Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

In his new book ‘Politics-A Survivor’s Guide’ the columnist Rafael Behr hails the centre ground in contrast to the populist politics that has flourished in the UK and elsewhere…but the term is imprecise and often applied to justify policies that are far away from the ‘centre’. Also..Can we get angry about the state of politics without nearly killing ourselves??Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the silliest and most dangerous debate of the lot. "Too many are coming here…" "The wrong people are coming here..." "The right people can come here…" "We need vacancies filled, but they can’t come here…"Will the debate on immigration rise above the vitriol, for a solution that benefits everyone?Plus brilliant questions, and much more. Remember to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com!Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from August 13th, with a different show every day! Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe to Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive Zooms and other goodies: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The author of a new book on Boris Johnson reflects on the many reasons why the former prime minister should never have got close to Number 10...and the lessons that need to be learnt when a figure wholly unsuited for leadership acquires near presidential powers.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are echoes with the build up to the 1997 election in the insurrectionary stirrings of prominent Tories...Why did they act with reckless disloyalty then... and why are they doing do now? Subscribe to RockN Roll Politics:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the release of his new book "Why is this Lying Bastard Lying to Me?," I speak to Rob Burley, former editor of Marr, The Andrew Neil Show and Newsnight, about the art of the political interview. We reflect on the current state of the BBC, and look back at some of the legendary interviews, including Brian Walden's exchanges with Margaret Thatcher and Tony Benn.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Monday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/Subscribe to Patreon for bonus podcasts, live zooms and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much will happen between now and the next general election, making it risky to extrapolate too much from last week's local polls.For Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, the road ahead will be challenging in different ways... and both are new to the task of leadership in the buildup to an election.Rock & Roll Politics - A New Political Landscape? is live at Kings Place next Monday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Subscribe to Patreon for bonus podcast series, live Zoom events, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Queen died, many commentators predicted the country would be traumatised by the loss for a long time. Instead, it was Liz Truss that caused the trauma immediately after the Queen's passing, Charles's accession to the throne causing no fuss at all.What does it tell us about the monarchy, and its capacity to generate feverish commentary now that the "Elizabethan Age" is over?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on May 15th. There's a lot going on that we need to discuss, and you can get tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/Don't forget to send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a video announcing he was standing for a second term, President Biden chose ‘freedom’ as a them – a term normally associated with the Republicans. It’s a vote winner and in the UK the Conservatives have claimed it too. But will Starmer follow Biden in committing to ‘freedom’?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/rocknrollpolitics/And join Steve on a special Zoom for Patreon supporters this Weds 3 May. Sign up to join:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dangerous chaos of Johnson's leadership is exposed in a new book by historian Anthony Seldon. Yet, we knew most of the sordid details it all at the time - so how did he get away with it?Plus, a Question Time Special on relations between ministers and civil servants. Where does power lie?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th.Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/Join Patreon for our live event next Wednesday: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is a bully? Dominic Raab has been officially condemned as one, by the inquiry into his conduct in Parliament. But what about Margaret Thatcher, who reduced some colleagues to tears? Was Gordon Brown a 'bully' or simply "demanding" and "emotional?"In this era of deep crises, too many imprecise terms are defining British politics.Many of you will disagree, and I look forward to our debate... don't forget, email steveric14@icloud.com with your questions!Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on May 15th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Join me on Patreon for bonus podcasts, and the first subscribers' live Zoom next month: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices