James O'Brien Daily Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner admits not paying enough tax
Sep 3, 2025
Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor of The Guardian, joins the discussion, shedding light on the scrutiny faced by politicians. The conversation delves into Angela Rayner's tax oversight and its fallout within the political landscape. They tackle the controversial proposal of digital ID cards and their implications on privacy and security. The episode also touches on the alarming decline in birth rates in the UK and Greece, exploring how financial considerations impact family planning decisions. Together, they navigate the intricate world of politics with wit and insight.
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Liberty Versus Security Tradeoff
- Digital ID raises a trade-off between security and civil liberty that may be regretted later.
- James O'Brien warns that sacrificing liberty for security often backfires.
Street Hiring That Avoided Taxes
- James recounts seeing men hired informally from street corners in Hammersmith, often paid off-books.
- He uses this to explain why a digital ID might normalise taxpaying and reduce exploitation.
Mission Creep Risk For Universal ID
- Privacy concerns focus on how a universal ID could expand beyond job checks into broader surveillance.
- James asks whether convenience justifies potential mission creep and future misuse.