Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

At the end of a year when Boris Johnson fell over issues relating to trust and the likes of Trump have tried to launch a comeback, I reflect on the issue of trust in the era of globalisation. It takes the form of a talk I gave at Newcastle University recently. ‘Trust’ is one of the most interesting terms because the nature of politics demands some evasiveness at least. But has trust between voters and elected politicians ever been so low?Back the podcast on Patreon and get early episodes plus extras too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsLive at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s back. One of the most ubiquitous terms in British politics, “reform”, is in fashion again – but like most prominent terms it is imprecise to the point of absurdity. Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners.Treat yourself and friends to festive gifts like tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live, the dream Xmas present…Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Support the podcast by backing us on Patreon and get fabulous benefits: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation and the cost of living are the immediate causes of this winter's strikes... but there are much deeper currents.Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer becomes more confident and authoritative. He has learnt the lesson that ‘tax and spend’ debate is impossible for Labour to win in opposition but can be won in government. In my view the opposite applies to constitutional reform…Plus, brilliant responses to Hancock in the jungle and whether trains are better in Europe.Rock & Roll Politics – The Christmas Special is live at the Market Theatre, Brighton on Mon Dec 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSupport the podcast on Patreon and get exclusive extra episodes, ad-free editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three themes are connected… download this week's Rock & Roll Politics to discover how.Plus brilliant questions and much more!Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsDon't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WIth government sources briefing that they want a closer relationship with the Single Market, it looks as if questions are finally being asked about Lord "Frosty" Frost's disastrous hard Brexit. But where will they lead?Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So many questions were triggered by last week's Electoral Reform Special that they merit a bonus podcast.The epic themes: Fairness, how to bring about change, wider constitutional reform, the broader context, and more...Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsThe Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paying homage to their fiscal conservatism, Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt turn to recent history for inspiration. But the past is a fickle guide…Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So here it is ...The Electoral Reform Special!I reflect on why I have been an opponent, and my latest position. And now... over to you!Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Conservatives miles behind in the polls, the route to election victory is narrow... but not entirely blocked.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for the new, exclusive series on governmental cock-ups - new episode on Tony Blair and the Iraq War coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions in to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices