Pod Save the UK

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.

Frances Ryan, a renowned Guardian columnist and advocate for disability rights, joins Zac Seidler, Movember's Global Director of Men's Health Research, for a lively conversation. They dissect the outrageous backlash against festival performances while significant health messages go unheard. Ryan sheds light on the government's welfare reforms and their harsh impacts on vulnerable communities. Seidler tackles the pressing men's health crisis, discussing societal pressures on young men and the urgent need for a comprehensive Men's Health Strategy. Together, they advocate for inclusivity and meaningful change.

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