The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union
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UK crime, media bias, and immigration collide as Patrick presses Mehdi Hasan over the killing of Henry Nowak, the police response, and whether Britain is really being “destroyed” despite low crime stats and post‑Brexit economic decline.
'We are doing this because you are doing it in Ireland'.These were the words of an IRA volunteer in Manchester explaining attacks in Britain during the Irish War of Independence.During the conflict, Britain and particularly England became a major battlefield. Britain was not only geographically close to Ireland, it was also home to large Irish communities in many major cities. Between 1919 and 1922, the IRA made sustained efforts to bring the conflict across the Irish Sea, carrying out hundreds of attacks, most of them in England.This forgotten front of the war included major attacks on the Liverpool docks, the targeting of Black and Tans in Britain and several high-profile incidents, most notably the killing of the British field marshal Sir Henry Wilson.The war also consumed and divided British politics in a way few other issues did until Brexit nearly a century later. Political parties, trade unions and communities were split over what should happen in Ireland, while massive and sometimes violent demonstrations swept across Britain.In this episode of Brothers in Pain, a global history of the Irish Revolution, Dr Brian Hanley explores the IRA's campaign in Britain and how the wider question of Irish independence dominated British politics at the time.This is the eight episode in the Brothers in Pain Series a groundbreaking Global history of the Irish War of Independence by Dr Brian HanleyWritten, Researched & Narrated by Dr Brian Hanley. Check out Brian's publications here https://www.tcd.ie/history/staff/brian-hanley.phpProducer: Fin DwyerSound: Kate DunleaNote from Brian :In researching these episodes I have been indebted to the work of the following scholars;Anna Lively, Sam McGrath, Bruce Nelson, Terry Dunne, David Brundage, Niamh Coffey, Gerard Shannon, Maurice Casey, Kelly Anne Reynolds, Chris McNickle, Joe Doyle, Liz Gillis, FM Carroll, Patrick Mannion, Jimmy Yann, Niall Cullen, Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, Keith Jeffrey, Arthur Mitchell, John Borgonovo, Kate O'Malley, Michael Doorley, Robin Adams, Kevin Kenny, Fearghal McGarry, Catherine M. Burns, Síobhra Aiken, Patrick J. Mahony, Darragh Gannon, Matthew Pratt Guterl and James R. Barrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Remnant's collection of chivalrous gentlemen has been expanded with the addition of Sir Roderick Beaton, renowned scholar of Greek history, language, and literature. And while Jonah Goldberg's love of Greece goes all the way back to his infatuation with Helena Paparizou, today Beaton is here to talk about something slightly grander: Europe. Follow Jonah and Roderick as they dive into this age-old topic, covering history, geography, Christendom, Russia, ancient Greece, race, Brexit, and micro-nationalism. Show Notes: —Roderick Beaton—Europe: A New History —Georgios Varouxakis—The West: The History of an Idea —Robert Tombs—This Sovereign Isle: Britain In and Out of Europe The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including the Saturday Ruminant, audio versions of all our articles and newsletters, and Jonah's twice-weekly G-File—click here. Instructions on how to set up your members-only feed can be found here, and if you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TopMedTalk introduces our new "TopMedTalk Classics" series with a classic TopMedTalk episode from 2018 that is still prescient today. This lecture, given by Sir Bruce Keogh marked the NHS's 70th birthday, a time framed by political volatility, financial constraint, rising demand, and shifting public expectations. Keogh argues healthcare systems must adapt, highlighting the UK's strengths in medical science, innovation, life sciences, and the scale and complexity of the NHS. He describes quality improvement efforts since 2008, including defining quality as effectiveness, safety, and patient experience, developing outcomes measures, and using aligned clinical and managerial leadership to drive change. Examples include major reductions in MRSA, rapid increases in VTE assessment, improved survival from major trauma networks, better hip-fracture care, strong heart-attack and sepsis performance, stroke centralization benefits, and increased dementia diagnosis for support. He emphasizes future pressures from ageing, prevention, the health–social care split, Brexit workforce and drug costs, and emerging forces like mobile tech, AI, genomics, and gene therapy, arguing the NHS's pooled, universal model is well suited to a genomics-enabled future. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/ 00:00 TopMed Talk Intro 00:18 Classics Episode Setup 01:31 Introducing Sir Bruce 02:23 Politics And Adaptation 04:41 Global Pressures On Healthcare 05:48 Hard Times Build NHS 07:35 UK Innovation Advantage 10:33 NHS Scale And Complexity 12:27 Darzi Review Quality Drive 16:10 Outcomes Framework Explained 17:20 Safety And High Level Metrics 18:09 MRSA Turnaround Lesson 20:11 Mandating VTE Prevention 22:58 Trauma Networks Results 24:08 Hip Fracture Best Practice 25:21 Heart Attack Care Wins 26:17 Sepsis And Early Warning 28:01 Stroke Centralization Success 28:45 Dementia Targets Debate 30:31 Leadership And Brexit Risks 32:35 Health And Social Care Split 36:01 Tech Disruption Ahead 36:49 Genomics And NHS Values 38:00 Closing And Congress Promo
Canada's political tensions are heating up after Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Alberta separatists they could be playing a dangerous game. Comparing the movement to Brexit, Carney says using a referendum as leverage could seriously backfire as debates over Alberta's future inside Canada reach a boiling point.
Listen to Rod Liddle's Times Radio show, Saturdays 10am to 1pm, on digital radio, your smart speaker or by downloading the free Times Radio app. Find out more here: https://www.thetimes.com/radio William Clouston – leader of the Social Democratic Party – joins Tom Slater and Fraser Myers for the latest episode of the spiked podcast. They discuss the Reform-Restore rift, why Blair can't fix broken Britain, and Peter Murrell's confessions of a shopaholic. Donate £40 or more to spiked's summer appeal and receive a limited-edition ‘10 years of Brexit' pint glass. Find out more and donate here. Brendan O'Neill will be hosting a live Q&A on Tuesday 9 June. This event is free and is exclusively for spiked supporters. Find out more here: https://www.spiked-online.com/2026/05/08/brendan-oneill-live-and-in-conversation/ Join us for the spiked summit, our biggest ever live event, on Saturday 27 June in Westminster. Get tickets: https://www.spiked-online.com/event/spiked-summit/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recorded at Hay Festival, Andy asks the panel the dreaded question - is Brexit back on the table? Also on the menu is Welsh independence, the National Conversation and an update on just how much money has been wasted on HS2.This week's panellists are Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Robin Morgan, Stephen Bush and Chloe Petts.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Maisie Adair, Catherine Brinkworth, Angela Channell and James Farmer Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Recorded at Hay FestivalA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
Canada is facing a separatist push unlike anything it has seen in decades. In Alberta, after hundreds of thousands signed a petition demanding a vote, a once fringe movement is now headed toward a government-backed referendum. Prime Minister Mark Carney warns this could become Canada’s Brexit moment. But how far could this movement really go? In this episode: Jason Markusoff (@markusoff), CBC Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili with Marcos Bartolomé, Catherine Nouhan and our guest host, Tamara Khandakar. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
In this latest Conflicted Conversation, Thomas talks with Tory MP Sir Jeremy Hunt. Over fourteen years of Conservative government, Hunt served as Culture Secretary, Health Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. But in this discussion, Jeremy draws especially on his eventful year running the Foreign Office to argue against Western defeatism and to make the case for liberal democracy. Sir Jeremy discusses: The view from inside power during Britain's 2010–2024 crisis years Britain's imperial inheritance, post-Brexit identity, and the “Global Britain” problem Trump's 2018 NATO shock and Hunt's case for higher European defence spending China, Russia and Iran as the new autocratic challenge to liberal democracy Yemen and the Stockholm Agreement as a tragic test of humanitarian diplomacy Iran, hostage diplomacy, the JCPOA and the limits of Western coercive power Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm Find us on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. This episode was produced by Thomas Small and Ross Field and edited by Mariana Ramirez-Zablah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-26-26.1919 WILSON DINES IN SAN FRANCISCO ON HIS TREATY CAMPAIGNING THAT LED TO ILL HEALTH.Liz Peek discusses the stabilizing energy markets despite ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, noting that global oil production remains resilient. She also explores Kevin Warsh's potential role as a reformer at the Federal Reserve. (1)Liz Peek analyzes Donald Trump's dominance in Republican primaries, highlighting his successful endorsements of loyalists over the party establishment. She notes the internal friction within the Senate GOP as Trump reshapes the party's future. (2)Jonathan Schanzer evaluates the rumored Iran memorandum of understanding, warning it may signal American vulnerability to regional adversaries. He notes that while Iran's defense base is weakened, its control over energy remains potent. (3)Jonathan Schanzer details Israel's expanding operations against Hezbollah in South Lebanon, focusing on the threat of unjammable FPV drones. He also updates the IDF's progress in Gaza against remaining Hamas leadership and territory. (4)Mary Kissel warns that prioritizing the Strait of Hormuz over dismantling Iran's nuclear program lacks necessary strategic leverage. She stresses the danger of a messianic regime partnering with major powers like China and Russia. (5)Mary Kissel discusses the potential collapse of the Castro regime due to severe economic mismanagement and food shortages. She highlights the need for a comprehensive plan to rebuild while deterring Russian and Chinese influence. (6)Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discuss US military exercises over Caracas and the release of Alex Saabas signals of a shifting transition. They also cover Lula da Silva's health challenges and the friction within the Brazilianelection. (7)Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo cover intense protests in Bolivia triggered by a deepening economic crisis. The guests attribute the instability to Evo Morales, describing his efforts to provoke institutional chaos for his own political survival. (8)Gregory Copley discusses the tactical nature of Iran negotiations, noting continued US defensive strikes in the region. He identifies Turkey's nuclear ambitions and its ICBM program as an emerging factor for future regional stability. (9)Gregory Copley previews the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, noting President Tinubu's likely run despite his health concerns. He contrasts Nigeria's relative calm with the revolutionary anarchy currently gripping the neighboring states in the Sahel. (10)Gregory Copley examines the political instability in Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant unpopularity within his own party. He discusses the potential for a nationalist breakup of the United Kingdom. (11)Gregory Copley praises King Charles III's leadership in maintaining national identity during political turmoil. He also discusses Prince William's preparation for the crown and critiques Keir Starmer's perceived radical leftist, anti-monarchical agenda. (12)Joseph Sternberg analyzes the widening economic gap between a prosperous United States and a stagnating Europe. He identifies the European welfare state and low productivity as significant drags compared to American economic growth. (13)Joseph Sternberg details the political melodrama in London, focusing on Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and Labour's poor performance. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party and the persistent Brexit debate. (14)Thaddeus McCotter questions whether the US is conceding to Iran's nuclear program to prioritize energy prices. He also discusses Trump's successful primary strategy in shaping a loyalist Republican Party for the 2027 cycle. (15)Grant Newsham critiques the lack of clear war aims in the Iran conflict, noting that critical infrastructure remains largely untouched. He warns this perceived weakness sends a dangerous message to adversaries in Beijing and Moscow. (16)
Joseph Sternberg details the political melodrama in London, focusing on Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and Labour's poor performance. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party and the persistent Brexit debate. (14)1919
Griffin Warner talks betting for Wednesday. Griffin Warner is back with a fully loaded Wednesday edition of What I Bet Best Bet, delivering picks across three sports on one of the most action-packed single days of the sports calendar. The episode opens with the UEFA Conference League Final in Leipzig, Germany, where Crystal Palace of the English Premier League takes on Rayo Vallecano of La Liga in the biggest European match either club has ever played. Crystal Palace enters as a half-goal favorite on a neutral pitch, but Griffin makes a pointed case for Rayo at plus-half-goal, arguing that the line overvalues Palace on a neutral site where a draw through ninety minutes or any result in extra time still cashes the Rayo side. The under two and a quarter is also in play as line movement from minus 135 to minus 148 signals sharp money flowing to the low-scoring side. Griffin traces the fascinating managerial backstory, connecting Rayo boss Inigo Perez to Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and explaining how Brexit work permit rules sent Perez back to Vallecas instead of England, where he built one of the more compelling underdog runs in recent European football. From there, Griffin pivots to the NHL Eastern Conference Final, where Carolina leads Montreal two games to one after back-to-back overtime wins. Griffin remains a Canadiens believer, takes Montreal plus 127 at home in the largest arena in the NHL, and outlines a total strategy of waiting for the line to climb from five and a half to six before buying the under for push protection. The bulk of the episode covers the full 14-game Major League Baseball Wednesday slate, running through every matchup from the Toronto-Miami matinee with Kevin Gausman against Eury Perez to the massive Dodgers-Rockies nightcap featuring Shohei Ohtani against Tomoyuki Sugano. Griffin leans heavily on Christopher Sanchez as a total trust play against Walker Buehler in San Diego, backs the Twins over the White Sox despite Chicago's surprising market momentum, eyes the Sacramento ballpark factor in Mariners-Athletics, and still believes in the Tampa Bay Rays moving forward after Griffin Jax's line drive injury derailed Tuesday's start. The episode closes with Griffin's Best Bet of the day: Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees under nine runs, backing Garrett Cole to deal efficiently in just his second start back from Tommy John surgery while giving genuine credit to Noah Cameron as a left-hander the market consistently undervalues. Use promo code GRIFFIN50 at pregame.com for 49 days of all-access picks through the MLB All-Star break for $199, a $50 savings off the standard price. Offer valid through June 8. Follow Griffin Warner at Real_G Warner across all social media platforms and find this episode on the Straight Outta Vegas AM feed across the pregame.com podcast network and everywhere you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uXkk5GHpPE4This week on Planet Normal, your co-pilots of sanity, Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson, dive into a political landscape dominated by explosive leadership interventions and growing institutional scandal. Following a dramatic local election period, the duo analyzes a scathing 5,000-word essay by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has openly lacerated his own party for what he calls an “infinite capacity for self-delusion”.Liam details the escalating fiscal warning signs rattling the British establishment. He warns that despite a temporary dip in the UK inflation rate to 2.8%, it is on track to hit 5% later this year. With long-term government borrowing costs flirting with 30-year highs, Liam argues that cosmetic fixes like supermarket price controls and rollercoaster VAT cuts will do nothing to soothe terrified sovereign bond markets.Meanwhile Allison shares her assessment of the Scottish National Party following the sensational embezzlement guilty plea of its former chief executive. This week's stowaway on the rocket is serial entrepreneur and hospitality titan Luke Johnson, who shares a powerful breakdown of how Britain is currently navigating life under what he defines as a “highly damaging socialist government”.HighlightsBlair is talking sense on this Lefty Labour Party, and Starmer should listen to save themSir Keir Starmer faces mounting threats to his leadership as ideological factions fracture the Labour Party.Looming fiscal disaster deepens as the UK inflation rate is projected to climb back toward 5%.The SNP establishment faces total mockery following the sensational embezzlement fallout of its leadership.Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor |Book your tickets to 'How to make Brexit a success' on 29th June in London: telegraph.co.uk/brexit-big-debate |Read Allison ‘Did you really not know about your husband, Nicola?':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/26/allison-pearson-nicola-sturgeon-husband/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘The approaching inflation crisis is a disaster for Labour': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/05/24/the-approaching-inflation-crisis-is-a-disaster-for-labour/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam's Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are all politicians liars, shysters & con men? STARMER, BLAIR, STURGEON, REFORM SPAT #JonGaunt #jongauntTV #live #KeirStarmer #TonyBlair #NicolaSturgeon #SNP #ReformUK #NigelFarage #AndyBurnham Is British politics nothing more than a rigged circus? Today, we're diving into the absolute chaos that is the "State of the Nation." From the corridors of Westminster to the SNP's motorhome, the establishment is crumbling, and the British people are being left behind. Today's Battleground: The Coronation Scam: A tiny constituency is about to hand-pick our next PM. Why are we being denied a General Election? The public is screaming for a vote, but the elites are clinging to power. Blair vs. Starmer: The ghost of New Labour is back. Why is Tony Blair suddenly criticising "Two-Tier Keir"? Is the master of spin trying to distance himself from a sinking ship? Sturgeon's SNP "Blind Spot": Nicola Sturgeon claims she had no idea about the SNP's finances. How do you miss an £80k Jag or a £130k motorhome on the driveway? Is it incompetence or a calculated con? The Many Faces of Andy Burnham: From "Man of the People" to Brexit flip-flopper. Burnham has more positions than the Kama Sutra—can we trust a man who changes his mind as often as the Town Hall clock? Reform UK Infighting: While the country burns, Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe are scrapping like kids in a playground. If Reform can't unite to defeat Starmer, what hope do we have? It's time to stop the games. Join Jon Gaunt LIVE as he tears into the liars, shysters, and con men running this country into the ground. JOIN THE CONVERSATION LIVE AT FIVE! Call in, comment, and let your voice be heard. Is it time for a total political revolution? Jon Gaunt, jongauntTV, live, State of the Nation, Keir Starmer, Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, SNP scandal, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, Rupert Lowe, Andy Burnham, General Election Now, British politics, political circus, UK government #JonGaunt #jongauntTV #live #StateOfTheNation #KeirStarmer #TonyBlair #NicolaSturgeon #SNP #ReformUK #NigelFarage #AndyBurnham #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #TwoTierKeir #GuyFawkes This is political blogging and hard-hitting social commentary from Triple Sony Gold Award-winning talk radio legend, Jon Gaunt — former host on BBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. On Jon Gaunt TV, we cut through the noise and say what others won't. No political correctness. No censorship. Just real conversations that matter.
Sir Tony Blair has entered Labour's civil war - and his message is brutal: changing the leader means nothing if the party still has no real plan for Britain.In a sweeping essay, the former Prime Minister delivers a scathing critique of Keir Starmer's government and questions whether Labour has coherent answers on growth, tax, welfare, Brexit, net zero and Britain's place in the world. Blair argues the solution is a return to the “radical centre” - but what does that actually mean in 2026?In this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy examines whether Labour's crisis is really about leadership at all. Would replacing Starmer with Wes Streeting or Andy Burnham solve anything? Should Labour move closer to Donald Trump or back towards Europe? And if the party forces a leadership contest now, does it risk opening the door to Nigel Farage and Reform UK?Joining Krishnan are former Tony Blair speechwriter Phil Collins and Labour MP Zubir Ahmed, a supporter of Wes Streeting who resigned from government earlier this month, and Stewart Wood who was an adviser to Gordon Brown when he was Prime Minister and Ed Miliband when he was Labour leader.
Journalist and broadcaster Rachel Johnson joins Andrew Gold to discuss the "tripwires" currently silencing British discourse. From her "Master" investigation into Neil Gaiman and the complexities of coercive control (33:00) to why she remains a "Remainer" despite the "4-hour biometric queues" of a post-Brexit world (16:00), Rachel pulls no punches. SUPPORT MY GUEST: - Follow Rachel Johnson on X: https://x.com/RachelSJohnson - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheljohnsonpublic/ - Watch her The Master series on Neil Gaiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh48rdEgLIg - Keep up with her on LBC: https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/rachel-johnson/ SPONSORS: Support our sponsor: go to https://boncharge.com and use code HERETICS to save 15%. Go to https://boncharge.com and use code HERETICS to save 15%. Go to https://surfshark.com/heretics for 4 extra months of Surfshark Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code andrewgold at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/andrewgold Check Plaud UK: https://bit.ly/40Gzdh1 | US: https://bit.ly/475MQKe Notepro: https://bit.ly/479tWSR Organise your life: https://akiflow.pro/Heretics Earn up to 4 per cent on gold, paid in gold: https://www.monetary-metals.com/heretics/ Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics We explore the "overcorrection" of the Boris-wave immigration, why the "center ground" is being treated as heresy, and the "puddle-deep" nature of modern political fame. Support the Heretics mission: Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations: Andrew Gold | Heretics. #RachelJohnson #BorisJohnson #UKPolitics #LBC #FreeSpeech #Heretics #AndrewGold #Islamism Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 00:00 "This country has gone nuts" 05:30 - Should the Burka be banned? 09:00 - The "Boris Wave" of immigration 13:30 - Fined for stopping the boats? 16:00 - Almost divorced in a post-Brexit queue 20:00 - The "Anywhere" people vs. Sovereignty 23:45 - Is Europe becoming a Caliphate? 27:30 - Handling the "Islamophobe" label 33:00 - The "outside bath" & Neil Gaiman 37:15 - "Master" & Coercive Control 43:00 - Why I hate "cancellation" 46:50 - Boris's final morning in Downing Street 48:15 - The Queen's final advice: "Don't be ******" 52:10 - Is Israel an Apartheid state? 55:40 - Getting rid of "Victim Culture" 57:50 - Russell Brand & Noel Gallagher Madness 1:00:00 Rachel Storms Off Set! Is She Really Joking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Russell interviews Adrian Kelly in Northern Ireland about his varied career and ideas on success. Kelly began as a criminal solicitor, then left the profession after the 2009–2010 financial crash and fee cuts, pivoting into a renewable energy wind-turbine business that grew to 30 staff, raised about €20 million, and sold products from China to the US before he departed in 2018. He later moved into consultancy, benefitting from Brexit work via his company Brexit Plan, and during COVID took a nonfiction course that led to his book proposal and Amazon-bestselling book, The Success Complex; he's now completing a master's in performance psychology. They discuss how law shaped his thinking about morality and “true success” as wellbeing, social connection, purpose, and self-transcendence, plus metacognition, stress and recovery, and the book's structure (skills, sustaining, direction).00:00 Introductions01:01 From Law to Wind Power03:56 Brexit Boom and New Direction04:22 Becoming an Author07:27 Law Shaping Success08:51 Morality and Losing Your Way10:53 Defining True Success14:26 Transcendence and Perspective17:44 Metacognition and Blind Spots21:22 Inside The Success Complex24:08 Where to Find Adrian25:07 Closing You can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com
Vo Veľkej Británii sa znovu rozpráva, že brexit bol chybou... a stáva sa to politickou témou. Dokonca nie hocakou, ale témou v zápase o budúceho premiéra. Otázkou ale je, či by sa Británia naozaj chcela do Únie vrátiť – a či by ju Únia chcela naspäť. O prípadnom návrate Spojeného kráľovstva do EÚ sa v podcaste Dobré ráno rozpráva Tomáš Prokopčák s Radovanom Geistom z portálu euBrief. Zdroj zvukov: STVR, ČT24, TA3 Odporúčanie A dnes namiesto odporúčania bude pripomienka: ak nás chcete podporiť a máte Dobré ráno radi, zahlasujte za nás v ankete Podcast roka... aj za hocaké podcasty, ktoré máte radi. – Všetky podcasty denníka SME nájdete na sme.sk/podcasty – Odoberajte aj audio verziu denného newslettra SME.sk s najdôležitejšími správami na sme.sk/brifingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is instability the new normal with the UK's broken polticis.In this week's Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to author and historian Robert Saunders about Britain's transition from decades of political stability to having six prime ministers in ten years and how this reflects deep systemic pressures rather than just poor individual leadership. Robert explains that modern leaders have faced an unprecedented convergence of global crises—including Brexit, COVID-19, and soaring public debt—with very little governance experience. He views Brexit as both a symptom of long-term political decline and an amplifier that polarized the electorate into rigid identities and normalised political dishonesty.Unlike the unstable 1920s, which maintained experienced leadership and defended democratic norms against extremism, today's crisis is unprecedented because both major parties have lost their traditional social roots, resulting in a highly volatile electorate. This instability is compounded by massive public debt, which severely constrains government action. Rather than addressing these constraints honestly, modern politicians have largely abandoned their "educative" role, choosing to hide difficult economic trade-offs from the public.This systemic decay is further accelerated by a plutocratic assault on democracy, led by billionaire-controlled platforms and populist media that actively promote anti-establishment sentiment. Robert argues that mainstream politicians must stop legitimising this "anti-politics" rhetoric and instead actively defend democratic institutions by highlighting their tangible successes. Ultimately, he warns that universal suffrage is less than a century old, and citizens must stop acting as complacent "vandals" of a highly fragile democratic ecosystem.Read all about it! Robert Saunders - @redhistorian - author and academic. Author of "Yes to Europe! The 1975 Referendum & Seventies Britain". "A jaw-dislocating page turner"(Andrew Marr). Co-director the Mile End Institute @MileEndInst , Reader Queen Mary's @QMHistoryNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles unpack a week of chaos inside Trumpworld, beginning with Wolff's explosive courtroom setback in his legal fight with Melania Trump and delving into what they describe as a justice system warped by Trump's influence. From a mysterious $1.8 billion “slush fund” settlement and the ongoing culture of intimidation around the media, to Don Jr.'s lavish Bahamas wedding conspicuously missing one major guest—his own father—the episode peels back the dysfunction, rivalries, and raw narcissism driving the Trump family. Wolff and Coles also dissect Tulsi Gabbard's abrupt exit, Pete Hegseth's latest foreign policy blunder, Jeff Bezos publicly praising Trump while cashing in on the new political order, and the surreal possibility that former Brexit architect Steve Hilton could become governor of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today, Newscast is looking reports that the UK proposed establishing a single market for goods trade with the EU as part of the next phase of its Brexit reset. Plus, two weeks on from the results, what have the elections meant for Wales?Adam is joined by Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor of the Economist and Felicity Evans, host of Walescast live at the Hay book festival. Plus Emma Freud, host of The Archers Podcast drops by to compare shows.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producers were Lewis Allsopp and Darren Wardrobe. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
• Podmasters is 10 years old! Get an extra 10% off a year's Patreon backing. And OGWN is nine years old! Today: A Labour candidate up against a local plumber in a North-Western by-election? It's beginning to feel a lot like Groundhog Day. If Andy Burnham beats Reform's Robert Kenyon in Makerfield his path to Number 10 gets a lot clearer. But has Burnham just walked into a Reform bear trap? Plus: Brexit is back, right on cue. Wes Streeting lobs a grenade into the Burnham campaign by raising the Europe question. Could this leadership battle finally break Britain out of its Brexit loop of denial? And in the Extra Bit for Patreons, we do that Find Your Politics thing to discover whether we're secret Leninists or Freemen of the Land without realising it. (And why no talk of the Greens, you ask? We did a big will-they-won't-they bit and then they announced a candidate so we had to drop it. More next time). • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk. ESCAPE ROUTES • Marie is getting set to host her Outsiders Art Club, a social club putting emerging artists in the spotlight • Matt has been bingeing Imperfect Women on Apple TV. • Raf went to see Zambian singer and rapper Sampa the Great at the Brighton Festival • Andrew has been listening to Tomora, the new duo comprising Chemical Brother Tom Rowlands and Norwegian singer Aurora. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Rafael Behr, Marie Le Conte and Matt Green. Producer: James Liddell. Audio Production by Tom Taylor. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Britain held local and regional elections earlier this month that proved to be catastrophic for the Labour government of Keir Starmer. Labour fell behind the right-wing party Reform UK, which is led by Nigel Farage. Ten years after the Brexit referendum of 2016, could Farage be on track to become Britain's next prime minister? Phil Burton-Cartledge, lecturer in sociology at the University of Derby and the author of The Party's Over: The Rise and Fall of the Conservatives from Thatcher to Sunak, joins Long Reads for a conversation about the state of British politics. Phil spoke with us two years ago to discuss the UK general election that brought Starmer to power. Read or listen to that interview here: https://jacobin.com/2024/07/uk-elections-tory-party-conservatives-defeat-labour Long Reads is a Jacobin podcast looking in-depth at political topics and thinkers, both contemporary and historical, with the magazine's writers. Hosted by features editor Daniel Finn. Produced by Conor Gillies with music by Knxwledge.
Unleashed: The Political News Hour with Chris Cordani – Globalist power brokers keep losing public trust yet cling to control through redistricting battles, election rules, taxes, schools, and bureaucracy. From Virginia to Brexit and Poland, the same pattern emerges: elites sidestep voters, spend public money, dodge accountability, and treat government as a permanent ruling class rather than public service...
With Sir Keir Starmer's premiership on the brink, the revolving door of Number 10 feels like it has never been more pronounced. But is this true? Why is Britain burning through leaders at record speed? And has the country become fundamentally ungovernable?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Josh Glancy, associate editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNulty, Colette FountainWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Seven PMs in ten years? How British politics got into this messFurther listening: Labour's Brexit conundrum Clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street - YouTube, The Guardian, Keir Starmer - Facebook, The Independent, Times Radio, Pharos Foundation, UK ParliamentPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Care about independent and ethical news? Support Media Storm on Patreon! In today's Media Storm, we dive into the shadow world of dark money and foreign interference seeking to take democracy out of our hands. Whether through think-tanks, bot farms, or all-expenses-paid MP trips, malicious actors have plenty of ways to influence our politics from outside. In theory, our politicians are supposed to work for us. They're also supposed to disclose where their money is coming from (and make sure none of it is dirty or sanctioned). But a new report from Open Britain reveals a system with loopholes built into it, and a stark refusal to patch them up by those who stand to profit. Why are US billionaires bankrolling Britain's far-right? Why do high-ranking intelligence officers describe Brexit as Moscow's most successful “active measures” operation in modern British history? And WHY – in light of that – has no government ever comprehensively investigated foreign interference in the 2016 referendum? This episode features Conservative Party fundraiser-turned-whistleblower, Sergei Cristo, who shares his experiences of Russian state attempts to buy British politics. But Russia is not the only culprit. Journalist and broadcaster Sangita Myska joins us to break down her investigations into US and Israeli wealth that is reshaping our political landscape. We also revisit our interview with investigative journalist Sian Norris, about the illiberal causes where moneyed interests of Russia, the US and European aristocrats converge. Dark money is a vast problem in the UK today, and it stems from a culture of financial corruption that is deeply embedded in the City of London. Private schools, football clubs, estate agents and news corporations regularly sell their services to launder dark money. And at the centre of the ‘London laundromat' are the Houses of Parliament. This episode should open your eyes to the dollar-shaped crack in democracy as it exists today. To learn more, visit open-britain.co.uk, where the full report will be published. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Open Britain, a grassroots campaign making democracy work for everyone (not just the rich and powerful)! This episode is hosted and produced by Mathilda Mallinson (@mathildamall) and Helena Wadia (@helenawadia) The music is by @soundofsamfire Follow us @mediastormpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Great Britain collapsing under the weight of its own institutions?Michael Malice (“YOUR WELCOME”) welcomes Triggernometry co-host and former public school teacher, Francis Foster, onto the show to talk about Britain's growing political and cultural chaos. From the brutal realities of teaching and why schools are often compared to prisons for children, to Francis's new book (un)Educated, the two discuss how broken institutions shape an entire generation long before adulthood. They also examine how Britain's political system fractured so dramatically, why Labour lost touch with working-class Brexit voters, and whether the UK is facing a temporary political mess, or a full-blown national crisis.Grab a copy of Francis's brand-new book, (un)Educated: My Life as a Teacher, and Why You Should Never Become One, available now at uneducatedbook.nethttps://x.com/francisjfosterhttps://www.francisfoster.co.ukhttp://uneducatedbook.netPre-Order UNWANTED – A TALE OF THE OLD WEST AND THE NEW WAVE: https://UnwantedBook.comOrder THE WHITE PILL: http://whitepillbook.com/Order THE ANARCHIST HANDBOOK: https://www.amzn.com/B095DVF8FJOrder THE NEW RIGHT: https://amzn.to/2IFFCCuOrder DEAR READER: https://t.co/vZfTVkK6qf?amp=1https://twitter.com/michaelmalicehttps://instagram.com/michaelmalicehttps://malice.locals.comhttps://youtube.com/michaelmaliceofficialIntro song: "Out of Reach" by Legendary House Cats https://thelegendaryhousecats.bandcamp.com/The newest episode of "YOUR WELCOME" releases on iTunes and YouTube every Wednesday! Please subscribe and leave a review.This week's sponsors: PlutoTV – Streaming TV: https://www.Pluto.tv (Free TV) Sheath - Dual Pouch Underwear: https://www.sheath.com , promo code: MALICE (20% off)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Our Global Head of Fixed Income Research Andrew Sheets and Chief UK Economist Bruna Skarica discuss why they see a more constructive UK outlook than markets do, despite energy, fiscal and political risks.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Andrew Sheets: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Andrew Sheets, Global Head of Fixed Income Research at Morgan Stanley. Bruna Skarica: And I'm Bruna Skarica, Morgan Stanley's Chief UK Economist. Andrew Sheets: Today, the debate around growth and debt in the United Kingdom. It's Wednesday, May 20th at 2pm in London. Bruna, I'm so glad you could join us today because I actually really did want to talk about what's going on here in the United Kingdom. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this is the country where you hear some of the strongest divergence of opinions. Pessimists point to political uncertainty, vulnerability to oil prices from the Strait of Hormuz, and rising bond yields. And yet, UK growth this year has been pretty good. Inflation is set to come down, and the currency's been pretty stable, hardly the stuff of big instability. So, Bruna, I was hoping you could help us set the scene. Let's start with how you see the economy. Bruna Skarica: I actually think your framing is perfect. For the past five years, there has been a striking divergence of opinion on the UK, which I do think mimics to a degree some of the divisions on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee. The question really is – has the country underwent structural changes in the past decade of supply-side shocks such that its potential growth is very low, perhaps as low as 1 percent on the year. And has the inflationary process shifted in such a way that, for example, we need much higher jobless rate in order to generate enough economic slack to get inflation down to 2 percent? Or the other question is, has the UK just had a unique string of external shocks amplified perhaps by domestic policy choices, which mean that we have seen a prolonged period of low growth and high inflation – but again, without major structural changes. We are in the more constructive structural camp. I actually think that's probably Morgan Stanley's biggest out of consensus call in the UK. In recent years in particular, we have seen quite robust CapEx. And last year, actually very healthy private sector productivity gains. When you adjust for accurate labor market data, UK's private sector productivity growth is just under 2 percent as of the end of 2025, actually not too far off from the U.S. But for these good structural trends to persist and continue to improve, we do need a more supportive cyclical environment. And there, unfortunately, given the rise in oil prices, it's hard to be overly constructive about growth and inflation in the UK this year. We've downgraded our growth forecasts to around 1 percent over [20]26 and [20]27, and we have lifted our inflation projections by around 150 basis points at their peak to a peak of around 3.5 percent later in the year. Andrew Sheets: So, Bruna, how much does the price of oil or the price of natural gas matter for this outlook, especially as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut? Bruna Skarica: It does matter a fair bit. We use Morgan Stanley's commodity team's forecasts in our own scenario analyses for the UK economy. Now, their base case still sees a gentle decline in oil prices this year, which leads to outcomes I've already mentioned. The activity flatlines from the second quarter, we have a rise in inflation from April onwards, but we don't have a recession. However, if we fail to see any movement lower in oil, and as you rightly pointed out, natural gas prices as well; or if we even saw a move higher over the summer, we do think that risks of a recession would be quite pronounced in the second half of the year. UK consumers are already in for a year of flat real disposable income growth. Higher prices of food and energy than in our base case could result in even lower discretionary spending growth than what we're already modeling. And if the Bank of England had to hike rates in this inflationary scenario, we think they would act twice in this kind of a scenario. We also have these tight financial conditions which would weigh on household spending. Andrew Sheets: So, Bruna, I think that's a great segue into that out-of-consensus call that we have on the Bank of England. You know, the market is expecting the Bank of England to raise interest rates. We think that they'll be on hold. And if you take a step back, it's a view that, kind of, puts the UK and the Bank of England a little bit between the Federal Reserve, which we think is going to be lowering rates over the next twelve months modestly, and the European Central Bank, which we think will raise rates in the near term. Could you talk a bit more about why you think it will remain on hold? And why you differ from what the market's seeing? Bruna Skarica: Yeah, absolutely. So, in our base case, the one where we do see a bit of a decline in oil and gas prices over the course of this year, we think the Bank of England remains on hold. It's important to remember that they were about to cut rates, prior to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. So, there is a bit of restrictiveness there in the starting stance, which we think can just be maintained for a longer period of time than would've otherwise been the case. And so, for the Bank of England to avoid having to tighten rates. Now, with respect to the market, I think it's fair to say that the market price is a probability-weighted outcome, where there is some chance, a non-negligible one, that the Bank of England will have to hike rates aggressively if oil prices were to rise from here. To give you a bit of clarity here, bank's own analyses suggests that in a scenario where oil prices were to rise towards $130 per barrel and stay there for a few months, the bank could hike rates by four times. Now, it's interesting that in this scenario, the bank actually doesn't forecast a recession. Now, we think that in the case of such elevated commodity prices, as I've already mentioned, we would certainly see high inflation, potentially as high as 6 percent, but also recessionary impulses. So, even in the scenario of elevated oil prices, we think the bank could only deliver around two hikes. And so, this kind of probability-weighted outcome that we have, which differs a little bit from our model case, even that is actually fairly lower than what the market is pricing. So, I think that's maybe one of the main differences that we have versus the market. The market is expecting a repeat of 2022, so elevated inflation with growth just about holding on. We disagree that's possible because there's far less scope for a fiscal response to shield growth from an inflationary external shock. Andrew Sheets: But Bruna, maybe I'll take even a bigger step back here because to borrow a British phrase, it almost seems like some of these debates over oil prices are kind of small beer compared to these two big questions around the UK. Which are, you know, concerns over a lack of productivity growth and concerns that the UK economy is just, kind of, poorly positioned over the long term – especially in the wake of Brexit and concern over the fiscal situation. And this idea that, well, government debt is historically high for the UK, concern that that will continue. And I think it's no exaggeration to say that when you talk to investors about the UK, those are often, kind of, two of the big questions that hang over the debate. So, your brief thoughts on both of those issues. And again, where you think the market might be potentially surprised? Bruna Skarica: So, one of the most interesting things when I talk to clients is when I mention some of these statistics around measured cyclical productivity growth last year, they're often very, very surprised. And we do think it's more important to talk about this because there is evidence, I would say nascent evidence, that UK is benefiting from the AI tailwind. We are seeing more CapEx adoption. We are seeing slower hiring, but more resilient growth, which, as I say, results in cyclical productivity growth that looks very robust, especially in UK's historical context. In the last ten years, of course, UK's productivity growth has been very lackluster. So, over the course of this year, I think that's actually my primary focus to see how much of this uplift in productivity last year is cyclical and perhaps will dissipate over 2026 with the slowdown in growth. And how much of it was actually structural. Now, in terms of the fiscal question, you know, one thing that's interesting to mention is the UK is, per IMF calculations, in the middle of the most severe fiscal consolidation amongst its G7 peers. Medium-term fiscal plans deliver a decline in deficit to below 2 percent of GDP by 2030. Again, this is hard to square with gilt yields where they currently stand. So, it's fair to say that the market is just more focused on the risks of delivery. For example, departmental spending settlements look challenging to deliver. Ministry of Defense is looking for a [£]30 billion top-up to its budgets. Labor backbenchers have recently come out seeking for a bit more capital expenditure. Political volatility is high. We are actually quite confident around our 2026 fiscal forecasts. We're looking for a deficit at 4 percent. But when it comes to 2027, I think it's fair to say that risks here really depend on the political trajectory with risks skewed, I think, towards a slightly higher deficit than around 3.5 percent, which we have in our base case. Andrew Sheets: But Bruna, just to be very direct, is it fair to say that for investors who are very concerned about productivity growth in the UK, you'd argue that that actually could be a bit better than people are expecting as capital deepens? And that for investors afraid of the fiscal trajectory, that actually could be one of the best fiscal trajectories In the G7? Bruna Skarica: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, one of our recent outlook titles was “Everything is Relative,” and that's exactly the point that we always try to make with the UK. It seems like it has a lot of idiosyncratic fiscal problems, but I would say a lot of its fiscal challenges are very similar to other DM countries – demographic aging, slowing in potential GDP growth. And when it comes to productivity growth, I'm not trying to argue that we're likely to see UK's potential GDP growth in excess of 2 percent anytime soon. However, we do think that the picture is actually much better in terms of productivity growth than perhaps what the average market participants think is the case. Andrew Sheets: Finally, Bruna, just a word on politics. I'm mindful that we have a global audience. And for those less steeped in the latest UK news, what's been happening? And what are the developments that investors are watching out for? Bruna Skarica: Yeah, absolutely. So, we had local elections in the UK in early May, and they delivered quite sizable losses for the governing Labour Party. Since then, a number of Labour MPs, Members of Parliament, just under 100 of them, called on Prime Minister Starmer to resign. Now, challenging a Labour leader and a prime minister in this case is not an easy process to trigger.However, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is now looking to enter the House of Commons. He will be contesting a by-election, most likely on June 18th. I would say that's the key date to watch out for from here. Andy Burnham has previously said UK politicians should be less focused on the bond market, but perhaps it's worth reiterating. More recently, he said he supports the current fiscal rules, which of course require debt-to-GDP ratio to be on the declining trajectory over the next five years. Now, Andrew, for you, what stands out in the pricing of the UK story? Andrew Sheets: Well, Bruna, I really think this is the country where across everything that we look at, there's the biggest gap, I think, between kind of conventional wisdom and what we at Morgan Stanley are forecasting.The market's conventional wisdom is that productivity growth is going to be very weak and very bad. That's not what you see in the numbers and is in our forecast. The market thinks the government finances are very weak. As you mentioned, relative to the G7, they're on a pretty good trajectory and at a pretty good level. And I think this is also a market where you have some interesting risk premium. I mean, again, we talk a lot in this podcast about how little risk premium there is in a lot of different asset classes. That's not the case in the UK. The government bond market, in our view, is offering a lot of risk premium to take on the risk of owning the government debt. And, you know, one example of that is, you know, you look at what interest rate is implied on a UK 10-year government bond 10 years from now. It's implying that yield is 6.6 percent. That's a very high yield, especially if you think that growth is going to be weak in this country. So, I think it's a really interesting macro story. It's one certainly where we at Morgan Stanley differ, and where there's some risk premium on offer. So, I'm so glad you could join us today to dig into it in more detail. Bruna Skarica: Absolutely. Thank you so much for the invite. Andrew Sheets: And thank you as always for your time. If you find Thoughts on the Market useful, let us know by leaving a review wherever you listen. And also tell a friend or colleague about us today.
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by cultural historian Murray Pittock to discuss his new book, The Shortest History of Scotland – a concise but richly detailed journey through two millennia of Scottish history, from the Picts to the present day.Scotland's geography – the “land of the mountain and the flood”, in Walter Scott's phrase – made it virtually impenetrable until modern roads and railways. For centuries, the sea was the highway, and Scotland's east‑coast ports looked as much to continental Europe as to England. Understanding that terrain is key to understanding how Scotland became a state in historical time – and why the union with England was never a foregone conclusion.Murray explains the origins of his book, written as part of the bestselling Shortest History series, and the opportunity it offered to refresh a field dominated by either heavy tomes or outdated accounts. He focuses not just on kings and battles, but on people's lived lives, culture, and the built environment – while also signposting readers towards deeper dives, such as the Declaration of Arbroath.We then turn to the present. The story of modern Scottish nationalism begins with Winnie Ewing's shock by‑election victory in Hamilton in 1967, and her slogan “Stop the world – Scotland wants to get on”. The post‑imperial era marginalised Scotland's distinctive identity; Britishness, once a broad, inclusive identity shared by Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders, suddenly became something narrower and more insular. The memory of the two world wars – particularly the myth of 1940 as an English, south‑east England story – has played a complex role in the union's longevity.Murray explores the drivers of Scottish nationalism: economic anxiety, a desire for democratic control, and an internationalist outlook that became visible in the 2016 Brexit vote, where Scotland's pattern diverged dramatically from England's. He also reflects on the 2014 independence referendum – where pensions and currency fears likely tipped the balance – and on devolution, which Labour hoped would “kill nationalism stone dead” but which failed partly because Scottish Labour never truly became a nationalist party.We also discuss the formation of the union in 1707, a vote “forced” by economic weakness, English obstruction of Scottish overseas trade, and a lack of alternatives. The mercantile class later profited handsomely from the British Empire, shifting Scotland's economic centre of gravity from east to west – from the European ports to Glasgow and the American trade.Topics covered:The geography of Scotland and its historical impactWalter Scott's “land of the mountain and the flood”The Declaration of ArbroathWinnie Ewing and the birth of modern Scottish nationalismPost‑imperial Britishness and the Festival of Britain (1951)The memory of the world wars and its role in the unionDrivers of Scottish nationalism: economic, democratic, internationalistThe 2014 independence referendum and the currency/pensions questionDevolution: Labour's miscalculationThe 1707 union: economic weakness, Darien, and a forced voteMurray Pittock's The Shortest History of Scotland is available now from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer or directly from the publisher.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
El trauma psicológico del coronavirus revive con el hantavirus Reino Unido regresa mentalmente al Brexit tras el arrollador triunfo de Nigel Farage Un juicio histórico contra el maltrato animal Ted Turner ha muerto, y con él toda una era de la televisión
Somehow, the Brexit Wars have returned. As a defiant Keir Starmer barely clings on to his throne at 10 Downing Street, former health secretary Wes Streeting has thrown the cat among the pigeons by calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and implying that Britain should indeed rejoin the EU. The resurrected debate is obviously of interest to us here on this side of the Irish Sea. But, 10 years on, has Brexit been positive or negative for Ireland? And, if a return vote were to pass, should we welcome Britain back into the fold? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Burns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Der var håb og forandring i luften, da Keir Starmer for to år siden trådte frem som Labours nye formand og briternes nye premierminister. 14 års konservativt styre og skiftende premierministre skulle afløses af en sikker hånd på rattet og et løft af de fattigste familier i Storbritannien. Håbet var tilbage efter et årelangt, splittende og kaotisk Brexit-forløb. Briterne skulle igen være ét folk. Men nu er Starmers prøveperiode slut, og briterne står skuffede tilbage. Vi spørger tidligere korrespondent Lone Theils, hvornår tingene begyndte at skride for Labour – og hvem, der internt i partiet står klar til at tage tronen fra Starmer. Producer: Sille Westphal Research: Laura Dalgaard Vært og redaktør: Line PraszSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marina and Jemma are spiralling over Labour's risky civil war.With Andy Burnham heading into the hugely consequential Makerfield by-election, Wes Streeting apparently eyeing the top job, and Reform circling like sharks, the pair ask: how the hell did we end up here already?There's fury over Brexit being dragged back from the dead, despair at the state of political discourse, confusion over Eurovision, and a growing sense that liberal democracies everywhere are entering their “what could possibly go wrong?” era.Plus: globe-faced insults, emotional support via concert tickets, and perhaps the most stressful by-election since England last went to penalties.Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastIf you've even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you'll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including:• Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on• Early access to The Trawl Meets…• Glorious ad-free episodesPlus, there's a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat.And it's your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you're not alone.Come join the fun:https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maurice Glasman, Labour peer and founder of Blue Labour, has spent years warning that Labour has lost touch with the people it was created to represent. In the first of a two-part conversation on Quite right!, he joins Michael and Maddie to explain why he thinks Keir Starmer's project was never really Labour at all – and why the party's working-class traditions have been replaced by progressive liberalism.They discuss Labour's roots in community, sovereignty and the dignity of work; how Brexit exposed the divide between Labour and liberalism; and whether Starmer's response to Southport marked a turning point. Maurice also sets out what a genuinely Labour government might have done differently on immigration, welfare, industrial strategy, defence and AI – and why Reform's rise should not come as a surprise.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
By re-igniting the Brexit debate, is Wes Streeting deliberately trying to sabotage Andy Burnham's chances in a Leave-voting area, or is he forcing Labour to finally confront reality? Does Hungary's new leader Magyar offer a playbook for defeating Reform UK – by exposing Farage's wealth, mysterious funding sources, and corruption? Is Gary Stevenson correct to say the centre-left is relying on outdated tactics, while right-wing movements gain ground through social media fluency and opaque international funding networks? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. ________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Irán ha respondido a la última propuesta de EEUU para poner fin al conflicto y lo ha hecho a través, nuevamente, de Pakistan. Su respuesta llega poco después de que tanto Washington como Tel Aviv hayan amenazado al régimen con volver a los ataques.Vamos a estar con nuestro corresponsal en Jerusalén, Santi Echevarría. Además, hoy tendremos entrevista con Beatriz Martos, responsable de pena de muerte en Amnistía Internacional España. Esta organización ha publicado hoy su informe anual sobre la pena capital y las ejecuciones en el mundo, que han aumentado en 2025 con Irán y China liderando el ranking.Vamos a estar en Reino Unido, donde a raíz de la lucha en el laborismo por intentar sacar del poder a Keir Starmer, ha resurgido con fuerza el debate en torno al Brexit.Tenemos un reportaje sobre la guerra en torno a la fresa en Francia, estaremos en Perú donde los dos candidatos a la segunda vuelta de las presidenciales ya están en campaña y también en Bolivia, siguiendo de cerca las protestas contra el gobierno de Rodrigo Paz. Además, seguiremos de cerca las novedades en torno al brote de ébola declarado en República Democrática del Congo y lo que ha dicho la OMS al respecto.Escuchar audio
Show NotesIn this episode, Simon Western speaks with political theorist and author Professor Brad Evans about the collapse of traditional working-class politics and the growing sense of abandonment across post-industrial communities. Drawing on Brad's experiences growing up in the South Wales Valleys, the conversation explores how solidarity, class identity and community structures have been eroded by deindustrialisation, neoliberalism and the rise of precarious labour. They reflect on why many working-class communities no longer feel represented by progressive politics and why populist movements are gaining traction.Simon and Brad discuss the emotional and political consequences of precarity - from Brexit and nationalism to homelessness, resentment and the rise of the “precariat.” Rather than dismissing people drawn toward nationalist or populist politics, they ask what happens when communities lose dignity, voice and recognition. The conversation challenges simplistic binaries of left and right, arguing instead for deeper listening, political humility, and a renewed understanding of interdependence.The episode also turns toward possibility. Simon introduces ideas from his work on “precarious interdependence,” asking how we might learn to live creatively within uncertainty rather than retreat into fear, certainty, and division. They discuss the role of art, culture, dialogue, and political imagination in creating more humane futures - futures grounded not in nostalgia for the past, but in new forms of solidarity and shared becoming.Key Reflections Working-class communities have not simply lost jobs, but also the social bonds and identities that once gave meaning and solidarity. Populist movements gain power when people feel politically abandoned, unseen and culturally dismissed. Precarity can produce fear and division, but it can also open possibilities for new forms of creativity, mutuality and transformation. Nationalism often emerges in spaces where class consciousness and collective identity have collapsed. Real political dialogue begins when we stop demonising opponents and start listening to the conditions shaping their lives. Art and culture are not luxuries; they are essential for reimagining society and creating empathetic futures. KeywordsPrecarity, Working Class, Nationalism, Populism, Brexit, South Wales, Political Violence, Class Identity, Labour Party,Identity Politics, Mutuality, Interdependence, Neoliberalism, Community, Deindustrialisation, Arts & Politics, Political Agency, Democracy, Social ChangeBrief BioBrad Evans is a Professor of Political Violence & Aesthetics at the University of Bath, United Kingdom. He is the author of 20 books and edited volumes, along with over 150 academic and international media articles. Brad has written extensively on the state of international affairs, while making major theoretical contributions to the understanding of violence. He has previously held positions at the Universities of Bristol and Leeds, and has also taught at Columbia University in New York.Brad is widely known for bringing critical theory into public conversation through projects with The New York Times, Los Angeles Review of Books, and American Book Review. His recent work explores the politics of disappearance, bridging art, academia, and policy through exhibitions, public events, and global collaborations. He is also the founder of the internationally recognised Histories of Violence project, which connects critical research and public dialogue across more than 140 countries.A frequent speaker at institutions including Harvard, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, and the Guggenheim, Brad's work moves between philosophy, politics, art, and lived experience. He is also the author of the acclaimed semi-biographical book How Black Was My Valley, reflecting on growing up in poverty in South Wales. His work and commentary have featured across major global media including the BBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Newsweek.
In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with journalist and author Richard Miniter for a sweeping conversation on the rise of the “unaccountable class,” the collapse of institutional trust, and the growing revolt against technocratic elites across the West.Miniter argues that modern society is increasingly dominated by people insulated from the consequences of failure: bureaucrats, managers, academics, media figures, and institutional elites whose power is no longer tied to results or public accountability. We explore how this “unaccountable class” has reshaped politics, culture, business, and even religion, from the managerial revolution of the 20th century to the rise of stakeholder capitalism and the decline of democratic responsiveness.The conversation examines Brexit, the COVID pandemic, and the collapse of public trust in experts and institutions. Miniter explains why so many voters turned against the political establishment, arguing that ordinary people increasingly feel ruled by elites who neither understand nor suffer the consequences of their own decisions.We also discuss the Church of England, progressivism, socialism, and the transformation of Western institutions into ideological vehicles detached from the people they were meant to serve. The discussion then turns to artificial intelligence, whether AI will empower ordinary people or further entrench elite power, and why the future of the West may depend on restoring accountability at every level of society.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Our show is independently supported by you, consider signing up to our substack to get added benefits like ad-free and extended episodes here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:23 The Rise Of The “Unaccountable Class”05:32 How Experts Took Over Institutions09:00 The Church, Brexit & Political Ideology12:50 Christianity, Nationalism & The Modern Church18:45 The “Managerial Revolution” Explained24:53 Woodrow Wilson & Rule By Experts30:53 Socialism, Thatcher & Britain's Decline39:11 Brexit, Covid & The Failure Of Experts46:14 AI, Technocracy & The Future Of Power53:34 How To Make Institutions Accountable Again58:44 Can Accountability Save Western Civilization?
Mark Dolan reacts as Andy Burnham faced accusations of political contortion after retreating on EU rejoining and endorsing Rachel Reeves's borrowing rules. Labour polling showed Burnham preferred over Starmer, while Wes Streeting's leadership hopes suffered sharp rejection from party members. Wider favourability data suggest that Burnham could unite Labour's fractured base, though Brexit-sensitive Makerfield remains a crucial test.Wake up with Talk Breakfast in full on YouTube, DAB+ radio, Freeview 280, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus or the Talk App on your TV from 6am every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, we look at why the subject of Brexit is awkward for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor who wants to be the Makerfield MP.He was doing a speech today in which he clarified his position on the issue.And Keir Starmer's been out in front of the camera today with the same message - I'm not going anywhere.Adam and Chris are joined by political correspondent Alex Forsyth, and diplomatic correspondent James Landale, who's been looking at the question: Is Britain ungovernable? You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
The Brexit debate has been reignited after Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting called it a ‘catastrophic mistake' and said the UK should rejoin the European Union. His comments put pressure on rival Andy Burnham, who has previously advocated for rejoining the bloc but is fighting a byelection in the leave-voting Makerfield constituency. But how would rejoining work and would the EU even agree to it? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's Europe correspondent, Jon Henley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The by-election in Makerfield is shaping up to be one of the most consequential contests in recent political history. On paper, the seat should be fertile ground for Reform: heavily Leave-voting, older than average and exactly the sort of ‘left behind' constituency Nigel Farage hopes to win. But there is one complicating factor: Andy Burnham.The Mayor of Greater Manchester is hoping that his personal popularity can defy the political gravity of the seat and carry him back to Westminster – where, if he wins, Labour MPs may well carry him straight towards No. 10. But can Burnham survive Reform's attacks on immigration, Brexit and his record? And could Wes Streeting's intervention on rejoining the EU prove fatal in a seat like Makerfield?Tim Shipman is joined by Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, to discuss why this by-election could decide not just Labour's next leader, but the future shape of British politics.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
What is the future of farming and rural life? Adam Rutherford hosts Radio 4's discussion programme which starts the week, asking about the future of food production and the communities that support it. Minette Batters was the first female president of the National Farmers' Union. Born and raised on the family farm that she took over running, she became a committed advocate for the UK farming industry. UK agriculture has faced challenges from Brexit, Covid as well as international conflict and energy crises. Her new book, Harvest, part memoir and manifesto, makes a case for how and why we must rally to support British farming and rural life. Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex. Modern, intensive farming systems producing pesticide-laced foods at scale, he says, are bad for us and bad for the planet. He believes that it is time to change the way we produce food today, making the case for sustainable agriculture. In Eat the Planet Well he argues that consumers can lead this change, even where governments fail to act. Melissa Harrison has written columns, nature diaries, a series of novels and non fiction books including All Among the Barley, Rain and At Hawthorn Time, and a book for children. Her latest novel, The Given World, is a portrait of rural society, village life and the English countryside which explores a way of life, exploring social tension and the rhythms of the natural world. Producer: Ruth Watts Assistant Producer: Emily Channon
Richie Allen with a unique and often humorous take on the day's top news stories. On today's show: Tommy Robinson claims millions turned out for his Unite The Kingdom March. In reality, it was less than 60,000. Does it matter? Study suggests a big increase in people ratting out their neighbours for anti-social behaviour. What's going on? Will Labour leadership contest be a rerun of the Brexit referendum? Plus: Why Andy Burnham may struggle to win Makerfield by-election. Has everyone forgotten Gaza? And much more.
Andy Burnham may already be facing a tricky obstacle in his push to return to Westminster. Past comments about rejoining the EU have come back to haunt him, particularly given that the Makerfield constituency voted overwhelmingly to leave in the Brexit referendum. Plus, Wes Streeting has confirmed he will stand in any leadership contest, raising fresh questions about where all this leaves Keir Starmer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Andy Burnham, a potential leadership challenger to Sir Keir Starmer as PM, has said that re-running Brexit arguments is "the last thing we should do right now" after Wes Streeting put the EU back on the agenda. Ahead of one of the most significant by-elections in recent political history, could the Brexit debate define the future of the Labour party, as well as the country at large? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Max Kendix, political correspondent for The TimesJoe Twyman, founder and director of DeltapollHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Julia Webster and Harry StottWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest: Wes Streeting's EU stance ‘an attempt to derail Andy Burnham'Further listening: Labour at warClips: BBC, Manchester Evening News, The Guardian Photo: Shaun Parkinson and Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Despite the Makerfield by-election not even having been officially announced, and despite the fact Andy Burnham is not yet officially standing, the campaign has begun and Labour figures are already kicking lumps out of each other.In a soft launch of his own leadership campaign,Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, announced he wanted Britain to rejoin the EU. Mr Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has now backtracked on his support for the idea two days after saying that “one day” Britain should indeed be a part of the bloc again. Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, is pretending nothing is happening.Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley speak to Matt Goodwin, Reform's candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, who says this is an absolute gift for his party. He says that Labour is “self-indulgent and self-absorbed” with “no serious interest in its heartlands” and is heading for electoral disaster in Makerfield.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducer: Georgia CoanSocial Media Producer: Conor ClarkSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla TomineyHighlightsMatt Goodwin says Labour are "self-indulgent and self-absorbed"The Makerfield by-election is on a knife-edge for Reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have said they want the UK to rejoin the EU.
Menos de dos años después de su mayoría absoluta, Keir Starmer agoniza políticamente en Downing Street. El laborista que prometió sacar al Reino Unido de la crisis que arrastra desde hace año cosechó tal varapalo en las elecciones locales del 7 de mayo, que hoy cerca de un centenar de los diputados laboristas están pidiendo su cabeza, entre ellos cinco ministros. Wes Streeting, el ministro de Sanidad, ya se ha postulado al partido como recambio. El responsable del descalabro es Reform UK, el partido de Nigel Farage, que arrasó en las elecciones y se hizo con algunas de las plazas laboristas más valiosas en el norte del país. Los Verdes de Zack Polanski y los liberal-demócratas de Ed Davey han hecho el resto para dejar al laborismo en mínimos. En Gales, donde el partido llevaba un siglo ganando elecciones quedaron terceros. Starmer carga el muerto al Brexit y a la herencia recibida, pero la realidad es que buena parte de lo que le ha sucedido se debe sólo a él. Llegó al Gobierno con una serie de promesas, entre ellas algunas reformas de gran calado, pero en todo se ha quedado a la mitad o ni siquiera se ha puesto por miedo al ala izquierda de su partido. Los problemas económicos no se han enderezado, de hecho, en algunos aspectos han incluso empeorado, lo que le deja muy expuesto antes de atravesar el ecuador de la legislatura. Para que puedan quitárselo de en medio los estatutos del partido exigen que los aspirantes recojan firmas a favor de las primarias dentro el grupo parlamentario. Con una quinta parte basta, es decir, 81 diputados, algo asequible para casi cualquiera de ellos. La militancia, compuesta por apenas 250.000 afiliados, decidirá al próximo primer ministro que, eso sí, debe ser diputado. Suenan varios nombres como Yvette Cooper, Pat McFadden, Ed Miliband y Angela Rayner. Pero el favorito incontestable de las apuestas y de los afiliados es Andy Burnham, alcalde del Gran Mánchester. Burnham, que fue ministro hace años con Gordon Brown, es extraordinariamente popular en el norte del país. En Mánchester gana por mucho las elecciones desde hace diez años, pero no es diputado. Eso podría tener solución ya que Josh Simons, diputado por la circunscripción de Makerfield le ha ofrecido su escaño. Pero eso implicaría celebrar unas elecciones parciales y ahí no es ni mucho menos seguro que gane ya que en ese distrito Reform obtuvo la mitad de los votos el 7 de mayo. Pero, aunque ganara, gobernar el Reino Unido es mucho más difícil que ser alcalde de Mánchester, más aún en las situación actual. Quizá a Starmer le quede ya muy poco como primer ministro, pero el laborismo no está del todo muerto. Farage parece que ha tocado techo, los tories son irrelevantes y el partido Verde se ha escorado demasiado hacia la izquierda. Hoy por hoy ocupa el centro del tablero y eso es una ventaja ya que puede recuperar votos a ambos lados del espectro. Si quieren mantenerse ahí tendrán que realizar el programa de reformas que prometieron en 2024. Más oportunidades no van a tener. Pues bien, para hablar de este tema, cuyo previo ya vimos la semana pasada con La ContraCrónica que dediqué a las elecciones locales inglesas, nos acompaña Andrea, que ha estado siguiendo muy de cerca el descenso a los abismos de un laborismo que hace sólo 24 meses se las prometía felicísimas. · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #starmer #laborismo Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals
This week we talk about Keir Starmer, Labour, and the Reform UK party.We also discuss Tories, the Lib Dems, and two-party systems.Recommended Book: Peak by K. Anders Ericsson and Robert PoolTranscriptFor more than 100 years, the British political system has been dominated by two parties: Labour and the Conservative Party, often called the Tories.In practice, that means these two parties, which are center-left and center-right in their leanings, respectively, have tended to shape the direction of British politics and the Overton Window of thinkable proposals—things that might actually happen because they get the requisite support from politicians and the public.These two parties have usually had to work with other, smaller parties in order to get anything done, because the UK has a parliamentary system that often leaves the party with the most representatives lacking enough support to run a functioning government, solo. As a consequence, the Liberal Democrats, which is a fairly centrist party, the Green Party, which focuses on environmentalism and more left-wing concerns, Plaid Cymru (plied KUM-ree), which is the Welsh nationalist party, and the Scottish National Party, which is exactly what it sounds like, have long influenced Labour and the Tories, aligning their votes with whomever gives them a seat at the table. This has given some influence to smaller groups that might otherwise lack representation, though that influence has typically been moderate to meager, at best—the folks in Labour and the Conservative party have run things in the UK, and that's been the case for generations.Things started to shake up a bit in the 20-teens, however, when anti-immigration and EU-skepticism in Britain led to the creation of the far-right Brexit Party, which was co-founded by politician Nigel Farage, who was the leader of the UK Independence Party in the early 2000s and 20-teens, and who was previously a Tory, and Catherine Blaiklock, a politician and hotelier who stepped down from her position as party leader the year after the Brexit Party was founded after anti-Islamic and racist comments she'd previously made online were rediscovered.The Brexit Party existed, almost exclusively, to push for a no-agreement exit from the European Union by the UK, which was considered to be a fairly fringe ideology back then, but which gained a lot of steam as other populists began to add their support to the general concept.Both the government and the existing political structure of the UK was then caught flat-footed, by all indications very surprised by the eventual success of that push, and the UK left the EU on January 31, 2020, after a whole lot of skepticism that it would ever happen, even after a vote in favor of Brexit took place. This represented a serious come to Jesus moment for British politicians, but also British society, and there's been quite a lot of self-reflection and naval gazing in the years since, as the Brexit pullout from the EU has caused quite a lot of economic and diplomatic damage, while also shining a spotlight on numerous simmering issues that were previously overlooked or unaddressed, including the bubbling resentment and at times outright xenophobia felt by a significant portion of the British electorate, and persistent economic issues faced by folks at the middle and lower rungs of society.What I'd like to talk about today is the recent 2026 UK Local Elections, and what they seem to tell us about how things are going in British politics, and what they portend for the current Labour-run administration.—On May 7, 2026, the UK held local elections for 5,066 councillors, 136 local authorities, and six directly elected mayors. Some of these elections were postponed in 2025 to allow for government restructuring, but most of these positions were last up for election in 2022.This election was generally seen as an unofficial referendum on the governing Labour Party, and in particular the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who has been in office for just under two years, and who stepped into the role of PM after the role was held by the Conservative Tories for 14 years; five different Prime Ministers taking the reins during that period, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.All that changing in leadership is indicative of the chaos the UK government was experiencing at the time, the May 2010 general election leading to a period of significant austerity—the government cutting tons of social programs in order to reduce spending—which then fed into more support for Brexit when some members of the party positioned the economic issues people were facing as the consequence of EU-related immigration, and shortly thereafter, the world succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic.There was a lot of truly significant political change from about 2010 onward, then, and a lot for the general population to be upset about. The Conservatives held onto power despite it all for those 14 years, but the shift back to Labour was the result of Starmer and his party saying, listen, we hear you, a lot has to change, and we can instigate that change. Trust us.This new election suggests that the majority of voters in the UK feel that the Labour Party hasn't lived up to that trust.In Wales, Plaid Cymru has taken the most seats, 43, but failed to achieve the 49 seat majority they would require to govern, solo.In Scotland, the SNP took the most seats, but also fell short of a majority, netting 58 seats, not the 65 required for a majority.Both of those results are not terribly shocking, though in Wales Labour lost a lot of power, down 35 seats and holding onto just 9. The Conservatives also lost in Wales, holding onto seven seats and losing 22.In Scotland, too, Labor lost some of their influence, losing 4 seats and retaining 17, while the Conservatives lost a whopping 19 seats, holding onto just 12.In England, the change in seat allocation was stunning, though.Labour lost 1406 seats, leaving them with 997, while the Conservatives lost 557 seats, holding onto just 773.Even considering those losses, the biggest story in England is the surge in support for previously small parties, in particular a far-right party called Reform UK, previously called the Brexit Party, and run by the aforementioned proponent of the British exit from the EU, Nigel Farage.Reform UK went from 2 seats to 1,444; a shocking outcome, and one that makes them the biggest winner in this election, by far. They also gained 17 seats, up from zero, in Scotland, putting them at an equal level there with Labour, and they went from zero to 34 in Wales, putting them in a competitive second place after Plaid Cymru, which again, claimed 43 seats.Other, non-Labour, non-Conservative parties also gained seats in this election, though not at the level of Reform UK.The Green Party gained two seats in Wales and six in Scotland, bringing them up to 15 there. They also gained 374 sets in England, bringing them up to 515 total seats, which leaves them in fifth place, but just 258 seats shy of the Conservatives.The Lib Dems, which are the local Centrist party, gained 151 seats, putting them in third. And there was a small surge in independent politicians winning elections, as well, that group now controlling 199 seats, up from 27 before this vote.In the wake of this absolute shellacking of Keir Starmer's Labour party—which again, lost 1406 seats in England, and their opposition, and in many ways their polar opposite, the far-right Reform UK party, gained even more than Labour lost, up 1442 seats—in the wake of that, Starmer has been asked to resign, and as of the day I'm recording this, at least, he's saying that he will not resign, and since there's no formal challenge to his leadership, he can stay in power if he chooses.There is a growing movement amongst Labour lawmakers to ask him to set a timetable for stepping down, however, and there's a pretty good chance that will happen, as the British political system allows parties to change their Prime Minister mid-term without requiring a new election, so they could swap him out for someone else, making him the face of this immense electoral failure, then they could try to change course before the next election, which will happen by mid-August of 2029, during which the vote will be for the 650 seats in the House of Commons, which is currently dominated by Starmer's Labour party.The big takeaway here, from political analysts at least, is that what used to be a reliably two-party system, for over a century that's been the case, is now a five-way race within a cultural context in which voters seem to be a lot less loyal to politicians and parties, and in which a whole lot of previously reliable infrastructure, social systems, and cultural expectations have been recently disrupted.People in the UK seem to be generally unhappy about all sorts of things, and that kind of broad unhappiness often results in more populism, which means general anti-establishment stances and us-versus-them ideologies, including racial, religious, and nationalistic versions of such ideologies, and typically a lot more support for charismatic leadership over leaders who are generally qualified and will probably be good at their jobs because they're experienced and knowledgeable.In other words, you're more likely to get loudmouths and celebrities running for office, successfully, in populist electoral contexts, and you're also more likely to see parties leaning into superficial race, class, and elite-vs-everyman issues, as opposed to running on well-defined approaches to dealing with more complex issues.In the meantime, until that 2029 election, it's likely Farage's Reform UK will bang the drum against the governing Labour party to gather more power in the lead up to 2029, and that other non-Labour, non-Conservative parties will attempt to do the same, newly energized by these results.And depending on how that non-voting-year rallying goes, this could represent a foot in the door for these smaller parties. And we could consequently see more former Labour and Conservative politicians and voters leaving for Reform, for the Lib Dems, for the Greens, and for independents. All of which will make UK politics a lot more chaotic, but also probably more diverse, with power less centralized and the government's makeup a bit less predictable.Show Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_Kingdom_local_electionshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/world/europe/uk-elections-local-takeaways.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/08/world/uk-local-elections-resultshttps://apnews.com/article/uk-elections-starmer-labour-what-to-know-eb11ff39b1b74bbaf9f4ef6abfd60f64https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/08/uk/uk-local-election-reform-farage-starmer-intlhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-08/how-bad-for-labour-britain-s-local-elections-in-six-chartshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_United_Kingdomhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1428pev1n0t#election-englanhttps://www.politico.eu/article/nigel-farage-reform-uk-win-next-general-election/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_United_Kingdom_general_electionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Blaiklockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_UKhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Faragehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brexit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe