Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and known for his unique blend of politics and music, discusses his innovative TikTok strategies and the upcoming vote on Assisted Dying, revealing why he opposes the bill. He shares insights on supporting young carers through a charity Christmas single in collaboration with a choir. The conversation touches on the importance of modern political communication and the need for schools to recognize the challenges faced by young carers, all while adding a festive touch to the discussion.
Ed Davey emphasizes the Liberal Democrats' strategy to be constructive and hold the government accountable while engaging with younger audiences through social media.
Through the release of a Christmas single with young carers, he aims to raise awareness about their challenges and push for better support systems in schools.
Deep dives
Leadership and Team-Building in Politics
The discussion highlights the efforts of the Liberal Democrats' leader to strengthen his team following significant gains in parliamentary seats. By touring with new MPs, he aims to familiarize himself with their regions and foster a collaborative environment within the party. The leader has set a goal for the party to be the best opposition, focusing on being constructive and holding the government accountable while maintaining a positive tone. This strategy distinguishes his leadership from that of the Conservatives, who he believes have become ineffective in governing.
Critiquing Government Policies
The conversation covers the leader's stance on various government policies, including the taxation on agricultural land and national insurance contributions. He expresses concern about the impact these measures may have on small businesses and highlights the need for alternative methods of revenue generation. Additionally, while acknowledging some positive developments from the government, he stresses the necessity for them to listen to public concerns and deliver credible solutions, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and local government finance. This critique underscores the party's aim to offer constructive opposition while addressing pressing national issues.
The Importance of Supporting Young Carers
The leader emphasizes the unique challenges faced by young carers, sharing his personal experience as a young carer and the insights gained from working with organizations that support them. Through the release of a Christmas single involving young carers, he aims to raise awareness about their struggles and the resources available to them. He argues for better identification of young carers in schools to provide necessary support and mentions the need for consistent services across different regions. The goal is to ensure that young carers are recognized and that appropriate support structures are in place for their education and welfare.
Engaging with Public and Social Media
The leader discusses the evolving role of social media in politics, particularly the use of platforms like TikTok to connect with younger audiences. He states that engaging with these platforms can help bridge the gap between politicians and the public, making political discourse more accessible. This approach aims to combat the perception that politicians are out of touch, as it encourages creative ways of communicating important issues. By adapting his message to fit the platform's culture, he seeks not only to inform but also to inspire interest in political matters among a broader audience.
Today, Adam chats to Ed Davey about his tactics as an opposition party, including making TikToks about the “Rizz Dems”, as well as this week’s vote on Assisted Dying and why he’s voting against the bill.
Plus, Ed is the first leader of a major political party to release a Christmas single. He tells Adam about teaming up with the Bath Philharmonia's Young Carers' Choir to release the charity single, Love is Enough.
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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
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