AntiSocial
AntiSocial is a BBC Radio 4 podcast that explores the culture wars by examining topics generating conflict on social media, blogs, talk shows, and phone-ins. Host Adam Fleming aims to provide understanding, facts, and respect, helping listeners work out what the arguments are really about.
Episodes
Why the heat about ADHD?
Channel 4 announces a documentary called 'The Great ADHD Myth?' Lots of people - many of them with ADHD - react angrily, arguing the show's title adds to the stigma and distrust around diagnosing the disorder. The documentary aims to explore the causes of ADHD - some people think that's a conversation we urgently need to have, given growing rates of diagnosis, lengthening waiting lists, and rising
Foreign workers and the birth of the NHS
Some historians suggest the NHS would never have got off the ground without large numbers of overseas staff, but why was there such a reliance in the first place, and when did the backlash begin? Adam Fleming speaks to Andrew Seaton, history researcher at the University of Manchester and author of 'Our NHS: A History of Britain's Best Loved Institution'.
Foreign workers in the NHS
An NHS campaign group posts on social media to celebrate the organisation's overseas workers, but there's a backlash from people who think we should have more British-born doctors and nurses. Would the NHS collapse without these foreign workers? We find out how many are employed and ask whether there could ever be enough British-born staff to replace them. The NHS has long relied on foreign worker
The origins of England’s ‘North-South divide’
The idea of a North-South divide in England carries weight with many people, but is there any historical basis for it, and how far back does it go? Adam Fleming speaks to James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England.
The north-south divide
Andy Burnham's pledge to rebalance power in Britain shines new light on a long-standing divide stretching across England. Some say the new Prime Minister's focus on the north is long overdue, while others argue it's divisive and that the south has its problems too. So how deep does the divide go, and where does it come from? We explore the geology, geography and the history. People from north and
How to write an obituary
The alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe prompted a debate about how we should speak about the dead, after some people came under fire for comments they made in the wake of her passing. When is the right time to bring up criticism of a public figure that’s died, and how do you accurately reflect someone’s life and legacy? To find out, Adam Fleming spoke to Ann Wroe, obituaries editor at The Economist.
Speaking ill of the dead
The suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe - and the reaction to it - prompts a debate about what we should and shouldn't say about someone when they die. The former politician was celebrated by some, but pilloried by others for her lifestyle and political views. So is it ever OK to speak ill of the dead and, if so, when and in what way? Plus, we explore the origins of the phrase itself, and speak to
What is ‘Female Dating Strategy’?
An online community of women, who are wary of men and their relationship motives, has come up with a check-list for finding the perfect partner. Adam Fleming speaks to Sarah Ditum, a journalist and author, about how ‘female dating strategy’ works in practice.
Pink Pill: Has women's empowerment gone toxic?
A contestant on Love Island prompts debate over her interactions with the men on the reality TV show. Some viewers suggest Jasmine has been "pink-pilled" - a reference to a mindset that sees women's relationships with men as adversarial, and is a reaction to the manosphere. Others think Jasmine shouldn't be vilified for some of the same traits displayed by men on the show, and in real life. We fin
Air conditioning and the environment
As UK summers get hotter and heatwaves become more frequent, more people are considering air conditioning as a way to keep cool. But how does air conditioning actually work, and in our efforts to cool down are we harming the planet? Chris Warburton speaks to Rob Gross, director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College London.
Is air conditioning irresponsible?
The recent record-breaking heatwave prompts calls for more air conditioning in the UK, but some argue this could actually make the planet even hotter and obscures the reality of climate change. We find out how and why AC has become such a hot topic and hear what impact it has on climate change. Some say aircon should be a last resort - we hear what other measures people can adopt to keep their hom
What is 'queerbaiting'?
Harry Styles is regularly accused of 'queerbaiting' - from his clothing to his music videos. Actors in the TV shows 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Heartstopper' have faced similar allegations. And people online are debating whether it's okay to make these sorts of claims. But what does 'queerbaiting' mean? Adam Fleming speaks to Justin Bengry, who specialises in Queer History at King's College London.
Queerbaiting
Harry Styles' new music video prompts allegations of queerbaiting: some say he's appropriating queer culture to sell his music; others argue it's a welcome rewriting of the rules of masculinity. We explore what queerbaiting means, where the term came from, and ask whether it's ever OK to accuse an individual of doing it. The allegation has been levelled at a range of stars, films and TV shows - we
What is Michael Jackson accused of?
The new biopic about Michael Jackson has come under fire for not including any of the allegations made against him, but what exactly has the singer been accused of? Rachel McGrath, a freelance culture journalist, gives Adam Fleming a timeline of the alleged victims, the cases, and the outcomes.
Michael, the movie
Michael - the Michael Jackson biopic - has smashed box office records, but it's also raised questions about the controversial pop star's legacy. Some see the movie as irresponsible propaganda from the singer's estate because it doesn't address the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him - allegations which he repeatedly denied. Others point to the fact that he was never found guilty in
Housing discrimination and positive action
An investigation by The Telegraph has revealed hundreds of adverts for "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals - sparking debates about housing, discrimination, and whether it's ever okay for minorities to get special treatment when it comes to housing. Many on social media pointed to the case of a housing association specifically for Orthodox Jews that went all the way to the Supreme Court. To explai
Renting and discrimination
An investigation by The Telegraph reveals hundreds of adverts advertising "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals. Some say the newspaper's reports, which also uncover other apparent equality breaches, are a worrying sign of unchecked discrimination. Others question the focus on Muslims and argue that some forms of discrimination in renting are understandable, even necessary. We find out what the law
How much has the Church of England shaped the UK?
After a report suggesting a 'quiet revival' of the Christian faith in the UK was withdrawn due to faulty data, people have been debating whether this truly is a Christian country. Some point to statistics showing a steep decline in Christianity. Others say that the institutions and history of the UK have been shaped by the Church of England. To learn more about the influence of the established chu
Is the UK a Christian country?
A report by a Christian charity, suggesting a surge in churchgoing is withdrawn due to faulty data, but some Christians in the UK still believe in the finding that there is a 'quiet revival'. Others point to recent data showing the steep decline in Christianity. We get into the story of the report and ask whether data and our institutions can tell us just how Christian the UK really is.Presenter:
Body positivity
Ultra-thin appears to be back on trend for Hollywood stars and other A-listers, some aided by weight-loss drugs. It’s led some to ask whether ‘body positivity’ is dead, but what does that term mean and how much success did the movement behind it have anyway? Adam Fleming speaks to Viren Swami, professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.
Super skinny celebs
Should we call out celebrities we deem too thin, or just leave them alone? That’s the debate prompted by an apparent shift among A-list stars - mostly women - to lose weight. Some people say it’s a worrying trend, fuelled by weight loss drugs, that’s damaging women’s views of their bodies. Others say it’s none of our business what these celebs look like, and that they are the product of a culture
The origins of the Girl Guides
Girlguiding has told transgender girls they must soon leave its clubs, following a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, but why was the Girl Guides set up just for girls? Adam Fleming speaks to Janie Hampton, who has written a book on the organisation’s history.
The Guides and single sex organisations
The organising body of the Girl Guides says that trans girls - biological males - will have to leave by the 6th September to conform with a ruling by the Supreme Court last year. Whatever the perceived rights and wrongs of this decision, it's another chapter in the debate about whether we need single sex groups at all, from the Brownies to the gentleman's club. We look into the history of the Gir
Looksmaxxing
There's a new beauty standard on the block but instead of lip filler and face lifts aimed at women, it's a trend targeting men. The founder of the movement is the 20-year-old influencer, Clavicular, who has been taking steroids since he was 14 years old to achieve a look he thinks is attractive. Looksmaxxers recommend pseudoscientific methods such as 'mewing' and bone smashing to create a chiseled
Looksmaxxing
Peace talks for the culture wars. Adam looks at the dark art of looksmaxxing, asking what is it, where does it come from and why has it been growing online?
Adam gets a glossary of the terms around this trend. He hears how social media is influencing beauty standards. And we find out about "pretty privilege."Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: John Murphy, Natasha Fernandes and Annabel Deas.
Studi
Cultural consultants
The new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked controversy online after the director, Emerald Fennell, announced that she would cast a white actor to play Heathcliff. Critics have said the decision ignores references to Heathcliff as an outsider in Emily Brontë’s original text. In recent years, there’s been a growing business to tackle cultural insensitivities in film – cultural consulta
Who is Heathcliff?
Peace talks for the culture wars. The latest version of Wuthering Heights has come in for criticism on social media, especially about the casting of a white actor as Heathcliff. Chris Warburton and guests examine the debate about representation on the big screen.Presenter: Chris Warburton
Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, John Murphy
Studio Manager: Andrew Mills
Production co-ordinator:
The history of nostalgia
The year 2016 is taking over the internet with people posting ‘throwback’ photos and memories from ten years ago all over their social media. It’s prompted questions over whether 2016 was a simpler time and why people have become nostalgic for that year. Agnes Arnold-Forster, a historian at Edinburgh University and the author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion, talks about how nostalgi
The Nostalgia Divide
Peace talks for the culture wars. Nostalgia and the cringe factor. Adam Fleming explores why 2016 is big online, especially for Gen Z. Can you really be nostalgic for things you didn't really experience. With the help of others, Adam unpicks what nostalgia is and where it came from. Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett and John Murphy
Studio Manager: Andrew Mills
Edito
Child-free weddings
The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its journeys, but transport isn’t the only area being affected by the child-free phenomenon. There’s also been a rise in weddings without children. Head of Brand at the wedding planning app, Bridebook, Zoe Burke chats through some of the stories she’s come across and the polling she’s done.
Child-free spaces
Should we have more child-free spaces?
The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its high-speed trains. This has caused a row online.
Adam Fleming gets to the bottom of the story and asks if there is a growing demand for more child-free spaces. But is the debate simply a measure of growing intolerance - particularly of children - in society.Presenter: Adam Fl
Unconscious bias
The contestants on Britain's most popular TV show, The Traitors, have faced criticism for voting out ethnic minorities early on in the game. It’s led to a slew of posts online saying this is a clear example of unconscious racial bias. Head of Psychology at Aberdeen University, Doug Martin, breaks down unconscious bias and where it comes from.
The Traitors and unconscious bias
The UK's most popular TV show, The Traitors, has come under the spotlight not just because of its popularity but because it has been accused of reflecting prejudice in British society. The charge is that contestants from ethnic minorities are more likely to be expelled early on in the game because of unconscious bias, particularly unconscious racial bias. Others shows too, like Strictly Come Danci
The science of attraction
A clip from Stephen Bartlett’s podcast has resurfaced and gone viral for claiming that a group of men will go extinct because women don’t want to date and have children with them anymore. It’s prompted questions about whether society should intervene to help men find a date and what women are attracted to in a male partner. Professor of Psychology at Durham University, Linda Boothroyd, speaks to A
Men and Loneliness
A podcast conversation between the entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and the gamer-turned psychiatrist-turned-online self help guru Dr K has gone viral. And it's about what might happen if men can't get a date. The podcast was originally published last summer but more recently re-surfaced clips have sparked a debate online about how far society should go to help men who are struggling to find a partner
Grok AI – the chatbot being used to digitally undress women
Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok AI, has been in the news because thousands of its users have been using it to digitally undress women without their consent. Staff writer at The Atlantic, Matteo Wong, has been covering the evolution of Musk’s AI chatbot and the controversies it’s been involved in along the way. He speaks to Adam Fleming about how Grok AI fits into Musk’s wider Modus Operandi and how it w
Bikinis and AI
Elon Musk's social networking site X has restricted access to one of the features on its artificial intelligence chat-bot called Grok, because of a global outcry. It allows users to alter photos, for example changing a person's clothes - without their permission. With a simple instruction a man's trousers can become swimming trunks -- and more frequently -- a woman can be made to wear a bikini. Th
The single woman stigma
For hundreds of years women were treated as somehow incomplete, or dangerous, if they didn’t have a (male) partner. It used to be illegal for women to live alone in some parts of the UK and, until much more recently, single women weren’t allowed mortgages. And then there’s the cat lady stereotype. Amanda Vickery, professor of history at Queen Mary University of London, tells Adam Fleming how the s
Are women better off single?
An article in British Vogue asking if it's "embarrassing" to have a boyfriend prompts a discussion about whether women might be better off ditching men and staying single.Some women say they feel more empowered by single life, and that they expect much higher standards of men these days. Others think it's divisive to suggest men are, on average, poor relationship material and that it's unfair to d
Is sexual harassment on public transport getting worse?
What do we know about the levels of sexual harassment on public transport? Statistics show that a third of women and girls have experienced it and 97% of women fear it could happen to them, but is the problem getting worse, and who is at fault? Author of Mind the Gender Gap and Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Plymouth, Dr Sian Lewis, breaks down the data.
Women’s safety and public transport
A petition calling for women-only tube carriages has surpassed 12,000 signatures. It comes amid increased reports of sexual offences on public transport, both in London and beyond. Supporters claim that giving women the option to travel separately from men will make them safer, and send a message that harassment is unacceptable. Critics argue that this is a backwards step, amounting to segregation
How much would reparations for slavery cost?
The comedian Lenny Henry in a new book has backed calls for the UK to pay more than £18 trillion in compensation for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. It's a figure that some people think is absurdly high. It comes from a report written by an economic consultancy called The Brattle Group. They tried to quantify the impact of slavery on black people in North and South America, and the Cari
Racism and reparations
Sir Lenny Henry has called for the UK government to pay £18tn in slavery reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and argued that every black Briton also deserves compensation. The comedian, co-author of a new book titled The Big Payback, says the payments would help repair damage caused in parts of the Americas, especially the Caribbean, and argues slavery has contributed to mod
How right-wing activists use 'Western civilisation'
When an art exhibition featuring stickers made to look like graffiti opened in Canterbury Cathedral, there was a surprisingly loud reaction from right-wing activists in the US - even JD Vance, the American vice-president, chimed in. Many on the political right see cathedrals, churches, and monuments in Europe as a grand cultural heritage which they feel they have to defend. And many of Donald Trum
Graffiti, church, and Western civilisation
An art exhibition in Canterbury Cathedral has enraged traditionalists who believe that it doesn’t fit with the holy site’s beauty or the church’s mission. The works consist of a set of temporary vinyl stickers with questions like “Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?” and “Does our struggle mean anything?” The questions for God were devised after artist Alex Vellis and curato
The politics of anger
Are middle aged white men angry and if so why and how does that affect our politics? Professor of political science at the University of Manchester, Rob Ford, speaks to Adam Fleming about what is driving this anger from financial insecurity to broader social and cultural attitudes. He covers everything from the motte-and-bailey fallacy to measuring how tolerant someone is based on whether they’d b
Angry middle-aged white men
Football pundit and former Manchester United star Gary Neville posted a video that he pitched as a call to national unity. But was greeted by a wave of online vitriol for one line in which he blamed “angry middle-aged white men” for creating political division.
Many middle-aged white men took to social media – to deny they are angry, to describe their anger as justified, or to call Neville’s comm
A potted history of patriotism
Patriotism is a concept that’s been used throughout history. From rallying the troops in wartime to acting as the “glue” that brought revolutionaries together in 18th Century France; the idea of loving one’s civilisation and supporting its values, dates all the way back to Ancient Greece.
Georgios Varouxakis, professor of the history of political thought at Queen Mary University of London, runs Ad
What is patriotism?
It seems like everyone wants to be a patriot this week, from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to people hoisting flags up British lampposts. But what does patriotism really mean?At the Labour Party conference there was lots of talk of 'progressive patriotism' - a definition of the term that emphasises Britain's tolerance and multiculturalism. Others invoke patriotism when seeking a return to the past.
Where does the UK house asylum seekers?
When people come to the UK seeking asylum they’re supposed to be placed in homes all over the country while their claims are processed – not hotels. Jonathan Darling, professor of human geography at Durham University, tells Adam Fleming where this policy of dispersal came from, how it’s evolved, and why it’s broken down.
Asylum hotels
Anger has flared outside hotels used to house asylum seekers. Protestors say they are worried about illegal migration, cost to the taxpayer and a lack of consultation, but one issue seems to spark even more concern - the safety of women and children. Opponents have accused protestors of racism and whipping up hate.Is there any evidence that asylum seekers are more likely to commit sexual offences?
Brands and culture
At first it was about creating an image that people could aspire to. Then, in the 2000s, brands started promoting their products based on values. Now marketers have entered the ‘dark mode shift’ where the only aim is to ‘ruthlessly’ make money. So says Eugene Healey, brand strategy consultant. He talks to Adam Fleming about the thought process behind branding and how it has evolved over time.
Sydney Sweeney, jeans and genes
A jeans advert featuring the American actress Sydney Sweeney talking about her good genes provoked fierce reaction - and then came the backlash to the backlash.Some people say the advert promotes a eugenicist ideal of blonde hair and blue eyes. Others say it's a sign that the days of diversity in the advertising industry are over. Is 'woke' dead? And what does the controversy tell us about how bra
Do men behave worse than women in the dating game?
Cheating, ghosting and catfishing are all rife in modern dating and it’s often assumed that men are the ones behaving badly, with women the victims. But the evidence on which of the sexes deserves the most red flags is more complex than we might assume. Adam Fleming speaks to Dr Jenny van Hooff, reader in sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University, about what studies have shown.
Dating and toxicity
An app offering women dating safety tools and advice has suspended some of its services following a hack, sparking a debate between the sexes about fairness and respect in dating. Tea, which lets women do background checks on potential male dates, is only available in the USA, but the incident has prompted discussion about similar online groups available in the UK, like 'Are We Dating The Same Guy
Examining racism in the UK
In 2023, a big piece of research was published examining the way different ethnic groups experienced racism in the UK. Racism and Ethnic Inequality in a Time of Crisis analysed the responses to one the largest surveys of ethnic minorities ever conducted in Britain.
Dr Dharmi Kapadia is a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester and worked on the project. She told Adam about wha
Racism and prejudice
The debate around a hierarchy of racism was reignited this week when Labour MP Diane Abbott appeared on a BBC Radio 4 podcast and discussed previous comments she'd made about racism.She maintained there is a difference between racism based on skin colour and other kinds of racism. This sparked conversation around the different types of racism and prejudice faced by Black people, Jewish people, and
How does an author get published?
It’s always been difficult to get a book published. But is it especially difficult now if you’re man who writes fiction? That’s the claim being made by some who say female authors are squeezing their male counterparts off the bookshelves. So who decides which books get published?
Amelia Fairney spent 30 years in the publishing business. She talks Adam through the process.
Are men being pushed out of publishing?
Just a few years ago the gender gap in book publishing was seen as an issue to address, with many publishing houses focussed on boosting women authors. Has it all gone too far? Are men, especially straight, white men, now being locked out of telling their stories? And what might that mean for society?Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Nik Sindle, Lucy Proctor, Tim Gillet
Editor: Richard Vadon
Just joking?
A new law to bolster workers' rights by making it an employer's job to prevent staff being harassed by customers and clients, as well as fellow colleagues, has been criticised by some as an attack on free speech.
Opponents worry that harmless banter - in pubs, for example - might need to be monitored as a result of this new legislation. That's denied by the government.
The word ‘banter’ has se
Banter and harassment
An extension of workers' rights, designed to further protect them from harassment on the job, has been criticised as an attack on free speech.The Employment Rights Bill, first tabled in October 2024, would make it an employer's responsibility to prevent harassment of their staff by customers, clients and members of the public, as well as fellow colleagues. Some argue the bill, which is not yet law
Teaching character in schools
Government ministers have been trying to promote grit among young people in England as part of proposals to improve young people's mental health and increase school attendance.
'Grit' is the latest in a lengthy line of interventions from education secretaries who've been keen to emphasise the values they think children should be learning in school. Dr Lydia Marshall, head of research at the educa
Grit and resilience
The government has launched a new initiative to help teachers address a crisis in mental health among young people and a sharp drop in school attendance since the pandemic. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says she wants schools to teach children greater "grit and resilience" to handle "life's ups and downs".
It's the latest in a long line of interventions from education secretaries seek
Yookay
In the last few weeks Adam has been noticing things popping up on his social media timeline tagged with the word “Yookay”, which is supposed to be a reference to how UK is pronounced in a multicultural London accent. The content is a combination of pictures of streets or public transport and sometimes videos. So what's going on? I spoke to Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan, analyst at the thinktank th
Island of strangers?
As the Prime Minister announced reforms to the UK's immigration system, he warned that without these changes we risk becoming an "island of strangers". This has drawn criticism comparing his remarks to historical examples of inflammatory language on immigration. Others say this comparison is unfair and his comments were part of a sensible conversation about immigration.Presenter: Adam Fleming
Prod
What are Personal Independent Payments?
A group of Labour MP's say they're opposed to government plans to cut the benefits paid to disabled people, with a lot of the online debate focusing on PIP - Personal Independence Payments. BBC journalist Emma Tracey presents the BBC's disability and mental health podcast, Access All, she explains what these payments are, how they can be used and who is eligible to claim.
Disability Benefits
There's a row in the Labour Party about cutting the benefits paid to disabled people. Ministers say they're trying to manage a budget that's ballooning. That's partly because of more claims from the young and from people with mental health conditions. But others say that these payments are lifelines for people with both mental and physical disabilities. Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Josephin
Gentle Parenting
A campaign to get verbal abuse on the agenda has sparked debate with headlines that say shouting at children is as bad as physical abuse.What does the evidence actually say about the words we use when speaking to children? Where did the phenomenon of gentle parenting come from, and how do you do it? And who decides how we treat our kids?Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Lucy Proctor, Josephine Ca
The law on single sex spaces
What does the Supreme Court ruling mean for trans people and single sex services? Michael Foran, lecturer in public law at the University of Glasgow, explains.
Sex, gender and the NHS
What does the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex mean for the health service?The UK’s top court says that under equality law a woman is a biological woman and a man is a biological man. It’s sparked discussion about how the NHS accommodates trans people when it comes to single sex spaces, like women-only wards. What do the judgment and equality legislation say about providing services to only
How jail-time is decided
How much leeway do judges have when sentencing? Professor Julian Roberts of the Sentencing Academy explains what guidelines judges use and how public perceptions sometimes differ from what's actually happening in the courts.
Two-tier justice
Lucy Connolly is a 42 year old woman from Northampton who is currently serving a custodial sentence for stirring up racial hatred after she posted on X on the day of the Southport attacks last year, calling for "mass deportations now" and referring to setting fire to asylum hotels. Her case has caused controversy online, with some describing her as a "political prisoner" and claiming that the just
A potted history of the nudist movement
This month Bianca Censori, rapper Kanye West’s wife, broke the internet after appearing on a red carpet in a transparent dress. Meanwhile, artists were upset about their life drawing class being moved in North London. This prompted a conversation about public nudity and by extension, nudism. Professor Annebella Pollen is from the University of Brighton and author of Nudism in a Cold Climate, she e
Nudity - the great cover up?
How comfortable are we with nudity and why does the naked body still have the power to shock?This month we’ve seen Bianca Censori break the internet after her red carpet appearance in a transparent dress and artists in north London upset about their life drawing class being moved. What actually happened and why were people so censorious about Bianca? Also, what is the history of nudism in the UK?
Signs in other languages
How many people living in the UK do not speak English?
This week a Member of Parliament for Reform UK posts a picture of Whitechapel train station in East London. On the entrance of the station, it has the name in English and then also Bengali. Rupert Lowe MP said: “The station name should be in English and English only” Dr Ben Brindle is a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University
Should signs be in English only?
This week a Member of Parliament for Reform UK posted a picture of Whitechapel train station in East London. At the entrance of the station, it has the name in English and then also in Bengali. Rupert Lowe MP said: 'The station name should be in English and English only.'We'll find out how the station got its bilingual sign and examine the data on immigrants' language skills. How are non-English s
Surrogacy: the law in the UK
When Lily Collins - the star of the American TV show Emily in Paris - announced she’d had a baby by surrogacy, a debate played out in her comments about the pros and cons of starting a family this way. Some of the criticism alleged that surrogacy is the preserve of the rich. In many countries commercial surrogacy – where the intended parents have a contract and pay a fee to the surrogate – is lega
Surrogacy
An online debate about whether surrogacy should be allowed was energised this week after actress Lily Collins and her partner announced they had a baby by surrogate on Instagram. In this episode, we explore what surrogacy is like when you're not a celebrity including hearing from a woman who was a surrogate for her best friend. In the UK surrogacy is legal but it can't be done for money. We assess
What is Nature?
As politicians weigh up what trade-offs with the natural world they’re willing to make in pursuit of growth, we look at how our understanding of our role within (or alongside) nature has shifted over time. Dr Andy Flack from the University of Bristol talks Adam Fleming through the various influences, changes and discoveries that have altered how we view our natural environment.
Bats v trains
Do we have to choose between conserving nature and growing the economy?The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been complaining about the £100m being spent on a tunnel to stop bats being squished by trains on the HS2 railway line. A debate about whether looking after the environment is getting in the way of developing Britain's infrastructure has ensued. Is nature conservation getting in the way of econo
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