Libby Purves

Hugo Rifkind, a political commentator, is joined by James Marriott, a keen observer of modern issues, and Libby Purves, an ethics-focused broadcaster. They dive into the BBC's responsibility regarding the Huw Edwards controversy and investigate whether Britain has lost touch with regional identities. The trio discusses the decline of Anglo-Saxon names and the diminishing presence of regional accents in a London-centric media landscape. Plus, Judge Libby tackles ethical dilemmas, from recycling practices to the pressures on political spouses.

Libby Purves, a seasoned commentator, joins James Marriott, a columnist from The Times, to dissect the implications of Rachel Reeves' questionable CV claims. They discuss the shifting UK defense spending in light of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the public's evolving stance on military involvement. The duo also tackles the ethical dilemmas in journalism, touching on corporate gift-giving. With a dash of humor, they explore societal impacts on extremism and the nostalgic charm of analogue photography versus the convenience of smartphones.

Libby Purves, a veteran BBC broadcaster and columnist, joins journalist James Marriott to dissect the fallout from Trump's threat of a $1 billion lawsuit over an edited BBC Panorama clip. They delve into the challenges of maintaining BBC impartiality amidst personal biases and media scrutiny. The conversation also touches on welfare reforms, including the two-child benefit cap, and societal pressures affecting NHS staff. Plus, they explore the rich evolution of language driven by the internet and debate social implications of naming conventions.

In this lively discussion, Ed Vaizey, a seasoned political figure, shares insights on the government's ambitious plans as Parliament resumes. Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves delve into the proposed overhaul of school inspections, advocating for a shift from Ofsted's one-word judgments to a more nuanced report card approach. They explore the implications of such reforms for students and educators. The trio also light-heartedly debates whether politicians should dance publicly, alongside serious discussions on the complexities of current political dynamics.

Michael Cockerell, a seasoned political filmmaker known for interviewing UK prime ministers, joins Ed Vaizey to explore the craft behind political documentaries. They dissect the impact of Keir Starmer's call for national renewal and its reception. Libby Purves and Robin Brant weigh in on leadership changes within Labour and reflect on Liz Truss's tumultuous time in office. The conversation also reveals the intricacies of portraying political figures authentically on screen and the challenges faced by filmmakers in this revealing genre.