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Today, we look at what Defence Secretary John Healey has called the UK's “message to Moscow” as he announces investment in weapons and factories to make them.Laura, Paddy and Henry also talk about how much it's going to cost, whether it's affordable, and whether NATO thinks it's enough.They also talk about Robert Jenrick, after a week of the justice secretary making headlines.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Defence Secretary John Healey says the nature of war is changing, and admits Britain has an army retention crisis. Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick wants to arm prison officers, and Zia Yusuf talks up Reform's plan to cut £350bn in public spending.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Historian and journalist Ben Fogel joins the gang to talk about South Africa, and how it came to be a totem for the modern right. Also, we look at Elon's continued decline and fall (despite the “success” of his project), and Robert Jenrick's new career as an influencer. Get the whole episode on Patreon here! *MILO ALERT* Check out Milo's tour dates here: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/liveshows *TF LIVE ALERT* We'll be performing at the Big Fat Festival hosted by Big Belly Comedy on Saturday, 21st June! You can get tickets for that here! You can also get tickets for our show at the Edinburgh Fringe festival here! Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)
Lots to discuss today: Robert Jenrick takes on TfL, a Nazi jibe from the attorney general and allegations of shoplifting made against our own Michael Simmons.But we start with Keir Starmer's big speech yesterday, where the theme was ‘get Nigel', after polling from More in Common showed that framing the election as a two-horse race could be beneficial to Labour. They are attempting to cut the Tories out altogether but, in response, the Conservatives plan to use fiscal credibility as the battleground to crawl back up the polls. Will the economy save the Tories?Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick is the star of the week after a video of him reprimanding fare-dodgers on the Tube went viral, racking up more than ten million views on X. He seems to have struck a chord both within his party and with the public more generally, who are growing tired of our low-trust society and the blight of petty crime. Is Jenrick the one to tackle ‘Scuzz Nation'?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Andrew and Tristan Tate will return to UK to face charges, lawyer says Robert Jenrick wants fare dodgers video to shame people into action Government fast tracks new reservoirs to secure water supply Trump tariffs can stay in place for now, appeals court rules Banksy reveals new artwork but location remains a mystery How the West is helping Russia to fund its war on Ukraine Gaza Security breaks down as desperate people search for food Father of three Paul Doyle charged over Liverpool parade crash Mark Gordon previously convicted of rape in US, Old Bailey retrial told Gold ring found gleaming in the sunshine in Norfolk field
On Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.Robert Jenrick admits breaking TfL rules to confront fare dodgers and dares transport chiefs to 'bring on' punishmentAnd Nick is joined by Minister for School Standards Patients and pupils to benefit from school and hospital repairsAll of this and more on Nick Ferrari: The Whole Show Podcast.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Trump tariffs can stay in place for now, appeals court rules Father of three Paul Doyle charged over Liverpool parade crash Gold ring found gleaming in the sunshine in Norfolk field Mark Gordon previously convicted of rape in US, Old Bailey retrial told How the West is helping Russia to fund its war on Ukraine Robert Jenrick wants fare dodgers video to shame people into action Government fast tracks new reservoirs to secure water supply Banksy reveals new artwork but location remains a mystery Gaza Security breaks down as desperate people search for food Andrew and Tristan Tate will return to UK to face charges, lawyer says
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Gold ring found gleaming in the sunshine in Norfolk field Andrew and Tristan Tate will return to UK to face charges, lawyer says Father of three Paul Doyle charged over Liverpool parade crash Banksy reveals new artwork but location remains a mystery Trump tariffs can stay in place for now, appeals court rules Government fast tracks new reservoirs to secure water supply Robert Jenrick wants fare dodgers video to shame people into action Gaza Security breaks down as desperate people search for food Mark Gordon previously convicted of rape in US, Old Bailey retrial told How the West is helping Russia to fund its war on Ukraine
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Robert Jenrick wants fare dodgers video to shame people into action Banksy reveals new artwork but location remains a mystery Gold ring found gleaming in the sunshine in Norfolk field Andrew and Tristan Tate will return to UK to face charges, lawyer says Government fast tracks new reservoirs to secure water supply Gaza Security breaks down as desperate people search for food Mark Gordon previously convicted of rape in US, Old Bailey retrial told Father of three Paul Doyle charged over Liverpool parade crash Trump tariffs can stay in place for now, appeals court rules How the West is helping Russia to fund its war on Ukraine
On this week's episode of The Current Thing, Nick is joined once again by the always insightful Ben Habib. They discuss: -Ben's take on the significance of the local election results -Whether he regrets leaving Reform following their election success -What to expect from his new political party -His thoughts on Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch -What he thinks Reform will achieve if they win a general election -Whether Britain is heading for civil unrest -What to do about sectarian politics -Whether Starmer's response to Southport played a part in Labour's election failure -How to fix immigration, and whether a Minister for Deportations will make a difference -His take on Trump's tariffs And lots more! Subscribe now to watch the full episode, with over 40 minutes of content not available anywhere else. Click here: https://www.nickdixon.net/ Get all full episodes with top guests, join Nick's private chat group, and of course support the podcast and help us save the West, all for just £5 by going to nickdixon.net Or make a one-off donation here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickdixon Nick's links Substack: nickdixon.net YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nick_dixon X: https://twitter.com/nickdixoncomic Ben's links X: https://x.com/benhabib6 Website: https://www.integrityparty.co.uk/
The by-election in Runcorn & Helsby has sent shockwaves through Westminster — not because Reform UK squeaked to victory, but because what once looked like a protest vote now smells like a political realignment. In this special weekend Despatch, Conservative Home's Henry Hill unpacks why Reform's close win changes the narrative, and why the Tories are running out of excuses. Is Nigel Farage building a right-wing version of the Lib Dems? Could Reform become an entrenched force in post-industrial Britain? And does Robert Jenrick have what it takes to hold the Conservative Party together? Brace yourself — the electoral map is shifting. And this might just be the beginning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics
In Washington, a rare flicker of institutional resistance is lighting up the political gloom. As the Supreme Court sides 7-2 against mass deportations and Harvard takes legal aim at executive power, Roifield Brown and his panel ask the awkward but necessary question: Is the American Republic finally growing a spine? Panelists Denise Hamilton and Mike Donahue agree that while Trump's pressure tactics aren't new, the scale of legal and educational defiance certainly is. Meanwhile, they also highlight the existential threat: America's fragmented information ecosystems mean citizens no longer even start from the same facts, making any comeback for democratic norms a grinding uphill struggle.Across the Atlantic, a different kind of existential crisis unfolds. Robert Jenrick, already measuring the curtains for Tory leadership, hints at a tactical realignment between the Conservative Party and Reform UK. Cory Bernard and Steve O'Neill dissect the fine line between electoral pragmatism and political self-destruction. They warn that while Britain's political history favours the Conservative Party's survival, wealth inequality and voter volatility could easily tear up the rulebook. Roy Field, clearly unimpressed by complacency, reminds everyone that assuming Britain's institutions are immune to collapse is dangerously naive.The panel closes with a lighter moment: each guest picks a hometown hero worthy of a street name. Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, and Clement Attlee are among the choices, though Steve O'Neill's initial bid for "Roger Federer Street" suggests some people should stay away from naming contests. Throughout the episode, the tone is bracing: whether it's executive overreach in the U.S. or far-right drift in the U.K., democracy's defenders will need a lot more than nostalgia and wishful thinking to hold the line.5 Selected Quotes:“I think what we're seeing is a stiffening of the spine and a bigger commitment to holding up our institutions.” — Denise Hamilton“It's not left versus right anymore — it's institutions versus chaos.” — Roifield Brown“You can't rationalize with people who aren't working with the same facts.” — Mike Donahue“Britain's political history doesn't guarantee immunity from collapse.” — Roifield Brown“One street at a time, we still get to choose who we celebrate.” — Denise Hamilton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Despite this being the week that Kemi Badenoch finally showed some steel in PMQs, it's Robert Jenrick who has been stealing the headlines. That's for lots of reasons – mainly his comments about a potential Tory Reform pact, which he clarified on Good Morning Britain this morning, saying: ‘Kemi Badenoch and I are on exactly the same page. Kemi has been very clear there won't be a pact with Reform, and I've said time and again that I want to put Reform out of business. I want to send Nigel Farage back to retirement.' This follows leaked footage which surfaced this week from a student event in late March, where he appeared to suggest that he would back a pact to join forces with Farage. Elsewhere, he had a big win when Yvette Cooper announced that the government will publish migrant crime league tables – a policy he has pushed for. Is he the prince across the water? Or do we need to give Kemi a break? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Henry Hill, deputy editor at Conservative Home. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Russia has bombarded Kyiv with missiles and drones in one of its largest attacks on Ukraine to date. Plus: We ask a Just Stop Oil spokesperson why they're hanging up the high-vis; and Robert Jenrick's offer of a Tory-reform coalition has been shot down. With NoJusticeMTG, Harriet Williamson and James Skeet.
In this episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain speaks with the barrister who is representing Hamas for de-proscription in the UK, Franck Magennis. Topics of discussion include: How did Hamas' legal instruction come about and why accept it? The 2021 proscription of Hamas in the UK and October 7th, 2023. Robert Jenrick's witch-hunt and targeting of lawyer Fahad Ansari of Riverway Law. The three parts of the application: International law, history and Palestinian dignity. UK anti-terrorism laws and the right to resist occupation under international law. Genocide in Gaza, Israeli war crimes and returning IDF soldiers. FOLLOW 5PILLARS ON: Website: https://5pillarsuk.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@5Pillars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5pillarsuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5pillarsnews Twitter: https://x.com/5Pillarsuk Telegram: https://t.me/s/news5Pillars TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5pillarsnews
With news overnight that a peace conference in London today would be going ahead without UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy or US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are peace talks over Ukraine going backwards? Sam and Anne discuss what's going on. And Rachel Reeves is landing in Washington today for what promises to be one of the most important IMF spring meeting in years – will she make any progress on a trade deal for the UK? Also, Sam has obtained a leaked recording of former Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick vowing to “bring this coalition together” to ensure that Conservatives and Reform UK are no longer fighting each other for votes.
London was expecting to host key players today for a Ukraine peace summit. Late last night the US Secretary of State pulled out - leaving many to assume there was no plan to sign off. All eyes are now on the Pope's funeral on Saturday, which may be one the de facto European summit, bringing President Trump and President Zelensky face to face. Is Trump serious when he says the plan has to be wrapped up by April 30th or else he walks away? Later, what does Robert Jenrick mean when he talks about a “coalition with Reform"? And what should Kemi Badenoch do about it?Don't forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee
In this episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby, Robert Peston and Anushka Asthana discuss how Donald Trump's humiliating climbdown in the global tariffs trade war has handed an advantage to Vladimir Putin in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The trio also discuss: The new pressures on the US president and how it makes it harder for Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to defend Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the White House. How damaged Donald Trump is politically from the economic damage sparked by his global tariffs. The fallout from the Supreme Court gender row as Kemi Badenoch confronts Keir Starmer on his changing position on the definition of a woman. The political risk if the Conservatives adopt Robert Jenrick's strategy to do a political deal with Nigel Farage's Reform. Plus, Robert and Anushka reveal what they learned from being accidentally added into Shadow Justice Secretary Jenrick's WhatsApp group.
Award-winning newspaper columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown dicusses immigration, integration, belonging, loyalty and social justice, and explains why, despite her contempt for the politics of Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, she won't be voting Labour at the next election. She also reveals that she was beaten up by her brother and her uncles in Uganda - the country of her upbringing - for playing opposite a black actor in Othello, and describes her subsequent experience as an immigrant to Britain. In this deeply personal and hugely political conversation, Alibhai-Brown doesn't hold back in the setting out of her values.
Nick Cohen talks with Guardian political columnist and author Rafael Behr, @rafelbehr, a Lowdown regular, about Sir Keir Starmer, and asks Raf can the prime minister face down an erratic and increasingly unhinged US president?Labour's Comms issues and a hazardous future aheadRafael says Sir Keir Starmer needs to communicate properly with the British public about how it negotiates the dangerous future ahead, "They seem completely unable just to narrate what they're doing and why they're doing it in a way that would lead people to accept. and get on board with and be patient with ... And that is true of the fiscal situation, and it's true of the geo-strategic situation."Is Starmer the Right Stuff to handle Trump & the Radical Right?Raf says many Brits understand the predicament that Starmer finds himself in with a hostile Trump, adding "They understand he's the prime minister. He can't just go and, and sort of piss all over the American president on live television. But no one seriously intuits that they are kindred spirits or alike..."Starmer best PM we've gotRaf thinks Starmer is the best prime minister we've got adding "Constitutionally the alternative is Kemi Badenoch and the per, and if it's not her, it would've been Robert Jenrick with Farage in the wngs. And you look at most countries in the world, and he wouldn't swap him out for anyone who's actually there available. So from that point of view, he is the right leader for the times."Bye bye Badenoch!Raf & Nick discuss the state of UK politics, include the current dire Tory leadership. Raf says he's "pretty confident" than Kemi Badenoch will. not be leading the Tories into the next general election.Read all about itRafael's recent book Politics: A Survivor's Guide: How to stay engaged without getting enraged is published by W.F.Howes Ltd and available at Amazon and in all good bookshops.Support the show You can also read his wonderful columns in the Guardian. His X handle is @rafaelbehrNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Time for another weekly news debrief: we pick apart the most unhinged headlines and try to make sense of the mainstream media, helping you consume the news critically. So many media storm's blowing up our radar this week! The ICE abduction of a Turkish PhD student in the US (01:17); a coordinated effort by the Times, Telegraph, TalkTV, GB News, and Robert Jenrick to mislead the public about new sentencing guidelines (5:02); meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene and her MAGA friends blame migrants, Biden, and everyone but themselves for the Signal group-chat security scandal (17:56). Plus - and this is where it gets awkward AF - Sky New's Sophie Ridge confuses two Muslim MPs for each other (22:00); a double stabbing in Bournemouth reveals how sensationalist media can play unwittingly into the hands of murderous men (26:05); and did you know - Adolescence is a true story? (34:24) And if you have concerns about the knee-jerk reaction of showing Adolescence in schools, here's the open letter you can sign. Finally, for Eyes on Palestine, we report on the discovery of a mass grave of Palestinian doctors that has reignited accusations of Israeli war crimes. (38:20) The episode is hosted and produced by Mathilda Mallinson (@mathildamall) and Helena Wadia (@helenawadia) The music is by @soundofsamfire Support us on Patreon! Follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The “two-tier” justice row has reared its ugly head again, as it emerges judges and magistrates are being told to prioritise bail for ethnic minorities as they are at higher risk of being remanded into custody.It comes after the Sentencing Council refused a request from Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood for it to rethink other new instructions, which come into effect from tomorrow, that require judges to consider an offender's background before deciding to impose a custodial sentence.Kamal and Camilla speak to shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick about the ongoing ‘two tier” justice row, as well Prime Minister Keir Starmer trumpeting his government having deported 24,000 illegal immigrants.They also speak to The Telegraph's Paris Correspondent, Henry Samuel, after Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzlement and banned from running for public office for five years, meaning she would not be able to run in the 2027 French presidential election. They ask what the future looks like for Le Pen and whether her National Rally protege Jordan Bardella is the right person to take the battle to Emmanuel Macron.Producers: Georgia Coan, Lilian Fawcett and Will LewisSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineySocial Media Producer: Ji-Min LeeVideo Editor: Andy MackenzieStudio Director: James EnglandEditor: Camilla TomineyOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Slashing the winter fuel allowance, maintaining the two child benefit cap, cutting international aid, cutting the civil service, axing NHS bureaucracy, possibly slashing welfare expenditure... you'd be forgiven for thinking the Conservatives were in power. But no, these are all policies pursued by the current Labour government. So on today's Saturday Shots Cindy Yu asks Michael Gove and James Heale, is Keir Starmer a Tory? While Michael admits to giving Starmer a 'painful' two cheers, he does say there is historic precedent for Labour government enacting right-leaning measures: from Jim Callaghan's migration policies to the economic ones of Ramsay MacDonald. How has Starmer got away with it? And what does his premiership of pragmatism tell us about the future direction of Labour? Michael sets out a number of tests to judge Starmer's success by: the tests of Fraser Nelson, Robert Jenrick, Ernie Bevan, Denis Healey and Bob Mellish... Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.
Slashing the winter fuel allowance, maintaining the two child benefit cap, cutting international aid, cutting the civil service, axing NHS bureaucracy, possibly slashing welfare expenditure... you'd be forgiven for thinking the Conservatives were in power. But no, these are all policies pursued by the current Labour government. So on today's Saturday Shots Cindy Yu asks Michael Gove and James Heale, is Keir Starmer a Tory? While Michael admits to giving Starmer a 'painful' two cheers, he does say there is historic precedent for Labour government enacting right-leaning measures: from Jim Callaghan's migration policies to the economic ones of Ramsay MacDonald. How has Starmer got away with it? And what does his premiership of pragmatism tell us about the future direction of Labour? Michael sets out a number of tests to judge Starmer's success by: the tests of Fraser Nelson, Robert Jenrick, Ernie Bevan, Denis Healey and Bob Mellish... Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.
Ramadan has featured prominently in The Archers in recent weeks with stalwart Lynda Snell joining the Malik family in fasting, and some listeners found the storyline unconvincing, even a bit preachy. Andrea speaks with Dr Cara Courage, co-founder of The Academic Archers.Radio 4's Today programme interview with Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick provoked a flurry of comments on the presenter's line of questioning. We hear your views.After Newscast, Americast and Ukrainecast, now there's Scotcast! Andrea meets presenter Martin Geissler to find out how it's covering Scottish news.And listeners are responding in droves to the announcement BBC Sounds will soon no longer be available outside the UK.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for Radio 4
The Spectator's Katy Balls, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews were joined by special guests Robert Jenrick and Jonathan Ashworth for a live podcast, recorded at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. The main topic of discussion is, of course, Donald Trump, whose inauguration has ushered in a new world disorder. His ‘shock and awe' foreign policy has sent Europe scrambling as it tries to work out who will be responsible for ensuring its security in the future. We have seen a move away from the idealism that has defined foreign policy in the last decade and towards ‘realism', with countries committing to boots on the ground and greater defence spending. Are Labour right to increase their defence pledge? Is Kemi Badenoch being energetic enough in holding the government to account – not just on its foreign policy, but on its record in government so far? And – closer to home – how worried are the Tories about the rise of Reform? This discussion was originally recorded on Wednesday 26 February.
The Spectator's Katy Balls, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews were joined by special guests Robert Jenrick and Jonathan Ashworth for a live podcast, recorded at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. The main topic of discussion was, of course, Donald Trump, whose inauguration has ushered in a new world disorder. His ‘shock and awe' foreign policy has sent Europe scrambling as it tries to work out who will be responsible for ensuring its security in the future. We have seen a move away from the idealism that has defined foreign policy in the last decade and towards ‘realism', with countries committing to boots on the ground and greater defence spending. Are Labour right to increase their defence pledge? Is Kemi Badenoch being energetic enough in holding the government to account – not just on its foreign policy, but on its record in government so far? And – closer to home – how worried are the Tories about the rise of Reform? This discussion was originally recorded on Wednesday 26 February.
For the past fortnight, Canada's Parliament has been empty. After Justin Trudeau resigned as Liberal leader, all the polls are pointing to the likelihood that Canada will become another example of the West's shift to the right. This is partly due to the incumbency problem (and the ongoing internal struggles in the Liberal Party), but also the Canadian Conservatives' firebrand leader: Pierre Poilievre. A skilled communicator who seamlessly mixes the online and offline world, Poilievre is in many ways one of the first Conservative influencers. And he has been picking up a number of admirers in the UK: Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have visited Canada to try to learn from his playbook, and Starmer seems to have been taking tips as well. Why are the left and the right excited by a Canadian conservative? Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Patrick Maguire. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
For the past fortnight, Canada's Parliament has been empty. After Justin Trudeau resigned as Liberal leader, all the polls are pointing to the likelihood that Canada will become another example of the West's shift to the right. This is partly due to the incumbency problem (and the ongoing internal struggles in the Liberal Party), but also the Canadian Conservatives' firebrand leader: Pierre Poilievre. A skilled communicator who seamlessly mixes the online and offline world, Poilievre is in many ways one of the first Conservative influencers. And he has been picking up a number of admirers in the UK: Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have visited Canada to try to learn from his playbook, and Starmer seems to have been taking tips as well. Why are the left and the right excited by a Canadian conservative? Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Patrick Maguire. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
How does Starmer handle the threat posed by Trump & Musk?This week Nick Cohen @NickCohen4 talks with Steve Richards @steverichards14, political commentator, author, broadcaster & historian about the threat posed to the Labour government by in-coming U.S. president Donald Trump & the menagerie of far-right weirdos like Elon Musk who has been launching a barrage of inflammatory tweets at the government since last Summer.Trump "much more dangerous" than U.S.-UK relationship breakdown over SuezSteve and Nick explore the post-war history of the U.S. - UK relationship which hit a severe low during the 1956 Suez crisis. But Steve says the threat posed by Trump & his gang was "much more dangerous." Eisenhower's administration was recognisably stolid & solid; Trump's government of MAGA nutjobs & fanatics looks set to be even worse than his first administration. The inauguration is only days away and already Trump has threatened to annex Canada, Greenland and the Panama canal! Brexit and Trump have made UK isolated from Europe & the U.S. "The British electorate has changed dramatically," says Steve. So, Starmer must be bold in dealing with the UK's isolation and continue rebuilding the country's relationship with Europe. Starmer's caution "isn't working", says Steve, adding, "it's risky being cautious, but they haven't realised that."The "revolutionary Tories" are apeing Musk & sucking up to TrumpSteve says it's clear the Tories, particularly Kemi Badenoch & Robert Jenrick, have decided to throw their lot in with Trump/Musk & help them attack the government. "They have made a decision & they are going to ride these bonkers wild waves as much as possible," says Steve in relation to the the latest Musk X assaults including his deranged libels against Starmer over grooming gangs. Steve says of today's Tories: "they're a revolutionary party now...they're not the party of one nation kind of moderates."Read all about it!Steve is an accomplished political commentator, author & podcaster. His latest book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss is published by Macmillan & his regular podcast Rock and Roll Politics is a must listen.Read Nick Cohen's regular and compelling Substack column Writing from London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy New Year - is 2025 going to be the year of disinformation? Elon Musk started in attack mode with a flood of vitriolic and false tweets about UK grooming gangs. In Musk's crosshairs: Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. He accused them both of cover ups. Can Nish and Coco survive a year of Musk madness - the man who already makes Nish want to “eat his own anus”?We're joined by political journalist Zoë Grünewald to discuss how to fight the disinformation invasion and what else might be in store in 2025 - from Reform eating the Tories to Labour delivering some much-needed change. And just when we thought we were done with billionaire BS - Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta is scrapping its fact-checking service and Andrew Tate launched a new political party. And poor Nish is under fire from GB News for “unnecessary political swipes”on the BBC. A word to GB News - unnecessary political swipes is what Nish does! Brace yourselves - it's a wild first show back. Guests: Zoë GrünewaldAudio credits: The GuardianBBC Sky NewsMark ZuckerbergPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK
And lessons from Canada's ConservativesThe Tory leader has been oddly quiet since the New Year, despite a heated public row between Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Elon Musk over grooming gangs. Shadow justice minister Robert Jenrick was on the broadcast round instead this morning, throwing out red meat about immigration and “alien cultures”. Kamal and Camilla ask: should Badenoch be clearer about what she stands for?Plus, they consider what the Tories could learn from the collapse of Justin Trudeau's Liberal government and the rise of the Canadian Conservatives under Pierre Poliviere.Producer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsVideo Editor: Aaron WheelerStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla TomineyOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dark money for dark times Nick Cohen talks to investigative reporter & author Peter Geoghegan, the UK's leading journalist exposing the dark money and cash from right wing extremist billionaires that's been driving UK politics since the ill-fated 2016 Brexit referendum.Brexit & Trump-related funding that have poisoned UK & U.S. politics Peter @PeterKGeoghegan explains how Donald Trump's election victories, Brexit and the failed Liz Truss experiment have helped fuel a crackpot anglocentric extremist right wing movement that has taken root either side of the Atlantic. In London, Tufton Street so-called "think tanks" a-wash with dark money mainly from U.S. billionaires and corporations have been influencing UK politics - helping to drive a number of right wing culture wars from climate denial & Europe to Ukraine and the NHS.This UK-U.S. phenomena was recently best exposed by the "National Conservatism Conference" in London in May 2023 which heard from a number of extreme right voices from either side of the Pond. Peter tells Nick: "You have a growing link between that sort of Trumpist right, the MAGA right, and ... the Right to the Conservative Party, Robert Jenrick, Liz Truss, people like that, all have strong links."Farage, Reform and the Elon Musk fanboyPeter says even if Trump stooge Elon Musk does not or cannot make good on his promise to bung Nigel Farage & his Reform gang a reported £100 million, the story has already boosted the radical right in the UK.Labour doing "sweet F.A" as dark money floods inBut Peter is despondent about the prospects of stopping foreign cash fuelling extremist politics in the UK. The Tories castrated the Electoral Commission, & Sir Keir Starmer shows no appetite to tackle the issue. Peter says Labour will reportedly not change electoral law because it "could stoke populism" if the government is seen to react to the threat posed by Trump, Musk & Farage. Peter adds, "I think is a completely crazy position to take, to say that we're not going to do something that we are actually philosophically in favour of ...because it, it might create a couple of bad headlines.Read all about itPeter Geoghegan's must read Substack is Democracy for Sale & his best selling book Democracy for Sale: Dark Money and Dirty Politics is published by W.F.Howes Ltd.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The fallout from Elon Musk's attacks continues. Wes Streeting calls Musk's comments 'a disgraceful smear', while Nigel Farage has a rather more sympathetic view. Chris Philp blames Labour local authorities for the grooming gangs cover-up, but a former Conservative advisor says Robert Jenrick could become the most divisive figure in British political history. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
The grooming gangs scandal is back in the news this week after Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips rejected calls for a government inquiry into historic child abuse in Oldham, prompting a conservative backlash. Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, called it ‘shameful'; Liz Truss, the former Prime Minister, labelled Phillips's title ‘a perversion of the English language.' Even Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter/X, has piled in, arguing that the Home Office minister ‘deserves to be in prison.' As the grooming gangs story continues to gather traction, will we see an inquiry? And how should we assess the Home Secretary's success six months into the job? Cindy Yu speaks to James Heale and Danny Shaw, a former adviser to Yvette Cooper. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Ding dong, your festive Trawl is here! We're almost at the undoing top button stage of the season, so Jemma and Marina open with some festive tweets and a clip that captures then mood of low work motivation at this time of year.Then it's straight to the most heartwarming clip of all... Who needs Hallmark movies when you have: 'When Marina met Annunziata.' Yes, this is the encounter that went viral when Marina debated with Annunziata Rees-Mogg on the Jeremy Vine Show. It's a bit like when Harry met Sally, except they don't move past the part where they find each other completely obnoxious. Staying on obnoxious, the Trawl ladies discuss Robert Jenrick's sudden charge of heart and why the right seems to have forgotten its no-nonsense stance on protests since farmers took to the streets. Next up.... The Prince and the Spy. Which sadly for us is not the name of some work of fiction, but indeed the latest Royal update involving HRH, Air Miles Andy, plus some handy tips for how we might avoid spending £46m on a statue for Queen Elizabeth II. Lastly... Lunch is for wimps and sandwiches are for breakfast is the latest insight from the topsy-turvy world of Tory Leader, Kemi Badenoch who instead chooses to have steak delivered to her desk like the totally in-touch, woman of the people, nouveau working class person that she is. To end, a sprinkling of merry underrated tweets and clips before a Christmas pudding that is guaranteed to leave you feeling that finally...Christmas has arrived. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey
Robert Jenrick started demanding Syrian refugees are deported from the UK less than a day after the fall of the tyrant they fled. But who is he really talking to? Who is he trying to impress? The Matts pick him apart. In part two they discuss the extraordinary response to the murder of US heath insurance boss Brian Thompson. How can anyone celebrate his cold blooded killing? The Matts test their theory that everything before “but” is bullsh*t. Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary and former Tory leadership contender, joins Kamal and Camilla in the studio to discuss Labour's multi-billion pound grand plans to build four new super-prisons.The prisons will create 14,000 new places, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says we're still going to run out of space within three years. They will also be forced through the planning process by Angela Rayner under powers that allow the objections of local towns and villages to be overruled.Kamal and Camilla ask if forcing prisons through the planning system without properly consulting with local residents is ever a good idea.Plus Jenrick on first-cousin marriage and whether Shamima Begum should return to the UK now that the Assad regime has fallen.Producers: Lilian Fawcett and Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsVideo Editor: Luke GoodsallSocial Media Producer: Niamh WalshStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla TomineyOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last night was The Spectator's Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. Politicians of every stripe were in attendance, with Wes Streeting, Robert Jenrick and Stephen Flynn among those present. There were a number of notable speeches – including a fiery opening monologue from the Health Secretary – but none caused as much of a stir as Nigel Farage's acceptance speech for Newcomer of the Year. He warned of a ‘political revolution the likes of which we've not seen since Labour after the First World War'. How did that go down in the room? Also on the podcast, at PMQs today Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer seemed to have settled into a rhythm. Has the Wednesday ding dong become stale and predictable? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.
Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet continues to take shape: Chris Philp has been appointed shadow Home Secretary, with the biggest news being Robert Jenrick's decision to accept the position of shadow Justice Secretary. Jenrick's proposal to leave the ECHR was one policy disagreement with Badenoch, could this cause the Conservatives problems in the future? And what do her appointments say more broadly about her programme: has she put party unity above policy? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and the FT's Stephen Bush. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.
Laura's joined by James and Simon to talk through her interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who presented the first Labour Budget in over a decade this week.Plus we hear from new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch about the future of the party, after her victory over Robert Jenrick among Tory members. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg, James Cook and Simon Jack. It was made by Ben Mundy with Bella Saltiel. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Kemi Badenoch has won the Tory leadership election. She beat Robert Jenrick in a tight race, winning 53,806 votes against his 41,318. What will a Badenoch opposition look like? What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? Cindy Yu speaks to Michael Gove and Katy Balls.
This is a bonus episode profiling one of the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership election, Robert Jenrick.Adam and Alex speak to Mark Spencer, former MP for Sherwood who has known Robert Jenrick since 2014 and as MPs for neighbouring constituencies. They discuss how Robert Jenrick became an MP after defeating UKIP in the 2014 Newark by-election, how he became the ‘first millennial cabinet minister' under Boris Johnson and how he's rebranded for this leadership contest.You can listen to the profile of Kemi Badenoch here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k058ccYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Gemma Roper with Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham
This is a bonus episode profiling one of the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership election, Kemi Badenoch.Adam and Alex speak to Fraser Nelson, former editor of The Spectator, who has known Kemi Badenoch for years since they were colleagues at The Spectator. They find out how her childhood in Nigeria and moving to the UK aged 16 influenced her political views, why she's unafraid of courting controversy and what her pitch to Conservative members is. You can listen to the profile of Robert Jenrick here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k057zkYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham
Today, Newscast hears from Robert Jenrick who has made it into the final of the Conservative leadership race.Robert speaks to Adam and Chris about his early life and why he became a Conservative, his time in government and why he thinks he's the person to lead the Conservative party. He shares his diagnosis of why the Conservatives did so badly in the general election - and how he plans to turn the party around if he wins. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming and Chris Mason. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper. The technical producers were Philip Bull and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, the final two candidates for the Tory leadership, went up against each other on a special GB News show last night. Kemi came out swinging in defence of her ‘culture warrior' tag, but many wanted some more meat on the bones when it comes to her stance on policy. Meanwhile, Jenrick clearly had a message to land – but will the membership see through his plea to ‘end the drama'? And did either of them manage to change any minds? Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn and Giles Dilnot, editor of Conservative Home. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's politics shows. Jonathan Reynolds says Transport Secretary Louise Haigh's comments are ‘not the government's position', and hints at possible employer national insurance tax rises. Robert Jenrick is asked about his previous anti-Brexit views. John Swinney pays tribute to Alex Salmond, after the death of the former Scottish first minister. And Lloyds bank CEO speaks about the issue of online fraud. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Today, in a surprise twist, James Cleverly was knocked out of the race to become the next Tory leader. Adam is joined by Chris and BBC Newsnight political editor Nick Watt to discuss how Cleverly went from first place to eliminated in just 24 hours. How will a Jenrick-Badenoch showdown change the vibe of the contest? And how have Labour MPs responded to the news?You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper and Bella Saltiel. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Helen Pidd goes to the Conservative party conference to hear from the four candidates vying for the leadership. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus