Westminster Hour

Ben Wright broadcasts from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool with guests including the Cabinet minister and Leader of the House of Lords, Angela Smith; Professor of Politics at Liverpool University, Jon Tonge; and Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian. They discuss the Prime Minister's pledge to fix social care and the competing demands on the public purse. Ben reports on the mood among delegates - and with a different perspective, Conservative frontbencher Joy Morrissey also joins the panel down the line. And is it time to reassess the impact of the IMF crisis, fifty years after the dramatic events of September 1976?

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP and new Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Catherine Atkinson; Conservative health spokesman Neil Shastri-Hurst; and the Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller. The former diplomat and National Security Adviser, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, joins them to discuss the Prime Minister's trip to the UN General Assembly and expected first meeting with Donald Trump. The panel also consider changes to the way courts operate, intended to speed up rape trials. And Harry Farley speaks to grassroots Lib Dems, attending their annual conference in Brighton, about their ambitions for the party. Lara Spirit - deputy political editor of The Sunday Times - brings additional insight and analysis.

Ben Wright is joined by Labour MP Zubir Ahmed, Conservative frontbencher Mims Davies and the education specialist and online commentator, Sam Freedman. They discuss the latest developments over political funding - following the recent mega-donations to Reform UK - and a forthcoming meeting of pro-independence First Ministers. Sienna Rodgers - deputy political editor of The House magazine - brings additional insight and analysis. And Ben speaks to Alun Francis - head of the Social Mobility Commission - after the government announced a new approach to the issue, including a "class unit".

Ben Wright's guests are the Labour MP Emily Darlington; Conservative peer and former government insider, Kate Fall; and Alex Wilson - member of the Greater London Assembly for Reform UK. They discuss efforts to stimulate economic growth - ahead of a big speech by the new Chancellor, John Healey - and the events of the Reform UK conference. James Heale - deputy political editor of The Spectator - provides additional context and analysis. And Ben interviews backbencher Lauren Edwards, about bringing the Bill to allow assisted dying back to Parliament.

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP Tom Hayes, Conservative backbencher Joe Robertson and political commentator and former government adviser, Salma Shah. They look ahead to the return of parliament and Andy Burnham's Commons debut as prime minister. They also discuss the multiple challenges facing him, including the early release of prisoners. Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian - brings additional expert analysis. Other topics for discussion include electoral reform and the political significance of the Bayeux Tapestry throughout its history.