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Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Economist Podcasts · Dec 5, 2025

UK PM Keir Starmer lacks a clear vision, US executions surge despite low support, and a tribute to playwright Tom Stoppard.

UK Labour PM Keir Starmer Praises Conservatives to Isolate Far-Right Reform Party

To frame the next election as a binary choice between his Labour party and the far-right Reform party, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is strategically complimenting the Conservative party. This unusual tactic aims to portray Reform as an extremist threat outside the political mainstream, thereby marginalizing the traditional opposition.

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM thumbnail

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Economist Podcasts·2 months ago

US Supreme Court's Inaction, Not Public Opinion, Drives Surge in Executions

Despite public support for the death penalty being at a 50-year low, executions in America have surged. This is primarily because the conservative-leaning Supreme Court has ceased its former practice of issuing last-minute stays, effectively giving states a green light to proceed with executions without federal oversight or intervention.

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM thumbnail

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Economist Podcasts·2 months ago

Florida's Governor Appears to Use Executions as a Political Campaign Tool

The surge in US executions is heavily concentrated in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis seems to be using capital punishment for political gain. He significantly ramped up the rate of executions while running for president and then halted them after ending his campaign, suggesting the act is treated as a political strategy rather than a matter of justice.

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM thumbnail

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Economist Podcasts·2 months ago

UK PM Keir Starmer's Government Fails to Match a Strong Diagnosis with Bold Policies

Despite accurately identifying severe economic and social challenges facing Britain, Keir Starmer's Labour government has proposed policies considered too small and shallow. There is a significant mismatch between the gravity of his diagnosis and the scale of his proposed solutions, leading to criticism that his administration is not meeting the moment.

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM thumbnail

Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM

Economist Podcasts·2 months ago