21st-century British writer and activist
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Tensions rise as Iran strikes a US air base in Qatar in retaliation for Trump's attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Plus: Palestine Action ‘to be banned' as a terror group and how Western politicians are trying to rewrite the history of Iran. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and an interview with Paul Rogers.
Alex Forsyth presents political discussion from The Corn Hall, Diss.
Israel claims air superiority over Iran. Plus: The media's manufactured consent for Iranian regime change; and an inquiry into grooming gangs is launched. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and an interview with Séamus Malekafzali.
Israel threatens Iran with military action. Plus: Yet more killings at Gaza aid sites, Zohran Mamdani surging in mayoral polls, and a third night of rioting in Ballymena causes even more unrest. With: Dalia Gebrial, Ash Sarkar, and interviews with Amanda Ferguson & Aaron Eisenberg.
Ahmed Alnaouq is a Palestinian journalist and author. In October 2023, while he was in the UK, an Israeli airstrike hit his home in central Gaza, killing 21 of his immediate family, including his father, two brothers, three sisters and their children. He joins Ash Sarkar to talk about Israel's dehumanisation of Palestinians, Britain's continuing […]
The National Guard has been deployed in LA to quell immigration riots. Plus: The Gaza Flotilla ship has been captured by the Israeli army, the winter fuel payments threshold rises to £35,000; and the rise of NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar
Keir Starmer has launched the government's strategic defence review, pledging billions of pounds to the arms industry. Plus: Israeli forces have opened fire on crowds approaching an aid distrubtion point, killing dozens of Palestinians; and Poland elects a right-wing strongman. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar, Mark Curtis and Jakub Dymek.
Keir Starmer has signed a loose new trade agreement with the European Union. Nigel Farage claims it will “end” the British fishing industry. Plus: Israel's intensified ground assault on Gaza; and Gary Lineker has resigned from the BBC as Match of the Day host. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar, Anand Menon and Antonio Brito Guterres.
Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to the journalist and activist Ash Sarkar. They discuss how her political viewpoint has changed over the years, what social media is doing to our political discourse and how the Labour Party's doing - as well as Ash's new book MINORITY RULE: ADVENTURES IN THE CULTURE WAR. Ash also takes calls from LBC listeners.
Donald Trump has met with Syria's President and former HTS commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the announcement that all US sanctions on Syria would be lifted. Plus: Israel intensifies its attack on Gaza; and Zarah Sultana takes aim at Keir Starmer. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Ash Sarkar, Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani debate: could the Labour Party be heading for a trouncing? Help us build people-powered media: https://novara.media/support
Ash Sarkar, Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani debate one of the most pressing questions of the day: can Reform UK win a general election? Might it even win the next one? Help us build people-powered media: https://novara.media/support
The Israeli government has unanimously approved a plan to capture the whole of Gaza and occupy it indefinitely. Plus: Interviews with Zack Polanski and John Curtice. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
The International Court of Justice has begun a hearing into Israel's humanitarian obligations in Gaza. Plus: Huge power outages in Spain and Portugal; and new EHRC advice states that trans women should not be allowed to use women's toilets. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and Ahmed Abu Riziq.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 following several weeks of illness. We speak to Paul Fleming, Equity union leader and Catholic, about the Pope's political legacy. Plus: Thousands demonstrate against the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of woman. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and TransLucent's Steph Richards.
The UK government is racing to keep Britain's last steel blast furnaces in operation. Plus: Why Donald Trump has already lost his trade war with China; and Israel destroys the last functioning hospital in Gaza City. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and Commonwealth's Mathew Lawrence.
Global financial markets have gone into a tailspin as Donald Trump doubles down on his trade war with the rest of the world. Plus: Elon Musk appears to break ranks with Donald Trump; and two Labour MPs have been deported by Israel. With Michael Walker, Yanis Veroufakis and Ash Sarkar.
Do Trump's tariffs prove Brexiteers right?Plus, journalist Ash Sarkar takes your calls on her new book.
Israel has ordered the evacuation of Rafah ahead of a potential new offensive. Plus: We speak to Alice Cappelle about Marine Le Pen being barred from running for president; Trump refuses to rule out running for a third term. Hosted by Ash Sarkar & Helena NoJusticeMTG and featuring Alice Cappelle.
Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal has been beaten and kidnapped by armed Israeli settlers and IDF soldiers. Plus: Israel has killed two more journalists in Gaza. With Aaron Bastani and Ash Sarkar.
Journalist and political commentator Ash Sarkar joins Alan and Lionel to talk about her debut book Minority rule, adventures in the culture war, which tackles free speech and how so-called culture wars have been manufactured to stoke division and influence politics. How have cultural battles eclipsed economic struggle in public debate? Ash examines the media's role in fuelling the culture wars, the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse, and how class interests shape coverage of figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage. She also reflects on the future of Novara Media, whether the UK is following a global shift toward right-wing politics, and the challenges of building sustainable left-wing media. Can there ever be a left-wing Joe Rogan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ash Sarkar is a journalist, academic and political activist known for her commentary on social justice and democratic socialism. She is a senior editor at Novara Media, and her work has been published extensively. Ash's debut book, Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War, examines how ruling elites exploit cultural divisions to maintain power. On the podcast, she tells Liv and Lara about early memories of her grandmother's paratha, why she is not a vegetarian and why she prefers to think of herself as a ‘Cava communist' as opposed to a Champagne socialist. Photo credit: Jonathan Ring
Ash Sarkar is a journalist, academic and political activist known for her commentary on social justice and democratic socialism. She is a senior editor at Novara Media, and her work has been published extensively. Ash's debut book, Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War, examines how ruling elites exploit cultural divisions to maintain power. On the podcast, she tells Liv and Lara about early memories of her grandmother's paratha, why she is not a vegetarian and why she prefers to think of herself as a ‘Cava communist' as opposed to a Champagne socialist. Photo credit: Jonathan Ring
Alt episode title for Stewart Lee nerds: Snowflake/Cyclone Emerald prepares for Alfred to visit. First up she and Tom take a look at the survey results of our listener survey. Then, Greens announce some new policies (17:01) - a ban of native forest logging and price gouging, and a tax on Big Tech. Are we living in techno feudalism? Then, you’re all a bunch of snowflakes! (42:25) Tom has some thoughts about the rise of even more snowflakery on the right, as Peter Garrett dances on Gina Rinehart’s grave, and the National Gallery and Creative Australia gave in instantly to the slightest pressure and sold out Aussie arts. Finally, a call to action (1:07:11). ---------- Just released on Patreon - “Inside The Greens #8 : Leadership debates & neoliberals on bikes” The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of over SIXTY past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU ---------- Call to action - Cyclone Alfred - volunteer for flood/cyclone recovery Elizabeth Watson-Brown/Ryan: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsGLq4Ap0rge1-gEyb6FpiGYe9kl-safk7HCF6Lqloxmd_eA/viewform Max Chandler-Mather/Griffith: https://www.maxchandlermather.com/climate_volunteer Stephen Bates/ Brisbane: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOI4a9qmE2hCqaS6QwaZcwHqwaJabvtNZDyzlpIQJnSRZehA/viewform Vic Greens Campaign conference March 22 2025 @ Trades Hall https://contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?id=20045 Upcoming Greens events: https://greens.org.au/events Technofeudalism - https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu/2024/02/04/technofeudalism-a-video-essay-summarising-the-book/ Jacobin ‘In Australia, Pro-Israel Politicians Are Attacking Artists’ - https://jacobin.com/2025/03/australia-venice-censorship-palestine-sabsabi Overland ‘Open letter on academic freedom, in solidarity with Randa Abdel-Fattah’ - https://overland.org.au/2025/02/open-letter-on-academic-freedom-in-solidarity-with-randa-abdel-fattah/ Novara Media ‘This Is Why The Right Are WINNING | Aaron Bastani meets Ash Sarkar’ https://youtu.be/ZS3UlB7aXmE Serious Danger merch - https://seriousdanger.bigcartel.com/ Produced by Michael Griffin https://www.instagram.com/mikeskillz Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At an EU summit, Polish PM Donald Tusk has said that Europe can win any military, financial or economic confrontation with Russia. Plus: Another house of lords member is caught up in a lobbying scandal; and Ash Sarkar weighs in on the two-tier policing row on Politics Live. With Dalia Gebrial and NoJusticeMTG.
In a new interview, singer songwriter Sam Fender claimed he understood why young white men from Northern towns are being radicalised by misogynist social media influencers like Andrew Tate - it's because they're being accused of having privilege. In similarly convoluted language, Novara Media has rage baited the nation by releasing content claiming Woke Is Dead to promote Ash Sarkar's new book that includes questions on the effectiveness of identity politics.All in all, it feels like the left is turning its back on being societally progressive in order to win click bait points in the culture war and in this week's episode, hosts Ione and Gina ask why leftist figureheads are so happy to sell out their marginalised comrades in favour of media attention.Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member
We are living in a time of contradictions. For the last forty years, our politics and media have been dominated by neoliberal, right-wing voices - yet pundits insist that the UK is dominated by a woke, left-wing elite. Our politicians claim to champion the voices of the forgotten working class - yet working-class people are not seeing better wages, housing or healthcare. And the majority of people in this country are being screwed by the economic system - yet for some reason we seem unable to secure a better future for ourselves. So where did it all go wrong? Are we really ruled over by a censorious woke mob? Or is it all a convenient story, to distract us from the real villains? Ayeisha Thomas-Smith is joined by Ash Sarkar, journalist and author of Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War. Music by A.A Aalto (available: freemusicarchive.org), used under Creative Commons licence: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/. Produced by Katrina Gaffney and Margaret Welsh. The New Economics Podcast is brought to you by the New Economics Foundation. Find out more about becoming a NEF supporter at: neweconomics.org/donate/build-a-better-future New Economics Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity No. 1055254
We had the pleasure to be joined in the studio by journalist and author Ash Sarkar before the release of her new book Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War.During a wide ranging conversation we get into Keir Starmer's grip on power, the rise of the right and the death of identity politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Right now, culture wars seem to punctuate every moment of our daily lives. Politicising more and more and dividing people over issues both big and small. How have culture wars embedded themselves in so deeply in our politics? What if they are part of a wider design to keep the rich powerful? And how damaging have identity politics been for the left? Ash Sarkar sat down with Lewis to discuss these questions, which are at the heart of her new book 'Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War'. Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon't forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
“I'm literally a communist, you idiot”. For almost a decade Ash Sarkar has been one of Britain's most prominent left wing political journalists. She first met Aaron Bastani in 2010, and was later invited on to the Novara FM podcast. It wasn't long before she was calling Piers Morgan an idiot on morning TV. Now […]
Keir Starmer has said he will send troops to Ukraine to serve as peacekeepers if a deal with Russia is reached. Plus: Shocking new details if Israeli war crimes come to light. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
The government has spent the week trying to out-Reform Reform by stirring up yet another moral panic about immigration. The Home Office has been boasting about its crackdown on “foreign criminals and illegal immigrants” and filming immigration raids and deportations. At the same time, it has toughened up rules to make it almost impossible for refugees who arrive in the UK via illegal routes to become British citizens.Contributing editor of Novara Media Ash Sarkar joins Nish and Coco to discuss her new book ‘Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War' - highlighting how a minority elite are profiting from the chaos they create and how the “i” in identity politics can distract and divide progressive movements.And Health Minister Andrew Gwynne and Burnley MP Oliver Ryan - along with 11 Labour councillors - have been suspended from the Labour Party after it was alleged that they'd sent offensive messages to a whatsapp group chat lovingly entitled, “trigger me timbers”.CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS Shopify: https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk Useful LinksWrite to your MP about the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Billwww.fighttheantirefugeelaw/org https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/ GuestsAsh SarkarNathan Phillips Audio CreditsSkyChannel 5GB NewsITVPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk
It's official – we're in the middle of an unprecedented vibe shift. Donald Trump's second term in the White House tips the political balance across the world. So, what happens next? And what defines the era that we're living in? Ash Sarkar is joined by Professor Will Davies, author of The Happiness Industry and Nervous […]
After just three weeks the Israel-Hamas ceasefire appears to be unravelling. Plus: Labour's hard right turn on migration; and new polling on Gen Z's political leanings. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Liberal democracy has long been credited with the West’s economic development, social tolerance, personal freedoms, and the rule of law. And yet, in recent years, it's been blamed for everything from growing inequality, environmental degradation, political polarization, and cultural fragmentation. Its critics argue that liberalism’s failure to meet the moment has fueled trust societies and given rise to populist movements in the US, England, France, Germany, and even Canada. Is it time for a new, animating ideology? On this special edition of the Munk Debates podcast, we seek to answer this question featuring the best moments from the Munk Debate on the Crisis of Liberalism, which took place in the fall of 2023 in front of a sold out crowd of 3,000 people at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. The debate resolution was: Be it resolved, liberalism gets the big questions right Arguing for the motion was the controversial former British M.P. and cabinet minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg. He was joined by the American writer and columnist who has shaped a generation’s thinking on the important issues of our time: George F. Will. Opposing the motion was U.K. journalist, self-avowed communist and popular leftist thinker, Ash Sarkar. Her debating partner was the disruptive and thought-provoking American social conservative, Sohrab Ahmari, author of the bestseller Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty. The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/ Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz Editor: Kieran Lynch
Love is supposed to be the most universal human experience after death and taxes. So why do so many people feel like they're failing in it? Ash Sarkar is joined by Shon Faye, author of the bestselling book The Transgender Issue, to discuss her new book Love In Exile. They talk about how marriage has […]
Donald Trump has announced a raft of tariffs on international trade. Plus: Confessions from Keir Starmer's inner circle published in the Sunday Times. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Hamas and Israel have exchanged more hostages as part of the ceasefire agreement. Plus: Environmental campaigners have claimed a major victory in the Rosebank oilfield battle; and Donald Trump invokes Guantanamo Bay in his war on migrants. With Dalia Gebrial and Ash Sarkar.
Trump begins his second term in office with an angry indictment of the liberal establishment. Plus: The ceasefire begins in Gaza, and the organisers are arrested at a Palestine solidarity march. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Rachel Reeves appears to be losing credibility with the financial markets, but is she really to blame? We ask economist Jo Michell. Plus: A former Labour minister has been arrested following his apprehension by a vigilante ‘paedophile hunter' group. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
On the 10th of December, Ash Sarkar, Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani discussed an epoch-defining year and its implications for the future. Is Starmer screwed? Are expansionist wars back? Has ‘woke' died? Find out in our end of year Downstream special.
An Israeli strike in Syria has caused tremors the size of a 3.1 magnitude earthquake. Plus: A Russian general is assassinated in Moscow; and Nigel Farage meets Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago. With Aaron Bastani and Ash Sarkar.
Opposition fighters have launched a surprise offensive into Syria, taking control of President Assad's official residence. Plus: Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
A petition calling for a general election backed by Elon Musk has amassed over two million signatures. Plus: The huge climate deal at COP29 pitting poorer nations against richer ones. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Michael Walker speaks to Ana Kasparian about Donald Trump's return to the White House and where the Democrats went wrong. Plus: Ash Sarkar reports from the Westminster farmers' protests. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Joe Biden has permitted Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles in Russia. Plus: Brazil's President Lula proposes a wealth tax for billionaires; and a right-wing columnist receives a visit from the police. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Donald Trump has put an anti-vaxxer in charge of American healthcare. Plus: Leading climate experts warn that COP is not fit for purpose. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
Saoirse Ronan's comments on the Graham Norton Show last week when she interjected in a conversation about self-defence and highlighted the issue of women's safety are continuing to make headlines. She was applauded by the audience, but how much courage does it take to call something out like this? Joining Anita Rani to discuss are the journalist Ash Sarkar and counselling psychologist Dr Elaine Kasket. British-Egyptian activist and maths professor Laila Soueif has been on hunger strike for the past month to protest her son Alaa's incarceration in Egypt. He is the country's most high profile political prisoner. Laila and her daughter Sanaa – who has faced arrest and imprisonment herself – join Anita to talk about why they won't stop fighting for Alaa's release.Donna Ockenden, the midwife best known for leading independent investigations into shocking maternity scandals says she's 'disgusted' at the experience her disabled daughter, Phoebe, had in A&E recently. Phoebe and Donna join Anita for their first broadcast interview to explain what went wrong and what they want to change.It's not uncommon to see young children using a tablet or a video game, but how much time on these devices is too much? A new UK study has explored how children under three engage with digital technology at home. The research reveals the significant extent of toddlers' access to various devices, and highlights how these devices can support their early language and literacy development. Anita is joined by Professor Rosie Flewitt who led the study.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Maryam Maruf Editor: Sarah Crawley Studio Manager: Sue Maillot
The fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, England set off one of the worst periods of unrest across the UK. Mobs motivated by racial and religious hatred attacked hotels housing migrants and set buildings across the country on fire. The riots exposed an underlying anger at mass migration that has divided the nation. Left wing activists argue that migrants should be welcomed with open arms. They contribute more to the public purse than native born Britons, provide a much-needed influx of labour to an aging population, and are being unfairly targeted for a breakdown in social services by local governments. Others argue that while mobs and rioting should never be tolerated, the anger driving this unrest has merit. Mass, uncontrolled, low-skill, and low-wage immigration weakens the economy, puts a strain on the UK's social safety net, and weakens its social fabric and cultural identity. Arguing in favour of the resolution is Ash Sarkar. She's a British journalist, a senior editor at Novara Media, and a political activist. Arguing against the resolution is Matthew Goodwin. He's a British academic, pollster, and author of one of UK's biggest Substacks: mattgoodwin.org The host of this Munk Debates podcast episode is Rudyard Griffiths Free Members can vote on who they think won this debate on our website www.munkdebates.com. To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/ Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz Editor: Kieran Lynch
Robin Morgan, Ian Smith, Alice Fraser, and Ash Sarkar join Andy Zaltzman to quiz the newsThis week on The News Quiz the panel plough through Keir Starmer's first Labour conference as PM, analyse the effectiveness of the UN, and celebrate the coming of Earth's new moon... All hail Moon 2!Written by Andy ZaltzmanWith additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Mark Granger, Sharon Wanjohi, and Christina Riggs Producer: Sam Holmes Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production