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With just days to go to Rachel Reeves' Budget, George Parker speaks to her Conservative predecessor at the Treasury, Sir Jeremy Hunt MP. They discuss what it's like for Chancellors in the run-up to a fiscal event and the intense speculation around this Budget.Following the publication of the Covid Inquiry's second report George interviews former minister, Lord Frost, who resigned from the then Conservative government over pandemic policy, and Prof Stephen Reicher, who advised both the UK and Scottish governments during the pandemic.To discuss the Home Secretary's overhaul of the asylum system, and the divisions within her party, George speaks to Labour MPs Olivia Blake and Gareth Snell.And, as the London Aquarium responds to concerns raised by a number of MPs over the welfare of its penguins, George speaks to one of those MPs, Danny Chambers, and New Statesman journalist, Rachel Cunliffe.
Shabana Mahmood was back in the Commons today outlining her controversial immigration plans.Meanwhile, Clive Lewis said he'd give up his seat for Andy Burnham and a Labour MP defects to the Greens.In the second half of the podcast, Calum Weir from Labour Together tells us what really matters to Britain. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out her plans for the biggest shake up of asylum laws in 40 years. It divided the Labour party, impressed some Conservatives and even earned the home sec an invite to join Reform.But what will it mean in the long term for Britain, and for the families affected?Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe. LISTEN AD-FREE:
We share our strategy advice for the Labour rebels allegedly trying to oust Keir Starmer.Ailbhe Rea and Luke O'Reilly join Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions. In this episode:What's the best strategy for Labour rebels hoping to dethrone Starmer?How much power does a party chair wield?Can any politicians affect positive change?LISTEN AD-FREE:
Trump and the right wing press are gleefully hounding the BBC over a clumsy speech edit – will they succeed in taking down the broadcaster? Plus, manifesto promises – there's a huge fuss over Labour potentially breaking them, but is that anything new? And in the extra bit for supporters – reasons to be a Luddite! The panel rallies against smart technology. • Rachel suggests Fergus Butler-Gallie's book Touching Cloth • Jonn recommends Fergus Craig's upcoming book I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home • Marie is reading New Boy by William Sutcliffe When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Head to nakedwines.co.uk/ohgodwhatnow to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. • If you want to find out more about Energise Africa and register as an investor, visit energiseafrica.com/ogwn. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Seth Thevoz with Marie Le Conte, Rachel Cunliffe and Jonn Elledge. Audio Production by Robin Leeburn. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rachel Cunliffe teaches us about transforming a cluttered website into a calm, focused space that serves both you and your readers. Rachel is the founder of Cre8d Design, a web design and development studio that helps creators and businesses build websites that are beautiful, clean, user-friendly, and fast. Cre8d has worked in the space for over two decades, specializing in custom WordPress design, audience experience, and content strategy. At Cre8d, the team partners closely with clients to clarify their goals, organize their content, and create websites that genuinely reflect who they are and that people love to use. Their work blends thoughtful design, modern tech, and a deep respect for the people behind the websites. Over time, even the best food blogs start to feel like overstuffed pantries: too many ingredients, not enough order. Web designer Rachel Cunliffe joins us to explain how to know when it's time for a redesign and how to approach it with clarity, calm, and intention. She breaks down the process of simplifying your site, creating a distraction-free reader experience, and reclaiming the joy in your digital space. This is your invitation to pause, tidy up, and let your creativity breathe again. Key points discussed include: Trust your gut: If your site feels messy, your readers feel it too. Design for calm: People crave clarity, not chaos - keep it simple and focused. Your website is your pantry: Take everything out, organize what matters, toss what's expired. Pop-ups aren't the enemy, but timing matters: Be intentional about when and where you use them. Write like a human again: Authentic stories connect faster than optimized fluff. Your brand should evolve: Outdated design can quietly hold you back. Simplify the tech: A site that's easy to update keeps you consistent and confident. Distraction-free = trust: The cleaner the experience, the stronger the connection. Connect with Rachel Cunliffe Website | Instagram
The BBC is still reeling from the dramatic resignation announcement of its director general Tim Davie on Sunday.Rachel Cunliffe gets Lewis Goodall's insider perspective, drawing on his time working on BBC's Newsnight programme.Lewis also shares his thoughts on the leadership threats surrounding Keir Starmer.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/media/2025/11/trumps-attack-can-rescue-the-bbcLISTEN AD-FREE:
Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the Spiked Online editor Tom Slater, the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, Labour MP Natasha Irons and the Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke.
Would you support the two-child benefit cap being scrapped?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the Spiked Online editor Tom Slater, the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, Labour MP Natasha Irons and the Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke.
Has Labour let down Millennials? Are tax hikes on the horizon? And what would happen to the commonwealth if Britain dumped our King? Rachel Cunliffe joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions.Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:
After decades of waving away electoral reform, Labour and the Tories suddenly have a reason to question First Past The Post – the nightmare prospect of a Reform government. Has proportional representation's time finally come? How might it happen? And what system would work for Britain? Proud elections wonk David Klemperer of the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath joins Rachel Cunliffe and Andrew Harrison for the world's first Single Transferable Podcast. ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel recommends K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix. • David recommends West End Girl by Lily Allen. • Andrew recommends the 30th anniversary reissue of Different Class by Pulp. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison and Rachel Cunliffe. Audio and video production by Chris Jones. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Britain becoming a country of mass violence?On Saturday evening, a Doncaster to London train was forced to stop in Huntingdon after eleven people were injured in a stabbing spree. Anthony Williams, a 32 year-old British national, was charged on Monday with multiple counts of attempted murder.Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Knife crime is creeping into Middle EnglandLISTEN AD-FREE:
Andrew had already stepped down as a working royal, after that disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, but he's now gone a step further and agreed to relinquish the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Lloyd and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss what these latest decisions, announced on the eve of the publication of Virginia Roberts Guiffre's posthumous memoir, mean for the Royal Family.LISTEN AD-FREE:
After the collapse of the China spying case, do we have to accept that Britain is way past being able to spar with Beijing? Especially when we depend so much on their students? Green MP Siân Berry talks about the party's future under new eco-populist leader Zach Polanski, how to square green infrastructure with their support's suspicion of development, and whether the Greens would enter a coalition with Labour to keep Farage out. And in the Extra Bit for Patreon people… Sunak's back, sort of. What do ex-PMs get up to these days? And the terror of the A.I. Margaret Thatcher ChatBot. • Our partner pod American Friction just won Best News and Politics show at the Independent Podcast Awards. Listen and see what you've been missing. ESCAPE ROUTES • Raf recommends Film Club on BBC iPlayer. • Rachel recommends The Finest Hotel In Kabul by Lise Doucet. • Siân Berry recommends The French Lieutenant's Woman . • Ros recommends The Line on ITVX. Buy The Finest Hotel In Kabul through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Head to nakedwines.co.uk/ohgodwhatnow to get 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. • Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here: nordvpn.com/ohgodwhatnow. It's risk- free with Nord's 30-day money back guarantee! • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more. Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Rachel Cunliffe and Rafael Behr. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Art direction: James Parrett. Produced by award-winning Chris Jones. Managing Editor: award-winning Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andrew Marr joins Rachel Cunliffe to discuss his column in this week's magazine, Tax the old.They also discuss the latest developments in the China spy case.LISTEN AD-FREE:
All 20 remaining, living hostages have returned to Israel after 2 years in captivity, following the October the 7th Hamas attacks. The remains of the 28 deceased hostages are yet to be returned.Meanwhile, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza today.To discuss this historic day in the Middle East and how it came to be, Oli Dugmore is joined by Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward. Later in the episode Ethan Croft and Rachel Cunliffe look at the question of the UK's involvement in this peace process.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Is Labour reading from the Reform handbook? And what is the government doing to address rising child poverty?Oli Dugmore is joined by Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions.Got a question? Ask us here!LISTEN AD-FREE:
You might have missed it, many people did, but this week the Conservatives met for their annual party conference in Manchester.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Ethan Croft, who's just stepped out of the conference hall listening to Badenoch's speech, and later in the episode by Will Dunn - who's been watching the whole affair on GB News.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Two years ago, on October the 7th, 2023, Hamas militants committed a series of atrocities in southern Israel. 1,195 people were killed in the attacks. 251 people were taken hostage by Hamas, 47 remain in captivity. Some alive, some dead. Since then, war has ravaged the Gaza Strip and, in the form of escalating settler violence, spread to the West Bank. Israel has inflicted famine on Gazans. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in the conflict, a third of them children.And this war has rippled far beyond Palestine, Israel and the Middle East, affecting communities and politics around the world. In Britain, protesters have filled the streets, and questions are asked about why our government has supported Israel with weaponry and intelligence used in the Gaza strip. Last Friday, on Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar's most holy day, two worshippers were stabbed to death outside a synagogue in Manchester.Tanjil Rashid is joined by Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Under bombardment in Gaza City; What it's like to be Jewish in Britain now; The world has abandoned the hostages; How Israel warped the WestLISTEN AD-FREE:
And what do Labour really want from digital ID cards?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Keir Starmer is on a mission to reclaim British patriotism.The prime minister has just finished his conference speech in Liverpool, addressing a hall full of delegates waving flags from England, Scotland and Wales.In some ways this was an attempt to celebrate Britain, its values, and its triumphs. In other very clear ways it was an attempted attack on Nigel Farage.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, Megan Kenyon and Ethan Croft.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Ed Davey came out swinging at the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth this week, saying "Reform wants Britain to be like Trump's America."He said it was the Lib Dem's moral duty to defeat Nigel Farage, and warned that over in the US, people are "really fearful for democracy."Meanwhile, at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump was firing on all cylinders: describing climate change as the "greatest con job ever", claiming that Europe is in “serious trouble over migration” and saying that London wants to “go to Sharia law”.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, George Eaton and Freddie Hayward. LISTEN AD-FREE:
British politics is increasingly divided – but where are voters really going as they shift between parties? And how should Labour recalibrate their tactics? The Economist's Matthew Holehouse joins us to discuss the new ‘Battle for Britain'. Plus, the panel discusses the reaction to Charlie Kirk's death worldwide and how it might change politics. And in the extra bit for subscribers – political pets! Because we all need something fun to listen to don't we? Escape Routes Rachel has been reading Terry Pratchett books: Jingo, Thud & The Truth Zoe is watching The Real Housewives of London on Hayu Matthew is reading When The Clock Broke by John Ganz Seth recommends the drama series Crown Court • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more. Written and presented by Seth Thevoz with Zoe Grunewald and Rachel Cunliffe. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Art direction: James Parrett. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donald Trump and Keir Starmer have just finished their joint press conference from Chequers, drawing a close to the US president's state visit. Andrew Marr and Will Dunn will be joining Anoosh tomorrow on the podcast to discuss what these deals mean for Britain as dollars and pounds wash across the Atlantic Ocean - but today we're looking at something else frothy, the meltdown of Your Party.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Megan Kenyon and Ethan Croft.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Trump is arriving in the UK today for his much anticipated state visit.Rachel Cunliffe and Will Lloyd look at how it might play out in the aftermath of the emergency debate which took place in parliament this afternoon concerning the appointment of Peter Mandelson.LISTEN AD-FREE:
This weekend more than 110,000 people from across the country took part in a far-right protest in central London organised by the activist Tommy Robinson - in his words, to “Unite the Kingdom”. This is thought to be the largest nationalist event in decades. St George's flags flooded the streets, speakers including Katie Hopkins and Elon Musk were projected to the crowds, and an overwhelming anti-muslim narrative shrouded the event.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Will Lloyd and George Monaghan.Listen: A year undercover on the far rightRead: Murder, she wroteLISTEN AD-FREE:
Are the Greens ‘anarchists'? Has British politics become Americanised? And why was Theresa May prime minister?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions and explain LARPing to Andrew Marr.LISTEN AD-FREE:
The fallout from Angela Rayner's departure continues to dominate the headlines today as Labour's National Executive Committee is expected to meet to agree the timetable for the race to replace Rayner as the party's deputy leader. Since the reshuffle, women fill three of the four great offices of state for the first time, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Home Secretary, and the Foreign Secretary. To discuss the role of women in Labour's reshuffled cabinet and the party's future leadership - as well as Rayner's legacy - Nuala McGovern is joined by Lucy Dunn, political correspondent at The Spectator, and Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor at The New Statesman As the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia approaches later this month, we hear why the country is currently one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman. Two-thirds of women in PNG have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, which is almost twice the global average. Tahina Booth is a former elite athlete and founder of Grass Skirt Project who is trying to break the cycle of gender-based violence through sport. Tahina joins Nuala along with Joku Hennah, a journalist and activist who regularly speaks out about all forms of gender-based violence - including domestic and sexual violence, and killings related to sorcery accusations. Playwright Danusia Iwaszko has spent 17 years running writing workshops in high-security prisons. Her new play Penned Up draws on that work, following a teacher who helps a group of men find their voices through theatre. Over the course of the 10-week programme we see the humanity in these inmates, as well as the cracks in our criminal justice system. You may have seen articles and social media posts branding creatine supplements as the ‘secret weapon' for women, claiming they can ‘boost brainpower', and ‘level up' our lives, especially during the menopause or perimenopause. But what is creatine? Should we all be taking it - and what impact might it have? To find out more, Nuala is joined by GP Dr Fionnuala Barton and registered dietician Laura Clarke, who specialises in the menopause. Presented by: Nuala McGovern Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths
The Greens have a new leader. Listeners want to know what's in store for the left now.Tom McTague is joined by Andrew Marr, Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon to answer listener questions on:the future of the Green Party under Zack PolanskiJeremy Corbyn and Your Party's position on trans rightswhether a pro-immigration left party could win working class votesif the Lib Dems have any "serious" policiesLISTEN AD-FREE:
Angela Rayner resigned from government, and stood down as deputy Labour leader, following her failure to pay enough tax on a property in Hove. With this Keir Starmer has reshuffled his top cabinet, where are they headed now?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Megan Kenyon.LISTEN AD-FREE:
Andrew Marr joins the show to discuss Rayner, Immigration and Graham Linehan's arrest.***Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is under fire for underpaying Stamp Duty. The right are gleeful but Keir Starmer is standing by his deputy PM. Is he making the right move?Tom McTague is joined by Andrew Marr, Rachel Cunliffe, Megan Kenyon and George Monaghan.They also discuss how Labour must respond to the anti-immigration protests, and the questions around free speech that have been raised by the arrest (and subsequent release) of Graham Linehan over anti-trans tweets.Host: Tom McTagueGuest: Andrew MarrGuest: Rachel CunliffeGuest: Megan KenyonGuest: George MonaghanCHAPTERS:00:00 Angela Rayner10:15 Immigration26:00 Graham Linehan and free speechLISTEN AD-FREE:
Who's in, who's out - and why?*Keir Starmer has reshuffled the treasury team and some key parliamentary staff, creating a new "Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister" role and restructuring the government's communication department.The changes indicate a renewed focus for the government, putting economic issues front-and-centre of operations ahead of the upcoming budget.The moves also suggest a change of direction in some areas, with leading proponents of the disastrous Winter Fuel Allowance repeal picking up their P45s.Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon join Anoosh Chakelian to discuss what can we learn from this reshuffle.LISTEN NEXT: What the Treasury reshuffle reveals about the budgetREAD: Will Keir Starmer's mini-reshuffle make a difference?Host: Anoosh ChakelianGuest: Megan KenyonGuest: Rachel Cunliffe*LISTEN AD-FREE:
Due to Britain's falling birth rates and the government's desire for lower immigration levels, does the government have any plan to financially encourage and support couples to have children?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to answer listener questions.Download the appLISTEN AD-FREE:
The Mayor of Manchester is the most popular choice to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Keir Starmer is now less popular than Donald Trump.Despite the Labour Party's historic election win just over one year ago, popularity ratings for leading Labour figures have plummeted.Economic woes, crunching u-turns, unrest over Gaza and asylum hotel protests have left leading Labour figures looking to their next leadership battle.George Eaton reports that Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting have both been monitoring their popularity among party members. But there is one tantalising option who polling reveals as the public's preferred choice: Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Could he be Britain's next Prime Minister?George joins Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe on the New Statesman podcast.Download the appHost: Anoosh ChakelianGuests: George EatonRachel CunliffeProducer:Catharine HughesVideo Producer:Rob Le MareExecutive Producer:Chris StoneLISTEN AD-FREE:
Is the hysteria around digital I.D. cards justified? Or should we simply realise this is the future and get on with it? Plus, how deep is the UK university crisis? Professor Glen O'Hara is a voice at the forefront of this issue and joins us to shed some light on the dire situation. And in the Extra Bit for Subscribers, the Channel 4 documentary 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story has created a media storm about sex, morality and censorship. Why have one woman's actions caused such angst? Escape Routes: • Rachel went to A Midsummer Night's Dream at Bridge Theatre • Glen watched The Fantastic Four: First Steps (other cinemas are available) • Jonn went to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition • Dorian watched Mix Tape on iPlayer www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow • Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money back guarantee! https://nordvpn.com/ohgodwhatnow • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more Presented by Dorian Lynskey, Jonn Elledge and Rachel Cunliffe. Audio Production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Keir Starmer sucking up to Donald Trump, and what do politicians get up to during parliamentary recess?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to answer listener questions.Download the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nine years after the Brexit referendum, the dream of 'Singapore-on-Thames' has quietly evaporated. Instead, we've got a Labour government embracing high taxes, stronger workers' rights, even state ownership. What's behind Labour's European turn and is Starmer quietly reversing Thatcher's legacy?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by George Eaton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the UK Parliament takes its summer break, has Reform seized the media spotlight and emerged as a viable third-party contender? What are the risks of uploading ID to age-restricted websites under the Online Safety Act? Will Trump impose his peace deal deadline on Russia if Putin refuses negotiations?Rebecca Moore is joined by The New Statesman's Associate Political Editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Plus the Observer's Poppy Bullard and Patricia Clarke, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day. Links to the team's Must Reads and recommendations here: Gen lay-Z: Why my generation doesn't care about work - HERE One year on, tensions still circle Britain's asylum-seeker hotels - HERENathan For You (Season 4, Episode 8), Finding Frances. Trump's relationship with Putin ‘at breaking point' after Russia unleashes Kyiv blitz - HEREWe want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The team answer listener questions on the practicalities of the online safety act, a Labour-Lib Dem coalition, and the revival of the commonwealth.Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Far-right agitators are amping up protests against a migrant hotel in Epping and Farage claims Britain is “close to civil disobedience on a vast scale”. We look at why populists are so desperate for chaos on the streets. Plus, as our brand new podcast Talk '90s To Me launches, host Miranda Sawyer joins the panel to explain how the decade of Cool Britannia, Britpop and New Labour changed everything. And in the Extra Bit: The Internet is horrible but is it just a few people ruining it for everyone? • Don't miss the very first episode of Talk '90s With Me: Oasis! presented by Miranda Sawyer. ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel has been bingeing on Only Connect on BBC iPlayer. • Jarv recommends Memoir of a Snail on the BFI Player. • Miranda is enjoying Baxter Dury's new album Allbarone. • Alison is off to see Superman at the pictures (verdict TBC). • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more. Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe and Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Tom Taylor and Robin Leeurn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Asylum protests. NHS strikes. A faltering economy. Is the Labour government facing a summer of discontent?Last year, riots sparked by the brutal murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport rocked the UK. Rioters targeted hotels housing asylum seekers, wrongly connecting the murders to Muslim immigration. Now, asylum protests persist.At the same time, the government faces strike action from NHS doctors, a struggling economy and political threats from both left and right.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and George Eaton.Read: One year on, tensions still circle Britain's asylum-seeker hotels; Labour's summer of discontent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week - Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has identified immigration, economic insecurity and time spent online as key causes of unrest and rioting in the UK following last year's Southport attacks. Also, Can Rachel Reeves avoid another fiscal crisis?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss.READCan Rachel Reeves avoid a new fiscal crisis - George Eaton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Keir Starmer's government appears to be buffeted by internal storms, multiple factions are influencing the flow of power. Not least, the oxymoronically-named 'Blue Labour'. But what is Blue Labour? And what do those in the movement actually want?In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe are joined by the author Morgan Jones, who specialises in reporting on the politics of the Labour Party. She's also the co-editor of Renewal, a Labour-aligned journal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The government are pursuing AI developments, but at what cost? Why aren't Labour rebels protesting about stealth taxes? And will Jeremy Corbyn join the Green Party?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Will Dunn and Andrew Marr to answer your questions.READMagic and divination in the age of AI - Will Dunn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Wednesday, the prime minister removed the whip from the group of MPs for breaches of discipline. The group of MPs have persistently rebelled against the Labour leader.The government are also reckoning with a revelation that leaked information compromised the safety of Afghans who supported the British military, and inflation has risen higher than expected.Plus: Labour introduce plans to lower the voting age to 16.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr, George Eaton and Will Dunn to discuss.READWhy Keir Starmer has purged Labour rebels again - George Eaton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Macron-Starmer love-in during the French President's UK visit was guaranteed to enrage the Continuity Brexiters. But will their one-in-one-out migration plans actually deliver? Plus, is Britain's justice system broken beyond repair? Jury-less trials are on the horizon but are they the fix that an impoverished, dysfunctional courts system needs? And Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham is back with a bold Ten Year Plan for the city. Ambitious or just aspirational? We explore what the rest of the UK could learn from his northern blueprint. • Listen to The Bunker episode Watch The Spies – Can the CIA survive Trump? • Get a month of The New World in print and digital for just £1 here. ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel recommends the Mitfords drama Outrageous on the U channel. • Matt recommend the Philosophise This podcast and The Crisis Of Narration by Byung-Chul Han. • Seth had his mind blown by Bayeux Cathedral. • Alison saw Olivia Rodrigo live. NOT FOR PATREON • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more. Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe, Seth Thévoz and special guest Matt Kelly. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Simon Williams. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike.We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would be likely to form the next government if an election was held tomorrow.But one political polling analyst has been exploring where the Reform brand is most vulnerable to attack - and he reveals his results exclusively in this episode of the New Statesman podcast.Steve Akehurst is founder of the non-partisan research initiative Persuasion UK. He joins Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe to share the arguments Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems can use that are most likely to turn voters away from Nigel Farage and Reform UK.This episode is a must-listen for political strategists, speechwriters and MPs.
Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved?Also in the show, listeners ask how well, or badly, have Labour been dealing with the media and whether Reform will now pull their support for voting reform.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon to answer all.Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What better way for Labour to celebrate a year in power than with a humiliating climbdown on welfare? Political historian Steven Fielding joins the panel to discuss rebellions, “Austerity PSD”, and how Starmer and Reeves can make Year Two better than Year One. Plus, after the anti-IDF rants by punk band Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, has the festival really become the antisemitic “hatefest” its critics claim? Unlike most of them, our own Andrew Harrison was actually there… And in the Extra Bit for Patreon supporters, is far-right ideologue Matthew Goodwin serious when he says he wants to be Reform UK's Home Secretary, or just waffling to sell his Substack? • Listen to Why? with Emma Kennedy: Could we make a real Jurassic Park? ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel has been bingeing on Wimbledon. • Jonn has been reading Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. • Steven has been listening to the title track of Close To The Edge by Yes. • Alison is very excited about the Women's Euros. • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more. Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe and Jonn Elledge. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dog whistle think pieces seem to be back in fashion and right wingers are more frequently using rhetoric that sounds a bit like Enoch Powell. Powell was condemned for Rivers of Blood, why isn't sounding like him so damaging for the modern right? Plus – AI and copyright. It's put Labour at odds with Elton John, never a good place to be. Politico's Joseph Bambridge joins the panel to talk through the furore. Read Joseph's piece in Politico: https://www.politico.eu/article/ai-copyright-political-nightmare-labour-uk-models-tech/ ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel watched Virgin Island on Channel 4 • Raf has been reading Barbara Kingsolver novels • Joseph watched The Contestant • Dorian watched Black Ops www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rafael Behr and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio. Production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices