Where Politics Meets History
Broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop examine the biggest news stories of the week through a historical lens, revealing how current events often echo the past. With wit and insight, they uncover fascinating parallels and forgotten stories, offering sharp analysis and engaging debate. The podcast is produced by Global, a UK-based media company, and is available on Global Player.
Episodes
141. A Binface in the Crowd
Iain and Tessa discuss Farage facing off against Count Binface, Prince Harry losing his case against the Mail publisher, the posthumous pardon given to the last woman hanged in the UK, Tessa's travels and more.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
140. Making Gifts for Nigel
Tessa is still sailing the seven seas so LBC's Natasha Clark steps in for this one. Iain and Natasha talk Nigel Farage coming under further scrutiny, England's win against Mexico, whether Andy Burnham will call an election and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @NatashaC
139. Letter to America
Iain and Tessa discuss America at 250, whether Nigel Farage actually wants to be prime minister - and Tessa giving history lectures on a cruise ship!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
138. Ed over Heels
Iain and Tessa discuss who Andy Burnham might pick for his chancellor, the King's tax returns, Iain's barbecue and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
137. Feel the Heat
Iain and Tessa bring you discussion on climate change, Kemi Badenoch vs Bridget Phillipson, whether the shine is coming off Nigel Farage and more!
136. There Keir Goes
Iain and Tessa dissect Keir Starmer's resignation - what went wrong, prime ministerial resignations throughout history, who might be in a Burnham cabinet if he takes over - and more!
135. Burnham to Run
Iain and Tessa react as Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield seat convincingly! But what are his core principles (does he have any?) and could the PM be ousted before the end of the summer? Plus, how do our divided times compare to politics in Tudor England? All that and more!
134. Ban and Deliver
Iain and Tessa talk the history of bans for children (in light of the social media ban), stereotypes against the English, the upcoming by-election and predictions thereupon - and Iain's views about hydration breaks at the World Cup.
133. Rory Days
Iain and Tessa are back for more. Tessa's been interviewing Rory Stewart, so she gives her review of that rival podcaster. There's also discussion about the unrest in Northern Ireland, what it means to be English, the future of the BBC and more.
132. This Malthus Be The Place
Iain and Tessa add a bit more history and discuss Reverend Thomas Malthus, If Bill Clinton is the best President since Reagan, and the BBC.
131. It Musk Be Love
Iain and Tessa discuss if Nigel Farage is fuelling social division (and whether Elon Musk is pouring petrol on the fire), why Canada may have more in common with Britain than America, and France's latest swipe at the UK — spoiler: it involves potholes.
130. Tranche Like Nobody's Watching
Iain and Tessa discuss what drones have done to warfare (and how the Ukraine war compares to wars through history) the latest tranche of Mandelson files and what their impact might be, why trade unionists are shifting to Reform UK - and more!
129. NEET and Tidy
Iain and Tessa discuss the crisis of youth joblessness, Tony Blair's return to the political conversation, the price of food in Europe - and more!
128. Murrell of the Story
Iain and Tessa talk the SNP Peter Murrell embezzlement scandal and similar scandals throughout history - as well as whether Wes Streeting would make a better PM than Andy Burnham, Iain's viral cake moment... and someone very special makes an appearance!
127. Movin' On Out
Iain and Tessa discuss net migration (and the history of people arriving in, and leaving, the UK) - and more!
126. Can't Get EU Out of My Head
Iain and Tessa talk about Wes Streeting reviving the Brexit debate, whether Andy Burnham stands a chance, whether Keir Starmer shares anything with Ted Heath - and more!
125. Burnham Baby Burnham
Iain is joined by LBC political editor Natasha Clark for this one while Tessa is ill! They talk Streeting, Burnham, Starmer, Farage and more!
124. Hey Brother
Iain and Tessa speak about Keir Starmer on the ropes, fallout from the local elections, a hundred years since the 1926 general strike - and Tessa's brother Duncan Dunlop speaks to our pair about his election win in Scotland.
123. Everybody Wants to Rule the Ward
Iain and Tessa digest the election results so far! Does it mean Nigel Farage will be the next PM? Does it mean people hate Keir Starmer? Does it mean Britain is ungovernable? Answers to those questions and more!
122. Harborne Free
Iain and Tessa discuss Nigel Farage's £5m gift from Thai-based businessman Christopher Harborne, how Plaid Cymru grew into the force it is now, whether this podcast plays to their egos and more!
121. Bright Ideology
Iain and Tessa speak about Zack Polanski's Twitter antics, whether Iain is actually a liberal, whether grief counselling is a good idea - and more.
120. I Just Can't Wait To (Meet The) King
Iain and Tessa discuss the King's state visit to the United States, how to stop the Jewish community feeling unsafe in the UK, whether the SNP get enough scrutiny, Tessa's exciting event in Parliament and more.
119. Another near miss?
Iain dials in LIVE from washington as he and Tessa discuss the King's safety after THAT White House Correspondent's dinner.PLUS, has your life expectancy gone down?
118. Perran Moon River
Iain and Tessa discuss the latest twists and turns in the Westminster psychodrama, drawing in Christine Keeler, Harold Wilson, Profumo and more - plus, how did Tessa let herself down in front of Labour MP Perran Moon?
117. When You Wish Upon a Starmer
Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's statement in the Commons re how he handled Mandelson - plus a hundred years since the Queen's birth, Tessa's tireless campaigning and more!
116. Vetting Away With It
Iain and Tessa discuss the PM's new crisis over Mandelson - and whether it's a Westminster village story (Tessa thinks so!) - they also talk about the decline in reading, welfare vs warfare and more!
115. The Man Who Sold the War
Iain and Tessa discuss whether men are more prone to start wars than women, Trump's planned blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - and the historical parallel to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary and more!
114. No Orbán, No Cry
Iain and Tessa talk the ceasefire under stress in Iran, whether JD Vance is hurting Viktor Orbán's chances in this weekend's election in Hungary, the dying art of letter-writing and more!
113. Mr Nobody Does It Better
Iain and Tessa discuss President Trump's expletive-laden social media post, whether Putinism will outlast Putin, Iain's trip to the cinema and more.
112. Space Oddity
Iain and Tessa speak about the King's divisive US visit, which politician has benefitted from the Iran war, the Space Race, and more!
111. Piano Manosphere
Iain and Tessa speak about the Houthis, why the BBC is obsessed with itself, Louis Theroux's journey into the manosphere and more!
110. Hello, This Is Pope Joannie
Iain and Tessa unpack Dame Sarah Mullally’s historic enthronement after 1,400 years of male predecessors, explore the legend of Pope Joan, examine the impact of the Iranian war on Asia, and answer your questions.
109. If You’re Lookin’ for a Way Out
Iain and Tessa explore whether the world may be edging towards WW3, examine the shocking antisemitic attack in London involving Jewish ambulances set on fire, and give their take on the debut of SNL UK, plus plenty
108. Strait from the Heart
Iain and Tessa speak about what the West should do about the Strait of Hormuz, why Trump official Joe Kent resigned, whether Brexit should be reversed, Tessa appearing on Romanian Hell's Kitchen and more!
107. Automatic, Systematic, Problematic
Iain and Tessa talk the Strait of Hormuz and whether the UK Navy should get involved, whether Tom Bower is right or wrong about Harry and Meghan - they have a row about Lord Ashcroft and Iain name-drops like never before!
106. Every Hegseth You Take
Iain and Tessa talk strong men, the Mandelson files, whether Iain is right on Iran, Pete Hegseth and more!
105. Love Me Donut
Iain and Tessa talk about the UK's naval forces and whether they're good enough, Cyprus and the UK's history with it (and Aggie reports after her recent visit!) - they also talk public distrust in politicians, donuts and more!
104. Puff the Magic HMS Dragon
Iain and Tessa joust over the UK's position on what's happening in Iran and historical parallels, failed asylum seekers being offered thousands to leave, where to cut spending and more!
103. I Fought the International Law
Iain and Tessa digest the events of the last few days -whether Starmer should have supported Trump's actions in Iran from the start, what could happen next and what we can learn from history!
102. In the Blair Tonight
Iain and Tessa talk about the shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the latest Tony Blair documentary, the history of youths being out of work and more!
101. You SEND Me
Iain and Tessa talk Boris Johnson's comments on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, how to fix the student loan system and what should be done about special educational needs provision!
100. Happy Birthday
Iain and Tessa discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and what it could mean for the wider Royal Family - as well as the history of Royals and the law. They also talk about Iain's speeding, what to do with the Houses of Parliament, suggestions for new right-wing party names and more!This episode was recorded yesterday afternoon, before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's release on bail.Andrew has p
99. Election Avenue
Iain and Tessa connect remotely, Iain in London and Tessa in Bucharest! They do battle over the government U-turning on local elections, Palestine Action, defence spending and Iain's speeding...
98. Do Not Disturb
Iain and Tessa discuss whether Lord Doyle is being treated fairly, the history of the age of consent, whether enough attention is being paid to Ukraine, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarks about immigration and whether Tessa is heightist.
97. Civil Sar-war
Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's future (and the history of PMs facing issues mid-term), whether the Royals are getting their response to Andrew right, the new Japanese PM and more!
96. Profumo I'm No Good
Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's apology for ever making Mandelson US ambassador, they delve into the Profumo affair and what it tells us about political scandals, whether the UK punches its weight on the world stage - and more!
95. Bad Lord
Iain and Tessa talk Lord Mandelson and whether he should give up his peerage or be forced out of the Lords, whether Andrew Mountbatten will testify in the US, whether Matt Goodwin will win for Reform UK in Gorton and Denton - and more!
94. Jinping Me Sunshine
Iain and Tessa talk Starmer in China, what Trump could do in Iran, Melania's new film and more!
93. A Reformer Named Sue
Iain and Tessa talk Suella Braverman defecting to Reform UK, Labour blocking Andy Burnham, ICE killing someone else in Minnesota, a little Polish history, police reform and more.
92. Gone With The Wind Turbine
Iain and Tessa talk Trump's U-turn on Greenland, his mistakes about Chinese wind, whether Brooklyn Beckham did the right thing, whether Tessa is too mean to Iain - and more!
91. Tariff You Leave Me Now
With Iain in London and Tessa in Madeira, our pair talk Trump vs Europe, Jenrick vs Badenoch and Harry vs the Mail, among other things!
90. Regime Changes
Iain and Tessa debate whether the Iranian regime will fall, and what involvement Trump could have in that - as well as a bit of Iranian history to put it all in context! They also discuss the proposed new Chinese embassy in London, whether Labour MPs should stop worrying about their leader... and one of Iain's exes!
89. Zahawi Ready?
Tessa has the lurgy so Iain is joined by Aggie for this one! They discuss whether the West will get involved in Iran, ex Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defecting to Reform UK, whether we should listen to Peter Mandelson... and a mistake involving ABBA Voyage!
88. Seize the Tanker
Iain and Tessa are back to talk Trump's further threats to take Greenland (and the history behind it!), ICE shooting a woman in Minneapolis, Moldova's Maia Sandu and whether Labour is losing the young...
87. It's Not Easy Being Greenland
Iain and Tessa discuss President Trump capturing Venezuela's Maduro, whether he might invade Greenland, Brigitte Macron winning a cyberbullying case and which former newsreader's boots Tessa is wearing.
86. Firework (and the EU flag)
Iain and Tessa review the party leaders' new year messages, the government vs the ECHR on Shamima Begum, the fireworks and more!
85. All I Want for Twixtmas Is You
In this interesting limbo period between Christmas and the New Year, Iain and Tessa discuss their predictions for 2026, Trump's hopes for peace in Ukraine, Iain's views on newsreaders with regional accents and Tessa's Christmas reading (Central Europe: The Death of a Civilization and the Life of an Idea, by Luka Ivan Jukic).
84. Crackin' Around the Christmas Tree
In this special festive episode we recorded earlier, Iain and Tessa give out some fabulous festive awards! There's also discussion about the history of the humble Christmas cracker... and the A11 (stick with it)!
83. Never Ending Storeys
Iain and Tessa are back together the day after Tessa's Christmas party at her (very tall) house! They discuss the big political and news events from history which have fallen around Christmas, comparisons between Trump and Nixon - and what happened to the bottle of champagne Iain bought Tessa for Christmas...Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.co
82. Blaise of Glory
Iain and Tessa chat about the new chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli, whether Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge in the new year, Bonnie Blue and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
81. My Sweet Lords
Iain and Tessa discuss the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney and the heroism of fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, whether Keir Starmer should have given Reform UK at least one peer - and Tessa's school reunion.
80. Mary's letter on a cross
Iain and Tessa chat about David Lammy's idea to wipe childhood criminal record, Trump's seizing and Venezuelan oil tanker and Mary Queen of Scots Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
79. Monarchy in the UK
In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, Iain and Tessa discuss who will be the PM in a year's time, whether there's public support for the Monarchy, stocking filler books from the worlds of politics and history - and more!
78. Witkoff The Wall
Iain and Tessa jostle and joust over political donations, the importance of state visits, why US peace envoy Steve Witkoff isn't winning Putin over - and dodgy pronunciations!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
77. OBR U Mine?
Iain and Tessa chat about whether the government lied before the Budget, whether the BBC is censoring Rutger Bregman, what constitutes life's moral purpose... and Iain's trip to see Cliff Richard.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
76. If Books Could Kill
Iain and Tessa talk the Budget (SPOILER: neither is impressed!), French military service, how our reading habits have changed and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
75. Let's Get Fiscal
Iain and Tessa talk the upcoming Budget (and Budgets throughout history!), whether Trump's peace plan for Ukraine will be a success... and an odd gift Iain received in Frinton-on-Sea.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
74. One Way Streeting
Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk about the UK's changing immigration policy (and Tessa's idea involving military service), potential challengers to Keir Starmer's leadership, how much of a threat we face from Russia - and the politics and history of chocolate!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
73. Denmark My Words
Iain and Tessa talk Shabana Mahmood's asylum shakeup, Trump suing the BBC and a very ill-conceived moustache.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
72. It's Too Late To Apologise
Iain and Tessa return as more revelations come out regarding the BBC and Trump. Meanwhile, further information is released about the US Presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
71. BBC You Later Alligator
Davie is gone and Trump is gunning for Auntie Beeb! Iain and Tessa discuss if the BBC can survive this latest controversy... or if it even should? Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
70. COPs and Robbers
Iain and Tessa link up to talk COP30, mistaken prisoner releases, potential taxes on electric cars (which gets Iain's dander up immensely) - and poppy pressure.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
69. New York, New York Votes
Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk Farage's plans for the economy, Zohran Mamdani's success in New York, the Huntingdon stabbing and the heroism of the passengers and guard, and more.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
68. Xi's the One
Iain and Tessa are back to discuss the relationship between China and the US after Trump meets Xi, whether Rachel Reeves is in serious trouble or not, what it means to receive the 'Freedom of the City of London'... and Rachel Johnson makes a surprise appearance!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
67. My Wage
Iain and Tessa lock horns on representation in media after Reform MP Sarah Pochin's comments on race, they discuss the new Japanese PM, the minimum wage, the use of exclamation marks and more!!!!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
66. Woke This Way
Iain and Tessa debate whether Piers Morgan is right that 'woke is dead', whether Jess Phillips will resign, Trump demolishing part of the White House and Tessa going on a Romanian cooking show!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
65. Win Some Louvre Some
Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk about whether Prince Andrew deserves to keep his titles, the heist at the Louvre, Trump vs Venezuela and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
64. Daddy (My Daddy) Cool
Iain and Tessa joust over the collapse of the China spy case, the history of the Official Secrets Act, the Greens rising in the polls and more! Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
63. Piece by Peace
Iain and Tessa are together again - this time to talk peace in the Middle East, the history of Benjamin Netanyahu, Venezuela, Prince Andrew, and who could be the next prime minister!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
62. Boom Shack-A-Lak
Iain and Tessa talk the beginnings of peace in Gaza, Kemi Badenoch's speech, the new Archbishop of Canterbury and whether Nick Clegg's book is selling well.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
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