Sir Keir Starmer had promised 2026 would be the year the UK economy and household finances would finally “turn the corner”. But the Iran war has nixed those hopes. Now the pressure from unions to increase public sector pay is mounting, and resident doctors are continuing their rolling strikes. Student finance remains another open sore despite the announcement of a cap on loan interest rates. To discuss the pressures on the public purse, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, with local elections just weeks away, the panel also discusses the prime minister’s trip to the Middle East.  

Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social

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Starmer leans into his Iran response to resonate with voters

Unions prepare for UK public sector pay push as inflation bites 

UK health officials discuss banning doctors from going on strike

What happens when the Green Party governs?

Capping student loan interest rates is a step in the right direction

NHS data chief pushes for deeper rollout of Palantir technology despite outcry

Can the Iran war save Keir Starmer’s premiership?

UK exposes covert Russian submarine operation

The political power struggle behind the Bayeux Tapestry

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Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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