Podcast appearances and mentions of quentin letts

In Luke's Gospel, an ancient inhabitant of Jerusalem named Simeon meets Mary and Joseph when they bring Jesus to be presented at the Temple on the 40th day after his birth. He has been promised that he will not die until he has seen Christ, and as he takes the baby into his arms he utters the words, 'Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.'  This prayer, known down the centuries by its opening Latin words Nunc dimittis, explains the title of Quentin Letts's novel Nunc!, a delightfully quirky retelling of the story of Simeon and his friends. It's framed by the experience of a 21st-century corduroy-wearing Englishman who, after receiving bad news about his cancer, wanders into his local cathedral and hears the Nunc dimittis sung at evensong. In this episode of Holy Smoke, Quentin touches on the real-life inspiration for his tale – and suggests to Damian Thompson that old Simeon, venerated as a saint, might be the first Christian in recorded history.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

In Luke's Gospel, an ancient inhabitant of Jerusalem named Simeon meets Mary and Joseph when they bring Jesus to be presented at the Temple on the 40th day after his birth. He has been promised that he will not die until he has seen Christ, and as he takes the baby into his arms he utters the words, 'Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.'  This prayer, known down the centuries by its opening Latin words Nunc dimittis, explains the title of Quentin Letts's novel Nunc!, a delightfully quirky retelling of the story of Simeon and his friends. It's framed by the experience of a 21st-century corduroy-wearing Englishman who, after receiving bad news about his cancer, wanders into his local cathedral and hears the Nunc dimittis sung at evensong. In this episode of Holy Smoke, Quentin touches on the real-life inspiration for his tale – and suggests to Damian Thompson that old Simeon, venerated as a saint, might be the first Christian in recorded history.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs? From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverentand author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs?  From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverend and author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

Sonia Sodha of The Observer assesses the latest developments at Westminster.This week the Prime Minister kickstarted a mission to remake the state which he describes as "overstretched" and "flabby". He started by announcing he would abolish the arms-length body, NHS England. But there was ongoing disquiet in the Labour party about possible cuts to welfare spending which could be coming down the track. Sonia discusses all of this with former Conservative minister, Lord Willetts, who now chairs the Resolution Foundation, and Claire Ainsley, former director of policy for Keir Starmer.After a week of intense diplomatic manoeuvring, could a ceasefire in Ukraine be on the horizon? Sonia brings together Bronwen Maddox, director of the foreign policy think tank Chatham House, and Johnny Mercer, former Conservative MP and Minister for Veterans, who has just returned from a trip to Ukraine.Splits within Reform UK deepened this week following the party's suspension of one of its five MPs, Rupert Lowe, after allegations of bullying and threatening violence. Professor Jane Green of Oxford University analyses whether the ongoing row will halt Reform's surge in support.And, MPs who like to use TikTok are regularly flouting parliamentary rules on filming videos for social media. So do the rules need to change? Former Deputy Speaker, Nigel Evans, and Daily Mail political sketchwriter, Quentin Letts, discuss whether it's really a good idea.

Quentin Letts has predicted that the EU will not exist in 20 years time. Speaking to Chopper's Political Podcast he said: "Twenty years time the EU, I think will have disappeared. Gone down the plughole. Down the Swanee. Adios. I think the whole thing's gonna go because I just don't see that the French and German access can continue. And without that, there's going to be no money."Sit back, pour yourself a drink and join GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope at his regular table in a Westminster pub where he will discuss the latest insider political intrigue and gossip with everyone from popstars to politicians. New episodes released every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a historic year in British politics. At the start of 2024, the UK had a different Prime Minister, the Tories had a different leader, and The Spectator had a different editor! Michael Gove, Katy Balls, and Quentin Letts join Cindy Yu to review the biggest political stories of 2024. On the podcast, the panel discuss the rise of Reform UK and Nigel Farage as a political force, Labour's adjustment to government, and Michael reveals his reaction to Rishi telling Cabinet that he was going for a summer election. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

It's been a historic year in British politics. At the start of 2024, the UK had a different Prime Minister, the Tories had a different leader, and The Spectator had a different editor! Michael Gove, Katy Balls, and Quentin Letts join Cindy Yu to review the biggest political stories of 2024. On the podcast, the panel discuss the rise of Reform UK and Nigel Farage as a political force, Labour's adjustment to government, and Michael reveals his reaction to Rishi telling Cabinet that he was going for a summer election. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

Ben Riley Smith of The Daily Telegraph looks back on the week in Westminster. In the week of the election of Donald Trump as the next US President, Ben discusses the implications of the result with Stewart Woods, Labour peer and former adviser to Gordon Brown and Sir Liam Fox, the former Conservative Defence Secretary - and International Trade Secretary during Donald Trump's first presidency.To discuss the impact of the changes to inheritance tax on farms Ben is joined by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke and the Deputy Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Helen Miller.The former Universities Minister and Conservative peer, Jo Johnson, discusses the government's announcement, earlier this week, that tuition fees for students in England would rise next year.And, as the new Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, faced Sir Keir Starmer for the first time at Prime Minister's Questions, Quentin Letts, political sketchwriter for the Daily Mail and Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor of the Guardian give us their verdict.

We're joined by Nate Bethea to delve into an alternate timeline as Quentin Letts us all know: if he could turn back time, if he could find a way, he'd take back those high speed collisions that have hurt you and you'd stay. Listen to Nate on Trashfuture - https://www.patreon.com/trashfuture  Listen to More Nate on Lions Led By Donkeys - https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys  Listen to Even More Nate on What a Hell of a Way to Dad - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie  Subscribe for two whole bonus episodes a month: https://www.patreon.com/praxiscast  Watch streams: https://www.twitch.tv/praxiscast Buy shirts: https://praxiscast.teemill.com/  Follow us: https://bsky.app/profile/praxiscast.bsky.social Cast: Special Guest Nate Bethea - https://bsky.app/profile/inthesedeserts.bsky.social Jamie - https://bsky.app/profile/wizardcubes.bsky.social Rob - https://bsky.app/profile/trufflehog.bsky.social Alasdair - https://bsky.app/profile/ballistari.bsky.social

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Quentin Letts takes us through his diary for the week (1:12); Owen Matthews details the shadow fleet helping Russia to evade sanctions (7:15); Michael Hann reports on the country music revival (15:05); Laura Gascoigne reviews exhibitions at the Tate Britain and at Studio Voltaire (21:20); and, Michael Simmons provides his notes on the post-pub stable, the doner kebab (26:20).   Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.  

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Quentin Letts takes us through his diary for the week (1:12); Owen Matthews details the shadow fleet helping Russia to evade sanctions (7:15); Michael Hann reports on the country music revival (15:05); Laura Gascoigne reviews exhibitions at the Tate Britain and at Studio Voltaire (21:20); and, Michael Simmons provides his notes on the post-pub stable, the doner kebab (26:20).   Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.  

Iain and Jacqui discuss plots against the PM, Rachel Reeves's pitch to businesses and whether everybody loves Thatcher, Putin's electoral 'victory', Ed Balls vs Quentin Letts, Vaughan Gething becoming the new Welsh first minister, whether all-male clubs are wrong - and loads more besides. Smut quota: Reasonable.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are political sketchwriter for the Daily Mail Quentin Letts, Conservative MP Anna Firth, chair of the Labour Muslim Network Ali Milani and Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh.

Quentin Letts parliamentary sketchwriter with the Daily Mail

Welcome to this festive episode of the Edition podcast, where we will be taking you through the pages of The Spectator's special Christmas triple issue.  Up first: What a year in politics it has been. 2023 has seen scandals, sackings, arrests and the return of some familiar faces. It's easy to forget that at the start of the year Nicola Sturgeon was still leader of the SNP! To make sense of it all is editor of The Spectator, Fraser Nelson, The Spectator's political editor Katy Balls, and Quentin Letts, sketch writer for the Daily Mail. (01:06) Next: The story that has dominated the pages of The Spectator in the latter half of this year is of course the conflict in Gaza. Writing in the Christmas magazine, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Niall Ferguson discusses the history of generational divide when it comes to geopolitical conflicts. This is partly inspired by a piece that Douglas Murray wrote earlier in the year, pointing out the generational divide in the Anglosphere when it comes to support for either Israel or Palestine. They both join the podcast to ask why the kids aren't all right? (19:29) Then: In the Christmas magazine this year Charles Moore discusses the divine comedy of PG Wodehouse, and discloses to readers the various literary and biblical references contained within The Code of the Woosters. To unpack the Master's references further and discuss the genius of Wodehouse, Charles is joined by evolutionary biologist and author, Richard Dawkins. (41:03)  And finally: who would put on a village Christmas play?  This is the question Laurie Graham asks in her piece for The Spectator where she rues her decision to once again take charge of her community's Christmas play. It's a struggle that our own William Moore knows all too well. He has written and will star in his local village Christmas play this year. Laurie and William join  the podcast to discuss how to put on a great Christmas play. (57:30).  Throughout the podcast you will also hear from The Spectator's agony aunt Dear Mary and the special celebrity guests who have sought her advice in this year's Christmas magazine, including Joanna Lumley (17:43), Nigel Havers (39:36), Sharron Davies (55:56) and Edwina Currie (01:10:59).  Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Welcome to this festive episode of the Edition podcast, where we will be taking you through the pages of The Spectator's special Christmas triple issue.  Up first: What a year in politics it has been. 2023 has seen scandals, sackings, arrests and the return of some familiar faces. It's easy to forget that at the start of the year Nicola Sturgeon was still leader of the SNP! To make sense of it all is editor of The Spectator, Fraser Nelson, The Spectator's political editor Katy Balls, and Quentin Letts, sketch writer for the Daily Mail. (01:06) Next: The story that has dominated the pages of The Spectator in the latter half of this year is of course the conflict in Gaza. Writing in the Christmas magazine, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Niall Ferguson discusses the history of generational divide when it comes to geopolitical conflicts. This is partly inspired by a piece that Douglas Murray wrote earlier in the year, pointing out the generational divide in the Anglosphere when it comes to support for either Israel or Palestine. They both join the podcast to ask why the kids aren't all right? (19:29) Then: In the Christmas magazine this year Charles Moore discusses the divine comedy of PG Wodehouse, and discloses to readers the various literary and biblical references contained within The Code of the Woosters. To unpack the Master's references further and discuss the genius of Wodehouse, Charles is joined by evolutionary biologist and author, Richard Dawkins. (41:03)  And finally: who would put on a village Christmas play?  This is the question Laurie Graham asks in her piece for The Spectator where she rues her decision to once again take charge of her community's Christmas play. It's a struggle that our own William Moore knows all too well. He has written and will star in his local village Christmas play this year. Laurie and William join  the podcast to discuss how to put on a great Christmas play. (57:30).  Throughout the podcast you will also hear from The Spectator's agony aunt Dear Mary and the special celebrity guests who have sought her advice in this year's Christmas magazine, including Joanna Lumley (17:43), Nigel Havers (39:36), Sharron Davies (55:56) and Edwina Currie (01:10:59).  Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

If priests were required by law to report child sex abuse, what would it mean for the Catholic seal of confession? Priests can never disclose anything they hear during the sacrament of confession. But a proposed new law could legally require people to report cases of child sex abuse. If a priest were to hear such evidence during confession, how should he respond? How could he, and the Church reconcile Church teaching with his need to obey the law, and protect the safety of children? We examine the arguments on both sides of the debate. What is it like if you and your partner have different faiths? Almost 300,000 households in the UK contain people of different faiths living under the same roof. It may sound like the stuff of sitcoms, but it can cause friction and division within families. How do you navigate the differences between your beliefs and practices? Is there a way of bringing two faiths together that can enrich your domestic life? We speak to a man who was brought up as an Orthodox Jew and is now married to a practising Christian. Few people say grace before meals these days. But Lincoln's Inn, the largest of London's Inns of Court, founded in 1422 and the haunt of senior barristers and judges, still raised a few eyebrows this month when it announced that – for the sake of ‘inclusiveness' - there would no longer be Christian grace before meals. The writer Quentin Letts takes a dim view of the decision. Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Linda Walker Presenter: Emily Buchanan Editor: Helen Grady Studio Managers: Colin Sutton and Sharon Hughes Production co-ordinator: David Baguley

After the Privileges Committee finds that Boris Johnson misled the Commons, Matt considers his future career options with Times sketchwriter Quentin Letts, biographer Andrew Gimson, the Spectator's Katy Balls and Johnson supporter David Campbell Bannerman.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris on the former prime minister's relationship with the truth, the migrant boat disaster in Greece, and should we take more responsibility for being scammed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Heale is joined by Kate Andrews and Sebastian Payne to discuss Rishi Sunak's radical shift to the left. Also on the show, Quentin Letts on the navel gazing civil service; Esperanza Aguirre on the Spanish snap election; Douglas Murray on why we shouldn't talk about Philip Schofield and Harry Pearson on British folk sport. 00:00 Welcome from James Heale 02:11 Has Sunak become a socialist? With Kate Andrews and Sebastian Payne 16:09 Does the civil service have a victimhood complex? With Quentin Letts 22:37 Why has the Spanish PM called a snap election? With Esperanza Aguirre 32:11 Why are Brits obsessed with salacious stories? With Douglas Murray 44:55 Which folk sports still exist? With Harry Pearson Produced by Natasha Feroze

A teddy bear that was found washed up on a beach has been given a new lease of life and is now providing support to children and people living in care homes. The bear was restored by the Reverend Canon Eleanor Rance and its journey from discarded toy to "therapy bear" generated a global response on social media. The bear, named Sinbad, is used to help people to reflect on issues like brokenness and second chances. Reverend Rance tells us that people have found resonance in how he was washed up on a beach and then given a new start. What's the trick to writing a really inspiring sermon? How can clergy keep their congregation listening? Pope Francis has suggested that Catholic homilies are often a disaster and recently repeated his call for them to be no longer than eight to ten minutes long. Quality is another consideration. Edward Stourton explores the issue with Quentin Letts, parliamentary sketch writer for the Times and drama critic of the Sunday Times and Revd Dr Alycia Timmis, Priest in Charge of the Northleach Benefice in the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester. Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Bara'atu Ibrahim Presenter: Edward Stourton

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and tests his theory that speeches in the House of Commons aren't as good as they used to be. He looks back at some famous moments in the chamber with speechwriter Jessica Cunniffe and historian Nigel Jones, while Times sketchwriter Quentin Letts defends the modern MP.Plus columnists Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana debate the survival of Nadhim Zahawi, the politics of Rod Stewart, and Matthew's battle with biscuits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has seven living ex-prime ministers for the first time in modern history. But how should a former leader behave when they've left the top job? Patrick Maguire speaks to journalist Steve Richards and former advisers to both John Major and Boris Johnson, while Times sketch writer Quentin Letts gives his advice on how to retain your authority on the backbenches. Plus columnists James Forsyth and Melanie Reid ask who the public will blame for the Christmas strikes, whether Boris Johnson will really run again at the next election and whether football matches are better without alcohol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Emily Sheffield and Nadine Dorries stand in for Piers on another big news day for UK politics as Rishi Sunak will become our new Prime Minister. Emily asks Nadine for her version of events during the final days of the election race, and whether she'll back Rishi. Quentin Letts gives insight into what Westminster's like when some jobs are up for grabs. Emily and Nadine ask if Netflix has gone too far as they are slammed as 'cruel' for recreating Diana's final moments in 'The Crown'. And much more...Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored at 8pm on TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 627, Freeview 237 and Freesat 217. Listen on DAB+ and the app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quentin Letts, Political Sketch Writer and Theatre Critic with the London Times; Charlotte Ivers, Political Correspondent at Times Radio and Columnist for The Sunday Times.

Tonight on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Quentin Letts and Kate McCann report from the 'chaos' of the Prime Minister's first party conference as Piers asks if Liz Truss has lost control of her party, as she has the country. Additionally, Piers has an exclusive interview with the most controversial man of internet, 'king of toxic masculinity', Andrew Tate. Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored at 8pm on TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 627, Freeview 237 and Freesat 217. Listen on DAB+ and app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Boris Johnson prepares for his final session of Prime Minister's Questions, Ailbhe Rea takes a look inside the weekly showdown at the heart of British politics.Former PM David Cameron explains what it's really like to stand at the despatch box for a noisy session of PMQs, and reveals how he prepared and strategized for the toughest event of his week.Ayesha Hazarika, a former adviser to Ed Miliband, lifts the lid on the different pressures faced by a leader of the opposition, while Theo Bertram, a former adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in No. 10, considers why these sessions matter beyond the cut-and-thrust of Westminster.Finally, Quentin Letts, the Times's sketchwriter extraordinaire, recalls great moments of PMQs from years gone by and pays tribute to a British institution where the human drama of British politics is best explored, and where leaders rise and fall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Live from College Green, Matt Chorley unpacks the much-awaited Sue Gray report with Lucy Fisher and Patrick Maguire picking through the 39 pages and nine pictures of several events that happened at Downing Street. We also head to the Commons for PMQs Unpacked where Sir Keir Starmer focused on pressing Boris Johnson on the cost of living and a windfall tax.Plus Alice Thomson, Quentin Letts and Robert Crampton talk rule breaking and gun controls.If you want to watch PMQs Unpacked again, you can go to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPiVSi2YJfE See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Quentin is an author, a British parliamentary sketch writer and theatre critic who has written for the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, numerous magazines and now writes for the Times and Sunday Times. You can find him on Twitter @thequentinletts and www.quentinletts.co.uk. He is also a regular guest on numerous shows including the BBC's Any Questions where his answers usually achieve the loudest laughs – and a fair few boos! Impish and fiercely independent, Quentin uses the English language as a cartoon. How does he describe the current Government investigation into 10 Downing Street's alleged Christmas parties in the 2020 lockdown? “Part pantomime, part Pink Panther”. Inspector Clouseau is on the case! A prolific author, Quentin's work includes Fifty People who Buggered Up Britain, Patronising Bastards and, most recently, Stop Bloody Bossing Me About. To quote the author, “reasonable people have had enough of being bossed about. And when reasonable people stop respecting the law, society has a problem.” His past may also illuminate his present: he has worked as a barman, dustman, door-to-door salesman, warehouseman and Father Christmas. From dustbins to politics: it's not such a long journey, maybe. Quentin's mission is to harass, tickle and tease the politicians and poohbahs allegedly “in charge” and he does so with a happy irreverence. Enjoy the podcast! (Quick technical note: the audio quality is a bit off for the first few minutes, but it quickly improves!) If you would like more information about Three Things, the team or our guests, please contact us at hello@threethings.asia. Thanks for listening. Team Three Things

Topical debate with Chris Mason and guests. Listeners' responses with Anita Anand.

On the "So What You're Saying Is..." (#SWYSI) sofa this week is veteran journalist and famed political sketchwriter Quentin Letts, formerly of the Daily Mail and now with The Times & the Sunday Times. Taking aim at those in power he perceives to be curbing our freedoms, Quentin Letts decries the nannying, ninnying state in his new book "Stop Bloody Bossing Me About: How We Need To Stop Being Told What To Do". (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Bloody-...) "Hands, face, space. Curfews. Don't drink. Bend your knees. Conform, obey, comply - surrender. British life has become infested by bossiness. Boris Johnson won power as one of life's free-wheelers but his first year as PM saw a fever of finger-wagging. The real pandemic? Passive-aggressive ninnying by politicians, scientists and officialdom. From Sage with its graphs to BBC grandees telling us not to sing 'Rule Britannia', the National Trust with its slavery mania, to calorie counts on menus: why won't they leave us alone? Theatre directors beat us over the head with their agitprop. Militant cyclists scream at us from their saddles. Meghan Markle ticks us off for not being more Californian. Bossiness: did it begin when Moses came down from the mountain with his tablets? Cromwell beat Chris Whitty to it by four centuries and banned Christmas. A. Hitler, B. Mussolini and J.V. Stalin: they liked to throw their weight around, but today's self-serving dictators are more subtle. They do it with a caring smile. Tell us it's for our own good. They claim to be liberals! Following his best-selling Fifty People Who Buggered Up Britain and his 2017 Christmas favourite Patronising Bastards, parliamentary sketchwriter Quentin Letts storms back into hard covers with a vituperative howl against the 'bossocracy'. They tell us what to do, what to say, how to think. Letts gives them a prolonged, resonant raspberry. He names the guilty men and women: Dominic Cummings, Prof Neil Ferguson, that strutting self-polisher Nicola Sturgeon, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cressida Dick, Michael Gove, even the sainted Sir David Attenborough. Bang! They all take a barrel. And then there's publicity-prone plonker Matt Hancock posing for photographs while doing his 'Mr Fit' press-ups. Reasonable people have had enough of being bossed about. And when reasonable people stop respecting the law, society has a problem." To order the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Bloody-... --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

With Parliament in recess, Matt Chorley looks at what it takes to win PMQs with former Ed Miliband advisor Ayesha Hazarika, Theresa May's former press secretary Paul Harrison, and which leaders were the best to caricature with sketch-writers Quentin Letts and Ann Treneman.PLUS:Times Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the government's Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jamie Jenkins starts the show, and declares he will be standing in the upcoming elections. Christine Jardine discusses misogyny as a hate crime. Alp Mehmet talks about Asylum Seekers. Helen Dale speaks to Mike about police behaviour at the Sarah Everard vigil. Quentin Letts joins Mike to talk about his book, and how we need to stop being told what to do. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How do you find the funny in a pandemic? Matt Chorley is joined by the Times cartoonist Peter Brookes and political sketch-writer Quentin Letts to talk about bringing cabinet figures to life. Plus: the first installment of the Times Radio columnists festive focus group. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Check out this very interesting interview with political heavyweight George Galloway with Fr Alex on 'The God Cast'. We talk, Growing up in Scotland, faith in God almighty, the Middle East crisis and much more. For this and many more interviews with the likes of, Eammon Holmes, Quentin Letts, Giles Fraser, Kellie Malonie, and Rachel Mann, go to thegodcast.co.uk

Sit down with a brew and enjoy this 35 minute interview with journalist Quentin Letts. Mr Letts is the chief political sketch writer for The Times and theatre critic for The Sunday Times. He has written for The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail. He has appeared on 'Question Time' and 'Have I got News for You. He graduated with an MA degree in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. At Jesus College, Cambridge he gained a Diploma in Classical Archaeology. He has a passion for Anglican hymns and has also served as a Church Warden. He does not hold back with his views about the Church of England

We catch up with sketch writer for The Times Quentin Letts and former Deputy Mayor of London Victoria Borwick. Plus, we learn how to stay safe online with Will Geddes and we taste some wonderful wine from New Zealand to celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Who is protecting the rights of indigenous people in the Amazon? We hear from Kawá, an Amazonian tribesman living in the UK about how his tribe has been affected by the fires and Adriana Ramos from the The Instituto Socioambiental in Brazil. A group of Church of England bishops has issued an open letter on the prospect of a 'no-deal' Brexit and the need for national reconciliation. Rt Rev Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool, tells us why the letter has been written. Quentin Letts, Church going member of the Church of England, and political sketch writer at The Times shares his concerns. Tim Farron, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, talks about his book, A Better Ambition. What’s it like to be a Muslim Policewoman in North Yorkshire? Uzma Amireddy is the Positive Action Co-ordinator for North Yorkshire Police. After the death of Sogyal Rinpoche, author of the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, we explore his legacy with author Mary Finnigan, who wrote ‘Sex and Violence in Tibetan Buddhism - The Rise and Fall of Sogyal Rinpoche'. And it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Churches Conservation Trust. The charity is holding a debate asking: who is going to look after these buildings in the future? We visit All Souls church in Bolton, under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, and hear from Simon Jenkins, a Trustee of the Trust, about what he thinks should happen to historic buildings. Producer: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox

Welcome back to the talkRADIO tent on College Green where the temperature has reached 31 degrees! Today is Theresa May's last day as Prime Minister. To reflect on her premiership, we're joined by former Chief of Communications at No10 Katie Perrior, Labour MP Kate Hoey, Conservative MPs Paul Scully and Bob Seely, Quentin Letts from The Times, our very own Julia Hartley-Brewer, former Deputy PM Lord Michael Heseltine, former Tory MP Jerry Hayes, and comedian Mark Dolan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matt Chorley was in the room for the announcement that Boris Johnson will be the new Tory leader, and gets instant reaction from Francis Elliott, The Times political editor, and sketchwriter Quentin Letts.PLUS columnist Matthew Parris on whether we get “good Boris or naughty Boris”, Lucy Fisher, Times defence correspondent, on the international crises waiting in the in-tray, and Red Box's Esther Webber on who might be in Team Boris. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today Mike marks the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. Quentin Letts give his take on the past day of the Trump State Visit and Katie Perrior talks Tory leadership race! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Theatre criticism has been in the dock recently after a reviewer was publicly reproached for mentioning an actor's weight. Critics Sarah Crompton and Quentin Letts debate whether reviewers should feel free to assess an actor's body as well as their performance.Olly Alexander from Years and Years discusses the band's new album, Palo Santo, which combines a sci-fi setting with a visceral account of his life as a gay man. And he performs a song from the new release. Veteran American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman delves into the world of the New York Public Library in his 42nd documentary, EX LIBRIS. The honorary Oscar winner tells Stig Abell about film-making at 88 years of age, and why he chooses to do all of the research, shooting and editing himself. Presenter: Stig Abell Producer: Julian MayMain Image: Olly Alexander. Credit: Years and Years.

Why is Theresa May pulling up the drawbridge to Britain, exactly when she should be advertising Britain's openness in a post-Brexit world? We also discuss why charities are working to shut down schools in Africa, and hear from Quentin Letts on his experience of being pursued by the Establishment. With Fraser Nelson, Joey Jones, James Tooley, Sylvain Aubry, and Quentin Letts. Presented by Isabel Hardman.

Is it impossible to cover Brexit impartially? What goes into a hit detective radio drama? And why has Quentin Letts decided to quit listening to the Today programme? Roger Bolton returns with a new series of Feedback and starts by hearing listeners weigh in on the ongoing row over equal pay at the BBC. Chris Morris sits down with Roger to answer listener concerns over his programme Brexit: A Guide for the Perplexed and explore how the passion of the Brexit debate affects impartiality. Hugo Speer is an actor known for both TV and film but, for Radio 4 listeners, he is best known as the detective starring in the gritty drama series Stone. The latest ten-part series of the show has caused listeners to flood the Feedback inbox with praise. Hugo and Roger discuss what it takes to elevate a drama like Stone beyond the usual cop show cliches. Finally, waspish columnist Quentin Letts recently appeared on Radio 4 to reveal why he had decided to stop listening to the Today programme and relax with Radio 3 instead. But what do listeners make of this battle of the breakfast shows? Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Joanne Froggatt was taken to the nation's hearts when she played Anna Bates, the lady's maid in Downton Abbey. One of the storylines which had a huge impact, and won her a Golden Globe, showed the aftermath of her being raped. Now she takes on similar territory but a very different character in Liar, a new ITV thriller in which she plays Laura, a woman who says she's been raped. She talks to Samira about her choice of roles and not shying away from difficult subjects. Black Swan and The Wrestler director Darren Aronofsky discusses his controversial new film Mother! The film, which stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, was booed, and cheered, when it premiered at Venice Film Festival this week, and the reviews have been similarly divisive with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others a hyperbolic mess.As Classic FM celebrates its 25th anniversary, Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail and The Spectator's Kate Chisholm consider what influence it has had on the coverage of classical music on the radio, and the impact its arrival had on BBC Radio 3.Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Jerome Weatherald.

Anne McElvoy looks at the style of the election campaign and how it's been reflected by political sketch writers with John Crace and Quentin Letts. As Common by DC Moore opens at London's National Theatre, Simon Jenkins and Jonathan Healey discuss the impact of the Enclosure Acts. New Generation Thinker Emma Butcher from the University of Hull marks 200 years since Branwell Brontë was born. The winner of this year's Pushkin House Russian Book Prize - Rosalind Blakesley - talks to Anne along with one of the judges, writer Charlotte Hobson.Rosalind Blakesley's prize-winning book is The Russian Canvas: Painting in Imperial Russia 1757-1881You can find more information about events including talks and guided walks for the Branwell Brontë anniversary at the Bronte Parsonage Museum and as part of the Bradford Lit Fest where a statue is being unveiled. https://www.bronte.org.uk/ https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/ New Generation Thinkers is a scheme run by the BBC and the Arts and Humanities Research Council to find academics who can turn their ideas into radio and television. You can find more on the Free Thinking website. Producer: Torquil MacLeod

The creation of the commercial production division of the BBC, BBC Studios, will lead to 100 per cent competition between in house and independent producers; BBC producers will be free to pitch to other broadcasters, and external producers can compete for more content on the BBC. Mark Linsey has recently been appointed as Director of BBC Studios. He talks to Steve Hewlett about how the new model will benefit the market, when tendering out will begin, and why he thinks it will mean better value for money for licence fee payers. More than a year after Jeremy Clarkson left Top Gear, the BBC's long-running motoring show is back. The first episode of the new series aired on Sunday and garnered 4.4 million viewers. Critics noted that this was below the audience achieved by the 2015 series but Chris Evans and the BBC were quick to point out that in terms of share, the re-launch surpassed the first episode of the previous series. Joining Steve to give their verdict on the post-Clarkson incarnation of Top Gear is Mark Wells, former Controller of Entertainment at ITV, and Quentin Letts, critic and sketch writer of The Daily Mail. Reality TV success Geordie Shore is celebrating its 5th birthday. With 12 seasons under its belt, it now has more than a million viewers and 16 million followers across social media, making it one of MTV's most successful programmes. Following a group of friends living together in Newcastle, it's known for showing drunken antics, rows and sex scenes, leading to controversy - it's been labelled by some as bordering on pornographic. Steve Hewlett talks to Kerry Taylor, Viacom's Senior Vice President of youth and music and an executive producer of Geordie Shore, about why the programme works so well on MTV. Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

With less than a month before the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, there's a debate growing about the role religious leaders should take when they engage with political issues. Jasvir Singh from the London Faiths Forum and journalist Quentin Letts discuss the role of religion in politics. Professor Mona Siddiqi tells Edward about the review of Sharia law in the UK that the Government has asked her to lead. Why are some historic buildings owned by the Church of Scientology lying empty after they were purchased ten years ago? Geoff Bird has been to see one of the properties in Manchester. In York, the Minster will be the setting for the 2016 Mystery Plays for only the second time in their 700 year history. Kevin Bocquet reports from the final rehearsals. We report on a ground-breaking study which explores links between religion and HIV disease progression. Gail Ironson is Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. Tom Smith, lecturer in International Relations at Portsmouth University, explains why the Philippine's President elect has called the Catholic Church the 'most hypocritical institution' in the country and says he doesn't need the religion to show his deep Christian faith. Christian and Muslim forces are engaged in a bloody conflict in Africa whilst radical Buddhists in Myanmar attack the Islamic minority. Rabbi David Saperstein is the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He discusses with Edward the future of religious freedom. Bells from over 100 church towers will ring out simultaneously for BBC Music Day. The organiser Mike Orme and the youngest participant, 11yr old Lewis, tell us about their bell ringing passion. Producers; David Cook Helen Lee Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Quentin Letts Journalist talks at the renowned Oldie Literary Lunch about his comic book about the House of Commons: The Speaker's Wife. Sponsored by Doro, number one in the senior mobile market

Journalist and political sketch writer Quentin Letts on his novel, The Speaker's Wife.

Quentin Letts' wry critique of the Met Office has had listeners contacting Feedback in droves. The programme was the first episode of a new series of What is the Point of...? and while a few felt the programme exercised a healthy scepticism about climate science, many more felt it allowed controversial opinions to go unchallenged. Roger Bolton hears some of the reaction. Earlier in the series, Feedback considered the BBC's coverage of migrants and heard concerns about the use of terms such as 'illegal immigrant' and 'swarm' - but now there are suggestions that the Today programme is too soft on migrants. The Editor of Today, Jamie Angus, discusses the BBC's approach to reporting the situation in Calais - and also talks about the future presenter line up on the programme, with Nick Robinson set to replace James Naughtie. The new interview series Flexagon Radio has had some listeners flummoxed. The programme has guests reacting to sounds and archive randmonly generated by a machine, The Flexagon. Does the device provoke intelligent conversation, or has it just provoked the the ire of listeners? Roger speaks to the series producer, Adam Fowler. After last week's Feedback special on religious programming, we hear from listeners who are concerned that humanists and atheists are not represented on Thought for the Day. Christine Morgan, the Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Radio, answers their criticisms. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

As Yet Unnamed London Theatre Podcast18-Dec-2011WithT R P Watson Revstan Plays DiscussedNoises Off - Old Vic  [00:10] Richard II - Donmar Warehouse  [05:54] The Westbridge - Royal Court Upstairs  [14:54] Foxfinder - Finborough Theatre [20:00] ReviewsNoises Off - Old Vic Dublin Carol - Trafalgar Studios 2 Dick Whittington - New Wimbledon Theatre The Canterbury Tales - Southwark Playhouse News and BlogsBillington’s 40th Anniversary Dan Rebellato on Quentin Letts

With Mark Lawson. Steve Coogan has returned to the character that made him a household name, publishing Alan Partridge's autobiography. He discusses the way Partridge has evolved over the years and whether he's ever considered killing him off. The Comic Strip returns to Channel 4 this week with The Hunt for Tony Blair, in which the former Prime Minister is a 1950s fugitive, on the run for mass murder. Political commentators Quentin Letts and Andrew Rawnsley review. The new Australian film Sleeping Beauty - the debut from writer and director Julia Leigh - tells the story of a university student who signs up for a series of sessions in which her unconscious body is used by men for their erotic fantasies. Author and critic Kate Saunders gives her verdict. Producer Georgia Mann.