Podcast appearances and mentions of David Blunkett

Ben Riley-Smith of The Daily Telegraph assesses the latest developments at Westminster.After the government announced savings of £5bn a year from the benefits bill, Ben speaks to Labour MP Clive Lewis, who raised concerns about the plans in the Commons, and David Blunkett, formerly a Cabinet minister under Tony Blair and now a Labour peer.Also this week Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch ditched her party's commitment to make Britain a 'net zero' carbon emitter by 2050, a policy first introduced by Theresa May's government in 2019. Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister, David Davis, and former Conservative adviser, Salma Shah, debate the merits of the plan.Crossbench peer, Minette Batters, who is the former President of the National Farmers Union, joins Ben from her farm in Wiltshire to discuss whether Labour can mend its relationship with farmers.And, following the visit of the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Britain, Ben speaks to the former UK High Commissioner to Canada, Susan le Jeune d'Allegeershecque, and Labour MP Matt Western, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Canada.

David Blunkett was one of the most reforming ministers of the New Labour government. The former home secretary, education secretary and work and pensions secretary has led major government departments, attempted to drive through public service reform, and seen what prime ministers need to do to drive through change. So what does he make of Keir Starmer's plans for reform? How does he rate this Labour government's efforts so far? And what are his lessons – and warnings – for the prime ministers and his team?   Lord Blunkett explored all these questions and more in a fascinating ‘in conversation' event with Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"A very dark speech, very serious, very closely argued, but there was passion there, but the passion was anger" - Andrew Marr reacts after Keir Starmer's speech at Labour party conference, the first Labour prime minister to do so in 15 years.We also hear from David Blunkett, Wes Streeting MP, Baroness Taylor, and Henry Tufnell MP, on the key takeaways from the party's time in Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined by Akua Reindorf KC, a discrimination law expert at Cloisters Chambers, to discuss the Bar Standards Board's proposal to change a core duty of barristers from the requirement that they ‘should not unlawfully discriminate' (which would be illegal), to a positive duty that they must ‘advance equality, diversity and inclusion in their practices' (which is not a legal requirement).   The trio explore the implications of this change, and of the challenges it presents, not least because of the contested nature of EDI ideologies. They ask: Is this new duty just the latest manifestation of US racial politics gaslighting a Europe less tuned to its puritanical and divisive world view? And has the Bar Standards Board foolishly fallen victim to transatlantic ideological fashion, in a landgrab that will cause anger, confusion and dissent?   They also look at Labour Party politician David Blunkett's potential role in leading a government review of sentencing policies, reflecting on his draconian contributions to increased sentencing over decades. Is the news of his potential appointment another nail in the coffin of satire?

It's a first time watch of Larry Kramer and Ken Russell's erotically charged adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's 1920 novel for both Mick and Jen. Will they finally understand teenage Hannah's obsession with Alan Bates? How many times can Mick sing Liberty X? And what's (young) Olly Reed doing to Jen's bloomers? Also contains – and no one was expecting this – that time David Blunkett was attacked by a cow.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What challenges did David Blunkett face as Home Secretary following 9/11? Does he have any regrets relating to his crime and punishment policies? What does the future look like for Keir Starmer's Labour Party? Rory and Alastair discuss all these issues and more in the final instalment of our interview series with David Blunkett. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. TRIP FIRST 100 DAYS TOUR: To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Podcast Editor: Nathan Copelin Video Editor: Teo Ayodeji-Ansell Social Producer: Jess Kidson Assistant Producer: Fiona Douglas Producer: Nicole Maslen Senior Producer: Dom Johnson Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the loss of industry in the 1980s affect David Blunkett's politics? What was his experience growing up blind in Sheffield? How did Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair compare? Rory and Alastair are joined by David Blunkett to discuss all this and more in the first part of this double-header special. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. TRIP FIRST 100 DAYS TOUR: To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Podcast Editor: Nathan Copelin Video Editor: Teo Ayodeji-Ansell Social Producer: Jess Kidson Assistant Producer: Fiona Douglas Producer: Nicole Maslen Senior Producer: Dom Johnson Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Your life is built on the way you do things and the way people see you and the way you react”. The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, says he is unsure whether he would choose the ability to see if he could. Born blind, David has come to know and embrace life without sight. But his start to life was fraught with pain; as a child he had to cope with the traumatic death of his father all whilst attending a strict school for the blind, where caning was a regular occurrence. “If you think about caning a child on their hand, when their hands are used for braille reading… it was like throwing salt in your eyes.”Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of RNIB Connect Radio's 20th anniversary celebrations, Allan Russell spoke to Lord David Blunkett. They discussed his education and career memories, as well as recognising the radio station's 20th birthday. If you'd like to learn more about RNIB Connect Radio, go to www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio Image shows Lord Blunkett standing in front of a blue-grey background. He's smiling gently and arms lowered he holds his hands together in front of him. He's wearing a blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie with white dots. His eyes are blue and his hair is dark with specks of grey through it. 

David Blunkett is an exceptional individual. A titan of modern politics and a rare gift of a communicator, combining warmth and compassion with an impressive directness. A former Home Secretary, he doesn't hold back in his assessment of Suella Braverman and his analysis of the small boats policy is devastating. He'd led a phenomenal life and he shares hilarious stories from his time in Cabinet and the challenges he faced. He's also a mad on Sheffield Wednesday and he beautifully describes the experience of being a blind football fan. As you can hear, the audience hung on his every word... one member in particular which led to an emotional moment near the end of the show. Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:5 June: Philip Hammond19 June: Margaret Beckett3 July: Joe Lycett2 October: Jason Williamson Plus more to be announced! Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ailbhe Rea takes you inside the weird and wonderful world of the House of Lords, and explores the increasingly bitter battles over its future.Paralympic gold medallist and crossbench peer Tanni Grey-Thompson lifts the lid on what life in the Lords is really like, and Ailbhe has a rare meeting with an endangered species: a hereditary peer, the Earl of Caithness, in his natural habitat.John McFall, the Lord Speaker, takes us on a guided tour of the grand building itself — and explains how it actually works — while POLITICO's very own Esther Webber explains the joys of covering the second chamber as a journalist.Jess Sargeant from the Institute of Government provides a whistlestop tour of efforts to reform the Lords down the decades — some more successful than others.And we look at the internal debate within the Labour Party over former PM Gordon Brown's recommendation to abolish the House of Lords altogether. Henry Stannard, who worked closely with Brown on his commission, defends the plans, while Labour grandees Neil Kinnock and David Blunkett take radically different points of view. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Blair's spin doctor confesses to his love for unfashionable Burnley, defends the notorious Burnley Chairman Bob Lord and surprises us with stories of David Blunkett's shrewd analysis of Sheffield Wednesday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Fleet Street Fox and Russell Myers to discuss the big stories of the day on The News Agenda Explained. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gene interviews Matt Forde as host of British Scandal! A great podcast, great host, and great interviewer. The dream. Matt Forde is a comedian and podcaster. In 2019, he hosted the Alternative news Desk for Channel 4's election coverage. In his Political Party podcast, he has interviewed guests ranging from Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, David Blunkett, George Osborne, Rory Stewart and Sadiq Khan. On TV, he is the host of Unspun with Matt Forde and appears regularly on ITV's topical comedy Spitting Image as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson among others. He also presents Absolute Radio's weekly Rock n Roll Football Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack and Geraint present your semi-regular RP politics roundup ON: Sir Keir Starmer's ultra-Blairite new shadow cabinet and appointment of David Blunkett to an advisory role, newly surfaced evidence of Jeffrey Epstein hanging out at the Queen's private Balmoral pad, the typically vapid annual British Journalism Awards, and - on a less political note for this politics roundup - the death of great reggae bassist Robbie Shakespeare, which inspires us to look back on Tory singer-songwriter Gary Barlow's most Tory album ever. PLUS we read some of Bob Dylan's Gapesiest lyrics.

The Key Learning Points:1.The impact of developing a visual impairment on someone's life and wellbeing2.Tell-tale signs that someone has a visual impairment they don't know about3.How workplaces and insurers can better support people with a visual impairmentToday on the Risky Mix podcast we're delighted to be joined by Daniel Williams who runs Visualise Training and Consultancy. We'll be talking about Daniel's work, campaigning and advocating for inclusion, equality and diversity when it comes to visual impairment, and we'll be exploring what workplaces can be doing more of to support those with sight loss. At the age of eight, Daniel was diagnosed with a visual impairment called retinitis pigmentosa. He tells us how, during his teenage years in mainstream education, he was confronted by his friends being able to do things he would never be able to, and he struggled with mental health issues while he was grieving his sight loss. Daniel explains how the turning point for him was starting a college for the visually impaired, where he had the realisation that there were other people going through the same struggle. He was inspired to see others pursuing careers that he had thought were no longer an option for him. Now, through his own consultancy business, he aims to make the world more inclusive for people with visual impairments by delivering visual awareness training and workplace assessments, and disability awareness training online. Daniel goes on to tell us that in the UK, alone, there are currently two million people with a visual impairment and around 250 people per day who start losing their sight in some shape or form. There is also an overwhelming number of people who don't even know that they have a visual impairment. Daniel says that if you notice something isn't quite right with a colleague, for example, if they are often clumsy, you shouldn't just dismiss it; you should speak up and suggest they get an eye test. He then shares how finding out you're visually impaired can really take an emotional toll, comparable to losing a family member and going through the stages of grief, loss and then acceptance. Daniel says that it makes it even harder to accept if there is no awareness of the help or support available. There are a lot of people out there who, after their diagnosis, simply don't know what to do next. He adds that there is also a lack of role models, “there aren't many people who are visually impaired and in the public eye where you can think ‘oh they have a really good job'. You think David Blunkett or Stevie Wonder - but not everyone wants to be a politician or a singer.”For workplaces that want to be more accessible, Daniel explains that they need to go beyond a tick box exercise. They should contact a specialist and engage people that can give them the right advice, information and support, especially as the individual themselves may not actually know what they need. He provides some great examples of small changes that employers can make that take very little time or money but could make a huge difference to someone with limited vision. On the topic of recruitment, he mentions how it is crucial to ensure that websites adhere to web accessibility standards so that people with a visual impairment can access the opportunity in the first place, and also emphasises the power of asking someone if they need any reasonable adjustments made during the onboarding process.Finally, he explains that, while insurance products like income protection may be providing money to people who have become visually impaired, insurers could be doing more to educate people on the support available and to encourage them to use the payout toward their rehabilitation. 

Andrew Morris released from prison in 2019 after 12 years talks about Imprisonment for public protection. In England and Wales, the imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence was a form of indeterminate sentence introduced by s.225 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (with effect from 2005) by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, and abolished in...

Andrea Leadsom talks to Lord David Blunkett about their shared passion of the early years and why local and national leadership is important to ensure that every baby gets the best start for life.

Something is badly wrong at the heart of one of Britain's most important ministries. How did it become so broken? By Daniel Trilling. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Heather Stewart and Sonia Sodha discuss the dramatic revelations from Dominic Cummings' marathon evidence session before a Commons select committee. Daniel Trilling and David Blunkett talk about the problems in the Home Office. Plus, Peter Walker and Will Jennings look at the politics of levelling up. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As the Roadmap to Unlocking is unveiled, are Johnson's plans over-cautious, reckless, unrealistic or maybe… reasonable? Special guest former Home Secretary David Blunkett joins us to explain what it's like to make decisions in a crisis, what he thinks of Keir Starmer's performance so far, and whether he rates Priti Patel. Plus, do we need a deradicalisation programme for angry white males?“If opposition leaders are constantly calling for people to resign and then they don't, it tends to make them look a bit weak.” – Ayesha Hazarika“If Governments want to show how tough they are, they should choose opponents their own size – and maybe not misguided young women.” – David Blunkett on the Shamima Begum case“One type of extremism breeds another. You can't counter one extreme group by creating another.” – Ayesha Hazarika“On 9/11 there wasn't a single person in Cabinet that panicked. I was amazed.” – David Blunkett“Starmer's got a nightmare job because Labour can't get a hearing… and because the Government are being forced to enact a social democratic programme.” – David BlunkettPresented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Yorkshire Post's Westminster Correspondent Geri Scott speaks to Lord David Blunkett about his political beginnings, and his reflections on the current Government.

"Yeah, you've had your choice now, Buh-Bye." Only Mike & Dan can proposition that 2020 was Jeremy Beadle's doing, bring up Johnny Rotten's squirrel husbandry and the movies edited by David Blunkett. *A Top Content Production - TCP* #JEREMYBEADLE #BORISJOHNSON #LARRYTHECAT #SUZIEANDMABEL #ZOOM #NTV #G8 #KUWTK #TOTP #UTAHMONOLITH #OSMONDS #THEWESTWING #HUGOCHAVEZ #TIGERKINGNETFLIX #LAYERCAKE #HOMESUNDERTHEHAMMER #DAVIDBLUNKETTANDLUCY #LASTWEEKTONIGHT #MORRISSEY #VEGAS #TELETUBBIES #PODCAST #TOPCONTENTPOD #LISTENINGTOGETHER

Co-founder of Teacher Tapp and Education Journalist for The Guardian Laura McInerney is an education journalist, former teacher, and co-founder of Teacher Tapp – the app that uncovers teachers’ secret lives. She regularly appears on TV and radio as an authority on schools, including BBC News, Today on Radio 4, Sky News, and Newsnight. Laura taught for six years in challenging secondary schools before being taken to court by Michael Gove for asking a difficult question about free schools (and yes – she won the answer eventually, and did so while wearing a dazzling sunshine-yellow jacket!). After this, Laura became a journalist, writing a monthly column in The Guardian and editing Schools Week, where her team won national awards for their hard-hitting scoops. Here, Laura profiled over 50 names in education, including Dylan Wiliam, Carol Dweck and David Blunkett. As co-founder of Teacher Tapp, the daily teacher survey app, she is on the pulse of teachers’ deepest wants, needs and thoughts. Laura is known for being blunt, bold, but fair. She holds to account politicians across the spectrum and is widely respected across the sector. Join us for this exclusive one-to-one interview, where Genna Ash – editor of Education Technology – speaks to Laura about her transition from teacher to edtech trailblazer, touching on her life and experience of the sector, and uncovering the meaning of that gorgeous yellow jacket in Laura’s quest to shine a light on the truth…

Peter Wanless is chief executive of the NSPCC, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Before taking the reins in 2013 he was CEO of the Big Lottery Fund, and prior to that held a number of senior civil service jobs across Whitehall, working directly with senior ministers including Michael Portillo, David Blunkett and John Major. In this in-depth interview, he argues children are the “hidden victims” of the pandemic, noting a 37% rise in calls to Childline from children under 11; describes the challenges the NSPCC faces as charity fundraising comes under unprecedented pressure, and as a former senior civil servant discusses the opportunities and risks that the government’s planned shake-up will bring.

In this episode Christian talks to entrepreneur and business coach Linda Plant about why she thinks working from home is overrated and unsustainable. Linda says that in addition to the economic consequences of ghost-town city centres, the lack of human contact and creative sparks is bad for business. She knows not everyone will agree, but she makes her case in a forthright way.  Also on the show, Christian looks at the latest high-street footfall figures; Google's decision to pass on the cost of the UK's digital services tax; and David Blunkett's calls to get civil servants back in the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Labour call for Boris Johnson to return from holiday and deal with Gavin Williamson, Dan asks if he should be allowed a break given the year he's had. The Prime Minister's cabinet competence is debated with Deputy Lead Writer at The Sun Olivia Utley and former Labour adviser Richard Power Sayeed and Lord David Blunkett tells us why he has sympathy for the Education Secretary but this government has proven itself incompetent. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author Molly Flatt tells us all about a virtual book Festival, The Big Book Weekend (Starts at 1.30) We hear about The Poetry Generation and hear a poem read by David Blunkett (12.10) Narrator Chris Devon talks about recording books from home (19.32) And Instagram sensation Raven Smith tells Red about Yoga, relationships and Ikea meatballs ... and gives us the books of his life (30.34)

Is nationhood simply the accident of tribal border disputes, or even an unjust means of holding onto the spoils? Or does nationality give a deeper sense of a shared culture and community that benefits everyone? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RhTFQWlmY ** Subscribe to the Institute of Art and Ideas https://www.youtube.com/user/IAITV Former Home Secretary David Blunkett, Birkbeck professor of politics and author of Whiteshift Eric Kaufmann, and Kurdish independence movement activist Elif Sarican debate what makes a nation. Ella Whelan hosts. David Blunkett: Former Education Secretary, and Home Secretary during the Blair years, David Blunkett oversaw the UK’s response to 9/11. He is also a broadcaster and columnist for the Daily Mail. Eric Kauffman: Eric Kaufmann is professor of politics at Birkbeck, University of London. He specialises in nationalism, political demography, and demography of the religious and irreligious. Elif Sarican: Elif Sarican is an Anthropologist at the London School of Economics and an activist in the Kurdish Women’s Movement. Ella Whelan: Ella Whelan is co-convenor of the Battle of Ideas festival and a columnist for Spiked. #borders #nationalism #politics DELVE DEEPER For debates and talks: https://iai.tv For articles: https://iai.tv/articles For courses: https://iai.tv/iai-academy/courses For podcasts: https://iai.tv/iai-podcast

Electioncast is in Sheffield! Former Home Secretary David Blunkett and Nick Clegg’s ex policy director Polly Mackenzie talk about the campaign this week and the leaders Question Time debate. Plus Adam gets a tour of the city from local radio legend, Toby Foster. Producers: Frankie Tobi and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Portrait painter Lorna May Wadsworth has forged a remarkable career with subjects including David Tennant, Michael Sheen, David Blunkett and Baroness Thatcher. As a major retrospective of her work - Gaze - opens at the Graves Gallery in her home town of Sheffield, Lorna May Wadsworth talks about the importance to her of the “female gaze." Marriage Story is the new film from director Noah Baumbach, well known for relationship dramas like The Squid and the Whale and Greenberg. Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, it’s a comedy telling the story of the disintegration of a marriage. Simran Hans reviews. Charlotte Keatley’s 1987 play My Mother Said I Never Should tells the stories of four generations of women, spanning the 20th century. The play is performed all over the world and has been translated into 32 languages. The most recent is British Sign Language, for a production in Sheffield with a cast of three deaf actresses and one hearing. Samira is joined by director Jeni Draper and actress Lisa Kelly. A production of West Side Story is due to open on Broadway without one of the most popular numbers in the show. I Feel Pretty has been dropped by the controversial director Ivo van Hove. How will audiences react to the loss and is it part of a wider movement of reinterpreting classic musicals? Samira talks to critic Matt Wolf. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Hilary Dunn

David Blunkett takes Clare Balding for a walk across Beeley Edge in the Peak District. Joining them are his wife, Margaret, and his guide dog, Barley. Despite being blind from birth, Lord Blunkett has always been a keen rambler and is President of his local Ramblers group. En route they encounter half a dozen cattle, which have to be navigated carefully as David once had three ribs broken by a cow which, he recalls, came towards him with a 'primeval bellow' and knocked him over. They also pass the lakes that supply the extraordinary gardens at Chatsworth House, including the Emperor Fountain built to impress a visiting Russian Czar... who didn't turn up. Scroll down to 'related links' for information about the local area. Location Producer: Tom Bonnett Producer: Karen Gregor

David Blunkett served as Education Secretary, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Tony Blair. One of the most talented and prominent members of the new Labour government, his achievements are even more remarkable given the challenges he had to overcome. David talks warmly and openly about politics then, politics now and how being blind at football matches is a lot better than it used to be. Oh and listen out for a timely intervention from his dog, Barley... Matt is now on tour with his show 'Brexit Through The Gift Shop' on the following dates: 1 Feb: Camberley 2 Feb: Gloucester 3 Feb: Salford 9 Feb: Maidstone 15 Feb: Leicester 18 Feb: Northallerton 19 Feb: Darlington 20 Feb: Barnard Castle 21 Feb: Hexham 7 March: London - Southbank Centre 8 March: Stafford 12 March: London - Southbank Centre 14 March: Cambridge 15 March: Corby 19 March: London - The Other Palace 26 March: London - Leicester Square Theatre 31 March: Bristol 5 April: Faversham 10 May: Aberystwyth 12 May: Edinburgh 13 May: Glasgow 14 May: Newcastle 18 May: Chorley Tickets available at www.mattforde.com/live See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It is not unknown for people to bring their pets into the club, however there was one occasion when a Monkey caused quite the furore. Then again, there was the time with the politicians Labrador.

Tom Skelton adds his bizarre sense of humour to the Ouch podcast and talks about his forthcoming Edinburgh Fringe show Blind Man's Bluff. (Scroll down to the Related Links section to find a transcript) In the show he brings historical blind figures to life to help him tell the tale of his sight loss eight years ago. But they’re not the usual blind role models you might think of - gone is David Blunkett, in is Samson of Old Testament fame who went blind after having his strength-giving hair chopped off. And have you ever heard of Bella the Blind? - a Hungarian king of old. Skelton's sight difficulties come courtesy of a disorder which has been passed down through his family, known as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. He talks to Simon Minty and Kate Monaghan about this and admits he hasn’t spoken seriously about it before. And then he and Kate flirt. A lot. Produced by Damon Rose. Email ouch@bbc.co.uk tweet @bbcouch or find us on Facebook. Tell us what you think, and tell us your story. You can subscribe to Ouch as a weekly podcast. It's about disability, but it's also not. Please review Ouch on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts - people who'd like the show will get to hear about it if you help us with this small request. Please also like and share it on Twitter or Facebook. See you next Friday

Determined to make his country a better place, David Blunkett became a local politician at the age of just 22, the youngest city councillor at the time. He ultimately became Council leader.Elected as a Labour member of Parliament in 1987, he served in Tony Blair's cabinet in a number of capacities, including the senior position of Home Secretary, becoming the first blind person to be a part of the UK Cabinet.He was, at one point, considered a potential Prime Minister.Now Lord Blunkett, he joins Jonathan Mosen, a political junky who has followed his career closely, to talk about life in the bear pit of politics when you're blind.

Determined to make his country a better place, David Blunkett became a local politician at the age of just 22, the youngest city councillor at the time. He ultimately became Council leader. Elected as a Labour member of Parliament in 1987, he served in Tony Blair’s cabinet in a number of capacities, including the senior position of Home Secretary, becoming the first blind person to be a part of the UK Cabinet. He was, at one point, considered a potential Prime Minister. Now Lord Blunkett, he joins Jonathan Mosen, a political junky who has followed his career closely, to talk about life in the bear pit of politics when you’re blind.

Jacqui Smith, the former Labour home secretary, investigates why government policies fail, focusing on one of her party's most cherished reforms. Indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPPs) were devised by David Blunkett and the Home Office to reassure voters that those convicted of serious violent and sexual offences would stay in prison until they could show by their changed behaviour that they could safely be released. But much larger numbers of offenders received the sentences than had been expected and, as the prison population rose, jails struggled to provide the facilities IPP prisoners needed to show that they had reformed. The new sentencing structure, first passed in 2003, had to be drastically changed by Labour in 2008 and finally to be repealed by the coalition four years after that. Jacqui Smith discovers the reasons why the change in sentencing was embarked upon, why its potential flaws weren't detected before its introduction and why the policy was maintained even as problems mounted. She considers the difficult legacy of IPPs - for those still in prison and for politicians devising shiny new initiatives in other fields of government. Among those taking part: David Blunkett, Kenneth Clarke, Lord Judge, Professor Nick Hardwick. Producer: Simon Coates.

Steve Hewlett talks to David Blunkett, a victim of phone hacking about the future of press regulation. With the government currently consulting on whether to implement Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act and to start the second part of the Leveson inquiry we discuss the decisions the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport faces with Jodie Ginsburg, CEO of Index on Censorship and Steven Barnet, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster from the campaign group Hacked Off. Who won the Christmas television ratings war? And with the BBC's 'Let it Shine' and ITV's 'The Voice' starting this weekend, who will win the battle for Saturday Night? We talk TV ratings, scheduling and light entertainment formats with Stephen Price, consultant and columnist for Broadcast and former scheduler, and Mark Wells, independent producer and former Head of Entertainment at ITV studios. Producer: Ruth Watts.

Matthew Parris hears why David Blunkett has chosen Louis Braille, the 18th century French boy who blinded himself in his father's workshop, as his great life - with the help of guest expert the RNIB's Kevin Carey. Producer: Maggie Ayre.

This OutLOOK Summer magazine for 2014 is one of 10 magazines in which I have collaborated with Visually Impaired Young People through a Youth Project called OutLOOK which is run by the charity LOOK 'The National Federation of Families with Visually Impaired Children' as part of my work at All Formats. The Young People act as Roving Reporters and record the articles which I then edit and produce. We give helpful feedback in order that they can continue to progress their skills. This magazine was funded by the Grantham York Trust. More information about Look can be found at: www.look-uk.org All Formats website is at: www.allformats.org.uk #Look #Outlook #QueenAlexAndraCollege #AllFormats #OlympusAudio

The links between treatment in primary care for substance misuse and criminality

Rt Hon David Blunkett MP and Dr Caroline Mitchell talk about treatment in primary care for substance misuse and criminality. This is an audio podcast.

Margaret Thatcher's funeral in St Paul's Cathedral was attended by thousands of world leaders and watched by millions more around the world. In death, as in life, Margaret Thatcher shaped the occasion: she dictated the order of service and chose the hymns and readings. She was probably the most overtly Christian Prime Minister of the twentieth century up to the time of her leaving office. So where did those Christian influences come from? How did her religious conviction shape her politics? And what is her legacy in terms of the relationship between religion and politics in a multi cultural Britain? Joining Ernie Rea are Dr Eliza Filby, Lecturer in Modern British History at King's College London, whose book, "God and Mrs Thatcher: The Battle for Britain's Soul", is published later this year; Edwina Currie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health under Margaret Thatcher and MP for South Derbyshire between 1983 and 1997 and Canon Dr Alan Billings, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council under David Blunkett when Margaret Thatcher came to power, and former Director of the Centre for Ethics and Religion at Lancaster University.

Margaret Thatcher's funeral in St Paul's Cathedral was attended by thousands of world leaders and watched by millions more around the world. In death, as in life, Margaret Thatcher shaped the occasion: she dictated the order of service and chose the hymns and readings. She was probably the most overtly Christian Prime Minister of the twentieth century up to the time of her leaving office. So where did those Christian influences come from? How did her religious conviction shape her politics? And what is her legacy in terms of the relationship between religion and politics in a multi cultural Britain? Joining Ernie Rea are Dr Eliza Filby, Lecturer in Modern British History at King's College London, whose book, "God and Mrs Thatcher: The Battle for Britain's Soul", is published later this year; Edwina Currie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health under Margaret Thatcher and MP for South Derbyshire between 1983 and 1997 and Canon Dr Alan Billings, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council under David Blunkett when Margaret Thatcher came to power, and former Director of the Centre for Ethics and Religion at Lancaster University.

On Start the Week Andrew Marr asks how far scientific evidence can influence the political agenda. Professor David Nutt is a respected researcher working in the field of drugs, but is best known as the government advisor who was sacked by the Home Secretary for comparing the risks of horse-riding with taking ecstasy. He argues for a rational debate on drugs policy based on objective evidence. Mark Henderson despairs that this will never happen while only one of our 650 MPs is a scientist. But the former Labour minister, David Blunkett, defends his profession, arguing that even evidence-based policy must take into account public opinion and perception. And for former No. 10 advisor Jill Rutter evaluates the evidence for and against. Producer: Katy Hickman.

Michael White talks to MPs, voters, campaigners and experts prior to the referendum on the alternative vote system on 5 May

In the past decade, Britain has experienced mass immigration on an unprecedented scale. A former government aide recently suggested this was a deliberate policy, motivated in part by a desire to increase racial diversity. David Goodhart investigates the ideological forces behind one of the most significant social changes to have affected the UK. Andrew Neather, a former Number 10 speechwriter, recently wrote a much-discussed article in the Evening Standard in praise of multicultural London, but suggesting that those who have influenced immigration policy under Labour were politically-programmed to be relaxed about such numbers. His article was immediately seized upon by anti-immigration campaigners as evidence of a conspiracy to make Britain a more racially diverse society. In this programme, David Goodhart investigates the truth about reasons for recent increases in migration to Britain. Political insiders, including former home secretary David Blunkett, talk candidly about the real influences behind the scenes. None of them give credence to the accusation that there was a plan to create a more multicultural Britain. An unexpected increase in asylum applications and the demand for cheap labour from employers were the main motivators, according to those who influenced policy. But, admits former Home Office special adviser Ed Owen, a nervousness about discussing immigration policy meant that New Labour was, in its first years in office, poorly prepared to deal with the issue. We may not have witnessed a grand act of social engineering, concludes David Goodhart, but New Labour's combination of economic liberalism and cultural liberalism led it to regard mass immigration as a trend which would bring great social benefits and few disadvantages. Interviewees include: Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, former home secretary Tim Finch, head of migration, equalities and citizenship, and director of strategic communications at the Institute for Public Policy Research Andrew Neather, Comment editor at The Evening Standard and former Number 10 speechwriter. Sir Andrew Green, Migrationwatch Sarah Spencer, deputy director, Centre on Migration Policy and Society John Tincey, Immigration Services Union Ed Owen, former Home Office special adviser Claude Moraes MEP.

The third broadcast from Firth Park Radio. 1st Feature - Dessert Highland Discs Our take on the BBC Radio 4 classic ‘Desert Island Disks’. This week featuring David Blunkett - ex Home Secretary and MP for Sheffield Brightside. 2nd Feature - Artist Showcase A regular insight into some of the great music being created at FPCAC - this week featuring Firth Park's African Drumming group.

The politician takes Wendy Robbins to the boarding schools for the blind that he attended as a child. From August 2008.

David Blunkett talking about the reasons behind the British citizenship ceremony.

Transcript -- David Blunkett talking about the reasons behind the British citizenship ceremony.

UK government minister David Blunkett defines good British citizenship.

Transcript -- UK government minister David Blunkett defines good British citizenship.

David Blunkett talking about the reasons behind the British citizenship ceremony.

Transcript -- David Blunkett talking about the reasons behind the British citizenship ceremony.

UK government minister David Blunkett defines good British citizenship.

Transcript -- UK government minister David Blunkett defines good British citizenship.

At a time when confidence in the Government’s ability to protect private information is at an all time low and identity cards and mass personal informatics are getting ever closer to introduction - Infosecurity Europe’s Richard Fitzhugh talks to David Blunkett, MP for Sheffield Brightside and former Home Secretary about some of the concerns for businesses in information security and privacy.

The former home secretary talks to Nicholas Stadlen QC about ASBO's, Iraq, parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law.

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a politician. Elected to Sheffield City Council at the age of 22, he went on to become its leader for seven years, after which he made the smooth and successful transition to Parliament, where he now sits on the opposition front bench as local government spokesman. Beside him sits his guide dog Offa, because David Blunkett has been blind since birth.He will be talking to Sue Lawley about his struggles to get his 'O' and 'A' Levels and eventually his degree, his time in local and now national politics and the many problems he has overcome to reach his present position.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Book: Anthology of Verse by Robert Graves Luxury: Radio/cassette machine

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a politician. Elected to Sheffield City Council at the age of 22, he went on to become its leader for seven years, after which he made the smooth and successful transition to Parliament, where he now sits on the opposition front bench as local government spokesman. Beside him sits his guide dog Offa, because David Blunkett has been blind since birth. He will be talking to Sue Lawley about his struggles to get his 'O' and 'A' Levels and eventually his degree, his time in local and now national politics and the many problems he has overcome to reach his present position. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Book: Anthology of Verse by Robert Graves Luxury: Radio/cassette machine