The spiked podcast

Andrew Fox, a former British Army officer, joins the discussion on the troubling Labour grooming-gang inquiry. They delve into the political cover-ups and the impact of weak leadership on victims' trust. Fox highlights the detrimental effects of party politics on survivors' quest for justice. The conversation shifts to recent challenges of free speech, exploring the implications of non-crime hate incident records. Lastly, they tackle campus antisemitism, linking it to broader societal issues surrounding freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenting voices.

Join Alison Pearson, a prominent columnist and co-host of Planet Normal, Andrew Doyle, a sharp-witted writer and comedian, and Connie Shaw, an advocate for free speech. They dig into the alarming rise of antisemitism and police responses that seem cowardly. The conversation touches on the cultural implications of naming children after militants and the failures of multiculturalism. They explore the overarching themes of free speech, cancel culture, and the need for clearer legal standards, all while questioning whether immigration is our defining political issue.

James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners and an insightful pollster, dives into the turbulence of UK politics. He explores the unexpected surge of Reform UK, emphasizing its Brexit base and Farage's appeal. Johnson argues that Labour might secure a second term, despite Starmer's weaknesses. He warns the Tories against chasing a now-defunct centrist vote and highlights risks from the Greens. With the electorate's volatility, he suggests that tight messaging and economic credibility are vital for any party's future.

Jake Wallis Simons, a journalist and author, dives into the contentious landscape following the Gaza conflict. He discusses the complexities of Trump's Gaza peace plan and its geopolitical implications. Simons critiques media narratives and the misuse of the term 'genocide' while linking modern anti-Israel sentiment to historical antisemitism. He also explores the psychological denial around Hamas’s brutality and the rising antisemitism in the UK, revealing how current attitudes reflect deep societal divides.

Adam Szetela, author of *That Book is Dangerous!*, dives into the murky waters of modern publishing, where censorship reigns supreme. He reveals the rise of 'sensitivity readers,' individuals who ensure that literature remains politically correct, often leading to bland, predictable storytelling. Adam discusses how controversies in young adult fiction are seeping into adult literature and the chilling effects of cancel culture. He argues that these practices not only enforce rigid identities but also stifle creativity, leaving little hope for systemic change in the industry.

Harry Cole, editor-at-large for The Sun based in Washington DC, delves into pressing UK politics and international relations. He candidly discusses the chilling rise of anti-Semitism following the Manchester synagogue attack and explores the Labour Party's damaging rhetoric against opponents. The conversation shifts to Trump's controversial Gaza peace plan and its implications for international dynamics. Plus, Cole shares U.S. perceptions of Britain, highlighting concerns about free speech and societal tensions.

Flemming Rose, former culture editor at Jyllands-Posten, discusses the controversial 2005 cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that ignited global unrest. He explores the rationale behind publishing the cartoons, emphasizing the risks of self-censorship. Flemming highlights the escalated international protests and personal threats he faced. He critiques blasphemy laws for fostering violence and argues that true multiculturalism must protect free speech. Ultimately, he advocates for courage in the face of censorship to safeguard open dialogue.

Mark Dolan, a broadcaster and comedian, joins the discussion on sensitive current affairs. He argues against the concept of religious immunity from criticism, particularly in the context of recent legal disparities. The conversation delves into the implications of digital ID and how it may threaten civil liberties. They also touch on media's role in the culture wars, questioning whether late-night shows are fostering partisanship. Dolan critiques political figures like Andy Burnham, emphasizing the need for economic stability during crises.

In this discussion, Andrew Fox, a former British Army officer and co-host of The Brink, critiques Keir Starmer's recent recognition of Palestine. He argues this decision effectively empowers Hamas and does little for ordinary Palestinians. Fox highlights the legal and leadership gaps within the proclaimed Palestinian state and warns of potential diplomatic repercussions for UK-Israel relations. He asserts that Starmer's move prioritizes domestic politics, risking vital intelligence and defense ties with Israel.

Tom Harwood, a political commentator and GB News presenter, dives into the shocking circumstances surrounding the Charlie Kirk killing. He discusses the underlying nihilism within online leftist circles and how campus radicalization fuels political violence. The conversation also touches on Trump’s recent state visit amidst protests and the policy clashes it ignited, alongside the chaos within Your Party and critiques of the controversial ‘one in, one out’ migration scheme. Harwood's insights shed light on current political turbulence in the UK.