The Two Matts

The Matts take a deep breath and work their way through a tumultuous few days … starting with the visit of Donald Trump - is the UK becoming a vassal state? - through the unfolding aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and finally to reflections on the Tommy Robinson March in London. In the circumstances, is there a path back to a united Britain? Surprisingly - the Matts are optimistic… but above all else they are clearheaded about the challenges - and about the need to to call things for what they truly are. Be warned - this is an equivocation free zone. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by author and journalist Jonathan Freedland to discuss his remarkable new book, The Traitor’s Circle. It’s a forensically-researched historical story of resistance against the Nazis from inside Germany. Written in the style of a classic whodunnit, Freedland has created a thriller that not only sheds new light on the actions of at least some Germans during the war - but also sounds a warning about the state of the world today and the indications that fascism is once more gaining ground. It’s a brilliant, engrossing conversation about a brilliant, engrossing book. Enjoy!Buy The Traitor’s Circle: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-traitors-circle/jonathan-freedland/9781399813679OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two Matts again respond to your queries. The pair discuss whether they support Palestine Action, declining fertility and if there’s a way back for Keir Starmer.Plus they talk about Nigel Farage’s pension, whether the Greens are a serious political party and if things are better or worse than during the Cold War.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two inevitable topics dominate the Matts discussion today - first up, the murder of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. It’s a simply atrocious event but the reaction from many has been shameful. The Matts explain why Kirk was unusual in the MAGA organisation … and why his assassination matters so much. In the second half, the downfall of Peter Mandelson. The Matts ask why Starmer didn’t act sooner, contrasting his sacking with that of Angela Rayner, and focus on the gravity of the offence. Ultimately, is this the point at which Keir Starmer loses his grip on power? Possibly.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts get to grips with the turmoil of the last few days and use their meticulous political calculus to work out whether Keir Starmer is weaker or stronger than he was a week ago. Spoiler alert: they haven’t got a clue. But they certainly enjoy themselves finding that out. One thing they know - the absurd Palestine Action ban must be rescinded unless Starmer wants the spectacle of police arresting people from within the audience of his own conference in Liverpool. In the second half they deal with Tommy Robinson, whose march in London this week should, they agree, be taken seriously. Robinson is not as stupid as he looks and he plays an active role in furthering the poisonous nationalistic movement headed by Reform. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss why Nigel Farage didn’t go back to school with the rest of the class this week, whether government ministers should be held to a higher standard than ordinary citizens and why the debate in the UK is always hyped up to the max.Plus they talk about the government’s procrastination on the infected blood inquiry, AI, whether we thank people too much and if Donald Trump is dead. OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday the Matts were staunch in their defence of Angela Rayner. Then she came out and admitted she had paid too little tax on her new flat. The Matts work through the various scenarios available to her and conclude she should resign - but not for the obvious reason. Also - Nigel Farage was in Washington DC this week blowing hard about freedom of speech in the UK… at the same time as his Reform party HQ were busy banning The New World from their conference tomorrow. Hypocrite? You bet. And the Matts get into a deep, thoughtful discussion about Graham Linehan’s arrest. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The discussion kicks off with Angela Rayner facing persistent scrutiny from the Daily Mail and Telegraph due to her authentic working-class roots. The hosts analyze how this portrayal impacts her image and reflects larger media narratives against the Labor Party. They also dive into Keir Starmer's government reshuffle and its potential effects on economic strategy, drawing parallels to historical leadership dynamics. The conversation expands to address systemic issues in property ownership, human rights discourse, and the complexities of asylum seeker terminology.

Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss why Tony Blair is getting involved in Donald Trump’s meetings on Gaza, whether it was a mistake for the US president to give Vladimir Putin the impression that the West is ready to welcome him back, and the case of Labour councillor Ricky Jones. Plus they talk about why Britain loves nostalgia so much, what single law or act they would pass given the opportunity, and if The Thursday Murder Club is as irritating as it looks.Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email us now at the2matts@thenewworld.co.ukOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are shaken by the story of a 16-year-old who took his own life after pouring his heart out to ChatGPT which, his parents claim, encouraged him to act. It’s a desperate case and raises profound questions about the technology and how it will change society. The conversation focuses on the need for governments to regulate AI (despite their debilitating sloth in dealing with new tech) and the inevitable effects of AI on our job markets, education and economy. Please be aware this particular discussion includes details involving suicide and is not recommended to be listened to in the company of children.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.