Vince Cable

On this episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea are joined by former business secretary and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Vince Cable. They discuss his new book on how politicians have shaped economic policy, as well as Labour and the Lib Dems in the age of Covid, and the West's response to China. Then, in You Ask Us, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe answer your questions on why the government seems to be preparing to increase its nuclear arsenal. Further reading Stephen writes that Keir Starmer has this week avoided two difficult battles – on the increased nuclear weapons cap and the policing bill – but he can't take the credit. Ailbhe explores how worried we should be about the UK's Covid-19 vaccine supply problems. Anoosh asks if the UK's police forces are institutionally misogynist. How to listen to the New Statesman podcast 1. In your browser You can use the player above to listen in your browser right now. The New Statesman podcast publishes twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays. All episodes are published to newstatesman.com/podcasts on the day of release. Subscribers to the New Statesman can access episodes a day early, in our subscriber edition. 2. In a podcast app The New Statesman podcast is available on all major podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, Google Podcasts, and more. Search 'New Statesman podcast' in your favourite podcast app, and subscribe or follow to make sure you receive episodes as soon as they publish. While you're there, please leave a review for the podcast - it helps others find the show, which in turn makes it possible for us to keep making it. 3. On your smart speaker If you have an Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod smart speaker, ask it to "play the latest episode of the New Statesman podcast". The same command also works with virtual assistants on mobile devices.