As the Labour Party Conference 2025 draws to a close, Flint experts unpack the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor and wider Cabinet. In this episode, our panel explores Labour's policy programme, its strategic direction ahead of the next Budget, the Deputy Leadership race, and the implications for the UK business environment. Flint Director Anna Abela chairs a discussion with Specialist Partner Rav Athwal, Former Economic Adviser to Keir Starmer and author of La...

President Trump has followed through on the trade agenda he laid out at the start of his term, seeking to “rebalance” global trade in favour of the United States. On 7 August, a global regime of reciprocal tariffs came into force, marking a dramatic shift in the trade landscape. Alongside this, the administration has imposed targeted tariffs on autos and auto parts, copper, steel and aluminium, with more sectors including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and critical minerals, now in its sight...

France faces a new phase of political uncertainty and instability as President Macron’s government, led by François Bayrou, loses a vote of no confidence, paving the way for Sébastien Lecornu’s new appointment as Prime Minister. In this podcast, Director François-Joseph Schichan chairs a discussion with Anne-Juliette Rohrbach, Partner & Managing Director, Flint France, David Wright, Specialist Partner at Flint; former Deputy Director-General, DG FISMA (European Commission) and Benoît Rous...

Following a tumultuous week in British politics, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has initiated a major reshuffle of his cabinet, a move accelerated by the resignation of his Deputy, Angela Rayner. This reshuffle has resulted in new appointments into several high-profile ministerial roles, including the Foreign Office and Home Office, setting the stage for a recalibration of government priorities and political strategy. With the political landscape evolving, these changes are expected to have ...

On 6 May, Friedrich Merz was formally elected Chancellor by the German Bundestag. Merz and his government will take office at a critical moment for Germany and for Europe. Our experts consider the implications for business of the choices confronting Friedrich Merz’s first cabinet. The challenges that Merz and his top team face are marked by economic difficulties, geopolitical uncertainties, declining competitiveness, and an urgent need for investment to drive growth. Rebuilding Germany’s lead...

On Wednesday, 2 April, President Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all US imports with specific tariffs for individual markets. Some of the highest rates were imposed on Asian jurisdictions. Countries across APAC have responded in a variety of ways: China has imposed retaliatory tariffs, Vietnam has offered to remove all tariffs, and a number of others, such as Japan, India and South Korea, are looking to start discussions with the US. This podcast discusses the latest tariff develo...

On Wednesday, 26 March, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement. What she originally hoped would be a low-key statement has taken on much greater significance as downgrades to economic forecasts test the Government’s ‘non-negotiable’ fiscal rules. In this podcast, our experts discuss the decisions the Chancellor has made and consider the implications these choices will have for businesses – covering its impacts on the Government’s growth and public service ambitions, and...

In this podcast, our experts assess the results of the German federal elections held on Sunday, 23 February. The new government faces considerable domestic headwinds, with a challenging economic outlook, waning international competitiveness, and significant investment needed to stimulate growth. Our experts discuss how the new government might tackle these challenges and the outlook for the business environment in Germany. On the international stage, we will also explore what a new government...

In this podcast, our experts take stock of Trump’s first month in office and discuss the implications for the US’s political, security and economic relationships around the world. The Trump Administration has moved quickly, making a range of announcements about domestic policy, deregulation, tariffs, and foreign affairs. Even if this momentum slows, it is clear that the new Administration means change. For business, the most pressing issue is where Trump goes on tariffs. Beyond this, signalli...

Yesterday, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Budget along with a one-year Spending Review setting departmental plans for 2025-26. In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for Labour’s government programme and the political and economic impacts for the business community. Flint Partner Jon Sell hosts the discussion between: Flint Specialist Partner and former Political Adviser and Media Spokesperson for Rach...

In this podcast, our experts examine the successes and shortcomings of the Government to date, the style and dynamics of the top ministerial team and the potential impact of recent changes in No10. They also consider what Labour can do to regain momentum, including through Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget and the delivery of promised major policy strategies. Partner Kiran Horwich chairs the discussion with: James Purnell, Flint CEO, a former advis...

Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a new phase of conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have suffered major blows in the past few days, with Israel demonstrating the superiority of its military and intelligence services. It is unclear yet how Iran and its proxies will respond. International diplomacy urging restraint and a ceasefire has been fruitless. This situation creates ...

In our latest podcast, Flint experts review the Labour Party Conference, the Party’s first conference in power in 15 years. Our experts examine the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the wider Cabinet. We discuss Labour’s policy programme, its direction and strategy ahead of the Autumn Budget, and what all of this means for organisations and businesses in the UK. Partner Katie Waring chaired the discussion between: Siôn Simon, Specia...

In this podcast, Flint experts explore the structure and policy direction of the new European Commission unveiled by President Ursula von der Leyen. Our experts discuss what the new allocation of portfolios reveals about the EU’s balance of power, internal dynamics and political priorities for the upcoming mandate, in the wake of Mario Draghi’s recently published report on the future of European Competitiveness. They will also explain what to expect from the Commissioner hearings in the...

The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchanged. In addition, the situation in Ukraine has to some extent stabilised, there has been no major conflagration in the Middle East, and the temperature has been controlled between the US and China. But beneath the surface, a trend of political fragmentation and fragility has been an important emerging theme, and against this backcloth, the impen...

The second round of the French snap parliamentary elections took place over the weekend with surprising results. Over the coming days, the final count will probably raise more questions than answers. French politics will now likely change dramatically, with implications well beyond France’s borders. In the Flint Briefing Call recording our experts will explore these implications and what they mean for businesses and investors. They will consider what government could emerge...

We now know who will form the next UK government. Starmer will head into the weekend leading a Labour government with a sizable parliamentary majority. However, while the most likely outcome of the election has been predicted for some time, there will still be business-critical lessons to learn from the results and the approach, we can expect the incoming government to take. In this Flint Podcast, our experts explore these questions and what they mean for businesses and investors. They consid...

Next week a new Government is expected to form in the most significant change of political leadership since 2010. This will, of course, have major implications for any business or investor in markets where there is a government interest. For many, it will mean a need to build new relationships and shift messaging. For some, it will mean new risks to manage, or new opportunities to grab. Our political experts explore what clients need to be prepared for after election day. Focusi...

Following a crushing defeat at the European election on 9 June, President Macron called a snap parliamentary election that will take place in two rounds on 30 June and 7 July. The result is uncertain but is likely to represent a watershed moment for French and European politics, with the far-right set to become the biggest party in the National Assembly. The election raises big questions for business on matters such as the political and economic stability in France and in the Eurozone, and ...

Last week, the UK’s three major parties launched their manifestos, setting out their policy pitch to voters. With the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives both a significant way behind in the polls, Labour’s was closely watched. Firstly, for the indications, it gives of what a Labour Government would do in power, and second, for any signs of unforced errors as the finish line nears. Our expert panel covers what they mean for the remainder of the campaign, what businesses need to be read...