The Flint Podcast

May election results and King’s Speech

In this episode, Flint experts examine  the implications of the latest election results across Scotland, Wales and England, as pressure grows on the Prime Minister and both Labour and the Conservatives face losses to Reform UK and the Green Party.  They explore what the results mean for the future of the UK Government, how administrations are likely to be formed in Scotland and Wales, and the implications of increasingly fragmented, multi-party politics for businesses across the country. The discussion will also look ahead to the King’s Speech and the Government’s upcoming legislative agenda.  Flint Specialist Partner, Liz Lloyd chairs a discussion between:  * Siôn Simon, former Labour Minister, MEP, and Metro Mayor candidate  * Sam White, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer  * Tim Montgomerie, journalist, commentator and Reform UK supporter

Scottish and Welsh elections: scenarios and implications

In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections, as voters head to the polls with no party expected to secure a majority in either nation.  They explore potential post-election scenarios and coalition negotiations, the implications for economic, planning and infrastructure policy, and what the results signal about the growing role of multi-party politics in shaping UK electoral outcomes, alongside the key considerations for businesses operating across Scotland and Wales. Flint Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion between:  * Liz Lloyd, Specialist Partner, former Chief of Staff to the then Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon  * Siôn Simon, Specialist Partner, former Labour Minister, MEP, and Metro Mayor candidate

US-Iran conflict: emerging long-term implications for business

In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for US–Iran talks following the fragile ceasefire, and the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the evolving Middle East conflict. They explore potential scenarios for the ceasefire and negotiations, the regional impact across the Gulf and beyond, the effects on energy markets and the global economy, and the wider political consequences for businesses operating in the region and internationally. Flint Founding Partner Sir Simon Fraser chairs a discussion between:  * Heidi Venamore PSM, Senior Adviser and former Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan  * Alex White, Flint Managing Partner and Former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan  * Francois-Joseph Schichan, Flint Partner and head of Flint’s Geopolitics practice, former French diplomat

After France's local elections: President Macron's final year begins

France held nationwide municipal elections on 22 March, with all towns and cities going to the polls. This marks the final major electoral milestone before the 2027 presidential and legislative elections and will offer a snapshot of the political landscape. It will also be the start of Macron’s final year in office, in a political situation that is more fragmented than ever. In this episode, Flint experts examine what the municipal election results reveal about France’s evolving political landscape and the implications for the year ahead. They explore how the outcomes could shape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race, what they mean for Macron’s final year in office, and the risks and opportunities for businesses navigating an increasingly uncertain policy environment. Flint Partner François-Joseph Schichan chairs a discussion between:  * Anne-Juliette Rohrbach , Managing Director France. * Sylvain Guérin, Flint Director in France, former public opinion advisor to President Macron.

The Middle East conflict: implications for Asia

The conflict in the Middle East is colliding with an already fragile global economy. While much of the immediate focus has been on Europe and the US, the second-order effects for Asia may prove more enduring — from energy security and capital flows to critical supply chains and financial stability. In this episode, Flint experts examine how renewed instability in the Middle East could reshape the outlook for Asia’s major economies, investors and financial centres.  They explore which economies are most exposed to energy price and supply shocks, how the US, China, India and Russia are recalibrating their positions, and what firms should watch as geopolitical dynamics influence capital allocation across technology, finance and critical industries. Flint Partner Matthew Chan chairs a discussion between:  * Heidi Venamore PSM , Senior Adviser and former Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan. * James Crabtree, Senior Adviser and former Financial Times foreign correspondent and Executive Director of the Institute for International Strategic Studies in Asia.