Talking Politics

ITV News

Political Editor Robert Peston and News At Ten Anchor Tom Bradby discuss and debate all the key talking points of the political week.

You can watch every episode on YouTube, ITVX and Spotify and listen on every podcast platform, including https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-politics/id1724952808 (Apple Podcasts). Hit subscribe on any platform to ensure you don't miss an episode.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

218 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes218

Newest first

Apr 7, 2025 · 29 min
Why Donald Trump's tariffs are winning him some friends - but could push him and Elon Musk apart
U.S. President Donald Trump's taxes on imports into the country have been causing turmoil on global stock markets and sparking concern from all corners of America. But as the Talking Politics USA team explore, there are plenty of people still right behind Mr Trump. Host Lucy Watson, correspondent Robert Moore and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett discuss why the president is so keen to stick to his guns on tariffs and whether his fellow Republicans will stand by him. One person seemingly opposed to the idea is the world's richest man and Trump adviser, Elon Musk. So could this hasten his departure from the administration? Got a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Apr 3, 2025 · 19 min
Peston analyses Trump’s tariffs, why Number 10’s ‘euphoria’ will be short-lived and where the trade wars go next
In this special pop up episode, we asked Robert Peston to give his snap analysis after US President Donald Trump declared his extraordinary tariffs on all America’s international rivals and allies. Paul Brand sets out the questions and Robert delivers his expert answers as the world wakes up to a new trading world order and Sir Keir Starmer and his Downing Street officials consider their response to the 10% tariffs placed on the UK from the White House. We're talking politics every week but what is it you want to know? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com and we will discuss on the show. You can watch or listen to Talking Politics on your favourite podcast platforms, YouTube or ITVX. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Apr 2, 2025 · 24 min
Why is Badenoch repeating a false Adolescence conspiracy? Can the world bully Trump on tariffs? Plus how power has changed Rachel Reeves
In the latest episode of Talking Politics, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Lewis Denison discuss: Why Kemi Badenoch is helping to spread a false conspiracy theory about Netflix hit drama Adolescence How the UK will look to react to Donald Trump’s tariffs and how low-income MAGA loyalists will be clattered by the US president’s protectionist policies Why Canada PM Mark Carney is best placed to lead a coalition of nations against the USA Whether UK consumers could boycott US goods in retaliation Why Nigel Farage and Reform will be tested on their loyalty to Britain AND Trump And finally, how power has changed Chancellor Rachel Reeves You can WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Talking Politics on YouTube and Spotify. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 31, 2025 · 34 min
Trump turns on Putin, tariff 'Liberation Day' looms, Trump talks up a THIRD term, and Musk's $1m Wisconsin voter payments
Donald Trump could not hide his frustration over the lack of progress on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, saying he is 'p***ed off' at Vladimir Putin whilst also hitting out at Volodymr Zelenskyy for 'backing out' of a rare earth minerals deal. US Correspondent Dan Rivers, former White House staffer Laura Schwartz, and host Lucy Watson discuss where this leaves the Trump-Putin relationship, and whether he can still secure a ceasefire and peace deal. Also, the team discuss Trump's latest comments to NBC News about his plans for a third term in the White House being 'no joke'. Could it really happen, perhaps with JD Vance running for President then resigning, or is America heading for a constitutional crisis in 2028? Also on the agenda is Trump's tariff 'Liberation Day' on Wednesday, and whether Americans are as excited about the imposition of sweeping new tariffs as Trump himself is - and how it will affect store prices as well as key industries such as car manufacturing. Laura Schwartz describes how security really works inside the White House in light of the Houthi Signal group chat fiasco, and the team discuss why Elon Musk is controversially handing out $1 million dollars to voters ahead of Wisconsin's supreme court election on Tuesday. We're talking politics every week but what is it you want us discuss? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com You can watch Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 28, 2025 · 17 min
Should expenses be scrapped for MPs after their pay rise? And what role could Donald Trump's sons play in a MAGA dynasty?
In this brief episode of Talking Politics Q&A, with Anushka Asthana away, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston answer a range of questions, namely: Isn't it time that all expenses for MPs and the Lords were stopped? Do you think Trump is grooming and positioning his sons to run for presidency in four years to ensure a Trump presidential dynasty and the extreme MAGA movement continues? Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith gave us the phrase: "the age of uncertainty". What age are we all living in now? And... fun and politics do not go in the same sentence - agree or disagree? Got a question for us? Email on talkingpolitics@itv.com You can listen or watch Talking Politics on Youtube, ITVX or your favourite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe so you NEVER miss an episode! Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 26, 2025 · 30 min
Spring Statement ‘fiction’, how far the UK is conceding to Trump on tariffs and trade, and do 'mediocre' MPs deserve their pay rise?
In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby is joined by Anushka Asthana (briefly) and Robert Peston for the duration to discuss: The “fiction” at the heart of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement Why Robert and Anushka have now both upset the Treasury The future challenges the UK faces in the era of Donald Trump and his tariff wars Why Robert is recoiling at the potential concessions the UK is making in trade talks in Washington And whether MPs - even the "mediocre" ones! - deserve their above inflation 2.8% pay rise Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com for our Friday Q&A edition Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 24, 2025 · 33 min
Canada versus USA, outrage at Trump envoy’s Putin love-in and the painting that has made Donald RAGE!
In this episode of Talking Politics USA, Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and Laura Schwartz react to the shocking pro-Putin sentiments being issued from Trump’s loyalists and the White House - in stark contrast to the brutality and war crimes Dan unearthed in Ukraine. The trio also discuss: How Mark Carney is using Trump as the key campaign target for his bid to remain prime minister of Canada versus Pierre Poilievre. Why Donald Trump’s tariff wars runs a major risk of alienating one section of core supporters. How Vice President JD Vance and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff have deepened rifts with US allies while delighting the Kremlin. Why Witcoff's warm words about Vladimir Putin have caused such offence amid peace negotiations over Ukraine. The treasures in Greenland which have seen it become a territory of major interest to the Trump administration. And why a painting hanging on the wall of the Colorado State Capitol building in 2019 has suddenly enraged Donald Trump. Do you have a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com You can WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vLyvOf-qZsM&list=PLFXSE3NhAYiZ8ymySHRegjBOZL5pBv1bq&index=1&pp=iAQB Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 21, 2025 · 18 min
Q&A: Could Trump call off elections? Could Badenoch EVER be PM? Which leader was a nightmare to interview?
"I hope I never have to go through something like that again!" Robert Peston opens up on his nightmare interview with a previous prime minister in the latest episode of Talking Politics Q&A special. He,Tom Bradby and Anushka Asthana give their answers to a wide range of audience queries, namely: Why do people think the Trump ‘problem’ will fade after four years? Will this war be settled between Trump and Putin with Zelenskyy just a side show? What will it take for Labour to abandon the Chancellor’s fiscal rules and raise taxes? Kemi Badenoch will never win the Tories an election. Agree or disagree? Who is the most powerful person in government we don’t know? Who is the hardest person you’ve ever had to interview? Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about what matters most to you... Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 19, 2025 · 20 min
Why Trump has rocked Starmer’s confidence
''What happened in that conversation between Trump and Putin actually brings us quite close to a crunch moment for the British prime minister.'' In this week’s Talking Politics, Tom, Robert and Anushka discuss: Why Donald Trump cosying up to Vladimir Putin could soon pop Keir Starmer’s newfound confidence How a Trump-Putin deal would see Downing Street’s Ukraine strategy unravel The possible growth reboot for the British economy amid the defence spending hike The furious fallout from the government’s welfare reforms, both among listeners and inside Labour Whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves has lost control ahead of next week’s Spring Statement or 'emergency budget' Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about the things that matter most to you... Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 17, 2025 · 23 min
Donald Trump vs the law - AGAIN. Plus is Elon Musk giving Tesla owners buyer's remorse?
"How this showdown between the executive and the judiciary plays out is the drama of the next four years!" After U.S. authorities deported hundreds of Venezuelan and Central American men to El Salvador - potentially in defiance of a federal judge - the Talking Politics USA team discuss the latest court battle Donald Trump could be about to face. Tom Bradby, Robert Moore and former White House advisor Laura Schwartz also examine the impact of Elon Musk's ties to Donald Trump on Tesla, and the state of the Democrats. Plus, Laura has details from the Gridiron Dinner, one of Washington's most exclusive nights. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about what matters to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 14, 2025 · 19 min
Q&A: How far could Trump go before Starmer criticises him?
In our first Talking Politics Q&A special, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana give the listeners the answers to their key questions, burning concerns and a few less serious queries, namely: What would tip the UK to realise Trump can’t be counted as ‘one of the good guys’? How would Ukraine joining NATO affect the outcome of the war and America? Why has Starmer backtracked on so many promises in his manifesto before the election? Why does the media not cover stories on the Liberal Democrats? What’s one political buzzword you absolutely hate? If you could report on a different subject to politics or economics what would it be? Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get us talking about what matters most to you... Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 12, 2025 · 29 min
How can the UK combat Trump’s tariffs? Plus Anushka’s Tesla confession
"Backing out from the Tesla, I take the entire side off it…" Anushka reveals the expensive mistake which left her apologising to a Tesla driver as she, Robert and Tom discuss the damage Donald Trump and Elon Musk have done to the car’s market value amid the US president's continued assault on the world order. The trio also give the inside track on: The Downing Street response to the US president’s tariffs war with Europe Why Keir Starmer should ignore domestic pressure and be bolder with defence spending How the looming benefits cuts will hit our listeners And how Nigel Farage is handling yet another high profile public bust up Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana are Talking Politics every Wednesday. Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and get them in the mix for our new Q&A special episodes… Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 10, 2025 · 33 min
Fifty days of Donald Trump 2.0, presidential 'swagger' and Top Gun diplomacy
"Donald Trump is what every politician dreams to be - attitude and swagger". Fifty days into the Trump presidency, the Talking Politics USA team discuss how the new administration is going down at home and abroad. Tom Bradby, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett look at how Trump is picking fights with America's allies and whether any divisions are appearing within his own top team. Plus, after a long haul flight, Tom ponders how films like Top Gun would land now with audiences worried about America's role in the world. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 5, 2025 · 33 min
How Trump’s new world order changes EVERYTHING
“My instinct is simply to go on the news and say ‘what the hell is this appalling person doing?!’ But that wouldn’t be impartial journalism…” In the latest Talking Politics, Tom Bradby, Anushka Asthana and a poorly Robert Peston react to one of the most shocking weeks in modern history and explain where the world is headed next, revealing: How those in the UK government reacted to the Trump-Zelenskyy showdown… How the US president has ripped up the international rulebook… What it means for our world order, the future of Ukraine and the potential for British troops to be sent into battle… Plus, how Trump’s trade war puts massive new pressure on UK spending - as Anushka reveals her insider scoop on how the government is exploring more cutbacks. And there’s even time for Robert’s dog to make a late cameo appearance! If you’ve got a question, please send it to talkingpolitics@itv.com and we’ll put them to Robert and Anushka. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Mar 3, 2025 · 24 min
What Trump and Zelenskyy’s Oval Office row means for Ukraine and Europe
“It was like a diplomatic hand grenade which went off inside the room” After the jaw-dropping row between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House, the Talking Politics USA team take stock of what the consequences could be. Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett dissect how the diplomatic spat unfolded, ask whether it could have all been planned and discuss how Europe should respond to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Got a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Feb 26, 2025 · 25 min
THAT Trump Gaza video - and is Starmer serving America or Britain? Plus how politicians go viral on TikTok
“I almost can’t believe it’s happening. I almost can’t believe it’s real.” In the latest Talking Politics, Paul Brand is joined in the pod studio by Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana and Digital Politics Reporter Lewis Denison as they react to Donald Trump sharing an unbelievably provocative new vision for Gaza. Political Editor Robert Peston then dials in from DC to discuss everything from the heavyweight challenges facing Keir Starmer in Washington to whether the PM is a secret Spurs fan... The team also take your questions, including whether Starmer can really please the U.S. president without alienating the British public. Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Feb 24, 2025 · 26 min
How will Trump deal with Starmer and a split Europe?
“If he’s banking on the special relationship, he’s probably on a hiding to nothing.” In the latest Talking Politics USA, our International Editor Emma Murphy and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett join Rageh Omaar to debate the weight of the US-UK “special relationship" as Keir Starmer heads to the White House in these most turbulent of times. The team also react to Elon Musk’s chainsaw stunt, the next German leader Friedrich Merz’s outspoken comments about the US and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s controversial takeover of the James Bond franchise - as Emma makes a surprising 007 confession and Matthew explains how he was inspired by Daniel Craig’s wardrobe. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues which matter most to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Feb 19, 2025 · 33 min
Donald Trump turns on Zelenskyy - so what will Keir Starmer do next?
"The big judgement for Starmer is whether he needs to show that European interest trumps the requirement to have a friendly relationship with America" As Donald Trump is accused of living in a "disinformation" bubble after he blamed Ukraine for Russia's invasion, the Talking Politics team explore the tricky position Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself in before his trip to Washington. While Ukraine continues to dominate discussion, Paul Brand, Robert Peston and Emma Murphy also talk about the latest scrutiny facing assisted dying legislation in England and Wales and its chances of becoming law. And with Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing more questions over her CV, the team consider how easy it is to make mistakes on your online profile and how trust in politicians and institutions - or lack of it - is having such an influence on so many debates right now. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues that matter most to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Feb 17, 2025 · 32 min
Are Trump, Putin and Xi carving up the world? Plus Donald at Daytona and Hygge's Hollywood ambition
"American underwriting of European security now has a question mark" As Donald Trump looks to strike a peace deal with Russia over its war in Ukraine - and leave European leaders and Kyiv feeling left out in the cold - the Talking Politics USA team assess whether America remains the ally to Europe which it has been ever since the Second World War. Before that, Rageh Omaar, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former advisor to President Bill Clinton, Laura Schwartz delve into the world of the young college grads at the heart of Elon Musk's cost-cutting operation. And after President Trump made a claim for Greenland, the team hear from one of the people behind a satirical petition suggesting Denmark buy California in the ultimate real estate deal. Could Trump be tempted? Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you… Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com
Feb 13, 2025 · 12 min
PM exclusive! Keir Starmer talks Trump, Ukraine and more with Peston
“President Trump will make such calls as he thinks appropriate” In a special edition of Talking Politics, Robert Peston sits down with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin, the prospect of peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and Britain’s role in that process. Robert and the PM also discuss the government’s plans to build new towns across the country, and an ITV News investigation into the fast-growing neo-Nazi network ‘Active Club England’. Got a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you. Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com