Politics At Jack And Sam's

Politics At Jack And Sam's

By Sky News

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Jack Blanchard provide the essential guide to politics in the week ahead.

They'll be across the key interviews, the stories and the entire political agenda in order to keep listeners ahead of the game in UK politics, straight from their homes each week.

Episodes

The Week... Rishi tries to save his skin

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.    This week, they react to MP Mark Menzies' resignation from the Conservative Party after facing allegations of misusing campaign funds, and look at what it might mean for the next election. Also this week, Rishi Sunak is packing his bags for Europe. Jack and Sam discuss what's on the trip's agenda, including highly anticipated announcements on the defence of Ukraine as well as the UK's wider defence and warfare strategy.   Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan could finally pass through parliament too, more than five months after he unveiled the emergency laws. Jack and Sam reveal the final stage will be far from straightforward though, with MPs told to expect a long night in the Commons.   Plus, Angela Rayner is standing in for Keir Starmer at PMQs this week, the first time she's been in the Commons since police announced they were investigating allegations see may broken electoral law over information she gave about her living situation a decade ago. Jack and Sam discuss how she'll deal with the mounting pressure.   Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
21/04/2441m 3s

The Week... After Iran’s attack on Israel

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.   With Parliament returning after the Easter break, this week Jack and Sam discuss the government’s response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel – and how it will get across that it supports Israel’s right to self-defence but also wants a de-escalation of tensions.   They also discuss where the claims about deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner’s tax affairs go from here.   They look forward to the final stages of the Conservative’s Rwanda Bill; the fallout from the Westminster honeytrap scandal; and a vote on anti-smoking laws are all up for debate this week. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
14/04/2441m 44s

The Week... Britain faced up to big threats

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.  This week, Jack and Sam discuss why defence and security - both domestic and foreign - will be a big focus as they look at reaction to Friday's terror attack in Russia and claims that China has been behind cyber attacks targeting MPs and peers, threatening British democracy.  Plus, there's Rishi Sunak's final appearance before the Easter break as he faces questions from the liaison committee on topics including global issues, the economy and public services. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
24/03/2433m 56s

The Week... Rishi Sunak faces down his party

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. This week, Jack and Sam discuss the building pressure around Rishi Sunak’s premiership, and how the ongoing tensions between the prime minister and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch may spill into events this week.Plus, they address the weekend rumours about Penny Mordaunt as a potential leadership rival.There's a big moment for shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, as she delivers a speech at a major event for the world of banking. Will her plans for the nation, should Labour win the election, impress the finance sector?And – which shadow cabinet member do we see most often grilled by Kay Burley and the other breakfast shows while nursing our morning cuppa? Sky’s Izzy Loseff has crunched the numbers, and Jack and Sam tell you what it says about who the Labour leader trusts to deliver his message.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
17/03/2437m 13s

The Week... The government decides who is an extremist

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days.       This week, Jack and Sam discuss Communities Secretary Michael Gove's plan to change the definition of extremism and how important it really is. The current counter-extremism strategy is overdue an update, but the proposed new language seems broad.  Plus, the fallout from last week's budget - Jack and Sam explore the political landscape as it continues to reverberate through Westminster.  And with Ramadan beginning this week and no ceasefire in Gaza, how will the UK's support of a 'maritime corridor' for aid shape up? Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
10/03/2433m 53s

The Week... of the Budget

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week – Jack and Sam do their best to predict what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has up his sleeve for his second, and possibly final, budget statement on Wednesday. They discuss if national insurance or income tax could be cut and what language Mr Hunt might use about money for public services. Away from the budget – is the toxic mood of Westminster likely to ease at all this week as George Galloway makes a return to the Commons? Plus, the Rwanda bill in the Lords and Super Tuesday in the US.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
03/03/2437m 52s

Introducing… Electoral Dysfunction

Today, something different – we're bringing you the trailer of an exciting new podcast from Sky called Electoral Dysfunction.Beth Rigby. Jess Philips. Ruth Davidson.With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.Here's the trailer. For more, follow Electoral Dysfunction now wherever you listen to podcasts.
01/03/2414m 15s

The Week... Politics gets even more toxic

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week Jack and Sam discuss whether Sir Lindsay Hoyle will be forced to bow out as Speaker of the House following his opposition day blunder over the Gaza ceasefire vote. As the SNP continues to push for another debate day with a meaningful vote, will he survive the political pressure coming at him from all sides? Plus, Jack and Sam look at increasingly tense public protests over Gaza, the growing safety risk facing MPs, how the Conservative Party will handle outspoken MPs accused of stoking racial divides and what the fallout will be after the Rochdale by-election on Thursday. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
25/02/2441m 12s

The Week... Britain hits back over Navalny

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. It's looking to be another big week for foreign affairs. Jack and Sam discuss what Britain can actually do after the death of Alexei Navalny. Plus, what the fall of Avdiivka means for the war in Ukraine ahead of the two-year anniversary of the invasion this week. Meanwhile, after a tumultuous recess week, MPs are back. It's looking like a busy week ahead for Lord Cameron too, starting at the Munich Security Conference – but where was Rishi Sunak? Plus, what can we expect from parliament's newest members? Gen Kitchen and Damian Egan, who last Friday morning were elected the Labour MPs for Wellingborough and Kingswood respectively, will be sworn into the Commons.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
18/02/2434m 54s

The Week... Rishi Sunak could face double disaster

A different week for Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Jack Blanchard as they preview and predict the biggest moments for British politics in the week ahead. As it’s Commons recess, they’re not together as they record the podcast – Sam is in a sauna in Finland and Jack is in his mum's spare room in Stockport. On this episode, what will the Tories’ mood be on Friday morning as they digest the by-election results from Wellingborough and Kingswood?Meanwhile, the spotlight is on Labour after comments made by the party’s candidate for the Rochdale by-election, which takes place later this month. You can find a full list of the candidates here. And could it feel like a bleak week for the economy with the prospect of inflation rising and the latest GDP figures possibly suggesting a recession at the end of last year. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
11/02/2432m 12s

The Week... Ministers try to avert war

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Northern Ireland following the plans to restart Stormont and the swearing-in of Michelle O'Neill as the first nationalist first minister. After two years without a working government, how will the new dynamic with the new leadership look? Back in London, Rishi Sunak and the Home Office will need to deal with the spiralling political debate surrounding a chemical attack in Clapham last week, and how effectively the asylum system works. Plus, with more air strikes by the United States in the Middle East over the weekend, is Whitehall worried about sleepwalking into a war with Iran? And finally, the parties are warming up for an election - the Labour Party is approaching its deadline for submitting manifesto policies, and the Tories have a new faction backed by former PM Liz Truss. Jack and Sam look at how that might shape up. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
04/02/2438m 59s

The Week... Rishi takes on The Plot

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week, the prime minister will be railing against the small group of ex-ministers and special advisers who are plotting to bring him down before the election. The campaign to oust Rishi Sunak has been bubbling below the surface since before Christmas, but Jack and Sam predict the movement to dominate the week ahead in Westminster. And, the Conservatives are not the only party with pre-election problems. Latest polls suggest the SNP will be trumped by Scottish Labour at the general election and will lose control of Holyrood in 2026. Jack and Sam discuss how Nicola Sturgeon will fare at her second appearance at the COVID inquiry this week. Plus, as Labour puts out its "party of stability" message again this week - with announcements on financial service and life sciences - Jack and Sam run through the party's own psychodramas. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
28/01/2439m 41s

The Week… The Tories talk about tax cuts

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. In the week after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda vote, Jack and Sam predict the Tories will try and move on to safer ground to talk about tax cuts and the economy, amid questions about how much longer Jeremy Hunt will remain chancellor. Meanwhile Sir Keir Starmer will be trying to take the headlines with his own agenda with a speech focussing on crime. Rwanda isn't forgotten, though – Jack and Sam talk about what's next for the policy that has divided the Conservative Party. Plus, there's even more pressure on Nicola Sturgeon after the COVID Inquiry revealed she had "deleted" all of her WhatsApp messages during the pandemic... Jack and Sam discuss what's next for the former first minister and the SNP. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
21/01/2433m 47s

The Week... the Post Office delivers answers

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week the Post Office will be expected to deliver answers when its chief executive faces the Commons business committee to discuss the Horizon scandal. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said of UK action in the Red Sea: “We will be prepared to back words with actions”. How will that go down when the prime minister is in the Commons on Monday afternoon. And, standby for the return of the Rwanda Bill to parliament – Sam and Jack run through the amendments to watch out for. Plus, their predictions on the World Economic Forum in Davos and what will happen when the deadline for restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland passes this week.On the Horizon scandal, the Post Office said: "We fully share the aims of the current public inquiry, set up to establish what went wrong in the past, and the accountability for it." Fujitsu, the company behind the IT system, said: "Fujitsu is fully committed to supporting the Inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it. Out of respect for the Inquiry process, it would be inappropriate for Fujitsu to comment further at this time." Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
14/01/2434m 53s

The Week... The election campaign goes up a gear

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week: As well as election fever ramping up as MPs return to Westminster, they look at what else is in store for Rishi Sunak. For starters, there’s a potential Tory backlash looming on government plans for more oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. Plus, ministers and rival factions of Tory MPs will start more talks over the controversial Rwanda bill. And, Jack and Sam discuss some of the biggest international issues facing Parliament – with Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton appearing at the Foreign Affairs select committee on Tuesday Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
07/01/2436m 30s

The Week... We try to predict all of 2024

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, usually guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days, but in this episode they attempt to predict an entire year... a year that's set to be the planet's biggest ever for elections. They start with the likely British election – looking at how Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer might play their cards, with predictions on the election date and what might happen with the Tory leadership. Plus, Jack and Sam look at elections in the US, Taiwan, and across Europe – and how they might impact domestic politics. And some familiar voices lend their predictions too; including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, the SNP's Stephen Flynn, Sky News's Kay Burley, and Politico's Rosa Prince. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
23/12/2333m 38s

The Week... Before Christmas recess

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days.Although Westminster is in Christmas party season the politics continues unbowed, with Parliament still sitting on Monday and Tuesday of this week. This week: what the Prime Minister might get ask by the Liaison Committee on Tuesday, Wednesday’s inflation figures and what Michael Gove might be saying about where new homes get built. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
17/12/2329m 35s

The Week... MPs vote on Rishi’s Rwanda legislation

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. It’s looking like a tough week ahead for Rishi Sunak. Jack and Sam look to Tuesday’s crucial vote as the Prime Minister attempts to get his landmark Rwanda legislation through parliament. On top of that, Rishi Sunak will also be giving evidence at the COVID inquiry's final session of the year. Jack and Sam take us through what we can expect from his testimony. Plus Keir Starmer is due to give a big speech on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2019 general election. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
10/12/2339m 43s

The Week... Boris Johnson’s at the COVID inquiry

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. With Boris Johnson due to give evidence to the COVID inquiry this week, Jack and Sam take us through what he'll be probed on and what to expect. They're joined by Rachel Johnson, journalist and sister of the former prime minister, who shares her views on how the inquiry is progressing and the potential takeaways from her brother's testimony. Plus, what can we expect this week on an update to the Rwanda migration policy, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s next trip abroad. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
03/12/2336m 53s

The Week... Rishi and the King go to Dubai

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. On this episode, after a government U-turn on measures to help Britain get to Net Zero, Rishi Sunak and the King both head to Dubai for climate conference COP28. Jack and Sam analyse the tone the PM may strike. They explore the potential fallout from Matt Hancock’s upcoming appearance in front of the COVID inquiry - what might we learn from his turn in the chair?  Legal migration stats have caused jitters in the Tory party - how will new Home Secretary James Cleverly respond this week?  Plus - what does Rishi Sunak want out of this week’s investment summit?   Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
26/11/2338m 2s

The Week... of the Autumn Statement

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. In this episode, they look ahead to the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement – the last big fiscal event of the year – and there’s a lot of talk about tax cuts. But who will be the winners and losers? Jack and Sam speak to Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway about what we should look out for. Plus, how far will the prime minister Rishi Sunak go to stop the boats? Could going with the Tory right’s solution mean ignoring human rights laws? And they’ll go over how much of the cabinet reshuffle they correctly predicted last time – and how the repercussions of it might still be felt this week. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
19/11/2340m 1s

The Week... Rishi Sunak has a Suella Braverman conundrum

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. In this episode, they look ahead to what could be the biggest week of Rishi Sunak's premiership so far. The prime minister is set to resolve a conundrum about the future of his home secretary, Suella Braverman, which could potentially trigger a cabinet reshuffle. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to announce its judgment of the legality of the government's Rwanda policy – not to mention monthly inflation figures and Liz Truss.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
12/11/2335m 13s

The Week... Parliament is back with the King's Speech

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days.On this episode, they look ahead to the King's Speech - the first since Charles became monarch and Rishi Sunak became prime minister. And they share some expert intel from Sky's royal commentator Alistair Bruce, the man who leads the sovereign procession and sets the pace for the King.And the King's speech means that Parliament is back after a break. What are MPs going to be focusing their attention on? Plus, the COVID inquiry continues after a dramatic week, with testimony from Sir Mark Sedwill, the former chief whip, Lord Lister, who was Boris Johnson' s aide, and Priti Patel, the former home secretary. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
05/11/2337m 26s

The Week... of Dominic Cummings’ return

Want to know what the week ahead looks like in politics? Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists - Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard - bring their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. On this episode, they look at where the UK’s response to the war in Gaza may go next, as more senior Labour figures call for a ceasefire between the two sides. Plus, Dominic Cummings returns to Whitehall this week, as he gives evidence to the COVID Inquiry. Jack and Sam take you through what Boris Johnson’s former advisor might say. And what exactly is Rishi Sunak trying to achieve with his much-heralded AI summit? POLITICO’s senior technology correspondent Vincent Manancourt joins Jack and Sam to discuss. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
29/10/2334m 31s

The Week… of the 'Rishi-versary'

Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard guide you through the week's big moments in British politics - with their analysis and predictions. It's been a year since Rishi Sunak took over from Liz Truss in Number 10. But following two by-election defeats last week, Downing Street doesn't seem to be in the mood for a party. Could we see another Rishi reset? The prime minister returned from Israel this week, where he met with leaders to discuss the war with Hamas and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Former diplomat Tom Fletcher, who was the British ambassador to Lebanon from 2011 until 2015, joins Jack and Sam to share insights into how to deal with an international crisis. He also talks about the conversations former diplomats are having about the UK's future role in foreign policy. Plus, Jack and Sam talk about shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves's new book, as she hopes to be the first female chancellor of the exchequer. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
22/10/2336m 18s

The Week... Israel went to war

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists - Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard - are back with their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next week. This time, they discuss how the government here will respond to an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza. And how ministers might react to threats against the Jewish community at home. Plus, what delegates at the SNP conference will be saying about the looming Westminster election. The Times' Scottish political editor Kieran Andrews joins Jack and Sam from the conference. And there's a preview of this week's by-elections in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
15/10/2336m 34s

The Week... of the Labour Party conference

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists - Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard - provide the essential guide to politics in the week ahead. They look to what's in store at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool – including how Sir Keir Starmer will lay out his priorities ahead of a general election – and how what’s happening in the Middle East will be discussed by those at the conference. Plus, Jack and Sam check back on their predictions from the last episode – including Rishi Sunak’s HS2 announcement and the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
08/10/2334m 50s

The Week... of the Conservative Party conference

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists - Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard - provide the essential guide to politics in the week ahead. They look to what's in store at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester and Thursday's Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election. Plus, co-author of the Conservatives' 2019 election manifesto Rachel Wolf joins Jack and Sam to discuss Rishi Sunak's conference speech and how some Tories might be posturing themselves for next leader.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk
01/10/2337m 39s

Welcome To Politics At Jack And Sam's

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Jack Blanchard provide the essential guide to politics in the week ahead. They'll be across the key interviews, the stories and the entire political agenda in order to keep listeners ahead of the game in UK politics, straight from their homes each week.
29/09/231m 50s
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