The Two Matts

The Matts discuss the options available to Starmer and Reeves given they seem determined not to raise income tax, VAT and national insurance. Could taxing the enormously wealthy be an election winner? How could the property rich, cash poor be protected? And how would the Daily Mail come up with some spurious objection to protect their proprietor’s billions? But first … has the Macron visit produced the seeds to an end to the ghastly channel boat trade in immigrant crossings? And is a Franco-British nuclear weapon pact a good thing? 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.

Join Tom Baldwin, a Contributing Editor at The New World and biographer of Keir Starmer, as he dives deep into Starmer's rocky start as Labour leader. Baldwin discusses the challenges Starmer faces in revitalizing his party and preventing Farage's influence. He emphasizes the need for political integrity and a clear narrative that resonates with a broad audience. The conversation critiques Starmer's strategies and explores the importance of unity and effective communication in overcoming hurdles within Labour's political landscape.

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Keir Starmer’s willingness to back down and listen is actually something to be admired, if the Prime Minister should take more care with his speeches and how serious Palestine Action’s protests were. Plus they talk about the extent of corruption in UK politics, just how progressive the Labour Party is, and 80-year-old Rod Stewart’s Glastonbury set.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 Jonathan Goodman, author of Invisible Rivals, a fascinating book about what really makes the world go round and its consequences for religion, politics and media. It’s a revelatory conversation that will change how you think about society. Also the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, plus what the hell is going on in Number Ten? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2mattsBuy Invisible Rivals through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Two Matts by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts reflect on the prospect of famine in Gaza while the UK media obsesses on the antics of a rapper on a Glastonbury stage. Why is the crisis facing hundreds of thousands of children relegated to an afterthought? Why does Keir Starmer say more about Bob Vylan than the humanitarian disaster on the eastern shore of the Med?Also: can Starmer survive the pirouettes of u-turns he is performing as the Parliamentary Labour Party rejects his welfare bill? As we approach his year anniversary in power, the Matts ask how long before we are discussing the end of the Keir show?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 again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the government’s Palestine Action decision means Just Stop Oil could now be considered terrorists, if AI could actually be the populists’ worst nightmare and the genius of David Lynch.Plus they debate whether journalists should strive for detachment, Keir Starmer’s on-off welfare cuts and which is most cringeworthy: Mark Rutte calling Donald Trump Daddy, Trump comparing Israel and Iran to two schoolkids having a scrap in a playground or the president calling the media “scum”.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.

As the international news agenda moves at a frenzied pace, back home Keir Starmer faces a crisis of his own. The Matts explore the depth of feeling from amongst his own backbenchers against his welfare bill. It’s a crisis wholly of his own making and as Reform continues to surge in the polls, it bodes badly for all of us. Also - why did Mark Rutte call Trump daddy? And what was the Matts’ greatest Glasto moment? All will be revealed! 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 hosts dive into Donald Trump's chaotic responses to defiance from Israel and Iran, questioning the implications for global and Middle Eastern politics. They analyze the current dissonance in political statements alongside military actions, examining the UK’s evolving responses and the importance of international collaboration. The discussion also touches on rising global powers, particularly Africa and India. Additionally, humorous exchanges provide a lighthearted contrast to the serious geopolitical themes, painting a vivid picture of today’s unpredictable landscape.

The Matts again respond to your queries. They discuss whether we are witnessing the early stages of a global war without anyone admitting it, if we have collectively deleted our memory of 2016 and when we started confusing billionaires with philosophers. Plus there’s talk of whether Keir Starmer should have stooped at the feet of Donald Trump, if having children is ethical and what actually defines genius.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.

As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, the Matts explore the long backstory to a conflict that has the capacity to spark a truly global conflict. Why has Netanyahu chosen now to attack? What can Iranians hope for? How will Keir Starmer handle the fact he is caught between a rock and hard place. And the biggest question of all: What will Trump do now. Ok - so not even Trump knows that - but the Matts explore the options. One note of light relief - MAGA is in a mess over it. It’s a small silver lining to a dark cloud overshadowing the planet this week.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.