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Westminster Hour

BBC Radio 4·Hosted by Carolyn Quinn·5 episodes

NewsGovernmentWeeklyUK PoliticsPanel DiscussionExpert AnalysisBBC Radio 4Parliamentary News

The big political stories with lively discussion and expert comment and analysis from politicians and journalists, 10pm every Sunday on BBC Radio 4.

Why listen

Westminster Hour is BBC Radio 4's essential weekly guide to UK politics and parliamentary news. Each episode features lively expert discussion and analysis of the week's biggest political stories, from government decisions to election coverage, hosted by Carolyn Quinn with politicians, journalists, and analysts. Perfect for anyone following British politics closely.

Episodes

49 min
Jul 12, 2026
12/07/2026

Radio 4's Sunday night political discussion programme.

48 min
Jul 5, 2026
Challenges facing the new PM on defence, foreign affairs and social care

Ben Wright is joined by Labour MP Anna Dixon, Conservative former minister Jesse Norman and commentator Miranda Green from the Financial Times. They discuss Keir Starmer's attempt to frame his legacy, and the domestic and international challenges facing the new Prime Minister. James Heale - deputy political editor of The Spectator - brings additional insight and analysis. Ben also interviews Layla Moran - Lib Dem chair of the Health and Social Care Committee - about the prospects for reforming adult social care, if Andy Burnham enters Downing St.

48 min
Jun 28, 2026
Andy Burnham's economic policies

Ben Wright is joined by Labour backbencher Gordon McKee; Conservative former Cabinet minister, Sir Andrew Mitchell; and Theo Bertram - an adviser to the Blair and Brown governments, now Director of the Social Market Foundation. They discuss Andy Burnham's approach to the economy and plans for further devolution. They also consider the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. Geraldine Scott - assistant political editor of The Times - brings additional insight and analysis. .

48 min
Jun 21, 2026
Sir Keir Starmer considers his future

Ben Wright's guests are the Labour MP and Chair of the Education Select Committee, Helen Hayes; Shadow Scotland Secretary, Andrew Bowie; and Professor of Politics, Philip Cowley. They discuss the anticipated resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister - and what a government led by Andy Burnham might mean for the country. Ben interviews the former Labour leader, Lord Kinnock; economist Professor Michael Jacobs; and political historian Sir Anthony Seldon. Lara Spirit - deputy political editor of the Sunday Times - brings additional insight and analysis.

48 min
Jun 14, 2026
How will the government resolve the row over defence spending?

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry; Conservative peer and former Cabinet minister, Mark Harper; and the founder of the Centre for Social Justice, Tim Montgomerie - a prominent supporter of Reform UK. They discuss funding for defence and look ahead to the Makerfield by-election. Ben also interviews the chief executive of the NSPCC, Chris Sherwood, about a social media ban for under-16s. And Lucy Fisher - Whitehall editor of the Financial Times - brings additional expert insight and analysis on all the topics.

48 min
Jun 14, 2026
Westminster Hour 14 June 2026

Defence spending, a possible social media ban and the Makerfield by-election.

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Listening context

Casual listening
Best for: commutes, morning listening, evening listening, news catch-up
Tone: analytical, lively, authoritative, conversational

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