Politics Weekly UK

Nigel Farage has promised that Reform UK would call in the navy to tackle small boat Channel crossings. Will this familiar-sounding immigration policy distract from the party’s internal problems? Plus – as we learn more about Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution, is this the biggest rewiring of the UK state since the second world war?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Andy Burnham gave a major speech on Wednesday on his plans for a national care service. He sought cross-party consensus on the issue by speaking to the Tories and Lib Dems. But not Reform UK or the Greens. On Thursday, Reform’s Robert Jenrick claimed at a press conference that the prime minister wanted a ‘death tax’. But is that what Burnham set out? Plus, Zack Polanski is under fire for a social media post. Is the Green party leader too ‘online’? Pippa Crerar and Peter Walker discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Andy Burnham’s first overseas visitor will be the Ukrainian prime minister, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a show of the UK’s ‘unwavering support’ for the country. And, as Burnham sets out his ambitious plans for tackling the UK’s most intractable problems, including social care, what can he really do differently? Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot discuss what Burnham’s plan for change looks like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Andy Burnham’s first week in office has seen him announce a range of measures to help people with the cost of living crisis, and scrap several of Keir Starmer’s big policies. But critics – including former Starmer ministers – are questioning how they will be funded and whether they go far enough. Pippa and Kiran look at what’s behind Burnham’s policy blitz.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The new prime minister has promised a ‘circuit breaker’ moment for the country, as he becomes the UK’s seventh leader since 2016. But will he be able to make the changes that are desperately needed? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how he will try to do things differently and who will be helping him in the cabinet. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod