Intelligence Squared Ken Clarke: The Big Beast of British Politics
Dec 3, 2019
Ken Clarke, a veteran Conservative MP known for his pragmatic approach, shares candid reflections on his 49 years in politics. He delves into the complexities of Brexit, advocating for a pragmatic stance while critiquing current strategies. The conversation touches on the challenges of political identity and the distrust in politicians spurred by social media. Clarke also discusses voter dynamics and the implications of the first-past-the-post system on governance, all while pondering his legacy with a mix of humor and insight.
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Aitken-Humphrys Incident
- John Humphrys recalls a time Ken Clarke saved his career.
- A politician, Jonathan Aitken, criticized Humphrys, but Clarke defended him.
Generational Divide
- Ken Clarke acknowledges a generational shift in political perspectives.
- Each generation criticizes the next, believing things were better in their time.
Declining Public Trust
- Public trust in politicians is dangerously low.
- People are more cynical, impacting how democracies function.