
Where Politics Meets History
Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself.
With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.
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Latest episodes

Apr 18, 2025 • 47min
Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
Iain and Tessa come together once again, this time to talk about the UK Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman, the pension age and much more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Apr 15, 2025 • 60min
11. China in You're Banned
Iain and Tessa come together once again, this time to talk about the fate of British Steel and its context in our industrial past, China preventing a Lib Dem MP from entering Hong Kong and much more, including a huge row about Brexit and a debate over the future of a doll's house!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Apr 11, 2025 • 39min
10. I Wanna Know What Gove Is
Iain and Tessa are back to talk China vs the US on trade, with Tessa bringing context from the Opium Wars. Also a peerage for Michael Gove, Charles and Camilla meet the Pope and why does nobody talk about the Welsh?Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Apr 8, 2025 • 57min
9. Homeward Bound MPs
Iain and Tessa break down the ongoing fallout of President Trump's tariffs - also up for discussion are Labour MPs expelled from Israel, the King and Queen's anniversary, leaders changing their minds, Iain being a 'lightweight' and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Apr 4, 2025 • 51min
8. Tariff Me Baby One More Time
Iain and Tessa digest Trump's tariffs, whether young boys have enough male role models, remembering the wonderful Betty Webb and dealing with death - and an awkward moment with gooseberry fool!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Apr 1, 2025 • 54min
7. Marine Le Penitentiary Blues
Iain and Tessa meet again to joust over Trump's further threats to Greenland, Marine Le Pen convicted, Justin Welby's latest interview, MPs' expenses, changing the clocks and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Mar 28, 2025 • 56min
6. Money For Nothing (and everything else is free)
Iain and Tessa are back! They're digging into Wednesday’s Spring Statement and Prince Harry’s charity work in Africa.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Mar 25, 2025 • 60min
5. Should I Stay or Should Nato
Iain and Tessa return to discuss the upcoming spring statement, NATO expansion, crisis in Turkey, Scottish independence and Blue Peter - something for everyone!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Mar 21, 2025 • 52min
4. I Guess That's Why They Call It Blue Labour
Iain and Tessa connect from different countries to talk Israel, whether the Labour government is shifting to the right - and Tessa tells a story about a nun (no, really!).Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Mar 18, 2025 • 49min
3. I Know Him So Welfare
Iain and Tessa come out swinging in this third instalment! They joust over welfare cuts, they debate America's outlook on the world, they trade blows over Meghan's new Netflix series... and they make a pitch for the next Celebrity Gogglebox!Send your questions and voice notes to 07757 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
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