Where Politics Meets History
Global
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.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast, email: [email protected]
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.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast, email: [email protected]
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Oct 20, 2026 • 53min
170. Can't Speak French
A lively conversation about British identity, Scottish independence and whether repeated referendums deepen constitutional fatigue. France’s protest culture is compared with Britain’s, while Palestinian poppy pins spark debate over remembrance and free expression. Along the way: Cliff Richard, AI-generated music, Brexit’s democratic mandate, Orwellian ideas of unity, and some wonderfully personal stories.
10 snips
Oct 16, 2026 • 57min
169. Paperback Fighter
Sally Rooney’s books, Palestine Action and the limits of artistic freedom spark a lively debate, alongside Ireland’s historic solidarity with Palestine. The discussion turns to a possible second Scottish independence referendum, class and confidence in public speech, online xenophobia, and Romanian language education. Trump’s constitutional future, national duty and the politics of musical expression round out the conversation.
9 snips
Oct 13, 2026 • 1h
168. Oil Be Back
Andy Burnham’s European ambitions, Trump’s proposed Russian diesel deal, and alleged Russian influence in politics take center stage. The discussion ranges from Ukraine and the Houthis to the Democrats’ 2028 dilemma, data centres, faith in public life, and the Green Party’s leadership crisis. Also featured: an overlooked D-Day story, Queen Victoria’s Osborne House, and the fading art of political comedy.
10 snips
Oct 9, 2026 • 1h 5min
167. Rage de France
Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative conference speech sparks debate over welfare, inheritance tax, youth employment and the party’s political recovery. The discussion turns to French school protests, pensions and Marine Le Pen’s prospects, alongside memories of wartime Europe, Israel and Palestine. Other topics include lockdown’s effect on resilience, university accountability, antisemitism, assisted dying and the death penalty.
11 snips
Oct 6, 2026 • 47min
166. Kemistry
Tory conference sparks debate over Kemi Badenoch’s political style, Conservative strategy, tax relief and election readiness. The discussion turns to the Green Party’s controversial Zionism vote and its impact on Jewish members. Tessa explores France’s far-right momentum and deep political divisions, while wider headlines cover drones, borders, Russia, cyberattacks and an unsettling war-game film.
Oct 1, 2026 • 1h 10min
165. Once, Twice, Three Times a Lock
Andy Burnham’s Labour Conference speech takes center stage, from its Churchillian rhetoric to its appeal to postwar history. The conversation moves through the triple lock, devolution and England’s care crisis, before turning to Christa Pike, Ruth Ellis and the modern death penalty debate. Telomeres, trauma, Brexit, Gaza and the value of political disagreement add further combustible turns.
10 snips
Sep 29, 2026 • 1h 4min
164. When the Orange Order Goes Marching In
A lively discussion tackles Northern Ireland’s contested Portadown marches, Labour’s leadership tensions and the prospect of a future election. Politics turns personal as views clash over Andy Burnham, social care, the pension triple lock and celebrity activism. The conversation gets especially heated over Brexit, Covid and Britain’s economic performance, before moving to football disorder, merit, identity and political authority.
8 snips
Sep 25, 2026 • 56min
163. I'm All Piers
Piers Morgan’s legal battle over a disputed royal book sparks debate about publishing ethics and royal exposés. The conversation turns to anti-migration protests, modern extremism, Murdoch’s political influence, and Trump’s media restrictions. Housing, home ownership, the Chagos Islands, and a broken social contract also come under scrutiny, with lighter diversions into champagne and smart glasses.
10 snips
Sep 22, 2026 • 46min
162. Don't Lose Your Ed (Sheeran)
Ed Sheeran finds himself pulled into the Gaza debate, raising questions about celebrity neutrality and political pressure. The discussion turns to why Gaza dominates attention while other conflicts fade from view, before exploring the Spanish Civil War and Spain’s struggle with Franco’s legacy. Royal drama follows, as Charles Spencer, King Charles and the BBC face criticism over Diana’s memory and a controversial interview.
9 snips
Sep 17, 2026 • 50min
161. Let's Spence the night together
Royal tensions take center stage as Charles Spencer’s Diana memoir sparks a battle over competing legacies. The discussion also explores Meghan Markle’s school WhatsApp controversy, Canada’s possible EU ties, Britain’s diplomatic risks over Israel, and Ed Sheeran’s Gaza concert row. Along the way come lively reflections on Churchill, class, historical memory, and Gen Z’s love of National Trust experiences.
