180. Question Time: Is Suella Braverman pretending to be right-wing?
Oct 11, 2023
auto_awesome
The podcast dives into whether Keir Starmer may support proportional representation and critiques the Tory right's opportunism. It tackles the complexities of a proposed wealth tax as a fix for adult social care funding. The discussion also navigates the UK’s move towards net zero emissions, examining the impact of environmental taxes amidst rising populism. Additionally, the speakers reflect on government decision-making challenges and the evolution of language teaching, emphasizing immersive experiences in learning.
27:42
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The need for a reevaluation of the current electoral system and inclusion of proportional representation in Labour's manifesto.
The challenges faced by the Green movement in implementing tougher climate change policies and the importance of an effective response to climate change.
Deep dives
Importance of Radical Change in Politics
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the need for a radical change in the way politics is done. They argue that the current electoral system, particularly in Westminster, needs to be reevaluated. The speaker reflects on their own journey of changing views on proportional representation and suggests that a review of electoral systems should be included in Labour's manifesto. The speaker also highlights the importance of political education in schools, advocating for teaching primary school children the basics of politics and political history.
Challenges of Green Climate Policies
The podcast episode addresses the decreasing support for Green Climate policies in Europe, as seen in recent elections. The speaker suggests that the earlier progress made in environmental policies, such as shifting from coal to gas, might have been seen as low-hanging fruit. However, as the focus shifts towards tougher decisions for achieving net zero, which may involve imposing taxes on energy and fuel, the Green movement faces challenges. The rise of populist movements, who capitalize on cultural and immigration issues, adds to these challenges. The speaker emphasizes the need for a coherent and effective response to climate change.
Debate on Wealth Tax and Language Learning
The podcast episode delves into the debate around implementing a wealth tax and the importance of language learning. Regarding the wealth tax, the speaker explains that Labour party's reluctance to adopt it stems from wanting to present themselves as a party not committed to high taxation and avoiding impacting the majority of people who own houses. Instead, they are focused on promoting growth and prioritizing investment in the North. On language learning, the speakers discuss the value of learning languages and potential changes in language education, highlighting the need for broader language options like Chinese and Arabic, as well as keeping language learning enjoyable and focusing on conversation and immersion.
Would Keir Starmer embrace proportional representation? Is the Tory right just a group of political entrepreneurs using their hardline views to climb the greasy pole? Is a wealth tax the only way to address the problem of funding adult social care? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more on this week’s Question Time.
TRIP Plus:
Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.