Sunder Katwala

Penny Mordaunt, a former MP and author, discusses her motivation for writing about British traditions, linking them to national identity. Ceri Houlbrook, a folklorist, emphasizes how modern customs can be authentic and relevant. Sunder Katwala examines the role of rituals in shaping patriotism. Muriel Zagha reflects on the shared experience of queuing for the Queen's funeral as a communal ritual, while Dr. Uran Ferizi shares insights on Albanian traditions and identity. The conversation explores how traditions can unify communities and adapt to modernity.

Sunder Katwala leads British Future, focusing on immigration and identity. Alan Manning, an LSE professor, offers economic insights, while Madeleine Sumption analyzes migration trends from Oxford. Robert Colvile discusses policy implications. The group delves into public sentiment, revealing divides over immigration that mask agreement on specific groups, like Ukrainian refugees. They tackle the polarization fueled by media and politicians, advocating for honest discourse to bridge gaps in understanding and improve policy for a diverse UK.

Heather Stewart, the Guardian's economics editor, and Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, dive into pressing issues like the potential rise in income tax and its political fallout. Stewart explains the historic implications of tax changes, assessing political risks while suggesting compensatory measures. Katwala discusses the normalization of racist rhetoric in politics, linking online visibility of minorities to a rise in overt racism. Together, they explore how these dynamics are reshaping the UK's political landscape.

Lorna Woods, a key architect of the Online Safety Act, discusses its challenges post-riots. Nazir Afzal shares insights on legal ramifications, while Yasmin Alibhai-Brown critiques media's role in framing immigration narratives. Sunder Katwala emphasizes the need for balanced representation. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's X platform's advertising struggles and the evolving dynamics between journalists and the police, exploring the impact of misinformation in today’s media landscape.

The podcast reflects on conversations about values with guests like Greg Wise and Chris Packham. They explore vulnerability, childhood influences, and the impact of social media on values. Themes of fully aliveness, authenticity, and online spaces are discussed.