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
171. Shake Witkoff
Iain and Tessa discuss Steve Witkoff (the US chief negotiator on the Ukraine war) calling Putin a 'humanitarian', cuts at the BBC, an AI video of a bear and more!
170. Can't Speak French
Iain and Tessa discuss the unrest in France, Palestine poppies, identity and Cliff Richard!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
169. Paperback Fighter
Iain and Tessa speak about Sally Rooney's books being withdrawn from the UK over her Palestine Action support, whether the SNP will be able to secure a second independence referendum, President Trump's online posting and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
168. Oil Be Back
Iain and Tessa talk Andy Burnham rethinking our relationship with the EU, what President Trump is up to with Russian diesel, Russian interference in our politics and more!
167. Rage de France
Iain and Tessa talk Kemi Badenoch's speech, Iain's experiences in Birmingham, protests in France and more!
166. Kemistry
Iain and Tessa talk Tory conference and Kemi's 'right way', the Greens voting that Zionism is racism, French protests and more.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
165. Once, Twice, Three Times a Lock
Iain and Tessa dive into Andy Burnham's speech, (Tessa makes a comparison with Winston Churchill!), the death penalty and Christa Pike - and they get a little introspective. Do they argue too much?
164. When the Orange Order Goes Marching In
Iain and Tessa have a special guest in the first section of the podcast: Tessa's long suffering Mum! They discuss the marching crisis in Portadown, the Republic of Ireland's football match with Israel, the Labour Party conference and a likely election. Plus a spectacular row breaks out over GDP figures!
163. I'm All Piers
Iain and Tessa discuss Piers Morgan suing Earl Spencer, Trump vs the media, anti-migration protests... and what Tessa found in her boxes of champagne!
162. Don't Lose Your Ed (Sheeran)
Iain and Tessa talk Ed Sheeran being dragged into politics, King Charles vs Earl Spencer, who's followed Tessa on Twitter and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
161. Let's Spence the night together
It's Spencer vs Windsor in this week's episode of the pod! With the palace alleging Earl Spencer has been BLINDED by grief, Tess has a different assessment...Also on the menu: Could Canada join the EU? Is Ed Sheeran in a fuss over nothing? Meghan Markle's whatsapp chats?Plus Iain and Tessa even manage to make it a whole segment without bickering, isn't that nice. Not to mention the 104 year old wo
160. Gordon Brown, never a frown
Tessa and Iain discuss Gordon Brown's ideas around civic duty, Reform UK's record-breaking £72 million donations - and whether childcare really should be funded by the state.And - Iain will discover what is really in Tessa's surprise box.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
159. The Chatanooga Gee Pee Tee
ChatGPT is coming for our jobs, Ed Milliband causes uproar in Israel and Iain has been in bed with Vanessa Feltz! See if you can count how many times Tessa threatens to replace Iain with AI...WARNING: Iain has also been given his driving license back, do stay safe out there listeners.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDa
158. Girls Just Wanna Have Party Funding
While Tessa was brushing up on David Lloyd George, Iain spent his weekend watching the Reform party conference livestream. I wonder if there was any drama? The incorrigible pair also chat all things AfD and Healey. “Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.”
157. Nothing Compares 2 Bayeux
Iain and Tessa discuss the Bayeux Tapestry, Zia Yusuf's controversial post, Harriet Harman calling Kemi Badenoch woke, Zack Polanski's chances in Holborn and St Pancras and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
156. Me and My Shadow Cabinet
Iain and Tessa discuss Kemi Badenoch's reshuffle, whether James Cleverly has a chance at the London mayoralty, Germany’s AfD and why former East German states are fertile ground for populist/right-wing gains, Dolly Parton and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
155. Farmer Chameleon
While Iain's away, Tessa is joined by businessman and founder of The Black Farmer food company Wilfred Emmanuel Jones. They talk NEETs, salmonella, the Russian threat and more!
154. A Question of Time
In another Q&A special episode, Iain and Tessa get quizzed on defectors, U-turns, culture wars, grades and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
153. Welcome Home (Harry and Meghan)
Iain and Tessa are back for this special live episode on the return of Harry and Meghan. The two also discuss the tragic death of Jason Arday and the reflections it's brought about, as well as Reform UK dropping Tim Montgomerie.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
152. Don't Ask Me No Questions
In this special questions edition of the podcast, the listeners quiz Iain and Tessa on whether Carer's Allowance should be increased to take pressure off the social care sector, whether Zelensky is still in a strong position, whether camera glasses should be banned - and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @
151. A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Clacton Please
Iain and Tessa talk Farage's win in Clacton (and him not turning up to the declaration!), a row about melons and the Japanese PM, whether Reform UK voters care about climate change - and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
150. Early Release Me
Iain and Tessa digest Iain's various Edinburgh Fringe interviews (Sturgeon, Streeting and more), as well as the history of Edinburgh, how Andy Burnham should tackle the prisons problem and much else besides.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
149. Arday in the Life
Iain and Tessa discuss the controversy around Jason Arday and whether Cambridge should be blamed, the controversy around the withdrawn Tory Crewkerne candidate and whether Kemi Badenoch should be blamed, the Welsh language and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
148. In the (Farage) Navy
Iain and Tessa talk Jacqui Smith's wedding, the political crisis over migrants arriving in Ceuta, the Danube river drying out (and its history) and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
147. Drought and About
Iain and Tessa talk wildfires, climate anxiety, reservoirs, Kemi Badenoch's views on net zero and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
146. Social Careless Whisper
Tessa's on holiday - Natasha Clark's back! Iain and Natasha mull over how Andy Burnham might change the social care system, attempts from recent history to change that system, how sacked Cabinet ministers are feeling about the new government, whether the new PM can cut welfare - and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @Ia
145. Who Wants to Tax a Millionaire?
Iain and Tessa discuss the millionaires wanting to pay more tax, ministers moving up north, reusing your shower water... and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
144. Here We Go Again
Iain and Tessa speak about Andy Burnham's rise to power, the history of Downing Street, Tessa's new words and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
143. Tuchel Little, Tuchel Late
Iain and Tessa talk the Falklands, Keir Starmer's last week, Thomas Tuchel, a frisson between Tessa and Alastair Campbell and more.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
142. Remembering Ann Widdecombe
Iain and Tessa discuss the reaction to the murder investigation into former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe's death, friendship across political borders and more.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
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!
