Who can fix the cost of living crisis?
18 February 2026

Who can fix the cost of living crisis?

Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

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Peter Cardwell sits in for Ian Collins, asking the question on everyone’s mind: which party can actually get the cost of living under control?


As Keir Starmer insists easing household pressure is his top priority, William Yarwood from the Taxpayers’ Alliance and Reform UK’s economic message are put under the microscope following Robert Jenrick’s pledge to “restore stability” to Britain’s finances.


We then turn to the real-world impact on employers and workers, with Tina McKenzie from the Federation of Small Businesses and business owner Debi Heath French reacting to Labour’s new workers’ rights reforms - with critics warning they risk driving up costs, cutting jobs and hammering small firms just as youth unemployment surges.


And finally, former Defence Select Committee chair Tobias Ellwood joins us as Britain faces fresh controversy over the Chagos Islands, raising wider questions about sovereignty, security and government priorities.

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