The Flint Podcast: Recent Episodes
Flint Global
Listen to analysis and insight from Flint’s experts on major political, policy and regulatory events in the UK and Europe.
Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a new phase of conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have suffered major blows in the past few days, with Israel demonstrating the superiority of its military and intelligence services. It is unclear yet how Iran and its proxies will respond. International diplomacy urging restraint and a ceasefire has been fruitless. This situation creates new uncertainties for the region and globally, coinciding with the final stretch of the US presidential election campaign.
Our Middle East experts consider what lies ahead and the implications for business of a potential further escalation of the conflict across the region.
Katie Whitting, Flint Partner and former Australian diplomat chairs the discussion between:
- Sir Simon Fraser, Flint Founding Partner, former head of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Simon previously served in the British embassies in Iraq and Syria
- Alistair Burt, Senior Adviser, former Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa (2017-2019), former Member of the UK Parliament
- Matthew Lehrfeld, Senior Adviser, former US diplomat, previously posted in Iraq and Syria.
In our latest podcast, Flint experts review the Labour Party Conference, the Party’s first conference in power in 15 years.
Our experts examine the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the wider Cabinet. We discuss Labour’s policy programme, its direction and strategy ahead of the Autumn Budget, and what all of this means for organisations and businesses in the UK.
Partner Katie Waring chaired the discussion between:
- Siôn Simon, Specialist Partner, a former Labour MP, MEP, Metro Mayor candidate and minister in the last Labour government.
- Sam White, Specialist Partner, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer and adviser to Alastair Darling as Chancellor.
In this podcast, Flint experts explore the structure and policy direction of the new European Commission unveiled by President Ursula von der Leyen.
Our experts discuss what the new allocation of portfolios reveals about the EU’s balance of power, internal dynamics and political priorities for the upcoming mandate, in the wake of Mario Draghi’s recently published report on the future of European Competitiveness. They will also explain what to expect from the Commissioner hearings in the European Parliament.
Flint Partner Fiona Wright hosts the discussion between:
- Benoit Roussel, Brussels partner
- Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner, former UK European Commissioner
- David Wright, Senior Adviser, former Deputy DG at the European Commission
The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchanged. In addition, the situation in Ukraine has to some extent stabilised, there has been no major conflagration in the Middle East, and the temperature has been controlled between the US and China. But beneath the surface, a trend of political fragmentation and fragility has been an important emerging theme, and against this backcloth, the impending and dramatic US election now assumes even greater global importance.
This pre-summer podcast takes stock of where things stand and looks ahead to the next six months. We unpack current and potential challenges to Western democratic governments and institutions – including the US, France, the EU and NATO – and examine prospects for China, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Flint Partner Katie Whitting chairs the discussion between:
- Sir Simon Fraser, Flint founder and Managing Partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office
- James Crabtree, Flint Specialist Adviser and expert on geopolitics
- Matthew Lehrfeld, Flint Specialist Adviser and former US Diplomat.
The second round of the French snap parliamentary elections took place over the weekend with surprising results. Over the coming days, the final count will probably raise more questions than answers. French politics will now likely change dramatically, with implications well beyond France’s borders.
In the Flint Briefing Call recording our experts will explore these implications and what they mean for businesses and investors. They will consider what government could emerge from the election and what it would mean for policymaking, economic policy and financial stability in France and in Europe. More widely, they will cover the impact of a weaker French leadership at European level and internationally.
The discussion was chaired by Flint Director and former French diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan, joined by Anne-Juliette Rohrbach, Partner and Managing Director of Flint France, Sir Julian King, former European Commissioner and UK Ambassador to France, and David Wright, Specialist Partner and former deputy director general of DG FISMA at the European Commission.
We now know who will form the next UK government. Starmer will head into the weekend leading a Labour government with a sizable parliamentary majority. However, while the most likely outcome of the election has been predicted for some time, there will still be business critical lessons to learn from the results and the approach, we can expect the incoming government to take.
In this Flint Podcast our experts explore these questions and what they mean for businesses and investors. They consider the personnel of the new government as ministerial appointments begin, how Labour will prioritise and make decisions in its early days, and what in practice Labour policy and the ‘Mission Boards’ they want to want to establish to achieve it are likely to look like. Considering the longer term, they will also cover what impact backbenchers and the opposition parties will have over the Parliament, and how constraints in fiscal policy and the House of Lords will be managed.
Next week a new Government is expected to form in the most significant change of political leadership since 2010. This will, of course, have major implications for any business or investor in markets where there is a government interest. For many, it will mean a need to build new relationships and shift messaging. For some, it will mean new risks to manage, or new opportunities to grab.
Our political experts explore what clients need to be prepared for after election day. Focusing on the practical, covering the likely choreography of the formation of a new government and its early steps, what messaging will get the best reception, and how to ensure these cut through with new ministers swamped with requests.
The discussion is chaired by Flint Partner, Katie Waring, former Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, and joined by former Labour minister Siôn Simon, former Permanent Secretary, Dame Sue Owen, and former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Liz Lloyd.
Following a crushing defeat at the European election on 9 June, President Macron called a snap parliamentary election that will take place in two rounds on 30 June and 7 July.
The result is uncertain but is likely to represent a watershed moment for French and European politics, with the far-right set to become the biggest party in the National Assembly.
The election raises big questions for business on matters such as the political and economic stability in France and in the Eurozone, and on France’s influence at the EU level and internationally.
The discussion is chaired by Flint Director Francois-Joseph Schichan, and joined by:
- Anne-Juliette Rohrbach, Flint Partner and Managing Director of Flint France
- David Wright, Flint Specialist Partner and former deputy director general of DG FISMA at the European Commission
- Thomas Barros-Tastets, Flint Partner and COO for Europe
Last week, the UK’s three major parties launched their manifestos, setting out their policy pitch to voters. With the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives both a significant way behind in the polls, Labour’s was closely watched. Firstly, for the indications, it gives of what a Labour Government would do in power, and second, for any signs of unforced errors as the finish line nears.
Our expert panel covers what they mean for the remainder of the campaign, what businesses need to be ready for in the early days of the next government, and what we should expect over the next parliament.
Hosted by Flint Partner, Katie Waring, former Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, and joined by:
- Former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith
- Former Labour minister Siôn Simon
- Former Conservative Special Adviser James Hedgeland
With Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicating she would wait for new fiscal forecasts before a post-election Budget eyes now turn to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Their take on the UK’s economic prospects and what different party’s plans will mean for growth will play a critical role in determining the decisions the next Chancellor can take. As manifestos are finalised - each party’s expectations for the fiscal room for manoeuvre they will have will also impact their overall ambition.
To explore what this likely means, Flint Partner, Jon Sell, a former senior civil servant in the Treasury is joined by Andy King, former member of the OBR’s executive ‘Budget Responsibility Committee’, and Giles Wilkes, former government Special Adviser on economic policy.
Rishi Sunak’s unexpected decision to call an election in July raises many immediate questions for business on matters such as the process from here, the fate of legislation, government decision-making, and engagement with politicians and civil servants. In this episode, our experts shed light on this.
The discussion is chaired by Flint Partner, Kiran Horwich, and joined by Jacqui Smith, former Labour Home Secretary, Dame Sue Owen, former Permanent Secretary for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Nikki da Costa, former No10 Director of Legislative Affairs.
Russian forces are on the offensive again. Putin has made significant changes to his defence and security team and is strengthening Russia’s relationship with China.
In the West, US support has resumed after months of delays, but upcoming US and EU elections mean that long-term support will remain a challenge. Switzerland will host a peace conference next month, although it still seems unlikely that the war will end quickly.
This episode examines these developments, what they mean for Ukraine and the geopolitical environment businesses operate.
Director Francois-Joseph Schichan, former French diplomat, will chair a discussion with:
- Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner, former British Ambassador and former EU Commissioner for security
- Alex White, Partner, former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan
- Katie Whitting, Partner, former Australian diplomat
Welcome to the latest Flint podcast episode. In this call experts assess the fallout from last week’s UK local elections, the last major electoral test before the general election.
Flint Specialist Partners Sion Simon and Nikki Da Costa, join Partners Kiran Horwich and Matthew Hanney to examine the key results from the local and mayoral elections, the implications for the party leaders, and what all of this means for this year’s general election.
A recent decision to water down key climate targets has led to the collapse of the governing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens that was struck in 2021. This leaves the SNP as a minority administration, posing significant challenges over what can be achieved in Parliament. It also raises questions on the future direction of policy, particularly on areas that are already politically challenging for the SNP, such as oil and gas. The travails facing the SNP bolster the Scottish Labour Party’s chances of making significant inroads in Scotland, making a Labour majority government ever more likely.
In this latest episode, Flint experts analyse how the current situation has evolved and what it all means for the business community both North and South of the border.
This podcast is chaired by Flint Partner, Josh Buckland previously a senior adviser in the UK government, and joined by Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to Nicola Sturgeon and Sam White, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer.
As part of our coverage of the EU’s 2024 transition, our latest episode features Flint experts discussing energy priorities and challenges, in the context of the upcoming elections in the EU and the UK.
The European single market withstood an unprecedented energy crisis after Russia invaded Ukraine. While some parts of the Green Deal have been accelerated, it has also faced a strong backlash. Europe’s industry is under pressure due to the worsening security, geopolitical and economic context. Many are wondering what the EU elections in June and the next mandate will mean for the sustainability and energy agenda. The key question will be how to adapt the EU industry to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives in a volatile geopolitical environment while preserving its competitiveness.
In the UK, energy and climate policy remain a key political issue, something that is unlikely to change whatever the electoral outcome. Although the pace of the transition will come under further scrutiny, a potential Labour government would inject further momentum in the agenda, including on the wider sustainability side.
To shed light on the key debates that will define the future policy and regulatory agenda on energy in the EU and the UK, Flint Manager Ivana Bartolac will host a discussion between Flint’s experts:
- Gregor Kreuzhuber, Partner and Managing Director for Europe, formerly a European Commission official
- Josh Buckland, Partner supporting clients on energy, climate and sustainability issues, based in London, formerly an Energy Advisor in the UK Government
- Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner, formerly UK’s EU Commissioner, responsible for EU policy on security, cyber and other important aspects of tech and data.
While the upcoming European Parliament elections will have more of an indirect impact on policymaking in general, the EU environment for the financial services industry will also be shaped by external factors such as competitiveness, macro-economic and fiscal pressures, geopolitical tensions, and the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. In the context of the Letta and Draghi reports, the need to revive the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and to mobilise private funding to deliver on the digital and environmental “twin transitions” is already emerging as a key priority.
To shed light on what this entails for the next Commission’s agenda, Flint Partner and Managing Director Europe Gregor Kreuzhuber hosts a discussion between Flint’s financial services experts:
- David Wright, Flint Senior Adviser, Chair of Eurofi and former Deputy Director General at DG FISMA
- Fiona Wright, Flint Partner
In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for the Conservative and Labour parties and the political and economic impacts on the business community.
Flint Partner Kiran Horwich hosts a discussion between:
- Flint Specialist Partner and former Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic and industrial policy, Giles Wilkes
- Flint Specialist Partner and former senior executive at the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility, Andy King
- Flint Partner and former Political Adviser to Labour’s Shadow Cabinet, James Kilmartin
In this podcast, our experts discuss the prospects ahead in 2024 as the military position of Ukraine worsens and the challenges to European security grow starker.
We examine the situation on the ground, the military and political drivers of the conflict in 2024, how Western support will be affected by the US and EU elections and how the rest of the world is reacting.
In particular, we ask whether the response of governments in Europe is sufficiently urgent, including in financial support and military equipment and spending - and what this means for the business environment.
Partner Katie Whitting heads the discussion with:
- Sir Simon Fraser, Managing Partner, a former Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business and Head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service
- Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner, former British Ambassador and former EU Commissioner for security
- Alex White, Partner, former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan
In the second instalment of Geopolitics for Business, Flint director and former Australian diplomat Katie Whitting chairs a panel of Flint experts to discuss the outcome of the recent BRICS summit. They debate the significance of enlargement of the BRICS, whether China can succeed in turning this group into a counterweight to the G7, and what these changes could mean for business.
Katie is joined by:
- Sir Simon Fraser, Flint managing partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service and
- Hayfa Matar, Flint partner and former Bahraini diplomat
- Francois-Joseph Schichan, Flint director and former French diplomat.
In our first episode, we discuss the outcomes of the NATO summit that was held on 11 and 12 July in Vilnius, Lithuania. Flint Director and former French diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan hosts the discussion between this month’s guests:
- Sir Simon Fraser, Flint Managing Partner and former head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service and;
- Sir Julian King, Specialist Partner and the last British EU Commissioner.
In this episode, our experts review Labour’s Business Conference which was held on the 1st of February.
They examine the key announcements from Labour Leader Keir Starmer and the Shadow Cabinet. Our experts also look at Labour’s policy programme, its strategy for the general election, and what all of this means for a potential future Labour government.
Finally, our specialists discuss why this matters for business and the key points to watch in the weeks and months ahead.
Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion with:
- Simon Fraser, Managing Partner, a former Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business and Head of the UK Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service.
- James Kilmartin, Partner, a former political adviser to Labour’s Shadow Cabinet, who worked on several Labour election campaigns.
- Siôn Simon, Specialist Partner, a former Labour MP, MEP, Metro Mayor candidate and minister in the last Labour government.
The second episode of the EU 2024 series, sheds light on the political and policy dynamics that shape the EU’s political transition. Our experts discuss the main scenarios that can be anticipated for the next European Parliament, Commission and Council – and how these could impact business.
Hosted by Flint Director Anna Abela, the discussion will feature:
- Flint Specialist Partner and former EU Commissioner, Sir Julian King
- Flint Senior Adviser and former Danish Diplomat, Claus Grube
- Flint Senior Adviser and former French member of Parliament, Philip Cordery
In this new podcast mini-series, Flint Global’s experts will shed light on the political dynamics and policy debates that will influence the outcome of the European Parliament elections and shape the EU’s post-2024 agenda.
Hosted by Flint Director Anna Abela, the discussion features:
- Flint Partner and former Chair of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, Chris Fonteijn
- Flint Senior Adviser and former Deputy President of Poland’s Office of Electronic Communications, Lidia Kozlowska
- Flint Senior Adviser and former Secretary of State for Telecommunications in the Spanish Government, Carlos Lopez Blanco
On Wednesday, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement. With the General Election drawing closer, the Chancellor had to strike a balance between restoring the UK’s public finances, investing in growth and delivering a political boost for the Conservatives by responding to calls from his Party for tax cuts.
In this episode our experts discuss the Autumn Statement and its implications in greater depth, what it means for the Conservative and Labour parties, and the political and economic impacts on the business community.
In this briefing call, Flint Partner Kiran Horwich will host a discussion on the economic and political implications of the Autumn Statement between:
- Flint Specialist Partner and former Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic and industrial policy, Giles Wilkes
- Flint’s new Specialist Partner and former senior executive at the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility, Andy King
- Flint Director and former Special Adviser to Chancellor Sajid Javid, James Hedgeland
- Flint Director and former Political Adviser to the Shadow Cabinet, James Kilmartin
This podcast is part of our Flint briefing series on the Israel-Hamas crisis and will offer listeners our analysis of developments in the conflict, the risks of escalation, diplomatic activity and the potential wider international consequences. Our previous call on 'The wider implications of the Hamas attack on Israel' can be found here.
The conflict in Gaza is set to continue, with widespread and enduring implications for the region and international politics. Flint Partner Alex White hosts our expert panel to discuss this further:
- Flint co-founder and former Permanent Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Simon Fraser
- Flint Partner and Middle East lead, former Bahraini diplomat, Hayfa Matar
- Flint’s new US Senior Adviser and former US diplomat, Matthew Lehrfeld
This podcast is part of our Flint briefing series on the Israel-Hamas crisis and will offer listeners our analysis of developments in the conflict, the risks of escalation, diplomatic activity and the potential wider international consequences. Our previous call on 'The wider implications of the Hamas attack on Israel' can be found here.
The conflict in Gaza is set to continue, with widespread and enduring implications for the region and international politics. Flint Partner Alex White hosts our expert panel to discuss this further:
- Flint co-founder and former Permanent Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Simon Fraser
- Flint Partner and Middle East lead, former Bahraini diplomat, Hayfa Matar
- Flint’s new US Senior Adviser and former US diplomat, Matthew Lehrfeld
Hamas‘ attack on Israel on Saturday is a very serious political, geopolitical, and psychological shock. The situation on the ground is still developing. There will be further violence, and the attack will have widespread and enduring implications – for Israel, the wider region and global politics.
In this podcast, Flint Partner Alex White hosts a discussion on the political, economic and security consequences of the conflict between Flint experts:
- Flint co-founder and former Permanent Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Simon Fraser
- Flint Partner and Middle East lead, former Bahraini diplomat, Hayfa Matar
- Flint’s new US Senior Adviser and former US diplomat, Matthew Lehrfeld
In this podcast, we examine the key announcements and speeches from Labour Leader Keir Starmer and the Shadow Cabinet. As well as, Labour’s emerging policy programme, its strategy for the general election, and what all of this means for a potential future Labour government.
Finally, we discuss why this matters for business and what are the key points to watch in the weeks and months ahead.
Partner Kiran Horwich is joined by Flint Specialist Partners:
- Siôn Simon – a former Labour MP, MEP, Metro Mayor candidate and minister in the last Labour government
- Josh Simons – Director of Labour Together and a former Policy Advisor at Labour HQ
- Dame Sue Owen – former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
In this podcast, Partner Kiran Horwich is joined by Flint experts Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (former British EU Commissioner and Ambassador to France), Senior Adviser Bruno Maçães (former Portuguese minister for European affairs) and Partner Alex White (Head of Flint’s Markets and Investors practice) to examine the situation in Russia following the events of the past few days.
Flint Specialist Partner Philip Rycroft (lead official on devolution and constitution issues in the UK government from 2012 to 2019) was joined by 56˚ North Partners Fiona Stanton (former senior Scottish Labour director) and John Penman (former political and business journalist and FTSE-100 communications director during 2014 Scottish referendum) to talk about the appointment of Humza Yousaf as Scotland's new first minister after the SNP leadership contest.
Partner Liam Cullen sits down with former Taoiseach of Ireland to reflect on the Good Friday Agreement 25 years on and the lessons learnt for the Windsor Framework.
Partner Kiran Horwich discusses the latest Budget announced on 15 March by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt with Flint Partner Tim Pitt (former Special Adviser to Chancellors Sajid Javid and Philip Hammond) and Specialist Partner Giles Wilkes (former Business and Economy Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May in No10).
Managing Partner Simon Fraser is joined by Sir Lawrence Freedman (Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London), Flint Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19) and Partner Sam Lowe (expert in UK and EU trade policy) to take stock of where things stand and discuss how the conflict in Ukraine may evolve in its second year.
Flint Partner Josh Buckland is joined by Flint experts Mary Starks former Executive Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK energy regulator Ofgem,Gregor Kreuzhuber,former advisor to two EU Commissioners andFrancois-Joseph Schichan,former diplomat and political adviser to various French Ambassadors to discuss where next for the energy market.
Senior Adviser Thomas Matussek discusses Germany's relationship with Poland in an interview on Times Radio.
The political and constitutional noise in Scotland is dialling up – legal disputes, shifting political polls and fragile, but competing economic plans between Westminster and Holyrood, are all set to trigger yet more uncertainty around one of the biggest political issues facing the UK.
Following the SNP’s annual conference over the weekend, attention this week will turn to the Supreme Court in London, as the Justices consider whether it is lawful for the Scottish Government to hold a second independence referendum. At the same time, the Scottish Government is set to issue fresh proposals on its economic plans for an independent Scotland. All of this comes against the backdrop in recent polls of Conservative weakness and a potential resurgence of Labour in Scotland.
In this episode, our experts examine the latest developments, consider the future of the Union and the response from Westminster, and discuss what this all means for the business community. Flint Specialist Partner Philip Rycroft (lead official on devolution and constitution issues in the UK government 2012 - 2019) chairs a discussion and provides his perspective on the latest developments, alongside 56˚ North Partners Fiona Stanton (former senior Scottish Labour director) and Anthony Thompson (Scottish public affairs specialist and led FTSE-100 handling of 2014 Scottish referendum).
China’s Party Congress – the most significant event in China’s 5-year political cycle – begins in Beijing on 16 October. The headlines are all about the expected third term for President Xi, but beyond decisions on the Party leadership, the Congress will offer a crucial window into Chinese government policy priorities for the five years ahead. In this Flint briefing call, we will consider likely outcomes of the Congress, analyse the political and economic situation, consider where China is heading on the big issues such as zero covid, Taiwan and relations with the West, and reflect on what this will mean for business and investors.
In this episode, Sir Simon Fraser chairs a discussion with our guest speaker, Professor Rana Mitter, a well-known academic and historian of China, along with Flint partner Alex White (former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan and China watcher) and Flint director
The conflict in Ukraine is becoming a war of attrition with no sign of an early settlement. How prepared are we for the consequences of a protracted conflict? The coming months will test Western resolve at home and abroad. Sanctions are starting to bite not just on Russia but on European economies and societies already facing daunting challenges. Many countries in Africa and the Middle East face destabilising food insecurity and even famine. Further afield, other countries see this as a European conflict and do not want to take sides. At the end of June, NATO leaders will meet in Madrid, while the BRICS will hold their own virtual summit. All this adds up to greater volatility and uncertainty in the geopolitical environment in which businesses and investors operate.
In this episode, Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015) discusses with Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Senior Adviser, Ian Wright (former Chief Executive of the Food & Drink Federation), and François-Joseph Schichan (Former French diplomat) the latest developments in Ukraine, what to expect from the high-level summits at the end of June (NATO, G7, EU and BRICS) and the issue of food security and its economic and political implications.
France has chosen its next President. The race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen was tighter than in 2017 in a campaign disrupted by the war in Ukraine and its economic consequences, in which the traditional parties have been annihilated. This polarising election will have implications for France’s domestic policies, the future direction of travel of the EU and France’s position in an uncertain geopolitical context. It will also affect the environment in which businesses operate in Europe.
In this episode Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), chairs a discussion with Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19 and former UK Ambassador to France), Philip Cordery (former French MP), and François-Joseph Schichan (former French diplomat and head of the political section at the French Embassy, London) on the consequences of the French presidential election.
After more than a month, has the Russian invasion reached a turning point? Russian ministers have promised to curtail the assault on Kyiv, but have focused attacks on eastern Ukraine and declined to ease the humanitarian crisis in Mariupol. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine seem to have made some progress, but Western governments remain deeply sceptical about Putin’s intentions.
This episode examines where things stand and how the next phase of the war could play out. The discussion is chaired by Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), with Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Sam Lowe (Flint Director and trade specialist), and François-Joseph Schichan (Former French diplomat and head of the political section at the French Embassy, London).
The discussion focuses in particular on how recent developments affect the possible outcomes of the war and on the implementation and effects of the sanctions regime.
On Wednesday 23 March the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will deliver his Spring Statement. The crisis in Ukraine is combining with existing economic pressures to deliver what looks set to be the biggest hit to living standards in the UK in half a century. The Chancellor is under huge pressure to deliver a package that supports households and businesses – and limits the political fallout for the government.
**In the aftermath of the Statement, our experts analyse the Chancellor’s statement, talk through its political and economic implications, and consider what this all means to the business community.
Flint Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion between Partner Tim Pitt (former Special Adviser to Chancellors Sajid Javid and Philip Hammond) and Specialist Partner Giles Wilkes<**
The Russian attack on Ukraine grinds slowly on, with few military gains but growing humanitarian consequences. As sanctions ramp up, there has been more focus this week on limited negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, while top US and Chinese diplomats met in Rome and an extraordinary NATO summit is planned for next week.
In this Episode, Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), chairs a discussion between Flint Specialist Partner, Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Katie Whitting (Former Australian diplomat, expert on China and national security), and François-Joseph Schichan (Former French diplomat and head of the political section, French Embassy, London).
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, with serious humanitarian and political consequences. Two big themes this week have been the impact on energy supply and prices and the growing refugee crisis. Flint continues to follow military, political, diplomatic and economic events closely.
In this Episode, Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), chairs a discussion between Flint Specialist Partner, Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Giles Wilkes (former economic and Industrial Strategy adviser to Theresa May), and Flint Senior Adviser Thomas Matussek (Former German Ambassador to the UK and UN).
In addition to our review and analysis of latest events, this discussion will focus on the emerging implications for the UK economy and Germany’s extraordinary response to the crisis.
A week into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is now clear that the crisis will have long-lasting implications for businesses in many sectors, in addition to its severe human costs and political consequences.
President Putin seems set to double down on his military action in the face of resistance. In response, Western governments’ positions towards Russia will continue to harden, making it essential now to consider both the short and long-term consequences of sanctions, retaliatory actions and the new division of Europe.
In this Episode, Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), chairs a discussion between Flint Specialist Partner, Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Josh Buckland (former energy adviser to the Business Secretary) and Sam Lowe (Flint Director and Trade specialist).
Events are unfolding rapidly in Ukraine. Beyond its deeply troubling humanitarian, security and political implications, Russia’s invasion will have far-reaching and potentially unpredictable consequences for businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Understanding the implications of a deteriorating security situation, sanctions, and the possible constraints on energy and other commodities will be crucial when navigating the coming week.
In this Episode, Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), chairs a discussion between Flint Specialist Partner, Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19), Gregor Kreuzhuber (Flint’s Managing Director in Brussels) and Sam Lowe (Flint Director and Trade specialist).
We enter 2022 amid great international uncertainty. Covid may be in retreat in the developed world, but not across the globe. High debt and inflation will make delivering on climate promises hard.
Serious political and military tension has flared between Russia and the West over Ukraine. The China/US standoff persists. America is divided and Biden may lose control on the Hill in the US midterms. Growth in China is slowing and control is tightening as Xi seeks his third term.
The EU is in transition, with a new German government and the French Presidential election ahead. The UK government is mired in political problems. Tensions persist between the EU and the UK.
Understanding the trends and risks matters a lot for businesses.
Flint Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion between Flint Partner Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser (Head of the UK Foreign Office 2010-2015), Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19 and former Ambassador to France), and Director Francois-Joseph Schichan (former French diplomat).
Koyin Fuwa, Flint consultant interviews Kiran Horwich, Flint partner; about her journey from Consultant to Partner.
In the aftermath of the final deal at COP26 our experts provide analysis of the deal itself, as well as what it means for the domestic and international agenda on climate change in the months and years ahead.
Flint Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion between Flint Partner Josh Buckland (Former adviser to the Business Secretary on energy and climate issues) and Flint Managing Partner Simon Fraser (Former head of UK Foreign Office and Department of Business).
In the aftermath of the Budget and Spending Review, Flint experts provide their analysis of the Chancellor’s statement, talk through its political and economic implications and what this all means to the business community.
Flint PartnerKiran Horwich chairs the discussion between Partner Tim Pitt(former Special Adviser to Chancellors Sajid Javid and Philip Hammond) and Specialist PartnerGiles Wilkes (former Business and Economy Adviser to the Prime Minister in No10).