Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast Ian Dunt's UK: gender wars escalate and House of Lords reform stalls
Apr 29, 2025
Ian Dunt, a columnist with the 'i' and co-host of the Origin Story podcast, dives into pressing issues in UK politics. He discusses the implications of the Supreme Court ruling defining women based on biological sex, sparking significant backlash. Dunt also critiques stalled reforms in the House of Lords, advocating for the removal of hereditary peers to enhance democracy. The conversation touches on the growing divide in the UK regarding gender identity and examines how historical contexts are shaping current debates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mark Carney's Brexit Anecdote
- Mark Carney managed Brexit's financial risks calmly and methodically as Bank of England governor.
- Despite political backlash, he prioritized practical problem-solving over populist hype.
Hereditary Peers Stall Reform
- The UK House of Lords still includes 92 hereditary peers, a relic of outdated feudalism.
- Efforts to remove these peers and curb party political appointments have stalled, reflecting deep political entrenchment.
Value of Crossbench Peers
- The House of Lords works best when composed of independent crossbench peers with specialist expertise.
- Political appointments undermine this and weaken legislative scrutiny and credibility.