Not Another One

The team considers whether draping and painting the Union flag or the cross of St George over public spaces is patriotic or aggressive. Do we have a uniquely reluctant attitude to the UK flag or is a commendably undemonstrative national mindset now under threat from a sinister and exclusive nationalism? Warning: contains frank disagreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister has attempted to boost his team in Number 10, not least by appointing an adviser on economic policy and moving Darren Jones from the Treasury to oversee policy from Number 10. Some interpret the change as an attempt to challenge Reeves, who had total control over economic policy in opposition and the government’s opening months, but how undermining are the changes? Our team asks how they will change the political mood. How many more resets will Starmer make to a team in a state of near constant churn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has announced his plan that he claims would stop all illegal immigration. It includes leaving the ECHR and sending asylum seekers back to countries even if they face the threat of torture or death. Will it work politically in the short term for Reform and practically if Farage becomes Prime Minister. And how should a Labour government - preoccupied by Reform - respond, not least when voters also have the choice of parties to the left of Keir Starmer? Plus the latest from Steve’s shows at the Edinburgh festival and music choices for the last weeks of summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our latest weekend magazine edition, the team are asked to imagine what they would do if “the ball came loose from the back of the scrum” and they won power. Which policies would they prioritise? From boosting housing, to tackling anti-social behaviour, expanding continuous vocational education and training, banning cycling on pavements and mandating the pint-sized bottle of champagne, Tim, Miranda and Iain design their manifestos. Plus, the coming constitutional crisis if Reform does win the election and has no seats in the House of Lords. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it just "the economy stupid" or is there a deeper malaise stoking impatience with Starmer this summer, so soon after his 2024 win? Our team ponders the context wonders and whether or not the failures are all Labour's responsibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the others away, Tim and Miranda tackle some of the posers for the team that got left out of last week's episode. Keep your questions coming in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Veep seems an unlikely holidaymaker in the UK but the foreign secretary has been wooing him for a long time. Our team discuss political friendships across the divide, including our own. Plus: Badenoch and Britishness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this listeners’ question time episode, the team tackle a wide range of subjects. Is there too much doom and gloom? Is it time for ID cards? Could any government raise income tax? Why has the country forgotten Covid? And a listener asks: who are we? A good question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fierce political struggle is brewing over small boats and migration issues, igniting debates in Westminster. Key discussions revolve around the media's role in shaping public perception and the urgent need for a coordinated international response to migration crises. The hosts delve into the challenges of outdated policies and public frustrations with immigration promises, while considering the pressing demand for skilled labor in the UK. This episode highlights the complex dynamics of populism and the critical need for effective solutions in a shifting political landscape.

Is UK politics obsessed with certainty in an uncertain age? The terms of debate often demand that politicians and even the media adopt a fixed position and argue from strong convictions. This weekend's episode explores the virtues of doubt and pragmatism during a period of tumult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.