

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: dax@global.com
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: dax@global.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2019 • 1h 14min
Review of 2019
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith look back at a year which saw a change of prime minister, a general election, protests in Britain, France and Hong Kong, Donald Trump impeached and a Brexit deal done and ready to put in the over. Sort of. So not much to talk about then… Smut quote: Low

Dec 24, 2019 • 1h 5min
Awards of 2019
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith dish out their end of year awards to the politically deserving and undeserving. They empty their sack of awards doling out Worst Minister of the Year, Sexiest politician of the year and much more besides. What better way to celebrate Christmas than listening to two people who genuinely believe giving is better than receiving? Smut Quota: High, at the start!

Dec 22, 2019 • 1h 20min
Yuletide Ladyparts
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the week’s post-election events including the Queen’s Speech, the passing of the Brexit Bill, political appointments, the Labour leadership race and they reveal how they will be spending Christmas day. They also discuss the impeachment of Donald Trump and why people send homophobic hate mail. Smut Quota: Low

Dec 15, 2019 • 1h 59min
Heaving Chests
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith discuss the momentous result of the general election and Jacqui loses not time into ripping into Jeremy Corbyn. They look at the consequences for British politics over the next five years and wonder how Labour can rebuild. They talk reshuffles, Brexit and identify the potential candidates for the Labour leadership. They talk about their run-in with Grace Blakely on Good Morning Britain and answer a lot of listener questions. Smut quote: Low

Dec 11, 2019 • 28min
DAILY TRAIL: Campaign Trail comes to an end
In this episode Shelagh and Iain discuss Nigel Farage's comments saying Britain will face another Brexit crisis in the spring if Tories win. Nicola Sturgeon attacks Boris Johnson saying he is the 'greatest threat to Scotland of any Tory PM in modern times'
And the leader of Plaid Cymru has called for a law to stop politicians lying to public.

Dec 11, 2019 • 39min
For The Many: Once Over Easy
In their final podcast before polling day Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review the election events of the past few days. They wonder why Boris Johnson behaved as he did over the child at Leeds Infirmary and talk about Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth falling victim to a leak by a supposed friend. They give their predictions for the result on Thursday and preview LBC’s election night show. Smut Quota: Low.

Dec 10, 2019 • 12min
DAILY TRAIL: That non punch
Shelagh and Iain discuss the “fake news” surrounding the Conservative's after party sources wrongly claimed that a Cabinet minister’s aide was punched outside the hospital where a four-year-old boy was photographed lying on the floor.

Dec 9, 2019 • 33min
DAILY TRAIL: Bobot and lessons in being human
In this episode Shelagh and Iain discuss the extraordinary moment where Boris grabs a reporter’s phone so he didn’t have to look at a photo of a sick child that was featured on the front page of the Mirror. Plus, the PM hints that the BBC Licence Fee may go. Elsewhere on the campaign trail, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell sets out Labour’s first 100 days in power which includes, mass nationalisation a budget to save the NHS. They also discuss politicians not being able to break away from campaign mode.

Dec 8, 2019 • 1h 5min
For The Many: Knocking Up
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith discuss the latest events in the election campaign including the final debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. Jacqui relates her experience knocking on doors in Workington and they both tell their stories about being a candidate on polling day and then making a concession speech at the count. Smut quota: Zero

Dec 6, 2019 • 19min
DAILY TRAIL: Boris picking and choosing interviews
In this episode Shealgh Fogarty is joined by LBC's Matthew Thompson. They dicusses Boris defending his decision not to do Andrew Neil interview. Tony Blair and John Major appear alongside each other to urge tactical voting and the leaked document on trade deal impact on Northern Ireland dismissed by the Tories.