Political Currency

Are eloquent middle class people hogging valuable public service resources? Ed Balls and George Osborne debate the case for co-payments to ease the burden. How can both Ed and George be correct on their analyses of the 2010 financial situation? And why do politicians continue to trot out their media spin lines when it’s clear to everyone that they’re not answering the question?

Plus, Ed and George share their favourite conference memories as party conferences get underway. 

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Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

The NHS must “reform or die”, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Is he channelling his “inner Tony Blair” in a gutsy move on our health service or is this another policy which will end in controversy, much like the winter fuel allowance or early prison releases? 

Across the pond, the US Presidential TV debate gave Kamala Harris an edge as she took on Donald Trump for the first time. But perhaps even more of a win was Taylor Swift’s endorsement, which soon followed. But do celebrity supporters make any real difference in politics? 

And, back in Europe, George gives us the inside track on the effect his former counterpart, France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, will have on future relations with our neighbours across the Channel. 

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/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

Booking an appointment with your GP can feel harder than getting your hands on Oasis tickets. So should those who miss their slots be made to pay? Would it create a barrier to entry for vulnerable people in society, or could it open the door to millions more people who are sick of getting stuck in the queue?

Ed and George also bring you inside the world of becoming an MP and they top up their summer reading list with some international big-hitters. 

Plus - now back from holiday - Ed reveals whether he caused any diplomatic incidents over a sun lounger…

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/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: James Shield and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

Ed and George are reunited to mull over whether Rachel Reeves should make a U-turn on the winter fuel payment furore. Is there an "escape route" she can take?

And they examine the government’s decision to suspend some arms shipments to Israel. Was it really “a legal decision, not a policy decision”, as the PM has claimed?

Finally, we ask whether central bankers deserve the credit for falling inflation – or if they simply got lucky. And Ed and George issue a mea culpa for some slightly inaccurate predictions about the Tory leadership contest, as Priti Patel tumbles out of the race at the first hurdle.

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/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: James Shield

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

Where are all the great parliamentary speakers like Gordon Brown, Robin Cook, and William Hague? Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on fond memories within the chambers like Cook’s resignation. Will the Tory leadership contest bring in any new contenders?

Plus, what determines seating order in commons? Can live fact checking during PMQs work? What actually is a three line whip? And how risky is it to defy one? 

Please keep sending us your questions to [email protected]

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/politicalcurrency

Please keep sending us your questions to [email protected]

Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.