Robert Jenrick, a candidate for the Conservative leadership, is under fire for his controversial assertion that UK special forces are opting to "kill rather than capture" terrorists due to concerns that European laws could lead to the release of detained individuals. In a campaign video shared on social media platform X, Jenrick made this claim while outlining his reasons for advocating for the UK's departure from the European Convention on Human Rights. His remarks have sparked significant backlash, with critics condemning the implications of his statement regarding the conduct of special forces and the broader impact on human rights.

Keir Starmer's personal popularity has reached a new low, according to the latest Opinium poll conducted for the Observer. Despite the typical expectation of a "bounce" in ratings following a party conference, Starmer experienced the opposite effect during his first Labour conference as prime minister. The poll reveals that his approval ratings have fallen to their lowest point ever, significantly trailing behind those of Rishi Sunak. This decline highlights the challenges Starmer faces in gaining public support, even amidst extensive media coverage of the conference.

**Starmer’s Conference Speech: A Hit or Just Jargon? – Politics Weekly UK** Keir Starmer delivered his inaugural conference speech as Prime Minister, aiming to instill hope in the nation about a brighter future. But did he succeed? In this episode, John Harris engages with Pippa Crerar, the Guardian’s political editor, and Kiran Stacey, the political correspondent, to analyze the effectiveness of Starmer's address.

**Reeves Packs Up Her Troubles Until Budget Day and Smiles, Smiles, Smiles** The Chancellor radiated positivity during her conference speech, offering a glimmer of hope, albeit with little concrete detail. If you were contemplating a drastic decision today, perhaps thinking about reaching out to Dignitas, hold that thought. Cancel that trip to Zurich, or at least put it on hold. Things may not be as dire as they seemed. In truth, they are still quite challenging, but there’s a flicker of hope if you can just hang on a little longer. Yes, there will be short- and medium-term pain, but think of it as a way to build character. Perhaps, just perhaps, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for us, the resilient few, as we blink into the brightness of a better future. This was Rachel Reeves’s moment, and she felt reassured the instant she woke up to find Liz Truss had once again shared a desperate message on social media. You can now witness Truss’s mental unraveling in real time. It’s reached a point where she films herself in front of a color-coordinated bookshelf, leading to the kindest interpretation that she believes she’s recording a hostage video, with the books serving as a coded plea for help: “I’m being held against my will.” In the midst of these chaotic times, Reeves managed to project a sense of optimism, reminding us that while the road ahead may be tough, there’s still a chance for recovery and renewal.

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.

Only 10 Conservative MPs submitted no-confidence letters when Rishi Sunak announced the general election, according to Graham Brady. Lord Brady, who was closely involved in the events leading up to the 2024 general election, observed the political turmoil during this period.