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House of Comments

235 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -

A political and topical discussion programme hosted by Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell.

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Episodes

Sunak Ditches D-Day

June 07, 2024 10:41 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has had to apologise after he departed D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations early.  It has even emerged that he tried to avoid going at all. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell reflect on the implications of this, the opening debate between the PM and Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage's entry into the campaign. EXCLUSIVE: Fury after Rishi Sunak skips D-Day event with world leaders to do TV interview – Daily Mirror Rishi Sunak apology tweet Wes Streeting T...

Much Ado Abbott Nothing

May 31, 2024 14:14 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

On today's House of Comment, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell focus on the Diane Abbott situation and other selection sagas within the Labour party. What does it all say about factionalism and the party leadership? The also head Stateside to discuss Donald Trump becoming a convicted felon. Timeline of Diane Abbott’s suspension: From her comments on racism to Labour ‘election ban’ – Independent Karen Pollock responds to Jackie Walker's Comments  As it happened: Trump found guilty ...

And We're Off!

May 24, 2024 10:55 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

The election campaign is well and truly underway. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the first couple of days as the party leaders cover the length and breadth of the country... and others resign.  They discuss Rishi Sunak's dreadful campaign launch (again), the leaders doing interviews on the Today programme and the prospect of six debates. And where are the Lib Dems? Charlotte also succeeds in getting Emma to talk about football. Again. Thank you to Wokingham Sir Keir Sta...

There is an Election on

May 22, 2024 18:15 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Well... here we go. Rishi Sunak has called a General Election. Britain will go to the polls on 4th July. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sunak's decision to go now, Sir Keir Starmer's response and look ahead to the campaign. General Election Fever Spreads at The Podcast Show Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter T...

You'd Think There is an Election on

May 17, 2024 10:45 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

It's been another busy week in Westminster, with a number of senior figures making major speeches. Rishi Sunak kicked off the week, with Sir Keir Starmer following Thursday. Jeremy Hunt also made comments on the economy on Friday. It feels like the election campaign is well and truly under way, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse it all. My Vision for Britain | Rishi Sunak Policy Exchange Speech LIVE: Keir Starmer Sets Out Labour's 'First Steps For Change' In Speech Jere...

Drama in Dover

May 10, 2024 13:20 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

Dover in Kent has been the focus of politics this week. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who represents the area, crossed the floor and joined Labour. It was not without controversy. Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer then head eddown to the area to discuss his plans for tackling illegal migration. While that was happening, it was revealed that the UK is no longer in recession. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. Natalie Elphicke apologises for comments about ex-husband's victims ...

Local Elections Special Part 1

May 03, 2024 15:53 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack the latest set of local election results and the Blackpool South by-election.  That vote was a huge swing towards Labour and Sir Keir Starmer's party has done well up and down the country. Things are not looking pretty for the Conservatives as they lose hundreds of councillors. However, they managed to hold onto Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. Local election results 2024 – BBC News John Swinney set to become Scotland’s new First Minister in d...

Local Elections Preview – Take 2!

April 27, 2024 20:25 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

Someone (Charlotte) managed not to upload the entirety of this episode. Sorry! Here it is. Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways. How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico Labour pled...

Local Elections Preview

April 26, 2024 12:20 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MB

Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways. How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years – BBC News Sadiq Khan apologises t...

A Chaotic Week of Politics

April 19, 2024 11:01 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

From Conservative scandals, arrests in Scotland, smoking bans and welfare speeches, it has been a packed week in politics. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return after recess to discuss it all. Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement following rearrest in Operation Branchform probe – Daily Record Tory MP Mark Menzies suspended over alleged misuse of campaign funds – BBC News William Wragg resigns Tory whip after divulging MPs’ phone numbers – The Guardian Britain just agreed th...

Vaughan Gething Becomes First Black Leader of European Nation

March 22, 2024 12:09 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

History was made this week as Vaughan Gething become first minister of Wales. In so doing, the Labour politician became the first Black leader of any European nation. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the significance of this moment and how the leaders of the different parts of the UK will work together if/when Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister. Elsewhere, they also discuss comments made by Mel Stride. The work and pensions secretary said that how we deal with mental h...

Tory Donor Abuses Diane Abbott

March 15, 2024 10:13 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

The Guardian revealed that Frank Hester, a major Conservative donor, has made racist, misogynistic and violent comments about Diane Abbott. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how both the Tories and Labour have managed the incident. They also discuss MPs upcoming pay increase. Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ - Guardian Speaker fails to let Diane Abbott speak in PMQs debate on Tory donor’s remarks - Guardian Angela Ra...

The Nothingburger Budget

March 08, 2024 11:17 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack Jeremy Hunt's seemingly very boring budget. Millenials may though be one group that noticeably benefited from it, instead of pensioners. And why didn't Jeremy Hunt get told off for all the leaks? Before the Budget chat, they discuss two Conservative politicians who have had to make amends after making false allegations. Science secretary Michelle Donelan's department had to pay £15,000 after she accused an academic of being a member of Hamas....

Galloway Wins Rochdale

March 01, 2024 12:31 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

He's back. George Galloway has stormed to victory in the Rochdale by-election. It will be the fourth constituency he has represented in the House of Commons. Meow. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss whether the by-election has wider implications. They also look at the ugly spectre of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party after comments from Lee Anderson.  To finish, they delve into the 13 previously unreleased reports that the Home Office made public in a busy week. Given wh...

SPECIAL: Chaos in the Commons

February 22, 2024 18:18 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell take to their mics early to discuss the chaos that erupted in the House of Commons during a debate about Gaza. Such debates may have little effect in the Middle East, but the incident will likely impact the future of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. His job is on the line after the unedifying scenes. Elsewhere, the episode looks at Kemi Badenoch's row with the former Post Office chair she sacked and Lizz Truss's trip Stateside. Politics latest: Motion of ...

By-election Bust Ups and a Recession For Rishi

February 16, 2024 12:22 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB

It started out as a bad week for Sir Keir Starmer, as the Labour Party was once again engulfed in a row about antisemitism. Both Azhar Ali and Graham Jones were suspended, although the former will legally still have to appear on the ballot for Labour in the Rochdale by-election. However, Sir Keir's party went on to claim two big wins in votes in Wellingborough and Kingswood.  If that wasn't bad enough for Rishi Sunak, the prime minister got confirmation that the UK economy has slipped into ...

Sunak and Starmer Suffer

February 09, 2024 11:53 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

Neither the prime minister or opposition leader have had a good week. Rishi Sunak has been shown to be leaden-footed on a couple of occasions, including a terrible incident in which he made a trans "joke" in front of the mother of murdered trans girl Brianna Ghey in the House of Commons.  Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is facing a huge backlash as his party rows back on its £28 billion a year green commitments. The move demonstrates many of the things people don't like about the Labour leader ...

Stormont Returns, Sturgeon on the Stand

February 02, 2024 12:48 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

It has been a busy week in all corners of the UK. The Northern Ireland Assembly is finally set to return after an agreement to remove routine checks on the island of Ireland was agreed. Over in Scotland, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon faced the Covid inquiry. Back in London, Conservative MP and justice minister Mike Freer has decided to stand down due to the death threats he has received over his support for Israel. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. DUP deal a...

Call For Sunak to Quit

January 26, 2024 12:14 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell may have dodged the draft, but Sir Simon Clarke has gone over the top. The former Cabinet minister called for Rishi Sunak to quit as prime minister in a scathing Telegraph op-ed. Is anyone going to follow him out of the trenches, or will Sunak survive for a few months longer? And just what political game is the Telegraph playing? It is all discussed on this week's show. Replace Sunak as PM or face decade of decline under Starmer - Telegraph I'm act...

Are we Heading For a 1997-Style Tory Wipeout?

January 19, 2024 12:45 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

A new in-depth poll by YouGov caused waves as it predicted a wipeout for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives at the next General Election. Some were keen to put a particular spin on it, claiming Reform was the key issue. The pollsters were not impressed... In the same week, there was a row over Rwanda (again). Two Conservative deputy chairmen resigned and Therese Coffey got herself in a muddle. Ultimately, the Bill passed but it now faces the Lords. YouGov MRP shows Labour would win 1997-sty...

US and UK Strike Houthi Targets

January 12, 2024 12:02 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

In the hours before this episode was recorded, US and UK forces struck 16 targets in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. It is the first time prime minister Rishi Sunak has sanctioned military action. He will address the House of Commons on Monday. Some opposition politicians, including the Lib Dems, argue Parliament should already have been recalled.  Funnily enough, the Lib Dems have not been so keen on Parliament being recalled over the fallout from the Post Offi...

It's Election Year!

January 05, 2024 12:14 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MB

It is 2024 and that means... General Election! Sir Keir Starmer started the year with a speech, while prime minister Rishi Sunak heavily hinted in an interview that we are heading for an election in October/November. There's a US election on the way too... In fact, around two billion people around the world are going to head to the polls in the next 12 months. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack what it all might mean.  The show also covers the ongoing fallout from the Post Off...

House of Comments Christmas Special!

December 22, 2023 12:12 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

We've made it to the end of 2023, so it is time for the House of Comments Christmas Special! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell round of the year by discussing the economy and Peter Bone losing his seat, before reflecting on all that has gone on over the last 12 months. There are some 2024 predictions in there too! UK at risk of recession after economy shrinks - BBC News Rishi Sunak facing another by-election as MP Peter Bone loses seat in recall petition - Sky News Charlotte Henry...

A Good Week For Rishi Sunak? Not Quite.

December 15, 2023 12:27 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

Rishi Sunak nearly had a good week. After an internal battle, the prime minister managed to get his Rwanda Bill through pretty comfortably at second reading, having already put in a good showing in front of the Covid inquiry. However, a flash of temper at PMQs rather put a downer on things.  Worse, he might face yet another by-election prompted by sleaze. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. Whilst we were recording this episode, news broke that Prince Harry had won his...

Chaos, Confusion and the Covid Inquiry

December 08, 2023 13:16 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return to discuss a chaotic week and a chaotic government. Rows about immigration and "stopping the boats" continue, and this week include the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick and the Rwandan government raising concerns over the UK's emergency legislation.  Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has been at the Covid inquiry and Nadine Dorries thinks there is a conspiracy... New Rwanda bill gives ministers power to disregard some human rights l...

Rishi Sunak Has Lost His Marbles

December 01, 2023 12:14 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

This week's episode begins by paying tribute to Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor who has died aged 70. Emma recalls working with a thoroughly decent man. Charlotte and Emma then discuss Rishi Sunak's unseemly spat with the Greek Prime Minister over the Elgin Marbles before returning to the Covid enquiry. Matt Hancock was back on the stand and trying to paint himself as the hero of the hour. You can now support the show on Patreon and get access to both Charlotte's and Emma's n...

A Damp Squib of an Autumn Statement

November 24, 2023 12:53 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look back on a not very exciting Autumn statement. Was it another missed set-piece opportunity for the Conservatives to make an impact? They also briefly reflect on the election of Geert Wilders in Holland. Autumn Statement: Hunt denies tax cuts were pre-election giveaway - BBC News The Dutch Trump: Who is Geert Wilders and what does he want? - Politico Dublin was a city stunned into silence by tragedy – then the darkness fell - Irish Independent ...

Guess Who's Back, Back Again

November 17, 2023 12:40 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

Surprise! David Cameron is back. Now Lord Cameron, the former prime minister has been appointed foreign secretary by Rishi Sunak. It was undoubtedly the most surprising moment of the reshuffle earlier this week. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what it might tell us about the Tory party. There was also a fraught vote on support for a ceasefire in Gaza. Fifty-six Labour MPs, including some frontbenchers, defied the whip and voted for it, in opposition to the party's line on ...

It's Our Birthday!

November 10, 2023 13:36 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

Happy birthday to this incarnation of House of Comments! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell have been doing the show together for a year! They reflect on the some of the chaos they have had to cover and make an exciting announcment... You can now support the show on Patreon and get access to both Charlotte and Emma's newsletters. Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left ...

A Woman Problem at The Covid Inquiry

November 03, 2023 12:37 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

It has been a somewhat explosive week at the Covid inquiry, with Dominic Cummings, Lee Cain and Helen McNamara all appearing. Alongside the chaos in government, it became apparent that there was a bit of a "woman problem" i.e. there weren't many involved in the decision-making process. This had real-world consequences. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. Covid inquiry: Key points from Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain evidence - BBC News Covid inquiry: Read the private Wh...

Special: Rishi Sunak's Year in Power

October 27, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak's first (and maybe last?) year as prime minister. What wins has he had? What have been the failings? Apart from not calling an election, is there any way he can make it to year two?  Before that, they also highlight Tory MP Crispin Blunt's arrest on suspicion of rape, a charge he denies. Blunt's statement says he believes he is being extorted. MP Crispin Blunt arrested on suspicion of rape - BBC News Peter Bone: Tories braced f...

Conservatives Get Double By-Election Drubbing

October 20, 2023 11:02 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss a terrible night for the Conservatives as they lost both the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-elections. Labour took the seats on the back of huge swings, with the Tories only able to offer the excuse that their voters didn't turn out on the day and it will all be ok at the General Election.  The Conservative might have to face another by-election too, after a report into MP Peter Bone found he had harassed and exposed himself to a member of staff. H...

Sir Keir Starmer Shines in Big Conference Speech

October 13, 2023 11:30 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

Emma Burnell is recovering from conference, so this week, Charlotte Henry is joined by Conservative staffer and commentator Claire Pearsall. The terrible events in Israel have been front of mind, but they reflect on what happened at Tory Party conference and discuss the optimism seen from the Labour Party. There is little doubt who "won" conference season, but does it matter in the real world? Rishi Sunak has had one win though - Dr Lisa Cameron joining the Tories from the SNP.  There is ev...

The Parallel Universe of Conservative Party Conference

October 06, 2023 11:28 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

It has been a big week in politics, as the Conservatives assembled for (probably) their last party conference before a General Election. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss everything that happened in Manchester, including the HS2 shambles and increasing concerns over disinformation and lies.  Attention now turns to Labour, who have picked up a very important by-election victory in Scotland and will head to Liverpool on a high. After the result in Rutherglen, the path to Downi...

Suella Braverman's Dog Whistle

September 29, 2023 11:21 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

It's been a busy week, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all. They head from the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth to Suella Braverman's speech on migration in Washington. Then there is a discussion about Sir Alok Sharma's discussion not to stand at the next election and the decision of the Rosefield oil field. The show finishes with a look ahead to Thursday's by-election in Rutherglen. Liberal Democrat conference: Davey's speech featured a powerful human moment - and ...

Sunak Drops Green Policies, Murdoch Drops Chairmanship

September 22, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak pushing back on a number of green policies, including extending a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. However, some of the other policies he supposedly dropped were... never going to be enacted... Elsewhere on the show, they discuss the allegations against Russell Brand. All are denied by the actor and comedian, but what does it feel like when someone you like is less than you want them to be? And wh...

Sir Keir's Plan to Stop Small Boats

September 15, 2023 11:11 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

This week co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect Labour's new policy on immigration and small boats. Leader Sir Keir Stamer was in the Hague discussing the issue with Europol before making the policy announcement. They also look at how the government seems to have run out of steam. Key legislation on conversion therapy and renters' rights looks like it will simply evaporate as time has run out. A vacuum is a dangerous place for any government or political party to be. Labour see...

We're Back. Nadine Dorries Isn't.

September 01, 2023 11:24 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

After a summer break, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and are back together. They discuss Nadine Dorries finally exiting the House of Commons and ULEZ expansion being implemented without the world coming to an end.  Grant Schapps has got another job too. Following the departure of Ben Wallace, Shapps is now the defence secretary, his fifth cabinet position in a year. By giving him that role, is Rishi Sunak muzzling his best attack dog? Nadine Dorries quits her Commons seat: Her resignation letter...

Brexit means...?

August 25, 2023 11:15 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Charlotte Henry sits down with Professor Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe to discuss all things Brexit and the UK's relationship with the EU. Where are we now in the process, what do European politicians think about Britain (if anything at all) and how do things move forward seven years after the referendum? Interestingly, not many in UK politics, certainly not in the main national parties, want to talk about Brexit very much at all. They also discuss whether Brits spend too much time ...

Politics - A Matter of Life and Death?

August 18, 2023 09:09 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

This week, Emma Burnell chats with Rafael Behr. They discuss how having a heart attack at a young age gave the Guardian columnist and author a fresh perspective on life... and politics. Is there a way we can do politics in a less anger-inducing way, something that would be better for us all?  "Politics: A Survivor’s Guide" on Amazon and Bookshop.org Rafael Behr on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsle...

Polly Toynbee on Class and Familial Chaos

August 11, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB

Polly Toynbee is one of the country's best-known left-wing columnists and authors. She has long struggled at balancing this with her privileged middle-class upbringing and ancestry. She explores it all in her latest book "An Uneasy Inheritance". In this conversation with Emma Burnell, she also looks at the role class plays in politics and the country more broadly. "An Uneasy Inheritance" on Amazon, Bookshop.org and The Guardian Bookshop Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newslet...

Political Interviews and Holding the Powerful to Account

August 04, 2023 11:46 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB

This week we have a chat about a great summer read - "Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?" by Rob Burley. Emma Burnell sits down with the author to discuss his impressive career in political television and why long-form political interviews matter so much. This topic is likely to become even more relevant as we head into a General Election campaign. As well as the book and Burley's career, they also discuss the responsibilities the public has for improving the public discourse and whethe...

What's The Point of the Lib Dems? Party President Mark Pack Explains.

July 28, 2023 11:44 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

This summer, House of Comments is interviewing interesting people from across the political spectrum. This week, Charlotte Henry speaks to Dr Mark Pack, president of the Liberal Democrats. They discuss the recent by-election victory in Somerton and Frome, leader Sir Ed Davey and whether the Lib Dems can reclaim third place in the House of Commons. By-election wins and cringey stuns are all well and good, but, ultimately, the question is - what is the point of the Lib Dems?  Mark Pack on Tw...

By-Election Fallout

July 21, 2023 10:46 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect the results of three by-elections, all held on the same night. The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all won one each. There were different issues at play in each of the seats, but the pincer movement from the opposition parties should be scaring the Tories. Is there any hope for them at the next general election?  By-election results: Who are the new MPs in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Selby and Ainsty, and Somerton and Frome? - Sky News  ...

Pincher Suspended, Sir Keir Starmer on Education, Education, Education

July 07, 2023 11:26 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

The Standards Committee has proposed an eight-week suspension for Conservative MP Chris Pincher for "completely inappropriate" behaviour. It means Rishi Sunak will almost certainly face yet another by-election. Oh, and it all links back to Boris Johnson too... Sir Keir Starmer made a speech outlining the fifth of his five missions - education. He spoke about the need to promote oracy skills in school, amongst other things. He had some strong words for the Just Stop Oil protestors who contin...

Is Sir Keir Starmer a Lucky General?

June 30, 2023 11:33 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

In recent weeks Labour has had some policy wobbles. These are not full-blown u-turns, but certainly a shift in position in a few key areas. However, nobody has really noticed because every time this happens the Conservatives have another disaster. On Thursday alone there was another Privileges Committee report dealing with the Partygate fallout and the Government's Rwanda policy was ruled to be unlawful by the Court of Appeal. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how Sir Keir S...

Sunak Skips Vote on Johnson Report

June 23, 2023 11:21 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Rishi Sunak started the week by declining to vote, or even give a view, on the Privileges Committee report on Partygate and Boris Johnson. In then end, leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and four other cabinet colleagues marched over 100 Tory MPs through the lobby to vote for it.  The economic situation is as difficult for the prime minister as the political one. Interest rates are up to 5% and mortgage payers are being squeezed. At the same time, savers don't seem to be benefiti...

Boris Johnson Blasted by Committee Report

June 16, 2023 10:42 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

Boris Johnson should be banned for 90 days from Parliament. That's what the Privileges Committee would have recommended had he not already resigned as an MP. In a forensic and highly detailed report about statements he made in the Commons about partygate, they also recommend that he should not be given a former member's pass to the Parliamentary estate. These sanctions are so serious they have no real precedent. MPs will vote on them on Monday.  Over in the US, Donald Trump is back in court...

SPECIAL: Johnson Quits Commons, Sturgeon Arrested

June 12, 2023 11:51 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MB

It has been a chaotic weekend in UK politics. First, Nadine Dorries resigned as an MP after her nomination for a peerage was rejected. Former prime minister Boris Johnson followed her out of the Commons hours later with another ally, Nigel Adams, quitting on Saturday.  If that wasn't enough, former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and faced questions from police in Scotland as part of their investigation into the SNP's finances. She denies all allegations and insisted on...

Sir Keir on Brexit, Johnson Playing Games With Covid Inquiry

June 02, 2023 11:20 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sir Keir Starmer's latest intervention on Brexit. He wrote an opinion piece for the Express laying out his position, but did it actually contain anything new? Meanwhile, Boris Johnson continues to toy with the Covid inquiry and the government over submitting his WhatsApp messages and notebooks from the pandemic. The show ends with a brief discussion about the allegations made against Labour MP Geraint Davies. UK's future is outsid...

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