Best Rejoin The EU Podcasts (2025)

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Labour collapse in Caerphilly: the byelection that points to the future of UK politics 31:53

Play Pause

13h ago31:53

31:53

Labour’s electoral dominance in Caerphilly, deep in the party’s Welsh heartlands, has collapsed while Reform UK and Plaid Cymru have hoovered up votes. On a visit to the south Rhymney Valley ahead of a historic byelection, John Harris finds a polarised community, reminiscent of the final days of the European referendum contest. Kiran Stacey joins h…

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SMR - EP329 - 21/10/25 1:17:35

1d ago1:17:35

1:17:35

Send us a text This week, on SMR, we chat with Rejoin EU Party Leader, Richard Morley, then catch up with The Marsh Family, as they prepare to launch their debut album, Hollow Chapters! Richard has certainly had a rich and colourful life, but it's his position as party leader that sparks conversation tonight adn we discuss Zack's proposed Wealth Ta…

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The budget, the black hole and the Brexit blame game 27:53

3d ago27:53

27:53

Rachel Reeves is facing difficult choices before her second budget next month and has been busy preparing the ground. In a significant shift in the government’s narrative, Reeves has – at last – stressed the long-term damage done to the UK economy by Brexit. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the options available to the chancellor and whether t…

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Trump’s fragile ceasefire plan: what next for Gaza? 33:46

7d ago33:46

33:46

As the Gaza ceasefire continues to hold, what road lies ahead in the peace process? John Harris speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, what is at the heart of the Chinese spying case row? Why has Rachel Reeves changed her tone when it comes to Brexit? What’s behind the Green party’s surge in membership? And should Labour…

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SMR - EP328 - 14/10/25 1:35:49

9d ago1:35:49

1:35:49

Send us a text This week, on SMR, we ask: "Has Nasty Nigel FINALLY met his NEMESIS in Zack Polanski?" There's brand new music from Vic Martin, Holy Shot and a TOTW from Willie Dowling... PLUS: The Marsh Family have BIG plans to tell you about and Trump wins the Nobel Peace Prize. Sort of...! It's time for SMR, Rejoiners! Support the show Like it? H…

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Gaza ceasefire: what is the UK’s role? 25:17

11d ago25:17

25:17

All eyes are on the Middle East where there have been emotional scenes in Israel as hostages were released, while tens of thousands of Palestinians are able to return to the ruins of their homes in Gaza. As global leaders, including Donald Trump and Keir Starmer, meet for a peace summit, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the UK’s role in securi…

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Labour’s Bridget Phillipson on Gaza, child poverty and the deputy leadership race 26:12

14d ago26:12

26:12

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to the education secretary and Labour deputy leadership candidate Bridget Phillipson about the plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as why she is pushing the prime minister and chancellor to get rid of the two-child limit on benefits. Plus, she explains why she believes she is the best candidate to become the ne…

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Tax cuts, jokes and pig-wrestling: Badenoch’s attempt to save her job 36:24

15d ago36:24

36:24

The Conservative leader used her conference speech to announce plans to scrap stamp duty and launch an attack on Labour, but why was there so little mention of the biggest threat facing her party? And will her performance be enough to stave off leadership rival Robert Jenrick? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk through the speech and ask where the …

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SMR - EP327 - 07/10/25 1:37:25

17d ago1:37:25

1:37:25

By SMR

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Make-or-break week for Badenoch 22:19

19d ago22:19

22:19

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, where Kemi Badenoch is trying to convince disgruntled Tory MPs to hold their nerve. But how much longer will the party give her to turn things around? Plus, they discuss the government’s plans to give police more powers to stop protests Send your thoughts and ques…

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Starmer takes the gloves off in fight with Farage 36:41

23d ago36:41

36:41

The UK prime minister has used his conference speech to take aim at Nigel Farage, warning that Reform UK offers only ‘division and decline’ while promising ‘renewal’ and ‘decency’ under Labour. John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk through the speech and ask if it could help to turn things around for Keir Starmer. Help support our indepen…

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SMR - EP326 - 30/09/25 1:13:48

24d ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Send us a text This week on SMR, we attempt to "detox the debate" by drastically reducing the number of labels we attribute to people. To just two. And neither of them refer to people. Intrigued? I do hope so... PLUS: There's brand new music from The Marshes, Glen Matlock and Seb Lowe along with hot new giggles from Cody Dahler, Spitting Image and …

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Andy Burnham live in conversation 50:44

24d ago50:44

50:44

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down with the mayor of Greater Manchester live at the Labour party conference in Liverpool. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

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Kent, where the politics of small boats and asylum has exploded 45:02

27d ago45:02

45:02

The conversation about asylum and immigration is at the centre of British politics, and nowhere more so than in Kent. This week, John Harris is on the road in a special episode looking at both sides of the immigration story: hearing from the newly elected Reform UK council, and asking what life is actually like for people who come here in search of…

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‘We’ve taken our progressive voters for granted’: Labour ex-minister 29:56

28d ago29:56

29:56

John Harris is joined by the Labour MP Lucy Powell, a former cabinet minister who is a running for deputy leadership of the party, to discuss why the government is failing to stem the surge in support for Reform and whether a change in tactics could help Keir Starmer take on Nigel Farage. Plus, how certain is the prime minister’s future? And how wo…

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SMR - EP325 - 23/09/25 1:22:32

1M ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Send us a text This week on SMR Rejoin Radio, we're joined by a true "force of nature!" The one and only, Rachel Ashley shares her analysis of The State of the Nation with us! This singer/songwriter and irrepressible activist has been with us since the start, wrote the Greatest Anti Brexit Song of All Time and never pulls her punches; just wait unt…

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What does the UK recognising Palestinian statehood really mean? 25:56

1M ago25:56

25:56

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the UK’s recognition of Palestine as a state. With the US and Israel criticising the move, what will it mean for the war in Gaza, and for diplomacy? Plus, what do we know about the split at the top of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s new leftwing party? And Pippa has the latest from the Liberal Democrat confer…

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Trump on tour: pomp, pageantry and politics 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

Donald Trump is back on UK soil for his ‘unprecedented’ second state visit. Will the US president’s trip help to distract from Keir Starmer’s challenges at home? Or could it leave the prime minister even more exposed? Kiran Stacey asks the columnist and Politics Weekly America host, Jonathan Freedland Send your thoughts and questions to politicswee…

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SMR - EP324 - 16/09/25 1:06:07

1M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Send us a text This week on SMR, we speak with Charlie Rome from 'Thank EU For The Music' all about a flag which actually symbolises unity, inclusion and co-operation, following this year's 'Prom Night Flag Fest' at The Albert Hall! PLUS: NRM Director, Peter Corr spills the beans on just why this year's National Rejoin March will have to wait until…

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Could Trump’s visit be a useful distraction for Starmer? 23:06

1M ago23:06

23:06

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Keir Starmer’s handling of the sacking of the US ambassador, Peter Mandelson. And with growing questions about whether the prime minister can survive, they ask whether Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK might actually be a welcome distraction for the government -- Send your thoughts and quest…

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Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? 27:23

1M ago27:23

27:23

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to the minister for EU relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, about the fallout from Brexit and our relationship with the European Union. Plus, we hear his thoughts on Keir Starmer’s leadership and how Labour should take on Nigel Farage and the rise of Reform –– Send your thoughts and questions to politicsweeklyuk@thegu…

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Starmer’s Mandelson mess and deputy leadership damage 34:09

1M ago34:09

34:09

As the race to replace Angela Rayner as Labour’s deputy leader exposes tensions within the party, John Harris speaks to the former transport secretary Louise Haigh about what she thinks Keir Starmer should do to get back on track, and whether he will survive until the next election. Plus, Pippa Crerar joins John to discuss the mounting pressure on …

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SMR - EP323 - 09/09/25 1:32:28

1M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Send us a text This week, we go where most angels fear to tread and brave the Reform UK Party Conference. Everything someone YOU know really needs to hear in 90 minutes! And if your head's still buried in the sand and you think there's ZERO chance of our next PM being a racist grifter with the moral compass of an amoeba, then give your own head a b…

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Reshuffle, Rayner resignation and rift with the unions 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and Keir Starmer’s subsequent cabinet reshuffle. Why has Rayner’s departure raised concerns among union leaders? Who could become the next deputy Labour leader? And, what does the reshuffle tell us about the direction of travel for the government? Plus, Pippa and Kir…

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What’s feeding the rise of Reform? On the road in Birmingham 36:21

2M ago36:21

36:21

John Harris is at the Reform UK conference, asking how this once insurgent party came to dominate the political mainstream. And he speaks to people in Birmingham to find out what the rise of Nigel Farage’s party tells us about the state of the country Send your questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Help support our independent…

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Flags, flats and Labour in trouble (again) 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

It’s the first week back after summer recess and Labour is already in trouble, with the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, referring herself to the standards watchdog over underpaying tax on her flat. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer and his ministers have been proclaiming their love of British flags as they struggle to compete with Reform UK. John Harri…

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SMR - EP322 - 02/09/25 1:04:33

2M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Send us a text This week on SMR, it's time for the final edition of our Summer Music Specials as we welcome back singer / songwriter, Rain McMey to talk about their new album, 'At The End of Everything'. That means there's four BRAND NEW songs coming your way on a show brimming with creative energy, frank political discussion and one or two moments…

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Starmer’s back-to-school headaches 24:25

2M ago24:25

24:25

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are back, talking through all of the challenges the government faces as MPs return to Westminster. Plus, they discuss the prime minister’s shake-up of his Downing Street team. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

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No going back: Nigel Farage’s immigration plan 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

In a major speech this week, Reform UK set out how it would lower immigration. With controversial plans to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants and scrap key human rights protections, Nigel Farage described immigration as a ‘scourge’ and an ‘invasion’. Was this a watershed moment in the way politicians talk about small boat crossings? And what …

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SMR - EP321 - 26/08/25 1:34:49

2M ago1:34:49

1:34:49

Send us a text This week, it's back to business with a show so clever you could sharpen its head and call it a pencil - as we address the latest fad to distract the hard of thinking. Ben reveals some hot tips for coping with the new deluge of "stoopid" sweeping the nation and there's two quite exceptional new voices making their SMR debut! With a w…

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A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right – from The Audio Long Read 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

Working for Hope Not Hate, I infiltrated an extremist organisation, befriended its members and got to work investigating their political connections Written and read by Harry Shukman Find more from The Audio Long Read here Read the text version here Adapted from Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right, published by Chatto & Windus. To …

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Revisited: A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. In this episode, recorded and first published in March, John Harris visited Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looked like and whether it was too late to save this vital service. Help …

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SMR - EP320 - 18/08/25 1:04:57

2M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Send us a text This week, we're continuing our series of Summer Specials with Banana Ranch! Ricky Graham from the band joins us to talk about the new album, 'Hydrology', how Brexit's affected his neck of the woods, Belfast - and the surprising story of just how they came up with their rather peculiar name! I guarantee, you'll never guess! Oh, and t…

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How does woke start winning again? – from The Audio Long Read 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

British progressives have suffered major setbacks in recent years, in both public opinion and court rulings. Was a backlash inevitable, and are new tactics needed? By Gaby Hinsliff. Read by Carlyss Peer Find more from The Audio Long Read here Read the text version here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

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Our list of the summer’s best culture picks 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

Politics Weekly is taking a break for the summer. But, as is tradition, John Harris has a roundup of some of his favourite cultural picks Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Keay The Blood in Winter: A Nation Descends, 1642 by Jonathan Healey …

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SMR - EP319 -11/08/25 57:44

2M ago57:44

57:44

Send us a text This week, we're delighted to welcome Matty G & Li'l Winter to the show! This Norfolk based band brings both energy to die for and a message worth fighting for; all wrapped up in some of the most electrifying music you'll ever hear us play on the SMR show! We talk at length against the backdrop of five outstanding new tracks, includi…

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Your questions answered: opinion polls and celebrity politicians 33:30

3M ago33:30

33:30

You asked, we answered. In this special episode, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down to chat through some of the questions you’ve sent to us. Fancy another one? We’d love to hear from you. Our email address is [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

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Dale Vince on net zero, Gaza and why he’s still backing Labour 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

John Harris is joined by the eco-activist, entrepreneur and political donor Dale Vince to chat through his journey from new age traveller to renewable energy millionaire and major backer of the Labour party. Plus, he discusses why he believes business holds the key to solving the climate emergency, and what he thinks the government should be doing …

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Catherine Ashton on the UK’s role in a changing world 31:15

3M ago31:15

31:15

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down in a special episode with peer Catherine Ashton to hear from the former EU commissioner and trade negotiator on what she makes of an increasingly unstable world. Find out what it’s like to be in a room with world leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin …. Help support our independen…

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Summer riots: what have we learned a year on? 36:53

3M ago36:53

36:53

This week marks a year since the murder of three young girls in Southport became a catalyst for riots that spread to many parts of the UK. With scenes of unrest at hotels housing asylum seekers in recent weeks, have we learned anything from the events of last year? John Harris is joined by Dame Sara Khan, the former counter-extremism commissioner a…

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SMR - EP318 - 28/07/25 1:36:48

3M ago1:36:48

1:36:48

Send us a text This week, with Zara & Jeremy launching their new party, sorry... YOUR new party; we ask - have they learned nothing from the failure of Change UK, or do they plan to break the mould? Party McPartyface, anyone? PLUS: there's new music from the brilliant Banana Ranch, a beautiful closing track from Claudia Kate and a little burst of a…

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Angela Rayner on lessons learned from Labour’s first year 34:35

3M ago34:35

34:35

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to Angela Rayner about Labour’s first year in government and the challenges ahead. The deputy prime minister reveals the issue that keeps her awake at night, reflects on why voters are frustrated with Labour, what she thinks the party can do about it, and how it’s planning to take the fight to Reform. Help suppor…

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Gaza: if the UK won’t act now, then when? 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

As hundreds of thousands of people face starvation in Gaza, this week the foreign secretary, David Lammy, joined a chorus of global condemnation over Israel’s actions, describing the killing of innocent civilians seeking food and water as grotesque. But when will his words be followed by action? John Harris speaks to the UN’s special rapporteur on …

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Why was the government allowed to keep the Afghan data breach secret? 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

The revelation that the government concealed a huge story about the resettlement of people from Afghanistan after their lives were put at risk by a data breach has left Westminster reeling. So why was it allowed to be kept secret for so long? And what could the fallout be? The Guardian’s political correspondent Kiran Stacey joins John Harris to dis…

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SMR - EP317 - 21/07/25 1:47:01

3M ago1:47:01

1:47:01

Send us a text This week, we're all over the exciting news that from the next General Election, 16 and 17 year olds are to be given the right to vote... with one, very important condition! But we'll get to that! Meanwhile, there's brand new music from the brilliant Jon Bate (featuring Alice Hamilton) and a summer themed, TOTW from our good friend, …

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The big stink: will a new watchdog clean up our waterways? 27:43

3M ago27:43

27:43

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s plans to overhaul the water industry. Will they be able to clean up the waterways of England and Wales, and what could it mean for bills? Plus, what is Keir Starmer’s latest move to help restore public trust in politics? And, as MPs break for summer, Pippa and Kiran hand out their end-of-year a…

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SMR - EP316 - 14/07/25 53:57

3M ago53:57

53:57

Send us a text Morning Rejoiners! Your brand new show is ready for you to download and keep! This week, we're delighted to welcome a brand new artist to the show - from Liverpool! Natalya's a singer/songwriter signed to the North West's Big Condo Records with a cracking new song to share with us, 'Show Me'. She talks us through her career to date, …

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Have tax rises become inevitable? 20:57

3M ago20:57

20:57

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how Rachel Reeves will try to reassure her party and the country about the state of the economy in a major speech this week. Also, how does the government plan to convince the public – and other MPs – to embrace net zero measures? Plus, as details of Donald Trump’s second state visit are confirmed, why won’t he…

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More headaches for Labour: Send, strikes and small boats 32:07

4M ago32:07

32:07

Only a week after the government was forced to retreat on benefits reform, there’s now controversy over its plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). John Harris speaks to Kate Cox, a parent of two children with special needs, about why there’s such concern about the plans. Plus, with NHS doctors going on strike aga…

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SMR - EP315 - 07/07/25 1:30:46

4M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

Send us a text This week, we take a look back at Labour's first year in office with help from "new voice" to the show, Professor 'MIMS' and some of our other trusted talking heads! There's fresh comedy from Larry & Paul, The Exploding Heads and Joshua Woo... PLUS: Ben speaks to Jessie Grace about her stunning new track, 'Resource' from the EP of th…