Labour MP Stella Creasy, Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards, and The Trawl podcast's host Marina Purkiss discuss Keir Starmer's performance at the Labour Party Conference and the best political orators throughout history. They also explore the appeal of the occult and irrational beliefs in a bonus segment.
Keir Starmer's conference speech emphasizes the need to challenge planning regulations and considers the idea of building new towns.
The Labour Party conference projects a government-in-waiting image with a sense of responsibility, ready to tackle the country's problems.
The podcast episode discusses the Israeli-Gaza conflict and its potential ramifications on the broader region, including involvement of Iran and Hezbollah.
Deep dives
Labour Party conference focuses on new towns and planning regulations
Labour Party conference discusses Keir Starmer's speech, which explores the idea of building new towns and bulldozing planning regulations. The speaker emphasizes the need to challenge the myth of the untouched British countryside and highlights that most of the UK is not genuinely wild or undeveloped. Specific regions, such as the Scottish Highlands and rural Wales, are mentioned as areas where new towns should not be built. Overall, the conference speech highlights the importance of reevaluating planning rules and considerations for new town development.
Forward-looking optimism amidst challenges discussed at Labour Party conference
The Labour Party conference reflects a positive and optimistic atmosphere, as attendees express excitement and enthusiasm. However, there is also a sense of pragmatism and awareness of the challenges faced by the party, such as the uncertainty surrounding the next election and the constraints of governing in difficult circumstances. The conference emphasizes the need for measured approaches and the willingness to adapt to changing situations. Overall, the conference projects a government-in-waiting image, ready to tackle the country's problems with a sense of responsibility.
Israeli-Gaza conflict and potential regional tensions discussed
The podcast episode highlights the Israeli defense force preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, expressing concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict involving Lebanon and Syria. It mentions the previous ground invasion in 2014, which resulted in a significant number of casualties. The episode explores speculation about potential involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in the conflict, while recognizing uncertainties regarding both the extent of their involvement and the regional consequences of their actions. Overall, the discussion delves into the immediate and potential ramifications of the Israeli-Gaza conflict on the broader region.
Labour's conference speech inspires hope amidst the challenges of governance
The podcast episode analyzes Keir Starmer's conference speech, highlighting key moments that resonated with the audience. The speaker appreciates Starmer's emphasis on the everyday struggles faced by people due to the cost of living crisis, contrasted with the lack of pleasure in their lives. The speech addresses the need for a better society that allows people to enjoy life and seeks to improve their well-being. It discusses reactions from the conservatives, indicating a sense of panic as they attempt to draw attention away from the success of the Labour conference. Overall, the speech aims to instill hope and distinguish Labour's commitment to addressing people's issues.
Labour's engagement with nationalism and focus on patriotism at the conference
At the conference, Keir Starmer reaffirms Labour's skepticism towards Scottish nationalism while acknowledging the need to address concerns and make a positive case for Scotland in the union. The episode highlights the difficulty of overcoming the support for independence in Scotland and the challenge of convincing voters to choose Labour. It also explores Starmer's patriotic approach, emphasizing an active engagement in making the country better and promoting solidarity among citizens. The discussion touches on the complexity of patriotism and the importance of conveying a positive vision for Scotland within the union.
The Labour Party Conference is over – Keir Starmer glittered, but did he shine? We’ve got reaction from Labour MP Stella Creasy,Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards and The Trawl podcast’s Marina Purkiss. The panel also discusses the best political orators from the past and present. And in the extra bit for subscribers – what's the scary new appeal of the occult and the irrational?
“It was quite bizarre really to be somewhere so normal.” – Jacob Jarvis.
“It was an unremarkable speech and quite dull in places… but you know what – I do have a lot of time for that.” – Seth Thevoz
Presented by Ros Taylor with Seth Thevoz, Yasmeen Serhan and managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.