21st-century British writer and activist
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Since the government's decision to proscribe the group Palestine Action, arrests have mounted across the country, raising questions not only about the group's tactics but also about the government's handling of free speech and protest rights.On today's special edition of Coffee House Shots, Michael Simmons is joined by The Spectator's James Heale and journalist Ash Sarkar to debate whether this is evidence of an increasingly authoritarian bent to Starmer's Labour. Has the ban made prosecutions easier, or has it created a chilling effect on freedom of expression? And is this further evidence of the overreach of the attorney-general, Lord Hermer?Also on the podcast, with Keir Starmer's majority secured but his party's membership dwindling, is there space for a new populist party to Labour's left? Ash defends Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana's efforts to establish Your Party. Should they be taking a leaf out of Reform's playbook?Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Keir Starmer proving as unpopular and unpalatable to the left as he is to the right, Jeremy Corbyn's new - and as yet untitled - political party joins Reform UK in presenting a very real threat to Labour's chances of re-election in 2029.In this episode of The Daily T, Tim Stanley and Gordon Rayner talk to Ash Sarkar - journalist, Corbyn-supporter and co-founder of left-wing media organisation Novara Media - about how that new party could form a potentially fatal electoral pact for Starmer by teaming up with the Greens in 2029.As well as her dissatisfaction at Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, she also talks about how Reform have outflanked Labour on the left with talk of nationalising utility providers like Thames Water, and why she “previously underestimated Nigel Farage” but is now “taking him a lot more seriously”.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTokProducer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: Will WaltersSocial Producer: Ece CelikStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ash Sarkar sat down at EartH Hackney with acclaimed historian and author William Dalrymple. Picking up where they left off last time they spoke on Downstream, Sarkar and Dalrymple had a wide-ranging conversation at the crossroads of empire, resistance, and the long shadows of colonialism. From the rich histories traced in The Golden Road to […]
Anas Al-Sharif is among five Al-Jazeera journalists killed by Israel. Plus: Palestine Action protests lead to over 500 arrests, the right's call for a British revolution, and Richard Madeley grills Labour over branding Palestine Action as terrorists. With: Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar and Marji Mansfield.
Novara FM was Novara Media's first show – it's now coming to an end. On the final episode, Richard Hames sat down with Aaron Bastani, James Butler and Ash Sarkar to talk about 15 years of Novara Media. What have we learned from a decade and a half fighting a media landscape that insists nothing […]
Dr Eliza Filby is a historian and author of the bestselling book Inheritocracy: It's Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad. In conversation with Ash Sarkar, Dr Filby draws on her own life story, growing up in South London with parents who went from communists to Thatcherites in the 1980s. She debunks […]
Farage blames migrants for Britain's descent into violence. Plus: Hamas releases video of one of the surviving hostages, Rachel Reeves weighs in on Corbyn and Sultana's new party, and Trump praises Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.
This interview would once have been illegal to broadcast in the UK. For many, Gerry Adams is a peacemaker, but for others he remains inseparable from the violence and trauma of the Troubles. Ash Sarkar travels to the James Connolly Centre in West Belfast to talk to Adams about the slow rise of his party, […]
Connie and Jan begin by discussing the furore arising from last week's Glastonbury Festival, when rap duo Bob Vylan led a crowd of thousands in chanting ‘Death, death to the IDF'. Some commentators have demanded that police investigate the rapper for incitement to violence while others greeted his words as a morally impassioned politically justifiable performance. Many drew parallels with Lucy Connolly, imprisoned for 31 months for a tweet, and called for consistency in the treatment of Bob Vylan. However, the FSU issued a very clear statement making the case for consistency that leans towards rather than away from free speech – in other words, neither Lucy Connolly nor the rapper should face criminal sanction. You can read our statement here and watch an interview between Toby Young and Ash Sarkar here. Connie then introduces the second part of the Sullivan Review, a piece of research which catalogues the multifarious ways in which gender critical academics have had obstacles placed in the way of their research. One of those academics, Professor Jo Phoenix, wrote about the findings in the Critic. The latest developments in the FSU's campaign against ‘the banter ban', as we're describing Clause 20 of the Employment Rights Bill are then discussed and listeners are urged to make use of our campaigning tool to write to a member of the House of Lords in support of Lord Young's amendments, which will be proposed on 14th July. For a live discussion about workers' rights, you can come along to our event on Monday 14th July Moving to a global perspective on free speech, Connie and Jan consider the findings of the Global Expression Report 2025, produced by Article 19, which assesses the status of free expression and access to information across 161 countries. The report found a global decline in free expression and just as disturbingly, demoted the UK to a second-tier rank – lower than most other Western European countries. What dragged down our score was an increase in government censorship efforts (as opposed to restrictions on press freedom or on civil society organisations). 'That's Debatable' is edited by Jason Clift
Today's episode is the recording of our recent panel Ctrl, Alt, Delusion: Resetting Reality in the Manosphere, live at SXSW London, in partnership with Sage & Jester. Sage & Jester is an impact-led arts production company that exposes manipulation and misinformation. At Sage & Jester, entertainment sparks critical thinking. Their work blends wisdom and wit to entertain, enlighten, and help you harness your internal BS detector. They're not just storytellers, they are catalysts for a more informed, more engaged society. For this panel, host Sophia Smith Galer was joined by journalist Ash Sarkar, Cambridge University social psychologist Sander van der Linden and documentary filmmaker Matt Shea to shed light on how influencer culture weaponises masculinity, transforming isolation and insecurity into a misinformation powerhouse. Exploring how key figures such as the infamous Tate brothers thrive on grievance and viral distortions, the panel discussed the specifics of misinformation in the manosphere, and how to ‘inoculate' against these falsehoods. Click here to find out more about Sage & Jester and their mission to fight the misinformation crisis. (https://sageandjester.com/) If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Popular ride share app Uber has been accused of not paying its fair share of taxes in New Zealand. A new report claims the ride share service shifted millions of dollars overseas in what it calls 'inter-company service fees' in order to lower its New Zealand tax bill.Paddy Gower liked the Bezos wedding and doesn't care about the Mowbray-Williams helipad. In fact, he's wondering why New Zealand's wealth creators aren't on the same pedestal as the All Blacks.We tale another look at Bob Vylan's Glastonbury and the commentary that is coming up around it. In the UK Channel 4's 'The Fourcast' hosted journalist and founder of the Free Speech Union Lord Toby Young, and political activist Ash Sarkar - who was at the performance - to unpack the controversy.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance has dominated headlines and sparked a huge debate. The punk duo chanted “death to the IDF” to a live crowd of thousands, and millions more watched at home, as their set aired live on the BBC. The backlash was swift - some called it a bold act of protest, while others condemned it as deeply offensive and antisemitic. On-screen warnings issued by the BBC about discriminatory language were deemed “not good enough”, and both the festival and the BBC have since condemned the performance, issuing public apologies.In this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by journalist and founder of the Free Speech Union Lord Toby Young, and political activist Ash Sarkar - who was at the performance - to unpack the controversy. They discuss the reaction to Bob Vylan's set, the BBC's decision to broadcast it, and what this means for free speech and creative freedom in today's media landscape.This episode of The Fourcast contains language that some may find offensive.
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
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
Social media phenomenon and left wing polemicist Ash Sarkar talks to Adrian Goldberg about her new book 'Minority Rule – Adventures In The Culture Wars' published by Bloomsbury. Produced in Birmingham by Adrian Goldberg and Harvey White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
“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.
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.