Political Currency

Is Rachel Reeves starting 2025 with a bond market headache? Ed Balls and George Osborne explain how global trends and UK inflation might just mean she’s boxed herself in… again. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s growing interest in British politics – and hatred of Keir Starmer – has erupted into a row over the grooming gangs scandal. What would Ed and George do in Starmer’s position? And what are the long and short term political implications for Labour, the Tories and Nigel Farage’s Reform party.Plus, over in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation after a decade in power, and among the possible candidates mooted to replace him are two old friends of Ed and George’s: Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, and former deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Who will win out, and what will the future of Canada look like? Political Currency has been nominated for the People's Choice award at the Political Podcast Awards. Please VOTE for Political Currency at https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/Join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producers: Will Gibson Smith and Danny PapeProducers: Miriam Hall, James Shield and Rosie StopherExecutive Producer: Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you position yourself on the world stage? David Cameron might have been Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, but in this third episode he shares with Ed Balls and George Osborne the true reality of leading a small country in a big world. British soldiers in Afghanistan; Relations with China; The beginnings of a rupture in the UK-EU relationship. And he shares the more personal moments - like losing a parent - that still happen in the life of a human being who happens to be Prime Minister. As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader.If you’ve listened to the first two episodes of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 3, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, as well as our subscriber exclusive Inquest episode. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey NissenbaumProduction Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaidExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you prepare the country for austerity? David Cameron joins Ed Balls and George Osborne to step back to the 2010 budget. From the true relationship between a Prime Minister and his Chancellor, to the careful decisions on departmental spending, to the very difficult task of selling cuts to a country that doesn’t want them, this is the reality of a Prime Minister before a government-defining fiscal event. As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader.If you’ve listened to the first episode of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 2, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, with bonus content coming later this week. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey NissenbaumProduction Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaidExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like to step through the black door of No 10 for the first time as Prime Minister? Ed Balls and George Osborne ask David Cameron about his “out-of-body” experience on the way to the palace, plus what it’s like organising a staff team who have just had to say goodbye to a government. They discuss how to handle the top job when life starts relentlessly throwing events at you, the surprising tasks - like letters of last resort - that suddenly become your responsibility, and whether a ruthless streak is the only way to succeed.As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader.If you’ve listened to the first episode of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 2, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, with bonus content coming later this week. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey NissenbaumProduction Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaidExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Boxing Day, George Osborne and Ed Balls pop the champagne and turn their minds to the year ahead. Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway asks: What could Labour achieve in 2025 that would earn it Ed and George’s seal of approval? And what are they personally looking forward to in the coming year? Meanwhile, Conservative Member of Parliament Laura Trott, Shadow Education Secretary, has rung in to ask for advice on getting the issue of improving schools on the radar. And have Ed and George really left politics for good? They consider what it would take to stage a comeback … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is just days away now, so Ed Balls and George Osborne are getting into the season by reflecting on Christmas-time political emergencies that have interrupted the festivities over the years. Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman makes a guest appearance to ask the pair to weigh in on important matters: Should one read the joke first or place the crown after pulling a Christmas cracker? She also asks – mince pies or ice cream? And, of course, traitor or faithful? The pair also consider which political figure they would want to cover in a political biography. And George reveals whether he and Theresa May still exchange Christmas cards … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Cameron is revealed as our very special guest on Inside No 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months, out 30th December.Follow us wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don’t miss this incredible conversation about what it really takes to run the government. 📺: Watch the trailer now!Plus: An alleged spy scandal that reportedly ensnared Prince Andrew has Ed Balls and George Osborne asking: is it as bad as it looks? Isn’t spying – which the Chinese national in question strongly denies he was doing – just a fact of life? We consider how to balance counterespionage with attempts to build a stronger economic relationship with China.Meanwhile, with 2024 drawing to a close, we review the party leaders’ performance. How worried should Keir Starmer be about the polls? Has he made a rod for his own back in handling the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) compensation matter? And how’s Kemi Badenoch doing in her new role as Tory leader? And George and Ed hand out their awards for the political highs and lows of the year. Who had the worst speech? Whose was the best? And we review the most memorable moments of 2024, for both the right and the wrong reasons…Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducers: Miriam Hall, James Shield and Rosie StopherExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, George Osborne and Ed Balls consider: should economic decisions be confined to the Treasury and the Prime Minister? Or is the room for wider cabinet discussion? Meanwhile, Lyanne Nicholl, the CEO of 50:50 Parliament – an organisation dedicated to driving more female representation in government – asks Ed and George to share their most positive words of wisdom for someone weighing a career in politics. The pair reveal the women they’ve encouraged to go into the government game, and where they think barriers persist. They also mull the costs Britain would face were it to join the customs union – and is a Welsh referendum ever going to be a reality? Plus, they share when mishearing something has led to some political awkwardness all round … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is working hard to shift the narrative on his government from gloomy tax raiders to optimistic change makers. Ed Balls and George Osborne asses whether he’s leaning too hard into blame. Does he need to stop the finger pointing and get on and deliver?Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria collapsed this week — a sudden, stunning end to the Assad family’s five-decade reign. Ed and George reflect on the Syrian civil war and its impact on their time in politics. What is going on in Downing Street right now, and how should the UK proceed? David Cameron’s deputy security adviser Hugh Powell makes a guest appearance to advise on how to stop the country from descending into conflict. Plus, Emmanuel Macron is dealing with a frozen French parliament and under mounting pressure to appoint a new Prime Minister. After a spectacular Olympics and the grand reopening of Notre Dame, he should be riding high – but are his days in politics now numbered? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and Rosie StopherExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the individuals who’ve influenced elections in the same way as Elon Musk? Ed Balls and George Osborne run through some of the great drivers of political results over the years - from people on the street to press barons. Plus, with our Inside The Room miniseries with Nicola Sturgeon now wrapped up, George and Ed take listener questions on the matter of the 2014 referendum and the ongoing, simmering tensions around Scottish independence. Would England be economically better off without Scotland – and why are English politicians so keen to cling to it? Are there parallels between the Scottish independence movement and Brexit – and if so, why won’t the nationalists admit it? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Technical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After helping to secure a victory for Donald Trump in the US election Elon Musk is seemingly setting his sights on the UK and Reform. Ed Balls and George Osborne take stock of whether Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch should be worried. Is this another sign of the end of the two-party system?The historic vote on assisted dying last week has brought a whole new set of questions and challenges for the government. How Labour will balance its plans for the NHS with this potential landmark legislation? And does Keir Starmer support this? Can the cabinet divisions on the bill be overcome?Meanwhile, the government’s main focus is a relaunch to help set the agenda for the rest of the parliament. Not, of course, that they're calling it that. But do government relaunches ever work? And how can this one successfully reset the narrative? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. You'll also get EXCLUSIVE access to Ed and George's Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum debrief conversation.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaidTechnical producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producer: Rosie StopherPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, the Scottish people went to the polls for a referendum vote to make a choice: should the country break free of the United Kingdom? Ultimately, they voted to stay by a resounding margin – crushing the hopes of the Scottish National Party and soothing the fears of the British government of the day. But the issue of Independence continues to divide, and in this special miniseries, George Osborne and Ed Balls are joined by the former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to take a fresh, forensic look at the forces, decisions and party politics that drove the independence movement. With just weeks to go, polling suggested the ‘Yes’ campaign had it, and Scottish voters were going to vote to leave. Nicola Sturgeon reveals the sense of jubilation inside the SNP when the tide began to turn their way, and fear the British establishment was only set to become more ferocious. If the poll had come just a little later, could the ‘Yes’ side have been triumphant? Did the “Vow” – a promise for more devolution powers – make a difference? Who was convinced Rupert Murdoch was going to use his tabloid to support their interests? Remember to send us your questions in for our special Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum episode of EMQs. You can send them to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukPolitical Currency Gold subscribers have exclusive access to Ed and George's debrief chat. POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and more. Subscribe now: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News.Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, the Scottish people went to the polls for a referendum vote to make a choice: should the country break free of the United Kingdom? Ultimately, they voted to stay by a resounding margin – crushing the hopes of the Scottish National Party and soothing the fears of the British government of the day. But the issue of Independence continues to divide, and in this special miniseries, George Osborne and Ed Balls are joined by the former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to take a fresh, forensic look at the forces, decisions and party politics that drove the independence movement. As the independence vote approached, the question of finances and currency began to plague the ‘Yes’ campaign. In episode two of this special miniseries, Nicola Sturgeon, Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on the decisions, mistakes and motives that may have tilted public perceptions around Scotland's departure from the UK. We go inside Cameron government’s so-called Project Fear – was it all just scaremongering? Nicola reveals the moment she thought it was all going to collapse, and why George played part. And Ed lifts the lid on the machinations that led him to say Scotland would have to join the Euro if it were to leave the UK. Part 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum' is available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold, as well as Ed and George's exclusive debrief. POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and more. Subscribe now: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News.Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden's White House days are numbered, and he appears to be scrambling to secure his legacy. With a ceasefire just brokered between Israel and Lebanon, George Osborne and Ed Balls ask: What kind of influence is the returning President Trump already having on foreign policy? How is the transition really working? And what does this mean for the conflict in Ukraine? Is the Trump effect forcing world leaders to harden up and have a real, public conversation about a peace deal? Back home, Rachel Reeves is talking a big game – insisting Labour won’t be bringing in any more tax increases or borrowing plans. Is she making promises that will be hard to keep? Ed and George mull whether Reeves is setting herself up for trouble down the road.And with a snap election in Germany just months away, Ed and George take a closer look at the country’s economy – which has gone from ‘miraculous’ to ‘kaput’ in just a few years – and ask who’s to blame.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producer: Rosie StopherPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, the Scottish people went to the polls for a referendum vote to make a choice: should the country break free of the United Kingdom? Ultimately, they voted to stay by a resounding margin – crushing the hopes of the Scottish National Party and soothing the fears of the British government of the day. But the issue of Independence continues to divide, and in this special miniseries, George Osborne and Ed Balls are joined by the former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to take a fresh, forensic look at the forces, decisions and party politics that drove the independence movement. In this first of three episodes, Nicola, Ed and George walk through the key moments leading up to David Cameron’s decision to grant Holyrood the referendum vote. What was the focus of the conversations in Downing Street? George explains why he wanted to call the nationalists’ bluff and catch them off guard. And what advice did Gordon Brown provide – that Nicola says was ignored – to keep the United Kingdom intact? Parts 2 and 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum' are available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold.POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and more. Subscribe now: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and John RogersTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News.Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott died yesterday at the age of 86. Often described as a ‘political bruiser’, Ed Balls and George Osborne remember Prescott differently: as a policy powerhouse and as a skilled negotiator between Blair and Brown. Does a comparable player exist in today’s Labour government? And, Ed recalls the moment he was involved in a car chase with ‘Two Jags’ himself.With the assisted dying bill facing a second reading next week, the pair consider whether it will pass or be voted down. Is the issue set to be off the agenda for a generation, or could Starmer rescue the bill?Plus: the Budget may not have fallen apart, but with Scottish Labour sending different messages, farmers (and Jeremy Clarkson) on the march and mortgage rates rising, we take a look at its political impact. Are any u-turns on the horizon?Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall, Rosie Stopher and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With incensed British farmers set to descend on London in protest to the government’s new rules on inheritance tax for agricultural property, Ed Balls and George Osborne consider the likelihood of the Treasury reversing course. What made George change his mind on the so-called “pasty tax” in 2012 - and will Rachel Reeves consider a similar u-turn? This past week marked a special anniversary – the day George thought the UK would go to the polls. Should Rishi Sunak have let his run go a little longer? Author and journalist Tim Shipman, who has examined the issue of Sunak’s timing in his latest book Out: How Brexit Got Done and the Tories Were Undone asks George and Ed their view on when the Tories should’ve called the election. They also consider: does Donald Trump’s election, and his love of protectionist policies, make the idea of the UK joining the European Union Customs Union more justifiable? And… exactly what is Gerrymandering? Professors Balls and Osborne are here to explain. You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second era of Trump is a little over a week old, and the president-elect is making waves with his cabinet appointments. An attorney general who has been investigated by the House ethics committee for sexual misconduct allegations (which he vehemently denies)? Welcome, Matt Gaetz. Trump’s pick for defence secretary? Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host who’s a proponent of American-made ammo.George Osborne and Ed Balls consider what the spillover will be for the UK. Will the recently cooked-up Chagos Islands deal get messy? And will Britain find itself more exposed to America than the US itself when it comes to the economic fallout?And while Nigel Farage still appears to be jostling to become UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson is strongly tipped for the job. Do unusual times call for an ambassador with a little ‘British allure’?Back home, and the Labour government has increased tuition fees for the first time since 2017. With that, and the cut in the winter fuel payment, George says he’s really starting to get on board with the Starmer government…Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall, Rosie Stopher and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump’s return has provoked days of soul searching among Democratic voters. But the pollster with one of the most accurate predictions of the outcome, James Johnson of JL Partners, has asked George Osborne and Ed Balls to shake off the gloom and consider any positives. Is there a silver lining in a second Trump presidency? George has some ideas, while Ed is struggling… Votebeat editorial director Jessica Huseman asks: does the world see the US as an international example of democracy any more? Did it ever? And Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain has rung in to ask what Trump’s re-election tells us about what voters truly want.Plus: with Kemi Badenoch now leading the Tories, George and Ed answer the question: what does the shadow cabinet …actually do? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s beginning to sink in: Donald Trump 2.0 is now upon us. George Osborne and Ed Balls think seismic shifts in the global economy could be ahead. Could his aggressive trade policies chip away at the UK’s growth plans?Trump has also claimed he could end the Ukraine war in a day. Does that mean a peace deal – or appeasement? Meanwhile Nigel Farage is offering up his services as a British ambassador to Trumpworld. Would despatching Farage to Mar-a-Lago be a relief for Keir Starmer?And the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, faced her first PMQs this week. Ed and George review her debut performance at the despatch box.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Mikey NissenbaumProducers: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.  Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.