British Conservative politician
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Ed Vaizey is joined by Jane Merrick and Albie Amankona to discuss a week of big challenges for the government - from the EU reset to the U-turn on winter fuel to finally signing off the Chagos deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As European leaders meet in Tirana, is Keir Starmer inching Britain closer to Europe - and is that progress?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Gaby Hinsliff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Keir Starmer celebrates getting a trade agreement with the US over the line, does Peter Mandelson fit into Donald Trump's circle? Plus, how has moral universalism led to the rise of Nigel Farage?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Nigel Farage's Reform UK the clear winner from the English local elections and Runcorn by-election, have they broken the two-party system for good? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with John McTernan, Salma Shah and Sir John Curtice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rachel Reeves is in Washington attempting to get a US trade deal over the line, while Donald Trump's special envoy has arrived in Moscow to hold peace talks with Putin. And why was half of Westminster added to a WhatsApp chat? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Sarah Vine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the US and China continue their economic tit-for-tat, the UK is told that even a trade deal may not spare it from 10% tariffs. Can anyone win Trump's trade war?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elon Musk has broken company with Donald Trump over tariffs - but will it make any difference, and will Trump's other billionaire supporters follow? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer warns that the world has fundamentally changed, but does he have a plan to protect the British economy from Donald Trump's tariffs?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, including the row over Labour MPs refused entry to Israel and the possible return of Jacob Rees-Mogg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump says he's pleased with the effect of his tariffs so far,...despite turmoil in markets, China retaliating and the start of a global trade war. Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As reports suggest the US is demanding access to more of Ukraine's natural resources, is there anything Kyiv can do to resist?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Russia says there is "a lot ahead to be done" on the Ukrainian ceasefire deal; what concessions can Donald Trump realistically extract from Vladimir Putin? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Claire Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As President Trump reverses tariffs just days after introducing them, and claims he can get Putin to agree to a peace deal for mysterious reasons, is his unpredictability a strength or weakness?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer returns from his trip to Washington where his meeting with Trump seemed to go pretty well - but has Starmer really secured wins for the UK? Or is it all theatrics? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Merrick and Timandra Harkness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starmer is under pressure to increase defence spending ahead of his trip to Washington next week, but where will the money come from and will the public accept cuts elsewhere?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer, Nigel Farage has called for an apology after he was accused of spreading fake news. But is he just politicising the attack?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has positioned himself as pro-Europe and anti-Trump. Can he appeal to the urban voters that Labour may lose as they pick their fight with the Tories and Reform? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rachel Reeves is in China for trade talks, despite the UK's economic woes. When should politicians give in to pressure and cancel a foreign trip?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elon Musk has continued his attacks on the UK government, but why is he inserting himself into European politics? Does he want to be a global statesman? And what will this mean for his new friend Nigel Farage? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Gaby Hinsliff Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The government has begun 2025 by targeting people-smuggling gangs after channel crossings rose by a quarter last year. Plus, as Starmer is booed for queue-jumping for a toboggan ride on holiday, is it the most offensive thing a Brit can do?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain's next ambassador to Washington, but does he have a plan to win over Donald Trump - and Elon Musk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer faces a cabinet split as Wes Streeting criticises Ed Miliband's decision to oppose military action against Assad in Syria when he was the party's leader in 2013, but was Ed really to blame? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and and the I newspaper's Jane Merrick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kemi Badenoch is Washington, but won't meet Donald Trump - who prefers Nigel Farage anyway. And why does Angela Rayner think Keir Starmer is like a civil servant?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Gaby Hinsliff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There's a big shake-up of the school curriculum on the way, but how radical is the government's thinking - and could they put standards at risk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Rachel Sylvester and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Longest Day, host Leah Brown FRSA speaks with Lord Ed Vaizey, former MP for Wantage and Culture Minister, about his unique career path, his relationship with authority, and his views on mentorship and leadership. Ed shares entertaining stories from his past, including the challenges of being fired multiple times and how these experiences shaped his perspective on work and autonomy. Ed reflects on personal experiences, including the impact of his fathers death at a young age and privilege, and how both shaped his perspectives. Tune in to hear Ed Vaizeys candid reflections on his career, his approach to politics, and the lessons hes learned along the way.
Thousands of people, including children, have been questioned by police over non-crime hate speech, but is that involving police in political problems? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Tim Montgomerie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Keir Starmer learn anything from the Democrats' defeat in the presidential election, or are the UK and the US too different to draw comparisons?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and playwright Jonathan Maitland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Were the markets hostile to the budget or are our jitters a hangover from Liz Truss? Should we bring back food rationing? Can you hold a grudge for as long as a crow?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Robin Brant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Minister for Culture and Broadcaster, Ed Vaizey is sharing his Travel Secrets with Tanya Rose this week. Ed shares the many fantastic and unique places he had the privilege of visiting while working as an MP, from the Middle East to the French Embassy, the villa where you can step inside an iconic painting and the Wonder of the World that definitely is as good as it looks in photos. Don't forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.Places mentioned:Taj MahalOctopussy HotelLake Palace hotelRajasthanNew YorkJapanAfghanistanAbu Dhabi LouvreJoo Chiat, Singapore Nagarekawa Cho, HiroshimaFish Market, Tokyo, JapanIsrael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Miranda Green and Carolyn Quinn.If the government can swallow being nice to Trump, why not Elon Musk? How did Keir Starmer and Donald Trump's Washington dinner go, and will Boris Johnson's memoirs overshadow the Tory leadership contest? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Matthew Bell. Is Robert Jenrick right about English identity, could Nigel Farage end up in Downing St, and are smartphones as bad as all that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Friday, so Ed Vaizey is back to unpack the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Miranda Green.Could Labour plug the financial black hole with the return of PFI, why is there still no love lost between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, and what did people make of Trevor's suggestion that Keir Starmer should send for Michael Gove? And why hasn't Miranda been given an honour? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the 335 new MPs elected at the last election continue to deliver their first speeches to Parliament, Ed Vaizey asks what is the secret to standing out from the crowd. He takes a look at some of the best (and worst) from the past, including Boris Johnson, Theresa May.... and Ed Vaizey. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether shutting libraries is cultural vandalism, if life's greatest moments can be purchased, and we find out how James is getting on without a smartphone six months on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ed Vaizey interrogates the past, present and future of espionage, from moments that could have come from fiction to the reality of spying in the modern world. He speaks to former GCHQ director Sir David Omand and Lord Robin Renwick, former UK ambassador to the United States and author of 'The Intelligent Spy's Handbook'.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Timandra Harkness discuss how to make companies take responsibility for Grenfell, Tony Blair's call for closer links to Europe, and kicking hereditary peers out of Parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PMQs is back from summer recess, with Rishi Sunak quizzing Keir Starmer - although the prime minister is still having a hard time getting used to his new job title.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether public inquiries are too expensive, whether Robert Jenrick is right to talk about segregation, and what does (and doesn't) make them proud to be British. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer says it's all about growth, growth, growth - but why do some economists and politicians say we're looking at it the wrong way? Ed Vaizey finds out about the radical theory of 'degrowth', and asks whether happiness is a better measure of success than GDP.Plus: Columnists Melanie Reid and Robert Colvile discuss Britain's faltering national pride, the crucial role of public libraries, and why the Tories are seen as a bit weird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MPs are back in Westminster after the summer recess, and the government has big plans for the new term - but where will it be plain sailing, and where could it all go horribly wrong? Ed Vaizey guides us through the promises and the pitfalls.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the scrapping of Ofsted's one-word judgements, the latest Tory leadership bid launches, and whether politicians can - or should - dance in public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With the SNP gathering in Edinburgh, party conference season is well and truly upon us. Ed Vaizey is joined by a panel of political advisers to discuss what to expect this autumn, as well as looking back at some of the best (and worst) moments from conferences past.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the four-day work week, whether you should let your dog lick your face, Keir Starmer moving Margaret Thatcher's portrait, and why AI may not be as revolutionary as originally promised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Labour Party was born from the trade union movement, but is Keir Starmer's government on a collision course with the unions over public sector pay? Ed Vaizey speaks to shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake and the FBU's Matt Wrack.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Timandra Harkness discuss whether ministers should ban smoking in pub gardens, the arrest of the boss of Telegram, and fossil fuel companies sponsoring the arts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's been three years since the last British troops and diplomats left Afghanistan in the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces. Ed Vaizey finds out what's happened to the country since, with guests including Sunday Times chief foreign correspondent Christina Lamb.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the shoplifting epidemic, a hidden note found at the National Gallery, and whether former Cameron adviser Steve Hilton could be the next governor of California. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer uses his speech in the Downing Street rose garden to warn of a turbulent time ahead, with a 'painful budget' on the way. Ed Vaizey unpacks it with former cabinet minister Jack Straw and Times Radio's Theo Usherwood. Plus: What can the Tory leadership hopefuls learn from when the party was in opposition under Hague, Duncan Smith, Howard and Cameron? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Cockerell is one of the UK's most experienced political film-makers, and has interviewed prime ministers from Macmillan to Johnson. He joins Ed Vaizey to reflect on his career and the art of making a political documentary.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Robin Brant discuss Keir Starmer's call for a decade of national renewal, whether Labour will change the way it elects its leader, and a new book assessing Liz Truss's (short) time in office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it ever possible to keep politics out of sport? Ed Vaizey looks at times when the two have collided, as well as how AI could change the world of athletics and whether we'll all be watching e-sport in the metaverse.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the extravagance of US politics, freedom of speech in universities, finding joy in YouTube comments, and why group holidays are terrible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's culture week here on the podcast, and today we're looking at the theatre - does politics still have a place on the stage?Ed Vaizey hears from playwrights including David Edgar, who's been writing for the theatre for 50 years, and discusses some of the best political drama including James Graham's This House.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell talk about the pressure on the government to give big public sector pay deals, why there's a culture war over 20mph zones, and Keir Starmer's choice of crisps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Was Barack Obama's speech to the Democratic Convention a reminder that great orators don't come along very often? Columnists Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins discuss the speech by the former US president, the role of political spouses, and why Tories are all taking Ozempic to lose weight.Plus: We continue Ed Vaizey's culture week with a look at whether the golden age of the British TV and film industry has come to an end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're looking at how music can shape politics, from Kamala Harris and Beyoncé's Freedom to Tony Blair and Things Can Only Get Better. Ed Vaizey is joined by guests including D:Ream co-founder Al Mackenzie.Plus: Columnists Miranda Green and Henry Hill discuss why we're obsessed with America, Keir Starmer missing his summer holiday and whether Labour has caved in to the unions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bill Clinton once said that regulating the internet would be like ‘nailing jello to a wall', but in the UK new rules are on the way. Ed Vaizey looks at whether they can end the Wild West on the web with a former tech minister and one of Ofcom's online safety directors.Plus Columnists: Libby Purves and Tim Montgomerie discuss the government's plans to let workers disconnect, the Tory leadership contest and the death of the theatre interval. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fears that AI generated 'deepfakes' could threaten British democracy in the run up to the general election turned out to be largely unfounded. Ed Vaizey asks why that is, and whether AI and deepfakes will have a greater impact on the upcoming US election. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether King Charles should break his royal silence on the riots and debate whether the Olympics is better than the World Cup,. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Kamala Harris confirms she's chosen Tim Walz as her running mate, Ed Vaizey looks back on some of the best and worst vice presidential picks throughout US history.Plus: Columnists Anne McElvoy and Tim Montgomerie discuss whether Keir Starmer is handling the riots badly, the trap of political nostalgia, and why the Olympics are a silver lining to a distressing summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.