PoliticsJOE Podcast

Ann Pettifor is an economist and author of The Global Casino: How Wall Street Gambles with People and the Planet. Ann swung by to speak to Ava about the global financial system and how it has been rigged to only support the mega-rich, the powers at the heart of the system ensuring the it never alters to support those who need to be supported, and how the current US President is one of the greatest beneficiaries of the skewed system.Get your copy of The Global Casino here: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3258-the-global-casino?srsltid=AfmBOopYGe51hGOj2nGQBjl6jFBDfBv-ijLQ8fsel7vtdRydytcl7ynqSubscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polling expert and friend of the podcast Richie Jones joins Seán and Ava to discuss new data on economic optimism, and what it means for Britain.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the drama of recent PMQs, where Keir Starmer faced off against Tory criticisms and explored the fallout of U-turns impacting everyday voters. They dissect the failures of South East Water and examine crime stats in London, contrasting safety narratives with the pressing issues of affordability and housing. A surprising twist comes as they tackle the controversy of AI-generated images and the moral dilemmas surrounding free speech versus child safety. The conversation wraps up with insights on political messaging and future challenges.

Housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa joins Laura in the studio to share stories about the dire state of British homes.Kwajo is supporting the recent Health Equals campaign which revealed that 15 million people in the UK - over one in four - are living in homes affected by damp, mould or cold. As a result, lives are being cut short by up to 16 years in parts of the UK.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent defection of Nadhim Zahawi to Reform UK sparks a lively debate among the hosts. They ponder whether this move strengthens Nigel Farage’s party or just creates more divisions on the right. The discussion explores Zahawi's ties to the Boris Johnson era and the implications of bringing in former Conservative figures. Issues around past scandals and the legitimacy of ex-ministers are examined, alongside concerns about the party's identity. Speculation about Zahawi's political future and the party's strategy adds further intrigue.

Scott Lucas, a Professor at the Clinton Institute and founder of EA-WorldView, dives into the shocking US abduction of Nicolás Maduro. He argues this move shatters international law and signals a new global order under Trump. Lucas critiques the rejection of traditional alliances and explores how this sets a dangerous precedent for other nations like China and Russia. He highlights the risks of escalating conflicts in Venezuela and neighboring regions, and characterizes the Trump approach as a protection racket, blending economic favors with intimidation.

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Andy Twelves shares insights on the Labour Party's struggle to reconnect with its traditional working-class base. He explores how historical parallels, like Ben Tillett's 1908 pamphlet, reflect current challenges. Andy emphasizes the need for Labour to confront capitalism and presents the modern working class's evolution. He analyzes why Reform UK attracts former Labour voters and highlights the community-driven politics that Labour must embrace to regain trust. Can Labour be radical in power? Andy believes so!

Seán and Laura swap hard political analysis for crystal balls as they set out to predict the big stories of 2026; from Trump and the fate of NATO to who could topple Starmer.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts dive into the latest PMQs, with Keir Starmer facing tough questions on foreign policy. They dissect Kemi Badenoch's wide-ranging queries about Ukraine, NATO, and more. A heated debate emerges over leasehold reforms and missed opportunities. There's a spicy exchange over veterans' protections and the Troubles Bill. The discussion shifts to business rates affecting small businesses post-Covid, alongside fears of a youth brain drain from Scotland. Lastly, they explore the complexity of balancing alliances between Europe and the US in today's geopolitical landscape.

The hosts dive into the dramatic U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. They analyze Maduro's controversial rule and the devastating economic collapse of the nation. A heated debate unfolds over whether Trump's intervention is justified. The conversation shifts to the implications of Venezuelan oil on geopolitics. In a surprising twist, they discuss the concerning issue of AI-generated explicit content and tech platform responsibility, highlighting the need for regulation amid corporate motives.