Pod Save the UK

It’s been a hellish week for our Disunited Kingdom. First Tommy Robinson mobilised ten of thousands in his ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march. Before we could recover from that toxic side show,  the headline act arrived: President Trump.  He was kept behind a ring of steel in Windsor where he enjoyed British brown nosing at its best from flatterers-in-chief, the Royal Family. What a state we’re in.  Coco and Nish reflect on what they learned about their fellow Brits this week and the conclusion is scary. But before they abandon hope there was another march. Thousands of ‘Stop Trump’ protestors came out onto the streets of London - to hear from a range of the UK’s  loudest progressive voices, from Zarah Sultana, to Zack Polanski and Jeremy Corbyn. Two protests, two faces of Britain. Can we ever bridge the divide?  Finally - to round off the show, an injection of hope. Josie Naughton CEO of charity ‘Choose Love’ joins the pod to show us that there definitely is a way through this. USEFUL LINKS  Choose Love https://choose.love/  Stop Trump Coalition https://stoptrump.org.uk/protest/  Guests Josie Naughton  Zarah Sultana Zack Polanski Jeremy Corbyn George Monbiot Zoe Gardener 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

Zarah Sultana, an MP and co-founder of a new left-wing party, shares her journey of liberation from the Labour Party, critiquing its current direction and advocating for genuine representation. Bimini Bon-Boulash, a cultural icon and activist, adds a vibrant perspective on LGBTQ+ issues. They discuss the political chaos in the UK, reflecting on recent upheavals like Angela Rayner's resignation, while reclaiming patriotic symbols with humor and pride. Together, they call for solidarity and creativity in activism to build a more inclusive future.

Wael Al-Dahdouh, Gaza Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera and winner of the Freedom Award, shares harrowing first-hand accounts of life and journalism under siege in Gaza. Comedian Jen Brister discusses the intersection of humor and activism, reflecting on the dire humanitarian crisis and the need for collective action. The conversation emphasizes the essential role of press freedom, unity in advocacy, and the urgent call for global support to end the ongoing atrocities. Lively performances from Palestinian musician Adnan Joubran add a poignant backdrop to this powerful discussion.

Nish Kumar, a comedian and the host of Pod Save the UK, joins Sara and Cariad to dive into Sheena Patel's intriguing book 'I'm a Fan'. They explore the obsession and complexities of modern romance, sharing personal tales of social media's effects on relationships. The trio discusses intricate dynamics of power and identity, and how societal standards of beauty shape personal connections. With a mix of humor and insight, they tackle the weight of cultural commentary in both literature and comedy.

Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central, is on a mission to tackle the growing number of betting shops that are draining communities of £4.6 billion annually. As she navigates the streets of Willesden, she speaks to local residents about the urgent need for reform of the Gambling Act. With her sights set on future political ambitions, Butler emphasizes the health and economic impacts of gambling. The conversation also touches on Labour's current challenges, social media struggles, and the generational divide in political language.

Anoosh Chakelian, Britain Editor of the New Statesman, provides keen insights into rising anti-immigration sentiments, focusing on the challenges faced by asylum seekers in hotels. Chris Bryant, Labour MP and author, shares his unique journey from Franco's Spain to politics, discussing LGBT rights and pressing issues for the Labour government. They explore the inflammatory role of government narratives on protests, public sentiment on immigration, and the need for humane policies. Plus, a light-hearted diversion into audio porn adds entertainment to the mix!

This week - we’re talking about the internet, Coco’s proclivities toward the disembodied voice of Pedro Pascal and Nish’s struggles to find any time to work on himself. Strap in - it’s a juicy one.  Nish and Coco are joined by technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker to make sense of the UK’s new online safety laws - which restrict access to harmful and inappropriate content for young people - while simultaneously clamping down on free speech and digital privacy. The conversation is becoming a culture war topic - but are the political class actually having a sensible discussion about this seismic, world’s-first legislation?  And - guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission could see trans people excluded from public life. And now it might become law - with no debate, no scrutiny and no vote. We’ll be speaking to journalist Freddy McConnell about the risk to all of our rights and how we can fight back. And later - we’re getting Jezzy with it - we dive into the mailbag to hear your thoughts on the party definitely not called “your party”.  CHECK OUT THIS DEAL FROM OUR SPONSOR https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk  USEFUL LINKS  See us Live in London!  https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/pod-save-the-uk/ Write to your MP  https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/ Trans Solidarity Alliance https://www.transsolidarityalliance.com/ehrc-code Freddy’s latest article https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/31/transgender-rights-ehrc-guidance-single-sex-spaces  Guardian article about Lord Dannet https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/05/lord-dannatt-urged-ministers-to-crack-down-on-palestine-action-at-request-of-us-firm  GUESTS Chris Stokel-Walker  Freddy McConnell AUDIO CREDITS  Sky News 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

Brian Leishman, a suspended Labour MP for Alloa & Grangemouth, joins alongside Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer and activist. They discuss Keir Starmer's evolving stance on Palestinian statehood and the political shift with the new left party led by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Leishman shares insights on Labour’s internal strife and the authoritarian dynamics at play. Crosland speaks about the implications of labeling Palestine Action a terrorist organization, raising crucial questions on civil liberties and the future of dissent in the UK.

Zack Polanski, Deputy leader of the Green Party, argues for an eco-populist strategy that aims to resonate with a broader audience. Ellie Chowns, Green Party MP, promotes a collaborative approach that focuses on outreach across political divides. The two engage in a lively debate about leadership visions, with insights on the urgency of climate action and the need for inclusivity. They also discuss the challenges of engaging disenfranchised voters while maintaining a strong Green identity, making it a compelling conversation for anyone interested in progressive politics.

Gary Stevenson, a former trader and economics commentator fighting inequality, teams up with Oliver Coppard, Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire focused on regional development. They discuss the recent controversial classification of protest groups and its implications for free speech. Stevenson shares insights on addressing economic inequality and the challenges of the Labour government's first year. Coppard reflects on the urgent financial pressures faced by local councils while advocating for new funding strategies to support communities.