It's time to talk politics. The House of Lords has begun debating the Article 50 bill - legislation that, if passed, would empower Theresa May to trigger the UK's departure from the EU. Meanwhile, the Government has locked horns with its backbenchers over growing fears they may revolt on a re-evaluation of business rates. Adjustment occurs every 5 years or so to reflect changes in the property market, but, with the prospect of rate rises in Tory heartlands, not all Conservative MPs are onboard. Senior ministers have penned a letter to stave off the rebels-in-waiting, insisting bills will not rise for most firms. Will the Lords block Brexit? Is the Government about to blow small business out of the water? Simon was joined in the studio by Jerry Hayes, former Conservative MP and now barrister and political commentator, Bob Neil MP, former Communities and Local Government Minister, and Dr Nicholas Wright, Teaching Fellow in EU Politics at University College London.

Published: Mon 20 February 2017