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In an interview with Nick on Radio 4’s Today this week, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined how Labour would try to plug the gap in NHS funding. The interview raised big political and economic questions about the state of the nation’s finances ahead of the next general election.

In The Today Podcast this week, Nick reflects on that interview and why the economic credibility of opposition parties can win or lose elections.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond lifts the curtain on his time in the Treasury and tells us why it is not easy to be honest about the state of public spending.

And Bloomberg’s head of economics and politics, former BBC economics editor Stephanie Flanders, challenges Nick on whether the media are asking politicians the right questions on the economy.

Plus Newsnight host Kirsty Wark pops in to give us her moment of the week – and talk about Netflix’s Prince Andrew drama ‘Scoop’.

Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.uk

The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.

The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jonny Hall and digital production from Elliot Ryder.

It is a truth near-universally acknowledged (amongst pollsters at least) that Labour will be the largest party at the next election.

But how would they actually differ from the Tories in terms of what they do once in power?

They've pledged not to raise taxes and not to remove the recent cuts. They're determined to be fiscally responsible - which means little room for spending plans.

So what will actually change - at a moment when the country is crying out for repair?

We talk to Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

And - Suella has returned from Israel and come to the LBC studios to share her thoughts on the Middle East and the shape of the Tory party. Does she represent a significant chunk of the country in what she thinks? We discuss.

Oh and Liz Truss was given advice by the Queen - which she ignored...

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon and Arvind Badewal

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/