Richard Brooks

Richard Brooks, a journalist with deep insight into the UK's steel industry, unpacks the British Steel debacle and its implications, including its Chinese ownership. He discusses the challenges the industry faces, like reliance on foreign investment, and critiques short-sighted government policies. The conversation shifts to 'Yank Avoidance,' revealing how political shifts impact travel perceptions and experiences. Lastly, the podcast navigates the evolving podcasting landscape, highlighting the need for innovation in content creation.

Private Eye podcast discusses the long-standing Post Office scandal, Mirror Hacking debacle, and profits on Teesside. They cover the drama behind the post office scandal, the remarkable whistleblower Alan Bates, flaws in the post office system, media scandals, legal battles for transparency, and insightful US primary election coverage.

Richard Brooks, an investigative journalist for Private Eye, discusses the controversial knighthood of Ehud Sheleg and the ethical questions surrounding financial donations in politics. Adam McQueen, a constitutional historian, reflects on Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable presence on the magazine’s cover during her reign. They explore the complexities of foreign donations and the challenges of satirizing the monarchy, while also celebrating Brenda's numerous appearances that blend humor with royal narratives.

Richard Brooks and Solomon Hughes, contributors to Private Eye, shine a light on the murky waters of MPs' second jobs and the ethical dilemmas surrounding them. They discuss their recent intervention with Ian Hislop before the Parliamentary Committee on Standards, challenging the transparency of MPs' financial interests. The duo exposes the tension between current regulations and public expectations while delving into how lobbying influences political decisions. Expect lively debate on transparency, accountability, and the complex relationships between money and politics!

Richard Brooks, an investigative journalist, and Solomon Hughes, a former journalist now focused on transparency, return to dive into the ongoing failures of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA). They discuss the controversial revolving door between government and corporate roles, highlighting embarrassing case studies and systemic flaws. Meanwhile, Ian Hislop, the editor, addresses public backlash against a provocative magazine cover featuring Prince Philip and David Cameron, exploring the fine line between humor and outrage.