The spiked podcast

EXCLUSIVE JANUARY OFFER: Get unlimited access to spiked for just £1 a month for the next three months: https://www.spiked-online.com/support/ Brendan O’Neill, Tom Slater and Fraser Myers on the death of the Tories, the brutality of Iran’s ayatollahs and Starmer’s totalitarian war on X Watch the second half of the discussion on spiked podcast: unlocked – our weekly bonus podcast, exclusively for spiked supporters – here: https://www.spiked-online.com/podcast-episode/is-eva-vlaardingerbroek-a-threat-to-the-uk/ EVENT: spiked is partnering with the Free Speech Union for ‘In Defence of Trial by Jury’, a live discussion on Thursday 29 January in London. spiked supporters and Free Speech Union members can get discounted tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freespeechunion/2002087  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Claire Fox, Director of the Academy of Ideas, critiques the implications of foreign interventions and their threat to sovereignty, especially regarding Venezuela. She highlights the importance of supporting Iranian protests against regime oppression, calling out Western media's indifference. The conversation also touches on Trump's interest in Greenland, reflecting on self-determination complexities. Furthermore, the hosts discuss a scandal involving police actions against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, shedding light on issues of multiculturalism and policing standards.

When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old use the New York Subway on his own, she was dubbed ‘America’s Worst Mom’. In our age of safetyism, children are expected to be supervised, monitored and coddled at all times – not left alone to explore the outside world. No generation has ever been so sheltered. And nor has any generation felt so anxious and depressed. Here, Lenore Skenazy – president of Let Grow – makes the case for free-range parenting, for letting kids have some independence from their parents, and toning down the panic over ‘stranger danger’. Read spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/     Support spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/support/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with the escalating migration crisis in the UK, highlighting how government missteps stoked public anger. Grassroots protests led by local communities and mothers are reshaping the national conversation on migration. Meanwhile, the rise of the Reform Party showcases changing political dynamics amid Labour's vulnerabilities. The hosts tackle the resilience of woke culture, debating its potential decline or mutation. As 2025 approaches, they predict a politically explosive year ahead with evolving narratives and voter strategies.

This discussion dives into the Bondi Beach attack, exploring its shocking impact on Australia and the political denial surrounding Islamist extremism. The hosts critique the reluctance to directly address the roots of Islamist antisemitism linked to policy failures and argue for decisive action and open naming of the threat. They transition to free speech crises, analyzing the implications of Charlie Kirk's murder and the chilling effects of censorious norms. The episode highlights the urgent need for reform in speech-restricting laws.

Ella Whelan, a thought-provoking columnist known for her insights on cultural issues, dives into a compelling discussion alongside Tom Slater and Fraser Myers. They tackle the heart-wrenching Leamington Spa case, revealing how it highlights the dangers of broken borders for women. The trio critiques the media's silence on migration and its impact on women's safety, while also exploring Sandy Peggie's legal battles over single-sex spaces. They warn about the exploitation risks in gender policies, emphasizing that privacy and dignity in women's spaces are essential.

‘The police have imbibed the activist worldview’ | Ex-officer Paul Birch  Arrests in Britain for social-media posts have soared by 58 per cent since 2019. Meanwhile, actual crimes like burglary or assault are only rarely pursued or solved. Here, Paul Birch – former Metropolitan Police officer and counter-terrorism specialist – explains why the police became so obsessed with tackling so-called thoughtcrime. Social-justice activism, he says, is now fully institutionalised, warping police priorities and ensuring a two-tier approach to justice. Read spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/     Support spiked:https://www.spiked-online.com/support/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esther Krakue, a political and cultural commentator known for her sharp critiques, joins the discussion on Rachel Reeves' questionable budget claims and the implications for Labour's credibility. They dive into how inflation and productivity rates misrepresent financial health. Krakue criticizes David Lammy's authoritarian proposal to limit jury trials, highlighting the risks to democratic checks. The conversation also touches on celebrity activism and its disconnection from real issues, questioning if the focus is misguided amidst more pressing threats.

Graham Linehan, a comedy writer known for classics like Father Ted, joins Georgina Mumford to discuss his recent legal battles and the attempts to silence him over his gender-critical views. He shares insights on how trans activism has taken hold of the arts and examines the contrasting tactics used against men and women. Linehan also explores the shifting momentum in the trans debate in the UK, emphasizing the importance of caution for young creatives entering the industry as they navigate these contentious discussions.

Liam Halligan, an economist and journalist known for his insightful analysis, joins the discussion to unpack the alarming autumn budget. He critiques the impact of high taxes on public services and explores the consequences of recent fiscal policies. Halligan warns about the risks of the Employment Rights Bill and its potential to stifle hiring. He delves into stagnant growth, inflation concerns, and the implications of rising oil prices on the UK economy. His sharp insights highlight the urgent need for reform and a clearer understanding of fiscal dynamics.