Politics and Practice podcast

Autumn Budget – Tax rises to come, but where?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode Lord Richard Harrington, a member of the House of Lords, former Business Minister and consultant at Stephenson Harwood, is joined by Ronnie Myers, a Partner in the private wealth team, to analyse the Budget speculation and consider where individuals and businesses might be affected on November 26.

Faced with above target inflation and higher-than-expected borrowing, the Chancellor has been looking at both tax rises and spending cuts. However, the Labour Party’s manifesto pledges not to increase taxes on working people have boxed the Chancellor in a corner. So where is the money going to come from, and how does a Government put a Budget together?

Power goes nuclear – Nuclear investment and innovation in the UK

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Lord Richard Harrington, a member of the House of Lords, former Business Minister and consultant at Stephenson Harwood, is joined by an expert panel from the firm's nuclear practice and firmwide Energy Transition group: Jonathan Cripps, Partner and Head of Energy Transition, Kirsti Massie, a Partner specialising in power and energy projects and energy regulation, including nuclear regulation and Chris White, Of Counsel who works across the global nuclear sector. Together, they explore the UK government’s ambitious drive for new nuclear investment, the landmark Sizewell C project, and how innovative financing models are unlocking unprecedented public and private sector collaboration.

Listeners will gain insight into how the regulated asset base (RAB) model is transforming nuclear financing, what the future holds for small modular reactors and advanced technologies, and how the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy and decarbonisation. With real-world perspectives from those at the heart of the sector and a look at nuclear’s potential to revolutionise everything from heavy industry to maritime transport—this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of law, politics, and the evolving role of nuclear in the energy transition.

Rail reform – what impact will the formation of Great British Railways have on the freight industry

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode Lord Richard Harrington, a member of the House of Lords, former Business Minister and consultant at Stephenson Harwood, is joined by Partner and head of the rail practice Tammy Samuel and Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group, to discuss the Government’s plans for reforming the railways and in particular, the impact on the rail freight industry.

The Labour Government swept to power on a manifesto which made the gradual renationalisation of the railways a priority. It is also continuing the previous Government’s plan to enable GBR to manage the railways. But is this a good strategy in practice or has the Government created a legislative behemoth with too much power?

This podcast was recorded before the nationalisation of c2c came into effect.

Immigration reforms – what do they mean for employers?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode Lord Richard Harrington, a member of the House of Lords, former Business Minister and consultant at Stephenson Harwood, is joined by Partner and UK immigration specialist Jessica Smart, to discuss the Government's proposed changes to the UK's immigration system, which was published in May.

The Labour government, like so many governments before it, lauded its plans as a means of reforming the UK's immigration system, restoring control to borders, and to heal trust in politics through actions, not words. But what do the proposed changes mean for businesses?

The Employment Rights Bill – what do employers need to know and what do they need to do

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our inaugural Politics and Practice podcast, the first in a series of podcasts which will look at the relationship between politics and law, and how issues can affect clients. In this first episode Lord Richard Harrington, a member of the House of Lords, former Business Minister and consultant at Stephenson Harwood, is joined by Partner and Head of Employment Paul Reeves to discuss the Government's Employment Rights Bill which was published in October 2024.

Described as a 'once in a generation' overhaul of employee rights, Lord Harrington and Paul discuss the political motivations behind the sweeping changes, what clients need to bear in mind, and how clients can review their policies and engage with the consultation processes.