Paul Embery

People have always fought back against “The elite”, and until recently they were easily recognisable: rich, privileged and often born into money. Old Etonians, billionaires, oil barons, media tycoons ruled the roost, but there are claims things are changing, and the rise of a new elite is challenging the status quo. Author Matthew Goodwin calls them a group of “radical woke middle-class liberals completely out of step with the public”. University graduates working in creative industries, media and universities, who have an heavy influence over the national conversation about things like immigration, trans rights and sex education, but critics say they don’t represent “ordinary folk”, and as a result communities are feeling unrepresented and left behind. So who is in charge, or is there an unlikely, and unknowing, coalition between the two – the new elite dominating social discourse and cultural discussion, whilst the traditional elite pull the strings of politics and economics? This is the next chapter of the culture wars – but while the pair of them battle it out for supremacy, much of the country struggles on day-to-day watching from the side lines.Presenter: Neil Maggs Producer: Jonathan IAnson Editor: Clare FordhamContributors Matt Goodwin, Professor of Politics, University of Kent and author "Values, Voice and Virtue". George Monbiot, Author, journalist and environmental campaigner Dr Lisa McKenzie, research fellow, University of Durham, writer and anarchist Bob & Lee, builders Dr Rakib Ehsan, Social policy analyst and author "Beyond Grievance" Baroness Tina Stowell of Beeston Paul Embery, Firefighter, trade unionist and writer Tom, boxing club owner Aaron Bastani, Broadcaster and founder of Novara Media

In this conversation, Paul Embery, a left-wing trade unionist and commentator, critiques Britain’s political landscape, taking aim at figures like Keir Starmer. He discusses the abandonment of the working class by the Labour Party and warns of what he calls the 'Lebanon-isation' of Britain due to hard multiculturalism. Embery highlights the growing disconnect between the political elite and ordinary people, and he calls for a reevaluation of free expression in the face of rising identity politics.

Ella Whelan, a Spike columnist, and Paul Embery, a trade unionist, dive into the contentious topic of Labour's potential blasphemy laws surrounding Islam. They discuss the implications for free speech and the societal risks of such regulations. The conversation shifts to Labour's declining popularity, linking it to a disconnect from working-class voters, and the rise of the Reform Party. They also tackle Trump's controversial order banning male athletes from women's sports, raising questions about fairness in competition amid changing gender policies.

Ian Acheson, a senior advisor at the Counter-Extremism Project, and Paul Embery, author of "Despised," engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle the controversial shooting of Chris Kaba and the attempt to frame him as a British martyr. The conversation also highlights the unsettling narrative surrounding the death of rioter Peter Lynch, questioning the justice system's handling of mental health. They delve into America's political discontent and the polarized responses to racial incidents, revealing the complexities behind the 'anti-racist' discourse.

Paul Embery, a writer, trade unionist, and Labour Brexiteer, discusses Labour's Brexit stance, focusing on maintaining promises to working-class voters. Topics include Rachel Reeves' plans for the EU, Brexit's impact on Red Wall constituencies, managing immigration post-Brexit, and evolving attitudes towards immigration within the Labour party and trade union movement.