Political writer and commentator Ian Dunt discusses the broken UK political system, accountability for lies, wasteful spending, and confusing tax policies. The conversation explores flaws in governance, fiscal studies, investments, media coverage, Brexit fallout, inefficiencies in healthcare, and the impact of public trust on the economy.

“We surely live in the stupidest possible era of debate about free speech,” says Ian Dunt. When a key arbiter of free expression is the smirking tech bro who owns Twitter, he might be right. How did the right to express yourself freely get hijacked by reactionaries? Are progressives really a threat to freedom of speech?Dorian Lynskey and Ian delve back in time from the printing press and its early “paper bullets” via the surprisingly racy life of John Stuart Mill right up to the First Amendment of the US Constitution and our current panics over woke, hate speech and cancel culture. How did shouting “free speech” become an instant way to shut down debate?Support Origin Story to get extra episodes and more at https://www.patreon.com/originstorypod “If somebody tries to make their point about freedom of speech by using a cartoon on the internet, they’ve probably simplified it a bit.” – Dorian Lynskey “There is a choice not between order and liberty, it is between liberty with order and anarchy without either.” – Justice Robert H Jackson “The whole story of free speech is the story of doubt.” – Ian Dunt Reading ListFrom IanJacob Mchangama – Free Speech: A Global History From Socrates To Social MediaJohn Rees – The Leveller RevolutionJohn Stuart Milll – On LibertyThe Complete Works Of Harriet Taylor Mill – Editor Jo Ellen JacobsRichard Reeve – John Stuart Mill: Victorian FirebrandFrom DorianAnthony Lewis — Freedom for the Thought That We Hate: A Biography of the First AmendmentSuzanne Nossel — Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for AllNat Hentoff – Free Speech for Me But Not for Thee: How the American Left and Right Relentlessly Censor Each OtherStanley Fish — There’s No Such Thing as Free SpeechSamuel P Nelson — Beyond the First Amendment: The Politics of Free Speech and PluralismKarl Popper — The Open Society and Its EnemiesFlemming Rose — Tyranny of SilencePE Moskowitz — The Case Against Free SpeechRichard Delgado and Jean Stefancic — Must We Defend Nazis?: Why the First Amendment Should Not Protect Hate Speech and White SupremacyHenry Louis Gates Jr — Let Them TalkGeorge Orwell — Freedom of the ParkHerbert Marcuse — Repressive ToleranceWritten and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production and music by Jade Bailey. Logo art by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Dunt, a political journalist and author of "Centrism: The Story of an Idea," joins Labour MP Nadia Whittome, known for her advocacy on cost of living and social justice. They dissect the Conservative Party's internal chaos, casting a spotlight on Keir Starmer's leadership amid wobbly poll numbers. Dunt shares insights into the ideology of centrism and its impact on the Labour Party's future, while Whittome offers a hopeful outlook on new government initiatives. Expect a discussion on the blurring lines of political polarization and a shocking Tory candidate elimination!

Laura Tingle, Bruce Shapiro, and Ian Dunt discuss Julian Assange's release, the AUKUS alliance, and their memorable stories over the years. They analyze the upcoming leaders debate, the shifting political landscapes in the UK and Australia, and the evolution of political journalism. The podcast also touches on a terrifying cafe stabbing incident, mental health impact, and national crisis due to over-incarceration. Farewells to contributors are bid with teasers for future episodes.

Political journalist Ian Dunt joins James O'Brien to explore the hidden webs of power in the UK and reflect on the bruisers of British politics. They discuss the decline of public discourse, the chaotic political landscape under Liz Truss, and the manipulative tactics of influential think tanks. A candid and unmissable conversation for understanding the state of the nation.