Chopper's Brexit Podcast

On the menu this week: Theresa May’s former chief of staff and Telegraph columnist, Nick Timothy revisits the highs and lows of his time in Downing Street, and gives some self-deprecating advice to the team writing Boris Johnson’s manifesto.And we hear from former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman, Lord Ashcroft, fresh from the launch of his new biography of Jacob Rees-Mogg.Plus - in an interview containing one particularly tenuous analogy - right-wing commentator, James Delingpole tells Christopher why Michael Gove is his political hero.Also on the podcast: The Telegraph’s Europe Editor, Peter Foster, brings Christopher and Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey an update from negotiations in Brussels.Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Saturday 5th October: https://www.podcastlive.com/event/podcast-live-politics/Listen to Moral Money: https://apple.co/2mbeAK1Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.ukTwitter: @brexitbroadcast

Christopher Hope is taking a well-earned day off, so The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey takes the podcast reins alongside Europe Editor, Peter Foster and Leader Writer, Tim Stanley. Up for discussion: the real reason Boris Johnson deselected rebel Tory MPs, whether a “no-deal” Conservative manifesto could kill off the Brexit Party in a snap election and what politicians have misunderstood about the Irish border — plus our journalists place their bets on whether Brexit will happen on October 31st. Warning: heated debate ensues.   Peter Foster: ‘No-deal Brexit looms as leak reveals Dominic Cummings considers EU negotiations a sham’: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/09/02/no-deal-brexit-looms-leak-reveals-dominic-cummings-considers/ Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Saturday 5th October: https://www.podcastlive.com/event/podcast-live-politics/ Sign up to The Telegraph’s free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings: http://bit.ly/2XJU05f Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The Brexit Party leader tells Christopher Hope how his candidates could be Boris Johnson’s saving grace and why ‘no-deal’ is the only way forward — plus he reveals what President Trump had to say about the new Prime Minister on his most recent visit to the US. Also on the show: former Universities Minister, Sam Gyimah on why proroguing Parliament means taking a wrecking ball to democracy, CEO of the pro-Remain Best for Britain campaign group, Naomi Smith on why the Queen should be left out of matters of politics, and The Telegraph’s new Whitehall Editor, Owen Bennett makes his podcast debut. Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Saturday 5th October: https://www.podcastlive.com Sign up to The Telegraph’s free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings: http://bit.ly/2XJU05f Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

On this week’s show: the former Brexit Secretary tells Christopher Hope why Boris Johnson is finally getting Brexit right, and what changes he would demand of the withdrawal agreement. Plus we dial in to The Telegraph's Brexit correspondent, James Rothwell for an update on the Irish border impasse - from the Irish border. And finally, Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg provides some light relief from the Brexit chaos in the form of Brexit poetry, including a verse penned by his sister, Annunziata. The Alternative Arrangements for the Irish Border Report, written by co-chairs of the Prosperity UK Alternative Arrangements Commission, Nicky Morgan MP and Greg Hands MP: http://bit.ly/30tVUV4 Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Saturday 5th October: www.podcastlive.com Sign up to The Telegraph’s free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings: http://bit.ly/2XJU05f Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

On the menu this week: the Telegraph’s Senior Foreign Correspondent, Roland Oliphant, talks us through a recent meeting with Donald Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton -- who is seen by many Brexiteers as a key ally in future trade talks.   And - in an interview that contains some unsettling language - the former Brexit Party leader, Catherine Blaiklock, explains why she recently joined the Conservative Party, and answers questions about a series of racist tweets that she is known to have posted. (Update: shortly after this podcast was recorded, the Conservatives expelled Blaiklock from the party). Also on the episode: Professor Tim Bale discusses his new book about modern political party membership, and Maddy Thimont-Jack from the Institute for Government tells us why, according to her research, it’s going to be nigh on impossible for Parliament to stop a no-deal exit.    Further reading:   Tom Harris on “Silly Season” - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/14/brexit-looming-years-silly-season-serious-one-yet/   Asa Bennett on no-deal https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/08/14/hating-no-deal-brexit-wont-stop-philip-hammond-ready-do-whatever/ Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings - http://bit.ly/2XJU05f Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The final series in the Brexit melodrama is approaching and it remains to be seen if the protagonists will stay on script. To review the latest plot twists The Telegraph’s Christopher Hope is joined by three Brexit experts, who give Boris Johnson’s first two weeks in office three very different ratings.Sitting down in the Red Lion pub this week are former Labour peer, Andrew Adonis, who believes his children’s generation will try to rejoin the European Union; new Deputy Chairman of the Conservative party, Paul Scully who tells us why delaying Brexit further would be more damaging than a no-deal scenario; plus the podcast’s regular pollster, Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus brings an update on how he thinks Brits would vote if an early general election were called.Read Martin Baxter’s latest polling: http://bit.ly/2GTL0A8Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopperSign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletinEmail: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.ukTwitter: @brexitbroadcast

Chopper returns to a new prime minister and an almost entirely new cabinet. And this week, Deputy Chairman of the Eurosceptic European Research Group of Conservative Members of Parliament (try saying that three times, backwards…) Mark Francois joins him in the Red Lion pub to tell us why he has high hopes that Boris Johnson could ditch Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement altogether. Also on the podcast: Professor Anand Menon on why investing billions in deprived communities after Brexit could see Boris Johnson rewarded at the ballot box and Peggy Grande of World for Brexit on why the UK's departure from the EU is more than just a British concern. Plus graphologist Emma Bache reveals which members of the new cabinet are the most irritable and the most image-concerned when she analyses their handwriting. You can find out more about World for Brexit at www.worldforbrexit.com or find them on Twitter @world4brexit. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Chopper is away, but Brexit stops for no-one. The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey takes the host’s chair to discuss whether her Telegraph colleague and our new prime minister, Boris Johnson will perform under the heavy weight of expectation. Joining her are Chief Leader Writer, Philip Johnston and Political Editor, Gordon Rayner, who weigh in on how Mr Johnston will enact his Brexit plan, what his new team tells us about his leadership strategy and whether the new leader is indeed “the British Trump”. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper  Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Andrew Gimson is Boris Johnson’s friend and former colleague who made it his job to find out all there is to know about the new Tory leader when he wrote his biography, Boris: The Adventures of Boris Johnson. He’s spoken to hundreds of his friends, family and associates, as well as to the man himself. Gimson joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to talk about how Boris Johnson’s early signs of ambition manifested themselves in his determination to play the piano at school, what it was like working under him at The Spectator and why he was offered a six figure sum to stop writing his book by the incoming PM. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Three Tory big hitters join Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub. First in the hotseat: International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox reveals when his department will pivot from renegotiating Brexit to preparing for no-deal, and addresses rumours that he harbours diplomatic ambitions. Next up: Chairman of the ERG, Jacob Rees-Mogg on why he’s against proroguing parliament to solve Brexit, and how many of his children have joined the Tory Party. And finally: party Chairman, Brandon Lewis responds to worrying reports some members haven’t been able to exercise their vote in the leadership contest. Plus one of them tells Chris how he’s feeling after a recent landmark birthday. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Two former Conservative Party chairmen weigh in on who they think is the best candidate to lead the Tories (and the country) forward. Grant Shapps thinks Boris Johnson has the edge; Sir Patrick McLoughlin says Jeremy Hunt is the man for the job, and is chairing his campaign. They join Christopher Hope to make their case for the leadership hopefuls. Plus The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey reveals who she believes came out on top when both candidates took to the stage to make their pitch to Telegraph subscribers earlier this week. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Once a Tory leadership candidate herself, Liz Truss joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to tell the public why they could rely on the former London Mayor to make a success of Brexit, and where he stands on key issues including tax cuts, foxhunting and the housing crisis. Plus graphologist, Emma Bache analyses the two leadership candidates’ handwriting to work out who is better suited to the role of prime minister - with some surprising results. And The Telegraph’s Political Editor, Gordon Rayner brings us a match report from the first half of the Tory leadership contest. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

All aboard! The Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership candidate talks to Christopher Hope on the 11:14 to London Waterloo. He reveals why he believes existing technology can prevent a hard Irish border, where he stands on foxhunting, abortion and immigration, and who does the chores in the Hunt household. Alight here for an enlightening insight into the man who could become our next prime minister. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Two former cabinet ministers; two opposing views on who should be our next prime minister. Andrea Leadsom thinks it’s time for Boris Johnson to take the reins; Sir Patrick McLoughlin thinks Jeremy Hunt is the right man to lead the UK out of the Brexit chaos. They make their cases for the leadership candidates over a cup of coffee with Christopher Hope in the infamous Red Lion pub. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The leader of the Brexit Party joins Christopher Hope in front of a live audience to discuss what it’s like building a new political party from scratch, why British democracy needs “cleaning up” and whether he thinks Boris Johnson has what it takes to become the UK’s next prime minister - plus he takes questions from Telegraph subscribers. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

With the final two candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt vying for the Tory leadership, Rory Stewart joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to reflect on why his campaign failed to galvanise enough support to keep him in the running. He opens up about his hopes of changing the Conservative Party from the front benches, why he felt it was important to involve the electorate in his leadership campaign and how he might feel about serving in the Cabinet under Boris Johnson. Plus former Brexit Secretary, David Davis on why he’s backing Boris Johnson and why he didn’t run for leader himself, plus legendary journalist and documentary maker, Michael Cockerell on covering his sixth Conservative leadership contest. Listen to the Expenses podcast: www.playpodca.st/expenses Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The first round of voting for the next Conservative leader is over - and Christopher Hope is joined by two candidates who made it through. The Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt is first to make his pitch. But does he risk being seen as a candidate too similar to Theresa May? He tells us why a vote for him is a vote for change, and weighs in on the subject of politicians taking drugs in their youth. Next up, former Brexit Secretary, Dominic Raab, who tells us why he’s the establishment’s “most feared” choice of leader and talks us through his plans to cut taxes for the lowest paid. Plus The Telegraph’s columnist, Allison Pearson sets out her case for backing Boris Johnson and tells us why she turned down Nigel Farage’s offer to stand as an MEP for the Brexit Party. Read Allison’s latest column: http://bit.ly/2XIboTL Listen to the Expenses podcast: www.playpodca.st/expenses Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Theresa May steps down as Tory leader today -- and we’re joined by two of the people who are vying to replace her. The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, is first to set out his stall. Does his background as a private sector dealmaker, his multi-cultural heritage, and his record in office make him the man to lead Britain towards Brexit? And, more importantly still, can he answer a question about the naughtiest thing he’s ever done without using the phrase “fields of wheat”? After that, the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, makes her case as the only blue collar Tory in the race -- and talks us through her vision of a no-deal Brexit. With Christopher Hope.  Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper To listen to our Expenses podcast: www.playpodca.st/expenses Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

It’s been a long weekend of voting across Europe and the results are in. But it’s all got a bit much for Christopher Hope, who’s gone camping. No fear, The Telegraph’s Brexit Commissioning Editor, Asa Bennett is on hand to reflect upon the election results alongside Assistant Comment Editor, Madeline Grant and Brexit Correspondent, James Rothwell. Up for discussion: why the two main parties took such a kicking, how the European Elections lend themselves well to protest votes and the runners and riders in the Tory leadership campaign. Plus veteran pollster and podcast regular, Martin Baxter tells us his General Election predictions, in the light of the European Election results. Read Martin's latest polling: http://bit.ly/2wqvlTi Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The first, the last and the only time you’ll hear the leaders of the two parties at the top of European Election polls go head-to-head before Thursday’s vote. Chaired by Christopher Hope, the leaders of the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats discuss immigration, a second referendum and, in a rare moment of calm, both sides tell us what they admire about the other. Watch the debate in full: http://bit.ly/2VSNybc Listen to Expenses: http://playpodca.st/expenses Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Brexit solution #5389: convene the Privy Council. Expert on the subject, David Rogers joins Christopher Hope to discuss how the group could break the parliamentary impasse. Also on the podcast: former Labour lord chancellor, Lord Falconer expands upon his strongly-worded Brexit tweets and gives an update on his review into the Labour antisemitism scandal, and MEP candidate for the Brexit Party and former Tory donor, Ben Habib on why he’s joined Nigel Farage. Plus Christopher Hope makes a big prediction: the date of the next General Election… Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The self-proclaimed “fourth most famous Johnson” joins Christopher Hope to discuss standing in the upcoming European elections, why Change UK is about more than just Brexit and what Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party has in common with Burger King. Also on the podcast: Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick with an update on plans for a fifty pence coin to mark Brexit and Conservative MP for North East Derbyshire, Lee Rowley on what it’s like to be a politician elected after the referendum. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Before this week's regular episode, we are politely commandeering this feed to bring you a taste of our newest podcast, Expenses: a rip-roaring six-part series offering a fresh account of the MPs' expenses scandal, ten years on. Listen in to find out what it’s like to uncover a web of dirty secrets within a million PDFs, the profound ways in which expenses fallout still affects our politics - and also, in this opening episode, how Chris Hope found his way onto the reporting team. To be sure not to miss future instalments, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts (or wherever you're listening to this). New episodes arrive on Wednesdays. And to get the full picture: www.telegraph.co.uk/expenses

On literally his first day in the office, the UK's new International Development Secretary, Rory Stewart, sat down with Christopher Hope to discuss this week's dramatic reshuffle, why he’s now a Brexiteer, and his environmental priorities for the department. Also on the show: former UK ambassador to the U.S., Sir Christopher Meyer, with a positive spin on the Brexit chaos, and pollster Chris Curtis presents YouGov’s latest findings about why some people back a no deal Brexit. Plus The Sunday Telegraph’s Political Editor, Edward Malnick, brings us the inside track on the cross-party Brexit talks. Read YouGov's no deal polling here: http://bit.ly/2VcTY4w Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Joining Christopher Hope this week are Lord Callanan, a Brexit minister; Claire Fox, a left-wing candidate for The Brexit Party in the European Elections; and Dinah Glover, a Conservative association chair leading a controversial attempt to oust Theresa May. Content warning: tissues were required in the making of this podcast. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Easter is round the corner, Lenten resolutions are soon to be broken and Chopper is away on holiday. So this week The Telegraph’s Brexit Commissioning Editor, Asa Bennett takes the host’s chair to ask Trade Correspondent, Anna Isaac and Brexit Correspondent, James Rothwell to explain where the EU withdrawal process stands with Parliament in Easter recess, and to commit to their own Brexit resolutions. Expect punchy analysis, dodgy analogies and predictions aplenty. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

For some, taking part in the European elections is the point of no return. Tory MEP David Campbell Bannerman is one politician who won’t be standing again on principle. He joins Chopper for a no-holds-barred chat about about why he’s packed up his Brussels office - and who he’ll be voting for this time instead. Also on the podcast: Labour MP Chris Bryant, Johnny Heald from ORB polling, Simon Boyd from the CBI’s Manufacturing Council and The Telegraph's political correspondent, Anna Mikhailova. Read ORB’s latest polling here: https://bit.ly/2X0wNHd Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

In this bonus episode recorded at Podcast Live, Christopher Hope is joined by The Telegraph’s Associate Editor Camilla Tominey, Director of the Open Europe think tank Henry Newman, Co-founder of Our Future Our Choice Lara Spirit and Vice-Chair of Students for Brexit Ellie Varley. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

With rumours of clashes among the most senior Tories, we asked the Health Secretary to join us in the Red Lion to shed some light. Will the Tories unite on Brexit? Can cross-party talks break the impasse? And is the chaos taking his focus off the NHS?   Also on the show: Labour MP Caroline Flint, Director General of the CBI Carolyn Fairbairn, former Brexit minister Lord Bridges and The Telegraph’s Deputy Political Editor Steven Swinford.    Come and see a live recording of the show in London on Sunday 7th April. Tickets available at podcast-live.eventcube.io and use the code CHOPP10 for a 10% discount.   Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Theresa May has said she'll step down as PM if her deal goes through, the 29th of March is nigh, and it's the 100th episode of the podcast. It's almost as if we planned it this way.  Joining Christopher Hope for this special edition are three MPs trying to rally colleagues behind three different Brexit plans: Chairman of the ERG, Jacob Rees-Mogg, fellow Tory MP John Baron and Labour’s Peter Kyle. Plus The Telegraph’s Gordon Rayner places his bets on who could be the next Conservative leader. Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Sunday 7th April. Tickets available at www.podcastlive.com and use the code CHOPP10 for a 10% discount. Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk  Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

As things stand, Brexit is but one week away. Will the Prime Minister succeed in extending Article 50? Will the EU ever reopen the Withdrawal Agreement? And is the Government making a dog’s dinner of Brexit? This week Christopher Hope drafted in Government minister, Jake Berry (and his poodle, Lola) to provide some answers. Also on the podcast: DUP Brexit spokesperson Sammy Wilson, Director General of the Institute of Economic Affairs Mark Littlewood and the podcast’s favourite pollster, Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus (read his latest Brexit polling here: https://bit.ly/2Ycg5WQ). Come and see a live recording of the show in London on Sunday 7th April. Tickets available at podcast-live.eventcube.io and use the code CHOPP10 for a 10% discount. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

After days of chaos in the Commons, the outcome of Brexit is as hazy as ever. But we’re here as ever to shed some light on the state of negotiations — and of Theresa May’s premiership. Joining Christopher in the Red Lion pub this week: Brexit minister Robin Walker, former Brexit minister David Jones, co-president of Our Future Our Choice  Lara Spirit and comedian and political podcasting royalty Matt Forde. Plus The Telegraph’s Associate Editor Camilla Tominey with the inside track on what on earth is going on in Brex-minster. Come and see a live recording of the show in London on Sunday 7th April. Tickets available at podcast-live.eventcube.io and use the code CHOPP10 for a 10% discount. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

It’s been an almost surreally quiet week on planet Brexit. Parliament is waiting to vote. Theresa May is still trying to persuade MPs that her deal is the one. Tumbleweeds have been reportedly seen rolling through the Lobby. But rather than follow their example, we have been hard at work to bring you this extended interview with one of the best-known figures in the leave camp, Jacob Rees-Mogg. Does he think Brexit will ever actually happen? What does he make of the current state of the Tory party? And has he ever been to Nando’s? All is revealed within. Come and see a live recording of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast in London on Sunday 7th April. Tickets available at https://podcast-live.eventcube.io/ and use the code CHOPP10 for a 10% discount. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

With the clock ticking down until March 29th, Chopper is joined in the Red Lion pub by Tory rising star, Johnny Mercer to find out why Brexit isn’t all doom and gloom for the Conservative party, Labour MP John Mann who has some disquieting words for Jeremy Corbyn and Will Podmore of the Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist), who reveals he has more in common with Jacob Rees-Mogg than you might think when it comes to Brexit… Plus The Telegraph’s Camilla Tominey and the New York Times’ Ellen Barry compare the challenges of covering Brexit for audiences either side of the Atlantic. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

With rumours swirling that more MPs are set to quit their parties and join the Independent Group, Chopper’s Brexit Podcast dials into one of their number: former Tory MP, Heidi Allen. She tells guest host Asa Bennett who’s welcome — and who’s not. Also on the podcast: leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Vince Cable weighs in on how the two centrist parties could work together, Conservative MP Marcus Fysh sings the praises of the ‘Malthouse’ alternative Irish backstop arrangement and The Telegraph’s Economics Editor tells Asa where Brexit has left UK-based businesses. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

For this emergency extra edition of Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, The Telegraph’s Brexit Commissioning Editor Asa Bennett, Front Bench Editor Daniel Capurro and Assistant Comment Editor Madeline Grant give their expert analysis on the defection of three Tory MPs and eight Labour MPs to the new 'Independent Group’. Will more MPs follow suit? Does this spell trouble for the LibDems? And, crucially, will the new group be able to agree on a plan? Chopper’s Brexit Podcast has the answers. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

Is the Government making progress behind closed doors? Is it time to take a tougher line with Brussels? And do Cabinet ministers simply scrape the mould off their jam to prevent food waste, as the Prime Minister advised earlier this week? Chopper's Brexit Podcast reveals all. Joining Christopher Hope today: Transport Secretary Chris Grayling answers questions on that deal with the ferry company with no ferries, former Cabinet minister Priti Patel why the Government needs to stand up to the EU and former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake on the threat of riots in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

In these uncertain times, the threat of a snap election is never far away. Christopher Hope sits down with pollster, Martin Baxter to find out what might happen if one was called - and it’s not straightforward. Also on the podcast: Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell on how Nicola Sturgeon is using Brexit chaos for her own gain, and Ellie Varley of Students for Brexit on why she feels ostracised in university classrooms as a young Leave supporter. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

The newly-founded ‘Brexit Party’ wants shake things up in May’s European Parliament elections. Christopher Hope sits down with its founder, Catherine Blaiklock to find out how. Plus Justice Secretary, David Gauke sheds some light on the Government’s next move and comedian, Ahir Shah on why he finds Brexit a useful tool for stand-up. Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

With barely sixty days to go until March 29th, we invited two opposing Brexit heavyweights to square off on what they think has gone wrong, and what should happen next.  Watch the full Rumble in the Red Lion: www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/01/25/big-firms-want-stay-eu-crush-ordinary-people-says-nigel-farage/ Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast

One week, two historic votes in the Commons, and three MPs to weigh in on it all. Christopher Hope is joined by former cabinet minister Esther McVey, leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable and Conservative MP Robert Halfon. They each voted against the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, but for different reasons. We find out why. Also, Steven Swinford and Camilla Tominey give the inside line on one of the paper’s biggest scoops this week: the leaked conference call in which Philip Hammond told over 300 business leaders a no-deal Brexit could be taken off the table. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Sign up to The Telegraph’s daily Brexit newsletter: www.telegraph.co.uk/brexitbulletin  Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper

It’s crunch time ahead of Parliament’s vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next week -- and Christopher 'Chopper' Hope is joined by three Conservative MPs who’ll have a say. Former Cabinet minister Nicky Morgan, Brexit minister Kwasi Kwarteng and former Brexit minister Suella Braverman give us their take on whether the deal will be approved, and what will happen if not. And Chopper asks the question on everyone’s lips: is the Government appealing to Labour MPs to help get the deal through? Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Further reading: Robert Halfon and Lucy Powell on their ‘Common Market 2.0’ Brexit idea: http://bit.ly/2SNuG7M Telegraph sketch writer Michael Deacon on how John Bercow sent Brexiteers into meltdown… and seemed to enjoy every minute: http://bit.ly/2RnvSST

Chopper is taking a well-earned holiday, but Brexit goes on -- and we have three of The Telegraph’s finest political minds in the hot-seat to make sense of the crucial year ahead. Brexit Correspondent James Rothwell, Political Editor Gordon Rayner and Political Correspondent Anna Mikhailova channel Mystic Meg and run us through what could be in store in 2019. Spoiler alert: one member of the panel thinks we’ll have a new Prime Minister by Brexit day. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Further reading: Ambrose Evans-Pritchard on why the Euro should be abolished: https://bit.ly/2GTBXS5 Tim Stanley on why 2019 must be the year Brexiteers rediscover true democracy: https://bit.ly/2C0sWRq

The last turkey sandwich has been eaten, the stockings have gone back in the cupboard, and the in-laws have gone home -- but we’ve one final present to deliver. We offer you a selection of some of our biggest - and most entertaining - interviews of 2018. Highlights include Boris Johnson being heckled by a Telegraph reader over his “no deal - no problem” bonhomie, Esther Rantzen sending hearts aflutter in the studio, a Brexit showdown between Nigel Farage and Andrew Adonis, and stand-up comics Geoff Norcott and Ayesha Hazarika on making fun out of political chaos. Listen out too for Jacob Rees-Mogg. We’re sure he’s in there somewhere. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Further reading: Will Heaven on his Christmas wish for British politics: http://bit.ly/2LEv71m James Bartholomew on how the 'little people' will get us through a no deal Brexit: http://bit.ly/2AjGiIt

MPs might be heading off on their holidays this week, but work never stops at the coalface of political podcasting. For this festive special, we’re joined by Robert Jenrick, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury - who seems considerably less afraid of a no-deal Brexit than his boss, Philip Hammond, is. We ask him to explain his thinking. Also on the show: Andy Zaltzman, host of the Bugle podcast, tells us why he thinks virtual reality may be the solution to Brexit; Alok Sharma, Work and Pensions minister, on the UK’s defiantly upbeat employment figures; and parliamentary sketch-writer Michael Deacon on why 2018 was a perfect year in every way. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Further reading: Philip Johnson on how Parliament might yet save Theresa May’s deal - http://bit.ly/2A5y1bg Michael Deacon on the odd similarities between Corbyn and May - http://bit.ly/2S8KvWr

On another tumultuous week in Brexminster, we gathered a group of teenagers to grill their political representatives about the state of politics in 2018. In the hot seat: Liz Truss MP, Bim Afolami MP and Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield. Also, The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey, on the fallout from Tuesday night’s no confidence vote - and why she thinks Theresa May’s premiership is fatally wounded. Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast Articles mentioned in the show: Nick Timothy on why May’s Brexit deal is dead: http://bit.ly/2EkrlsE Allister Heath on an impending political catastrophe: http://bit.ly/2zU2wR1 Camilla Tominey on Theresa May’s leadership: http://bit.ly/2QxEJB1

It’s crunch time ahead of Parliament’s vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next week -- and Christopher 'Chopper' Hope is joined by a pair of political heavyweights to discuss what will happen if MPs approve the deal - and if they don’t. In the Red Lion this week are former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer, both of whom have some disquieting words for the PM. Plus, one of the Telegraph’s star cartoonists tells us how he manages to find the humour in Brexit.

When did Jacob Rees-Mogg decide he no longer had faith in Theresa May’s leadership? What will happen if the DUP withdraws support for the Conservative party? What preparation has the Government been doing in case of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit? And what does the Prime Minister have in common with Pythagoras? Telegraph Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope returns to The Red Lion pub to put these questions and more to a host of political maestros at the forefront of the Brexit debate. On the podcast this week: Jacob Rees-Mogg, an exclusive first interview with no-deal Brexit Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, Lucy Harris of Leavers of Britain, CEO of UK Music Michael Dugher, veteran pollster Martin Baxter and The Telegraph’s Associate Editor Camilla Tominey.

The UK has a draft Brexit deal, and as the news broke Christopher “Chopper” Hope sat down with a host of those in the know to make sense of it. What will it mean for the Irish border? Will it mend schisms formed during the referendum? And will it even pass through Parliament? Joining us in the Red Lion pub with their expert analysis: Remain campaigner Gina Miller, Former Tory Cabinet minister Lord Lilley and DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds plus The Telegraph’s Brexit Commissioning Editor, Asa Bennett.

In one of the most dramatic days of the Brexit saga since the referendum itself, with resignations piling up and the threat to Theresa May’s leadership mounting, our team of political editors hunkered down at the Red Lion pub to make sense of it all. Joining us for reaction and analysis were Brandon Lewis MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party; senior Tory Brexiteer MP Mark Francois; Henry Newman, Director of the Open Europe think tank; and John Mills, Labour’s biggest private donor. And to cap it off, the much requested return of #BrexitPoems.

Leaving the European Union without a deal in March doesn't scare former Brexit Secretary, David Davis. He tells Christopher Hope on this week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast, “I don’t find ‘no deal’ intimidating at all – it is not the best outcome but I don’t find it frightening. But the Government and the European Union do.” He admits “there will be a bumpy first year” after a no-deal Brexit but the UK will be able to keep the £39 billion ‘Brexit bill’, adding: “That’s a lot of hospitals and schools.” On the Brexit talks, Mr Davis says MPs should be given the full legal advice on Theresa May’s Brexit deal because it is “fundamental” to understanding the final deal. Also on this week's podcast Kit Malthouse, the Housing minister, Professor Chris Hanretty from Royal Holloway University, Damian Lyons Lowe and Dr Isabel Taylor from polling agency, Survation - plus The Telegraph’s Political Editor Gordon Rayner tells the podcast what the hell is going on in the fast-moving world of Brexit.

Conservative MPs Simon Hart and Andrew Percy join Christopher Hope to bust some Brexit myths on this week’s podcast. First up: the idea that the UK’s relationship with the EU is fixed after Brexit day. In their view, Brexit "is a process and not an event” -- and their Brexit Delivery Group of Tory MPs plays a role in that process. Also on the podcast: Professor Matthew Goodwin from Kent University on public opinion on Brexit, and Telegraph columnist Juliet Samuel takes a deep breath and sums up everything that’s gone wrong with the divorce negotiations so far.

Conservative MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker wants to check the Chancellor’s maths ahead of his Budget on Monday. He thinks the Treasury’s economic predictions for a no-deal Brexit are too gloomy, and wants Philip Hammond to publish his “workings out”. He tells listeners there’s nothing to be afraid of saying: “People think these forecasts are scripture once they come out of the Government – but they're not." Also joining Christopher Hope on this week’s podcast are former Labour Cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw on what last weekend’s People’s Vote march achieved; Labour MP and Corbyn confidante Chris Williamson addresses longstanding claims the Labour leader is a frustrated Brexiteer; and The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey sums up the week that was in the fast-moving world of Brexit.

Brexit - or “the B word” - is a topic which is banned when friends and family visit Esther Rantzen at her home.  She tells Chopper’s Brexit Podcast that Brexit "civil wars" are breaking out "in bathrooms, sitting rooms and pubs" across the UK and she orders visitors to her home to leave their views on Brexit at the door. But she is happy to discuss it for this week’s podcast with Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub ahead of this weekend’s 250,000-strong march for a “People’s Vote” in London. Dame Esther – who voted Remain – says Britons voted to leave because the country is surrounded by water; and she says it is “shocking and stupid” why Britons appear to love pets more than old people. Also on the podcast: Remain-supporting Tory MP Anna Soubry on the importance of a second Brexit vote, Conservative MP Simon Clarke on why he won’t accept the Prime Minister’s Chequers proposal, DUP MP Sammy Wilson on being hailed a hero by Eurosceptic Tory MPs and former head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake on why civil servants are unfairly criticised on Brexit - plus The Telegraph’s Senior Political Correspondent Kate McCann tells the podcast, for the last time, what the hell is going on in the world of Brex-minster.

Mark Harper MP thinks a hard border is easily avoidable and, fresh from his walking holiday in Northern Ireland, he tells Christopher Hope that solving the issue merely requires goodwill on both sides. Also on the podcast: Chris Bryant MP, former Labour Europe Minister; Chris Skidmore MP, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Policy Commission; Martin Baxter, expert pollster from Electoral Calculus; Mark Mason, author of ‘The Book of Seconds’ and Kate McCann, The Telegraph’s Senior Political Correspondent on what’s going on in the fast-moving world of Brexit.

Chopper concludes his run of conference season specials with this dispatch from Birmingham, where the Tory party faithful have been gathering - and arguing - this week.  On today's edition, recorded in front of a live audience, Jacob Rees-Mogg suggests a way in which the Conservatives ought to follow Labour's lead; and Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence, reveals how he'd vote in a second referendum.

Christopher Hope packs his bags and heads up to Liverpool for a special Labour Party conference edition of the podcast. Unsurprisingly, one question looms above all others on the conference floor: Will Labour back a second Brexit referendum? Never one to shy from a challenge, Hope lines up a stellar cast of Labour big-hitters to shed light on the issue - with comment from Sir Kier Starmer, shadow Brexit secretary; Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-General of the CBI; Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON; the millionaire Labour donor John Mills; Professor Philip Cowley, author of The British General Election of 2017; and The Telegraph’s Political Editor, Gordon Rayner.

Small business owners are scared to speak up about supporting Leave because of the toxicity of the debate, according to the newly-formed Alliance of British Entrepreneurs.  Founders Tom Bohills and Ed Harden join Christopher Hope to discuss why some companies are threatening to fire Brexit-backing employees - and whether the Prime Minister’s Chequers plan delivers for their members. Also on the podcast: Sir Bill Cash MP, chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee; Sir Mike Penning MP, the former minister who says Chequers is ‘dead as a dodo’; Martin Baxter, chief executive of Electoral Calculus; Christophe Bondy, a former negotiator on the Canada-EU trade deal; Matthew Holehouse, MLex market insight senior correspondent; and Anna Mikhailova, the Telegraph’s political correspondent on what the hell is going on in 'Brex-minster'.

It’s easy to know where the Liberal Democrats stand on Brexit: they didn’t want it to happen and now they’re backing a second referendum. But why have they failed to galvanise support - and would leader, Sir Vince Cable consider founding a whole new movement to push the cause? He joins Chopper to discuss. Also on the podcast: Treasury minister, John Glen MP on the Government’s no-deal planning; General Secretary of train drivers’ union, Aslef, Mick Whelan on why the TUC is wrong to want a second Brexit vote and The Telegraph’s Senior Political Correspondent, Kate McCann unpicks the week that was in Westminster.

The Conservatives are under more pressure than ever before over Brexit and this week Christopher Hope is joined by Tory voices from the grassroots to the leadership to discuss the future of the party - and of the country. Among them, former Conservative Deputy Chairman Robert Halfon MP forecasts turmoil if Remainers continue to fight Brexit. He tells us how the UK’s relationship with democracy has changed, and explains his own journey from Remain voter to Brexiteer. Mr Halfon, a former minister, tells the podcast: "For the first time, it's not a coup against the leader, it's a coup against the people." Also on the podcast: former Conservative leader Iain Duncan-Smith MP, ex-Cabinet minister John Whittingdale MP and former Housing minister Nick Boles MP, plus David Evans - one of Theresa May's councillors from Maidenhead - tells Chopper something he’s yet to tell the Prime Minister. Camilla Tominey, the new assistant editor at the Telegraph, also makes her debut on the podcast.

Even people who are involved in Brexit often find themselves coming back to the same basic questions. What happened?  What is going on? Where are we headed? For this special episode, Christopher Hope sits down with the Telegraph’s Political Editor, Gordon Rayner, and its Europe Editor, Peter Foster, to make sense of the past two years - and to share their own experiences of reporting on an era-defining period in British politics.

Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to rumble? Today on Chopper's Brexit Podcast we present a Brexit grapple-thon. In the red corner, we have 'Mr Brexit' himself, Nigel Farage and in the blue corner, it's none other than 'Mr Re-main man', Andrew Adonis.  The gloves are off as the two thrash it out over the key issues facing the UK as it leaves the European Union. Expect customs union clashes and Irish border blows. Seconds out - round one! Also on the podcast: Chopper quizzes Brexit Secretary, Dominic Raab after his speech outlining the government's plans for a no-deal scenario, musician Matthew Herbert tells us about his Brexit Big Band project and the Telegraph's Brexit team, Asa Bennett and James Rothwell perform their finest Brexit limericks.

The leave campaign, backed by new donations from Conservative donors, is to be relaunched in a new 'Battle for Britain' amid concern the UK won't leave the European Union as planned next March. Speaking to this week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast property millionaire Richard Tice and former British Chambers of Commerce director general John Longworth reveal they're restarting the Leave Means Leave campaign in a bid to 'save Brexit'. Also on the guest-list are Stewart Jackson, former Chief of Staff to ex-Brexit Secretary, David Davis; Eloise Todd, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain; veteran pollster Peter Kellner; and Derek J Taylor, author of book, Fayke Newes,  plus expert analysis from The Daily Telegraph's Europe Editor, Peter Foster and Brexit Commissioning Editor, Asa Bennett, who returns to the podcast by popular demand with some good news #despiteBrexit.

James Cleverly says trade deals which contradict the EU common rulebook aren't out of the question after Brexit day. He tells Chopper’s Brexit Podcast: “If at some point we got a trade deal proposal which contradicts elements of the common rulebook then we can do that judgement. You can make and unmake treaties. Treaties can be unmade.” The same can't be said, of course, for Boris Johnson's controversial comments on the burka in his recent Telegraph column. The Deputy Chairman of the Conservative party joins Christopher Hope to discuss whether he should apologise. Also on the podcast: Alan Mak MP on how Brexit will help the NHS become a technological innovator, Robert Bates from the Get Britain Out campaign on their letter protesting Theresa May's Chequers deal, signed by 50,000 Brexiteers, and Jonny Abrams, organiser of the Eurosceptic Song Contest performs musical numbers in the style of some very familiar 'Brexit' voices

Stephen Barclay, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, sees the opportunities outweighing the obstacles for a post-Brexit NHS, but are any lives at risk? He joins Chopper to discuss. Also in the episode, we ask think tank director Henry Newman to explain the ways in which the EU and the UK could reach a deal this autumn, take the temperature of grassroots tories with Conservative Home’s Josh Lambkin, talk post-Brexit booze with Brigid Simmons, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association  -- and Professor Matthew Goodwin makes a strong case for comparing Theresa May’s premiership with the police tactics in Die Hard.

So say Geoff Norcott and Ayesha Hazarika, two stand-up comedians who voted on opposing sides of the E.U. referendum - and who join Chopper for this special edition of the podcast. Politics looms large for both of them: Norcott counts himself as the only outwardly Conservative voter on the British comedy circuit; and until a few years ago, Hazarika served as a political adviser to senior Labour Party figures including Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband. In a lively, wide-ranging conversation, they discuss the comedic pitfalls of Brexit, the resounding influence of Spitting Image, the strange absence of leave-voting comics on the TV circuit  -- and reveal the strangest reactions they’ve had to their sets around the UK.

Another madcap week on planet Brexit has left many people wondering if we’ll ever actually leave the EU. Step into the Red Lion pub with our crack team of political analysts and insiders to make sense of the maelstrom. Questions under consideration this week: could the Chequers deal lead to the rise of extremist parties in the UK? Is the solution to our problems a new, three-way Brexit referendum? Just how perilous is Theresa May’s position as Prime Minister? How can we get a Canada-plus trade deal? And what does an opera-singing Leave voter sound like? On the guestlist: former Brexit minister Steve Baker, top Tory MEP David Campbell Bannerman, former Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening, Leavers of London founder Lucy Harris, and the Telegraph’s far-seeing Whitehall Editor, ‘Mystic’ Ed Malnick.

In the midst of Donald Trump’s headline-crazed visit to the UK, Steve Bannon - the man who arguably won Trump the Presidency - sat down with us for this exclusive podcast interview. On the agenda: Bannon's predictions for Brexit, why he believes that the moment is ripe for Boris Johnson to make a move against Theresa May, revelations about the private advice that the U.S. President gave to the Prime Minister on how to handle negotiations with the EU -- and the key role that Margaret Thatcher played in shaping Trumpism. Strap yourself in: it’s a breakneck half-hour.

What on Earth is going on in Westminster? Will more ministers follow Boris Johnson and David Davis in walking out on the Government? Is a 'no-deal' scenario now looking more likely? Will Theresa May need Labour MPs to get her Chequers deal through Parliament? Would a bad Brexit be beneficial to Labour? And can you say that sentence three times, fast? In the wake of one of the most extraordinary 72-hour periods in modern British political history, Chopper’s Brexit Podcast dons its oxygen tanks, plunges into the murky depths of Brexit, and returns clutching insightful pearls of wisdom from the key players in the drama. Joining us this week are former Brexit minister David Jones MP, shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer MP and filmmaker David Wilkinson plus expert analysis from The Telegraph’s Political Editor, Gordon Rayner and Europe Editor, Peter Foster.

Is Nigel Farage planning on talking Brexit with his friend, Donald Trump when he visits London? Will Cabinet ministers become former Cabinet ministers at this weekend's meeting at Chequers? Who are the 'Releavers'? And how do people on the streets think the negotiations are going? Listen to Chopper's Brexit Podcast for full enlightenment. Joining us this week: Nigel Farage MEP; Chair of the Conservative Policy Commission, Chris Skidmore MP; Owen Paterson MP, and polling whiz Tom Clarkson of Britain Thinks.

Is Theresa May en route to a 'soft Brexit'? Will Big Ben bong to mark the big day? Are more ministers going to resign over Britain leaving the EU? And what does negotiating Britain's withdrawal have in common with a game of chess? Chopper's Brexit Podcast has the answers. Joining us today: Andrea Leadsom MP, Leader of the House of Commons who helped take the EU Withdrawal Bill through Parliament; Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, prominent Brexiteer and leader of the European Research Group, Lord Adonis, the Labour peer dubbed 'Remainer in Chief' and Andrea Jenkyns MP who quit as Parliamentary Private Secretary to speak out on Brexit.

Will the Conservatives’ biggest ever donor give to the party again? Is Brexit a modern version of the Suez Crisis? What’s it like to put at risk a 20-year friendship with the Prime Minister? And what can a South Georgian rat problem teach us about leaving the European Union?  Chopper’s Brexit Podcast has the answers.  On the guest list today: Stuart Wheeler, City financier and political activist; Phillip Lee MP, who resigned from the Government last week; Charlie Mullins, the Pimlico Plumbers founder and a former Tory donor; Robert Buckland MP, the solicitor general, who took the EU Withdrawal Bill through Parliament; data guru Henry Morris, on why going to public school matters to employers, and Lord Ridley, who updates us on the rats.

A leadership challenge against Theresa May is “very unlikely” according to former Brexit minister David Jones.   Mr Jones, who was sacked by Mrs May in January’s Cabinet reshuffle, told Chopper’s Brexit Podcast the Prime Minister had come out from this week’s votes as “an increased figure”.   He said: “It is very unlikely – I don’t see any reason why there should be. The fact is we should all now be focused on getting the best deal for the country as we go through the Brexit process.   “We have only got nine months until we leave the European Union. We couldn’t afford a three month Conservative leadership process which is what that would amount to.”   Mr Jones said Dominic Grieve, the former Attorney General, was “very unwise” to have been caught meeting with anti-Brexit groups like Best for Britain.   Mr Jones said: “He has been at pains to say that he has not been trying to damage the Brexit process but frankly attending what appeared to be secret meetings in Europe house which used to be Conservative party headquarters is not doing him any favours and I think he will live to regret that.”   Also on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, Tim Bentinck, who plays the lead role of David Archer on Radio 4’s The Archers, says that the long-running serial is scrupulously about not being biased in favour of Brexit.   Bentinck said: “The Archers has always been apolitical. If they ever ever delve into politics you will find that one person will come up with one side of the argument, someone else will come up with the other side of the argument.   “That argument will be balanced and it will never be a resolution to that argument.”   Bentinck declined to say how the fictional characters voted in the referendum – but he suggested David Archer’s farming rival Brian Aldridge would have backed Leave.   He said: “Archers can’t be political – it really can't. Who knows what they actually voted in the referendum – but clearly Brian voted to leave didn’t he?”   Other guests are Tory MP Bob Seely, who has written a paper about Russia’s projection of its influence in the UK, Femi Oluwole , co-founder of Our Future, Our Choice on why the UK needs a second vote on the Brexit deal, and James Rothwell, the Telegraph’s Brexit Correspondent on the fate of Penka the cow.   Chopper’s Brexit Podcast is available here from 6am: https://choppersbrexitpodcast.telegraph.co.uk/

Increasing taxes to fund a cash boost for hospitals could hit living standards and push wages’ growth into reverse, a Treasury minister Robert Jenrick has said in a rebuff to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Most Rev Justin Welby said Theresa May’s Government should find its “nerve” and "courage" to raise taxes to fund public services like the National Health Service. There is a live debate in Whitehall over whether Mrs May should increase taxes to fund a £4billion cash injection for the NHS, ahead of the health service's 70th birthday next month.  But Mr Jenrick warned against more tax rises, telling Chopper’s Brexit Podcast today that the tax burden was “relatively high by historic standards, approaching the highest it has been for 50 years”. He said: “I would be concerned not to increase taxes too much because living standards matter to people in this country – real wages just tipping into the positive. “This is a moment where you have to be careful not see that pushed that into reverse. “We have worked very hard to reduce taxes particularly for working people and those on lower incomes and we have had success at that. “The tax burden in this country is still relatively high by historic standards – it is approaching the highest it has been for 50 years – so we have to be cautious about putting up more taxes particularly because the overriding concern has to be living standards.” Mr Jenrick also suggested he was against forcing pensioners to pay National Insurance Contributions to fund the NHS. He said: “That is a decision that will have to be made as we approach the budget – I think it is very important that people are encouraged to keep working if they are healthy and want to keep doing it… it is very important to the economy that they are incentivised to keep working.” Mr Jenrick, who is backing a new 50p coin to mark Brexit, also said other coins could be minted. He said: “You could do that for other coins but that really is a decision for the royal mint. In recent years the 50p coin has been the one that has been used most for commemorative coins.” Other guests on today’s Chopper’s Brexit Podcast are: Robin Walker, an Exiting the European Union minister, Eloise Todd, chief executive of Best for Britain, Polly Mackenzie, chief executive of Demos and James Rothwell, the Telegraph’s Brexit correspondent.

There will be at least one resignation in the Cabinet when we see the terms of the Brexit deal in the Autumn, and it could be as many as four or five, a peer and former Labour minister says today. Lord Adonis, a keen Remainer, forecasts a “crisis” in Parliament when MPs are presented with the Brexit treaty. He tells today’s Chopper’s Brexit Podcast talk of at least one resignation is the “common gossip in Westminster”. Lord Adonis says: “I think it’s very unlikely to be someone from the right - the Prime Minister is giving in to them and giving them everything they want. It’s much more likely to be one of the pragmatic, sensible people who people who believe in British trade and don’t want to trash the country”. The Labour peer is joined on the podcast by Conservative MP and Brexiteer Michael Tomlinson who dismissed the prediction as “wishful thinking”. Lord Adonis believes the solution is to hold a second vote on the terms of the deal: “The issues involved are so great - they’re the most important issues since I’ve been involved in public life - the right thing in the Autumn would be for Parliament to refer the Treaty, when we see it, to the people for a people’s vote.” Also on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, available from 6am on Friday morning, Stanley Johnson, father of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and a one-time Remainer who says he became a Brexiteer for the sake of democracy. But Mr Johnson doesn’t rule out a return to his former side: “Of course I’ve been loyal to Brexit, but if it appears to be the case that we’re not going to put in place the whole raft of EU measures which we have and we’re not going to achieve this enforcement mechanism which I think is vital, I wouldn’t say I might not change my mind.” Other guests include the Telegraph’s Political Editor, Gordon Rayner; Brexit Editor, Dia Chakravarty; and Europe Editor, Peter Foster, and Chris Waterman who sings a familiar tune with a Brexit twist.

Theresa May needs to be quit as Prime Minister to because the Brexit talks "resemble a Greek tragedy and it only ends when everyone is dead", a leading Tory party donor says today. Jeremy Hosking, a City financier who has donated £375,000 to the party since 2015, says the Government’s strategy to exit the European Union had to change. Mr Hosking is the first major donor to speak about against Mrs May and her Brexit talks. He tells today’s Chopper’s Brexit Podcast that it is time to take decisive action to ensure that Britain gets the best possible deal to leave the EU in March next year. He says: “We are three-nil down and it is half time. We are in the dressing room having half time oranges and the plan is to wait until we are six-nil down and hope for a miracle in injury time? It just resembles a Greek tragedy and it only ends when everyone is dead.” Mrs May had to be replaced “as soon as possible. There needs to be an audit on the strategy – the strategy is not working. “I feel like a bit like the story of the emperor’s new clothes – someone has got to say it – it ain’t working. Mr Hosking claims that the difficulties over the talks were part of a "deliberate" attempt to keep the UK in the EU, saying: "I personally have joined up my dots and concluded that it is deliberate... It doesn't really matter if it is deliberate or not if it is a failing strategy." Mr Hosking says other donors shared his concerns. "The collapse in morale in the last four weeks is absolutely staggering.  "We see absolutely no way out of the box on the current strategy, the same team is being sent out after half time with the same inability to play football, and they are scoring goals at will... Our troops are on the beach and they are surrounded." He adds: “There very definitely needs to be a change and a reset. You would need to have a new person to implement a strategy that is completely different to the old strategy. “A lot of the parliamentary Conservative party think everyone is going very well – and I am talking about some of the Brexiteers.  “It is a bit like the man who jumps out of the 50th Storey window – as they fly by the 20th Storey it is all going great but it is not going to have a happy ending.  “The way it is going at the moment we are going to wake up in February 2019 and realise it is not going very well and we have only got injury time to score five goals. He says that "somehow being a Brexiteer is politically incorrect. Those who oppose Brexit are playing on that like mad. There is a Pavlovian reflex from people to believe it, that we are xenophobes, racists and wife-beaters". Eurosceptics were considered to be “nutters and lunatics”, he complains. The party’s leadership felt that “the people who voted to leave didn’t really mean it and he idea of the Tories betraying Euroscepticism – and they are repeat offenders in this regard – that is still OK”. Separately, David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, says people in Scotland were getting bored of the SNP’s repeated calls to make Scotland independent. He tells the podcast: “The public’s appetite for discussing these issues is waning. People are fed up across the political spectrum of constantly hearing about independence and constitution.                 “Even people who voted yes in 2014 – a lot of those people don’t want another independence referendum because it was a very divisive event.   “And although we politicians went out afterwards and said ‘isn’t it great, 80 per cent of people voted, virtually everybody who was alive in Scotland voted in that referendum.   “And although we say it is great public engagement, most people hated it when you speak to them, they hated the fact that they fell out with friends and family, with people in pubs like the Red Lion.   “People were divided, at their work they were divided. It was very intense in the final weeks. In the street you could not go out and avoid it.   “People don’t want to return to that. They feel it was a once in a generation event. There was a divisive result in favour of staying in the United Kingdom and we should leave it be.”   Mr Mundell, the second longest serving Cabinet minister who voted to Remain in the EU at the 2016 referendum, says he would vote to remain again if there were a referendum today.   He says: “I voted Remain and I would probably still vote Remain but I accepted the result.”   Asked how he deals with abuse from nationalists on Twitter, he says: “I just don’t look at it. I know what I am taking on.   “I asked to do this – nobody is making me. It is a harsh political environment in Scotland, indeed across most of the UK, you just have to get on with it.”   Other guests are Ayesha Hazarika and Tom Hamilton, former aides to ex-Labour leader Ed Miliband, who have written “Punch & Judy”, an account of preparing for the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.   Chopper’s Brexit Podcast is available on the Telegraph’s website and iTunes from 6am on Friday May 25

Theresa May should walk away from the EU without a deal instead of showing "weakness" by tying Britain to the Customs Union beyond 2021, the Democratic Unionist Party, has warned.   Sammy Wilson, the DUP’s Brexit spokesman, also criticised “geriatric” members of the House of Lords for trying to weaken Government legislation to take Britain out of the European Union with 15 amendments.   Mr Wilson was speaking after The Daily Telegraph disclosed that the Government will tell Brussels it is prepared to stay tied to the customs union beyond 2021.   Mr Wilson – whose party’s MPs are keeping Mrs May's Conservative Government in power - told Chopper’s Brexit Podcast today: “I don't believe it is necessary for us to stay in beyond that period. In doing so the PM shows a sign of weakness to EU negotiators - if they stick their heels in, she will concede.   “When the PM has stuck her heels in, as she did in December, they changed the agreement. As she did in March, when they said they wouldn't accept the legal agreement, they backed down.    “She should learn from that. Stand up to them. They need the deal, they will back down. Do this kind of thing where you sway with the wind you will come off worse.”   On the House of Lords’ amendments Mr Wilson – who was debating Brexit on the Podcast with Labour MP Ian Murray - said the Government should seek to reverse them all in the House of Commons.   He said: “They not experts. They are a bunch of geriatric members, most of whom are on the EU payroll. You expect them to vote the way they have done.”   Also on the podcast, Hilary McGrady, the new director general of the National Trust, said the Trust is willing to forego millions of pounds in EU subsidies to improve the UK’s natural environment.   She said: “We may well take a financial hit as an organisation on the back of this but that is good, we are cool with that because that means we will get benefits for nature and that is what the charity is here to do.”   Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative party’s vice chairman for candidates, also said that parliamentary hopefuls should consider deleting their Twitter feeds.   Ms Badenoch has written to Conservative candidates who have applied to stand in the 2022 general election to say that their social media accounts are now “fair game” for their opponents.   Ms Badenoch - who became a vice chairman in January - told Chopper’s Brexit Podcast that it was not “bad advice” for candidates to delete their social media history as soon as they are selected.   She said: “I have already sent advice to candidates and what I have said was ‘be aware that your social media profile is now fair game, you can’t expect people not to take it into account. Think about what you say and how you say it when you use social media’.   “If you are unable to control yourself, then delete your account might be the advice that I give - but you have to look at it almost as if it is the real world now.”

Britain’s governing classes are “ashamed” of being English, former Tory minister Nick Boles has said. Mr Boles, a former Planning minister, called for ministers to be bolder about promoting Englishness in public life to mirror the pride felt by the Scots and Welsh. A squeamishness about being Englishness - because of an association with the Far Right - had meant that young English people from a black or minority ethnic background were more comfortable describing themselves as British because it was more flexible and inclusive. Mr Boles tells today’s Chopper’s Brexit Podcast: “I drove through Parliament Square on a bus on St George’s Day this year and only place where I could see a St George’s flag was on Westminster Abbey. “There was I was surrounded by Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Treasury, the Foreign Office – all the Great Offices of State – there wasn’t a St George’s flag to be seen. “It is completely bonkers and it is not surprising that people feel that the governing class is somehow a bit ashamed of English identity if we make such little effort.” He added that he did not want to see “state directed patriotism” but he called on the Government to find “small steps” to allow the English can mark their national identity. All public buildings in England – government offices, courts, police stations, fire stations and town halls – should also be required to fly the St George’s flag on St George’s Day, April 23. He also called for people being allowed to put an English – or Scottish, Northern Irish or Welsh – flags on the number plates to reflect where their cars were registered. Other ideas included allowing English teams singing one of Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem or I Vow To Thee My Country rather than the British national anthem at sporting events. Mr Boles said he preferred Jerusalem because of its “progressive” lyrics, but called for a vote by English MPs to decide the new English anthem once and for all. Also on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, a senior Government minister warned that peers who are amending Brexit legislation are increasing the likelihood of Britain leaving the European Union without a deal. Peers have so passed 14 amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill including removing the 29 March 2019 Brexit leaving date and changing the law to try to keep the UK in the single market. Dominic Raab, the Housing minister, warned: “The House of Lords is increasing the risk of no deal.  I am a passionate Brexiteer but I have always argued that we should secure the best deal that we can with our European friends and partners. I think the peers are making that harder and are making no deal more likely.” Other guests on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, available from 6am on Friday, Telegraph political correspondent Anna Mikhailova and Michael Lightfoot, co-founder of a new group called Artists for Brexit who sings a song he has composed about leaving the EU called “A Song for British Freedom”.

Margaret Thatcher would not have voted for Brexit, her former private secretary has said. Caroline Slocock, who worked for the former Tory Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street from 1989 to 1991, said she would have preferred to stay in the European Union and fight to reform it. Leave supporters have sometimes used Baroness Thatcher’s euroscepticism in the later years of her premiership and in her retirement to suggest she would have voted to leave the European Union. However, speaking to Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, Ms Slocock said that she would not have voted to leave the EU. The comments echo those of Lord Powell of Bayswater, Lady Thatcher’s most trusted foreign adviser in Number 10, who said the former PM would have voted to stay in the EU in September 2016. Ms Slocock said: “My view is that she wouldn’t and I share this view with Charles Powell who advised her on foreign affairs as private secretary when I was there. “My justification for that is she would not have got into this mess in the first place. She had form and the form was to stay in and fight. “On the rebate she fought for five years to get the right deal – and I just think that David Cameron walked away far too early from those discussions with the EU. “She would have done a much better job and we probably would not have had a referendum at all. “She was very much against the idea of the European super state. She said in her famous Bruges speech that she had not rolled back the frontiers of state in Britain to see them rolling forward in Europe. “She was angry about it but the fundamental thing is that she was fighting her corner, she wasn’t walking away and she valued immensely the trading relationship that we have with the EU. “She – who regarded the single market as her greatest achievement in Europe – would just be non-plussed to be finding us walking away from trading relationships with effectively 70 per cent of our trade is with Europe or through European trade agreements – doing that speculatively in the hope that we will get better trading agreements elsewhere. “The mistake of the government was to sign article 50 – now it has got no real negotiating strength - if you are inside the EU threatening to leave you have got a much better negotiating position.” Also on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, from 6am on Friday morning, Jake Berry MP, the Northern Powerhouse minister, supported calls for Donald Trump to visit the north of England when he visits the UK later this summer. Pointing out that Ben Houchen, the Tory mayor for Tees Valley, has invited Mr Trump to visit his region, Mr Berry said it was important that the UK sought a better trading relationship with the US “whatever people’s views of Donald Trump”. Mr Berry added: “I would be delighted if Donald Trump visits the north of England. He would be probably welcomed in manufacturing areas who want to build that very close trading relationship  and we shouldn’t let our personal views whatever they may be about his politics stand in the way of having a successful visit for our closest ally and that visit must be focused on creating a close trading relationship between the manufacturers of the north and the manufacturers of the United States.” Other guests include George Freeman MP, ex-chairman of the Conservative policy board, Jeremy Warner, the Telegraph’s Assistant Editor and Ed Malnick, the Telegraph’s Whitehall Editor. The podcast also features the first #BrexitPoems which were submitted by Twitter.

Theresa May should put a “no deal option on the table” because none of her ideas to leave the customs union “inspire confidence”, a former Brexit minister has said.   David Jones MP, who was Exiting the European Union minister from 2016 to 2017, said he thought Britain would be better off quitting the EU and trading on “World Trade Organisation terms”.   The Prime Minister and her Cabinet Brexit sub-committee are due to decide next week on  whether to collect tariffs for the EU after Brexit or use a combination of technology and goodwill to limit the impact of checks on trade once Britain quits the customs union after the UK leaves the EU next March.   Mr Jones told Chopper’s Brexit Podcast: “I think that really the no deal option needs to be put on the table again by the Government because it would be extremely worrying for the Irish republic if that were to be the outcome.   “At the moment we have got all sorts of ideas being put forward none of them which inspire confidence and I think that we do have to talk in serious terms about other arrangements.”   Also on the podcast, Liz Truss, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said that the Tories had to become a “positive optimistic party that does have a sense of humour” to beat Labour at the polls.   She said ministers should “talk about money, success, aspiration. Talk about how things in this country are getting better.    “We are seeing real wages rising this week, company investment going up. We need to get that message across.   “The other great thing about being a Tory and one of the reasons why I joined the party is that it has got a sense of humour.   “The Labour party is po-faced, humourless, hat-wearing … there is something deeply negative when you look at the Labour benches and you see their Eeyore faces – that everything is going to the dogs.   “We need to be the positive optimistic party that does have a sense of humour and can take the mick of ourselves because everybody else does.”   Chris Skidmore, the Tory vice chairman for policy, also told the podcast that the party had to “reset the button” and “detoxify” policy on immigration, although he was against an amnesty for illegal immigrants in the UK.   He said: “I disagree with the idea of an amnesty – I think that is unfair on people who have gone through the legitimate route of getting British citizenship and also it would be a free pass for traffickers.   “But when it comes to looking at immigration, Brexit provides us with a great opportunity to reset the button…   “Actually immigration predominantly should be about what you contribute, what you give and for people coming to this country, working hard in areas where we need that work to take place, they should be rewarded with British citizenship over a period of time.   “Absolutely we should be looking for the future, trying to detoxify immigration so that it becomes about not pressure on public services and education but so we can say people who have come to this country have earned their right to be here. They have worked hard they have paid their taxes.”   Guests on today's Chopper’s Brexit Podcast are Liz Truss MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Sir Keir Starmer MP, shadow Brexit Secretary; David Jones MP, former Brexit minister; Chris Skidmore MP, Conservative party vice chairman for policy; Tory MP Bim Afolami; Giles Kenningham, former Conservative party head of communications; and Joe Twyman, the veteran pollster.

Nigel Farage “can be embalmed like those Soviet leaders” and put into a new Museum of Brexit, Chief secretary of the Treasury Liz Truss tells Chopper’s Brexit Podcast today. The former Ukip leader – along with the famous Vote Leave bus with its claim that Brexit will deliver £350million a week for the NHS – are Ms Truss’s recommendations for inclusion in the new museum. Ms Truss says: "What you are asking me is a bit like Room 101 -what would you put in it. There are a few things from the campaign, may be a Cornish pasty, some leeks and of course the bus." She adds that perhaps Mr Farage "can be embalmed, like those Soviet leaders" and included in the museum. Ms Truss makes clear that Brexit will not be delayed to allow for second referendum on the terms of Brexit, saying: "Everyone in my constituency says 'please get on with it', and that is what we are doing." Ms Truss also criticises a "computer says no" approach at the Home Office when has left more than 100 Windrush citizens unsure of their immigration status. She says: "The Prime Minister and Home Secretary have given very full apologies about the truly dreadful situation people found themselves in. "It is appalling that people who fought for his country during the war, have contributed to rebuilding Britain after the war, face that kind of computer says no attitude from the Home Office. That has to stop." Ms Truss also set her face against calls for a hypothecated tax to fund the National Health Service. She says: "They are a bad thing. If you had a hypothecated tax going into the NHS in the late 2000s, and we got the economic downturn when National Insurance receipts went down, that would have meant less money for the NHS. "I believe in a tax-funded NHS that is funded from general taxation - that is what makes sense." Asked if pensioners who work should pay National Insurance to fund the NHS, she adds: "This is not a policy the government has at all. Those people have contributed throughout their lives and I think it is a good thing that people are working beyond the current retirement age." Other guests on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, presented by Christopher Hope, The Telegraph’s Chief Political Correspondent, include Gawain Towler, former Ukip spokesman and  the secretary of the new Museum. Mr Towler says a board has been appointed and a number of sites are being scouted to host the museum and archive devoted to the UK’s 40 year membership of the European Union which ends next year. Michael Deacon, the Telegraph’s longstanding sketchwriter who has been dubbed “Brexit’s Boswell”, and Dia Chakravarty, the Telegraph’s Brexit Editor, offer their own ideas on how to fill the museum on the podcast which was recorded in the Red Lion pub on Whitehall this week. Tim Morris , the chief executive of the Major Ports Group which owns most of the UK’s ports, is also on the podcast to explain why trade to the UK need not be disrupted after Britain leaves the European Union in March next year.

This week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast comes from the Telegraph's newsroom where Christopher Hope, the Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent, peers into the future and asks the simple question: will we ever leave the European Union? Joining him in the studio are: Kate McCann, the Telegraph's senior political correspondent; Jeremy Warner, the Telegraph's assistant editor and columnist; and Peter Foster, the Telegraph's Europe editor.

It’s been a quiet week in Brexit, with Theresa May and her Cabinet away on their Easter holidays, but Chopper’s Brexit Podcast never stops work. Joining Christopher Hope, the Telegraph's chief political correspondent, this week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast our guests are Shanker Singham, the director of the Institute for Economic Affairs’ International Trade and Competition Unit, Matt Warman, Tory MP for Boston and Skegness and a Parliamentary aide to Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley, and Commodore Tony Morrow, the last captain of HMY Britannia, on why a new royal yacht could help secure trade deals post Brexit.

Brexit day in 12 months' time should be marked by “huge celebrations” and the sounding of Big Ben, a leading Eurosceptic Cabinet minister says today. The remarks by Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House of Commons, put her at odds with John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons and David Lidington, Theresa May's effective deputy, who have both ruled that Big Ben will not sound when Britain leaves the EU in March next year.

This week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast comes from a trawler on the River Thames where Christopher Hope, the Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent, chugs towards the Parliament with a group of fishermen who are furious about a transition deal which they say could halve Britain's fishing fleet. Guests on board the trawler include former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, Tory MP Ross Thomson and Fishing for Leave's Aaron Brown, Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg on dry land as well as Brexit Minister Suella Fernandez in the Red Lion pub and Telegraph Senior Political Correspondent Kate McCann and Telegraph Brexit Correspondent James Rothwell in the studio.

This week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast celebrates its first birthday, with cake, streamers and party hats at the Red Lion pub on Whitehall.   Over the past year - since its launch in March 2017 - the podcasts' episodes have been listened to 682,000 times - 352,000 downloads and 330,000 streams on the Telegraph's site, Apple and Android.   This week's guests include Brandon Lewis, the Conservative party chairman, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, and Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council.   There are also contributions from the Telegraph's Brexit commissioning editor Asa Bennett and the Telegraph's Europe editor Peter Foster on Brexit talks ahead of a major EU summit on Thursday next week.

EMERGENCY EXTRA ADDITION of Chopper's Brexit Podcast as Chris is joined by The Telegraph's Europe Editor Peter Foster, Brexit Editor Dia Chakravarty, Brexit Commissioning Editor Asa Bennett and Leader Writer Tim Stanley as the panel cram into the podcast studio to give their expert analysis of the Prime Minister's biggest Brexit speech since Florence.

In this week's podcast: The DUP’s Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the nationalist party’s seven MPs should break with convention and vote against the Government on Brexit – because it would ensure that 'remainer' Conservative MPs would be unlikely to join the rebellion. The prospect of Sinn Fein voting to keep the UK in the customs union would cut the Government’s majority to just six, meaning just over a handful of Tory MPs could defeat the Government. The Republican party has always refused to take its seats and vote in Parliament because it will not swear allegiance to the Queen or recognise the legitimacy of Britain’s rule over Northern Ireland. There have been rumours that Commons authorities could waive the requirement to take the oath to allow Sinn Fein to vote – however a spokesman said that this was categorically not allowed according to Erskine May, the House of Commons' rule book.

In this week's episode of Chopper's Brexit Podcast, we take a break from the Red Lion to visit the NFU conference in Birmingham. Here, we talk to Environment Secretary Michael Gove as well as farmers about how Brexit will affect agriculture - and ultimately the prices we pay for food in our shops.

A George Soros-backed campaign to stop Britain to leave the European Union will succeed because Brexiteers are “dying off”, its chairman said. Lord Malloch-Brown, a former Government minister, said a “reasonable outcome” of Mr Soros's Best for Britain campaign would be Theresa May resigning as Prime Minister. In an interview with Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, on the Telegraph’s website today, Lord Malloch-Brown said he had a 40 per cent change of stopping Brexit. The Best for Britain campaign has so far raised £2million – including £500,000 from Mr Soros, a billionaire financier – which it will use to support local anti-EU groups. Other guests on Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, available from 6am on the Telegraph’s website, include Matthew Elliott, the former chief executive of the Vote Leave campaign, Jack Maidment, the Telegraph’s political correspondent, and Daniel Capurro, editor of the Telegraph’s morning Frontbench political email.

The Confederation of British Industry is wrong on the European Union because it is ignoring small manufacturers and listening too much to multi-national conglomerates, a former head of the business lobby group has said.In an interview with today’s Chopper’s Brexit Podcast, Lord Jones said: “I don’t agree with it [the CBI position]

Theresa May should be prepared to create as many as 200 new peers to force the Brexit Bill through the House of Lords, the new leader of the Conservative group of Eurosceptic MPs has said.   Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, the new chairman of the influential European Reform Group, warned that the House of Lords would not want to be left "in the position of peers against the people" because "the people always win".

Labour MP and former Shadow Leader of the Commons Chris Bryant has told the Telegraph's Chris Hope that he wants to stop Brexit, even though that would be against the wishes of the voters who elected him. Speaking on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, he said, "We're going to hell in a handcart. I kind of want to stop it really. I know that's not what probably the voters in my constituency want, and I think we could only do that if we another referendum." Discussing the prospect of a binding vote on a Brexit agreement by the Autumn he added 'there may be no deal' to vote on.  Mr Bryant was in conversation with former Brexit minister David Jones, as the pair looked ahead to another critical year of Brexit trade talks.  Also on this week's podcast, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Adam Marshall expl ained why he believes Brexit will actually allow the UK to build its role and influence in European bodies covering key sectors such as aviation.  Plus, Conservative MEP and shining light of the Leave campaign Daniel Hannan outlines his vision for UK trade post-Brexit and we hear from Senior Political Correspondent Kate McCann about the impact Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle is likely to have on Brexit.

Brexit minister Steve Baker has told Chopper's Brexit Podcast that the UK's odds of succeeding in trade talks with the EU have 'dramatically improved' following Wednesday's joint report from negotiators. The draft negotiating guidelines for the second phase of talks have been set out and Mr Baker told The Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope that they indicated the EU was open to agreeing a 'good quality, deep and special partnership' after Brexit. Any transition period should not last longer than the end of December 2020, according to the jointly agreed guidelines.Mr Baker outlined why he didn't think the loss of Damian Green from Theresa May's cabinet would impact progress towards Brexit, saying that 'I think politicians across Europe, if they're objective about the reality of dealing with flawed human beings, will know that sometimes people have to either resign or be sacked'. He added he thought the PM had dealt with these things in a 'perfectly proper way.'   Also in this week's Christmas Special podcast edition, the Managing Director of British Sugar, Paul Kenward, explains why his company sees Brexit as an opportunity for increased global trade. Plus, our panel of Telegraph experts looks back on the ups and downs of 2017, and ahead to the next phase of the talks.

In this episode of Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Tory mutineer MP Bob Neill says Theresa May should drop her bid to fix a legal date and time for Britain’s exit from the European Union. David Jones MP, a former Exiting the EU minister, told the podcast that the change was "unnecessary and frankly just symbolic".

Chief Political Correspondent Christoper 'Chopper' Hope analyses Theresa May's Brexit deal with the Telegraph's Europe Editor Peter Foster.

In this episode of Chopper's Brexit Podcast, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith warns Theresa May should not quit as Prime Minister over the stalled Brexit talks and instead “stick it out". Meanwhile, The Telegraph's Europe Editor Peter Foster looks at the latest developments in negotiations in Brussels. Chopper also speaks to former Environment secretary Owen Paterson, who says Mrs May should threaten to walk away from talks and start negotiations to trade on World Trade Organisation rules after Britain leaves the EU. And we hear from shadow  Northern Ireland secretary Vernon Coaker, who believes: “That walk away approach can only lead to potential disaster for us all.”

In this week's Chopper's Brexit Podcast we get reaction to the Telegraph's exclusive report that British and EU negotiators have reached a deal over the so-called Brexit bill, landing on a figure somewhere between €45bn and €55bn. Craig Mackinlay, a Conservative member of the Commons’ Brexit committee, tells our Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope: “I can just about stomach £20billion but beyond that I have some personal difficulties. “You can’t extend that into ‘hope to spend in 10 years time on an unknown road in Romania’ where the turf has not been turned yet. “These seem to be ‘hope to spend in the future’ costs. I don't think these are Britain's liabilities.” Chopper also sits down with 'Mr Brexit' Nigel Farage over a pint to discuss his view on the state of the Brexit negotiations.    Plus, we hear a warning from the Fishing For Leave campaign about the dangers of writing the Common Fisheries Policy into UK law as we rush to exit the EU.

In this week's episode of Chopper's Brexit Podcast senior Conservative MP and former Attorney-General Dominic Grieve speaks out after being labelled 'Mutineer-In-Chief' for leading a Tory rebellion against Theresa May's plan to enshrine the date the UK leaves the EU into law.    Mr Grieve tells The Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent Chris Hope that now as many as 27 Conservative MPs are willing to vote against the Prime Minister's amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill.    Also on the show, Labour's Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner and former Conservative Brexit Minister David Jones swap the Commons debating chamber for the more relaxed surroundings of the Red Lion pub - and give us two opposing views of how the Brexit bill vote will play out.    Mr Gardiner tells Chris why he 'thanks God' for Dominic Grieve - arguing that his interventions on the legal detail will build stronger legislation.    We hear from a whistleblower whose role was to brief the EU Commission about its own accounts, who has a stark warning about the multi-billion Euro deficit the organisation is facing.    Also this week, we're talking vote-winning policy ideas. We hear George Freeman MP, chair of the Conservative Policy Forum, Helen Whateley MP and Robert Colville, new director of the Centre for Policy Studies. Mr Freeman explains why he thinks a radical new approach to housing could be the key to success at the ballot box in 2022.

After another turbulent week for the Government, Christopher 'Chopper' Hope is joined in the Telegraph newsroom to mark 500 days until Brexit.  Chopper is joined by James Crisp, the Telegraph's Brussels correspondent, who gives us the latest news on Brexit and how the talks are going as the sixth round gets underway. Also on the show is James McGory from the pro-Remain Open Britain campaign group and Jonathan Isaby from Brexit Central. Our Brexit correspondent James Rothwell tell us the latest #DespiteBrexit stories and trade expert Victoria Hewson from the Legatum Institute talk about Britain's future outside of the European Union.

​After a week of allegations, revelations and resignations in the Westminster sex scandal, Christopher Hope is joined in the Red Lion pub​ by Laura Hughes, the journalist who first discovered the story, and two campaigning MPs who helped expose it - Jess Phillips and John Mann.   Also on the podcast, Lord Kerslake, the former head of the Civil Service, discusses whether David Davis’s plans to hire 8,000 civil servants by the end of next year to deliver Brexit is even possible, and the Telegraph's Europe Editor, Peter Foster, discovers some good news for the economy 'despite Brexit'.

As Theresa May faces growing pressure to lay down the law when she meets EU officials in Brussels, Chopper's Brexit Podcast hosts a 'No Deal' special.  Christopher Hope is joined in the Red Lion pub by Charlie Elphicke, the treasurer of the influential European Research Group of Conservative MPs, and Chris Bryant, Labour's former Minister of State for Europe, to debate whether Britain can thrive leaving the European Union without any deal. And economist Andrew Lillico discusses the possibility of Britain joining the North American Free Trade Agreement after Brexit. Also on the podcast Chopper speaks to Grant Shapps, the former Tory party chairman, in his first broadcast interview since being accused of being the ringleader of a plot to unseat Mrs May. Joining the podcast team are The Telegraph's Deputy Political Editor, Steven Swinford, who has been tracking the negotiations all week, and Dia Chakravarty, the Telegraph’s Brexit editor, reporting on the latest good news to emerge '#DespiteBrexit’.

Listen to the Telegraph's weekly Brexit podcast, hosted by Chief Political Correspondent Christopher 'Chopper' Hope and recorded at the historic Red Lion pub, a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament.  Conservative MPs should stop their "London-centric whingeing and back-biting" in order to focus on Brexit, according to the Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry.  Talking to Chopper's Brexit Podcast on Thursday, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State claimed that northern constituents are right to be "furious" about the government's leadership issues: "It's a load of Tom Cobblers," the Minister said. "[Theresa May] is a brilliant Prime Minister for the North of England... there's no room in my world or in the North of England for anyone else to be doing that job." Also on Chopper's Brexit Podcast this week, Lord Hayward of Cumnor - the only pollster to predict the result of the 2015 General Election and the result of the referendum - discusses whether the shake-up of constituency boundaries might help Theresa May win in 2022. Plus Christopher Hope meets David Babbs of 38 Degrees, one of the country's largest campaign groups bringing Leave and Remain voters together to embrace Brexit.

Sir Michael Fallon delivers a blow to Boris Johnson in conversation with Chopper's Brexit Podcast in a special live recording at the Conservative Party Conference.   The Defence Secretary insisted "the Prime Minister has the right and the ability and the authority to change any member of her cabinet", as the Conservative Party gathered for what many expect will be a 'beauty parade' of ministers making their bid for the party leadership.   This episode also features Iain Duncan Smith who defends his legacy universal credit deal, and a fiery panel discussion with Telegraph editors and columnists in which Tory members reveal their frustration in dramatic fashion.

In this bumper episode, Chopper's Brexit Podcast is at the Labour Party Conference where Christopher Hope speaks to Shadow Brexit Secretary, Sir Keir Starmer, about Labour's elusive Brexit policy. He also catches up with some of the finest minds on Fleet Street for their analysis of the conference highlights. Back in the studio, the podcast is joined by a pair of true-blue think tanks and a senior grass roots Conservative for a look ahead to the Conservative Party Conference. Senior Political Correspondent Kate McCann offers her view on Labour's policies, and Brexit Commissioning Editor Asa Bennett highlights some good news which you might have missed in our new feature, #DespiteBrexit.

In the 22nd episode, Chopper's Brexit Podcast is aboard 'May Force One' as the Prime Minister travels to the US and Canada. But Theresa May's schedule was overpowered this week by Boris Johnson's explosive article in The Telegraph and his subsequent threats of resignation.    Following the Foreign Secretary's "worst week ever" Chopper's Brexit Podcast discusses the fallout with journalists aboard Theresa May's aircraft, including John Pienaar and Robert Peston on their impromptu press conference with a sweaty, post-workout Boris Johnson. Back in the studio, Christopher Hope hears the Westminster view from The Telegraph's Deputy Political Editor Steven Swinford, and discusses Mr. Johnson's next moves with his biographer, Andrew Gimson, and Spectator editor, Fraser Nelson.

In the second episode of the new season, Chopper's Brexit Podcast hears from Nick Tyrone, author of "Apocalypse Delayed" on how a clean Brexit will help the Tories win the next general election. Also the Liberal Democrats' Brexit spokesman Tom Brake and Tory Brexiteer Michael Tomlinson debate the usefulness of a second referendum, and Solicitor General Robert Buckland, the Government minister who has to steer the EU Withdrawal Bill through Parliament, discusses whether 19,000 EU regulations can be repatriated to UK law by March 2019.

The first episode in the second series of Chopper's Brexit Podcast hears from Dominic Grieve and John Redwood, two former Tory Cabinet ministers, as they discuss whether Theresa May's plans to use Henry VIII powers to move EU regs into British law is undemocratic; also Liam Halligan, author of "Clean Brexit - Why Leaving the EU Still Makes Sense" as well as The Telegraph's new Brexit editor Dia Chakravarty on why it is not racist to support Brexit.

In this final episode of the current series of Chopper's Brexit Podcast, we hear from the International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox on the many opportunities for Britain outside the EU, former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson about his speech in German to the Germans, the Telegraph's Assistant Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith on the ongoing infighting in the Cabinet, and former head of the British Chambers of Commerce John Longworth on the European red tape he can't wait to get rid of.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Labour Remain MP Stephen Kinnock takes on veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, trade expert Victoria Hewson on the prospects of a new UK/US deal and Telegraph columnist Tim Stanley discusses the Tory party's toxic image.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Labour Remain MP Rupa Huq debates colleague (and Leave supporter) Kelvin Hopkins, new Brexit minister Steve Baker on why we must leave the single market and customs union, and the Telegraph's new Brussels correspondent on Monty Python and 'ridiculous' MEPs.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Tommy Sheppard debate Nicola Sturgeon's independence climbdown, Michael Deacon calls for a more brutal, honest politics and MP Sheryll Murray reveals the extent of public abuse she gets.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Chris hears former minister David Jones and prospective Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable argue over the need for a second referendum, hard v soft Brexit  and how MPs from rival parties are now plotting together to get the result they want.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast, Tory MPs Bob Neill and Suella Fernandes, former spokesperson for Theresa May Joey Jones, the Telegraph's Phil Johnston and Gordon Brown's pollster Deborah Mattinson discuss soft vs hard Brexit, the Prime Minister's leadership and the unforeseen Labour surge.

In this special election day episode, Christopher Hope is on College Green outside the Houses of Parliament as the results come in. He's joined by politicians on both sides of the political divide to discuss what this election disaster means for Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and, importantly, for Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May says our democracy will not be deterred by terrorists as she joins Chief Political Correspondent Christopher "Chopper" Hope for a bonus edition of his Election Podcast.

This week on Chopper's Election Podcast, Chief Political Correspondent Christopher 'Chopper' Hope hosts a round table with Telegraph columnists Fraser Nelson, Janet Daley and Harry De Quetteville to discuss policies, personalities and the polls.

This week on Chopper's Election Podcast, Chief Political Correspondent Christopher 'Chopper' Hope talks to experts about how the Manchester terror attack could impact on the election, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's recent rise in the polls.

This week, podcast host and Chief Political Correspondent Christopher 'Chopper' Hope hits the road to interview the Governor of Mississippi and key Trump ally Phil Bryant in London, chase down the Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron in Portsmouth, and attend the unveiling of the Tory party manifesto in Halifax.

This week on Chopper's Election Podcast, Chief Political Correspondent Christopher 'Chopper' Hope visits Brexit Country with Tory Cabinet Minister David Davis to talk EU interference in the election, a possible deal for UK expats and Jeremy Corbyn's car crash campaign.

This week on Chopper's Election Podcast listen to the Telegraph's Matt Pritchett, pollster Matthew Goodwin, former Labour election strategist Kevin Craig and Europe Editor Peter Foster on political pratfalls, Brexit briefings and the devious art of campaign posters.

This week on Chopper's Election Podcast, Mark Littlewood of the IEA, YouGov's Joe Twyman, Tory MP Gerald Howarth, Open Europe's James McGrory, former Tory spin doctor Giles Kenningham and the Telegraph's Ambrose Evans-Pritchard discuss mugwumps, manifestos and more.

Following Theresa May's decision to call a snap election on June 8, Chopper's Brexit Podcast has been temporarily rebranded Chopper's Election Podcast. To celebrate the Prime Minister's bold move, this week's episode is a bumper edition featuring lively debate between Lord Howard of Lympne and Barry Gardiner MP - as well as election analysis from Professor Matthew Goodwin, former EU Commissioner Lord Hill, the Telegraph's own Philip Johnston and pollster Johnny Heald.

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast listen to Anna Soubry, Digby Jones, Henry Newman and Allister Heath as they debate Article 50, EU red tape and Mexican stand-offs

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast listen to Arron Banks, Roland Rudd and Michael Deacon as they debate hard Brexit, new political parties and the death of Labour

This week on Chopper's Brexit Podcast listen to Iain Duncan Smith, Keir Starmer and Fraser Nelson as they debate Scexit, Brexit and more.

In this week's episode, Chopper is joined by former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, the woman behind Theresa May's "trousergate", and Brexit committee member Dominic Raab.

In the first episode, Christopher Hope is joined by Jacob Rees Mogg, Baroness Ludford and other guests as they debate peers, patriotism and the seismic new faultline in British politics.