About this episode

The episode discusses Andy Burnham's policies and the controversial decision on new drilling in the North Sea amidst climate concerns.

Andy Burnham has been on a regional tour of the UK, delivering a steady stream of policies aimed at tackling social issues. But now comes the hard part: should he push ahead with new drilling in the North Sea? After a summer of drought and wildfires, can the prime minister make the case for more fossil fuel extraction? FT political editor George Parker stands in for Lucy Fisher as host, and is joined by Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Plus, after Sue Gray described working in Starmer’s government as ‘unbearable’, and a top UK civil servant was revealed to have received a £500,000 payout package, the panel reflects on what we have learned about Starmer’s premiership now that it’s over.  George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb ; and Jim @PickardJE Want more? Burnham launches pandemic-style drive to cut rough sleeping Andy Burnham faces climate test over North Sea oil decision Are ‘dodgy’ vape shops choking Britain’s high streets? Working in Starmer’s Number 10 was ‘unbearable,’ says Sue Gray Jamie Dimon warns UK chancellor against higher bank taxes Top UK civil servant received record £500,000…

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