As the year draws to a close, the latest episode of the Guardian's Politics Weekly UK podcast takes a deep and critical look at the turbulent political landscape of 2025. Hosted by John Harris, the discussion features insights from the Guardian's political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey.
A Retrospective on a Tumultuous Year
The panel engages in a comprehensive review, analysing the most significant and often chaotic political moments that defined the past twelve months. From dramatic parliamentary showdowns to pivotal policy U-turns, the conversation unpacks how the year unfolded for the government and the opposition alike. The consensus suggests that 2025 was a period of considerable difficulty and complication for those in power, characterised by a series of challenging events that tested the administration's resilience and strategic direction.
Forecasting the Political Future
Looking ahead, the discussion shifts to the potential political trajectory of 2026. The experts weigh in on the key issues likely to dominate the agenda, the evolving strategies of the major parties, and the external pressures that could shape the coming year. The analysis provides a nuanced forecast, considering both domestic priorities and international influences that will impact Westminster and beyond. The tone is one of cautious speculation, grounded in the realities of the current political climate.
Listener Engagement and Further Exploration
The podcast maintains its interactive element, actively encouraging audience participation. Listeners are invited to submit their questions and comments for the panel directly via email to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. This fosters a direct line of communication between the public and the journalists analysing the seat of power. The episode is complemented by a striking photograph from Reuters photographer Hiba Kola, which visually encapsulates the mood of the year in politics.
For those keen to delve deeper into the topics discussed, the podcast episode is tagged under key themes including Politics and Politics Weekly UK, with specific links to content concerning the Labour party. This allows for easy navigation to related news and analysis on the Guardian's platform, ensuring listeners can continue their exploration of the issues that matter most.
