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Andrew Neil Show: BBC launches new politics programme as Brexit date looms

‘I’m delighted to be fronting a weekly show in prime time on BBC Two that will be on top of the story, whatever direction it takes’

Thursday 29 August 2019 15:00 BST

Boris Johnson gets grilled on Gatt 24 by Andrew Neil

Andrew Neil will front a new political programme on BBC Two throughout autumn as the UK prepares to leave the EU on October 31.

The Andrew Neil Show, which is due to be launched on BBC Two next week, will round up key political events as the Brexit deadline approaches.

The veteran broadcaster is a fixture of the BBC’s Westminster coverage but stepped down from his long-running show This Week earlier this year.

The new 30-minute programme is set to air at 7pm every Wednesday, a spokesperson for the BBC said.

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Pro-Brexit leave the European Union supporters attend a rally in Parliament Square after the final leg of the "March to Leave" in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

The protest march which started on March 16 in Sunderland, north east England, finished on what was the original date for Brexit to happen before the recent extension

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter sips a can of Stella in protests outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Dedicated anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray and likewise pro-Brexit campaigner Joseph Afrane go head to head near the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A pro-Brexit marching band in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Remain supporters wave EU flags from a bus in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter shouts slogans outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter protests outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter protests outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters protest outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A pro-Brexit flag is waved in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

The March to Leave nears the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit protester holds a sign outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters carry the coffin of democracy

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters march outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters take part in the March to Leave protest in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters protest outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter holds a sign outside the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A man holds satirical paintings of politicians

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

An pro-Brexit float on the March to Leave march in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson addresses protesters outside the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament

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A Tommy Robinson supporter arrives at the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A jogger gestures rudely at a Brexit supporter outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament

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Neil said: “The autumn of 2019 is destined to be one of the most intriguing and significant in British politics for at least a generation.

“I’m delighted to be fronting a weekly show in prime time on BBC Two that will be on top of the story, whatever direction it takes.”

Fran Unsworth, director of BBC News, said: “Andrew’s one of the best political journalists in the UK, and we’re thrilled he’ll be on our screens for a prime-time BBC Two series.

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“Andrew’s special programme with the Conservative leadership candidates was hailed as a masterclass of political interviewing.

“As Britain moves towards the Brexit deadline, this show will be a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand what’s going on.”

Neil will continue to present Politics Live on BBC Two every Thursday lunchtime, the broadcaster said.

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