The Edition: Industry tragedy, Trump vs the Pope & the depressing reality of sex parties

Jan 23, 2025

This week, Matthew Lynn, an author and commentator on British industry, and Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, discuss the alarming decline of British manufacturing and the potential for a zero-industrial society. They explore the repercussions of foreign ownership and job losses, highlighting the need for policy change. Switching gears, the conversation shifts to the Vatican's political maneuvering against the Trump administration. Finally, the uncomfortable reality of sex parties is examined, revealing a landscape of disappointment far from the expected excitement.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Struggle of British Manufacturing

01:33 • 16min

Embracing Ugliness for Economic Growth

17:04 • 2min

Political Maneuvering in the Vatican: The Trump-Pope Spat

18:35 • 4min

Understanding Trump's Appeal Among Catholic Voters

22:34 • 2min

Faith and Politics: Tensions Unveiled

24:17 • 5min

The Complex Allure of Sex Parties

29:23 • 12min

This week: the death of British industry

In the cover piece for the magazine, Matthew Lynn argues that Britain is in danger of entering a ‘zero-industrial society’. The country that gave the world the Industrial Revolution has presided over a steep decline in British manufacturing. He argues there are serious consequences: foreign ownership, poorer societies, a lack of innovation, and even national security concerns. Why has this happened? Who is to blame? And could Labour turn it around? Matthew joined the podcast, alongside the head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Paul Nowak. (1:05)

Next: the Pope takes on President Trump

The Pope has nominated Cardinal Robert McElroy to be the new Archbishop of Washington. Damian Thompson writes that on the face of it, this might sound like a routine appointment, but the reality is that this is retaliation against the Trump administration. for the nomination of an arch-MAGA loyalist, and uncompromising Catholic, as the new ambassador to the Holy See. Subsequently, the Vatican has appointed an outspoken liberal. What does this tell us about the power of both the Papacy and the President? And how much sway does the Catholic hierarchy really have in Trump’s America? Damian joined us to reveal more, alongside our deputy editor Freddy Gray, who has been in D.C. for Trump’s inauguration. (19:02)

And finally: what are sex parties really like?

Far from being a sexy affair, sex parties are depressing, with most attendees leaving unfulfilled and rather disappointed, writes James Innes-Smith. He says that he spent more time in the kitchen at a recent party than in the bedroom. So, what makes them appealing in the first place? Are people looking for connection in all the wrong places? James joined the podcast alongside Sophia Money-Coutts, who has written about the subject for Tatler magazine. (30:35)

Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

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