Pod Save the UK

Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy discusses the spy scandal in Parliament and Labour's position on the threat posed by China. The podcast also explores the UK's global position outside of the EU, the negative impact of Brexit, and the UK-US relationship. Lord Sugar becomes the hero of the week while tax dodgers are discussed.

Nish and Coco reflect on a scandal they think is a perfect metaphor for Tory-led Britain. Schools have had to close because they’ve been built using cheap and unstable concrete (called RAAC), while there are also concerns over hospitals and other public buildings. So as the country crumbles around us, who’s to blame?Labour leader Keir Starmer has reshuffled his top team ahead of next year’s expected general election. Coco welcomes brand new Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital, Chris Bryant, into the studio. He gives his reaction to his appointment and admits he’s a bit “discombobulated” after a whirlwind day. He reveals how reshuffles haven’t always gone well for him, and impresses Coco with his impression of Tony Blair. He also talks about his new book 'Code of Conduct', which seeks to provide a blueprint to make Westminster politics work better. Also find out Chris Bryant’s favourite Sugababes song, why Nish fears being kidnapped by Kevin Bacon, and which action hero should voice Nadine Dorries’ new book.Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworldUseful links:Article by Merope Mills: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/04/daughter-died-hospital-families-treatment-martha-ruleGuests:Sir Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, and Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and DigitalAudio credits:Parliamentlive.tvITV NewsBBC Radio 4@Ettifaq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More 16 to 17-year-old boys recognise Andrew Tate than Rishi Sunak - have we been guilty of underestimating the influence of Tate’s brand of toxic masculinity? Nish and Coco speak to journalist Matt Shea, who has spent years investigating the notorious misogynist. His new documentary uncovers the truth behind Tate’s ‘War Room’ club, and investigates claims members are taught how to groom women into online sex work. We also learn about the mysterious mastermind behind Tate, who has so far remained in the shadows.As Labour promises not to implement wealth taxes, Nish and Coco wonder if we’ve all missed ‘the secret wink’ that means it’ll all be ok once they’re in power. Plus Nish and Coco bid farewell to Nadine Dorries, who finally quit as an MP 81 days after saying she would. They look back at her ‘best bits’ and reflect on the battle for her Mid Bedfordshire seat. Find out if Nish will be buying Theresa May’s new book, and why do so many people seem to mis-understand the film The Matrix?Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Useful links:Watch Matt Shea’s documentary here (UK only): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001q1n6/andrew-tate-andrew-tate-the-man-who-groomed-the-worldVote for us: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting Guests:Matt Shea, journalist and documentary filmmaker Audio credits:BBC Three - Andrew Tate: The Man Who Groomed the World?The Mail on SundayBBC BreakfastTikTok/@nadinedorriesmpParliament.tvChannel 4 News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the headlines dominated by Lucy Letby, the most prolific child killer in modern British history, Nish and Coco reflect on the proper role for politicians in cases like this. While we crave reassurance from figures in authority, should they resist the urge to wade in with an easy soundbite? Plus we also reflect on the other big story of the week, the women’s World Cup final, and ask why it’s always men in suits who have to spoil things?With music venues and nightclubs shutting at an alarming rate, Nish and Coco talk to an agent and a DJ about whether the UK’s nightlife is in crisis. Do politicians place enough value in the night time economy? Can anything be done to reverse the trend, or is it as a result of our changing cultural habits? Also, why ‘Insomnia’ should be Coco’s current club anthem of choice, and why newsrooms are enjoying the comeback of the August ‘silly season’. Plus we celebrate some world class swearing, and Nish has some ideas for the new Conservative Party general election slogan.Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworldUseful links:Save The Night event at Fabric in London (free daytime event to support the global nightlife community):https://ra.co/events/1754683Ladies Music Club: Supporting women, non-binary and trans people in musichttps://www.ladiesmusicpub.com/Power Up: supporting Black music creators and industry professionalshttps://prsfoundation.com/powerup/Guests:Hannah Shogbola, music agent at United Artists, and founder of creative consultancy DajuGaia Ahuja, DJ and member of Girls Don’t SyncAudio credits:Sky Sports News RFEF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast discusses the failure of the Government's 'small boats week' and Tory HQ's war on 'lefty lawyers'. They interview an immigration lawyer who was targeted in a smear campaign. They also talk about inflation, jobs, and expensive meals. The hosts debate the role of billionaires and reflect on their own wealth. Other topics include toilet hygiene practices, economic gaslighting, and ExxonMobil's refusal to diversify. They admire the RNLI and discuss running for office.

In a politics increasingly dominated by ‘wedge issues’ and the ‘woke’ divide, Nish and Coco explore whether it’s possible to have constructive conversations on social issues with people with whom you disagree. The activist and author Gina Martin reveals the lessons she’s learnt from her career as an activist, which started when she was a victim of upskirting. Her campaign ended up changing the law to make upskirting a specific sexual offence. Gina also has lots of tips for Pod Save The UK from her new book ‘No Offence, But…’.  As Nish and Coco prepare to go on their summer break, Coco reveals what she’ll be getting up to on her honeymoon. Plus we salute the anarchic genius of 90’s Saturday morning kids TV…with shout outs to Cat Deeley and Wonky Donkey!Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworldGuest:Gina Martin, campaigner and author of ‘No Offence, But…: How to have difficult conversation for meaningful change’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is a combination of a progressive alliance, tactical voting and proportional representation the way to save the UK from Tory rule? Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass, argues that there would have been no Boris Johnson or Liz Truss if left-leaning parties had been able to work together. Neal, who’s been a Labour member for 44 years, also explains why he’s facing possible expulsion from the Labour Party for tweeting in favour of tactical voting.Have Labour fallen into a Tory trap by following last week’s by-elections? Nish and Coco examine why the headlines have been about the costs of green policy, rather than historic Tory defeats. Also with homeless numbers rising, why isn’t there more urgency around legislation to ban Section 21 evictions?.Plus the schoolkids who put Robert Jenrick to shame, and why Coco’s mum loves Minions. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Twitter: @podsavetheukGuest:Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nish and Coco can’t resist popping up for a special bonus mini-episode to discuss the Super Thursday by-election results. A revolt against Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ulez low emissions policy hands the Tories a lifeline to hang on to their seat in Uxbridge and Ruislip - Coco hopes that doesn’t encourage Labour HQ to sideline their green agenda.Better news for Labour in Selby and Ainsty where Kier the Younger - Labour candidate Keir Mather - successfully overturns the biggest majority ever in a by-election by the Labour Party. While in Somerton and Frome a huge win for the Liberal Democrats means Coco gets to enjoy leader Ed Davey pulling another of his cheesy victory stunts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nish and Coco ask “what’s going on with Labour?” Sir Keir Starmer caused consternation within his own ranks, by saying he wouldn’t abolish a two-child limit on claiming some benefits - a Tory policy that many of his frontbench colleagues have condemned. Nish and Coco wonder why politically tough decisions only ever seem to come at the expense of the poorest in society. SNP MP Mhairi Black tells Nish and Coco about dodging falling masonry,  sociopaths and bullies in the corridors of Westminster - part of the reason she’s quitting at the age of 28. We also have a handy guide to three crucial by-elections. Plus why you should never accept a plum from Coco - or invite her to a picnic!Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Twitter: @podsavetheukGuest:Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, and deputy leader of the SNP at Westminster.Audio credits:Sunday with Laura KuenssbergBBC Newsparliamentlive.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the UK was losing its senses over a sex scandal, the BBC and a tabloid newspaper, Nish brings some sanity. His advice to journalists and politicians: if you know nothing, why not shut up? What we learn from the story is that the UK needs more facts and less speculation.In Nish’s crosshairs is Tory MP Lee Anderson. He called the BBC a “safe haven for perverts” while his party and Westminster faces an epidemic of sexual harassment allegations.Carla Denyer - co leader of the Green Party in England and Wales -  is Coco and Nish’s special guest. The Greens could offer the most radical policies at the next General Election: taxing on multi millionaires, decriminalising drugs and welcoming migrants. But can the party persuade trans people the Greens are their ally? President Biden drops in for tea at Number 10 but his British best mate is not the Prime Minister, it’s King Charles. And immigration minister and cartoon destroyer, Robert Jenrick, is villain of the week.https://www.change.org/p/robert-jenrick-restore-cartoons-at-children-s-asylum-centres?source_location=searchPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572Twitter: @podsavetheuk Guests:Carla Denyer, co-leader of The Green Party Audio credits:Sky NewsParliamentlive.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices