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Oh God, What Now?

562 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratings

Making sense of our political hell every Tuesday and Friday! Oh God, What Now? is the no-bulls**t politics podcast, making the unbearable bearable with top quality guests and analysis, plus poor quality jokes. 
Regulars include: Dorian Lynskey, author of The Ministry Of Truth: A Biography of Orwell’s 1984 and host of Origin Story • Alex Andreou, writer, commentator, cook, actor, secret agent • Writer and commentator Ros Taylor • Rachel Cunliffe of the New Statesman • Writer and host of This Is Not A Drill Gavin Esler • Hannah Fearn of the i paper • Comedian Matt Green • New Statesman policy and politics corresponent Zoë Grünewald • Group Editor Andrew Harrison • Journalist Marie Le Conte • Podmasters Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis
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Oh God, What Now? is a Podmasters production

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Episodes

No Money Mo’ Problems

November 22, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes

Hunt’s autumn statement has wound everyone up while whispers of a Swiss-style Brexit deal are sparking more Tory fury. How is Sunak going to handle anger from the public and his party? And how will parties to the right of the spectrum capitalise on the current disquiet? Plus, as Dorries looks to pen a Johnson biography we discuss the best and worst books of the political genre. This week’s guest is Rosie Campbell, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and professor of politi...

The Feel-Bad Austerity Remix

November 17, 2022 10:44 - 56 minutes

Out a day early to JUST beat the fiscal announcement… As Jeremy Hunt’s cuts come in, we look at why austerity has never worked before and won’t work now – and whether the infamous fiscal Black Hole is even real. Plus, Labour activist Michael Chessum of Another Europe Is Possible and Momentum talks about his new book This Is Only the Beginning: The Making of a New Left, from Anti-Austerity to the Fall of Corbyn. And in the Extra Bit… Gerontocracy Now? From Biden to Lula to Putin, why do rocky ...

We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas

November 15, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes

Sunak is performing ex-Prime Minister karaoke, pulling together failed ideas and giving them a go. Has he got anything fresh up his sleeve? Plus star guest Philippe Auclair, football journalist and singer songwriter, joins to discuss the moral perils of the upcoming Qatar World Cup. And finally after a string of seemingly culture averse Culture Secretaries, we ask the panel what they’d do if they took on the job.  Listen to the new series of Origin Story: https://kite.link/OS2E1Rand “It’s no...

Gavin, Gavin… Gone

November 11, 2022 04:00 - 57 minutes

Rejected Alan Partridge character “Sir” Gavin Williamson resigns to spend more time with his tarantula. (Poor Cronus). Is Sunak even paying attention to anything that isn’t the economy? Plus, the US Mid-Terms weren’t quite as hellish as expected. UCL politics professor Julie Norman explains what it means for Biden’s next two years and the spectre of Trump II. And the latest on Elon Trussk wrecking Twitter.  Get your tickets for our Christmas show on Mon 12 Dec here: https://www.tickettext.co...

What’s the point of Rishi Sunak?

November 08, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

Rishi Sunak promised stability but here we are, back in a u-turn vortex. If he can’t stop the rot, what’s the point of the new PM? Does he have a political north star? And as Braverman’s shirks blame, we agree the asylum system is broken – just not in the way she thinks. What needs fixing? Plus, Matt Hancock joins the shameful list of reality TV politicians. Seriously? This week’s guest is Satbir Singh, managing director of openDemocracy.  Get tickets for A VERY OH GOD, WHAT NOW? CHRISTMAS on...

Welcome to Camp Cruella

November 04, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes

We thought they couldn’t do worse than Priti Patel. As conditions in Manston reveal Suella Braverman’s stupendous callousness, it turns out that yes, they could. We unpack the rank incompetence, as well as the rank and incompetent. Plus, New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg joins us to look ahead to the US midterms – and the unfortunate parallels in politics both sides of the pond.  “The blue tick is going to become a sign that basically you’re a huge dork.” – Michelle Goldberg  “Ever...

From Town Square to Hellscape

November 01, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Trick or Tweet? Elon Musk buys Twitter to impose his half-formed ideas about free speech on the online world. Will he just make things worse? Suella Braverman doggedly refuses to take responsibility for either her emails or the migrant processing crisis. How long can she hang on? Plus, Labour’s attack lines for the Sunak Era. And why is Hallowe’en growing while Bonfire Night fizzles? Get tickets to Origin Story Live on Weds 2 Nov here: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/OHXEPSMwj1 “Somehow even Pr...

Cabinet of Horrors

October 28, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

It’s the hope that kills you. We didn’t have lots, but c’mon Rishi – Braverman? You know when a band reforms, with a couple of members swapped out for session musicians? Imagine they were always crap and it’s not a band, it’s the Cabinet. We chat through the no-shuffle. Plus, guest Adam Wagner, author of Emergency State: How We Lost Our Freedoms in the Pandemic and Why it Matters, to discuss his book and the imminent torching of more EU regulations. “If you’re going to do sensible politics, ...

Absolutely Sunak-ered

October 25, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

So Rishi Sunak, that bloke who couldn’t use a contactless card, is set to bring total normality to No.10. How will this megabrained and approachable (he owns a hoodie) maestro, you may remember from such successes as ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, lead us through this crisis? Plus, even if you’ve forgotten Liz Truss, the world hasn’t forgotten us having her as PM – we look at the international reaction to her downfall.  “Johnson’s fervent wish to destroy Sunak will not have gone away.” – Tom Peck "...

🚨 EMERGENCY TRUSSCAST 🚨 That. Was. A. Disgrace.

October 20, 2022 16:56 - 22 minutes

What a sad little life, wokerati. I hope you’re happy. Liz Truss is off. After being in office for less time than it takes to listen to Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, she’s on the way out of Downing Street. The Daily Star’s infamous lettuce looks set to roll into Number 10, and we ask: what the f**k is going on? “We’re laughing but I also want to cry, I’m just so angry they’re inflicting this on us again.” – Ros Taylor  “She couldn’t even deliver a resignation speech properly, it was boring a...

When the Going Gets Tofu

October 20, 2022 09:12 - 1 hour

An out-of-her-depth politician gets sacked by an out-of-her-depth politician who should get sacked. Tofu’s surprisingly high protein content boosts the Wokerati to victory over Suella Braverman – will Truss be the next victim of these Guardian-reading hooligans? Our panel talks about the Tory chaos (loath to say it’s the latest at this point), and even gets into a bit of Remainiacs style red meat to discuss rejoin. Our guest this week is ARD correspondent and New Statesman columnist Annette D...

New TUESDAY edition – Put Her Out of Our Misery

October 17, 2022 23:00 - 58 minutes

Now twice a week, because you demanded it… Liz Truss is definitely not hidden under a desk – but we can’t necessarily confirm she’s still in Number 10. And if she is, who knows how long she can stay without hiding somewhere. We look at the new power of Prime Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and the Tories’ ever falling standing in the latest opinion polls. Is a general election (or a genny leccy between friends) inevitable? This week’s special guest is veteran pollster and BBC election night mainstay,...

🚨EMERGENCYCAST🚨 Kwasi Thrown Under the Truss Bus

October 14, 2022 14:59 - 16 minutes

Kwasi go gos and the Government’s spinning around like a yo-yo – Andrew and Naomi pick apart the wreckage in an ever more regular EmergencyCast. What forced the PM’s hand and will it save her career – or has she just made yet another enemy? The Truss bus ploughs on full steam ahead, with or without anybody at the wheel… “She spoke abstractly to the markets in a very robotic way – and so far, they haven’t reacted well.” “The disconnect between Truss and reality is unbelievable.” “This marke...

Operation Rolling Blunder

October 14, 2022 03:00 - 56 minutes

Truss and Kwarteng’s politically-charged synchronised diving routine continues as the pair flip flop until the pound drops. Do they even understand what’s going wrong? And, as the Government’s spiral into a vortex of shame embarrasses anyone with an ounce of self awareness – what should opposition parties do? Alan Wager, research associate at the UK in a Changing Europe, is this week’s guest. Get our sought-after ANTI-GROWTH COALITION mug and more here: https://podmarket.co.uk/  “Everything...

PurgaTory – with guest David Gauke

October 07, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

As the Truss micro-Government twists on a hook of its own making, we take a taxi to an anti-growth North London podcast studio to examine a week of Tory torment, conference catastrophes and 33% Labour leads. Are the Conservatives on the verge of an actual extinction event? Former Justice Secretary and Conservative exile David Gauke is our special guest.  “Can you imagine anyone, in any pub, going on about the Anti-Growth Coalition?” – Ian Dunt “It seems that Truss genuinely doesn’t think sh...

Pound-emonium with Special Guest Alan Johnson

September 29, 2022 10:53 - 1 hour

Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget madness has sparked a Black Wednesday 2.0 – will the quids be alright? Plus, as Starmer takes Keir of business with a successful outing at conference, we look at Labour’s standing. This week’s special guest is former Labour minister turned mystery novelist Alan Johnson. “It’s too long ago to blame the last Labour government for everything so now they’re blaming one that doesn’t exist yet.” – Ros Taylor  “This looks like two economics A-Level students have be...

Mrs. Trickle

September 23, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Trickle down economics is the talk of the town as Liz Truss relaunches her Britannia unhinged agenda. Can she sell her growth narrative to the public? What will the so-called fiscal event (definitely not a budget) look like? Plus, we discuss what voters want to see from the party conferences with our guest Luke Tryl, UK director of More in Common.  Tickets to Doomsday Watch live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba  “Levelling up has been completely abandoned as an issue under Truss, I ...

This. Is. A. Disgrace. – Live In London Part Two

September 17, 2022 03:00 - 45 minutes

You didn’t think we weren’t going to give you some tough Truss talk, did you? In the second half of our latest London live show we decipher what we can about the new PM, from the relatively few bits of politics we’ve seen in recent days.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Ian Dunt and Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiew...

Monarchy In The UK? – Live In London Part One

September 16, 2022 03:00 - 51 minutes

What a week. The panel discusses the nation’s almighty gear shift, in part one of our latest London live show. How did they feel about the death of the Queen? And what have they reckoned to the reaction? Out in the usual Friday time slot, with the second half to follow tomorrow…  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Ian Dunt and Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofron...

The Evil of Two Lessers

September 08, 2022 09:21 - 1 hour

Liz Truss is in Downing Street and we’re here to deliver, deliver, deliver our thoughts on the new PM. She’s promised to do all the stuff and fix all the things – but hasn’t really said how. Does she know herself? We delve into the mind of the new Tory figurehead. Our guest this week is journalist and historian Seth Alexander Thévoz, author of The Secret Life of London Private Members’ Clubs.   “Perhaps boring could play well for her, but it has to be backed up by detail. It was the boring v...

End of an Error

September 02, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Boris Johnson to the dustbin of political history, here we go. With the PM set to finally leave Number 10 we look back on his tumultuous tenure. Plus, with the prospect of Prime Minister Liz Truss looming, we assess the future of democracy in Britain. Things can only get… worse? Sam Fowles, author of Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases, is this week’s guest.  “It turned out the gloomsters were right all along.” – Hannah Fearn  "Boris’s ego is why we don’t have a govern...

Build Bacteria Better

August 26, 2022 03:00 - 59 minutes

Levelling up goes down the drain as its champion Gove vanishes. Whatever happened to the Tory pledge to the re-grout the Red Wall? Plus, as sewage on the beaches turns us into the dirty man of Europe, is the case for nationalising utilities now unanswerable? This week’s guest is Anand Menon, director of The UK in a Changing Europe think tank. “If the Tories have a plan, they are not sharing it with us yet… and that is causing a lot of anger.” – Ros Taylor  “There's not much space for levell...

International Debt Set

August 19, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

With Johnson in holiday mode, what do we make of Starmer’s move to fill the void with his own cost of living plans? Does his energy bills freeze proposal go far enough? Plus, special guest Tim Walker joins to discuss his Brexit showdown play Bloody Difficult Women and his time working alongside Johnson at The Telegraph.  “Brexit is like this awful family secret. The day granny got done for shoplifting that no one wants to talk about…” – Tim Walker “The cost of living is driving people into ...

Unlit Uplands

August 12, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

We’ve got bills, they’re multiplying and the Government has lost control. Will the cost of living crisis ever end? What might Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak (hey, you never know…) do about it? And after Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort was raided, we look at the scandal surrounding the former US president. Satbir Singh, managing director at openDemocracy, and technology journalist Charles Arthur join us as our special guests this week.  Complete our listener survey and be in with a chance of winning an O...

Hot Strike Summer

August 05, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Keir Starmer and the unions: Can Labour keep its distance from striking workers without paying a price? Or will everything get better if you picket? Plus, is Rishi Sunak really catching up on Loopy Liz Truss? As Cosplay Thatcher executes rapid policy reversals, is this lady definitely up for turning? And as the Lionesses Bring Football Home™, our panelists revisit the trauma of sport at school.  Complete our listener survey and be in with a chance of winning an OGWN t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3...

Posh Shoes vs Cheap Earrings

July 29, 2022 03:00 - 57 minutes

As Sunak and Truss trade blows in a classic blue-on-blue bout, we ask if we’ve really seen the end of the Johnson era. Plus, we unpack the crises either candidate will face should they win. Growing NHS waiting lists, queues in Dover and an ever-deepening cost of living crisis. Do either of them have a plan? This week’s guest is New Statesman deputy political editor Rachel Wearmouth.  “I wonder if Sunak has lacked the stomach for the fight, that kind of killer instinct.” – Rachel Wearmouth  ...

BONUS: The Best of Oh God, What ELSE?

July 25, 2022 03:00 - 50 minutes

Every Monday we put out Oh God, What Else?, a special mini-cast exclusively for Patreon backers. To show you what you’re missing, here’s a bonus selection of some of our best episodes featuring our Ian, Naomi, Ros, Dorian, Alex and Minnie in Now That’s What I Call Oh God, What Else? You can get a brand new “OGWE” every Monday when you back us on Patreon. Just go to www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow to find out more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meal Deal vs Pork Markets

July 22, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Sunak or Truss. No, this isn’t a fever dream – one of them will be the next Prime Minister. The panel analyses this gruesome twosome, in the immediate aftermath of Mourdant’s elimination from the Tory leadership race. This week’s guest is Independent columnist and freelance journalist Hannah Fearn. And Doomsday Watch host Arthur Snell joins to discuss his new book How Britain Broke the World.   “The debates were a terrible mistake. What was the point in them when the public have no say?” – H...

Fight for the Right of the Party

July 14, 2022 10:25 - 1 hour

With Tory leadership contestants fighting like rats in a sack we pick apart the hopefuls vying to succeed Johnson. Is there a least worst candidate in this rotten bunch? And what policies might any winner actually push forward with? Our guest is Ali Milani, who was Labour’s candidate against Johnson in 2019 and is author of The Unlikely Candidate.  “I’m glad to see the back of Johnson. He’s one of the most dangerous men to walk into Number 10.” – Ali Milani  “This was always going to be the...

🚨 EmergencyCast 🚨 Disgraced, Debased, Destroyed

July 07, 2022 09:07 - 39 minutes

That’s it. Boris Johnson is to resign – sealing his place in history as the most shambolic excuse for a PM ever. We recorded a speedy-release edition on Wednesday, with 36 Government departures. Now we’re over 50. What the hell happened overnight? The resignations wouldn’t stop. Gove managed to get sacked. Johnson was due to fight on – before rather unceremoniously putting his fists down.  “The idea of Boris Johnson as caretaker, a man not known for taking care is ridiculous” – Dorian Lynske...

The End of the World King

July 06, 2022 17:51 - 1 hour

Amid a resignation tsunami, who knows how many ministers will have quit by the time you read this sentence? Boris Johnson is clinging to power like a leech full to the brim with the lifeblood of the Conservative Party. Is this finally the end? Plus, Fine Gael spokesperson on European Affairs Neale Richmond joins us as we unpack Starmer’s Brexit stance and the latest from that neverending conundrum.  “We deserve a better class of bastards." – Ian Dunt  "This isn't analysis, this is giggling ...

Humpty Numpty Has Two Big Falls

July 01, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

With Boris Johnson’s face covered in egg after two humbling by-election defeats, we assess the PM’s standing. What further turmoil is coming down the line? Plus, the post-Johnson future will need big political ideas. Guest Geoff Mulgan, former head of policy in the Prime Minister’s office under Tony Blair, gives us some pointers from his new book Another World is Possible. “Nobody in British politics ever learns anything from any other country any more. Not Scotland, Wales, France or anywher...

Wakey, Wakey – By-Election Emergencycast

June 24, 2022 10:03 - 23 minutes

As the Tories suffer two crushing by-election losses and Oliver Dowden resigns, mark this a good morning for Britain. In a special by-election emergencycast, Ros Taylor and Ian Dunt discuss the fallout from a disastrous night for the Conservatives, what next for Johnson’s leadership, and if Labour and the Lib Dems have finally worked out how to defeat the Tories. “Dowden doesn’t have any honour whatsoever, it’s very good that he’s resigned.” - Ian Dunt “The worse things are at home, the mor...

On a Sticky Picket

June 23, 2022 10:30 - 54 minutes

With the Conservatives trying to blame Labour for this week’s strikes we unpack this latest bemusing attack line. Plus, we assess the ongoing Brexit dilemmas six years on from the referendum, with even ardent leavers dismayed and question marks over Labour’s position on the situation. This week’s guest is Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester and co-author of Brexitland: Identity, Diversity and the Reshaping of British Politics. This week we're out early,...

Back In The ECHR

June 17, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Patel’s eviction flights to Rwanda fall apart at the last minute and spark the ire of the European Court of Human Rights. But is a blazing row with “European judges” exactly what this collapsing Government wants anyway? Plus the Good Friday Agreement goes under the Brexit bus, David Davis’s “Remainer’s Brexit”, and Carole Cadwalladr defeats Arron Banks in court. Jack Blanchard of Politico is our special guest. (This edition recorded before the resignation of Lord Geidt) Also this week: A trib...

Live in Brighton with Rafael Behr: Part Two

June 11, 2022 03:00 - 52 minutes

Is the nation due a vibe shift? With the Conservative Party in disarray, it would appear the times are a-changing… Plus, the Jubilee weekend has raised questions over the future of the monarchy. Dorian, Ian, Alex, Ros and special guest Rafael Behr mull over the state of the UK and how it might change in the near future.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Ian Dunt and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: ...

Live in Brighton with Rafael Behr: Part One

June 10, 2022 03:00 - 52 minutes

With Johnson clinging on to power after a dramatic week in Westminster, the panel unpacks VONC aftermath live in Brighton. What next for the embattled PM – can he linger around like a foul political stench for much longer? Dorian, Ian, Alex, Ros and special guest Rafael Behr mull over the latest drama in the first half of our latest in-person outing – from Hove, actually. “The Conservative Party has been in the grip of a personality cult.” – Ros Taylor  “Johnson will try to pacify everyone ...

The Brady Crunch

June 03, 2022 03:00 - 59 minutes

As Johnson says he won’t quit thanks to a newfound sense of responsibility, we assess the chance of him being ousted. No confidence letters to 1922 Committee chair Graham Brady are reportedly nearing the magic 54 number. Will that happen? Then, what next? Plus, with Platty Joobs upon us, we discuss the panel's thoughts on a Royalist shindig. Guardian sketch writer John Crace is our special guest. “The idea that Johnson might do the decent thing or feel a note of shame… he’d need a character...

“We’ve Hosted a Party by Mistake” – Plus guest Francis Fukuyama

May 26, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour

Fifth birthday edition! Let the PM who has not accidentally arrived at a party during a pandemic lockdown cast the first stone... The panel unpacks Johnson’s latest partygate excuses now the hottest report of the year has dropped. Plus, special guest Francis Fukuyama gives his take and joins to discuss his latest book Liberalism and Its Discontents. And a special OGWN Backstage Confidential in the Extra Bit…  “People weren’t just having a quick drink, this was people getting drunk to the lev...

Taster: ORIGIN STORY, Ian and Dorian’s new podcast

May 22, 2022 11:00 - 10 minutes

NEW PODCAST: In a brand new 6-part series, Ian and Dorian explore the histories of the most misrepresented ideas in politics. Here’s a taster of the first episode: McCarthyism. Was it really a crusade against communists or just a grifter’s opportunity that got out of hand? How did a witch-hunt morph into a way to denounce any critic, no matter who? And did Joe McCarthy really write the rulebook for Trumpism? It’s a new smash hit from the House of OGWN! Get the full episode here: https://kite...

Dude, Where’s My Society?

May 20, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

The panel unpacks our eternally wise Government’s ingenious cost of living fix – simply try to be richer! How did certain politicians come to suggest better jobs and working more as quick fixes to escape poverty? Is the old “no such thing as society” mantra rearing its head? Plus, the Article 16 standoff goes on, who were the charlatans who signed up to this dodgy deal? “What Rishi Sunak actually does with his money is give fuck-off donations to his old private school.“ – Ros Taylor “The Ba...

Aloo Aloo Aloo, What’s Going on Keir, Then?

May 13, 2022 03:00 - 58 minutes

As Starmer goes bhuna or bust, we discuss his big gamble and the ongoing curry furore. Lib Dem MP Layla Moran joins us to discuss who’s pushing the story and whether Keir’s response was the right move? Plus, the panel unpacks the local elections, now the dust from the ballot boxes has settled. And, what are the big things we should be worried about from the Queen’s Speech? “Johnson is a great asset for the Labour Party.” – Naomi Smith  “What Keir Starmer is in fact doing is what I think mos...

Neil Kinnock on How to Fight the Good Fight

May 06, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock talks Westminster sleaze, Starmer’s fighting spirit and tussles with the ultra-left. He and the panel unpack the rot in Government and the decline in standards – which he suggests could undo Johnson in the long run. Neil also reflects on his own time heading up Labour, while addressing what the party needs to do now and for the future. “Keir Starmer is not Kinnock, or John Smith, or Tony Blair. He is in fact Keir Starmer.” – Neil Kinnock “I think that Keir ...

NSFW (Not Safe For Westminster)

April 29, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

As Boris Johnson’s teflon covering is scratched away, we chart a potential path to his political demise. The panel analyses the latest x-rated scandal in the Commons, that newspaper article and the Prime Minister’s turmoil. Plus, we look at Elon Musk’s controversial Twitter takeover. Sir Anthony Seldon, political historian and author of The Impossible Office? The History of the British Prime Minister, is this week’s guest.    “Boris Johnson has passed the supposed point of no return in his l...

The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum System

April 22, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

We unpack Johnson’s latest partygate pseudo-apology and analyse the Government’s controversial Rwanda asylum plans. Might the PM’s hubris finally catch up with him? The panel also casts an eye to France as the nation’s presidential election comes to its climax, with veteran correspondent John Lichfield joining as this week’s guest. “The Conservatives are looking around thinking: 'This is a party absolutely stacked with shite.'” – Ian Dunt  “If the worst Johnson can do is compare Starmer to ...

The Crime Minister

April 14, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour

Johnson becomes the first PM to be convicted of a crime when in office. We look at the times Britain HAS changed its PM during a war, the fines that are coming – and how Johnson is now hiding behind the Ukrainian people so he doesn’t get No Confidenced. Aussi, la merde frappe le ventilateur in the French elections. And Penny Mordaunt, Tank Girl. Labour MP for Leeds NW Alex Sobel is our special guest.  “You don’t have to be a Non-Dom to be a Chancellor – but it helps, right?” – Naomi Smith “...

Have I Got No News For You

April 08, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

Dorries decides to sell Channel 4 (definitely not out of revenge), it’s two years of Keir, and populism wins again with Orbán. Guest Matt Forde, comedian and host of The Political Party podcast, joins us to look at how Labour has shifted under two years of Starmer and where it goes next. Plus, we look at what’s behind Nadine Dorries’ decision – and what will come of another Orbán victory in Hungary? “Starmer didn’t want to be in a position where he had to remove the whip from Corbyn, it didn...

Party, All the Fines? – with guest Emily Thornberry

April 01, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour

With Partygate fines being dished out, special guest Emily Thornberry joins us to discuss Government scandals and sleaze. The shadow attorney general weighs in on Boris Johnson’s position, as it appears evermore untenable. Plus, we discuss the Labour’s future prospects, hopes for change …and the Tories eternally wading into the war on woke.  “You can’t have some rules for some people and no rules for other people. We don’t have gods among us.” – Emily Thornberry  “Of course the British peop...

Last Chancellor Saloon

March 25, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

We analyse whether there was anything but jam tomorrow from the chancer Chancellor in his Spring Statement. During a historic cost of living crisis, has Rishi Sunak come anywhere close to meeting the moment? Plus, as scandals surrounding Boris Johnson and his Government resurface, we dive into the sleaze. Will Davies, a professor in political economy and co-author of Unprecedented?: How COVID-19 Revealed the Politics of Our Economy, is this week’s guest.  “This statement struck the wrong not...

From Russia With Funds

March 18, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

Government shortcomings amid Ukraine’s invasion are clear, with questions over refugee support and Russian influence in British politics. The panel discusses oligarch controversy, issues for those trying to flee to Britain and global shifts the present crisis is sparking. Guardian columnist and The Long View presenter Jonathan Freedland is our special guest this week.  “You can’t deal with this on your own, of course not. It has to be European solidarity.” – Jonathan Freedland  “If you’re m...

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