The Peter McCormack Show

Ant Middleton, a former Special Forces operator and author, shares his views on the relationship between violence and freedom. He discusses the identity crisis many face post-service, the importance of discipline in tackling societal issues, and his motivations for running for Mayor of London. Ant emphasizes the need for accountability in politics, warns against victimhood, and advocates for a return to civic duty. He also touches on rebuilding trust in London through safety, health, and financial stability, framing politics as a strategic endeavor rather than mere theater.

Tom Slater, editor of Spiked and a leading free-speech advocate, delves into UK's alarming trend of speech policing, revealing that over 30 arrests happen daily for tweets. He critiques Labour’s shift from working-class interests, spotlighting the absurdities of migration policies and NGO influence. Slater argues for a urgent need for democratic reform and direct citizen empowerment, while emphasizing the failures of public services and police priorities. His insights invite a reflection on cultural renewal and reasserting public power in politics.

Zia Yusuf, a key strategist with Reform UK focusing on policies for economic, immigration, and state reform, returns to share insights on Britain's challenges. He highlights why Britain is struggling to attract investment, the implications of wealth flight, and the need for effective immigration policies. Zia critiques current energy policies and advocates for a reformed taxation system. He also expresses his ambition to run for Parliament, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing Britain’s economy and restoring public faith in governance.

Ian Rogers, a former digital lead at LVMH and notable music-tech executive, dives into the intersection of culture and technology. He critiques today's education system, advocating for progressive teaching methods. The discussion shifts to the disruptive potential of AI and quantum tech, emphasizing how they will reshape work and society. Ian also explores the evolving concept of identity in a networked world and urges new governance models. Plus, he suggests meaningful ways to navigate today's chaotic political landscape.

William Clouston, a political commentator and co-founder of the Social Democratic Party, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on Britain's decline. He highlights the uninvestable UK economy, the energy crisis, and the failures of public services like the NHS. Clouston critiques the myths around net zero and argues for public ownership of essential services. He also emphasizes the need for a new political strategy, advocating for economic nationalism and a fusion of social policies to revive trust in governance.

Curtis Yarvin, a thought-provoking software engineer and political thinker known for founding Urbit, dives deep into the failures of political and economic systems. He discusses the merits of monarchy as a genuine form of governance and critiques the flaws in free-market libertarianism. Evaluating the origins of money, he argues that personal net worth reveals true inflation levels. Yarvin contrasts Bitcoin and gold, highlighting the need for a fixed-supply currency in modern economies, while sharing insights from his involvement in digital property innovations.

Lisa Townsend, the elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Conservative Party representative, dives into pressing issues in law enforcement. She challenges the failure of drug prohibition, discussing how it fuels violent gangs and supports organized crime. The rise of middle-class shoplifting is dissected, revealing societal complicity in crime. Townsend also advocates for a paradigm shift in policing, emphasizing victim support and the need for sensible budgeting. Lastly, she critiques the current mental health crisis and stresses the importance of police discretion amid bureaucratic challenges.

Curtis Yarvin, a provocative political thinker and writer known as Mencius Moldbug, challenges the perception of democracy in modern governance. He argues that what we see as democracy is merely an illusion created by a ruling oligarchy, primarily led by institutions like Harvard. The discussion delves into topics such as the corrupting influence of academia on truth, the failures of viable political structures during crises like COVID-19, and the historical roots of left-right divides. Yarvin presents monarchy as a preferable alternative to current systems, raising questions about the future of governance.

Neema Parvini, an author and academic specializing in elite theory and populism, explores profound topics regarding the nature of democracy and its perception as a 'soft dictatorship.' He discusses how populism often becomes an illusion, the role of media and NGOs in shaping public narratives, and the significance of billionaire interests in global politics. Parvini delves into the dynamics of elite power, emphasizing how revolutions can lead to greater centralization rather than real change, sparking critical thoughts on activism and political engagement.

In this enlightening discussion, Nick Leeson, a former derivatives trader, shares his harrowing journey that led to the collapse of Barings Bank in 1995 after losing £862 million. He reveals how a small £10k loss spiraled into a massive cover-up, the fear that drove his risky decisions, and his life on the run. Nick talks about his time in a Singaporean prison, his transformation during those years, and the valuable lessons he learned about accountability and family, ultimately emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty.