Starmer’s ‘Project Chainsaw’: the NHS, Whitehall, welfare
Political Fix14 Maalis 2025

Starmer’s ‘Project Chainsaw’: the NHS, Whitehall, welfare

“The world’s largest quango is scrapped” – that’s how the government framed the abolition of the NHS management body this week. It was the latest target in Sir Keir Starmer’s so-called ‘Project Chainsaw’, his plan to streamline the state. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Anna Gross to discuss the prime minister’s reforms and whether they will drive any improvement in public services. The team also discusses the Labour rebellion brewing over welfare cuts, plus the latest dramatic developments engulfing the Reform party.


Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb, Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross


Want more? Free links:


Starmer to abolish NHS England


Starmer to target ‘cottage industry of blockers’ in overhaul of regulators


Sir Keir Starmer suffers cabinet uprising over UK spending cuts


Musk expresses support for rival to Reform UK as feud in Farage’s party intensifies


Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.


Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(574)

What a 'no-deal' Brexit would mean and taking-out-the-trash week

What a 'no-deal' Brexit would mean and taking-out-the-trash week

Talk of a crash Brexit has ramped up this week, but how likely is it actually to happen? And how bad would it be for the UK and the EU? Plus we discuss the final week of the political season and where...

28 Heinä 201829min

The Brexit votes and Labour's antisemitism problem

The Brexit votes and Labour's antisemitism problem

The amendment votes in the House of Commons, the likely fate of Theresa May's Brexit plan and the Labour Party's problem with antisemitism. With Miranda Green, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley of the ...

21 Heinä 201825min

Johnson and Davis say goodbye, Trump says hello

Johnson and Davis say goodbye, Trump says hello

The dual departures of two cabinet ministers this week has challenged Theresa May's authority. Where do her Brexit plans stand now? Plus, we discuss Donald Trump's brief visit to the UK and the health...

14 Heinä 201829min

Cabinet chaos special

Cabinet chaos special

The resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis have shook both Theresa May and the government. Sebastian Payne discusses what it means and what happens next with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and ...

10 Heinä 201817min

The joys of English football and the pains of Brexit

The joys of English football and the pains of Brexit

We're gearing up for Saturday's World Cup match against Sweden and the announcements coming out of Theresa May's Cabinet meeting at Chequers. Will Britain be able to find its identity, now and after B...

7 Heinä 201822min

Cabinet ruptures and further Brexit stalemate

Cabinet ruptures and further Brexit stalemate

Collective responsibility has collapsed within Theresa May’s government, so can ministers now do and say whatever they like? Plus, two columnists debate whether a second Brexit referendum is a good id...

30 Kesä 201830min

A big birthday gift for the NHS and a new Brexit destination emerges

A big birthday gift for the NHS and a new Brexit destination emerges

Theresa May is giving the NHS an extra £20bn a year for its 70th birthday. Will it help the suffering health service and is it money well spent? Plus, is Britain on course to stay in the EU single mar...

23 Kesä 201830min

Withdrawal bill woes and uncovering sexual harassment in Westminster

Withdrawal bill woes and uncovering sexual harassment in Westminster

Tight votes and compromises dominate this week as Theresa May’s government puts Brexit into law. But has any actual progress been made? Plus, what can be done to tackle bullying and sexual harassment ...

16 Kesä 201827min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

aikalisa
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
tervo-halme
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
politiikan-puskaradio
rss-podme-livebox
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
otetaan-yhdet
rss-asiastudio
rikosmyytit
viisupodi
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
rss-mina-ukkola
the-ulkopolitist
radio-antro
io-techin-tekniikkapodcast
popcorn-with-esko
rss-polikulaari-humanisti-vastaa-ja-muut-ts-podcastit
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
rss-50100-podcast