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Wondering why our government seems so bereft of ideas and unable to say what it believes in, Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University assesses a list of policies for a future Tory leader suggested by ex-MEP Daniel Hannan. Tim also looks at Keir Starmer's early attempts to hone Labour's platform for the next election. And he explains why China is facing a demographic timebomb which will have massive ramifications for its economy.

Political commentator Mike Indian updates Simon Rose on the contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party, as Liz Truss garners ever more endorsements. He considers Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the most senior American politician to visit in many years. He looks at the cost of living crisis in the light of the MPC's biggest interest rate rise in 27 years. And he pays tribute to Lord Trimble and his vital role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

James Cameron-Wilson gives Simon Rose the lowdown on the latest UK box office, wilting 8% in the heat but already ahead of 2021's total take. With the widest release ever for an animated feature, DC League of Superpets takes £2.6m in the #1 spot. James found it consistently funny for young and old alike. He thought Netflix's true-life spy tale Rogue Agent with Gemma Arterton and James Norton gripping but was less impressed with Amazon Prime's true story Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher.

Laith Khalaf of A J Bell explains why there was muted market reaction to the Bank of England's MPC increasing interest rates to 1.75%, the biggest increase in 27 years. With MPC members voting 8-1 in favour of the increase, Laith thought the Bank's forecast of 13% CPI inflation this winter showed them to be yet again behind the curve. If Liz Truss wins the Conservative Party leadership contest, Laith wondered if the MPC's remit – to keep inflation to 2% – might be under review.

Steve Caplin talks tech with Simon Rose, giving us the top theme park artificial smells, including rotting flesh, penguin vomit and Kylie Minogue's breath. In addition, there are motors made of DNA, how small-wheeled scooters can be made more stable, reusable coffee pods, car wheels able to turn 80 degrees, replacing microplastics with silk and an affordable electric bike.

Following on from last week's episode, Adam questions the inner dialogue that binds people to unconscious habits like smoking. Using the metaphor of a cage, he asks why people who have experienced a sense of freedom outside the cage should allow any addiction to draw them back within it.

Microsoft and Alphabet didn't disappoint with their latest quarterly results. Bill Mann discusses Microsoft having tough comps, with the cloud division shining once again, Alphabet proving its resilience, and Chipotle continuing to raise prices and profits. Meanwhile, Ricky Mulvey talks with Jack Caporal about The Motley Fool's latest research into crypto scams and how you can avoid them. Stocks mentioned: WMT, TGT, AMZN, COST, SHOP, ETH, SOL. Host - Chris Hill; Guests - Bill Mann, Jack Capora

The Federal Reserve could hike short-term interest rates to 4%, and that still might not be enough to cool inflation. Rich Lyons is the first Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer for the University of California, Berkeley. Before that, he spent a decade as the dean of Berkley’s Haas School of Business. He joined Motley Fool Contributor Rachel Warren to discuss how the Federal Reserve could hit a “hard break” with higher interest rates, a venture capital view about the future of crypto, and how universities are creating a generational tailwind for the economy. Host - Rachel Warren; Guest - Rich Lyons

This summer has seen travel demand rebound and for many, it could be their first overseas jaunt since before the pandemic. For that reason, there may be some rusty holidaymakers out there. But fear not, Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost are at hand to help get you in the holiday mood (kind of). They talk about what you need to think about before a trip, from sorting out your passport with plenty of time to why it is imperative to have good quality insurance. It may not be sexy, but it is vital. Then, while you're away, what to think about in terms of spending money and little tips and tricks to save cash. We also ask if the days of cheap flights are over thanks to fuel price rises, whether chickenpox just before you go away means an automatic refund and more pearls of wisdom from decades of travel experience. Elsewhere, there are dire pension warnings linked to inflation. A new study believes that fewer than two in five households will be on course for a decent retirement due to the soaring cost of living. What can be done about it? And a large factor of that soaring cost of living is energy bills. Next month, we'll fully know just how high the price cap will head. Many are facing bill rises that they simply cannot afford. One part of the cost that is a real bugbear for many are standing charges. What are they and why can they not simply be cut?

The dilemma between whether to engage or detach has challenged humanity for millennia. In all walks of life, from international tensions to faith, and from living in a civilized society to personal relationships, it challenges us — whether to work hard at finding solutions, or to stand aloof. As we've seen in Ukraine, with international relationships detachment leads ultimately to conflict. It's an outcome which our ancestors have had to suffer throughout history but, since the mass deployment of nuclear weapons, it is now an existential threat every bit on a par with the other great issue of our time: climate change. In both respects, engagement is now not only the preferred way forward — it's the only way which makes it possible to see a long-term future. Background music: 'Resolution' by Wayne Jones