Wes Streeting’s plan to fix the NHS – Politics Weekly Westminster

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether Nigel Farage can translate Reform UK’s rise in the polls into success at the ballot box as local elections take place this week. And, how will the two major parties fare in the first big electoral test for both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch since the general election?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parliament, how serious is Labour about tackling the problem? John Harris hears from a headteacher, and speaks to our political editor, Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris speaks to the Today in Focus podcast about how music helped him connect with his autistic son, James. He tells Helen Pidd what he’s learned about the way some autistic people experience music, and how songs opened up the world for James. Plus, they discuss the challenges and stereotypes autistic people still face.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The future of the steelworks in Scunthorpe has been hanging in the balance after the government stepped in to try and save it from collapse. So what happens next for the UK steel industry and the people of Scunthorpe? And why does it matter for our national security? Kiran Stacey speaks to Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, a national officer for the GMB union in Scunthorpe, and the Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As fears of a global recession continue in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs, Keir Starmer insists the UK should keep a cool head. But with markets in turmoil and a looming economic crisis, does the prime minister need to be bolder? John Harris asks the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Plus, he speaks to Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, about whether people should ‘buy British’ to combat the tariffs. -- Listen to John discuss how music helped him connect with his autistic son on the Today in Focus podcast here: https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/apr/04/how-the-beatles-helped-my-autistic-son-find-his-voice-podcast --. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod