Political Currency

A pod clearly established in response to the success of Rest is Politics. But George Osborne’s defense of the ultra nationalist Trump /Vance/Musk government is despicable and Ed Balls never challenges him on it. They both LAUGH about what Trump is doing - honestly don’t bother.

Thanks for a great podcast. Love the in-depth analysis of how government works or should work. On Ukraine, President Biden, who is a zealous institutionalist, would probably follow the protocols of an outgoing administration. Biden’s red line was crossed when it was established that an estimated 11,000 North Korean Troops were in Russia (Airforce Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Press briefing Nov 4). By Nov 18 they were believed to be in the Kursk region. In October 2024, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to President Biden that an introduction of N. Korean troops in the conflict must be viewed as a Red line for US and NATO. This was an ongoing discussion in the White House.

This is the premier division for British political podcast particularly compared to the The Rest is Politics. George and Ed have superior insight and humour.

As former opponents facing each other across the despatch boxes in Parliament, George and Ed, ex-Chancellor and ex-Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, are uniquely qualified to bring us the inside scoop of British Politics. And they do so, focusing on not only Ripped-Out-of-the-Headlines current affairs and their political-economic significance, but also on the daily workings (and non-workings) of Parliament. Similarly, they regale listeners to their Podcast with fascinating anecdotes about ministers and governments present-and-past as well as the parts they themselves played respectively (including the hot water both occasionally landed in). Always informative, George and Ed work together with an easy-going, good-humoured rapport that they share with members of the public who call in on EMQs, Ex-Minister's Questions, a separate half-hour weekly podcast. I cannot recommend Political Currency strongly enough!