Not Enough Champagne
265 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsCome for the political analysis, stay for the bad jokes and wrong predictions.
Not Enough Champagne is run by Steve Haynes, who in a previous life was a Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats, and Cory Hazlehurst, a Labour activist who has written about politics for the New Statesman. We try to work out what the hell is going on with British Politics and take a step back to shed new light on issues most news outlets don't talk about.
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Episodes
Apocalypse Delayed (#161)
April 14, 2019 17:24 - 25 minutes - 29.5 MBIn which Steve and Cory battle tiredness and technical gremlins to talk about the chances of the Brexit impasse being broken in the next six months. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
The rise of white nationalist terrorism (#160)
April 07, 2019 13:11 - 29 minutes - 34.4 MBSteve and Cory talk about the rise of the far right, the growth of Islamophobia and white nationalist terrorism. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Will Ken Clarke's Customs Union hit the charts? (#159)
March 31, 2019 13:13 - 32 minutes - 36.8 MBPleasantly surprised to have European Citizenship for at least 12 more days, Steve and Cory discuss how Theresa May is still Prime Minister, how much joy to take at ERG infighting, and what would happen in a snap election? James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Mayday! (#158)
March 24, 2019 20:27 - 29 minutes - 32.9 MBSteve and Cory talk about the continuing disintegration of the British government and the nonsense that is Brexit. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
When is a government not a government? (#157)
March 17, 2019 12:20 - 21 minutes - 25.4 MBSteve and Cory discuss the week in Brexit and the current clusterwoolas engulfing the government. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo. There were one or two gremlins on our recording equipment, so occasionally the audio recording skips randomly. We've ironed out most of the glitches in this episode, and will hopefully have sorted it fully by next week.
Two bad ways of making policy (#156)
March 10, 2019 13:07 - 26 minutes - 31.4 MBThis week, Steve and Cory talk about two bad ways of making policy: trying to copy populists, and just talking about "evidence based policy" without thinking through the implications. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
What does Global Britain actually mean? (#155)
March 03, 2019 13:31 - 27 minutes - 32.7 MBSteve and Cory talk about what Brexiteers meant when they talked about Global Britain, update you with what's happening with the free trade deals the UK is supposed to be signing with Japan and America, and discuss a recent report which sees Britain's influence in the UN dwindling if we're not careful. The blog by Chris Grey we talk about is here. The UNA-UK report is here. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our themetune, Plucky Good Times.
MPs go off to play T.I.G (#154)
February 24, 2019 19:20 - 39 minutes - 45.1 MBOn this episode, we discuss the 11 MPs that have gone off to join the Independent Group (or playing TIG). What do they actually stand for? Is this just a flash in the pan? And if Emmanuel Macron is Jupiter, then which Roman God is Mike Gapes? James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Best of the B-sides (#153)
February 16, 2019 15:30 - 21 minutes - 23.1 MBThis episode features a couple of outtakes from shows we recorded over Christmas. In the first clip, we talk about the fraying social fabric of Britain with Luke John Davies, John Cotton and a cameo from Brigid Jones. In the second, we talk about the prospects for the Lib Dems in 2019.
How is climate change a national security issue? (#152)
February 10, 2019 17:46 - 26 minutes - 29.3 MBSteve and Cory discuss the ways in which climate change impacts on national security, from refugees to flooding air bases. Our logo was designed by James Cram and our theme tune was designed by Dave Depper.
The more things change... (#151)
February 03, 2019 16:11 - 33 minutes - 36.2 MBSteve and Cory talk about the fundamentals of British (and global) politics that haven't changed, even in this terrible world of conflict and strife. And try and do so without quoting Theresa May's "Nothing has changed". Dave Depper designed our theme tune and James Cram designed our logo.
What resolutions should Labour and the Conservatives have in 2019? (#150)
January 27, 2019 17:39 - 28 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this episode, Steve and Cory discuss what Labour and the Conservatives should focus on over the next twelve months. WARNING: contains mentions of Brexit. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Crawling from the Wreckage (#149)
January 20, 2019 19:17 - 29 minutes - 33.5 MBSteve and Cory discuss the latest Brexit news and where we go from here. Our logo is designed by James Cram and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Who will be the most influential political figures in 2019?
January 11, 2019 07:04 - 30 minutes - 34.2 MBSteve and Cory choose who they think will be the movers and shakers in British Politics in 2019. Our logo is designed by James Cram, and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Vegan sausage fests and Javid bashes asylum seekers: Culture wars of 2019 (#147)
January 06, 2019 12:31 - 27 minutes - 31.1 MBSteve and Cory reconvene in the Not Enough Champagne bunker to get surprisingly animated about vegan sausage rolls, and unsurprisingly outraged at Sajid Javid's dogwhistling about asylum seekers. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
2018 Quiz (#146)
December 31, 2018 11:35 - 34 minutes - 36.6 MBSpend your bank holiday listening to some high quality light entertainment, as we look back on the news in 2018. Will Luke John Davies and John Cotton take revenge for last year's defeat, or will Steve and Brigid's team retain their title. You have to listen to find out.
The State of Britain in 2018 (#145)
December 30, 2018 10:47 - 32 minutes - 34.1 MBCouncillors Brigid Jones, John Cotton and Birmingham Fabians chair Luke John Davies join Cory and Steve to discuss the issues the government hasn't had time to solve in 2018 because it's been too busy negotiating Brexit. We discuss social care, the callousness of austerity, and the gerrymandering of road funding, and more. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Merry Christmas (Brexit is Over) #144
December 16, 2018 12:06 - 31 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode, our super strength panel discuss the madness of the last week and speculate on what happens next. Cory and Steve are joined by Councillors Brigid Jones and John Cotton, as well as chair of Birmingham and West Midlands Fabians Luke John Davies.
Destination: Unknown (#143)
December 09, 2018 13:43 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MBSteve and Cory talk about the general Brexit chaos that has unfolded over the past week. How is it possible to summarise a six page document in 43 pages? Why do MPs keep talking nonsense about Ireland? What does UKIP's recruiting of Tommy Robinson mean? We discuss these questions and more.
Which Tribe Are You In? ( Episode 142)
December 02, 2018 18:10 - 34 minutes - 39.6 MBThis week we dive into BMG's research into the 10 tribes that make up the British electorate.
The Return of Brexit: What we *think* we know (Episode 141)
November 25, 2018 10:33 - 38 minutes - 43.8 MBIn this weeks episode, we run you through everything we know for certain about the Brexit Withdrawal agreement, and some of the things that we *think* we know about it, and the political fallout. Our logo was designed by James Cram & our music is Plucky Good times by Dave Depper.
Does the BBC Hate Organutans? (Episode 140)
November 18, 2018 18:00 - 25 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss whether David Attenborough has done more damage to the environment than Exxon Mobil, whether elephants are cuter than organutans and what exactly make an advert " too political". James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Another Johnson Resignation - this time it's political (#139)
November 13, 2018 19:40 - 17 minutes - 19.7 MBWe discuss Jo Johnson's resignation, Jeremy Corbyn's comments on a second referendum, and why the ground seems to be shifting towards another vote. ***STOP PRESS*** This was recorded before the annoucement of a deal between the EU and the government. However, we talk about the Parliamentary arithmetic behind such a deal in this episode, which still applies.
What do the Midterms mean for you? (#138)
November 12, 2018 18:39 - 28 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about whether the Midterms have heightened or lessened the chance of nuclear war, what Labour can learn from Beto O'Rourke's campaigning in Texas, how is the Special Relationship doing, and what it means for Donald Trump's re-election prospects. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Jokes aside, what was in the Budget? (#137)
November 04, 2018 18:42 - 33 minutes - 37.4 MBSteve and Cory discuss how Philip Hammond spends more time writing jokes than consulting ministers on what is in his Budget, whether austerity has been ended, and the political reaction to the Budget by Labour and the Conservatives. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
How do we rebuild the British economy? (#136)
October 29, 2018 18:01 - 28 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this episode, Steve and Cory discuss the IPPR's report on the challenges facing the British economy and some policy solutions to the structural inequalities facing the UK. You can read that report here: https://www.ippr.org/cej Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune and James Cram designed our logo.
Marching towards No Deal (#135)
October 21, 2018 16:20 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MBAs 700,000 people march in favour of a People's Vote, Steve and Cory discuss the lack of progress at a EU leader's summit and why a second referendum seems more likely than a general election. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Universal Suffering and Universal Chaos under Universal Credit (#134)
October 14, 2018 18:26 - 24 minutes - 25.7 MBIn a week in which Universal Credit has rarely been out of the news, we talk to two Labour Councillors about the impact of UC on people in Birmingham. On this podcast, Cory talks to Nicky Brennan and John Cotton about the disastrous rollout of the new benefit system and what changes need to be made. The Rough Justice report by the Child Poverty Action Group which is referenced in the episode can be found here: http://www.cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/CPAG-2018-Rough-justice.pdf Dave De...
"Nobody is ruling out Dancing Queen as an option": Looking back at Conference Season
October 07, 2018 15:23 - 32 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, Steve and Cory talk about the resolutions they gave Britain's political parties at the start of 2018 and how far they addressed these issues during the Conference Season. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper recorded our theme tune.
Unfair and unbalanced (#132)
September 30, 2018 17:15 - 25 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode Steve and Cory discuss the problem of BBC Radio 4's today and how broadcasters can be balanced. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Oh, Jeremy Corbyn! (#131)
September 23, 2018 17:38 - 27 minutes - 29.3 MBAs Labour has its annual conference and Jeremy Corbyn celebrates three years as Labour leader, Steve and Cory discuss how the Labour Party has changed with Councillors John Cotton and Nicky Brennan.
From Waterloo to Portaloo: Where do we go from here? (#131)
September 16, 2018 14:04 - 33 minutes - 35.2 MBThe new parliamentary session has started, and is now adjourned for conference season. It promises to be a tumultuous six months in British Politics. Steve and Cory speak to Labour Councillors Nicky Brennan and John Cotton to discuss what might happen. Will Britain get a trade deal? Will Labour split? When will Theresa May stand down? All this is covered and more. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Stop that, it's silly: the Labour right (#129)
September 09, 2018 11:18 - 29 minutes - 33.6 MBRecorded during silly season, here is our podcast on the ongoing travails of the Labour moderates. We have fun (perhaps too much fun) talking about a "secret" plot to oust Corbyn that was leaked to the Sunday Express (https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/999804/jeremy-corbyn-labour-leadership-coup-brexit-antisemitism) and Chris Leslie's pamphlet on the centre ground to the Social Market Foundation (http://www.smf.co.uk/publications/centre-ground-six-values-mainstream-britain/). SPOILER AL...
Should Frank Field and Kate Hoey be deselected? (#128)
September 02, 2018 11:40 - 26 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode, Steve and Cory discuss what the role of an MP should be. Is an MP a social worker or a legislator? Are they accountable to their conscience or constituents? In what circumstances should MPs be deselected? And is shrew fighting really a thing? The Chris Hanretty article we discussed can be found here: https://medium.com/@chrishanretty/should-hoey-and-field-be-de-selected-48a14c8e1e7d James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune. (Note -...
Stop that, it's silly: Political Predictions (#127)
August 19, 2018 22:07 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MBIn January, Steve and Cory picked who they thought would be the Movers and Shakers in British Politics in 2018. Now, they are assessing how (in)accurate those picks were. Does not feature Nigel Farage, strangely. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
Stop that, it's silly: Boris Johnson and the rise of the far right (#126)
August 12, 2018 11:51 - 25 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode, Steve and Cory discuss Boris Johnson's comments about the Burkha in the context of the rise of the far-right and UKIP over the last few months. James Cram designed our logo and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune, Plucky Good Times.
Stop that, it's silly: Conservative Party Leadership #125
August 05, 2018 13:41 - 27 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this episode, silly season officially kicks off as Steve and Cory idly speculate about the Tory Party's leadership crisis. What are the rules for any leadership crisis? Will May make it til Christmas? And is Boris a busted flush? All this and more. Our logo is designed by James Cram and Dave Depper is responsible for our theme tune.
So this is Recess. And what have you done? #124
July 29, 2018 12:44 - 28 minutes - 33.1 MBSteve and Cory sum up a chaotic two weeks in Parliament and talk about why the Brexit talks have deterioated to such an extent that the government is talking about stockpiling tinned food. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
What is happening to the centre -right? ( Episode 123)
July 15, 2018 18:55 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MBAcross the world, the centre-right is fragmenting. This week on Not Enough Champagne Cory and Steve delve into how's and why's of what's happening to the centre-right, and how conservative parties can fight off the rise of the far right. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
When will we start caring about Refugees? ( Episode 122)
July 08, 2018 16:30 - 25 minutes - 29.7 MBWith images of children locked up in cages emanating from the United States, Cory and Steve spend some time discussing the way we treat and talk about refugees. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Best of 2017, Part 2 (#121)
July 01, 2018 15:03 - 21 minutes - 22.9 MBAnother episode in which we pick our favourite episodes from last year. Features looking back on New Labour, the different types of headteachers, and how different generations view looking after the elderly.
5 ways Britain could stay in the EU
June 24, 2018 10:04 - 32 minutes - 39.6 MBWhat if we told you that there were ways Britain could stay in the UK? None of them are very likely, but they do exist. That's why we spent this weeks episode talking about the 5 ways that Britain MIGHT be able to stay in the EU. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
This Week in Brexit
June 18, 2018 05:41 - 36 minutes - 41.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about the different factors that are influencing the governments Brexit position, as well as examining why Labour is adopting a position on Brexit that seems very similar to the Governments. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Getting down to Business (#118)
June 03, 2018 13:54 - 29 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this episode, we talk about Labour's economic policy. How do voters perceive their economic competence? What can Jeremy Corbyn do to alter this perception? And why the most radical part of its aproach is not nationalisation. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Why do politicians get more sassy once they leave office? (#117)
May 27, 2018 15:18 - 24 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode Steve and Cory take their inspiration from an article about Ed Miliband by Anoosh Chakelian to discuss politicians once they leave office. Why is Ed Miliband so sassy now, but wasn't when he was Labour leader? How do the reputations of politicians change once they leave office? And why does it seem like politicians from the past are such big beasts compared to those of today? Read Anoosh's original article at: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2018/.../why-i-hate-ed...
Political Realignment (#116)
May 20, 2018 13:32 - 24 minutes - 28.1 MBIt looks like Britain has returned to two-party politics, but with neither party able to win an overall majority. In this episode, Steve and Cory discuss how those on left and right may win voters from across the cultural divides and gain power. Our logo is designed by James Cram and Dave Depper produced our theme tune, available on a Creative Commons license.
Partial to a bit of Media Bias (#115)
May 16, 2018 18:48 - 21 minutes - 25.2 MBSteve and Cory talk to Fred Grindrod about Andrew Adonis's #BrexitBroadcastingCorporation, the problem of maintaining impartiality in such a polarised world and what the BBC needs to do now. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
Best of 2017, Part 1 (#114)
May 10, 2018 18:50 - 23 minutes - 26.1 MBThere's not much political news at the moment, and Cory is going to a wedding, so instead here's an episode of our favourite bits from last year. Featuring the dead cat strategy and the multiple personality that is Vince Cable.
What the hell just happened? ( Local Elections 2018)
May 06, 2018 15:20 - 30 minutes - 34.8 MBThis weeks episode Steve & Cory dig into the results of the 2018 local elections, and try and work out what the hell happened, why it happened, and how do you get rid of a post-election hangover? Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.
What to look out for in Thursday's local elections (#112)
April 30, 2018 19:38 - 16 minutes - 19 MBIn this Midweek Shot, Steve and Cory discuss a few key battles to look out for ahead of Thursday's local elections. Our theme tune is Plucky Good Times by Dave Depper and James Cram designed our logo.