Pod Save the UK

After a rollercoaster week of news - the threat of World War 3 suddenly felt a little overstated. But a few short hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran - both countries returned to a war of words and missiles - leading to President Trump delivering an outburst for the ages: “They don’t know what the F*** they’re doing”.  But does Trump? Nish and Coco don’t think so. The UK has been swept up in the maelstrom - with the pomp and circumstance of diplomatic theatrics making little impact in a world where the US president acts unilaterally.  Then, the gang speak to urban sociologist Dr Abi O’Connor about a potential way out of the affordability crisis in housing - rent controls. Abi breaks down the concept for us all to digest, with some listener questions along the way.  Then, finally - the home secretary Yvette Cooper is seeking to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror group… WTF. SEE US LIVE!  https://crossedwires.os.fan/pod-save-the-uk  CHECK OUT THIS DEAL FROM OUR SPONSOR  https://www.auraframes.com CODE: AURA20 Useful Links  Write to your MP https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/ Homes for Us Alliance  https://homesforus.org.uk/ Guest:  Dr Abi O’Connor, Urban Sociologist & Researcher for Homes for Us Alliance  Audio Credits: The Guardian BBC Pod Save the World Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keir Starmer is not afraid of a U-turn. From abandoned policy pledges to reinstating the winter-fuel allowance, the list is growing. To add to this - this week, the PM has expressed his support for Israel’s military action against Iran, despite criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza. Then he caved in to calls for a full national inquiry into grooming gangs, despite earlier dismissing them as amplifying far-right demands. Whether you think these are sensible or sly, these political backflips have certainly led to a lot of headscratching when it comes to one question: what does our Prime Minister actually stand for? Nish and Coco sit down with New Statesman Editor in Chief, Tom McTague, who has spent months with Starmer trying to find out what lies beneath the title. The Government’s new Welfare Reform Bill is introduced in Parliament this week, which experts say will lead to nearly a quarter of a million more families being pushed into poverty. Nish heads down to Westminster to meet with hundreds of people who have gathered to call for an end to the rising tide of hunger and hardship in the UK. Nish speaks to Labour MP Brian Leishman, Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain and Green Siân Berry about the calls for an essentials guarantee - while hearing from the lived experience of people working at food banks around the UK.  And as the Government's new data bill finally passes in the House of Lords, Nish and Coco voice their concerns about what it means for the creative industries. CORRECTION: A previous version of this podcast included an incorrect statistic about the rate of foodbank usage within the UK - which is estimated by the DWP to be at around 3% of households. We regret the error. CHECK OUT THIS DEAL FROM OUR SPONSOR  https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk  Guests: Tom McTague Siân Berry Brian Leishman  Wendy Chamberlain Helen Barnard Emma Revie Useful links: Tom McTague’s profile of Keir Starmer https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/06/what-keir-starmer-cant-say Support the Trussell Trust’s call for an Essential Guarantee! https://www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/guarantee-our-essentials Write to your MP https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/ Audio Credits: BBC Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Akiko Hart, Director of Liberty, shares her expertise on the pressing issues of human rights and protest freedoms amid recent governmental changes. The conversation dives into Labour's ambitious £39 billion housing initiative and its impact on public perception. They also tackle the controversial proposal to ban face masks during protests, linking it to broader trends in criminalizing dissent. Finally, the turmoil within Reform UK adds a humorous twist to the serious political climate, highlighting the absurdities of current governance.

Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, is advocating for abortion rights, pushing for decriminalization in the UK amid rising anti-abortion sentiments. Humza Yousaf, former First Minister of Scotland, shares insights on the intense political landscape, particularly the upcoming by-election's stakes. They also discuss ongoing issues like the UK government's complicity in international conflicts and the need for political accountability. The conversation blends urgency, humor, and poignant reflections on leadership, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Join Bethany Dawson, a Diary reporter for Politico's London Playbook, and Aamna Mohdin, a Guardian community affairs correspondent and author, as they navigate today's pressing issues. They tackle Nigel Farage's controversial stances on family size and abortion, revealing a humorous yet critical take on societal pressure. The duo also examines the slow progress in racial justice since the BLM protests, highlighting the alarming rollback of activism gains and the need for urgent community action against rising right-wing sentiments.

Alison McGovern, an Employment Minister dedicated to enhancing job opportunities for the youth, joins the discussion alongside Meg Thomas, a passionate community organizer and disability rights advocate. They dive into the Labour government's shift in approach towards Gaza, reflecting on political criticisms and humanitarian concerns. The conversation also touches on urgent reforms to benefits, including support for the elderly and disability rights activism, pointing to the growing discontent among Labour MPs. Expect insights on empowering the next generation!

Minnie Rahman, CEO of Praxis, shares her expertise on the challenges migrants face under new UK immigration laws. The discussion critically examines the government’s policies and their impacts, arguing against oversimplified narratives linking migration to economic issues. Rahman advocates for a more nuanced dialogue, emphasizing migrants' contributions to society. The conversation also touches on the UK-US trade deal's modest gains and the role of public figures in engaging the youth in politics.

In this insightful conversation, climate activist Patience Nabukalu, from Uganda, shares her passionate efforts advocating for divestment from fossil fuels. She highlights the urgent need for financial accountability, particularly from major banks like HSBC. The discussion also tackles the recent electoral shifts in the UK, the rising influence of the Reform party, and the implications for Labour. Amid these political changes, Nabukalu offers a glimmer of hope, emphasizing the power of grassroots activism to drive change in climate policy.

Ellen Jones, an LGBTQ+ activist and author of 'Outrage,' delves into the ramifications of the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of 'woman,' which she argues endangers trans rights. She discusses the backlash against figures like J.K. Rowling and the need for community support in advocacy. Meanwhile, Wayne Swan, former Deputy PM of Australia, highlights the importance of the Commonwealth in light of global political shifts and shares insights on Australia's voting system, offering lessons for the UK and US.

Nish and Coco dive into a mailbag of intriguing listener questions, tackling everything from the identity of the true progressive party to the complexities of leaving the UK. They share personal stories about how events like the murder of Stephen Lawrence have shaped their political views. The duo also humorously debates Bob Dylan's Instagram antics while discussing how tax payments relate to public happiness. Plus, they lighten the mood with quirky personal habits and favorite indie music, blending humor and thoughtful conversation.