the alliance.

Iran oil crisis: Is Rachel Reeves doing enough to keep energy bills down?

Rachel Reeves has vowed to support “those who need it most” if energy bills surge amid the Iran war - but is she already “boxed in”? In this week’s Talking Politics, Tom and Robert break down the Chancellor’s options and why Rachel Reeves is determined not to repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss. Could this spiral into a crisis on the scale of 2008? Robert gives his predictions for the long-term economic fallout of the conflict. Plus: why large bets placed just before Donald Trump’s peace talks announcement on Monday have triggered accusations of insider trading.

Trump and Starmer’s Iran fallout: Can UK keep out of the war?

Trump has ramped up attacks on Starmer, blasting his handling of the Iran war and claiming the special relationship was good "until Keir came along." On this week’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom and Robert discuss whether the UK–US partnership can survive - and how much Trump’s broadsides really matter. Starmer says he doesn’t want to get drawn into the “wider” war, but how long can that position hold? Tom and Robert are also joined by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, to discuss the Iran war, why Canada is prioritising new alliances beyond the US, and whether the UK should cancel the King’s state visit to America.