Pod Save the UK

X has been firmly in the firing line after its Grok AI tool was used to create sexualised images of women and children. Elon Musk’s company could face a fine of up to 10% of its global earnings by internet regulator Ofcom, or a ban in the UK. He denies that the AI has done anything illegal and says users are responsible for the images they create. How can we regulate AI? Nish and Coco speak to Rutger Bregman, historian and author who called out billionaires at Davos. He argues Big Tech should be treated like Big Tobacco, and gives his take on Iran, as thousands of protestors take to the streets, and what a radical policy platform looks like for the UK Left today. Plus - what on earth is UKIP proposing as a terrifying rebrand?  *Update on Palestinian Hunger Strikers*: On 14th Jan Heba, Kamran, and Lewie collectively paused their hunger strike. They made British history, lasting 73 days. CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS  SHOPIFY Shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk BABBEL https://www.babbel.com/PSUK  GUESTS  Rutger Bregman - Historian and Author of Moral Ambition, out in paper back on 15th Jan USEFUL LINKS https://www.moralambition.org/book Let us know your experiences of SEND support in schools - or any other stories. CREDITS Liz Kendall MP, Technology Secretary - Parliament TV Rutger Bregman - Publicae    Rutger Bregman and Tucker Carlson - Now This Tehran protests - Shaparak Khorsandi/Instagram Donald Trump - New York Times Laila Cunningham - Daily Express/YouTube Nadim Zahawi - Sky News Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk Like and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Instagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US President put the season of goodwill behind him with a New Year Venezuelan coup and the threat of further action across Central America and the Caribbean. Then there’s the little matter of his promise to seize control of Greenland. Nish and Coco try to make sense of the senseless - and to assess the possibility that Donald Trump could end up destroying NATO - with Tommy Vietor from our sister podcasts Pod Save America and Pod Save the World.  Plus, comedian Cody Dahler gives us his take on how 2026 will shape up for politicians and satirists. How easy is it to make jokes while the world - literally and metaphorically - is on fire?  CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS  WISE https://wise.com/ BABBEL https://www.babbel.com/PSUK  GUESTS  Cody Dahler, Comedian and Presenter of The Truth (In My Opinion) Tommy Vietor, Co-Host of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World Nida Jafri USEFUL LINKS Palestine Action Hunger Strikers: How to write to your MP  https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/ Petition calling for action from the Justice Secretary https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/call-on-mp-and-secretary-of-justice-david-lammy-to-intervene-and-protect-the-hunger-strikers/ CREDITS Parliament TV Cody Dahler/TikTok Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg/BBC One Tonight with Andrew Marr/LBC Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk Like and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nish and Coco tackle intriguing topics, from their surprisingly conservative opinions on various issues to critiques of NATO from both the left and right. They delve into why many progressives remain loyal to the Labour Party despite its shortcomings. The hosts explore voting systems like first-past-the-post and suggest alternatives, while also proposing universal public services. They candidly discuss the complexities of AI, its impacts, and the need for regulation, all wrapped up in a rapid-fire round of personal insights and cultural reflections.

Join British-Iranian comedian Shappi Khorsandi and political commentator Jovan Uwusu-Nepaul as they dissect the chaotic landscape of British politics in 2025. They dive into Labour's AI-generated campaign hiccup and discuss Starmer's confusing policy U-turns. The conversation heats up with critiques on governmental hesitance regarding Gaza and reflections on the Greens’ refreshing approach. Plus, they share their thoughts on the rise of Reform Party and its implications, wrapped up with some cheeky year-end awards!

Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Europe’s “weak” leaders over Ukraine and immigration including a special mention for - surprise surprise - Sadiq Khan, who got a shout out for being a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”. Honestly, why is he SO obsessed?!  But a Labour government trying to convince European allies to water down human rights law to deport people faster seems perfectly in line with Trump's vision. Nish and Coco are joined by Sky’s Deputy Political Editor Sam Coates. They also take a dive into the latest allegation swirling around Reform UK - this time the party’s election spending in Nigel Farage’s Clacton constituency is under the spotlight. And the scale of the homelessness crisis always seems more acute at this time of year - so the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, joins PSUK to explain how their new plan will be the one to finally make a difference. Finally - PSUK has watched the first episode of the Liz Truss Show, so you don’t have to. Nish and Coco give it a rating out of one to limp lettuce. CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS  BABBEL https://www.babbel.com/PSUK  AURA FRAMES https://www.auraframes.com Code: PSUK SHOPIFY Shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk GUESTS  Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness USEFUL LINKS:  Nish’s Carol Performance  CREDITS Politico  The Liz Truss Show / YouTube Keir Starmer MP / TikTok Rishi Sunak MP / TikTok 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/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Liz Sayce OBE, a seasoned disability expert, as she uncovers shocking failures in the carers' allowance system that left many unknowingly in debt. Liz highlights systemic issues and calls for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable carers. The conversation also dives into the controversial proposal to cut jury trials for minor crimes, raising questions about fairness and public trust in the judicial system. With a mix of policy insight and gripping anecdotes, this discussion reveals the complexities of justice and support for those in need.

Zoë Grünewald, a savvy political journalist, and Dr. Faiza Shaheen, Director of Tax Justice UK, dive into the impacts of Rachel Reeves' recent budget. Grünewald discusses how the budget aims to soothe party tensions but lacks bold reform, while Shaheen critiques the minimal wealth tax proposals and emphasizes the need for progressive changes. They also highlight the lifting of the two-child benefit cap as a win, although they point out significant flaws that may affect younger generations. The conversation reveals a deeper struggle between economic policies and social equity.

Robert Palmer, Deputy Director of Uplift, sheds light on the government's controversial Warm Homes Plan and the impending budget cuts to energy support. He discusses the long-term impacts of gas prices and the need for sustainable solutions like renewables and insulation. The conversation highlights the socio-political implications of Shabana Mahmood's asylum reforms and the potential fallout from Labour's internal conflicts. Palmer emphasizes the urgency of protecting households from high costs while transitioning to cleaner energy.

Alex Reid, Head of Forests at Global Witness, shares crucial insights about COP30 and the ambitious Tropical Forest Forever Facility aimed at saving rainforests while addressing potential greenwashing concerns. Meanwhile, Kanishka Narayan, the UK's Minister for AI and Online Safety, discusses new laws targeting AI-generated child abuse material and the responsibilities of tech platforms in preventing harm. The conversation highlights pressing issues around online safety, political infighting, and environmental accountability.

Join investigative reporter Jane Bradley from The New York Times and sexual health advocate Lisa Hallgarten as they dive into the implications of Zohran Mamdani's recent electoral win for the British left. They explore the concerning influence of American anti-abortion lobbies, revealing how figures like Nigel Farage are involved. The discussion touches on strategies used by these groups, the legal fragility of UK abortion rights, and what the UK can learn from US pro-choice activism to safeguard reproductive rights. It's a must-listen for anyone invested in progressive politics!