The ongoing controversy surrounding 'frockgate' continues to pose challenges for the Prime Minister this week. Additionally, his recent decision to meet with Giorgia Meloni, the far-right Italian leader, has sparked discontent among many within his party. In this episode, John Harris from The Guardian engages with political correspondent Aletha Adu, who has been accompanying Keir Starmer. Furthermore, Jon Henley, the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, joins the discussion to explore the rising influence of far-right politics across the continent.

**UK Politics Live: Diane Abbott Criticizes Starmer Amid Race Controversy, Claims Labour Aimed to Oust Her** Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has publicly criticized Sir Keir Starmer, asserting that those close to him were intent on removing her from the party. In a recent statement, Abbott expressed her concerns regarding the ongoing race row, suggesting that there were concerted efforts within the Labour Party to push her out. Her comments highlight the tensions within the party and raise questions about its handling of race-related issues.

**Inside Look: How Putin Undermined Starmer’s Initial Foreign Policy Challenge** **Analysis:** Keir Starmer aims to position himself as the leader willing to make difficult decisions, yet his recent visit to Washington, D.C. highlighted a stark contrast in his approach. While he appears decisive when addressing issues affecting Britain’s pensioners, he seems to struggle when it comes to confronting the challenges posed by Vladimir Putin. Starmer's trip was intended to showcase his commitment to foreign policy and assert his leadership on the global stage. However, it became evident that navigating the complexities of international relations, particularly with a figure like Putin, is a far more daunting task than managing domestic concerns. As Starmer seeks to establish himself as a formidable political figure, the question remains: can he truly rise to the occasion when faced with the tough decisions that come with global leadership?