About this episode
The episode discusses Andy Burnham's political stance on immigration and the implications for his campaign, alongside defense issues and polling insights.
Is Andy Burnham having trouble putting clear teal water between himself and Nigel Farage, following comments calling for a tougher stance on immigration? Sam Coates has more from Manchester on the state of the Burnham campaign and how his movements after the Makerfield by-election remain unclear. Meanwhile, Anne McElvoy delves deeper into the defence dilemma – with military chiefs still reportedly in the dark over the contents of the Defence Investment Plan. As Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to argue that Britain needs to build more military equipment at home, questions remain over whether the government has the money and political will to fund its ambition. Plus, the duo check in on the latest polling numbers – did Reform UK’s bold response to the Henry Nowak killing fail to resonate with voters? You can see a full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election here.
People in this episode
Hosts: Sam Coates, Anne McElvoy
Topics covered
- immigration policy
- political campaigns
- defense strategy
- polling analysis
- by-elections
Keywords
- Andy Burnham
- Nigel Farage
- immigration
- defense
- Makerfield by-election
- Reform UK
- polling
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Reform UK
Books & works: Defence Investment Plan
Places: Manchester
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- Could Andy Burnham build to victory? · June 4, 2026 · 21 min
- Revealed: Who are the brains behind Burnham · June 3, 2026 · 22 min
- Life after Keir - will it be coronation or contest? · June 2, 2026 · 21 min
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