The Dan Wootton Show

A Christmas treat for you! A feature length podcast of the highlights of the year from The Dan Wootton Show on talkRADIO, including interviews with Simon Cowell, Laurence Fox, Carol McGiffin, Lord Alan Sugar and many more! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a very dramatic 2020 Dan brings back some of his favourite guests to talk through their highlights and lowlights of the year including columnist Rob Rinder, author of The Madness of Crowds Douglas Murray, editor of Spiked Online Brendan O'Neill, late editor at the i newspaper Benjamin Butterworth, our political panellists Patrick Christys and Dawn Foster, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan brings some of the best guests on from the past year to including The Sun's Trevor Kavangh, Carol McGiffin, Reclaim Party Leader Laurence Fox, former Minister Ann Widdecomber and there's debate on the government's tier 4 decision from commentator's Mike Buckley and Dominique Samuels. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As more areas in the country are put into tier 3 Dan reflects on the continuing Covid restrictions, MPs Chris Green and James Murray respond to the news. Writer's Mike Buckley and James Melville debate the merits of lockdown while Women and Equalities Minister Liz Truss talks about why our approach to equality needs to change and talkRADIO presenter drops by to discuss why UNICEF are feeding children in Britain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Prime Minister says that the easing of restrictions over Christmas won't change, Dan says he must keep to his word. Prof Karol Sikora gives comment and Dame Esther Rantzen tells us why we should delay Christmas until summer. Political panellists James Mills and Emily Carver react to Prime Minister's imploring the nation to follow the guidance and legendary royal photographer Arthur Edwards tells Dan what it was like getting his Covid-19 vaccination. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As Health Secretary Matt Hancock places London in tier 3 of Covid restrictions Dan get reaction from Conservative candidate for London Mayor Shaun Bailey and Founder of JD Wetherspoons Wetherspoons, Tim Martin. Commentator Dominique Samuels and former Labour adviser James Meadway give their thoughts on a no deal Brexit and Pop legend Rick Astley talks to Dan about the struggle people have gone through during lockdown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan speaks out on why we should be avoiding a third lockdown at all cost. Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, Nahhim Zahawi grants an exclusive interview to talk about the very first COVID vaccines in the world, administered today. Political panellists Dawn Foster and Patrick Christys discuss the 11th hour Brexit talks and director of Reasoned UK Darren Grimes tells us why we'll be fine without a deal. Showbiz correspondent and Boy George stop by to tell us about the challenges of putting on a gig during COVID restrictions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 11th hour Brexit talks continue, Dan says we just need to get it done! Best for Britain chief executive Naomi Smith and Unlocked Chairman Ben Habib debate what deal would be best for us. Conservative MP Ben Bradley tells us why Millwall fans booed players who took the knee at the weekend, there's wider conversation about the BLM movement from commentators Femi Oluwole and Dominique Samuels and Guido Fawkes writer Tom Harwood dissects the EU's behaviour toward us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do the decision makers understand what it's like for regular people going through lockdowns? Dan wants to know! There's a lockdown debate from late editor at the i Newspaper Benjamin Butterworth and former MEP Lance Forman and author and Spectator columnist Douglas Murray asks if we should be asking for repartitions from China. Political panellists Calvin Robinson and Miatta Fahnbulleh get to grips with the optimism over the vaccine and Mike Graham is exasperated over more statues being covered up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's news of a vaccine, approved for UK rollout but does that mean we'll be in the tier system until April? Author and Spectator columnist Lionel Shriver tells us why we need some vaccine realism, former Labour adviser James Mills and commentator Emily Carver provide a lively political panel, Phil Ashe from West Conwy Pubwatch shoots a warning to Mark Darkeford and fellow talkRADIO presenter Mark Dolan lets us know why the vaccine is not all we need to get the country back on track. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As MPs get ready to vote on new tier restrictions Dan urges them to rebel and vote against them. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage recounts the harrowing story of rescuing two migrants crossing from France, Jacobin journalist Dawn Foster and commentator Patrick Christys pull apart the day's events and director of Reasoned UK, Darren Grimes tells us why a caller to the show yesterday moved him to tears. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the MP vote on new tier restrictions looms Dan wonders if more should speak out and be on the right side of history. Former MP Ann Widdecombe and co-founder of Recovery; an anti lockdown campaign group Jon Dobinson speak out on why these measures are not just. Political panellists Dominique Samuels and Benjamin Butterworth respond to the big stories of the day, caller Irene reminds us of the terrible cost of lockdown and Guido Fawkes writer Tom Harwood discusses just how far we've come this year See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As it's announced that most of the country will end up in higher tier restrictions when the second lockdown ends Dan wants to know if you think this is too much. Former leader of the Conservatives Sir Iain Duncan Smith weighs in on how the new tiers will affect people and talkRADIO presenter Mike Graham stops by to discuss accusations of cultural appropriation against McDonald's, meanwhile our political panel Mike Buckley & Calvin Robinson dissect the Prime Minister's formal announcement of the new restrictions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan is asking whether the new tier system is the right way forward, The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Kemi Badenoch responds to Rishi Sunak's winter spending review, there's intense debate from former Labour adviser James Mills and commentator Emily Carver and fellow talkRADIO presenter Mark Dolan gives his thoughts on an impending economic apocalypse. There's reflection on the passing of legendary footballer Maradona from ex England player Alvin Martin and Marcela Mora Y Araujo a football writer in Argentina. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the end of lockdown 2 approaching Dan wants to know what will follow. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Visiting Professor of Public Health at the University of Bristol and member of Independent SAGE Dr Gabriel Scally talk us through suggestions. Calvin Robinson and Mike Buckley provide a lively political panel, former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter gives us an insider view on new allegations about the famous Bashir interview with Diana and fellow talkRADIO presenter Mike Graham responds to new revelations about Meghan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan wants to know if you're planning to defy any covid restrictions and see your family at Christmas, MP Sir Desmond Swayne tells us why we shouldn't be taking the government's measures lying down and Justice Minister Alex Chalk unveils new help for domestic abuse victims while there's firey discussion from former Labour adviser James Mills and commentator Emily Carver. Strictly contestant Max George stops in too, to chat about filming the show under socially distanced conditions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan wonders if post lockdown the 'strengthened tiers' are just another way of locking us down. Leader of the Reclaim Party Laurence Fox tells us why mandatory vaccines would be a bad thing. There's big debate on the political panel from Patrick Christys and Dawn Foster and director of Reasoned UK, Darren Grimes tells us why the BBC have taken another step to an overly woke agenda and Lizzie Cundy speaks about her friend Eamonn Holmes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As it's revealed that the Prime Minister is self-isolating despite already having had Covid-19 Dan asks if the required period should be reduced from 14 to 7 days.The question is debated by Telegraph Columnist Madeline Grant and late editor at the i Newspaper Benjamin Butterworth while Spectator editor Fraser Nelson and Guido Fawkes writer Tom Harwood give their thoughts on Dominic Cummings leaving No 10. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross discusses the prospect of Indy Ref 2 and Daily Star columnist Dawn Neesom dissects the new season of The Crown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan is worried we are going through a mental health pandemic with continued lockdown restrictions, psychologist Emma Kenny expresses her concern too. The political panel has commentator Clavin Robinson and the New Economic Foundation's Miatta Fahnbulleh dissecting the day's big news while talkRADIO's own Mike Graham doles out his thoughts on Extinction Rebellion and Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas reacts to explosive news about the show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the thick of a second lockdown Dan asks if you have fallen out with friends and family over Covid restrictions, it's seated by late editor at the i Newspaper Benjamin Butterworth and Spiked Online writer Paddy Hannam. The big political stories of the day are discussed by Labour adviser James Mills and commentator Emily Carver. Samantha Markle responds to her sister's Remembrance Sunday display and Mark Dolan weighs in on the UK's obesity crisis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the Welsh government announce that next year's GCSE's and A-Levels will be cancelled Dan looks at the cost to children that the pandemic is having. Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams and UsForThem campaigner Molly Kingsley discuss the impact while Director of Reasoned UK Darren Grimes talks about the future of public broadcasting. There's firey debate too from the political panel with Dawn Foster and Patrick Christys See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As Pfizer announces success in its Covid vaccine trials Dan questions whether this will be a silver bullet that allows society to get back to normal. Former cabinet minister David Mellor thinks Boris may have taken us into a second lockdown based on a dodgy dossier, legendary Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera gives his take on Donald Trump post election and Daily Star columnist Dawn Neesom responds to Harry and Meghan's Remembrance Sunday display. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the second lockdown begins Dan is asking if you still trust the government's rationale for imposing it. Chair of the 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady expresses concern over the measures while former security adviser to President Trump responds to the ongoing results of the US election and talkRADIO's own Mike Graham gives us his take on the week's big stories. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The day after the night before. As the US presidential election results come through Dan gets reactions from former Trump campaign Deputy Leader Rick Gates and Biden campaign spokesperson Jenna Arnold, Adviser to President Donald Trump Dr Sebastian Gorka and Spectator writer Douglas Murray. Home Secretary Priti Patel gives an exclusive interview after MPs voted on the a second lockdown and the UK raised its terror threat alert. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After Nigel Farage announces that the Brexit Party is transforming into the Reform Party, Dan questions why the mainstream media hasn't been covering it more. Businessman & Chairman of the Brexit / Reform Party Richard Tice speaks out about the media silence and there's debate on the party's relevance from former MEP Ben Habib and journalist Mike Buckley. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan reads a statement in response to the ruling in the high court battle between The Sun and Johnny Depp. Co-author of The Great Barrington Declaration Prof Sunetra Gupta responds to the news of a second nationwide lockdown and former MEP Dr David Bull talks about why the Brexit Party has transformed into the Reform Party. The political panel with Benjamin Butterworth & Dominique Samuels discuss the merits of the new lockdown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan thinks we should be looking at Sweden's approach to Covid, what do you think? Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick responds to the report into Labour's antisemitism while author Douglas Murray and former Deputy Leader of the Trump campaign Rick Gates give updates on the US election. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After Victoria Derbyshire is forced to apologise for comments suggesting she make break the rule of six on Christmas day Dan responds and whether we should or not is debated by editor of Spiked online Brendan O'Neill and journalist Mike Buckley. Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Donnachadh McCarthy explains why the organisation delivered a letter to Sir David Attenborough and Director of Reasoned UK Darren Grimes speaks his mind on inequality in the UK. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan questions whether the Scottish and Welsh governments are using lockdowns to play politics, Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart responds and Dean from Swansea calls in with a shocking story under the new restrictions. SNP MP Angus MacNeil and Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Exeter Medical School Dr Bharart Pankhania investigate claims made by Nicola Sturgeon and Guido Fawkes writer Tom Harwood gives his thoughts on Joe Biden and Marcus Rashford. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Conservative candidate for the Mayor of London Shaun Bailey tells us what Rishi Sunak's revised economic plan will mean for London, late editor at the i Benjamin Butterworth and conservative commentator Dominique Samuels debate whether the police were right to fine a group of students who threw a party and former Trump campaign manager Rick Gates gives his thoughts ahead of the next presidential debate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a firey exchange with Labour MP Chris Bryant Dan says we should be able to debate the true cost of lockdowns, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration Prof Jay Bhattacharya backs up his claims while Dan Hodges and Caprice talk about the new "Caprice Factor" and there's comment on the Prime Minister's press briefing on Manchester from Darre Grimes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford announces a new firebreak lockdown in the country Dan tells us why Wales is doomed. Dr Matt Strauss of Queen's University Ontario gives us a medic's take on why we shouldn't have another lockdown, things get heated with Welsh Labour MP Chris Bryant and Guido Fawkes writer Tom Harwood gives us his thoughts on the Brexit negotiations. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Talks are continuing between the government and local leaders over the expansion of the strictest coronavirus restrictions to more parts of England. Allen Brett, councillor for Rochdale reacts to the news. And we ask ‘should the Queen wear a facemask’? Dan thinks no, Benjamin Butterworth, Late Editor at the I Newspaper thinks yes: a heated debate follows. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As Keir Starmer has piled more pressure on Boris Johnson over his refusal to implement a national “circuit breaker” lockdown in England, Jay Bhattacharya, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration tells us why he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Plus the political panel gets heated with James Mills, Former Advisor to Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Carver, Conservative Commentator. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As it’s revealed unemployment rate is at the highest in three years, Mims Davies, Minister for Employment at the Department for Work and Pensions, joins us to unpick why. Plus Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP and Jonathan Gullis, Conservative MP react to Keir Starmer’s announcement that he wants a lockdown of 2-3 weeks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As it’s revealed there will be a new three-level Coronavirus alert system for England, Dan reflects on whether or not local lockdowns are effective. Dr David Nabarro, Special envoy on Covid-19 to the World Health Organisation and Gary Forrest, Chairman of The High Street Group which has 20 bars, restaurants and hotels in north east England give us their opinion on what lockdown means for England. Sir Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West (Greater Manchester) and Chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative Backbench MPs and Trevor Kavanaugh, Political Columnist at The Sun then join us for further comment. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan wants Boris to be honest and admit that the 10pm of pubs and bars was a mistake. There's strong and informed comment on why this and many other decisions the government are making may take us down a dark path from Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne and former Supreme Court Justice Lord Sumption. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As it's revealed 1 in 5 Brits would not accept a first generation vaccine for Covid-19 Dan reflects on the incredible events of the year so far. Claus Moldrop former Professor of modern medicine at the University of Copenhagen and Dr Michael Head Senior research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton give us latest updates on the vaccine and why people may be reluctant to take it. Conservative MP for Wycombe Steve Baker tells us why he is fighting against the government restrictions and Sun columnist Deborah James asks for some perspective when speaking of cancer deaths in the time of Covid. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After the Prime Minister addressed the nation to tighten Coronavirus measures Dan expresses concern about just where they may take us. There's comment on the new measures from Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham Harriet Harman and former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and political research manager at YouGov Chris Curtis reports back on a poll that says most Brits are happy to follow the new rules. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Prime Minister has announced new restrictions to help curb a second wave of Covid, there's response to these new measures from Simon Clarke MP, Sunday Telegraph columnist Madeline Grant and Nightclub owner & founder of G-A-Y Jeremy Joseph. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chief medical and scientific officers Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance have warned the country of what could happen if Covid cases continue to rise but are they just scaring us into complying with their guidelines? There's response from political columnist at The Sun Trevor Kavanagh and Professor David Paton Chair of Industrial Economics, Nottingham University Business School, signatory on a new letter calling for the government to handle the pandemic differently. We also hear from Founder and Chairman of Wetherspoons Tim Martin who responds to the scoop that pubs may be forced to close at 10pm. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As rumours of Prof Chris Whitty lobbying for a second national lockdown surface Dan makes a plea for this not to happen. Chairman of Excluded UK Ben Habib gives further thought on avoiding a lockdown whilst Labour Leader of Gateshead Council Martin Gannon responds to the new restrictions put in place in the North East and General Secretary of The Free Speech Union Toby tells us why he was wrong to back Boris. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Prime Minister Boris Johnson are coming under increasing scrutiny for the state of the UK's Covid testing scheme, Dan asks whether tests should be rationed. Visiting Professor of Public Health at the University of Bristol and member of Independent SAGE Dr Gabriel Scally and Assistant Editor of Conservatie Home Henry Hill give differing takes on the situation and whether it may lead to a second lockdown and assistant editor at The Spectator Rod Liddle tells us why the BBC is guilty of Ageism. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The BBC has announced how much they're paying their talent, Dan's not happy. Grayson Perry claims that right wingers are more friendly than left wingers, it''s debated by late editor at the i Benjamin Butterworth and writer at Guido Fawkes Tom Harwood. Shadow Health Minister Justin Madders gives his response to Matt Hancock's statement on Covid testing and there's deep reflection on the rule of six from Executive Editor at Breitbart UK James Delingpole and best selling author Lionel Shriver. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The government's rule of six has come into effect to much criticism and Policing Minister urging people to snitch on their neighbours. Dan voices his disgust and hears a critique on the law from participant of SAGE and member of Independent SAGE Susan Michie. The rule is debated by journalist Mike Buckley and commentator Benedict Spence and the last word is given to the political columnist for The Sun Trevor Kavanagh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan thinks the government has gone too far by blaming the young for the rise in Covid cases and introducing the 'rule of 6' guidance, the announcement is debated by Professor of Virology at Leeds University Dr Mark Harris and Assistant Editor of Conservative Home Henry Hill and the row over the Oscars introducing diversity standards to their Best Picture category is debated by showbiz reporter Ashley Pearson and American journalist Ernest Owens. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Prime Minister today announced new measures restricting public gatherings in an effort to drive down Coronavirus cases. There's big reactions to the news from CEO of UK Hospitality Kate Nicholls and Dr Gabriel Scally - Visiting Professor of Public Health at the University of Bristol and member of Independent SAGE. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage gives his thoughts on the matter and the government's Brexit progress and there's final comment provided by Daily Star Columnist Dawn Neesom and Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs Christopher Snowden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After the Health Secretary Matt Hancock seemed to point the blame for an uptick in Covid-19 at young people Dan tells us why that isn't fair. Spiked online editor Brendan O'Neill gives his thoughts on the story, caller Simon from Lincoln tells us his plan for how to eradicate the virus and we hear different takes on the how we should be responding to new new cases from General Secretary of the Free Speech Union Toby Young and Visiting Professor of Public Health at Bristol University and member of Independent SAGE Dr Gabriel Scally. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Following on from Extinction Rebellion's blockade at three printing presses Dan challenges their decision to do so and speaks to activist Liam Norton. As a no deal Brexit looms ahead of the final round of talks we hear cases for and against a no deal from Calire Coutinho, Conservative MP for East Surrey and former Chair of the Intelligence & Security Committee Dominic Grieve QC. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A bumper edition of the show today sees Dan ask whether we should be forced to go back to the office. Burger King CEO Alasdair Murdoch and former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable give different takes on a topic that's splitting the nation while Baroness Dido Harding tells us about the government's new plans to prepare for a second wave of Covid-19. There's wide ranging comment from broadcaster Jeremy Vine ahead of the release of his new book and Loose Woman Carol McGiffin gives her thoughts on why we should be getting back into society. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Breaking news as the BBC announce that Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory will be sung at this year's Proms, Dan chats to Laurence Fox to tell him how pleased he is and Daily Star columnist Dawn Neesom is frank on her feelings regarding Matt Hancock's failings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.