so i think it s quite challenging forjohnson that he can uplift the conference with his character and charisma but questions are beginning to be asked not so much political questions about the direction of the party, although those exist underneath, there are simply questions as to whether this is a government which is chronically incompetent and whether that comes from the top downwards. and that s really the question confronting him which with what we ve seen last week in brighton with keir starmer putting labour back partially in the game becomes a very difficult and valid question. less so in a way for the party conference, more going beyond that as we head towards the next election. polly, in terms of party conference what do you think the focus will be, do you think it will level up and delivery? and how much concern might there be from the party members, the activists are always a very particular group at all the party conferences. what will they want to see from johnson? yes,
we also head to germany, where a political leader who mastered staying power, angela merkel, is now only a caretaker chancellor whilst the german political class forms a coalition government. what will emerge and what does it mean for germany and europe? and we end today with a brewing storm here in the uk. empty petrol stations, empty supermarket shelves, surging living costs, cuts to benefits, a struggle to see your doctor in person all combining to create a sense of deep frustration in the uk. and we haven t even mentioned christmas. are we already in an autumn of discontent or will the labour shortage ultimately help the conservatives as they try and force business to pay british workers more? with me today are polly toynbee, columnist at the guardian, ian birrell, contributing editor at the mail on sunday, and here in the studio at a safe social distance the veteran german commentator thomas kielinger. a very warm welcome to you all. first the labour party conference was by
in brighton this week. at times stormy, it s set labour on course in a new direction, tacking right, leaving corbyn supporters somewhat out at sea. starmer told his party they had nearly been obliterated but essentially given they were roundly beaten byjohnson, whom he described as a trivial man, a trickster who had performed his one trick, it was clear labour had to shift back to the centre if they ever want to be in power again. there were also important rule changes strengthening starmer s hand, but it was his speech that was billed as a make or break moment . ian birrell, was it make or break or where did it land in your view? i don t know if it was make or break but keir starmer could certainly feel happy with his progress over the week. the conference went pretty well for him even the heckling probably helped, particularly when it was so crass as to call him when he was talking about his sick mother
confronting him with what we ve seen last week in brighton with keir starmer putting labour back partially in the game becomes a very difficult and valid question. less so in a way for the party conference, more going beyond that as we head towards the next election. polly, in terms of party conference what do you think the focus will be, do you think it will level up and delivery? and how much concern might there be from the party members, the activists are always a very particular group at all the party conferences. what will they want to see from johnson? yes, they will certainly want - action, they will want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say, what s in it for us? you promised us and they ve had nothing so far. - i m sure there will be lots of promises that will sound good until you count up. the millions and billions. the amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will satisfy them, l
a coalition government. what will emerge and what does it mean for germany and europe? and we end today with a brewing storm here in the uk. empty petrol stations, empty supermarket shelves, surging living costs, cuts to benefits, a struggle to see your doctor in person all combining to create a sense of deep frustration in the uk. and we haven t even mentioned christmas. are we already in an autumn of discontent or will the labour shortage ultimately help the conservatives as they try and force business to pay british workers more? with me today are polly toynbee, columnist at the guardian, ian birrell, contributing editor at the mail on sunday, and here in the studio at a safe social distance the veteran german commentator thomas kielinger. a very warm welcome to you all. first the labour party conference was by the sea in brighton this week. at times stormy, it s set labour on course in a new direction, tacking right, leaving corbyn supporters somewhat out at sea. starmer told