House of Comments

Boris Johnson Lockdown Allegations Cause Another Tory Row

May 26, 2023 11:02 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Boris Johnson continues to cast a long shadow over the Conservative Party. He is now under investigation for alleged lockdown rule-breaking at Chequers, something he denies. His allies are furious and threatening to trigger by-elections. Over in the US Ron Desantis is officially in the race to be the Republican presidential nominee. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell also discuss the ongoing debate over immigration statistics. Boris Johnson's allies threaten to trigger by-elections o...

National Fruitcake Conference

May 19, 2023 11:12 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the National Conservative Conference, which was held in London this week. Various Tory MPs and ministers took the stage, including the home secretary Suella Braverman and levelling up secretary Michael Gove. Despite many of the speakers saying some deeply troubling things, there has been no sanction against the MPs and ministers who joined the event. Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak may be facing a number of by-elections, as Boris Johnson looks set to appoint ...

Local Elections Fallout

May 12, 2023 10:47 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back together to discuss all the fallout from the local elections. Can the Conservatives recover from such a terrible set of results? Are Labour on course for Government? And why are we talking about coalitions? They also look ahead to the ongoing ping pong between the House of Lords and House of Commons over migration legislation, following an intervention from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Local election results - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter...

Prof Tim Bale on the Tory Party's Past, Present and Future

May 05, 2023 11:32 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

In another special interview, House of Comments is joined by Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London. Prof Bale is the author of various politics books, most recently "The Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation". As we wait for the latest local election results to come in, he talks to co-host Emma Burnell about the changing fortunes of the Tory party, and what might come next for them. Prof Tim Bale's Books on Amazon Prof Tim Bale's Books on Waterstones ...

Talking to Those Affected by Diane Abbott's Letter

April 28, 2023 11:59 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell sit down with two of the groups affected by Diane Abbott's now infamous letter on racism to in the Observer. Charlotte talks about antisemitism with Dr Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust. He is also the author of the book "Everyday Hate". Emma speaks with Sam McLaren from Friends, Families and Travellers and Chris McDonagh from Travellers Against Racism. Diane Abbott's letter Community Security Trust Everyday Hate: How antisemitism is bu...

Raab Resigns

April 21, 2023 11:10 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back after an Easter break, and it's a packed show. Dominic Raab has resigned as justice secretary and deputy prime minister after two allegations of bullying against him were upheld following an investigation by Adam Tolley KC. Judging by the tone of his resignation letter, he is not happy about it. North of the border, the SNP's struggles continue. Colin Beattie resigned as treasurer after being arrested as the police continue to look into t...

Donald Trump to Face Criminal Charges

March 31, 2023 10:54 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

It's a blockbuster episode this week. Former US President Donald Trump is set to face criminal charges over a payment made to former pornstar Stormy Daniels, and maybe more. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the consequences this might have for American politics. Back on this side of the Atlantic, they analyse the fallout from the SNP leadership election and what Margaret Ferrier's suspension might mean for Labour, the SNP and Boris Johnson. Donald Trump indictment: Ex-US pr...

The Met's "Institutional" And Boris Johnson on Trial

March 24, 2023 12:20 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

It has been a big week in politics. Senior figures have had to respond to the devastating findings of Baroness Casey's review of the Metropolitan Police and Boris Johnson had to face the Privileges Committee. Elsewhere, the SNP leadership race is coming to an end. Who is going to replace Nicola Sturgeon and what will her legacy be? (Sidenote - some audio gremlins made Charlotte sound like a bit of a robot. Apologies.) Met Police: Women and children failed by 'boys' club', review finds - BB...

The Fallout From the Gary Lineker Row and the Budget

March 17, 2023 12:25 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

Before analysing this week's Budget, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell breifly unpick the remains of the BBC's row with Gary Lineker. How did the execs ever think they would win? Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's speech wasn't exciting, but maybe that's what we needed and the show highlights the good announcements as well as the bad. Also, the SNP leadership is coming to a close but, after an acrimonious few weeks, can the party unite behind it's new leader? What the Lineker Moment Means - H...

Small Boats, Big Responsibilities

March 10, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the Government's new proposals to stop small boats crossing the Channel. Will it work? Is it the right thing to do? Why can't ministers actually answer straight questions about it? They also look at the latest delay/cancellation to befall HS2 and preview the upcoming Budget. Suella Braverman insists UK asylum plan lawful amid criticism - Politico HS2 line between Birmingham and Crewe delayed by two years - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitt...

Sue Gray And Brexit Return

March 03, 2023 14:25 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

This week. New Statesman columnist Jonn Elledge joins co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell. First up, they discuss Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint top civil servant Sue Gray, of partygate-report fame, to be his chief of staff. The conversation then turns to Rishi Sunak's Windsor win - the new framework for UK-EU relations around Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson, as ever, is lurking... Steve Baker: ‘I haven’t felt happy since Brexit vote’ - The Times Jonn Elledge at the New State...

SNP Leadership Race Turns Nasty. Boris Johnson on Manoeuvres.

February 24, 2023 11:53 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss how, mere days after it started, the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland has turned nasty. Kate Forbes has been questioned on her religious and social views... and is that the sound of a dog whistle you can hear? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is trying to get a new deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol, an issue brought into sharp focus by a shooting in Omagh this week. Meanwhile, Sunak's predece...

Scotland Without Sturgeon

February 17, 2023 12:18 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturrgeon caused a stir this week when she announced that she was going to be standing down. Whatever you think about Sturgeon herself, or the issue of Scottish independence, this is undoubtedly a moment of huge signficance. She has been a dominant figure in the SNP and Scottish politics for 16 years, so co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what comes next for her party, her country and her dream of an independent Scotland. They also look at whethe...

Sunak Reshuffles And Welcomes Zelensky

February 10, 2023 12:18 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect a busy week for prime minister Rishi Sunak who reshuffled his Cabinet, creating two new departments in the process, and welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the UK. The Ukrainian president also spoke with King Charles and addressed both Houses of Parliament before meeting EU leaders. MP Lee Anderson: New deputy Tory chairman clashes with radio presenter - BBC News Turn Off the News (Sometimes) - The Addition Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte...

Brexit means...

February 03, 2023 12:31 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

Three years after Britain left the EU, what does Brexit actually mean? Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what has happened, and what might come next, as Britain navigates life outside the bloc. But first... a quick return to Conservative sackings and scandal. Nadhim Zahawi has gone, will deputy PM Dominic Raab be next? Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Tory party chair over tax affairs - Guardian Dominic Raab: Simon Case ‘was told of bullying before Sunak brought minister back’ - Tim...

Tories Party Like It's 1992

January 27, 2023 12:04 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

From investigations into Dominic Raab, alleged loans to Boris Johnson and Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs, the Conservative Party has been consumed by scandal and sleaze in recent times. Furthermore, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak does not seem to be able to get a grip on it all and the communications operation behind him isn't helping. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all and wonder if there is any way back for Sunak and the Conservatives. The BBC chairman, the prime minister an...

UK and Scottish Governments Clash Over Gender Recognition Reform Bill

January 20, 2023 11:49 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the various implications of the UK Government invoking Section 35 in response to Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Then they return to London to look at yet more scandals in the Metropolitan Police and why politicians need to step and implement widespread reform of the force. Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill Elite Metropolitan police officer David Carrick revealed as serial rapist - Guardian Met Police officers investiga...

A Bridgen Too Far

January 13, 2023 11:54 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

The political temperature is rising. Amidst ongoing trade union strike action, the government has introduced legislation to set minimum service levels for certain sectors. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell disagree on whether this is an assault on the right to strike but agree that the proposals, as they currently stand, are a bit of a mess. They also discuss Andrew Bridgen MP, who lost the Conservative Whip after peddling anti-vax conspiracies and invoking the Holocaust. Let us kn...

Happy New Year From Rishi Sunak And Sir Keir Starmer

January 06, 2023 12:31 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

It's 2023 and politics is back after the Christmas break. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer both made their first speeches of the year this week. Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the differing visions and ideas they set out. They then head Stateside to look at the chaos there as Republicans fail to select a Speaker of the House of Representatives. Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma B...

Reflecting on 2022

December 23, 2022 12:39 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

2022 is nearly over. It's been quite a year! Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look back on the last 12 months that included a devastating war on European soil, the passing of the UK's longest-serving monarch and political chaos that led to multiple Prime Ministers and Chancellors. In a year of difficulties, they finish on a positive note, picking out their favourite moments. Thanks for listening and see you in 2023! Crisis at Christmas is a wonderful cause that both Emma and Charlot...

Wave of Strikes Hits UK

December 16, 2022 12:07 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

This week, Charlotte and Emma debate the wave of strike action currently gripping the UK. Not surprisingly, they do not see eye-to-eye! Is the action a result of a failure by the government? Are the unions just doing their job and sticking up for their members, or is there another element to it? Crisis at Christmas is a wonderful cause that both Emma and Charlotte support. Please go to crisis.org.uk and support in whatever way you are able to. Your money will help keep someone off the stre...

Gordon Brown Wants to Take Power From The Treasury. No. Really

December 09, 2022 12:31 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

Former Prime Minister and Chancellor Gordon Brown has led a commission making recommending as series of constitutional and economic shake-ups for an incoming Labour government. These include a smaller, elected House of Lords and more devolution. Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell debate the merits of these. They also touch on the end of Matt Hancock's political career and Raphael Warnock finally being set for a six-year term as the Senator for Georgia. Report of the Commission on the U...

I'm a Tory MP, Get Me Out of Here

December 02, 2022 12:20 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

A number of Conservative MPs have decided that they do not want to stand at the next General Election. Amongst them are significant backbenchers like William Wragg, up-and-coming junior minister Dehenna Davison and former Cabinet minister Chloe Smith. The most significant MP not running again, however, is former Chancellor Sajid Javid. News of his decision broke as "House of Comments" was recording. Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse what this all means for the Conservatives. Th...

What's The Point of The Conservative Party?

November 25, 2022 11:36 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

As the fallout from Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement continues, Charlotte Henry is joined by Henry Hill, Deputy Editor of Conservative Home, to discuss the many and varied issues facing the Tories. What do they stand for now? Are they helping the right people? Henry also provides a fascinating insight into the internal dynamics at play within the Conservative Party. Britain is no country for young men - Stephen Daisley, The Spectator Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, ...

Reflecting on Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement

November 18, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpick Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement. They are both disappointed, but for different reasons! There is also discussion about the issues off the pitch ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. The Autumn Statement 2022 speech Autumn Statement 2022: Key points at-a-glance - BBC News Buy tickets for Emma's Play "Triggered" (If there are still any left!) Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell...

House of Comments is back!

November 11, 2022 12:37 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

House of Comments is back! Emma Burnell returns with new host Charlotte Henry. This week they discuss Gavin Williamson's resignation and what it tells us about Rishi Sunak's government and Westminster more broadly. They also go Stateside to discuss the midterms. What did Gavin Williamson say? The text message row with Chief Whip Wendy Morton explained - i In battle for the Senate, the focus is on three states - Washington Post Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The ...

The New Political Capitalism - Interview with Joe Zommit-Lucia

February 27, 2022 11:37 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

In this episode Emma interviews the business executive and founder of Radix Joe Zammit-Lucia on his new book The New Political Capitalism. In it, he argues that businesses cannot ignore politics or stand apart from it, but have an intrinsic role in shaping politics just as politics shapes business.

Out of the Ordinary - Interview with Marc Stears

October 09, 2021 07:30 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

This one off episode is a discussion between Emma Burnell and Marc Stears. Previously a speechwriter for Ed Miliband, Marc now runs the Sydney Policy Lab. The discussion focuses on Marc's book Out of the Ordinary which shows how a previous generation of socialist thinkers were inspired by the wonder of the everyday and how we could be again.

Planet on Fire - Interview with Mathew Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton

July 08, 2021 14:16 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

Emma Burnell interviews Mathew Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton - authors of new book Planet on Fire: A Manifesto for the age of environmental breakdown. Buy the book here. Mat and Laurie's Dazed article is here: Tickets for Emma's first play - No Cure for Love - are available here.

"Extreme common sense" Interview with Cllr Matthew Brown on the 'Preston Model'

June 03, 2021 09:11 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

Emma Burnell talks to Preston Council Leader Cllr Matthew Brown about the 'Preston model' of community wealth building. An approach he describes as "extreme common sense". We discuss how the model works, how to get community buy-in and how transferable it is to other places. Paint Your Town Red: How Preston took back control and your town can too by Matthew Brown and Rhian E Jones

Beyond the Red Wall - Interview with Deborah Mattinson

November 23, 2020 12:41 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this episode Emma Burnell interviews pollster and focus group guru Deborah Mattinson about her latest book Beyond the Red Wall. The book looks at the kinds of voters that Labour lost from what were once its heartlands - what their passions, angers and expectations are. Deborah's book is available here: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/beyond-the-red-wall

The Local Trust and the Virus

May 02, 2020 12:21 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

In this episode, Emma Burnell speaks to Margaret Bolton from the Local Trust about how their Big Local projects are adapting to the 'new normal'. She also highlights their big idea of a Community Wealth Fund.

Warring Fictions

April 13, 2020 16:51 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

In this episode, Emma talks to Chris Clarke, author of Warring Fictions - left populism and its defining myths.

Uncharted - With author Margaret Heffernan

April 08, 2020 06:58 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

In this fascinating episode Emma Burnell talks to author Margaret Heffernan about her book Uncharted - How to Map the Future together, The book looks at the prediction business and how to really plan for an unpredictable future. The book is available here https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Uncharted/Margaret-Heffernan/9781471179785 and examples of Emma's journalism can be found here https://www.politicalhuman.com/journalism

A Left for Itself - Interview with David Swift

October 28, 2019 16:13 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MB

In this special episode, Emma Burnell interviews David Swift, author of A Left For Itself: Left wing hobbyists and performative radicialism. You can find the book here: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/zer0-books/our-books/left-for-itself

Foot Soldiers - Interview with Professor Tim Bale

October 10, 2019 17:45 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB

Emma Burnell and Professor Tim Bale meet over a (noisy) coffee to discuss his book Footsoldiers - about who joins a political party and why.

Contemporary Left Antisemitism

August 22, 2019 11:29 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

In this one-off special, Emma Burnell talks to David Hirsh, Sociology lecturer at Goldsmiths University and author of Contemporary Left Antisemitism. They discuss how antisemitism has been mainstreamed within some areas of the left and how it is an essential part of anti-democratic thinking. The book can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contemporary-Left-Antisemitism-David-Hirsh/dp/1138235318

Not Buying It

July 02, 2019 14:32 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

In this one-off episode, Emma talks to Charlotte Henry - author of new book Not Buying It - the Facts Behind Fake News about - well Fake News. But also liberal centrism as default, whether all propaganda is bad propaganda and how to understand structural biases without conspiratorial thinking.

The Price of Paradise: Interview with Iain Overton

April 14, 2019 18:51 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MB

Emma interviews Iain Overton, journalist, writer and Director of Action on Armed Violence about his new book The Price of Paradise: How the Suicide bomber shaped the modern age.

Who Will Replace Theresa May?

April 09, 2019 11:09 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

On 28th March, Emma took part in a Tortoise Media 'Think-in' - an event where panel and audience alike discuss a topic together. This topic was originally "Should Theresa May resign" but events overtook us so it became "Who should replace Theresa May?". This is that discussion.

How to set up a new political party

April 04, 2019 12:38 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In this one-off special, Emma Burnell interviews Nick Silver, founder of Radix and author of new book A Guide to New Political Movements: How to do politics in the 21st century. They discuss the 'radical centre', leadership, ideology and what it takes to succeed in modern politics.

Funny Tinge

February 19, 2019 07:43 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

EMERGENCY PODCAST! Emma and Mark are back back back! To discuss the breakaway of the Independent Groups of 7 former Labour MPs.

2018 - That Was The Year That Was

December 29, 2018 07:31 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

In their last podcast for a while, Emma, Nick and Mark look back over the madness that has been politics in 2018 and forward to much more and possibly worse in 2019! Happy New Year!

Junkers for goalsposts

December 02, 2018 21:35 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

This week, Mark and Nick discuss conspiracy theories, Brexit and its ever shifting goalposts. Deal or no deal?

The future of the Tories

November 21, 2018 20:26 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

In this special episode hosted by Duncan Robinson of the Economist, podcast regular Nick Denys debates the future of the Tory Party and Conservative thought with Rebecca Lowe - Director of Freer.

Brexshit

November 15, 2018 22:29 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

Emma Burnell and Mark Thompson discuss the ongoing clusterf*ck that is Westminster, May and all things Brexit.

Budgets, Brazil and Bravery

November 01, 2018 17:37 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

In this extraordinary episode, we talk about the budget and the new president of Brazil. But most importantly, Mark opens up about his past mental health issues. His bravery is inspiring, but his point is that it shouldn't take bravery. It's an incredible conversation we were all honoured to be part of.

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