Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan from the ITV News politics team chew through the week's big UK political stories and give Political Editor Robert Peston a call from wherever he is to get his take on it all. We'll also be talking to special guests from the world of politics and beyond - and hear from ITV's political correspondents based around the country to find out what's happening beyond the Westminster bubble.
Keir Starmer: 'Johnson is lucky...the road will run out' - 100TH EPISODE SPECIAL
Keir Starmer sat down with Robert Peston and Daniel Hewitt for a special interview to mark the podcast's 100th episode - this one really is a must listen.This will be the last episode for a while as we take a break for Parliamentary recess.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
7/22/2021 • 44 minutes
'Pingdemic' pandemonium - plus Prue Leith on tackling obesity
Daniel and Robert discuss the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and how rising cases will mean more and more people are forced to self-isolate.Plus Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith on how to tackle obesity.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
7/16/2021 • 38 minutes, 3 seconds
Lockdown easing unmasked - plus cricket legend Michael Holding
The government has revealed its plan for the final step of the Covid roadmap - but for some 'freedom day' is inspiring fear. Robert Peston analyses the decision and tells the story of those who are worried about its implications.Then Dan Hewitt talks to ITV News Health Producer Alex Cherrie about the reaction from front-line medics. Plus Shehab Khan interviews cricket legend Michael Holding about his new book. Remember to like, share and rate us five stars!
7/7/2021 • 36 minutes, 26 seconds
Labour wins in Batley and Spen - plus Hancock resigns and Javid’s back again
Kim Leadbeater beat expectations to win the Batley and Spen by-election - Shehab talks to ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener from the constituency. Plus Robert gets into the detail of Matt Hancock's resignation and Dan talks to Sajid Javid's former advisor Salma Shah about the newly appointed Health Secretary.Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
7/2/2021 • 32 minutes, 15 seconds
Holiday firm's travel list criticism - plus lockdown lessons from Israel
Can the travel industry handle more uncertainty? The boss of TUI talks to Daniel Hewitt about the impact the UK's "cynical" travel rules are having on the sector. Plus, Robert calls from Israel to give a Calling Peston special report about their new government, the success of the vaccine rollout and shaking hands again.Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
6/24/2021 • 27 minutes, 58 seconds
'Hopeless' Hancock, hopeful Miliband, and hopes of lockdown easing dashed
Robert has been saying it for weeks, but now the government have finally confirmed that the lockdown easing will be postponed from June 21 to July 19.He talks to Dan Hewitt about the reasons for the decision and whether this will be the last delay to the roadmap. Plus Shehab Khan interviews Ed Miliband about losing the election in 2015 and his ideas for fixing the world. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
6/17/2021 • 32 minutes, 25 seconds
Vaccines, climate change and sausages - the agenda for the G7
The G7 summit has started with Boris Johnson playing host - but could a ‘sausage war’ disrupt the agenda? Dan Hewitt talks to Robert Peston who is enjoying the best Cornwall has to offer. Plus Shehab Khan talks to restaurateur Asma Khan about the need for clarity on the June 21 easing. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
6/11/2021 • 34 minutes, 22 seconds
Michael Rosen on his Covid recovery - plus will June 21 be postponed?
Michael Rosen talks to Shehab about the three months he spent in hospital with Covid and his gratitude to the NHS workers who cared for him. Plus, will the June 21 unlocking go ahead? Robert answers the question on everyone's mind.And the podcast has finally made it into the big leagues by appearing on ITV's The Chase - but where else have the team popped up on TV?Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
6/3/2021 • 30 minutes, 6 seconds
Cummings attacked the government for seven hours - but will it stick?
Personal attacks, swine flu, pox parties, and Jeff Goldblum - it was the committee session that had it all. But will any of Dominic Cummings’ evidence matter? Robert Peston, Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan answer the question of the hour and break down all the major points from the seven hour session in just 25 minutes. Remember to subscribe, like and rate us five stars!
5/27/2021 • 27 minutes, 54 seconds
Traffic lights, travel and variants - will the roadmap be delayed?
Traffic lights, travel and variants - will the roadmap be delayed?Robert Peston, Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt discuss a week of mixed messaging on international travel that has left the public wondering whether amber means green or red.Plus, cases of the Indian variant continue to grow, leading to concerns about the final step of the roadmap. Shehab talks to Professor Linda Bauld about the variant and it’s potential impact on future easing.And the team lament the problems of technology for those wanting a pint in the post-covid pub.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
5/20/2021 • 33 minutes, 49 seconds
Jeremy Corbyn on Labour's future - plus the Covid inquiry
Jeremy Corbyn on Labour's future - plus the Covid inquiryFormer Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pulls no punches in this exclusive interview with Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan.He comments on everything from Keir Starmer, the local elections loss, cabinett reshuffles and more - it really is a must listen.Plus, Robert examines a future inquiry into the coronavirus crisis.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
5/12/2021 • 47 minutes
What's next for Labour and is IndyRef2 still on the cards?
Robert and Shehab breakdown the election results, from Labour's defeat in England to the SNP's historic win.ITV News Scotland correspondent Peter Smith also joins to discuss if IndyRef2 is still on the cards.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
5/8/2021 • 31 minutes, 57 seconds
Is a 'full scale crisis' around the corner for Boris Johnson?
Is a 'full scale crisis' around the corner for Boris Johnson?Robert Peston says he could soon face 'an incredible humiliation' and 'calls for him to resign', depending on the outcome of investigations into the refurb of his Downing Street flat.Plus Shehab Khan chats to award winning political cartoonist Graeme Bandeira about lampooning the government.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
4/29/2021 • 27 minutes, 4 seconds
Will claims of Tory sleaze stick? Plus John Barnes on how to fix football
Will claims of Tory sleaze stick? Plus John Barnes on how to fix football Robert, Shehab and Dan look at accusations of sleaze against the government and assess whether Labour attacks are causing any damage. Plus, special guest, Liverpool FC legend John Barnes shares his plan for fixing football after the collapse of the European Super League.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
4/22/2021 • 42 minutes, 47 seconds
Cameron, Johnson, and the murky world of lobbying
Cameron, Johnson, and the murky world of lobbying - plus, what's it like to grow up mixed race?The Calling Peston team is back to examine the lobbying scandal which is engulfing the Tory Party. Shehab and Dan tell you everything you need to know, while Robert gives insight and analysis.Our special guest is author Natalie Morris talks to us about her new book, 'Mixed/Other', which explores what life is like growing up mixed race in the UK.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
4/15/2021 • 45 minutes, 17 seconds
Passport to the pub? And why's the UK compromising in EU vaccine dispute?
Will you really need a passport to go to the pub? And why is the UK compromising in the EU vaccine dispute? The ITV News Politics Podcast discuss all the key vaccine developments and call Robert to get his take on Boris Johnson's latest strategy, plus - away from the pandemic - why Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to deal with migrants appear to raise more questions than they answer.Meanwhile, Shehab is humbled by Daniel's jaw-dropping reporting on atrocious housing, the team react to Robert's all-singing-all-dancing TV turn (as Daniel shares the moment he and Robert united over Meatloaf) and everyone offers poor silent producer Lewis their remedies for coping with a nasty cold.If you're new to the show, subscribe! If you like what you hear rate us five stars to spread the word.
3/26/2021 • 25 minutes, 21 seconds
Is vaccine rollout still on track? Plus Alan Johnson special guest
Former home secretary Alan Johnson is our special guest this week. We also discuss vaccine nationalism and whether other countries can impact the UK's jab rollout. In a deep dive interview, former Labour minister Alan Johnson talks about everything from switching politics for writing, his sympathy for ministers during the pandemic and thoughts on whether Labour can win the next election.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars.
3/18/2021 • 50 minutes
Jess Phillips on reading the killed women list - plus, how Meghan interview impacts No10
Jess Phillips on violence against women - plus, how Meghan interview impacts No10Special guest Labour's Jess Phillips, takes us through how we can tackle violence against women, following the killing of Sarah Everard.Plus, Robert Peston explains what impact the bombshell Harry and Meghan interview has had on Downing Street.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
3/12/2021 • 32 minutes, 24 seconds
Budget special: How Sunak plans to spend now and take later
Listen to our Budget special for all you need to know about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's plan for the economy in 2021 and beyond.Expert insight from Politics Editor Robert Peston, plus correspondents Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
3/4/2021 • 31 minutes, 42 seconds
Salmond, Sturgeon and the fight for Scottish independence
Salmond, Sturgeon and the fight for Scottish independence We explore the fascinating row between Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond - and whether it will impact their fight for independence from the UK.ITV News Presenter Julie Etchingham is our special guest this week. She's filmed a documentary on the issue of Scottish independence and tells us all about it.We also have Robert Peston looking ahead to next week's Budget.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
2/25/2021 • 49 minutes, 47 seconds
Roadmap special: Are the dates realistic and will we need a jab to go to the pub?
Everything you need to know about the roadmap out of lockdown is in this special episode of Calling Peston.How realistic is it that nightclubs could open in June? Will we need to prove we've had a Covid-19 vaccine to get inside? Plus, how much financial support will Rishi Sunak provide in his Budget next week?There'll be another episode of the podcast released later this week.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
2/23/2021 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
Holidays and pubs - what are the chances for 2021? Plus vaccines and variants
Everyone is well overdue a holiday, but will we be able to have one this year? Robert and Shehab discuss whether people will be able to go abroad in summer, amid the ever-present threat of new coronavirus variants.They also discuss Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, whether it will include the reopening of pubs, and when we'll get more of our freedom back.Special guest this week is Professor Linda Bauld, a public health expert at University of Edinburgh, who talks to us about vaccines and variants.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
2/11/2021 • 23 minutes, 44 seconds
David Baddiel special guest - plus high hopes for the economy?
Comedian and writer David Baddiel is our special guest this week; he gives an eye-opening account of anti-Semitism and the unusual way it is not taken seriously by anti-racists.It really is a must-listen.In the first half of the podcast we discuss the economy and the Bank of England's optimistic assessment of the future.Of course, we also talk about the fascinatingly hilarious insight into local politics, provided to us by the members of Handforth Parish Council.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
2/5/2021 • 50 minutes, 28 seconds
Vaccines: breakthroughs and standoffs - plus Ranvir Singh as special guest
Robert and Daniel discuss the recent vaccine dispute between the EU and AstraZeneca, as well as coronavirus vaccine breakthroughs in the UK.Plus Good Morning Britain political editor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ranvir Singh is our special guest interview this week.
1/29/2021 • 46 minutes, 32 seconds
Who will get the vaccine next? Plus Get Buzzin' with Bez
This week's special guest is Bez from the Happy Mondays - it's a must listen.In the rest of the episode we look at Covid vaccine priorities - who will be next in line after the UK's most vulnerable? We also discuss how much longer lockdown will go on, and what Joe Biden's presidency means for the UK.
1/21/2021 • 38 minutes, 36 seconds
James Comey on Trump impeachment - plus, what next for Covid lockdown?
James Comey on Trump impeachment - plus, what next for Covid lockdown?Special guest on the podcast this week is former FBI director James Comey, who talks to us about the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the riots at the US Capitol, and much more.We also get the latest from Downing Street with Robert Peston, who gives insight on whether England's lockdown is about to get tighter, or whether restrictions will soon be lifted.Be sure to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
1/14/2021 • 40 minutes, 21 seconds
Will vaccines end lockdown by mid-Feb? Plus top photographer on capturing history
Will vaccines end lockdown by mid-February? Plus top photographer on capturing historyIn this week's episode we look at whether coronavirus vaccines can help England out of lockdown by mid-February, as Boris Johnson hopes will be the case.Our special guest is award winning PA photographer Stefan Rousseau, who talks us through what it's been like capturing some recent histories most remarkable moments.In one anecdote he reveals his experience of photographing the Westminster terror attack, which resulted in two people being killed.Please remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
1/7/2021 • 40 minutes, 47 seconds
Is another lockdown inevitable? Plus Brexit and a Christmas Quiz!
Is another lockdown inevitable? Plus Brexit and a Christmas Quiz!In what could be the final episode of the year (unless we do an emergency Brexit episode) Dan and Robert discuss whether another lockdown is inevitable after Christmas.They also look at the chances of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.And stick around til the end to see if you can beat Dan in the Christmas quiz!Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars! Merry Christmas!
12/18/2020 • 22 minutes, 14 seconds
Brexit: Deal or no deal by Sunday?
Boris Johnson has set Sunday as his latest deadline for a free trade deal with the EU - but is there any chance of success?We speak to Europe Editor James Mates who was in Brussels during the prime minister's last-ditch talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.Robert Peston gives us his take on the state of negotiations and whether he thinks there's scope for a deal.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
12/10/2020 • 37 minutes, 32 seconds
English tiers, the chances of a New Year lockdown - plus the consequences of Britain's soaring debt
As England is reduced to tiers, Robert and Shehab chat through the week's coronavirus developments: Rishi Sunak's Spending Review, the prospect of a new national lockdown and the new face in Number 10.We also have special guest Konnie Huq, who tells us about her new set of political fairy tales and working on Black Mirror episodes with her husband Charlie Brooker.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
11/26/2020 • 29 minutes, 53 seconds
The PM's plan for Christmas - plus the tale of the gay MPs who tried to take on Hitler
The PM's plan for Christmas - plus the story of the gay MPs who tried to take on HitlerIn this episode we learn the fascinating story of the Glamour Boys - the gay MPs who lobbied the UK government to go to war with Hitler, long before World War II began.And Robert examines the departure of Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings from Downing Street.He also explains the prime minister's plan for Christmas and the latest coronavirus vaccine developments.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
11/19/2020 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
Inside the Number 10 meltdown - plus vaccines and how China got back to normality
Inside the Number 10 meltdown - plus vaccines and how China got back to normalityIn this week's episode the team discuss the resignation of Boris Johnson's director of communications, Lee Cain.What does this mean for the government? Will Dominic Cummings quit in solidarity?We also speak to ITV News Asia Editor Debi Edward who explains how draconian measures in China got the country back to relative normality after the coronavirus pandemic started there.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
11/12/2020 • 37 minutes, 44 seconds
Piers Morgan on Donald Trump and Boris Johnson - plus our team on furlough extension
Piers Morgan on Donald Trump and Boris Johnson - plus our team on furlough extensionSpecial guest on this week's episode is Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan. He chats to us about his friend Donald Trump, the US election, coronavirus and Boris Johnson.And Robert Peston explains the pros and cons of the extended furlough scheme, which will now run until the end of March.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
11/5/2020 • 36 minutes, 7 seconds
Our politics team on Corbyn's suspension from Labour after anti-Semitism report
Our politics team on Corbyn's suspension from Labour after anti-Semitism reportRobert and Shehab take a look at the Equality and Human Rights Commission's report on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.We also hear from former Labour MP John Mann, who now advises the government on anti-Semitism.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars.
10/29/2020 • 24 minutes, 51 seconds
'Furlough is back' - Plus Room Next Door Man Michael Spicer
'Furlough is back' - Plus the Room Next Door Man Michael SpicerRishi Sunak has announced a raft of coronavirus support messages, prompting Robert Peston to remark that 'furlough is back'.We talk through the latest twists and turns in the UK's battle with Covid-19. We also have another hilarious special guest: the Room Next Door Man Michael Spicer.The satirical comedian talks us through how he became a sensation by mocking political interviews.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
10/22/2020 • 32 minutes, 9 seconds
To circuit break or not to circuit break? Plus Spitting Image's Matt Forde
Robert Peston gives his take on whether a circuit break lockdown will happen in England.And special guest Matt Forde tells us what it's like impersonating Boris Johnson and Donald Trump in the reboot of Spitting Image. Don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
10/16/2020 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
Last orders for northern pubs? Plus, what are the chances of a Brexit deal?
Last orders for northern pubs? Plus, what are the chances of a Brexit deal?This episode of Calling Peston features an in-depth Brexit interview with two of the UK's leading experts, Anand Menon and Maddy Thimont Jack.We also discuss a new northern lockdown - which is expected next week - and Robert says there's hope of a restriction free Christmas.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
10/8/2020 • 32 minutes, 4 seconds
'Extraordinary' economic bounce back - plus Owen Jones on Keir Starmer
'Extraordinary' economic bounce back - plus Owen Jones on Keir StarmerThe Calling Peston podcast is back for its third series.We're still going to be tackling the week's biggest stories, but we'll also have a different special guest each episode as we look to discuss something other than coronavirus.This week's guest is Labour activist Owen Jones.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars.
Peston exclusive: Potential coronavirus vaccine breakthroughFor once there is some good news. Robert has an exclusive story on a potential coronavirus vaccine. Listen to learn more.We also chat through the new rules on face coverings, which from July 24 will force people to wear one, if they want to go shopping.This episode is our last of the series, as we take a break during the Parliamentary summer recess. We'll be back in the autumn with a refreshed show, taking you through all Westminster's twists and turns.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
7/15/2020 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds
Summer statement: Will Dishy Rishi's risky plan pay off? Analysis from Gauke and Peston
Summer statement: Will Dishy Rishi's risky plan pay off? Analysis from Gauke and PestonThe chancellor has announced several measures to boost the economy and employment as the UK begins to ease out of coronavirus lockdown.Will Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson's plan work?Former Treasury minister David Gauke and economic expert Robert Peston provide analysis and insight into an unprecedented Summer Statement.The team is back in Westminster for the first time since lockdown began for this week's episode.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars
7/10/2020 • 35 minutes, 30 seconds
Schools re-opening, lessons from Leicester’s lockdown plus Deborah Meaden on coronavirus and business
Schools re-opening, lessons from Leicester’s lockdown plus special guest Deborah Meaden on coronavirus and businessThe education secretary has announced schools will fully reopen in September; we have everything you need to know about how pupils will return to class rooms.Robert Peston gives insight into the localised lockdown in Leicester and the team examine what can be learned from the city's spike in Covid-19.Special guest this week is Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, who explains what needs to be done to allow businesses to bounce back after this crisis.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars
7/2/2020 • 42 minutes, 52 seconds
What’s changing on July 4th? The new rules explained
What’s changing on July 4th? The new rules explained In this special episode we go through all the new guidelines and what's going to be different after July 4.Political Correspondents Daniel Hewitt and Romilly Weeks explain all the changes; what you will be allowed to do, where you'll be allowed to go and who'll you'll be allowed to see.Political Editor Robert Peston analyses the changes and gives insight into the thinking behind them.Remember to like, subscribe, and rate us five stars!
6/23/2020 • 30 minutes, 52 seconds
U-turns, car crashes, schools and Covid’s lost generation. Plus satire star Meggie Foster
U-turns, car crashes, schools and Covid’s lost generation. Plus satire star Meggie Foster Boris Johnson's U-turns caused political car crashes this week, before the prime minister himself was involved in an actual car crash.We discuss his bumpy week and the impact his policy changes could have.Robert Peston asks what is being done to help school and college leavers when there are no jobs, and the team look at what's going to happen to the children left without an education due to coronavirus.Our star guest this week is political satirist Meggie Foster, who explains to us the inspiration behind her viral videos.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
6/18/2020 • 41 minutes, 7 seconds
Social distancing: When 2 becomes 1? Plus Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel on Black Lives Matter
Social distancing: When 2 becomes 1? Plus Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel on Black Lives MatterWith both the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the globe, it's been a busy week for the Calling Peston team.This week we examine whether the two metre social distancing rule will soon become one. Pubs say the the distance needs to be reduced before they can open.And we speak to special guest, Hollywood actor Nathalie Emmanuel, who tells us why this time the Black Lives Matter movement is different.In an eye-opening interview she tells us about her experiences with racism and what she's doing to try and fight it.We also discuss comments made by a scientific adviser that imposing lockdown a week earlier could have halved the final death toll.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars! We'll be back at around the same time next week.
6/11/2020 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Is Boris Johnson still 'following the science'? Plus quarantine, queuing and face masks
Is Boris Johnson still 'following the science?' Plus quarantine, queuing and face masksIn this week's episode we analyse the prime minister's claim that coronavirus policy is built on science. Is the new 14-day quarantine for international arrivals to the UK based on science, or is it a political move?Is it safe for MPs to be back in Parliament? A scare involving Alok Sharma shows the risk involved with a return to physical-only proceedings.And there's some news on face coverings...Listen to hear Robert Peston, Shehab Khan and Daniel Hewitt discuss all this and more.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars!
6/4/2020 • 35 minutes, 30 seconds
Cummings and coronavirus: What does it all mean? Plus Alastair Campbell on the PM and his adviser
Cummings and coronavirus: What does it all mean? Plus Alastair Campbell on the PM and his adviserThis week Shehab and Robert discuss the implications of Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham.Labour's former communications director Alastair Campbell tells us what he thinks about it all.And Robert gives his take on how the economy will be restarted.
5/29/2020 • 42 minutes, 52 seconds
Is a second wave of coronavirus inevitable? Plus U-turns, testing and trims
Is a second wave of coronavirus inevitable? Plus U-turns, testing and trimsIn this week's episode we speak to Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, who talks us through the risk of a second peak of Covid-19.Robert Peston gives us his insight into this week's government U-turns and the progress of the UK's coronavirus testing and tracing regime.And all the team discuss what they're doing to mitigate the impacts of having no access to a hairdresser.Remember to like, subscribe and rate us five stars.
5/22/2020 • 44 minutes, 16 seconds
Stay Alert or Stay at Home? Andy Burnham interview plus furlough update
Stay Alert or Stay at Home? Andy Burnham interview plus furlough updateA lot has changed in the UK this week, but not necessarily in every region of it. Boris Johnson has adjusted England's coronavirus lockdown message to Stay Alert, while Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are sticking with Stay at Home.What does this all mean for member of the public? What extra freedoms do those in England have over people living in other regions of the UK?We speak to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who tells us about the lack of communication from Westminster and that he'd be doing the same as Nicola Sturgeon in keeping lockdown near-enough unaltered.And Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the coronavirus job retention scheme to pay 80% of people's wages for a further four months.Robert Peston explains the finer details of the extension, plus how it will impact businesses and individuals.Remember to subscribe and rate us five stars!
5/12/2020 • 36 minutes, 19 seconds
Boris Johnson's national address: What will he say? Plus could Scotland and Wales go their own way?
Boris Johnson's national address: What will he say? Plus could Scotland and Wales go their own way?This week Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith stands in for Shehab to explain the situation outside of England. Could lockdown measures be lifted in England, but maintained in Scotland? After First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's Friday press conference, it looks like that could well be possible.Plus Robert and Daniel discuss the forthcoming address to the nation from Boris Johnson and whether the prime minister might lift some of the lockdown restrictions.Remember to subscribe and rate us five stars!
5/7/2020 • 43 minutes, 38 seconds
Lockdown: What will be lifted first? And what’s happening in America with coronavirus?
Lockdown: What will be lifted first? Plus - what’s happening in America with coronavirus?It's been a busy week in the UK with the prime minister returning to work and announcing Britain has passed the peak of coronavirus.With that, a lifting of some lockdown restrictions should be expected in the coming weeks. Robert Peston reveals which restrictions may be lifted first, and why.Across the pond in America is the world's worst coronavirus death toll - we speak to Washington Correspondent Robert Moore to find out exactly what the situation is in the US, and how President Donald Trump is handling it.We release a new episode of Calling Peston once a week - usually on Fridays. Remember to subscribe, rate five stars and share with your friends!
5/1/2020 • 45 minutes, 49 seconds
Where are we at on coronavirus testing? NHS doctor asks for apology from ministers, plus Shehab on Ramadan under lockdown
Where are we at on coronavirus testing? NHS doctor asks for apology from ministers, plus Shehab on Ramadan under lockdownIn this week's episode we speak to Dr Rachel Clarke, is working on the NHS frontline dealing directly with Covid-19 patients.Shehab and Daniel discuss the government's coronavirus testing plan, while Robert explains how far the government is from relaxing some of the lockdown restrictions.He also offers an insight into how Dominic Raab is running government in Boris Johnson's absence.And since it the month of Ramadan has just begun, we ask Shehab what it's usually like and how this year is going to be much different.Remember to subscribe and rate five stars!
4/24/2020 • 45 minutes, 42 seconds
How long could lockdown last for? Plus fundraising Captain Tom Moore on becoming a national hero
How long could lockdown last for? Plus fundraising Captain Tom Moore on becoming a national heroIn this episode of Calling Peston, the team discuss: When will the coronavirus lockdown end?Is the social care sector is being properly protected?When will there be enough Covid-19 tests to go around?We also speak to 99-year-old fundraising powerhouse Captain Tom Moore, who is walking laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS.
4/17/2020 • 40 minutes, 2 seconds
'It’s like going into battle everyday': Life on the NHS frontline plus Boris Johnson in hospital, and when will lockdown be lifted?
“It’s like going into battle everyday”: Life on the NHS frontline plus Boris Johnson in hospital, and when will lockdown be lifted?It’s been another unprecedented week - the Prime Minister was admitted to intensive care, the government hinted the UK lockdown could last a lot longer and the number of coronavirus tests continued to increase - but enough to reach 100,000 by the end of April?Daniel Hewitt, Shehab Khan and Robert Peston discuss the week’s political decisions and reactions as coronavirus deaths in the UK continued to rise.Daniel also speaks to A&E doctor Dr Alex George about life on the frontline tackling the virus.
4/9/2020 • 41 minutes, 17 seconds
Labour special: What does election of Keir Starmer mean for the party?
Labour special: What does election of Keir Starmer mean for the party?In this special weekend episode of Calling Peston, Daniel, Shehab and Robert discuss the Labour leadership election results and what they mean for the party.In what direction will new leader Keir Starmer take the party?Will he and his deputy Angela Rayner bring the party back together?Where between Tony Blair and Jeremy Corbyn does Sir Keir fall on the political spectrum?Listen to this episode for all the answers.Don't forget to subscribe and rate us five stars.
4/4/2020 • 22 minutes, 36 seconds
Has Boris Johnson overpromised and underdelivered on testing for coronavirus? Plus updates From Italy, Spain and Germany
Testing Times - has Boris Johnson overpromised and undelivered on testing for coronavirus? Plus updates From Italy, Spain and GermanyThis week has seen Britain’s biggest rise in the number of coronavirus infections and coronavirus deaths, as the government faced big questions over why so few people are being tested for the virus.ITV Political Correspondent Daniel Hewitt, himself now isolating, speaks to political reporter Shehab Khan and ITV Political Editor Robert Peston to discuss Number 10’s problems increasing the number of people, in particular NHS workers, tested for Covid-19. Robert, who is now out of isolation, updates us on the latest attempts to buy millions of tests that could tell us if we’ve already had the disease.ITV Europe Editor James Mates updates us on what’s happening in Italy, where there are glimmers of hope. We also ask why Germany has been so much more successful at testing than the UK.
4/3/2020 • 44 minutes, 13 seconds
Coronavirus: Who should be at work, what help for the self-employed, and when did Prince Charles last see the Queen?
Coronavirus: Who should be at work, what help for the self-employed, and when did Prince Charles last see the Queen?With the UK on lockdown, lots of people have lots of questions about what they can and can't do. Robert, Daniel and Shehab discuss the specifics of how the new rules work and whether there's any protection for the self-employed.We also speak to Royal Editor Chris Ship to find out more about Prince Charles, who is isolating with coronavirus, as he reveals the last time the duke saw his mother the Queen.As the coronavirus crisis continues, we'll aim to bring you podcasts as and when the news decides.Remember to subscribe to the podcast and rate us five stars!
3/25/2020 • 43 minutes, 55 seconds
Coronavirus: The day the UK closed and what it means for us all
Quite simply, it's been an extraordinary week - and Calling Peston is now moving to Fridays as we cover the political and economic aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel and Shehab talk about the unprecedented measures to help the UK cope with the coronavirus pandemic which were announced by the government on Friday. For the first time in history, the government will step in and pay workers' wages amid economic uncertainty ushered in by the Covid-19 outbreak. There'll be no more socialising for the foreseeable future with Friday's announcement by the prime minister that all pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes must close. Robert - who is self-isolating - explains how the government plans to manage all of this and afford the measures it's announced. We also speak to ITV News Europe Editor James Mates, who recently reported from Italy, one of the worst-hit countries, explains why the situation there is so bad.
3/20/2020 • 35 minutes, 29 seconds
Coronavirus: How bad will it get? Plus a chat with Yes Minister writer Jonathan Lynn
Coronavirus is now a worldwide pandemic and the UK has stepped up its response. Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that the government is moving to the 'delay' stage of dealing with the virus, and that there could be up to 10,000 people in the UK who...
3/12/2020 • 38 minutes, 49 seconds
Could coronavirus cause an economic crash? Has Biden crashed the Sanders campaign? Plus can Priti Patel survive?
Could coronavirus cause an economic crash? Has Biden crashed the Sanders campaign? Plus can Priti Patel survive?
3/5/2020 • 28 minutes, 10 seconds
Inside MI5, Brexit deal or bust, and special guest Cold War Steve
Shehab's off this week, so Daniel's joined by ITV News Security Editor Rohit Kachroo - he's been given unprecedented access inside MI5 for an edition of ITV's Tonight programme. He tells us about what it was like to film in the heart of the Security...
2/27/2020 • 36 minutes, 34 seconds
Special edition on the US election race - and the 'great myth' about a UK-US trade deal
Can money buy you the presidency of the United States?Who will be Donald Trump's main opponent in this year's election?Is the UK's relationship with Donald Trump the only thing that matters when it comes to a post-Brexit trade deal?In this special bonus...
2/22/2020 • 19 minutes, 24 seconds
What's going on in No10? Plus an exclusive interview with Lisa Nandy
In this week's episode Lisa Nandy tells Daniel and Shehab what sets her apart from the others hoping to be Labour leader.And Robert gives an insight into the mechanics of Downing Street, following more controversy involving Dominic Cummings, and this...
2/19/2020 • 35 minutes, 40 seconds
The fallout from Sajid Javid's shock reshuffle resignation
It was meant to be a no-drama reshuffle...Sajid Javid's shock resignation as chancellor after refusing to accept Boris Johnson's demand to sack his special advisers turned the Cabinet shakeup into something far more explosive.Daniel, Shehab and Robert...
2/14/2020 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
Cabinet reshuffle: A special episode is on its way
Regular Calling Peston listeners will have been expecting an episode tonight - but don't worry, it is on its way...Following a very busy day in Downing Street, with Boris Johnson shaking up his Cabinet, we thought it would be better to give you an...
2/13/2020 • 35 seconds
Who will be the casualties of the Cabinet reshuffle? Plus Caroline Flint on Labour’s future
Robert Peston explains the likely reshuffle victims, plus Dan and Shehab interview Labour's Caroline Flint
2/6/2020 • 33 minutes, 19 seconds
Brexit is getting done, but what happens next?
Three and a half years after the referendum, the UK is leaving the EU on Friday - and in this week's episode, we look at what lies ahead after (to quote Boris Johnson) Brexit gets done. We chat to Maddy Jack from The Institute for Government and Anand M...
1/30/2020 • 36 minutes, 19 seconds
Is the Labour leadership contest a three horse race? Emily Thornberry tells us it's not
In this week's Calling Peston podcast shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry tells us why she thinks she should take over from Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader. She claims to be in with a fighting chance of getting on the final ballot, but Robert tells us why he thinks her chances are slim. He also explains the Huawei saga and why Boris Johnson seems happy to defy US advice to not allow the firm to be involved with the UK's 5G networks. Plus, can you score five out of five in our weekly quiz? Email all the team on our new email address: callingpeston@itn.co.uk We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every Thursday evening. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
1/23/2020 • 28 minutes, 53 seconds
Jess Phillips on why she should lead Labour, why there could be a shock winner and Dan v Shehab quiz
In the first episode of our second series, we take a closer look at the Labour leadership contest. One of the hopefuls, Jess Phillips, tells Daniel and Shehab why she thinks she should take over from Jeremy Corbyn - while accepting she's an underdog in ...
1/16/2020 • 32 minutes, 22 seconds
We're back...
Remember us? We were your daily podcast companion to the general election campaign - and now, after a well earned rest, Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan are back every Thursday with series two of Calling Peston, bringing you up to speed with what's happening in the calmer but no less complicated world of UK politics. And if you weren't with us for the first series, hello and don't worry - you know how series one ended anyway... With a new episode every Thursday evening starting from January 16, Daniel and Shehab will call Robert from wherever he is and interrupt whatever he is doing to get his take on the week's top political stories. Each week, we'll talk to a special guest from the world of politics and beyond. Plus, ITV's team of political correspondents based around the country will tell us about the big stories happening outside the Westminster bubble. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, give us a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
1/13/2020 • 2 minutes, 33 seconds
How a remarkable election night unfolded
The Conservatives have won the election. But beyond that headline, it was a truly remarkable election night, with several shocks along the way - including long-held Labour seats turning blue and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson losing her seat. Daniel and Shehab were in ITV's Election Newsroom as the drama unfolded - in this episode, they take you through the story of the night, and at the end of it all, get Robert's analysis of the result and what happens next. The election might be over but that's not the end of Calling Peston - this daily election podcast will become a weekly politics podcast. We'll be back soon, so stay subscribed and we'll keep you updated about new episodes. And thanks for being with us during the last five weeks. It's been quite the ride... Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/13/2019 • 29 minutes, 3 seconds
The big day is upon us...
So, here we are. Five weeks of campaigning comes to an end, and millions of us will cast our vote on Thursday. Before the big day, Daniel and Shehab wrap up the campaign with Robert, and get his take on how it's gone for the parties and what the...
12/11/2019 • 30 minutes, 11 seconds
Does leaked phone call reveal what Labour candidates really think about Jeremy Corbyn?
After a bad day for the Tories yesterday, today saw an embarrassing moment for Labour after shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth was heard in a leaked recording criticising Jeremy Corbyn. He also said a Labour majority at the election was "not goin...
12/10/2019 • 29 minutes, 54 seconds
Is Boris Johnson's reaction to photo of sick boy the moment of the campaign?
With just three days to go until the big day, have we seen the moment of the campaign?Today's been dominated by a row over a photo of a four-year-old boy who was forced to sleep on a hospital floor - and Boris Johnson's response to it when interviewed b...
12/9/2019 • 23 minutes, 59 seconds
Bonus Episode: Robert answers your questions on Brexit, the Tory manifesto and coping with social media abuse
In this bonus episode, Robert answers questions you've put to him on Twitter. Among the questions: Is it possible to leave the EU by January 2020 without it being a no deal Brexit? What is Page 48 of the Tory manifesto? Could severe weather stop the election? How do you deal with the nastiness on social media? What would you have been if you weren't a journalist? We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/7/2019 • 19 minutes, 55 seconds
Who's up and who's down with six days to go?
With the election less than a week away, Daniel, Shehab and Robert take a look at how the parties are faring as we edge closer to the big day.On a busy Friday on the campaign trail, the Conservatives were attacked on two fronts. Labour leader Jeremy Cor...
12/6/2019 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Corbyn hit by new anti-Semitism claims - and what's it like to interview Johnson?
Jeremy Corbyn rejected claims today he's made the Labour party a "welcoming refuge" for anti-Semites, amid renewed accusations the party has failed to deal with the issue. Lawyers for the Jewish Labour Movement said 70 Labour staffers past and present have given sworn testimony into an official inquiry by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into anti-Semitism in the party. We speak to our political correspondent Libby Wiener about what's in the leaked copy of the JLM's submission to the inquiry, and we get Robert's take on what this means for Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour campaign. Robert also gives us an insight into what it's like to interview Boris Johnson after he spoke to him on his Peston programme on Wednesday night - and how his approach to interviews differs from his predecessor Theresa May. The PM was out and about today talking about what would happen in the first 100 days of a Conservative government if they're elected. We hear from our correspondent Paul Brand about what was new in today's announcement and what we've already heard before. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/5/2019 • 23 minutes, 2 seconds
Johnson, Trump, and when Shehab met Edwina Currie
There are just seven days until the general election and Donald Trump has finished his visit without causing Boris Johnson too much embarrassment. In this episode of Calling Peston, the team get Robert's take on the Nato summit and what the parties need to do to pull ahead in the last week of campaigning. But more importantly, Shehab finally gets to meet his admirer, former Tory minister Edwina Currie. She tells us how elections have changed since she was campaigning. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/4/2019 • 27 minutes, 28 seconds
Trump says he'll stay out of the election...then talks about Johnson, Brexit and the NHS
He’s unpredictable and he’s over here - Donald Trump is in the UK for a three-day visit. He said to journalists this morning that he would "stay out of the election". Less than 10 minutes later, he said Boris Johnson was very capable. Mr Trump then went onto say he was a fan of Brexit, and when asked about whether he could work with Jeremy Corbyn if he became PM, said "I can work with anybody". And on the NHS - the subject of many a row during this campaign, he said the health service would not be on the table during UK-US trade talks after Brexit and America would not be interested even it was "handed to us on a platter". Will the president's comments have an impact on the campaign - or will voters be turned off by a foreign leader talking about our election? Daniel and Shehab get Robert's take. Daniel and Shehab also catch up with ITV News National Editor Allegra Stratton - she's spent the last few weeks travelling the country and racking up thousands of miles (with a few Big Macs and G&Ts along the way) visiting the battleground seats that could be crucial in deciding the outcome of the election. Allegra shares what she's found speaking to voters in those key seats - is Brexit the only thing on their minds? We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/3/2019 • 24 minutes, 5 seconds
Has the London Bridge attack been politicised?
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to the victims of Friday's London Bridge terror attack at a vigil in London this morning. Campaigning was briefly suspended in London after the attack, with a row quickly breaking out between Labour and the Conservatives over killer Usman Khan's early release from prison. During the last general election campaign, when the Manchester Arena and London Bridge attacks happened, the parties suspended campaigning for longer - so why are things different this time around? Daniel and Shehab gets Robert's take. As we get closer to polling day (10 days, to be exact), we're continuing to catch up with ITV's political correspondents based around the country to find out what's happening in their patch and the key races in their area we should be keeping an eye on that could decide the outcome of the election. Plus, Daniel reminds us of a memorable moment from a past election campaign involving David Cameron which, four years on, he still can't get over. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/2/2019 • 24 minutes, 59 seconds
Bonus Episode: Who won the seven-way ITV Election Debate?
Which of the seven politicians won the ITV election debate? What was the gossip in the spin room? And what does Robert make of the free wine provided by ITV? In the bonus episode of Calling Peston, ITV political correspondent Daniel Hewitt and Political Editor Robert Peston give their verdicts following the two hour live television debate between the seven main political parties. Find out why the Tories chose Rishi Sunak and Labour chose Richard Burgon to stand in for their leaders, as they discuss if Jeremy Corbyn missed an open goal by not showing up. They debate the moments of the debate, including THAT comment by Nigel Farage on Donald Trump, and whether it has in any way moved the dial in this election. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
12/1/2019 • 18 minutes, 52 seconds
Behind the scenes of how the exit poll works - and who’s up, who’s down in week four?
In a week that's had a row over the NHS, Labour being attacked over anti-Semitism and the release of a big poll, Daniel and Shehab ask Robert for his take on whether the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems are up or down at the end of week three of the election campaign. Daniel and Shehab chat to Professor Colin Rallings - he's ITV's election expert and is part of the team that produces the exit poll you'll hear at 10pm on election night. The poll correctly predicted the Conservatives wouldn't get a majority in the 2017 election - and you may be surprised by just how much work goes on behind the scenes to come up with the prediction. It's a fascinating listen - and if you want to hear more, you can find the whole interview at youtube.com/itvnews. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign - and we'll also be putting out a bonus episode this Sunday night with reaction to what happened in the ITV Election debate, with representatives from seven parties taking part. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/29/2019 • 27 minutes, 52 seconds
Are the Tories and Labour being honest about their spending promises?
Are the Tories and Labour not being honest about the spending pledges they've made to the public during the campaign? Think tank The Institute for Fiscal Studies says both parties have failed to set out "properly credible" tax and spending plans in their election manifestos. The IFS says Labour's claim that its plans to raise an additional £83 billion in taxes would not affect 95% of the population was "not true" - and if the Conservatives were elected, it was "highly likely" they would spend more than their manifesto implied, meaning higher taxes or more borrowing. Daniel and Shehab call Robert for his take on it. All this week we’ve been speaking to ITV’s political correspondents based around the country to find out the key races in their area. Today we speak to Alison Mackenzie, who covers the Midlands, ITV Wales Political Editor Adrian Masters and Joe Pike, who covers Yorkshire. Along the way, Daniel shows off his detailed knowledge of the motorway system - whether it's impressive or not, we'll let you decide. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/28/2019 • 22 minutes, 51 seconds
Truth or lies: Is the NHS for sale?
The NHS has taken centre stage in the election campaign today, with Labour and the Tories clashing again over whether the NHS is "up for sale" in a US trade deal. Today Jeremy Corbyn produced what he said were 451 pages of "uncensored" government documents which, he said, showed the NHS would be "on the table" in talks with the Trump administration. But the Tories hit back, accusing the Labour leader of "out-and-out lying" - deliberately taking passages out of context from documents which had been publicly available online for weeks. Boris Johnson described the Labour claims as "total nonsense", insisting: "The NHS is not on the table in any way." So what's the truth? We get Robert's take and we hear from Romilly Weeks about the key points from the documents. We talk to ITV News Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith who was at the SNP's manifesto launch in Glasgow - he takes us through the headlines as Nicola Sturgeon insisted there is "every chance" her party will hold the balance of power at Westminster after the general election. A little further afield, we hear from ITV News Europe Editor James Mates, who's in Spain (lucky him). He's been speaking to Brits living there who will be voting in the election back home about what's on their mind as they prepare to cast their vote. And Daniel and Shehab discuss a very important question, sparked by a tweet by Lib Dem candidate Chuka Umunna - do you have chips when you have a Full English breakfast? We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/27/2019 • 25 minutes, 58 seconds
How did Corbyn respond after Chief Rabbi attacked Labour over anti-Semitism?
Labour launched its race and faith manifesto today - but the headlines have been dominated by an unprecedented intervention in an election campaign by the Chief Rabbi of Britain. Ephraim Mirvis criticised Labour's handling of anti-Semitism, saying the party was "incompatible" with British values and the "soul of the nation" was at stake in this election. Jeremy Corbyn says anti-Semitism is "vile and wrong" and has "no place whatsoever" in the Labour Party. We get Robert's take on the issue which has dogged Labour for the last few years and what impact it could have on the election. What's gone wrong with the Liberal Democrats' campaign? Jo Swinson started the campaign pitching herself as a serious contender for Number 10, but the polls have not been moving in the right direction for her party. We catch up with our correspondent Rachel Younger who's following the Lib Dem campaign for us and has been speaking to their leader today. One politician not hitting the campaign trail this election is Andy Burnham. The former health minister was Labour MP for 16 years and is now Mayor of Greater Manchester. He tells us why he thinks this election is being fought on a more local basis than past ones, reveals how he'd vote in a second referendum should Labour get into power - and shares a memory from campaigning on the doorstep that'd he rather forget. And don't forget to register to vote! The deadline is 11.59pm TONIGHT. You can do it at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. We’ll bring you a new episode of Calling Peston every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/26/2019 • 26 minutes, 2 seconds
The Tory manifesto is out - but what's actually in it?
The Tories have launched their manifesto - and they'll be hoping it goes down a lot better than the one Theresa May delivered during the 2017 election. That manifesto was remembered for the social care policy which damaged her campaign. So what's in the 2019 edition? We take a look and speak to Robert, who says the Conservatives could be taking a risk given the party has chosen not to compete with the spending pledges in the Labour manifesto that Jeremy Corbyn announced last week. On the podcast throughout this week, we'll be hearing from ITV's political correspondents based around the country to hear about the key battles happening where they are, and how they could shape the overall result. Today we hear from Hannah Miller in north west England and Martin Stew in the north east - both sat in cars hiding from the rain when they speak to us, in a reminder that life reporting on the election campaign trail isn't always that glamorous. We’ll bring you a new episode every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/25/2019 • 23 minutes, 48 seconds
Who's up and who's down at the end of week three?
We're now at the end of the third week of campaigning and so far this general election has not disappointed. Hecklers have kept us entertained up to this point - Jo Swinson got her dose in Glasgow on Friday - but now we are finally getting down to the political details. Labour has launched its manifesto - a document titled 'It's Time For Real Change' - and claims it is the most "radical" released for years. The Tories on the other hand will not release their manifesto until Sunday but leader Boris Johnson has already let some policies slip, including a plan to cut national insurance. Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats also launched their manifesto, with the slogan Stop Brexit, Build A Brighter Future. The polls are putting the Tories in first place, with Labour second, followed by the Lib Dems - but who is up and who is down at the end of week three? We’ll bring you a new episode every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, do rate us and leave a review.
11/22/2019 • 21 minutes, 37 seconds
Labour launches 'manifesto of hope' - but do their pledges add up?
Today's election campaign has been all about Labour's manifesto launch.Jeremy Corbyn said his manifesto - titled "It's time for real change" - was full of popular policies that the political establishment had "blocked for decades". He made a series of pledges, including nationalising the railways, mail and water, raising the minimum wage to £10 and scrapping tuition fee. He'd said Labour would also impose a windfall tax on oil and gas companies. Libby Wiener fills us in on the key points. Daniel and Shehab speak to Robert (today, he's in a car park in Birmingham) about whether Labour's spending pledges outlined today add up - and, in the face of polls suggesting the party are several points behind the Tories, whether the manifesto will win over enough voters. And, Daniel has a quick-fire quiz about manifestos for Shehab, in a never-to-be-repeated-again feature - and that's a manifesto promise... We’ll bring you a new episode every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, rate and review the podcast.
11/21/2019 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds
Who won the Johnson v Corbyn ITV debate? Special episode from the 'spin room' in Salford
Daniel, Shehab and Robert bring you this special edition of Calling Peston from the post-debate spin room in Salford straight after Tuesday night's head-to-head between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn on ITV. The room is packed full of Conservative and Labour politicians telling journalists their man won - Daniel and Shehab speak to two of them: Tory Chairman James Cleverly and Labour’s shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler. We also get results of YouGov’s snap poll on who won the debate, and catch up with Robert on what he thinks could be the lasting effect of this head-to-head on the election campaign. And after Corbyn and Johnson were asked by debate moderator Julie Etchingham what they would buy each other for Christmas, Robert tells Daniel and Shehab the presents he would get them... We're back on Thursday at around 5pm with a new episode, and we'll bring you episodes every weekday right up until the election. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, rate and review the podcast. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/20/2019 • 29 minutes, 20 seconds
What to watch out for in the Johnson v Corbyn ITV debate
The Calling Peston team are in Salford in Greater Manchester - where Johnson v Corbyn: The ITV Debate is taking place on Tuesday evening. Daniel's been behind the scenes on the set of the debate - and Robert gives his take on what we can expect from the head-to-head and what difference will it make to the campaign. We'll bring you a special episode of the podcast at 6am on Wednesday morning with reaction and analysis to the debate - and then we're back again as usual at 5pm on Thursday. Don't forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, rate and review the podcast. Get in touch with the Calling Peston team - contact @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston. For the latest election news, go to itv.com/news and follow @ITVNewsPolitics on Twitter.
11/19/2019 • 11 minutes, 50 seconds
Exclusive interview with Julie Etchingham, host of Johnson v Corbyn debate on ITV
Ahead of the first head-to-head election debate between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson on Tuesday on ITV, host and moderator Julie Etchingham speaks exclusively to Daniel and Shehab. Julie reveals how she prepares, how nervous the politicians get, what they do during the ad break and ultimately, whether TV debates make a difference in deciding how we vote. You can watch the fascinating interview in full at youtube.com/itvnews. Daniel and Shehab also catch up with Robert, fresh from interviewing Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson. He shares what Tory candidates are being told about the opinion polls by the man running the Conservative Party campaign. Daniel reveals which MP he accidentally invited to Alton Towers and Shehab has a sixty-second rundown of what’s been happening in the campaign today. We’ll bring you a new episode every weekday around 5pm throughout the election campaign. Don’t forget to subscribe - and if you like what you hear, give us a review.
11/18/2019 • 28 minutes, 10 seconds
Bonus episode: Robert answers your questions on Russian interference, Remain coalitions and winter elections
Earlier this week on the podcast, Robert Peston dropped by the Calling Peston studio/cupboard to answer some of the many election-related questions you tweeted him. We couldn't fit all of the Q&A in that episode, so here it is for you in full. Among the questions: why hasn't the Russian interference report been released; will Remain parties come together to form a coalition - and are we now stuck with winter general elections forever? We'll do another Q&A with Robert on the podcast soon - so send your election questions by tweeting @DanielHewittITV, @ShehabKhan and @Peston using #CallingPeston. We'll be back as usual with a new episode on Monday evening.
11/16/2019 • 18 minutes, 59 seconds
We're on the bus with Boris Johnson - and Labour's big broadband promise
Today's campaign can be summed up with two B's: broadband and (the Tory) bus. There's been loads of talk about Labour's £20 billion pledge to provide free full-fibre internet access across the UK by 2030, which the party says would be funded by renationalise part of BT. The Tories and Lib Dems have said the scheme is unaffordable. We chat to our correspondent Libby Wiener who spoke to Jeremy Corbyn in Lancaster today - he told her "It is affordable, and it's got to be affordable because our country needs it." Is the policy a gamechanger? As for the Conservatives, Boris Johnson launched the party's battle bus in Greater Manchester today. Robert Peston got on the bus to speak to the prime minister in his first sit-down interview of the campaign. We bring you the key parts of that interview - watch it in full at youtube.com/itvnews. And Daniel and Shehab take a look at who's up and who's down at the end of week two of the campaign.
11/15/2019 • 16 minutes, 58 seconds
Could the NHS cost the Tories or is Jeremy Corbyn too unpopular to win it?
New figures out today show more patients than ever waited longer than four hours in A&E in England during October. Labour's seized on the data, saying the NHS was in crisis - but Boris Johnson says Labour would "rack up such colossal debt" that it would be impossible to invest the money needed into the health service. With the NHS high up on many voters' key priorities, will today's figures see support switch away the Conservatives and to Labour? Robert gives us his take. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been heckled for a second day in a row during his visit to Scotland. Our correspondent Libby Wiener has been following Mr Corbyn - we chat to her about how the party's campaign in Scotland is going so far. Plus some very important discussion about what really is the right way to make a cup of tea, after a Tory campaign video showed Boris Johnson adding milk to his cup of tea BEFORE removing the bag.
11/14/2019 • 21 minutes, 5 seconds
Will you be voting tactically?
With the Brexit Party not standing in Tory-held seats to avoid splitting the Brexit vote, and a Lib Dem candidate standing aside in a marginal seat to avoid splitting the Remain vote, it feels like tactical voting could play more of a role in this election than ever before - but will it make a significant difference to the outcome? We ask Robert about that, plus Labour's £26 billion NHS announcement - and get his take on another day where the Tory campaign was dominated by the floods, with Boris Johnson confronted by angry residents in South Yorkshire. Daniel and Shehab chat to Alastair Campbell, who knows all about confrontations between senior politicians and the public. He was communications director for Labour during the 2001 election campaign when deputy prime minister John Prescott punched a protester who threw an egg at him. He tells us what it was like at the heart of the campaign dealing with the fallout. And he exclusively tells us why he'll be backing ex-Tory minister David Gauke, who's standing as an independent the South West Hertfordshire seat he's held since 2005. It's all about tactical voting...
11/13/2019 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
Will Yorkshire floods take the Tory campaign off course?
A political party can run the slickest election campaign ever, but there’s always one thing it can never control - and that’s events. The devastating floods in northern England have forced many to leave their homes - and sparked visits to the worst-hit areas by Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Jo Swinson. Boris Johnson chaired an emergency Cobra meeting today but has been criticised by his opponents over the government's response to the floods. We ask Robert whether the way the PM has dealt could affect the Conservatives campaign. And what do people in Yorkshire think when party leaders come to visit them at times like this - it is helpful or just electioneering? We get the view of Geri Scott from the Yorkshire Post. Labour says it has successfully thwarted a cyber-attack targeted at its digital platforms - we ask who might be behind it and whether we could see more of this in the run-up to polling day. Robert also answers some election questions you’ve been asking him on Twitter (keep them coming - tweet @Peston using #CallingPeston).
11/12/2019 • 24 minutes, 1 second
Has Nigel Farage handed Boris Johnson the keys to Number 10?
Week two of the campaign has started with a bang - Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage announcing his party won't the contest the 317 seats held by the Tories at the last election amid fears it could lead to a hung parliament and a second referendum. He'd previously threatened to stand candidates in some 600 seats unless Mr Johnson abandoned his withdrawal deal with the EU. Just how much of a boost will his decision give to Boris Johnson's chances of returning to Number 10? We hear from Emma Murphy in Hartlepool, who is travelling with the Brexit Party campaign for ITV News - and from Paul Brand, who tells us how the news is going down in the Tory camp, as the PM visited the West Midlands. Of course, we give Political Editor Robert Peston a call to get his take on just how significant how today's developments are. And after Nigel Farage was likened to Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by a former adviser to Theresa May, we ask our team which actor they'd like to play them in a movie about their life. You'll hear some rather interesting answers...
11/11/2019 • 23 minutes, 1 second
Who's up and who's down at the end of week one?
The first week of campaigning is almost over and what a week it's been. After a great deal of focus on Labour and the Conservative campaigns, Friday saw the launch of the Scottish National Party's election bid as Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted to form a “progressive alliance” after the election to evict Boris Johnson from 10 Downing Street. Daniel and Shehab ring Robert from the SNP launch in Edinburgh to ask whether a vote for the SNP is really a vote for Labour, as the Conservatives claim. Also, a new Friday feature on Calling Peston - who's up and who's down? Robert attempts a set of quick-fire questions about each of the main political parties. And we may be only 3 days in, but it feels like a lifetime for the ITV News teams following the parties around the country eating sandwiches in motorway service stations everyday. We speak to Paul Brand and Rachel Bradley on their election diets while they cover the Conservative campaign. We've also got an interview with Professor Jane Green from the British Election Study on whether we can trust the polls and what impact (if any) the Brexit Party may have on this election. We played a small part of our chat with Jane on today's episode - the full interview is on the ITV News YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zd5j6tIU0s and is well worth a watch.
11/8/2019 • 22 minutes, 34 seconds
Money, Money, Money
Day two of the campaign and it’s just as full on as day one. After the Tories had what can be described as not the best of starts to the campaign, Labour’s been hit with the double whammy of deputy leader Tom Watson resigning and two former Labour MPs urging voters to back Boris Johnson. And if that wasn’t enough, after just one episode, Daniel’s co-host Shehab is nowhere to be seen! We track him down to find out exactly what he’s playing at. The big theme of today's campaign has been the economy - with Labour and the Conservatives making big spending promises to voters. Labour's pledging an extra 150 billion pounds and investment on a scale "never seen before". The Conservatives say they'll also borrow more to spend more on transport and hospitals. Do the sums add up? We call Robert on his lunch break to get his take on it all. With the chancellor and shadow chancellor in the north west of England, we talk to the political editor of the Manchester Evening News, Jen Williams, about the gap in government investment between the north and south - and what else matters to voters away from the Westminster bubble.
11/7/2019 • 21 minutes, 5 seconds
Day One: Are the Tories having the worst ever start to an election campaign?
Boris Johnson has been to see the Queen, the election campaign is officially underway and this is our first episode - and there’s loads to talk about... Daniel and Shehab talk to Robert about how the Conservatives’ election campaign hasn’t got off to the best start, with resignations, apologies and criticism over their editing of campaign videos. Will the last 24 hours have any long-lasting impact? Labour will be looking to take advantage of the Tories' shaky start - what will be the key messages Jeremy Corbyn and his team be making over the next five weeks? We chat to our political correspondent Romilly Weeks who's on the road following the Labour campaign (and fresh from having her lunch in the back of a car - the glamour of covering an election campaign). Plus, after one of the ITV News politics team was mistaken for Boris Johnson’s partner Carrie Symonds at the Liberal Democrat launch yesterday, we ask Robert if he’s ever been mistaken for someone famous. Turns out he has quite a few lookalikes...
11/6/2019 • 23 minutes, 43 seconds
Join us for the next five weeks...
The Calling Peston podcast will bring you up to speed with everything you need to know about the 2019 General Election, with a new episode released every weekday afternoon of the campaign at 5pm. Our first episode will be out on Wednesday November 6, and we'll be with you right through to election day. Before that, have a listen to ITV News Political Reporters Daniel Hewitt and Shehab Khan on what you can expect from us over the next five weeks (and explain the title of this podcast...) Hit subscribe now to be notified when we release new episodes.