Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union and a prominent commentator on political issues, joins hosts Tom Slater and Fraser Myers. They dive into the troubling public reactions to the October 7 attacks and the left’s controversial sympathy for Hamas. The discussion critiques moral judgments that hint at anti-Semitic sentiments and reflects on the Tory party's drastic voter decline. The team also tackles the complexities of digital privacy and political surprises, offering a sharp analysis of today's fractured political landscape.

In this conversation, science writer Matt Ridley, who co-authored 'Viral: The Search for the Origin of Covid-19,' delves into the contentious lab leak theory. He discusses the alarming implications of gain-of-function research, especially at the Wuhan Institute, and the lack of accountability in the pandemic's investigation. Ridley also highlights how political and financial ties made scientists hesitant to address crucial questions about the virus's origins, revealing a troubling trend of politicization in science that influences public health.

Dive into the whirlwind of the Tory leadership contest, where surprising candidates like Robert Jenrick are shaking things up. Explore the controversial remarks of Kemi Badenuk and the struggles of balancing economic stability with cultural concerns. The collapse of coal-powered facilities is scrutinized, revealing the challenges of the UK's energy transition. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East unfold as Israel counters Iranian aggression, shedding light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.

Zoe Strimpel, Tom Slater and Fraser Myers discuss Keir Starmer’s week from hell, the crimes of Hezbollah and the predators who identify as women. Donate £50 or more to spiked and get a signed copy of Brendan O’Neill’s new book, After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation. We’ll also throw in a year’s membership to spiked supporters: https://www.spiked-online.com/donate/  You can also order a regular copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068719303/  And don’t miss the book launch on Tuesday 1 October. spiked supporters can claim their free tickets here: https://www.spiked-online.com/hub/events  See the spiked podcast and Last Orders live at the Battle of Ideas festival on 19 and 20 October. Get 20 per cent off with the promo code SPIKED24 or use this URL: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/battle-of-ideas-festival-2024-tickets-807629249827?discount=SPIKED24

This is the audio from a video we have just published on our YouTube channel – an interview with Helen Joyce. To make sure you never miss great content like this, subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked  Male rapists in women’s prisons. Kids given experimental, sterilising drugs. Gay boys and girls told they’re born in the wrong body and in need of medical correction. Here, Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters, talks to spiked about the damage the trans movement is doing to society. She explains how it became taboo to tell the truth about biological sex. And how this is giving licence to rampant misogyny and homophobia, threatening hard-won rights.

Join Inaya Folarin Iman, a commentator on societal issues, and Tom Slater, a media critic, alongside Fraser Myers, a political analyst, as they discuss the complicated case of Huw Edwards and the leniency in sentencing for child sexual abuse imagery. They dive into the clash between ideology and trauma care for survivors impacted by trans activism. Brendan O’Neill, exploring his new book on crises in civilization, addresses the fallout of misinformation related to a violent incident in Southport. Batya Ungar-Sargon adds depth with her insights on media narratives.

Tom Slater is a political commentator, Candice Holdsworth analyzes social dynamics, and Fraser Myers tackles current affairs. They dig into the recent Trump-Harris debate, examining key issues like abortion rights and immigration. The conversation highlights the strange rumors about Haitian migrants and the influence of celebrity endorsements on politics. They also address the troubling state of women's rights under the Taliban, exposing the harsh realities and public discontent surrounding this critical issue.

This is the audio from a video we have just published on our YouTube channel – an interview with Jacob Rees-Mogg. To make sure you never miss great content like this, subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked  An historic 175 Tories lost their seats at the last General Election. Jacob Rees-Mogg was one of them. Here, the former cabinet minister talks to spiked about why voters turned their backs on the Conservatives, and what he fears a Labour government will mean for Britain. Rees-Mogg slams Keir Starmer’s two-tier policing of riots and disorder and his zealous pursuit of Net Zero. The new PM is set to make Britain poorer, colder and less free, he argues. 

Jake Wallis Simons, a journalist based in Israel, delves into the complexities of Labour's perceived appeasement of Hamas. He discusses the rising populism in Germany, particularly the AfD's electoral successes and the challenge it poses to traditional parties. The conversation also touches on the implications of the UK’s arms export policies towards Israel, alongside the emotional impact on the British Jewish community. Finally, Wallis critiques media narratives surrounding the Gaza conflict, prompting a broader examination of public perception and policy.

The podcast delves into the recent arrest of a tech leader and its implications for free speech and digital censorship. It highlights the growing threats to online expression amid governmental regulations and the challenges posed by misinformation. There's a critical look at the intersection of free speech and security, especially concerning Islamist ideologies in Europe. Additionally, it questions the authoritarian nature of proposed outdoor smoking bans and their effect on personal freedoms, advocating for a more lenient approach to public health.