Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
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In this week’s episode, we discuss:
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Green China
China has shocked observers by committing to go carbon neutral by 2060. But with much of its global influence founded on its economic might, experts have suggested that any move that slows its growth is unlikely to come to fruition. So is the world's largest carbon emitter about to "go green"? Or is it merely a tactical play by Chinese Communist Party?
Modi vs Amnesty
Amnesty International this week announced that it will no longer operate in India following what it calls a “witch-hunt” by authorities. But with NGOs increasingly finding themselves the target of right-wing populists - and Amnesty facing criticism for losing sight of their core values - will India really miss them?
Virtual party politics
This year’s Conservative party conference will take the form of a slightly surreal video game, with delegates encouraged to glide between virtual exhibition spaces. How it works in practice is yet to be seen, but the party’s decision to experiment suggests that we’re all starting to tire of the straightforward video call.
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Local elections 2026: where are they and who is expected to win?The Explainer Labour is braced for heavy losses and U-turn on postponing some council elections hasn’t helped the party’s prospects
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How corrupt is the UK?The Explainer Decline in standards ‘risks becoming a defining feature of our political culture’ as Britain falls to lowest ever score on global index
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The high street: Britain’s next political battleground?In the Spotlight Mass closure of shops and influx of organised crime are fuelling voter anger, and offer an opening for Reform UK
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Is a Reform-Tory pact becoming more likely?Today’s Big Question Nigel Farage’s party is ahead in the polls but still falls well short of a Commons majority, while Conservatives are still losing MPs to Reform
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Taking the low road: why the SNP is still standing strongTalking Point Party is on track for a fifth consecutive victory in May’s Holyrood election, despite controversies and plummeting support
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What difference will the 'historic' UK-Germany treaty make?Today's Big Question Europe's two biggest economies sign first treaty since WWII, underscoring 'triangle alliance' with France amid growing Russian threat and US distance
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Is the G7 still relevant?Talking Point Donald Trump's early departure cast a shadow over this week's meeting of the world's major democracies
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Angela Rayner: Labour's next leader?Today's Big Question A leaked memo has sparked speculation that the deputy PM is positioning herself as the left-of-centre alternative to Keir Starmer
