House of Comments

After a couple of weeks away, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back. They discuss the fallout from the local elections and Sir Keir Starmer's new deal with the EU. UK-EU trade deal: What is in the Brexit reset agreement? (https://news.sky.com/story/uk-eu-trade-deal-what-is-in-the-brexit-reset-agreement-13370912) Charlotte Henry on Threads (https://www.threads.net/@charlotteahenry)...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the UK Supreme Court's ruling on recognising trans people and women. They also briefly reflect on the passing of Pope Francis. Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "Four Weigh-ins and a Funeral" (https://app.lineupnow.com/event/four-weigh-ins-and-a-funeral) For Women Scotland Ltd (Appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent) (https://suprem...

It's been a packed week for co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell to try and make sense of. We start with a huge about turn on tariffs by US President Donald Trump. After that, we discuss the case of two Labour MPs being turned away at the airport by Israeli authorities. The show finishes up by discussing a legal case between the Home Office and Apple. Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "...

It's a couple of days after "liberation day" and the world is still reeling from Trump's tariff announcements. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try and unpack what on Earth is going on, including how the UK is responding. They also look at some unpleasant polling for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Elon Musk's impending exit from government. Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "Four Wei...

Rachel Reeves stood up to make her Spring Statement from a position that is both incredibly precarious and incredibly safe. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack what the chancellor had to say, the economic forecasts and the reaction it all got. Can Labour move on from the gloom of the early months? Spring Statement 2025: Key points at a glance (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c...

This week, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall laid out her initial plans to reform the welfare system, inevitably prompting a huge amount of debate. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look into the good, the bad and the ugly of the current system and the Government's plans to improve it. Support House of Comments on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/HouseofCommentsPodcast) - just £5...

This week co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell start by trying to unpack the latest deluge of Trump news. Does anyone fancy a new Tesla? Back home, they debate the end of NHS England and a bust-up in Reform. Settle in, because Emma gives a, genuinely fascinating, history lesson on QUANGOs! Support House of Comments on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/HouseofCommentsPodcast) - just £5 a mo...

The world is an uncertain place, but Sir Keir Starmer has seemingly risen to the occasion. The UK Prime Minister has had his best week since arriving in Downing Street, first meeting US President Donald Trump, then bringing together a host of European leaders for a security summit in support of Ukraine. He did though have to contend with the resignation of Annelise Dodds (something that happene...

UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer became the latest world leader to head to Washington to meet President Donald Trump. If the newspaper headlines are anything to go by, he's had a very successful visit. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss that, and how the Labour Party is responding to cutting the aid budget to fund increases in defence spending. This episode was recorded (minute...

This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try to make sense of the chaos from across the Atlantic, including Elon Musk's government takeover and Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. They also discuss Emma's favourite domestic topic - local government reform. 'People seem dumbstruck' - Inside Musk's race to upend government (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1dg95dyxygo) – BBC News Trump...

After a wobble, Rachel Reeves worked to reset her party's relationship with business and sound positive in a big setpiece speech. However, the Government's backing of a third runway at Heathrow may lead to a row with London Mayor Sadiq Kahn. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at the consequences of what was said this week. Before that, they remember John Prescott, whose funeral was ...

In this episode of House of Comments, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the reaction to the sentencing in the Southport knife attack case. They also look at the economic data that Rachel Reeves has to contend with. SPECIAL: Inauguration of Donald Trump (https://www.patreon.com/posts/special-of-trump-120460986) 'A pin-drop that changed our lives': What Southport victims' familie...

It's been another very busy in politics both at home and abroad. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Brunell look at the proposed ceasefire deal in the Middle East some more trouble for Sir Keir Starmer at home. Plus, why Kemi Badenoch really needs a win. Israel’s security cabinet convenes to approve deal to release hostages and pause the 15-month war (https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestini...

It's been a busy start to 2025, especially for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is having to deal with some severe market jitters. However, Kemi Badenoch has chosen to focus on the issue of grooming gangs instead and Liz Truss's lawyers have sent a Cease and Desist letter to Sir Keir Starmer. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. UK Bond Selloff Puts Reeves’ Economic Project o...

It is the final show of the year, so co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell have a bit of fun and do a quiz. Who comes out on top? Charlotte Henry on Threads (https://www.threads.net/@charlotteahenry) Charlotte Henry on BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/charlotteahenry.bsky.social) Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition (https://theaddition.net/) Emma Burnell on Twitter (ht...

It has been another major week in global affairs. After 50 years, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen. This has major implications in the Middle East and beyond. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss that and then look to home. The government was hit by news that the economy had shrunk 0.1% in October. They have been talking a lot about housing and planning this week, something Cha...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack a dramatic week at home and abroad. They start with the government's collapse in France, discuss US President Joe Biden pardoning his son and then analyse Sir Keir Starmer's latest speech. The Prime Minister was attempting to reset his government, although the Labour spinners were not putting it quite like that. Defiant Macron vows to stay on as...

In a packed week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell start by remembering John Prescott, the former Labour deputy prime minister who passed away aged 86. They also debate the ICC's decision to issue and arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and others as well as developments in Ukraine. John Prescott: Political bruiser who played vital role in Labour comeback (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news...

There are an awful lot of very complicated things going on at the moment. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try and make sense of it all. They discuss Elon Musk's Donald Trump's picks for the next US government, the scandal in the Church of England that led to the Archbishop of Canterbury's resignation and Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill. Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be hi...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss a host of issues, including the attack on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, the rise in tuition fees and Kemi Badenoch's debut at PMQs. The main focus of the episode is, of course, Donald Trump's election victory and impending return to the White House. There's plenty to be worried about and lots of questions to ask the Democrats and the Harr...

This week, Rachel Reeves became the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver a budget. As expected, various taxes went up. Farmers are one particularly unhappy group. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss some details of what Reeves announced. They also look ahead as US voters head to the polls to decide who will succeed Joe Biden. Budget 2024: key points at a glance (ht...

Political and economic nerds stand by - it's time for the Budget! Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell preview what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is going to say. They also head Stateside as the US Presidential election enters the home straight. Sir Keir Starmer says those with assets are 'not working people' - paving way for possible tax rises (https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmer-says-those-wi...

This week Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the implications of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy's trip to China. They also discuss the ongoing fallout from Sir Keir Starmer's visit to a Taylor Swift concert. Charlotte Henry on Threads (https://www.threads.net/@charlotteahenry) Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition (https://thea...

This week, Emma Burnell is away so Claire Pearsall joins Charlotte Henry. After 20 years in the Tories, Claire is in the perfect position to try and explain what on Earth happened in the shock leadership election result that saw previous favourite James Cleverly knocked out. Before that, they look at some rather uncomfortable polling for Labour. Labour and Starmer approval ratings continue to ...

It's the Tory Party conference and Charlotte and Emma give their steaming hot takes on the beauty parade. Who has impressed and who deserves to be knocked out of the contest? James Cleverly has had a good week, but will that be enough? Before that, they take a quick look at the ongoing developments in the Middle East. Badenoch Runs UK Tory Leadership Campaign From Currency Guru’s Home - Bloom...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Labour's first conference back in government in 14 years. *Applause*. They debate if Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves were able to lift the gloom. They also analyse the ongoing war in the Middle East. Labour conference votes to reverse cut to winter fuel allowance in embarrassing blow to Starmer (https://news.sky.com/story/labour-conference-v...

House of Comments returns after the summer! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the rows currently engulfing the Labour party and the Prime Minister. From glasses to tickets to the football, Sir Keir certainly gets plenty of free gear! They also discuss someone who earns more than the PM - he's chief of staff Sue Gray. Sir Keir Starmer declares gifts and freebies totalling more t...

This week, the show starts in the US. President Joe Biden has announced he is not standing for re-election. It's a huge story and an end to an amazing career of public service. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss President Biden's legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign to succeed him. In the UK, they discuss Sir Keir Starmer suspending the whip from seven rebel MPs and...

It was the first Labour King's Speech in 14 years. There was no "Independence of the Bank of England" style surprise, but in its way the agenda for government was radical. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect the loyal address and discuss Vaughn Gething's demise as Welsh first minister. Wales - What Just Happened? (https://softleft.substack.com/p/wales-what-just-happened) Gething ...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are taking a small post-election break. However, there is something special for you - an interview with author Sarah Ditum about her book "Toxic". Normal service resumes next week. Buy "Toxic" at: Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toxic-Sarah-Ditum/dp/0349727147/) Bookshop.org (https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/toxic-sarah-ditum/6333454?ean=9780349727134)...

General Election 2024 brought us a historic election night. Sir Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister, Labour is in government for the first time in 14 years, the Tories are in tatters and the Lib Dems have the most number of seats ever. Oh, and Nigel Farage finally made it into Parliament. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all. General Election 2024 Results (https://commonslibr...

The finish is so close we can practically taste it! Ahead of polling day on Thursday, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell highlight six key seats to keep an eye and explain why.  There are a few other issues to wrap up too, including a rather unsavoury incident at Warwick University Conservative Society. Tory student group condemned after video shows them ‘singing to Nazi song (https://w...

As polling day gets closer, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell reflect on a rather bizarre campaign. They also debate the latest twists and turns in the betting scandal. Labour candidate Kevin Craig suspended after betting against himself (https://news.sky.com/story/labour-candidate-suspended-as-gambling-commission-launches-investigation-13158716) – Sky News Tory MP candidate 'bet £8,00...

With just two weeks to go until we get the election result, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the current state of the campaign. They start by looking at the latest leaders debate, then focus on the betting scandal engulfing the Tory party. The show finishes by discussing former Conservative minister Chris Skidmore's decision to announce he is voting Labour. More names expected...

In the words of Bon Jovi... we're halfway there. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell assess the current state of the 2024 General Election campaign and wonder if we could all be put out of our misery already. They look at the chaotic seven-way debate and Reform overtaking the Conservatives in a YouGov poll. This episode also explores why nobody is talking about Brexit. Is it because it's...

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has had to apologise after he departed D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations early.  It has even emerged that he tried to avoid going at all. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell reflect on the implications of this, the opening debate between the PM and Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage's entry into the campaign. EXCLUSIVE: Fury after Rishi Sunak skips D-Day eve...

On today's House of Comment, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell focus on the Diane Abbott situation and other selection sagas within the Labour party. What does it all say about factionalism and the party leadership? The also head Stateside to discuss Donald Trump becoming a convicted felon. Timeline of Diane Abbott’s suspension: From her comments on racism to Labour ‘election ban’ – In...

The election campaign is well and truly underway. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the first couple of days as the party leaders cover the length and breadth of the country...

Well... here we go. Rishi Sunak has called a General Election. Britain will go to the polls on 4th July. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sunak's decision to go now, Sir Keir Starmer's response and look ahead to the campaign. General Election Fever Spreads at The Podcast Show (https://theaddition.net/news/general-election-fever-spreads-at-the-podcast-show/) Charlotte Henry on ...

It's been another busy week in Westminster, with a number of senior figures making major speeches. Rishi Sunak kicked off the week, with Sir Keir Starmer following Thursday. Jeremy Hunt also made comments on the economy on Friday. It feels like the election campaign is well and truly under way, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse it all. My Vision for Britain | Rishi Sunak Po...

Dover in Kent has been the focus of politics this week. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who represents the area, crossed the floor and joined Labour. It was not without controversy. Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer then head eddown to the area to discuss his plans for tackling illegal migration. While that was happening, it was revealed that the UK is no longer in recession. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack the latest set of local election results and the Blackpool South by-election.  That vote was a huge swing towards Labour and Sir Keir Starmer's party has done well up and down the country. Things are not looking pretty for the Conservatives as they lose hundreds of councillors. However, they managed to hold onto Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. Lo...

Someone (Charlotte) managed not to upload the entirety of this episode. Sorry! Here it is. Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renat...

Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways. How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government (https://www.poli...

From Conservative scandals, arrests in Scotland, smoking bans and welfare speeches, it has been a packed week in politics. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return after recess to discuss it all. Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement following rearrest in Operation Branchform probe (https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/peter-murrell-charged-embezzlement-following-32620576) – D...

History was made this week as Vaughan Gething become first minister of Wales. In so doing, the Labour politician became the first Black leader of any European nation. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the significance of this moment and how the leaders of the different parts of the UK will work together if/when Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister. Elsewhere, they also discu...

The Guardian revealed that Frank Hester, a major Conservative donor, has made racist, misogynistic and violent comments about Diane Abbott. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how both the Tories and Labour have managed the incident. They also discuss MPs upcoming pay increase. Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ (https://www.t...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack Jeremy Hunt's seemingly very boring budget. Millenials may though be one group that noticeably benefited from it, instead of pensioners. And why didn't Jeremy Hunt get told off for all the leaks? Before the Budget chat, they discuss two Conservative politicians who have had to make amends after making false allegations. Science secretary Michell...

He's back. George Galloway has stormed to victory in the Rochdale by-election. It will be the fourth constituency he has represented in the House of Commons. Meow. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss whether the by-election has wider implications. They also look at the ugly spectre of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party after comments from Lee Anderson. To finish, they delve i...

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell take to their mics early to discuss the chaos that erupted in the House of Commons during a debate about Gaza. Such debates may have little effect in the Middle East, but the incident will likely impact the future of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. His job is on the line after the unedifying scenes. Elsewhere, the episode looks at Kemi Badenoch's row with th...