Episodes

  • Northern Ireland Protocol latest | Dominic Raab, Mark Francois and US Senator Bernie Sanders

    Northern Ireland Protocol latest | Dominic Raab, Mark Francois and US Senator Bernie Sanders
    Feb 26 2023
    Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab reckons the government is on the 'cusp' of an agreement to change the Northern Ireland protocol - the agreement, negotiated during Brexit talks, which allows goods to move across the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland without needing checks.

    On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, we also hear the thoughts of Mark Francois, who chairs the European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative Eurosceptic MPs. Also, we hear from Mr Raab on the bullying claims made against him, tougher rules for transgender prisoners and the courts backlog in England and Wales.

    Plus, Sophy interviews former US presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders.

    On the podcast joining Sophy with analysis of this week’s interviews is senior associate editor at the New Statesman, Rachel Cunliffe, and programme producer, Scott Beasley.

    Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer
    Paul Stanworth - editor
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    51 mins
  • Not So Quiet On the Northern Irish Front | Penny Mordaunt, Yvette Cooper, Lord Peter Mandelson, and Naomi Long

    Not So Quiet On the Northern Irish Front | Penny Mordaunt, Yvette Cooper, Lord Peter Mandelson, and Naomi Long
    Feb 19 2023
    But, just as Westminster had thought Boris Johnson was out of the picture, sources tell Sky News he thinks it would be a "great mistake drop the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill", controversial legislation which allows UK ministers to rip up parts of the protocol and ignore EU rules.

    On this episode, Trevor Phillips is joined by The Scotsman's Westminster correspondent Alexander Brown to analyse interviews with Leader of House Penny Mordaunt and Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

    Plus, former Northern Ireland Secretary under Tony Blair, Lord Peter Mandelson, and the leader of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party, Naomi Long.

    Podcast producer - David Chipakupaku 
    Editor - Paul Stanworth
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    52 mins
  • Tax, international aid and the loan that keeps attracting interest| Andrew Mitchell, John Nicholson and John Redwood

    Tax, international aid and the loan that keeps attracting interest| Andrew Mitchell, John Nicholson and John Redwood
    Feb 12 2023
    As the death toll from the earthquake in Syria and Turkey continues to rise, Development Minister Andrew Mitchell defends the governments cuts to the international aid budget as Conservative MP John Redwood calls for tax cuts at home.

    Plus, SNP MP John Nicolson and member of the DCMS select committee says Richard Sharp’s position is no longer tenable after a report critical of the BBC chairman’s connections to former prime minister Boris Johnson is published.

    On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to analyse the interviews.

    Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott
    Editor: Paul Stanworth
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    37 mins
  • Liz Truss comeback | Grant Shapps, Jonathan Reynolds and Alicia Kearns

    Liz Truss comeback | Grant Shapps, Jonathan Reynolds and Alicia Kearns
    Feb 5 2023
    Liz Truss has broken her silence after resigning, becoming the shortest serving prime minister in UK history. In a 4,000 word essay, the former PM defended her controversial economic policies and said she didn't get a "realistic chance".

    On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, Sophy is joined by Camilla Turner, chief political correspondent at The Telegraph who broke the story, and producer Scott Beasley. They react to the prime minister's comments, as well as unpack the reaction from today's guests.

    Plus Sophy, Camilla and Scott discuss the dangers of TikTok, after Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns warns Sophy to delete the social media app.

    Show Editor: Scott Beasley
    Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse
    Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont
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    38 mins
  • Defence Investment Plan wait is over | Maternity commissioner | World Cup penalty shootouts

    Defence Investment Plan wait is over | Maternity commissioner | World Cup penalty shootouts
    Jun 30 2026

    The delayed defence investment plan is due to be published later after wranglings over spending.

    A national maternity commissioner's to be appointed in England, to reduce harm to families from repeated failures in NHS care.

    The Home Secretary’s announced a new ‘student loan’ style system for asylum seekers to pay towards the cost of accommodation.

    And it’s all to play for at the World Cup - Germany have been knocked out of the tournament.

    Sophy and WIlf have all the day’s news in 10 minutes.
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    11 mins
  • Nadhim Zahawi is sacked

    Nadhim Zahawi is sacked
    Jan 29 2023
    Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked as Tory party chairman after an ethics inquiry into the handling of his tax affairs found a "serious breach" of the ministerial code.

    On the podcast, Sophy is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor of the New Statesman, and producer Scott Beasley to react to the news.

    Programme Editor: Scott Beasley
    Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio
    Podcast Editor: Paul Stanworth
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    25 mins
  • What might the UK look like under Andy Burnham? | Defence investment plans | Ben Stokes' shock retirement

    What might the UK look like under Andy Burnham? | Defence investment plans | Ben Stokes' shock retirement
    Jun 29 2026

    Sophy and Wilf have all the day's news in 10 minutes.
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    11 mins
  • "You're the journalist not me." | James Cleverly and Sharon Graham

    "You're the journalist not me." | James Cleverly and Sharon Graham
    Jan 22 2023
    The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, avoids answering questions on the latest 'sleaze' allegations to hit the Conservative Party – from Boris Johnson’s £800,000 loan to Party chair and former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs.

    Plus, General Secretary of Unite the Union, Sharon Graham accuses the government of lying about negotiating to end strikes.

    Sophy is joined by The Daily Mirror’s political editor, John Stevens and show editor Scott Beasley to discuss both explosive interviews.

    Show Editor: Scott Beasley
    Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott
    Podcast Editor: Philly Beaumont
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    35 mins