
About this episode
Some politicians are keen to talk up global Britain. Others boast that the UK is world leader in, well, just about everything. But some say this is a country in non-stop decline. So what’s the true story?
This week the Expert Factor team take a deep dive into Britain’s place in the world. How do other countries view the UK after a tumultuous time in Westminster? What is the state of the UK’s post-pandemic economy compared to other countries? Just how special is the ‘special’ relationship with the US? And what is the true story about what Brexit has meant for the UK? Hannah White, Paul Johnson and Anand Menon ask the tricky questions – and come up with the expert answers.
A general election is looming. Manifestos are being drafted. The battle of ideas is intensifying. From tackling climate change to turning around the economy, rethinking Britain’s place in the world to restoring trust in politics, the UK is facing huge challenges. So how can we make sense of it all?
THE EXPERT FACTOR is the podcast for people who haven’t had enough of experts. Each week we the directors of three leading and respected think tanks – Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Hannah White of the Institute for Government, and Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe – get together to discuss, debate and explain the big questions and themes that will shape the election – and the political landscape for years to come.
• Institute Fiscal Studies: https://ifs.org.uk/
• Institute for Government: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/
• UK in a Changing Europe: https://ukandeu.ac.uk/
Written and presented by Paul Johnson, Hannah White and Anand Menon. Audio production by Alex Rees for Podmasters.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Expert Factor publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Expert Factor

The Expert Factor Live
The Expert Factor
Jun 24, 20251:16:54pending

Trump, tariffs and EU trade negotiations: what can Keir Starmer do?
The Expert Factor
Feb 9, 202535:37pending

The Expert Factor on tour: Five years since Brexit
The Expert Factor
Jan 30, 202523:47pending

How will Keir Starmer's AI plan change government (and your lives)?
The Expert Factor
Jan 18, 202541:58pending