Not Another One
Inspired by Brenda from Bristol, four UK political commentators discuss the twists and turns of the 2024 General Election and beyond. The hosts—Steve Richards, Tim Montgomerie, Iain Martin, and Miranda Green—agree and freely disagree on the key issues. The show aims to be a useful addition to the political debate.
Episodes
Who is 'winning' August?
The NAO team returns after a short break to find that Tim, suspended from Reform, has become the story. Meanwhile, manic Manc Andy Burnham tries to prevail through positivity. Will it work? Does any of it address the pressing challanges? Plus: NAO plans and another holiday wine recommendation.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See ac
Is Britain in decline or bouncing back with Burnham?
In our latest summer episode, featuring special guest and broadcaster Trevor Phillips, the team discuss whether the country is really on the slide. Or is everything going to be okay? Should there be, as the optimistic new Prime Minister says, “hope in every heart”?After this episode, the team will take a very short summer break and be back in the next few weeks for more conversation about British
Is Burnham winning so far?
Together with summer special guest Anand Menon, the team debates a flurry of policy speeches from the new PM as well as where the bounce for Labour leaves the prospects for an early general election. Plus: what will the Clacton by-election contest mean for Nigel Farage?Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
Will Burnham's reshuffle give Labour a fresh start?
Our team debates the surprise decision to appoint John Healey as Chancellor and the dramatic clear-out of Starmer loyalists. What are the biggest wins and the biggest mistakes? Plus, with special guest and Labour Party insider John McTernan, we discuss how much support the new Prime Minister must rebuild to secure victory.Support NAO on Patreon and enjoy ad-free listening here:https://www.patreon.
Would Ed Miliband be a good chancellor?
As our first special guest on NAO, John McTernan makes the case for a soft-left duopoly in Downing Street and we all disagree all over again on net zero policy - even more fiercely. We debate Badenoch's decision to "purge" Gavin Barwell and whether party leaders are wise to set policy tests. Plus: the implications for access to our politicians of Ann Widdecombe's dreadful murder.Support NAO on Pat
Is this Reform's trickiest moment?
In this week's special Q&A edition, the team grapples with the Farage question. What would happen to Reform without its leader? And what will an incoming Burnham cabinet imply for opposition parties? And what did we get wrong in the last two years? Plus: Steve promises to pop back in future episodes and NAO looks forward to summer special guests.Support NAO on Patreon here. 
Is Burnham right to max-out on devolution?
For this week's three-part "Tapas" edition, the team serves up a debate on the PM-in-waiting's first big speech, chews over the rows behind Starmer's Defence Investment Plan, and looks at the fight for the right as Farage and Badenoch jostle in Burnham's shadow. Plus: an announcement. Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
Is Andy Burnham ready?
The new MP for Makerfield took his seat in the Commons on Monday. By the middle of next month he will almost certainly be prime minister. Does he have a programme for government? Has he had enough time to prepare for the mountainous challenges ahead? Do the wider electorate know enough about their next prime minister? For everyone’s sake, the answers need to be yes. Here at least are the answers f
Will PM Andy Burnham call an early general election?
The ascent of the new MP for Makerfield looks unstoppable this weekend. With the parties of the right divided, and the limitations of the 2024 Labour manifesto putting restrictions on Andy Burnham's ability to deliver real change, the NAO team explore the likely new PM's options. Not least, will he call an early general election? Can he win back voters and rebuild a coalition of interests on the l
Was Brexit worth it?
In the second part of our mini-series marking ten years since the referendum, the team tussles over the impact on the UK economy and the UK's rollercoaster politics. Plus: Makerfield predictions and the launch of the NAO Patreon, a way for listeners to support the continuing work of this podcast.To support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
Was the June 2016 Brexit referendum inevitable?
In the first of a two part NAO miniseries to mark ten years on, the team trace the origins of David Cameron's promise to hold an in/out vote on EU membership. Did he have a choice? Was the Leave win unstoppable? Where were we and where did we stand on that historic night. Plus: Steve's Harold Wilson impression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will revulsion at the Nowak murder feed a divisive political fight?
The team debates Nigel Farage's call for "cold rage" and his accusation of two tier policing in the wake of the revelations about the death of Henry Nowak. Plus: is the second tranche of Mandelson documents damaging or dreary? And will the nation (and Brenda from Bristol) have to face another general election sooner than expected? Apologies for the sound quality this week - recording took pla
What on earth was going on in the Scottish National Party?
With Peter Murrell, the SNP’s erstwhile former chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, now behind bars, our team look at the implications of an outrageous scandal. Plus, the latest on the Burnham by-election circus and a policy discussion on social media bans and the coming wave in politics here and in the US - the backlash against big tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Will Labour's leadership hopefuls grapple with the UK's real problems?
As new revelations about the cost and delays to HS2 stun Westminster, the team debates our failures to build. And as the Burnham and Streeting teams gear up for a fight the other side of Makerfield, will the face off deliver substantive plans? Plus: John Swinney is going on. The SNP government is going on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Andy Burnham make it to Downing Street?
After a crazy week, in this weekend edition the team takes stock of how we got to a full blown leadership crisis in Labour. Will the most dangerous challenger make it in Makerfield's by-election? Do the explosive set of results from May 7 contain a wider warning than Reform's march across the North West? And perhaps Brenda from Bristol should brace for yet another one. Plus: politics and vitriol.
Why do British prime ministers have such a short shelf-life?
Reunited in the studio to compare notes in the middle of Starmer's leadership crisis, the team ask what has gone wrong in less than two years. Is this story of disenchantment a uniquely Labour one? Is it all about the electoral pressures on the party, Starmer’s mistakes, or has the UK developed an allergy to incumbents? Plus: Gordon Brown's surprise comeback under the spotlight. Hosted on Acast. S
What is behind the UK's transformed electoral landscape?
With a few reminiscences of past elections thrown in, the team debate a fractured voting public in the run up to May 7th. Are we a UK of "fed-up-niks" and does malaise spring from economics? How intense is the political fervour to left and right? Plus: the hard-to-decipher polling in Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are prime ministers too dependent on their top advisers?
After Morgan McSweeney’s first public appearance - in front of the Foreign Affairs committee - we explore the dependence of some prime ministers on their chiefs of staff. Why do they make themselves dependent even when the dependency can lead towards their doom? Plus, did McSweeney emerge as a more complex figure than his caricature and where does this all leave Starmer? Hosted on Acast. See acast
Will the Mandelson saga do for Starmer's premiership?
After high drama at Westminster, the team debate the low politics that seem to bedevil decision-making at the heart of the government. Has the PM's famous ruthlessness backfired? And how vulnerable is he to a potential challenge after the May 7 elections? Might Scotland provide a twist? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Britain in peril because of Starmer’s complacency on defence spending?’
The former NATO Secretary General and Labour peer, George Robertson , has accused Keir Starmer of being complacent in relation to defence, arguing Britain’s national security and safety are in “peril”. Is he right? Plus, Reform and the local elections.Warning: apologies for the sound quality on Iain’s recording. Do not be alarmed. He sounds ill but that is the result of a problem with the micropho
Has UK politics become too tribal?
With elections looming in which a dramatically different set of electoral competitions will play out, the team debates whether we are in an age of uber partisanship. When does party loyalty tip into something destructive? And will Tim's rare foray into predictions work out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will May's elections spell the end for the two main parties?
With the campaigns well under way for parliament and government in Scotland and Wales, plus local fights across much of England, the team debate how high the stakes might be for both Labour and the Conservatives. Could it prove a terminal catastrophe for Starmer and Badenoch? And will the electoral splintering to the right and left to Reform and the Greens be permanent? Spoiler: we do not agree. H
How will the UK handle the energy crisis?
With the international situation so fluid, the team debate government options for help with bills, and furious business complaints. Is it time to say no? Is it the 1970s all over again? Plus: we all confess to being fans of Alan Johnson, and of thrillers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is the Iran war a disaster?
With the conflict in its third week, the team debates the consequences of the war and assesses where the British and American public are on the military action and the pressure on prices. Yes, the team also dares to debate energy policy and net zero polarisation. Plus: has Ed Davey gone too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is there a good outcome in Iran?
With President Trump improvising his way towards a possible exit strategy, the team debate the wisdom of positions taken by Starmer and by Britain’s opposition parties. Plus: the bleak economic effects and an attempt at highlighting some positive political developments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will war in the Middle East drive the US and Britain apart?
With a regional conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is far from "shoulder to shoulder" with the US president. As Trump rains down disapproval on his head, the team hotly debate American strategy and ask whether the so-called special relationship is collateral damage. Plus: the fascinating political backdrop to the Chancellor’s deliberately dull spring statement.
By-election special - will the Green earthquake break the party system?
For our weekend episode, the team analyse the aftermath of the extraordinary Gorton and Denton by-election result and the humiliation suffered by Labour and the other old parties. What does it mean for the Prime Minister? What is driving the rise of the Greens and the wider voter rebellion? And how will the split on the centre-right play out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa
The Mandelson Files - are we going to learn too much?
What will be the political consequences when the full Mandelson documents are published? Modern politicians are robotic enough, but if all their private exchanges risk becoming public will they dare to be human? Can we combine transparency with the need for ministers to have space to be human? Or do we have the right to full disclosure when power appears to have been abused? Plus, will the Educati
Is the Royal Family under threat?
The arrest of Andrew, formerly Prince Andrew, has been described as the worst crisis for the Royal Family in a century.Is that hyperbole or will the scandal do serious damage to the standing of the institution? Our team discuss the implications and the media’s role. Plus, the fallout from the Munich Security Conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Farage’s top team boost or reduce his chances of reaching Number 10?
Nigel Farage has given Robert Jenrick responsibility for Reform economic policy, while making Richard Tice his formal deputy. Suella Braverman has the education portfolio. Will such appointments boost Reform’s credibility as an alternative government? Or is there big trouble to come as Nigel Farage becomes a leader of a team rather than a one man show? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo
Is chaos permanent at the top of UK politics?
At the end of a week featuring a failed gambit to oust the PM, plus the expulsion of the country's most senior civil servant, Miranda and Tim debate the lost promise of a "dullness dividend". Stability seems elusive, especially given the threat to shake up government even further if Reform prevails. Is that necessary? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Keir Starmer change?
There have been countless resets and changes of personnel in Number 10 but so far little has changed in terms of Keir Starmer’s style of leadership. With the departure of Morgan McSweeney what should Starmer do to show he has learnt the lessons of his stormy premiership, or is it too late? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Keir Starmer survive?
With Westminster in a febrile state because of the Epstein-Mandelson scandal, pressure is growing on the Prime Minister. Is Britain really going to change leaders yet again? This would be the seventh PM in ten years. What is wrong with our system that this keeps happening? Plus, who is winning in local government between Reform and the Lib Dems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
What does the Mandelson downfall mean?
For such a powerful politician, a key lieutenant to three Labour prime ministers, to be so dramatically disgraced is a seismic moment. As Downing St reels from the latest revelations, our team debates whether the end of Peter Mandelson's unique career marks the close of an entire generation's chapter - and what kind of Labour politics might now follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo
Will Reform destroy the Tories?
As another senior defector moves from the Conservative party to Reform, our team asks if the battle on the right is going to lead to Reform replacing the Conservatives? Plus… if Labour loses the forthcoming by-election what happens to Keir Starmer? And where does the Burnham saga leave the party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does Labour's leadership kerfuffle ignore global challenges?
In our weekend episode, Miranda, Tim and Iain chew over the international tensions laid bare this week, and ask whether Andy Burnham or other potential rivals to Starmer have answers to the wider questiions of the age. Warning: contains pyjamas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How should Britain deal with Trump?
As the threats on Greenland and tariffs from the president ramp up, our team debates the substance and the impact on US allies. For the UK, is it all about defence strategy and spending? Or is there even more at stake? Argy-bargy ensues about Starmer's foreign policy and the stance of opposition parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jenrick defection: what does the split on the Right mean?
Is the British Right going deeper into crisis or is it mending? The Not Another One team examine the implications of Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. And Steve quizzes Tim about the role he played in the now former Tory MP's move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is Wes Streeting Up To?
The team discuss the importance of character in politics via Peter Mandelson, Nadhim Zahawi, Donald Trump and Wes Streeting. The health secretary appeared to criticise allies of Keir Starmer in his latest punchy intervention. What is Streeting’s plan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens if the Iranian regime is toppled?
In this weekend edition, Tim Montgomerie and Iain Martin discuss the unfolding counter-revolution as brave protestors take on the regime. What are the implications if the uprising is successful? And why was the media here so slow to give these events the coverage they merit? Plus - Brexit is back, with Labour pushing hard for a much closer relationship with the EU and Nigel Farage pledging to
What on earth just happened?
Our team returns for the New Year episode to debate President Trump's extraordinary foreign policy. Are Greenland and Iran next after Venezuela, and how is the landscape of global threats (and alliances) shifting. How should the UK and the rest of NATO react? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Politics in 2026: what lies ahead?
As 2025 turns into 2026, the NAO team look at the critical May elections and beyond. What will the impact be if Labour gets wiped out in Scotland, Wales and local government? And will the fragmentation of the party system lead to parties on the left and ri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A festive special: listeners' questions.
At the end of an eventful year in politics, the team takes on questions from our NAO listeners. Everything from who would make the best 'once and future' PM to whether we are burying the mistakes born of recent turbulent times. Plus: do we get really cross with each other? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can no government reform Whitehall?
This week Reform’s Danny Kruger set out his plans to modernise the civil service while the current government is supposed to be carrying out its own reforms. But nothing is happening. Virtually every government identifies a need to improve the civil service and then backs away from significant change. Why? Plus, are Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham getting ready to challenge Keir Starmer next year?
Not Another One Live
In the first of our festive specials Not Another One is live at the Centre for Social Justice for a review of the year. Why is Sir Keir Starmer vulnerable already? Will Reform or the Tories be the main alternative to Labour at the election? Is this the end of two party politics? Plus brilliant questions from the audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are big donors a boon or a burden to political parties?
With news of Reform UK's record £9m donation, our weekend episode finds the team reunited to explore whether money from individuals or organisations implies something in return. Should Britain opt for state funding of political parties? Or is going back to mass membership a better approach and a predictor of success? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Post-Budget storm: A media frenzy or fatal for Starmer and Reeves?
Since the Budget the main question in the media and from some of the government’s political opponents has been did Rachel Reeves deliberately mislead? But is the Chancellor’s integrity the right target for her many opponents? Is the substance of the Budget getting less attention than it deserves from supporters and opponents? Plus, is this the end of juries and Your Party? Hosted on Acast. Se
Have Reeves and Starmer saved themselves with their Budget?
After all that drama, did the government get away with the Budget? Was Kemi Badenoch’s attack on the Chancellor a criticism too far or a justified direct hit? The NAO team agree that the UK’s lack of growth is the cause of disillusionment with mainstream parties, but how should we secure higher growth? Has the Budget made that even harder? And which party benefits from the emergence of t
What can Rachel Reeves learn from recent Chancellors?
As Rachel Reeves prepares for the most talked about budget in decades we discuss a galaxy of previous chancellors often facing epic challenges. Standby for portraits of Healey, Howe, Lamont, Brown and Osborne, and of course the team’s latest reflections of Reeves as she prepares for this Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does Shabana Mahmood have the right answers on asylum?
Via a brief pre-Budget detour, the team debates the Home Secretary's major new policy. Will it work? Is it hardline for one set of critics and not tough enough for the rest? Stop the boats was a slogan that sunk the previous government. Will the substance or the positioning be more dangerous to this one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where has Labour's chaotic week left the PM?
High drama has dominated as the Chancellor signals a huge u-turn on Budget tax plans, while briefings designed to shore up Keir Starmer backfired on Number 10 in spectacular fashion. In this weekend's episode the team focus on dysfunction, paranoia and rivalry at the very top. How much trouble is the government in? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is this the end for the BBC?
With the Director General and BBC head of news fired in the wake of a scandal over President Trump and bias, our team ask whether the Beeb is doomed. Or is this yet another confected media row? And how is journalism changing? Plus - what is the latest on Starmer and the looming Budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can either Labour or Reform afford to break their tax promises?
An early morning speech from the chancellor to pledge fiscal stability and flag tax rises, while the main challenger for Downing Street overturns his party's fiscal platform. The team discuss the fix Rachel Reeves is in and whether Nigel Farage is now choosing to play by the rules of mainstream politics. Plus: Dick Cheney's role as Veep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes a very British scandal?
In such different ways, the story of Andrew Windsor's downfall and the chancellor's local rental embarrassment reveal how we regard and treat crimes and misdemeanours by the British establishment. In this weekend episode, the team find they have a clash of interpretations on both stories - and on the role of the media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Whitehall broken and how might it be repaired?
In the latest episode our team discuss three pressing issues, including the state of the civil service and government concern that the machine is not fit for purpose. Plus, the OBR. Has the government put too much faith in the pronouncements of the Office for Budget Responsibility? Is this approach crippling British policymaking? And Tim, Steve and Iain assess the quality of today’s MPs. Has there
Caerphilly by-election: Is this the death of the Labour Party?
Labour and the Conservatives together secured only 13 per cent of the vote in the Caerphilly by-election. In what had been a Labour stronghold for a century the governing party was crushed. Does the Plaid Cymru win, with Reform in second place, point to a wider political earthquake? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Red alerts! Prince Andrew, government borrowing and UK-China ties
The Not Another One team discuss the challenges facing the royal family, the Rachel Reeves situation and Britain's troubled relationship with the world's second biggest economy - China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What can we learn from the rise of the Greens?
With the two main parties shedding support can "ecopopulism" on the left mimic Reform's surge on the right? Our team are all here for this weekend edition pondering Zack Polanski's leadership and the potential threat to other parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will President Trump’s Gaza peace plan work?
After the extraordinary events in the Middle East, our team discuss the prospects for an enduring peace. Are there too many contradictions in the President’s plan? Or might reconstruction make enough of a difference to guarantee a long term peaceful resolution? Plus our team consider the role of Tony Blair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are Badenoch and Starmer safe for now from leadership challenges?
At the end of the party conference season, our team ask why the Tory and Labour leaders have emerged stronger from the last few weeks. And across the parties what are the wider lessons to draw from the conference season? Plus, the team discuss the looming budget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Kemi Badenoch survive her make or break conference?
With Tim joining from Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Iain and Miranda discuss some of his surprising insights from milling around with former Tory colleagues. Plus, disappointment for one of Reform's flagship new councils. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are the country’s real challenges being ignored in party conference season?
As the Tory party gathers in Manchester for its party conference the team debates whether the economic dilemmas in the run up to the Budget have been airbrushed out of the discussion. Plus: the risks of Starmer using the "r" word and the extent to which the Tory party is doomed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has Keir Starmer found his voice?
After Keir Starmer’s speech to the Labour conference the team discuss whether he is right in his framing of the battle with Reform. And the degree to which he has secured his leadership and for how long. Plus, why was there no mention of digital ID cards and hardly any reference to the Conservative party. Will any of it matter when taxes are raised in the budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri
Is Reform getting enough scrutiny?
In this latest weekend edition the team answer questions from listeners on Reform, Tory defections and whether or not we the public are too insulting to politicians. Plus, what is the government? Is anyone really in charge? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do the Liberal Democrats become more relevant in a landslide parliament?
As the Liberal Democrats conference ends in Bournemouth, Miranda has returned with a five point plan to move the party on to the next phase (or phase two as Keir Starmer might put it). But does she convince the rest of the Not Another One team? Plus Iain is back from his holiday with some book recommendations and a wine that is both “simple and complex”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
To what extent do defections to Reform deepen the crisis facing Kemi Badenoch?
A senior Tory frontbencher, Danny Kruger, has defected to Reform. Others might follow. How can a Tory leader flourish when the momentum is with Nigel Farage and Reform?Steve Richards presents Rock N Roll Politics live at the main concert hall, Kings Place on Thursday 25th September. Tickets available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who would succeed Keir Starmer?
There is much speculation about whether Keir Starmer will be Prime Minister…but who would replace him? What are the chances for Andy Burnham? Would the winner of the deputy leadership contest have a chance? Tim and Steve explore the implications of the crises whirling around Keir Starmer after the departures of Angela Rayner and Peter Mandelson.Steve Richards presents Rock N Roll Politic
Will Farage take Tim's advice on reforming Reform?
Fresh from the party's conference in Birmingham, Tim Montgomerie suggests a five-point plan of the steps necessary to take Reform from its current high but limited support base to the next level. Some of his advice is about policy but some about tackling unsavoury elements - will Nigel Farage, Reform party leader, listen? Steve Richards and Miranda Green have no choice as Tim takes the chair for t
A reshuffle and a vacancy: A new start or big trouble ahead?
Angela Rayner’s departure has triggered a deputy leadership contest and an extensive reshuffle… some restive Labour MPs stir…fearing new levels of control freakery and incompetence …others wonder whether this reset might lead to a more effective government…Who is right? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who is wrapping themselves in the flag and why?
The team considers whether draping and painting the Union flag or the cross of St George over public spaces is patriotic or aggressive. Do we have a uniquely reluctant attitude to the UK flag or is a commendably undemonstrative national mindset now under threat from a sinister and exclusive nationalism? Warning: contains frank disagreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati
Is Keir Starmer’s reset a threat to Rachel Reeves?
The Prime Minister has attempted to boost his team in Number 10, not least by appointing an adviser on economic policy and moving Darren Jones from the Treasury to oversee policy from Number 10. Some interpret the change as an attempt to challenge Reeves, who had total control over economic policy in opposition and the government’s opening months, but how undermining are the changes? Our team asks
Has Farage got a credible plan to stop the boats?
Nigel Farage has announced his plan that he claims would stop all illegal immigration. It includes leaving the ECHR and sending asylum seekers back to countries even if they face the threat of torture or death. Will it work politically in the short term for Reform and practically if Farage becomes Prime Minister. And how should a Labour government - preoccupied by Reform - respond, not least when
What would you do if you became Prime Minister?
In our latest weekend magazine edition, the team are asked to imagine what they would do if “the ball came loose from the back of the scrum” and they won power. Which policies would they prioritise? From boosting housing, to tackling anti-social behaviour, expanding continuous vocational education and training, banning cycling on pavements and mandating the pint-sized bottle of champagne
Why is Starmer's government so unpopular?
Is it just "the economy stupid" or is there a deeper malaise stoking impatience with Starmer this summer, so soon after his 2024 win? Our team ponders the context wonders and whether or not the failures are all Labour's responsibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Question Time: the rematch
With the others away, Tim and Miranda tackle some of the posers for the team that got left out of last week's episode. Keep your questions coming in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does Lammy's friendship with JD Vance tell us?
The Veep seems an unlikely holidaymaker in the UK but the foreign secretary has been wooing him for a long time. Our team discuss political friendships across the divide, including our own. Plus: Badenoch and Britishness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Question time: Is there too much doom and gloom?
In this listeners’ question time episode, the team tackle a wide range of subjects. Is there too much doom and gloom? Is it time for ID cards? Could any government raise income tax? Why has the country forgotten Covid? And a listener asks: who are we? A good question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has any party got a policy to stop the boats?
An intense political battle is being fought over August, normally quiet in Westminster. It centres on the small boats and wider migration issues. But amidst the conflicting claims and policy ideas the boats keep on coming. The movement of people is a global crisis at least as challenging as the crash of 2008. Are leaders in Britain and elsewhere even close to meeting it? Hosted on Acast. See acast
What is the role of uncertainty in politics?
Is UK politics obsessed with certainty in an uncertain age? The terms of debate often demand that politicians and even the media adopt a fixed position and argue from strong convictions. This weekend's episode explores the virtues of doubt and pragmatism during a period of tumult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How will Starmer navigate his difficult summer?
With numerous crises to contend with on both the domestic and diplomatic front, Downing Street is hunkered down, looking towards an autumn Budget and a party conference speech from the PM that minimises or moves past this difficult phase in the life of the government. What might work? Unsolicited advice from the team as we ennumerate all his challanges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m
