Podcasts from The Bigger Picture presented by Simon Rose

Political commentator Mike Indian looks at the politics behind the end of the second lockdown and the transition into a revised tier system, with its Christmas exemption. He delves into Rishi Sunak's Spending Review and the accompanying OBR figures, lamenting the lack of imagination in the directions the money spigot is spraying. And he looks across the Atlantic, where Donald Trump has finally given way and authorised the transition towards President Biden.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University takes a look at what is going on in No. 10 Downing Street, what it could mean for government policy and why a "narrative" is desperately needed. Casting his eyes across the Atlantic, he explains why Joe Biden will rule as a Purple President. And he takes a look at Big Pharma, much reviled in many quarters but a great scientific success during the pandemic.

Political commentator Mike Indian looks at the victory of Joe Biden in the US Presidential election and Donald Trump's response. He considers the importance of Kamala Harris as the incoming Vice-President. He speculates on what Biden's presidency will mean for the United Kingdom and what effect it might have on the UK Internal Market Bill. With a Christmas vaccine looking possible, he discusses the tensions in Downing Street after the departure of communications chief Lee Cain and asks if Dominic Cummings can survive.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the US presidential election and asks what it means both for America and the rest of the world. With Sir Keir Starmer suspending former leader Jeremy Corbyn, is the Labour Party about to engage in civil war? And as the second wave lockdown begins, he asks if the government has adopted the right strategy.

Political commentator Mike Indian asks if the Government's regional strategy to cop with the revival of cases of Covid-19 is working. Looking at what's happening in France, he asks if there be a regional or national response. He discusses the EHRC report on Labour and antisemitism, with the former leader Jeremy Corbyn suspended from the party. And he looks at the imminent American Presidential election, wondering if there will be a clear-cut result, given the extraordinary number of advance ballots.

Ian Forrest of The Share Centre looks at the big themes currently influencing markets, such as China's economy, the UK lockdowns, Brexit and the forthcoming American Presidential election. He examines recent results from Reckitt's, Unilever and IAG and looks ahead to what might be expected from BT, Next, Shell & BP and Lloyds and other banks.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University on the Pope's move into the economic field, attacking property rights. He asks whether China's Belt and Road Initiative is anything like as successful as popular Western perception would have it. And he examines why Sweden, despite its peaceful reputation, is increasing military spending by 40%.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the Government's move to regional's tiering for its Covid-19 response, with Liverpool moving to the most severe restrictions. With opposition mounting from the other side of the house and from the Conservatives' own back benches, he wonders how successful the new system will be. He assesses the preparedness of the UK for the impending departure from the EU. And he looks across the Atlantic at the jockeying ahead of next month's American Presidential election.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University tells why it's only now that the real Brexit process begins, wondering which way Boris Johnson will go. He looks at Venezuela, where worsening shortages have led to new waves of protest as the United Nations accuses the Maduro government of crimes against humanity. And he asks why China has been engaging in an apparent propaganda campaign to persuade every country in the world to go into lockdown.