PoliticsJOE Podcast

After an impassioned defence of the Employment Rights Bill in the Commons on Monday, Angela Rayner is back in the Labour limelight. She rivals only Wes Streeting, the supposed faithful, for number of rumours swirling about a leadership bid. Laura and Seán get to the bottom of things.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ava and Laura react to one of Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch's sharper exchanges in recent weeks, and hear questions from Rachael Maskell, Ed Davey, and Sojan Joseph.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Elledge, an author and self-described train nerd, delves into Labour's nationalisation of rail through the Great British Railways reforms. He discusses the new Union Jack livery and the unified ticketing system. Elledge explains the limitations of nationalisation, the complexities of rail costs, and why managing demand through pricing is crucial to avoid overcrowding. The duo also highlights HS2's real goal of enhancing train capacity and tackles the importance of integrating train services for a better passenger experience.

Ava shares insights from her BBC appearance, highlighting key topics she wished to discuss. The duo dives into Helen Whately's controversial claims about Motability and challenges misconceptions around ADHD's role in claims. They critique the notion of luxury in accessible vehicles and tackle grievance politics with an examination of misleading statistics. Ava debunks the inflated £71,000 benefits claim and warns how PIP cuts impact employment. The hosts propose innovative housing solutions and link youth mental health to housing market issues.

Dive into the spicy dynamics behind Your Party conference! From the dramatic Zara Sultana boycott to the tension-filled Corbyn-Sultana feud, the hosts spill the tea on factional splits. They dissect the contrasting media portrayals and real conference vibes, while pondering the future of collective leadership. Discussions also touch on electoral strategies, potential Green defections, and how to win back disillusioned voters. Join in on the behind-the-scenes gossip and political intrigue!

Keir Starmer faces fierce questioning over the OBR resignation and controversial budget. Kemi Badenoch expertly criticizes government leaks, while Laura and Ben unpack Rachel Reeves' past claims about chess and her career. They delve into the implications of scrapping jury trials and the potential impact on victims and justice. The conversation shifts to the role of political theatre in shaping public perception and culminates in a discussion on cultural depictions of juries in media. It's a mix of politics, strategy, and social commentary!

Laura and Seán dive into the autumn budget and the ensuing controversy over the OBR's forecast leak and Richard Hughes' resignation. They debate whether the Chancellor was misled about the budget deficit and discuss the OBR's role in shaping economic policy. The impact of the budget on various demographics is also examined, highlighting how single middle earners, especially those dubbed 'Nick 30s,' may face financial strain. The conversation expands to generational inequality and the shifting political landscape as traditional voting patterns evolve.

Ava and Laura share their journey home from the chaotic conference in Liverpool, where a new political party's future was at stake. They delve into the debate over collective leadership versus a single leader, highlighting Zahra Sultana's fiery speech and its mixed reception. Concerns about turnout and legitimacy lead to discussions of the democratic ideals and practical challenges of their new model. Meanwhile, the energy around member-led democracy shines through, as they reflect on the party's evolving identity and the logistical headaches post-conference.

In a thought-provoking discussion, author and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow dives into his book, Enshittification. He outlines the three-stage process of enshittification, using Facebook as a case study for how tech companies prioritize profit over user experience. Cory explores the impact of anti-circumvention laws on competition and the alarming trend of digital locks in everyday devices. He advocates for policy changes to reclaim technological autonomy and addresses the necessity of fighting corporate power for a fairer future.

Ava and Laura report live from the Your Party conference amidst chaos following Zarah Sultana's boycott. They dive into factional disputes and the expulsions of members linked to the Socialist Workers Party. The debate over dual party membership heats up, reflecting tensions within the group. Members express a desire for strong working-class policies, prioritizing action over infighting. The hosts highlight the missed opportunity to distinguish themselves from other parties, emphasizing the critical next steps for leadership and unity.