Politics Live is a weekday BBC political talk show and current affairs programme that airs during parliamentary sessions and key political events, offering in-depth discussion of the latest UK political news. It features a panel of politicians, journalists, analysts, and commentators who debate the day’s biggest stories, breaking down policy developments, government decisions, and public reaction. On Wednesdays, the programme extends to include live coverage of Prime Minister’s Questions, making it a cornerstone of the BBC’s political coverage.
Politics Live is presented by seasoned BBC journalist Vicki Young, who took over the role in mid-2025 after long-time presenter Jo Coburn stepped down. Young, best known as the BBC’s Deputy Political Editor before her appointment, brings extensive experience covering UK politics, including multiple general elections, international summits, and major domestic stories from Westminster.
The show is broadcast from the heart of Westminster and BBC’s Millbank studios and aims to connect national political debate with people’s everyday lives by widening the discussion beyond parliamentary chambers and incorporating diverse viewpoints. Its roundtable format encourages robust, often lively exchanges between panellists with differing perspectives, reflecting the wide range of opinions in public life. The programme also highlights regional voices, occasional live audience questions, and special segments during party conference seasons.
Each episode runs for around 45 minutes, airing Monday to Thursday at lunchtime with a longer Wednesday edition that begins earlier to capture the live Prime Minister’s Questions session in the House of Commons. The format is designed to be accessible and engaging, with a pace that balances serious political scrutiny with clear explanations of often complex issues. Special editions are sometimes broadcast during major political moments, such as elections, pivotal votes, or leadership contests.
