The New European Podcast

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the pod is giving Nigel Farage too much airtime, why nobody is talking about the fundamental realities of the UK economy and the government's twin responses to Prince Andrew and the grooming gangs scandal. Plus they talk about whether Piers Morgan is right that woke is dead, and who the biggest charlatan they've ever met is.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts rail against the weaponisation of the law against people who are merely grossly offensive. Where is the line? Who decides what is illegal and what is not? And have we all drifted into a society that can't shrug off an insult? Also - Michael Wolff takes on Melania Trump; the best horror movies for Halloween; and the Boss is back in a new Springsteen documentary… is it any good? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts see a parallel between two outrages; the disgusting conduct of Prince Andrew; a man shielded from consequences of his depravity by power and wealth - and the national grooming gang scandals; men shielded from consequences of their depravity by a failure of the liberal establishment to confront reality. Both cases touch on what we perceive British values to mean and how, in both cases, it seems we are still ill-equipped to right their wrongs. Be aware; it's a tough listen in parts.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In one of the best Q&A's the Matts have recorded, a question about media coverage of the Middle East ceasefire provokes a heated argument - as each Matt fights his corner with the kind of honesty and conviction you may not always get on other political podcasts! As the dust settles, they answer more questions of Nigel Farage, A-level English … and their most embarrassing moment. It's a rambunctious episode so hold on to your hats… Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by political editor James Ball whose cover story this week is an exhaustive investigation into the full extent of Paul Marshall's bid to influence British society. The man who owns GBNews and The Spectator is also finding a broad array of influential think tanks, policy units and conferences - making him the most influential non-politician in British politics. And it's working - James and the Matts discuss the inexorable rise of Nigel Farage … one of Marshall's employees. Is he now unstoppable? It's an episode you need to hear to believe. Enjoy.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts marvel at the extraordinary day that has just passed - first in the Knesset in Jerusalem, then in Sharm Al-Sheik in Egypt - as Donald Trump's whirlwind victory parade signals the start of what we should all pray is a lasting peace. How do we square the undoubted leap out of the catastrophe of war in Gaza with the president's ghastly autocratic brutality at home? Should we even care how we got here … and just be grateful that we have? And what comes now in a Gaza pummelled to oblivion?OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the Gaza peace deal shows that Donald Trump, despite all his manifest failings, is actually the right man at the right time, if you now need a brown paper bag for your New World cover and who Conservative MPs could coalesce around to prevent the next leadership election reaching their members.Plus they talk Britain's trade deal with India, whether the Princess of Wales is right to say screens are ruining family life and if they'd rather be Faithfuls or Traitors. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts begin with peace in the Middle East. Is it time to give Trump the Nobel? Then they turn to the outrage over a man being arrested in London for holding up his copy of The New World. Then after the break, a fascinating and troubling conversation with Joe Woof, author of this week's New World cover story laying bare why addiction rates are soaring across the western world. You might not think you're an addict before you listen to this pod, but by the time you've finished you'll have changed your mind. But fear not - knowledge is power, as the Matts discover. And knowing how they are exploiting us all is the first step in our escape route from the grip of the Addiction Economy. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain has a problem. The presence within what we call our multi-cultural society of abhorrent groups with views that threaten not only our values, but our citizens. Islamists, anti-semites, fascists. What is stopping the government from isolating them and dealing with them? The Matts do what they do best - engage each other in a testing dialogue on a difficult and complicated topic. They also take stock of the last two years since the Oct 7 massacre and the subsequent catastrophe in Gaza. Is hope on the horizon? Finally, Robert Jenrick is a dangerous racist at the heart of what used to be a powerful political party. On that, at least, they are in absolute agreement. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss what the case is for Keir Starmer leading Labour into the next general election, whether we should be preparing for authoritarianism in the UK and if the sight of a Metropolitan police officer makes them feel safe or not. Plus they talk about the dark side of David Bowie, Alastair Campbell's dismissal of Curtis Yarvin and what gives them inspiration in dark times.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts digest the disgusting tale of greed and corruption surrounding the Medpro scandal. Matt K reveals what happened when (soon to be ex) Baroness Mone of Mayfair threatened to sue him and Matt D hopes this is just stage one of a justice process that ends in criminal charges. Also - remember the Climate Crisis? It used to be quite big on the agenda but now populism is the name of the game it has slipped out of mind. What is the consequence when politicians decide to appease voters rather than serve their long term interests? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New World political editor James Ball joins the podcast live from Labour Party conference in the great city of Liverpool with his verdict on Keir Starmer's make or break speech. He had his moments, but did Starmer do enough to turn around horrific personal and party polling and set up a genuine challenge to rising tide of Reform? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matt d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries.They discuss whether Andy Burnham has unrealistic standards for politics and whether he is the right person to run the country. Plus, is it alarming or alarmist to fear about Tommy Robinson's potential path to power? The Matts talk about what the real point of the UN is, if there is a case for ID cards and, following the New World's political editor James Ball's brilliant interview with Ed Davey, what they took away from the Lib Dem conference.Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email now at the2matts@thenewworld.co.uk.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts consider an alternative view on what is going on the President's head. Based on an anecdote from Michael Wolff, could the answer to the chaos be much simpler than we thought? Also - as Keir Starmer prepares for his big conference week in Liverpool, is his leadership now in its sunset phase? Will Andy Burnham challenge him? And could Burnham see off Farage? It's complicated. Enjoy.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by author and expert in extremism Cynthia Miller-Idriss to try and understand how so many young men are turning to hard-core misogyny and violence. Cynthia's new book - Man Up - is an extraordinary insight into a world that has surged since the advent of social media and shows no signs of receding. If you want to understand how and why this behaviour is materialising - and how to defeat it - then you're in the right place. Enjoy.Buy Man Up by Cynthia Miller-Idriss here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/man-up/cynthia-miller-idriss//9780691257549 OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss what it means to be British today, whether it's time for patriots to be more explicit about their patriotism and why Donald Trump is so fixated on TV. Plus they talk about what Andy Burnham should do about the Labour leadership, what Nigel Farage actually believes in, if it's time to retire left/right labels and what their favourite Robert Redford films are.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts take a deep breath and work their way through a tumultuous few days … starting with the visit of Donald Trump - is the UK becoming a vassal state? - through the unfolding aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and finally to reflections on the Tommy Robinson March in London. In the circumstances, is there a path back to a united Britain? Surprisingly - the Matts are optimistic… but above all else they are clearheaded about the challenges - and about the need to to call things for what they truly are. Be warned - this is an equivocation free zone. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by author and journalist Jonathan Freedland to discuss his remarkable new book, The Traitor's Circle. It's a forensically-researched historical story of resistance against the Nazis from inside Germany. Written in the style of a classic whodunnit, Freedland has created a thriller that not only sheds new light on the actions of at least some Germans during the war - but also sounds a warning about the state of the world today and the indications that fascism is once more gaining ground. It's a brilliant, engrossing conversation about a brilliant, engrossing book. Enjoy!Buy The Traitor's Circle: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-traitors-circle/jonathan-freedland/9781399813679OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two Matts again respond to your queries. The pair discuss whether they support Palestine Action, declining fertility and if there's a way back for Keir Starmer.Plus they talk about Nigel Farage's pension, whether the Greens are a serious political party and if things are better or worse than during the Cold War.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two inevitable topics dominate the Matts discussion today - first up, the murder of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. It's a simply atrocious event but the reaction from many has been shameful. The Matts explain why Kirk was unusual in the MAGA organisation … and why his assassination matters so much. In the second half, the downfall of Peter Mandelson. The Matts ask why Starmer didn't act sooner, contrasting his sacking with that of Angela Rayner, and focus on the gravity of the offence. Ultimately, is this the point at which Keir Starmer loses his grip on power? Possibly.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts get to grips with the turmoil of the last few days and use their meticulous political calculus to work out whether Keir Starmer is weaker or stronger than he was a week ago. Spoiler alert: they haven't got a clue. But they certainly enjoy themselves finding that out. One thing they know - the absurd Palestine Action ban must be rescinded unless Starmer wants the spectacle of police arresting people from within the audience of his own conference in Liverpool. In the second half they deal with Tommy Robinson, whose march in London this week should, they agree, be taken seriously. Robinson is not as stupid as he looks and he plays an active role in furthering the poisonous nationalistic movement headed by Reform. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss why Nigel Farage didn't go back to school with the rest of the class this week, whether government ministers should be held to a higher standard than ordinary citizens and why the debate in the UK is always hyped up to the max.Plus they talk about the government's procrastination on the infected blood inquiry, AI, whether we thank people too much and if Donald Trump is dead. OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday the Matts were staunch in their defence of Angela Rayner. Then she came out and admitted she had paid too little tax on her new flat. The Matts work through the various scenarios available to her and conclude she should resign - but not for the obvious reason. Also - Nigel Farage was in Washington DC this week blowing hard about freedom of speech in the UK… at the same time as his Reform party HQ were busy banning The New World from their conference tomorrow. Hypocrite? You bet. And the Matts get into a deep, thoughtful discussion about Graham Linehan's arrest. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's Deputy PM Angela Rayner has been the brunt of a propaganda campaign waged relentlessly by the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph. What is it about her authentic working class credentials that these two newspapers find so threatening? The Matts have some thoughts. But first, will Keir Starmer's government reshuffle change the trajectory his premiership seems stuck on - one of economic failure and a bizarre shadowing of Reform's immigration agenda. The Matts spend the first half of the pod analysing the new entrants and what their arrival at Number 10 signals. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss why Tony Blair is getting involved in Donald Trump's meetings on Gaza, whether it was a mistake for the US president to give Vladimir Putin the impression that the West is ready to welcome him back, and the case of Labour councillor Ricky Jones. Plus they talk about why Britain loves nostalgia so much, what single law or act they would pass given the opportunity, and if The Thursday Murder Club is as irritating as it looks.Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email us now at the2matts@thenewworld.co.ukOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are shaken by the story of a 16-year-old who took his own life after pouring his heart out to ChatGPT which, his parents claim, encouraged him to act. It's a desperate case and raises profound questions about the technology and how it will change society. The conversation focuses on the need for governments to regulate AI (despite their debilitating sloth in dealing with new tech) and the inevitable effects of AI on our job markets, education and economy. Please be aware this particular discussion includes details involving suicide and is not recommended to be listened to in the company of children.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pod is back after its summer break! The Matts analyse Reform's anti-immigrant policies and ask themselves how might Labour counter them? Which leads them into a discussion about what is, and what isn't racist, and how helpful is it for centrists to sneer at every St George's flag they come across. But first, Matt K returns from the States where a few days in Seattle gave him fresh perspective on how Trump's populism cuts through and how the US is in a very different place to the UK right now … enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are taking a well-deserved break, so while they recharge their batteries here's an interview from the archive to enjoy.The Matts are joined by acclaimed author and FT journalist Edward Luce to talk about his new book Zbig— the definitive biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski, Cold War strategist and key architect of U.S. foreign policy. More than just a biography, Zbig offers sharp insights into the nature of power and America's role in the world. If you want to understand how global strategy is shaped, this episode is essential listening.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are taking a well-deserved break, so while they recharge their batteries here's an interview from the archive to enjoy.The Matts are joined by Dutch popular historian and author Rutger Bregman to discuss his new book, Moral Ambition. How does the world change for the better? Why do so many talented people do bullsh*t jobs? And what's wrong with a life spent worrying about reducing your carbon footprint to zero? Rutger's a man with strong opinions on all the above and more. It's a fascinating in-depth interview on what you - yes, YOU! - need to do to fix the planet. Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are taking a well-deserved break, so while they recharge their batteries here's an interview from the archive to enjoy.The Matts are joined by Bloomberg's Parmy Olson - author of Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that will change the world. Parmy leads us through the development of Artificial Intelligence, the extraordinary story of the two men leading the race towards AGI (don't worry, all will be explained), and the enormous opportunities and challenges this new technology brings. If you find yourself wondering what the fuss is all about, and why AI should terrify you … or not, then this is the podcast for you. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matthew d'Ancona and I again respond to your queries. After this week's exclusive interview with Gary Lineker on Gaza, the BBC and podcasting we discuss whether sport - and sports personalities - can ever be truly apolitical. Also, has political podcasting now become more influential than newspapers?Plus, we talk about whether cancel culture has peaked and what advice we'd offer 16 and 17-year-olds before voting for the first time. Finally, as Harry Frankfurt's classic philosophical book, On Bullshit, is being republished to mark its 20th anniversary, we ask whether there is more bullshit around today than there was in 2005.Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email us now at the2matts@thenewworld.co.ukOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by New World contributing editor Sonia Sodha to understand the bitter and consequential tribunal taking place in Fife - as nurse Sandie Peggie takes on the NHS over her treatment in the aftermath of a dispute over women's rights in the workplace. Before that, the Matts discuss Starmer's handling of the UK's sort-of recognition of a Palestinian state. Has it helped or hindered the cause of starving children in Gaza?OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Lineker has given his first interview since leaving the BBC to The New World. The Two Matts reflect on the wide range of issues he touches on - not least his sacking from the BBC and accusations of antisemitism he faced. “I'm not antisemitic,” he says. “I'm anti the killing of children.” Also this week - how good were Oasis at Wembley (superb) and how mad was the visit of Trump to Scotland (surreal). Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the government and BBC are getting bolder over Israeli actions in Gaza, why Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to establish an enquiry to look into the mistakes he made over October 7 and if the 50-year privatisation experiment has failed. Plus they talk the hidden student loan crisis, the intense public shaming and job losses faced by the Astronomer CEO and head of HR and whether they called Brexit wrongOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Events in Epping are spreading. The Matts take a long hard look at the influence of a new strain of far right activist and how they are emboldened by the words and posts of Nigel Farage. After that - what does the new political party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana mean for the Labour Party and the UK's first past the post political system? The consequences are deeper than meet the eye. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage laid out his plans to halve crime in Britain; a combination of blithe populist (undeliverable) promises and dog-whistling lifted straight out of the MAGA playbook. The Matts pick apart the performance. But their disgust for him is shared equally with Yvette Cooper, the actual Home Secretary, whose recent contribution to fighting crime in Britain has centred exclusively on making a bunch of pro-Palestine protesters guilty of supporting a terrorist organisation. Who exactly does Palestine Action terrorise, the Matts wonder? And how does arresting an 83-year-old retired priest for waving a placard in public make the world a safer place? Is Britain facing an autocratic future? And is Labour opening the door to Farage in his bid to realise that future? These are the questions the Matts face this week. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss why it is the BBC gives Reform such disproportionate airtime, what on earth “useful” information means in connection to Grant Shapps and whether Ozempic isn't just a wholly good medical solution to something that ruins millions of lives. They also talk about superinjunctions, whether we get the media we deserve and if they're going to take a holiday at some point.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts explore the various extraordinary facets of the super injunction following the accidental leak of thousands of Afghans who helped Britain and now face retribution from the Taliban. In its scope, it could be the biggest single scandal of them all - the threat to transparent government, the betrayal of foreigners who supported the UK, the treatment of those foreigners when they arrive here, the Labour decision to shut down safe passage for them, the Tory decision to cover it all up. It's a shabby, shameful mess. What does it tell us about Britain and its place in the world today? Also this week - what place does a love of Shakespeare have in this world of hot-takes and TikTok? The Matts luxuriate in a beautiful and insightful essay by the brilliant Simon Barnes in this week's New World magazine. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all about the UK's public broadcaster today - The BBC. It's had a shocker of a week, mitigated only by Gary O'Donoghue's spellbinding interview with Donald Trump, which the Matts discuss in the first part of today's pod. But then things turn south. Two damning reports - one into Gregg Wallace and one into the Gaza documentary broadcast then pulled as it emerged the narrator was the son of an Hamas official - have left Director General Tim Davie's job hanging by a thread. As Lisa Nandy calls for heads to roll, the Matts argue about where the BBC is going wrong and what the consequences are for us all. It's a feisty one. Enjoy.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether it is time to describe Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, the launch of Best Start and what the appeal of Oasis is.Plus there's talk about whether politicians should have an enforced retirement age, the government's expansive use of terrorism legislation, Jake Berry's defection to Reform and what to see at the cinema.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss the options available to Starmer and Reeves given they seem determined not to raise income tax, VAT and national insurance. Could taxing the enormously wealthy be an election winner? How could the property rich, cash poor be protected? And how would the Daily Mail come up with some spurious objection to protect their proprietor's billions? But first … has the Macron visit produced the seeds to an end to the ghastly channel boat trade in immigrant crossings? And is a Franco-British nuclear weapon pact a good thing? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by New World contributing editor Tom Baldwin - author of Keir Starmer The Biography - for an honesty session. Where has Labour gone wrong in its poor first year and is Keir Starmer the right man to turn things around and keep Farage out of Downing Street. It's a tough conversation but full of insight and ideas (something Labour could do with some might say). Enjoy!Pre-order the new edition of Keir Starmer The Biography hereOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Keir Starmer's willingness to back down and listen is actually something to be admired, if the Prime Minister should take more care with his speeches and how serious Palestine Action's protests were. Plus they talk about the extent of corruption in UK politics, just how progressive the Labour Party is, and 80-year-old Rod Stewart's Glastonbury set.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by Jonathan Goodman, author of Invisible Rivals, a fascinating book about what really makes the world go round and its consequences for religion, politics and media. It's a revelatory conversation that will change how you think about society. Also the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, plus what the hell is going on in Number Ten? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2mattsBuy Invisible Rivals through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Two Matts by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts reflect on the prospect of famine in Gaza while the UK media obsesses on the antics of a rapper on a Glastonbury stage. Why is the crisis facing hundreds of thousands of children relegated to an afterthought? Why does Keir Starmer say more about Bob Vylan than the humanitarian disaster on the eastern shore of the Med?Also: can Starmer survive the pirouettes of u-turns he is performing as the Parliamentary Labour Party rejects his welfare bill? As we approach his year anniversary in power, the Matts ask how long before we are discussing the end of the Keir show?OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the government's Palestine Action decision means Just Stop Oil could now be considered terrorists, if AI could actually be the populists' worst nightmare and the genius of David Lynch.Plus they debate whether journalists should strive for detachment, Keir Starmer's on-off welfare cuts and which is most cringeworthy: Mark Rutte calling Donald Trump Daddy, Trump comparing Israel and Iran to two schoolkids having a scrap in a playground or the president calling the media “scum”.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the international news agenda moves at a frenzied pace, back home Keir Starmer faces a crisis of his own. The Matts explore the depth of feeling from amongst his own backbenchers against his welfare bill. It's a crisis wholly of his own making and as Reform continues to surge in the polls, it bodes badly for all of us. Also - why did Mark Rutte call Trump daddy? And what was the Matts' greatest Glasto moment? All will be revealed! Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a few days of head-spinning consequence and the Matts explore the thinking of the man at its heart - Donald Trump. They kick off with an extraordinary moment; Trump losing his cool as Israel and Iran both appear to defy his ceasefire - but then the conversation moves quickly to what this means for the Middle East, for the UK, the United Nations, for NATO, and for the future of Europe. There's a lot of ground covered this week … buckle up.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts again respond to your queries. They discuss whether we are witnessing the early stages of a global war without anyone admitting it, if we have collectively deleted our memory of 2016 and when we started confusing billionaires with philosophers. Plus there's talk of whether Keir Starmer should have stooped at the feet of Donald Trump, if having children is ethical and what actually defines genius.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, the Matts explore the long backstory to a conflict that has the capacity to spark a truly global conflict. Why has Netanyahu chosen now to attack? What can Iranians hope for? How will Keir Starmer handle the fact he is caught between a rock and hard place. And the biggest question of all: What will Trump do now. Ok - so not even Trump knows that - but the Matts explore the options. One note of light relief - MAGA is in a mess over it. It's a small silver lining to a dark cloud overshadowing the planet this week.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by Helen Lewis, journalist and author of The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea for a fascinating deep-dive into what it means to be a genius. Why does society worship difficult men? Who gets left out of the genius narrative? And what if collaboration, not isolation, is the real source of greatness? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.