Episodes

  • How will the UK handle the energy crisis?

    How will the UK handle the energy crisis?
    Mar 25 2026
    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.
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    40 mins
  • Is the Iran war a disaster?

    Is the Iran war a disaster?
    Mar 18 2026
    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.
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    56 mins
  • Is there a good outcome in Iran?

    Is there a good outcome in Iran?
    Mar 11 2026
    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.
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    53 mins
  • Will war in the Middle East drive the US and Britain apart?

    Will war in the Middle East drive the US and Britain apart?
    Mar 4 2026
    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    52 mins
  • By-election special - will the Green earthquake break the party system?

    By-election special - will the Green earthquake break the party system?
    Feb 27 2026
    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 information.
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    37 mins
  • The Mandelson Files - are we going to learn too much?

    The Mandelson Files - are we going to learn too much?
    Feb 25 2026
    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 Education Secretary’s SEND reforms work? And the team assess the prospects ahead of this week’s crucial by-election.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    59 mins
  • Is the Royal Family under threat?

    Is the Royal Family under threat?
    Feb 20 2026

    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.
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    36 mins
  • Will Farage’s top team boost or reduce his chances of reaching Number 10?

    Will Farage’s top team boost or reduce his chances of reaching Number 10?
    Feb 18 2026
    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 more information.
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    50 mins