Wright on the Nail

In this week's episode Chris Wright is joined by: The Independent Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe, political commentator Lee Harris, and finally broadcast journalist and writer, Anna McGovern. The panel discusses Trump's tariffs, UK-US trade, Labour's role in trade decisions, and the civil service's influence on policy. They explore trade opportunities, EU policies, economic challenges, AI's impact on jobs, and the need for political reform and better representation as the UK heads toward future elections.Topics:Trump's tariffs are seen as detrimental to global trade.The UK is viewed as a sovereign nation post-Brexit.There are strategic opportunities for the UK amidst trade wars.The Labour Party's response to tariffs is uncertain.The civil service is perceived as ineffective and unaccountable.Political reform is necessary to address the two-party system in the UK.The panel believes that the British public is aware of their declining standard of living.There is skepticism about the Labour Party's ability to make smart trade decisions.The importance of respecting the 2016 Brexit vote is emphasized.The future of UK trade relations remains uncertain. The UK is facing higher tariffs compared to other countries entering the US market.Trade wars create a challenging environment with no clear winners.There are significant opportunities for the UK to negotiate better trade deals post-Brexit.The current government is perceived as failing to address economic challenges effectively.AI is transforming job markets, making it harder for graduates to find employment.The political landscape is shifting, with increasing public demand for change.The two-party system in the UK is seen as ineffective and outdated.Public sentiment is growing for a third party to emerge as a viable option.We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell. Rock around the clock productions AB. www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Sound Sapien Soundsapien.com

In this week's episode Chris Wright is joined by: Labour's Member of the London Assembly for Merton and Wandsworth since 2016, Leonie Cooper, Jean-Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan, and finally, former longtime editor of the Sunday Mirror, Nigel Nelson.Topics:Rachel Reeves's Spring StatementIs it a choice between tackling growth or inequality? John's strong stance on Putin as a European expert.The Axis of China, Russia, North Korea, and IranIs their method to Trump's diplomatic bulldozing of the international community? Early signs of authoritarianism in the US.The conversation covers Rachel Reeves' recent Spring Statement, the implications of austerity measures, the impact of Brexit on the UK economy, and the evolving dynamics of international relations, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict and the role of the United States in global security. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Ukraine war, the integration of Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states, and the geopolitical implications of NATO and EU expansion. The speakers discuss the current military situation in Ukraine, the challenges of negotiating peace with Russia, and the ongoing occupation of Crimea. They also explore the rise of strongman leaders globally and the state of American democracy, emphasizing the importance of a free press in maintaining democratic values.We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

Join host Chris Wright as he delves into some of the most pressing political and social topics of our time, featuring an incredible lineup of guests:John O'Brennan: Jean-Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland MaynoothChristina Patterson: Writer, broadcaster, executive coach, and columnistDaniel Freeman: Columnist and Managing Editor at the Institute of Economic Affairs

Topics:Keir Starmer's smoking banThe history of smoking regulation in the UK-Tackling obesity in the UKThe broken food systemUltra Processed foodThe Ozempic weight loss drug -Companies breaking gambling lawsImmoral advertisingGambling addiction and how to tackle it-The Oasis ticketing fiasco: what really happened and will it happen again?-Is John as confident that Kamala Harris will win as he was last time?Our unhealthy obsession with polling both sides of the Atlantic.In this week's episode Chris Wright is joined by: Nick Blackburn to help us shine some light on the mass chaos around Oasis's new tour tickets. A former director at Ticketmaster, chartered accountant in the music industry, having worked for Chrysalis and Decca records. He is also the founder of See Tickets, the international ticketing services company based in Nottingham, England.Green Party Peer, Natalie Bennett who led the party in the years up to and through the 2015 general election. She released a book this year entitled ‘Change Everything' which proposes complete reform to how British society and the economy works, especially in relation to food and the environment. We hear her thoughts as Chris and panel discuss the government's proposed outdoor smoking ban, and the wider topic of government intervention in our lives, including in tackling obesity.   Jean-Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan. Following on from the health issues of smoking and obesity, John's recent research work encompasses a focus on the societal impact of gambling in Ireland and Europe, a subject he speaks about today.We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Sound Sapiensoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's episode Chris Wright is joined by: Jean-Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan. John, among his many academic and journalistic accolades is a member of the Institute for European and International Affairs' 'Global Europe', Ireland's leading international affairs think tank.We also have Edward Hardy, an accomplished journalist across a range of subjects, but for our interest today, a prominent commentator on US as well as UK politics. We welcome back Eric Schurenberg, a long-time journalist and media executive, former CEO of Inc. and Fast Company, and now the founder of the Alliance for Trust in Media.We also welcome Matt Malone, the former President and Editor in Chief of America Media, which covers religion, society, politics and culture from a Catholic perspective in the US.Talking points:What would have happened if Trump had been killed?How did Biden come to the decision to pull out the race?Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump?How will the issue of immigration play in the US election?Trump's decision to make J.D Vance his running mateWho will Harris choose as her running mate?       Will Gaza play a role in the debate?How will women vote with abortion a major issue in the US? Who will win, Trump or Harris?We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Sound SapienSoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's special debate episode, Chris is joined by the Conservative MP for Shipley since 2005, who is currently standing for re-election, Sir Philip Davies, Reform UK parliamentary candidate for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe, conservative and Brexit supporting political commentator, Lee Harris.WATCH IN HD ON YOUTUBE!The fight for conservatism, or rather the fight for the right? All three guests hold similar views on immigration, the role of the state, sovereignty, individual freedoms, Brexit… to mention just a few. However, Sir Philip and Rupert are standing to be MPs from two different parties, and Lee, who is historically a diehard Conservative, is now debating which man's party to vote for on the 4th July.Does voting Reform make it more likely that Labour will win? What will come of Nigel Farage's reentry into politics? Does the Tory party need to be broken before it can be fixed? How conservative really is Britain?We hope you find this episode interesting, where leading voices from the right-wing of British politics come together, acknowledging what they agree on, and fascinatingly, disagreeing on many things too...We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by Labour National Executive Committee Member Jess Barnard, Labour & Co-operative London Assembly Member representing Merton and Wandsworth Leonie Cooper, Labour Councillor and Cabinet Member for Environment & Community Safety at Preston Council Freddie Bailey, and former political editor of the The Mirror, which made him Britain's longest serving political editor Nigel Nelson.What can one say… the conversation this week is Labour, Labour, Labour, just like the panel, plus our esteemed regular commentator Nigel Nelson. The questions they tackle:What does Keir Starmer's Labour Party actually stand for in the wake of his first six steps unveiling this week?Should Labour have welcomed formerly Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke into the party whilst kicking out figures on the left?Do Labour's plans for government and reform add up? Will Starmer's criticism over his position on Israel's post-October 7th onslaught on Gaza have an impact in the general election?Will the Tory attack on Angela Rayner and her tax affairs imprint on the electorate?Will Labour build closer ties with Europe? What is Starmer's Great British Energy strategy, and will Labour also renationalise Water?Will Labour do good for the North after Tory betrayal over HS2?We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to get in touch with messages, comments or feedback at tom@soundsapien.com Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Sound SapienSoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by political commentator, Marina Purkiss, Managing Editor of Local Government Studies and Co-Convenor of the UK Political Studies Association's Specialist Group on Local Politics, Dr Peter Eckersley, Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reem Ibrahim, and Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan.Chris introduces with a scintillating monologue reflecting on the student protests in the US in the late 1960s, which he was a part of. He asks the panel whether today's re-engagement of the young through protest will translate into the polling booth across the Atlantic in the UK in the upcoming local elections and onwards.  The conversation centres on the UK local elections and how much they will indicate the general election result. They discuss Sunak's evermore controversial Rwanda rabbit hole (lately causing the migrants to escape the UK into Ireland); the practicality and the politics of the scheme. They dig back into the pro-Palestinian campus riots across the US that began at Columbia State University. Whether or not their branding by the media as anti-semitic is representative of the majority of anti-Israel protesters, and the UK's diplomatic tone compared to the US's towards Israel. They circle back to the local elections this Thursday 2nd May and whether the Tories would dare oust Rishi Sunak after what may be a disastrous result for his party.Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by:Founder and Director of the Israeli Disarmament Movement, and the Middle East Treaty Organization, Sharon Dolev. Sharon was also the Israeli representative of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize laureate International Campaign for Abolishing Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at UCL, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, and author of 'The Palestinian Prisoners Movement: Disobedience and Resistance', Dr Julie Norman -  she is currently writing a book on the political history of Gaza. Geopolitical and financial crime researcher and consultant, Middle East Research Fellow at ITSS (The International Team for the Study of Security) Verona - an apolitical non-profit organisation focused on the study of International Security Omri Brinner. He specialises in Middle Eastern geopolitics and terror financing, namely Hamas' financing.The panel provide the historical context for the beginnings of the current crisis in the Middle East, looking beyond the 7th October attack back to the Israeli disengagement of 2005 and The Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. They paint the picture of the political misopportunities on the behalf of the Israeli and Palestinian leadership that led to the last six months' vast acceleration in violence. They discuss the relations between all the countries in the region including Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.  They move onto what's happening on the ground in Gaza, the military capabilities of Israel, analysing the reality of their proclaimed aim to eliminate Hamas. They turn their focus to Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend. Whether it was a mistake, and whether is was a true display of Iran's full military capabilities. Led by Sharon, they turn to the reality of Iran's nuclear capabilities, and set out a vision for how peace can truly be achieved in the whole region of the Middle East. Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Sound Sapiensoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by writer, journalist and broadcaster, Christina Patterson, Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reem Ibrahim, UK and US political commentator Edward Hardy, and Chief Economic Adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Vicky Pryce.The conversation kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Conservative Party's scheme to tear itself apart.  They turn to the economic legacy of Thatcher and discuss whether privatisation, such as of Water and the Railways, is the foundational cause for Britain's dire problems today. They also pick apart the housing crisis and the tendency of our politics to pit the young and old against each other.   They turn to the topic of the ageing population, the pension system and the kind of policies we need to bring real change. Each of the panellists offers their views on whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about the economic future of Britain.  Economist Vicky Pryce joins the conversation to offer her thoughts on this issue, what Labour will and can do should they come into power, and how geopolitics is affecting the economy. Finally, they turn to Donald Trump's newfound wealth and the potential world consequences of his ability to get away with everything - with expert analysis from Edward and Vicky.   Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Sound SapienSoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's episode, Chris Wright is joined by Richard Spencer, the China correspondent at The Times, formerly the Middle East correspondent from 2016 until August 2023, but brought back to cover the war in Gaza since Hamas's attack on Israel on the 7th October. He was previously news editor, China correspondent, Middle East correspondent and Middle East editor at The Daily Telegraph.The focus quickly turns to Israel-Palestine where Richard cuts to the chase, outlining the different ways the conflict may end, and what these scenarios would mean for the citizens on the ground. Questions are raised, such as whether the West is hypocritical to criticise Israel's campaign in Gaza, considering their relatively recent campaigns in Iraq and Syria. Richard later explains the geopolitics of conflict for the UK and the US, and the power dynamic in the Palestinian West Bank.They turn their gaze to Ukraine - what is the status of the war and how the American election will impact it, and therefore, the future of Europe. Chris also asks Richard for his views on the possibility of China invading Taiwan.   We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm.Many thanks,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Sound Sapiensoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by the Founder of the Alliance for Trust in Media, Editor-in-chief of Amplify Publishing Group, and former CEO of Inc. and Fast Company, Eric Schurenberg, the first woman to run a US presidential campaign, the youngest woman to have tenured at the Harvard Law School, and prominent US political commentator, Susan Estrich, and journalist, US and UK political commentator, and regular Wright on the Nail contributor, Edward Hardy.Topics:The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Super Bowl conspiracy theory People still believe the 2020 election was stolen from TrumpRepublicanism and conspiracy theories The macro causes of the frightening polarisation in the US and the worldTrump's unique ability in communicationThe QAnon conspiracy and ‘Pizzagate' accusing individuals including Obama, the Clintons and the Pope of running a secret paedophile ring. Elon Musk's troubling control of the X ‘microphone'Trump's toxification of the political debateWill the problem go if and when Trump goes?Is the general population tired of Trump's politics? Can he Win?The October ‘Event'What do people really think of Joe Biden?We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm.'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Sound Sapiensoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by writer, journalist and broadcaster, Christina Patterson, Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reem Ibrahim, and former Political Editor of the Sunday Mirror, Nigel Nelson.Chris kicks the conversation off with Rishi Sunak's seemingly desperate electoral ploy to push through the Rwanda scheme, passing the Safety of Rwanda Bill through the House of Commons on Wednesday night. The panel analyse whether the public is as concerned with the issue of immigration as the government have convinced themselves they are, and how Britain should be addressing legal and illegal immigration. Reem argues that immigrants on average are less of a burden and contribute to the economy more than ‘native' Britons… They then focus on Sunak: does he have a vision for the country behind the veil of party politics? Will the Conservatives lurch even further to the right after his likely election defeat? Chris then asks each panellist what story is catching their interest right now: - Nigel takes on the post-office scandal and the impact of ITV's drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office- Christina's is the expansion of the Israel-Gaza conflict in the Middle East to the Red Sea- Reem's is the government's historic bill to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 – she thinks the attack on vape products doesn't make senseWe'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm.Many thanks,WOTN Team  'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Sound Sapiensoundsapien.comThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris is joined by Chief Economic Adviser and a board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Vicky Pryce, Labour National Executive Committee member, Jess Barnard and journalist and US and UK political commentator, Edward Hardy.Jess outlines her hopes and fears about the Labour Party – hoping that Labour wins the general election, but fearing that Starmer won't deliver any meaningful change. Vicky provides the economic forecast - how inflation may continue to improve and how the geopolitics of global conflicts like that in the Middle East, Ukraine, and potentially in Taiwan will affect our domestic economy. What will happen to UK interest rates in 2024? For your information, Jess mentions anti-BDS laws in which BDS stands for boycotts, divestment and sanctions. In this context the BDS movement aims to put diplomatic pressure on Israel to observe international law. Edward Hardy updates us on the stalemate of the Ukraine-Russia war and his analysis of British-US diplomacy surrounding Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Update: On Tuesday, Gaza's health ministry said 22,185 Palestinians have now been killed in Gaza since October 7th. 507 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the war began, on top of the approx. 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas on the 7th of October.  This opens up a fascinating discussion about Britain's diplomatic role to play (or not to play) in this conflict. Chris turns the conversation to the US – who will be the Democratic nominee? Will Biden run despite universal disapproval over his age? Is it possible that Trump will put his ego aside and not run? What would another Trump presidency mean for the US and the world?Finally, Chris asks each panellist their one high-impact prediction of the year – and they all give very different answers!'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris is joined by Conservative political commentator Lee Harris, and writer, journalist, and author of Fake History, Otto English.The panel tackle all the big issues that leave us, nearing the end of the year, in a dire state of affairs. They start with Ukraine, reflecting on the wars of the 20th Century, and the lessons that we need to learn in order to respond appropriately to Vladimir Putin. They then turn to the Israel-Gaza conflict where Otto and Lee agree that Hamas is an awful terrorist organisation but clash over whether to allow Israel to press on with their siege to defeat them at all costs. The jostle continues over the issue of immigration in the UK. We hope you enjoy it as much as they did!As referenced by Chris in the introduction, let us know what you think of our producer's modern rendition of Silent Night, inspired by Simon and Garfunkel's 1966 song ‘7 O'clock News / Silent Night' in the outro.We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! Merry Christmas, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by former Political Editor of the Sunday Mirror, Nigel Nelson, co-founder of Momentum and former advisor to Jeremy Corbyn, James Schneider, and Professor of European Politics, and Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration at the University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan.Yesterday, the Minister of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick resigned over the government's Rwanda Plan. Sunak is facing a revolt from the right and centre of his party over this issue, and the panel unpack how the Tories got into this mess. They turn to the recent changes to visa rules where the minimum salary threshold for a work visa is to be raised to £38,700, from the current £26,200, with some exemptions in health and social care. The panel dissect the very foundations of the economic necessity of foreign migrants, and the rhetoric of the government. One panellist argues that ‘stopping the boats' has been largely manufactured as a political media distraction from the cost-of-living crisis, which has led to this sickly Rwanda farce. They turn to the Covid-inquiry, Boris Johnson's performance, the nature of the reporting on it, and whether the purpose of learning about what went wrong for a future pandemic is being achieved. Chris then raises the bizarre and somewhat enraging issue for the Labour Party of Starmer's praising of Thatcher in his recent Telegraph article. Corbyn's former advisor James Schneider has a lot to say about that! We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris is joined by multi-award-winning i newspaper journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, author, broadcaster and political commentator Christina Patterson, and the presenter of the Times Radio Early Breakfast show Rosie Wright.The conversation kicks off with a discussion on what is in store for Suella Braverman after her sacking on Monday. Is her perception of her popularity over-inflated? The whole country was shocked by the appointment of former prime minister David Cameron. Was this big call the right one?On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled on the Government's illegal immigration Rwanda policy, finding it unlawful. The panel discuss whether ‘stopping the boats' is one of the top issues for the electorate, but also what alternative avenues the government could take to improve the situation. Yasmin offers deep insight as an expert on immigration. The other great ongoing issue of the week was that of the war in Gaza and the UK parliament's vote against a ceasefire. The panel fought over whether this was the right decision and discussed the revolt against Starmer in the Labour Party. They round up with an update and analysis on the Covid Inquiry and the news of Nigel Farage accepting a spot on ‘I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' for a record fee. We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by political commentators, Marina Purkiss, Edward Hardy, and political commentator and Communications Officer for the Institute of Economic Affairs Reem Ibrahim.This week's debate kicks off and remains with the issues surrounding Home Secretary Suella Braverman. She has yet again been called out for the use of toxic language in the public sphere, criticising the Metropolitan Police claiming they have a left-wing bias regarding their treatment of protesters, and calling the pro-Palestinian demonstrations ‘hate marches'. The panel analyses and discusses the significance of language in politics.In a similar vein, the panel discuss and disagree deeply over Carol Vorderman having to step down from the BBC and her radio show. The non-political radio host has been forced out due to her influential online presence as a rather left-wing political voice. The panel get to the bottom of the hypocrisy of this development, similar to that of Gary Lineker's situation some months ago. The panel reflect on the King's Speech and the very British constitution that continues this tradition. Is the world laughing at us?-        Suella Braverman, was she trying to get sacked with her rogue police-bashing article.-        The pro-Palestine protest on Remembrance Day and why the language around it is so important. -        Carol Vorderman forced to leave the BBC because of her political activism outside of her radio show. Is there a Conservative bias in the BBC, and is this cancel culture at play? -        Did King Charles enjoy reading out Rishi Sunak's policies in the State Opening of Parliament? And how the world is laughing at Britain's anachronistic traditions. We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom Platts This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined  in the debate by the wonderful professor of European Politics, and Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, John O'Brennan, Conservative political commentator, Lee Harris and Labour NEC member, Jess Barnard.The conversation kicks off with the latest Conservative Party scandals of Peter Bone and Crispin Blunt. Is this the final nail in the coffin for the government? The conversation opens up a broader discussion on those who are accused and tried and found guilty on social media and on the front page of the papers before they are tried by the court of law. However, there is clearly a deep sickness in Westminster involving the abuse of power. While country-wide, just 5% of rapes that were given an outcome by the police in the year ending December 2021 resulted in a charge.Then they move on to the upcoming Financial Statement, and whether Sunak should sack Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor, or even Suella Braverman as Home Secretary. Is the economy or immigration the most important issue for voters? Who could be the next Chancellor? Well, it's likely Rachael Reeves will be there in the not-too-distant future. The panel analysed her standing from giving a great speech at the Labour Party Conference a few weeks ago to recently being accused of serious plagiarism in her new book. The second half of the conversation focuses on the elephant in the room. Israel-Gaza. Keir Starmer has come into some very hot water over his comments that endorsed Israel's “right to defend itself” and Israel's war crimes on Palestinians. The panellists analyse the conflict, significantly, the domestic and international response to it. Jess Barnard speaks of her visit to Palestine last year giving a firsthand account of the treatment of Palestinians by Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This is a very emotive topic to debate and that was certainly the case here… We hope you enjoy this longer episode which we believe the length is backed up by the depth of discussion.  We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! Yours faithfully, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week we are reflecting on some of our best interview episodes with giants of the music industry and, specifically, when they talked about how the megastars they've worked with became successful. The special guests in this episode include: -        Emma Banks: The representative for some of the world's top artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Florence And The Machine, Katy Perry, System of a Down, Muse, Kraftwerk and many more. (full episode 17 Aug 2022) -        Carl Leighton-Pope: Starting out in the music industry at a similar time to host Chris Wright of Chrysalis Records, Carl has been a manager, promoter, and agent for some of the biggest names in music over the decades, including Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, Billy Ocean, and Michael Bublé. (full episode 7 Jul 2023) -        Sir Robin Millar: One of the most successful music producers in the world whose career ignited when he produced Sade's debut album "Diamond Life". (full episode 8 Sep 2023) -        Miles Copland: Former manager of the Police and Sting. In 1979, he founded the I.R.S. Records label, producing R.E.M., the Bangles, Berlin, the Cramps, Dead Kennedys, the Alarm, and the Go-Go's, to mention just a few. (full episode 27 Aug 2021)In this segment about Sting, Chris fondly remembers having Jerry Moss, co-founder of A&M Records, over for dinner shortly before the time of recording. Sadly, Moss passed away on the 15th of August this year aged 88. Sting has paid tribute by expressing how big an impact he had on his life and career. (full episode 27 Aug 2021) We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! Yours faithfully WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by former Political Editor of the Sunday Mirror, Nigel Nelson, writer and broadcaster, Christina Patterson, and Labour Councillor and Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety at Preston Council, Freddie Bailey.The topics they discuss:-        Who had the best 2023 conference – the Conservatives or Labour?-        Was Sunak trying to be more of a president than a prime minister?-        What was Farage doing at the Tory Party Conference?-        The war between Israel and Gaza: the polarisation of debate on the crisis, and how            it impacted the Labour conference.   -        The leaders' performances: Sunak vs Starmer, Hunt vs Reeves. -        Did Labour send the right message to help secure the general election win?   We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week, Chris Wright interviews Lisa Gordon. Lisa has been a top business executive for over 25 years. As a technology specialist, she has surfed the wave of the technological revolution from the infancy of the internet to this day where she is Chairman of Cavendish, the merger of Cenkos and FinnCap, a non-Exec at Alpha Group Intl - one of the fastest growth of companies listed on the UK Stock Exchange, as well as holding several other major non-Exec and advisory positions. The conversation starts with Chris and Lisa's work together at Chrysalis where they were at the forefront of technological change in the industry. They shine a light on what personal attributes caused their huge business success, and what led to their occasional failures. The second half turns to the country at large where Lisa provides some fascinating observations from her perspective as a business insider. They tackle the issue of sexism and all kinds of discrimination in the workplace, what can be done to ensure diversity and why it's so important for business as well as social mobility. The topics are: -           How Chris gave Lisa her biggest career break-           How Lisa and Chris could have been Google, and why it all went wrong-           How technology has impacted the business of music-           The power and limitations of the City of London-           What's wrong with business today and how to fix it-           The key guidelines for being successful in business-           How to foster gender diversity in the workplace and the importance of childcare-           Politics and Britain's position on the world stage-           What Sunak should have done with HS2-           Meeting Gordon Brown and how he stays hopeful about politics   We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! Yours faithfully, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom Platts This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by the presenter of Times Radio Early Breakfast show, Rosie Wright, UK and US political commentator, Edward Hardy, and former LibDem parliamentary candidate for Cotswolds and founder of Save British Farming, Liz Webster.The starting gun has been fired for the next general election. What can the Tories do to turn around the opinion polls? Is Labour's strategy of holding back on publishing hard policy working? Could Rishi Sunak call the general election as soon as October this year? The panel discuss how the Tories are just as lost Labour on their political identity. They look globally to where our relations with our European neighbours stand.  Liz tells us the Liberal Democrat's true position on Brexit. They then discuss the prospect of the Tories scrapping inheritance tax and HS2, whilst Sunak told the North this week that they'll sort out the potholes first. That'd be something! The panel discuss why Britain is so bad at big infrastructure projects.We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Yours faithfully, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week Chris Wright sat down with Loraine Burgon to discuss her life, as described in her recently released book Magical Highs – Alvin Lee & Me. Loraine was the longtime partner of Alvin Lee through his rise to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of Ten Years After, and Chris Wright was the band's manager in the same period. This is a highly unique conversation between two people from the heart of the Woodstock era of Rock'n'roll, exposing what really went on among the stars. Loraine's experience brings home what it was like to be a woman in this time and among individuals like Beatle George Harrison -  it wasn't plain sailing that's for sure!Grab yourself a copy of Magical Highs – Alvin Lee & Me by Loraine BurgonTopics of the conversation:-        Coming from Nottingham -        Being the longtime partner of Alvin Lee, leader of Ten Years After -        Woodstock 1969 -        Led Zeppelin-        Life on tour-        Sexual misconduct in the music and fashion industries-        George Harrison's entitlement-        Magical Highs and life unravellingWe'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Thanks for listening,WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by GBNews broadcaster and columnist Emily Carver, former Corbyn advisor and co-founder of Momentum James Schneider, and writer and broadcaster Christina Patterson.The panel kick-off by discussing the record of the current and previous governments on their spending priorities. Whilst public spending is high, it is not going to the right places as we see schools physically crumbling and NHS waiting lists in England at the record high of 7.68 million people. Is Keir Starmer laying out an alternative approach that will make a positive difference to this deterioration?  The conversation progresses to the issue of competence in government whilst ministers are rotated like rolling substitutes in a football team. They discuss the systemic conditions like the toxic media landscape that creates a situation where we have a relatively incompetent bunch of politicians who cannot stay in their jobs long enough to make any meaningful progress in their ministerial departments.  Chris then turns the talk to international politics with the issue of Joe Biden's age, and then the new developments in Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin's relationship and what all this means for the world.We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi! Thanks for listening, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week Chris Wright is joined by one of the most successful music producers in the world whose career ignited when he produced Sade's debut album "Diamond Life". Sir Robin Millar is also a highly successful businessman, and he is the Chair of Scope UK, the national charity representing the 16 million disabled people in the UK.The conversation jumps straight into the deep end of things with the problems of cancel culture and the issues caused when people in business, and life, hold grudges against you. They then explore the significance of Robin having a West Indian mother and how this impacted his outlook and life experiences. They then discuss the painful subject of Robin's blindness and the difference between being born blind and developing blindness like Robin did. Chris then asks about the formative years of his career that led him to the vast success he has enjoyed for several decades, including his breakthrough in getting a job at the Château d'Hérouville recording studio in the Northwest of Paris. Robin tells his story of Sade. Producing on Diamond Life with her was what took Robin from being a successful producer to the stratosphere of being sought after around the globe. This then opens up a fascinating discussion about the two-tone music of the late 70s/early 80s that Chris Wright was instrumental in reviving, having signed record deals with bands like the Specials (famous for the song ‘Ghost Town' among many others). They return to Sade where Robin explains how she became a hit in America and then what it entails for an artist and their records to become mega-famous. They finally talk in-depth about the business of music including the ins and outs of their business partnership at Chrysalis and a possible new venture together! We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Thanks for listening, WOTN Team 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright is joined by award-winning I journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, US and UK political commentator Edward Hardy, and commentator and communications officer for the Institute of Economic Affairs Reem Ibrahim.The conversation starts off with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's recent expansion of ULEZ as a public health and environmental measure. The panel discuss if it is the right policy in view of its benefits and the short-term impact on individuals. Chris then asks whether Labour are doing the right thing in allowing their political image to seem little different to the Conservatives'. They then discuss the country at large and how the North has once again been neglected. Would Labour truly invest in economic infrastructure outside of London?The conversation then delves into an honest discussion on whether the ethnicity of our current and recent leaders Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman, and Priti Patel has politically enabled them to take a crueller stance on migrants than white ministers have historically – and Yasmin explains another reason why this might be.They then discuss whether it is right for the UK to welcome Mohammed bin Salman of human rights abusing Saudi Arabia to its shores, as well as, whether Putin killed the late head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin?We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Thanks for listening,WOTN TeamThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this ‘Nailed It!' episode we look back on two episodes in which, it's fair to say, Chris and his guests touched on more revolutionary political theories than they usually do. In Lockdown Regret, Starmer's Betrayal - is socialism dead? (March 2023) Nima Tavallaey Roodsari explains that the current Labour Party is really a liberal party, calling for the formation of a truly socialist party. He had a particular leader in mind… Panellists Nima, David Osland, and Reem Ibrahim discuss whether Keir Starmer was right to kick Jeremy Corbyn out of the Labour Party. Is a broad church of liberals and socialists in the Labour Party a functional marriage? They discuss the rising age of retirement and dispute the amount of tax workers pay towards pensions compared to the rest of Europe. Is our system socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor? The final excerpt is taken from Chris's conversation with James Schneider, How the Left Can Win by 2030, and Why They Must. We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Thanks for listening,WOTN TeamOur Bloc: How We Win by James Schnieder  'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this episode, Chris Wright is joined by political commentator Marina Purkiss, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth John O'Brennan, and political commentator Lee Harris.The conversation kicks off with Donald Trump's Monday night indictment in which he was charged with conspiring to overturn the 2020 US election result. This opens up a wider discussion on the spread of populism worldwide, including in the UK with the antics of Boris Johnson and the ever-right-leaning Conservative Party.Chris then asks the panel about immigration. Lee Harris defends the government whilst Marina and John offer alternative solutions to this critical global issue. They discuss the causes of immigration to northern Europe and the harsh reality of being a migrant fleeing a country and trying to cross the highly dangerous English Channel.A topic throughout the conversation is the role of the right-wing press that make up the majority of the UK's most powerful media outlets, and Chris focuses the discussion on the fact that super-rich foreigners like Rupert Murdoch own these outlets and influence their news agendas with almost no regulation. Is this right?We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you just want to say hi!Thanks for listening,WOTN Team'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB. This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this ‘Nailed It!' episode we look back on Chris's two conversations with author and journalist Otto English, picking out some of the most entertaining, moving, and eye-opening moments from those episodes: ‘‘Fake History' with Otto English' and ‘‘Fake Heroes' an Interview with Author Otto English'. Topics:-        What did Winston Churchill actually say?-        How the propagation of ‘the good old days' philosophy caused Brexit.-        Would Che Guevara's image be so iconic if he weren't so “damned good-looking?”-        Otto's childhood hero John Wayne and how he let him down. -        Chris's story about the Beatles, Dick James, and Robin Hood.We'd love to hear what you think of the episode at email@wrightonthenail.fm, or get in touch if you want to say hi!Thanks for listening,WOTN TeamGet your own copy of Otto's books Wright here:Fake History: Ten Great Lies and How They Shaped the Worldhttps://www.waterstones.com/book/fake-history/otto-english/9781787396425Fake Heroes: Ten False Icons and How they Altered the Course of History https://www.waterstones.com/book/fake-heroes/otto-english/9781802795899'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThe episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week Chris Wright CBE is joined by Green Party Peer and former leader Natalie Bennett. The topics they discuss are:-        What's all this fuss about ULEZ?-        Is the Green Party coming out of the shadows?-        Why the argument that Britain shouldn't bother tackling climate change when we are so much smaller than China doesn't hold up.-        How Britain's environmental and food standards will likely drop as we move to Pacific trade rather than EU. -        The pressing issue of food security. -        Natalie Bennett's upbringing to a life in politics.-        Reforming the House of Lords.-        The interlinked Green social, economic, and environmental philosophy.-        The consensus about the privatisation of water, and other public utilities and services in the UK.-        Natalie explains why to abandon tactical voting and just vote Green.-        Green's original social policies.Natalie's new book, Change Everything: https://unbound.com/books/change-everything/?utm_campaign=change-everything&utm_medium=AuthorSocial&utm_source=AuthorActivity'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co This episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's news roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by two bright young political minds with opposing standpoints: political commentator, and Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reem Ibrahim, and Labour Party National Executive Committee Member, Jess Barnard. The conversation kicks off with Labour's recent political crisis over ULEZ in the backdrop to their by-election defeat in Uxbridge. They ask why green policies seem to be hurting working-class families. Chris and the panel talk about pay and taxation. Is the system fair? How do we solve the housing crisis? Is it just building more houses - or even, more affordable housing - or do we need the government to make laws that bring prices down in the housing and rental markets? Whilst discussing whether we should build on green belt land, Reem tells us what ‘nimbies' are…    They turn to Nigel Farage and discuss how he manages to get away with portraying himself as a man of the people in this week's media sprawl regarding his Coutts bank account closure. Finally, Chris turns the discussion to Elon Musk and why he seems to have bought Twitter to destroy it. Since his takeover, Twitter's stock value reduced drastically and the recent logo rebrand from the iconic blue bird to an ‘X' has caused outrage. The panel discuss the importance of Twitter in politics and political debate and the implications of Musk's actions.“It's hard to hear how the Tories approached the ULEZ debate from some kind of moral standpoint as if they cared about working-class people.” - Jess Barnard“The solution to tackling poverty is not taxing the rich more it is incentivising growth.” – Reem Ibrahim  'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this episode, Chris Wright is joined by James Schneider, co-founder of Momentum - the movement that seeks to bring a more socialist agenda to the Labour Party. He was an advisor to former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and the discussion is built around his fascinating book Our Bloc: How We Win - written in the backdrop to Corbyn's defeat to Boris Johnson in the 2019 general election.The conversation starts with the mess that Keir Starmer will likely inherit from over 14 years of Conservative rule in Britain. James and Chris dissect the taxation system to explain how Britain can provide ‘for the many, not the few.'  They analyse why Corbyn didn't become prime minister, and Chris asks James whether young people are engaged enough in politics.  How significant is the right-wing media establishment in keeping down progressive forces?  Was Brexit a vote against the broader system rather than simply against the EU?  They discuss why the Tories will terrifyingly keep moving even further towards the populist right.  Finally, James gives a damning verdict on Keir Starmer, and takes us through his own plan, quite frankly, to save the world through uniting progressive forces; expanded upon in his 2022 book Our Bloc: How We Win.Get your copy of the book here 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom Platts.This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

This week Chris Wright, co-founder of Chrysalis Records in 1968, is joined by Carl Leighton-Pope who began his career in the music industry at almost the same time as the WOTN host. Carl has been a manager, promoter, and agent for some of the biggest names in music over the years, including Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, Billy Ocean, and Michael Bublé.Chris and Carl reminisce about their formative years in the music industry in 1960s London, with venues such as the Marquee Club playing a significant part. They discuss the music industry's roles of managers, agents, running record labels, and which is more enjoyable. They review contemporary artists and why we need stars like Harry Styles. The episode is full of wonderful anecdotes and stories of the personal bonds Carl has built with stars like Billy Ocean and Michael Bublé. Carl came from a Welsh mining family, and this episode shows the mindset, as well as the knowledge and talent, required to get to where he is today. Inspiring is the word this week, as Chris also answers questions from Carl about his extraordinary music career.We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it! If you like the episode, we would really appreciate it if you could give the podcast a review, rating, and a follow on your chosen streaming platform. It makes an unimaginable difference.'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by UK & US political commentator and journalist, Edward Hardy, political commentator and Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reem Ibrahim, and Conservative Political Commentator, Lee Harris.The discussion starts with the week's big news on the government's Illegal Immigration Bill and the ruling against it by the Court of Appeal, the highest court within the Senior Courts of England and Wales that deals only with appeals from other courts or tribunals. The panel discuss whether the policy proposal is fundamentally flawed, and further about what broader approach to immigration the government should take. The conversation opens up to the funding of public services and the Conservatives' recent historic record of trying to pass unlawful bills.  Chris then asks the panel whether Rishi Sunak's wealth makes him unfit to tackle the cost-of-living crisis in which public servants are selling their homes in order to survive. They turn to the Thames Water crisis and the question of whether to nationalise water to avoid the government having to further bail out profiteering private companies. Reem Ibrahim explains why the privatisation of public services and utilities isn't working in the UK and why many don't have the same problems as the UK abroad. Despite their political differences, the panel agree on the question of whether the Conservative government seem to have downed tools, and if a general election should be called right now.  The final topic is the newly released Equity in Cricket report. It shows that 87% of people with Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, 82% of people with Indian heritage and 75% of all Black people in cricket report to have been discriminated against in the last five years. The panel discuss the wider issue of racism in our society and the ways it can be tackled. With the issue of elitism also involved in the report, Chris asks the panellists whether they went to a private school, and their answers may not be what you expected…   'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by John O'Brennan the Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at the National University of Ireland Maynooth. John is a leading spokesman, columnist and academic on European Politics. In particular, he works on the process and politics of the EU's Enlargement policy and on Ireland's relationship with the European Union.Chris and John kick-off with economics. With UK inflation at 8.7% and inflation in the Eurozone at around 6%, John and Chris discuss the discrepancy. Can we just blame Covid and Ukraine or are other effects such as Britain's backwards housing market at play? They rain down judgment on the economic management of the UK over the last two decades and then compare its performance to the rest of Europe. John explains Ireland's peculiar measure of economic success. It isn't long before the B-word (Brexit) is mentioned. John explains why Britain's plunge into independence from the EU has been so unsuccessful. What are the UK's prospects outside of the EU? What was the true cause behind the 52% vote to leave? How significant was the press? How much should we blame David Cameron and the Remain Campaign? This opens up a conversation about the significance of AI in the battle against misinformation in the future.They talk about the role of leadership in the crisis that Brexit has created for the UK including Rishi Sunak and previous Conservative Prime Ministers' crippling political ties to Brexiteers in their party. They discuss the macro politics of Europe and how Britain is still very much united with the Continent. John explains the origins of the concept of ‘cakeism' in relation to Britain's relationship with the EU, and the imminent threat in Europe of the far-right through the likes of Marine Le Pen. Chris asks John how the international community's view of the UK has changed since 2016. How has Brexit really changed immigration into and out of the EU? Has the UK gone from having the best of both worlds to the worst of both worlds?Is there hope for the UK to progress in the future under a Labour government after what will be over 14 years of Conservative rule?   'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis episode was produced by Tom PlattsThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by journalist and author Christina Patterson, political commentator Edward Hardy, and author and journalist Otto English. Where else to start other than Boris Johnson? With the damning Privileges Committee report into his Lockdown breaches released this morning, one can only describe the podcast's opening as a post-mortem of the political career of the man who lied to Parliament. Will his allies in the media bring him back to life? The panel discuss Johnson's behaviour during the lockdowns, the cronyism surrounding his honours list, Rishi Sunak, the damage Johnson and Truss have done to the country, and where this bombshell of a report leaves British politics going forward. Has Britain's global reputation reached an all-time low? The panellists powerfully debate the role of the House of Lords and whether it's got too big. They discuss the role of the media and what needs to change about it and the way we consume it to save our democracy.  'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

On this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by political commentator & co-host of The Trawl podcast Marina Purkiss, Conservative broadcaster, commentator and columnist Emily Carver, Labour Councillor for Preston Freddie Bailey, and Conservative commentator and columnist Samantha Smith.The conversation kicks off with Sunak's immigration speech in Dover on Monday, and whether Brexit impacts inflation. Then the panel debate what state the country will be in at the end of this Conservative government and whether Labour will be the change we need. Is the country repairable?Freddie Bailey analyses Labour's political position, and that given the struggling economy the Tories would hand them upon being elected.They discuss the covid inquiry and whether the pandemic has acted as a convenient smokescreen for Tory economic mismanagement and the underfunding of the NHS.Finally, Chris turns the discussion to the global threat of AI - will it take all our jobs, will we create new jobs? Samantha Smith unveils some frightening AI tales. 'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by Otto English who has recently released the book Fake Heroes: Ten False Icons and How they Altered the Course of History.Chris and Otto discuss a number of the historical figures that feature in the book's chapters, draw parallels between them and reflect on how the most singular events can skew our view of history.Topics Otto and Chris discuss:Writing the Queen's obituaryJFK and getting to the bottom of his assassinationThe populist myth of Che Guevara - “Would Che Guevara have been so iconic if he hadn't been so damn good-looking?”Andy Warhol - how was he so prolific? Was Henry V and how no monarch beats the late Queen.The ghastly George VJohn Wayne: Otto's childhood hero who let him down. Chris's extraordinary Robin Hood story.Otto's Fake Heroes message.Buy Fake Heroes  www.waterstones.com/book/fake-heroes/otto-english/9781802795899'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

On this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by journalist, Writer, and Broadcaster, Christina Patterson, political Commentator, Lee Harris, and news presenter, Rosie Wright.The conversation starts with the panel discussing Suella Braverman's recent speech at the National Conservatism conference. They debate whether she was undermining Rishi Sunak and making a bid for leadership. Together, they look at the current landscape of the Conservative Party – how could they win over the public when the party is so clearly divided? Do they need to refind their political identity?The panel discusses the net migration figures, which are at a record high, and debates whether the post-Brexit points system is working as the country has wide shortages in the workforce. New sky-high immigration figures suggest that Brexit's motive to reduce net immigration has been undermined. How much is that due to global forces, and how much is it a Brexit betrayal by the government?They discuss the new revelations on visits to Chequers during Boris Johnson's premiership and the covid-19 lockdowns. Whilst ethical procedure must be followed to fully investigate the former government's conduct, will any new findings change anyone's view of Boris Johnson?'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In a special episode this week, host Chris Wright is joined by former Football Editor for The Times, Tony Evans, former Southampton FC Chairman, Rupert Lowe, Chief Football Writer for The Mail on Sunday, Rob Draper, and Sports business management professional and Director of Bury AFC, Darren Bernstein.The discussion starts with an exploration of what caused this push for regulating English football. This group of top football journalists and former club owners, including former QPR owner Chris Wright CBE, uncover the dark secrets behind the scene of the astronomical transfer fees and the Super League fiascos. How would a regulator fix the poor management of football, which led to clubs like Bury FC going bust? The panel discusses the dangerous reality of being a football club owner and the importance of clubs as cultural community assets. They identify the problems, offer solutions, and argue whether the government is going too far.This podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

On this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by Green Party peer and former leader Natalie Bennett, Liberal Democrat Councillor Jake Short, and Labour Councillor Frankie Leach.The conversation kicks off with a review of the coronation and constitution, discussing the police arrests of peaceful protesters. Turning to the local elections: we hear from representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens, who are jostling for Tory votes in the leadup to the general election. Will Labour have to go into a coalition to get into government? Will tactical voting come into play? The Greens are growing exponentially; the Lib Dems are back from the ruins of Nick Clegg's damaging time in coalition with the Tories. Does Labour have what it takes to secure a majority?This opens up the debate on whether we should have proportional representation, which would benefit the Greens and Lib Dems in particular, but would the gain in progressiveness be worth the risk of extremism? The panel discusses whether the electorate has become more or less progressive and remarks on the generational divide. Was Brexit a result of people for decades feeling their vote doesn't count?Chris takes the conversation to the Conservative's inflammatory populist political stance on immigration, which materialises into a discussion of each party's position on Brexit and Britain's relationship with Europe going forward.    Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter page!'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.co.ukCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.comSign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at www.wrightonthenail.fmThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

On this week's News Roundtable episode, Chris Wright CBE is joined by political commentator Narinder Kaur, former Conservative MEP and Chairman of The Freedom Association, David Campbell Bannerman, political commentator Leon Nesbeth, and political commentator Suzanne Evans. Chris had no choice but to kick off the conversation with the King's Coronation. Our politically diverse panel argues how important the Royal Family is to Britons today and tells us their thoughts on Charles' plans of modernisation. The discussion moves to Sue Gray and whether the Tories are making a mountain out of a molehill or whether she has acted unrighteously. How scared are you about AI is the next question, in a week when its ‘godfather' Geoffrey Hinton has resigned from Google, warning of the dangers of AI's superior intelligence to our own. We end by analysing the case of police seizing golliwogs from an Essex pub that had several on display in the establishment. This does get quite heated, with half the panel on the anti-racist end of the spectrum and the other half on the freedom of speech at all-cost end. Which side are you on?  Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter page!'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.comSign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at www.wrightonthenail.FMThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's 'News Roundtable' episode, host Chris Wright is joined by journalist and broadcaster, Emily Carver, Labour Councillor for Streatham, Martin Abrams, and journalist, writer, and broadcaster, Christina Patterson.The conversation kicks-off with an analysis of Dominic Raab's resignation following the outcome of the inquiry into his bullying allegations. The panel discusses the lack of grace in his resignation and explores whether this is an ongoing pattern in the recent Tory exits. Together they debate whether Sunak was weak not to sack Raab in the first place. We have a good long look at Tory leadership, opening up to discussion on the new book Boris at 10  by Raymon Newell that provides a damning exposé of his premiership. The panel moves to Dianne Abbott's universally condemned comments about racism, on which we were graced by an impassioned speech from Labour Councillor Martin Abrams with a commentary on how Keir Starmer has handled this situation and similar situations throughout his leadership.Finally, the panel looks at Andrew Bridgen – the long-time anti-vax proponent who compared the covid vaccine rollout to the horrors of the Holocaust. Developing into an exciting discussion about Big Pharma and whether it should be nationalised!We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode on Twitter!'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.comSign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at www.wrightonthenail.FMThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts

In this week's 'News Roundtable' episode, host Chris Wright is joined by journalist and author of Fake History Otto English, Labour NEC member Jess Barnard, journalist and broadcaster Reem Ibrahim, and political commentator Lee Harris.This week kicks off with a fascinating debate on the climate crisis brought to our attention by recent and ongoing protests by animal rights and climate activist groups Animal Rising and Just Stop Oil, while Extinction Rebellion is planning a mass protest during the London Marathon this weekend. With a panel split on whether the activists are advancing or damaging their cause by protesting at major sports events, this is a must-listen exchange of views! In fact, Chris Wright CBE and our fantastic panel offer a highly thought-provoking episode throughout. The other topics discussed in depth are the Fox News $787 million ‘fake news' fine and the NHS nurse's strikes. The panel shares their thoughts on Rishi Sunak's troubles over his wife's shares in a government-boosted childcare firm and whether his super-richness will be an ongoing problem for him. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode on Twitter!'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. © Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.Rock around the clock productions AB.www.rockaroundtheclock.coCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.comSign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at www.wrightonthenail.FMThis podcast is published by New Thinking: www.newthinking.com Explore New Thinking podcasts via our website: www.newthinking.com/podcasts