Michael Simmons

Amanda Spielman, the former Chief Inspector of Ofsted, brings her extensive knowledge in education to discuss the challenges surrounding the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. She sheds light on the unintended consequences of the 2014 overhaul and questions the effectiveness of teaching assistants. Michael Simmons highlights the looming fiscal crisis for local authorities and the impact of COVID-19 on children's education. Together, they explore the troubling political landscape as Labour grapples with how to properly support disabled children without fracturing.

Hugh Schofield, a seasoned journalist, sheds light on the plight of Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, questioning why there’s little movement to secure his release. Michael Simmons delves into concerns about frivolous funding, cautioning against backing potentially harmful organizations. Lisa Haseldine explores the alarming parallels between the rise of Germany's AfD and the tumultuous Weimar era. Alice Loxton reviews the chilling accounts of female killers in early modern Britain, while Aidan Hartley reflects on family ties and the impact of uncovering a secret half-brother.

Join Michael Simmons, Data Editor at The Spectator, as he analyzes the UK's economic turmoil. He discusses Rachel Reeves' surprising resilience amidst sharp criticism about borrowing costs and stagnant GDP. They explore the impact of the Bank of England's policies on the economy and compare the UK's stagnation with the US's growth. The conversation pivots to the challenges in housing policy and the lingering effects of the pandemic on infrastructure. Simmons also probes the paradoxes faced by newly elected Labour MPs caught between ideals and reality.