Business Without Bullsh-t

Hot Button Issues Bingo: Immigration, Brexit & Trump. Tariffs, China & Russia (oh my!)

Apr 2, 2025

01:03:41

EP 378 - Political scientist Anand Menon joins us this week to talk about the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the choices facing the UK in a rapidly changing world.

We discuss how we all need to redraw a mental map of the “Western Alliance” as a result of the Trump administration, how the UK government is walking a diplomatic tightrope between the US and the EU and why their positive drive for growth could get derailed by events outside of their control.

Anand brings evidence, rather than opinion and ideology to the table. Which helps navigate emotionally charged issues such as whether immigration is good for the economy, and why the net immigration numbers are set to fall (hint, it’s nothing to do with small boats).

We even managed to have a sensible conversation about Brexit, the pros, the cons, the winners and the losers who are likely to pay the highest price for it. It might not be who you think.

As Anand says, “people tell us, that the reason that they listen to us is that they don’t know what we are going to say”

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Anand Menon

02:21 Meet Anand

03:14 Brexit's Psychological and Political Impact

03:32 Trump's Influence on Global Politics

09:06 UK's Immigration System: Challenges and Changes

21:25 Economic and Social Consequences of Brexit

34:48 Historical Reflections and Trade Realities

36:57 Brexit's Timing and Globalisation Challenges

38:02 Political Nuances and Public Opinion