Pod Save the UK

Trump's Jesus Meme Chaos w/ Tommy Vietor

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Who says the special relationship is on the ropes? Coco and Nish are joined by Pod Save America’s Tommy Vietor to showcase transatlantic co-operation at its very best. From the battle of slopaganda to the real war in Iran - there’s a lot to talk about.

Donald Trump deleted a Truth Social post because he looked a little bit too much like Jesus for the Christian community - many of them have been some of his biggest supporters. Meanwhile Iran has released a series of sometimes-antisemitic, AI, Lego rap videos.

In the UK, Keir Starmer is being criticised for not spending enough on defence at a time when the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are focusing minds.

Plus - Your Party hits the skids in Scotland - we hear from an insider about what went down.

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GUESTS

Tommy Vietor, Host, Pod Save America and Pod Save The World

USEFUL LINKS

How to email your MP about NHS Palantir contracts - https://www.amnesty.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/sign-a-petition/mp-demand-no-palantir-in-our-nhs/

CREDITS

Donald Trump - @rapidresponse47, X

Iranian Propaganda Video - Explosive Media

Owen Maitland, Former Your Party Scotland executive committee member

Faiza Shaheen, Director, Tax Justice UK - ‘Politics Live’, BBC One

Saturday Night Live UK, Sky One

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.
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Can AI really be your friend? w/Jamie Bartlett

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Coco and Nish are joined by top author and tech expert Jamie Bartlett. His new book is a deep dive into the ways AI is being used - highlighting its pitfalls and also where it might be beneficial.

Jamie even created an AI alter-ego to help people understand how the technology really works, its strengths and its limitations.

Plus, your questions, answered! From the new electoral system in Wales to favourite conspiracy theories - you’ll learn and you’ll laugh!

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GUESTS

Jamie Bartlett, Author, ‘How To Talk To AI (And How Not To)’ and Host of Everything is Fake (And Nobody Cares) on BBC Sounds

Special guest appearance: Jimmy Botlett

USEFUL LINKS

‘How To Talk To AI (And How Not To)’: Out April 9th.
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/475950/how-to-talk-to-ai-by-bartlett-jamie/9780753561980

Welsh Assembly election guide
https://senedd.wales/senedd-now/senedd-blog/senedd-election-2026-what-is-the-d-hondt-formula-and-how-does-it-work/

Truth, Lies and Donald Trump w/ Stewart Lee

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Comedian and columnist Stewart Lee joins Nish and Coco to discuss the week’s big stories.

They talk about Donald Trump’s deadly and yet utterly confusing war with Iran, as the US President continues to contradict his own statements about the Strait of Hormuz and peace talks, almost in the same breath.

It certainly means a new, live, UK sketch show has plenty of material - but how should comedy respond to the challenging times we are all living through?

Plus - why having a weekly opinion column is good for your mental health and why news organisations need to do more to tackle the lies and extreme rhetoric coming from politicians.

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GUESTS

Stewart Lee, Comedian and columnist for The Nerve

USEFUL LINKS

Guide to Senedd voting system: https://senedd.wales/senedd-now/senedd-blog/how-will-the-new-voting-system-work-at-the-next-senedd-election/

CREDITS

Saturday Night Live UK, Sky One

Can Britain’s myth and magic challenge the far right? w/ Zakia Sewell

Pod Save the UK — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Last summer - fuelled by the far right - a rash of St George and Union Jack flags spread across the country. Flag-waving became a symbol of prejudice, not pride. In that context it's hard as progressives to feel particularly patriotic. So what is Britishness… and does it even matter?

Someone who is hopeful that our national identity is worth saving is writer, a DJ and broadcaster Zakia Sewell. In this bonus episode of PSUK, she tells Nish and Coco about her journey to uncover an alternative version of Britishness - one that unifies rather than divides.

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GUEST
Zakia Sewell, writer, DJ & broadcaster

USEFUL LINKS

“Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for Hidden Britain” - out now.
https://www.waterstones.com/book/finding-albion/zakia-sewell/9781399735902

Farage’s Wild Week: Energy bill stunts and questionable Cameo videos

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Reform UK is getting into the lottery business - inviting people to sign up for a chance to have their energy bills paid for a year. But is the real prize a massive database of voters ahead of the next General Election?

Plus - party leader Nigel Farage has been caught saying some pretty questionable stuff for money on Cameo. Is that really the kind of thing we should expect from someone who plans to be our next Prime Minister?

Nish and Coco are joined by authors Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff. Their new book Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed looks at the billionaire manbaby in a whole new way. If you want to understand what’s driving Musk and what it could mean for all of us - this is the chat for you.

And POLITICO’s Anne McElvoy is on hand as the former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner pops up to point out all the ways Labour is getting it wrong at the moment - subtext: without her they’re lost.

Reminder to send in your burning questions for Nish and Coco to psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk

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GUESTS

Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff, Authors. Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed
Out on March 24th

Anne McElvoy, Executive Editor, POLITICO and co-host Politics at Sam and Anne’s

USEFUL LINKS

The Podcast Show - https://www.thepodcastshowlondon.com/explore-passes

Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/477340/muskism-by-tarnoff-quinn-slobodian-and-ben/9780241805114

CREDITS

The Guardian - YouTube
The Independent - YouTube
Reform UK - YouTube
Today in Focus - The Guardian

The Mandelson Files Are Out

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The first wave of Mandelson files have been published. We all wanted to know what Keir Starmer knew, and when he knew it. Now we can see it in black and white.

And as it turns out - Starmer was warned there was a “general reputational risk” over Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein ahead of his confirmation as US ambassador. Nish and Coco make sense of this perilous moment for the PM.

Then critical theorist and viral creator Louisa Munch helps us make sense of the government’s new social cohesion strategy. But is tackling extremism and yet more surveillance the answer to fraying social ties?

Plus - as Iran names its new supreme leader oil prices skyrocket - for a PM obsessed with the cost of living, this is shaping up to be a bit of a nightmare.

Remember to send your questions in for Nish and Coco to psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk and they’ll spill the tea!

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GUESTS

Louisa Munch, Critical Theorist
Minnie Rahman, CEO Praxis

USEFUL LINKS

“Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe” + Q&A with James Acaster at The Ritzy, Brixton - 18th March
https://picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00017471/nish-kumar-nish-don-t-kill-my-vibe-q-a?filter=

Open letter opposing planned changes to the immigration settlement routes: https://act.praxis.org.uk/open-letter-earned-settlement

CREDITS

Darren Jones MP, Cabinet Office minister - Parliament TV

Steve Reed MP, Communities Secretary - Parliament TV

Mike Tapp MP, Migration minister - Parliament TV

Minnie Rahman, Praxis CEO

Frederik Pleitgen, CNN International Senior Correspondent - CNN

“No Winston Churchill”: is the special relationship over?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

A world leader has been assassinated, schools and hospitals have been hit, and Donald Trump thinks that Keir Starmer is no Winston Churchill. It’s all kicking off as the US and Israel’s illegal war escalates across the Middle East. All of this with the open admission of no real plan for what comes next.

Struggling to absorb it all? Wondering if there’s another way? British-Iranian peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE is here to fill us in. She joins Coco and comedian Sophie Duker, who is in the hotseat for Nish this week.

Soaring oil prices was not the backdrop Chancellor Rachel Reeves was hoping for ahead of her second Spring Statement. Finalised before the conflict broke out, her economic plan was “Trumped” before it was even delivered - so where does this leave the UK?

Plus - just as the UK gets dragged into this latest destabilising conflict, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood rips up the rules on UK asylum.

Got a burning question for Nish or Coco? Big or small - they will be answered in a special episode! Email: psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk

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GUEST

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)

USEFUL LINKS

Sophie Duker
https://thesophieduker.com/

If You Were In Charge with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-you-were-in-charge/id1770618616

CREDITS

Sophie Duker - Live at the Apollo / BBC One
Keir Starmer / X
Parliament TV
PBS News Hour / YouTube
BBC News
Zoe Gardner / IG
Manchester Evening News

Are we stuck in never-ending political scandal? w/Ash Sarkar

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This week Nish and Coco are joined by friend of the pod, Ash Sarkar from Novara Media to talk about political scandal, trust and compromise. Ash’s book, Minority Rule, has a new afterword which talks about two progressive movements which have tried to build different kinds of relationships with voters. Is that the way forward - or are we stuck in an endless cycle of broken promises from our leaders?

One of those leaders - Keir Starmer - seems to be lurching from crisis to nightmare, so can he rise above the latest headlines about Peter Mandelson’s arrest and the Labour Together scandal?

Plus Reform’s new immigration policies, the new proposals to change the SEND system - and some good news about two protest groups.

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GUESTS

Ash Sarkar, Contributing Editor at Novara Media and author of Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War - out now in paperback.

USEFUL LINKS

Jumaane Williams’ thoughtful response following the outcry about the handling of a racial slur at the Baftas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgaqKIxS4Hs&t=1s

CREDITS

Daily Express - YouTube
Nigel Farage - YouTube
@sendra.uk - Instagram
Nida Jafri

Can she fix it? Hannah the plumber and politician on tackling Reform

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This week Coco is joined by the comedian Cody Dahler while Nish takes a brief break and there’s so much to talk about!

The Greens' Hannah Spencer has become the unexpected bookies favourite to win the Gorton and Denton by-election but does she have what it takes to turn good odds into a win at the ballot box? We speak to her about the importance of fighting to improve lives, her favourite false rumour and why walking her dogs helped form her political outlook.

Plus Keir Starmer is back with another U-turn and another inquiry. We try to work out what he’s hoping to achieve this week. And Amnesty International’s UK Director of Law and Human Rights, Tom Southerden, updates us on their High Court victory as they challenge the proscription of Palestine Action.

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GUESTS

Hannah Spencer, Green Party candidate, Gorton and Denton by-election

Tom Southerden, UK Law and Human Rights Director, Amnesty International

USEFUL LINKS

Gorton and Denton by-election candidate list https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.gorton-and-denton.by.2026-02-26/gorton-and-denton/

CREDITS

TikTok / @mrcodydahler

Green Party of England and Wales / Facebook

Hannah Spencer / Instagram

Paul Holden, Investigative journalist and author of "The Fraud"

High Court protest reaction - Amnesty International footage

@mrcodydahler / Instagram

Otto, Budding Comedian

McSweeney: the man who made Starmer and his ties to Mandelson

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet circles the wagons as he survives another hellish week in office. One that saw the loss of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and his director of communications, Tim Allan, as the scandal over Peter Mandelson's ties to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein rages on.

Nish and Coco are joined by Paul Holden, the “unofficial biographer” of Morgan McSweeney, to discuss his key role in the rise of Keir Starmer to power and his close relationship with Mandelson. Plus - reports that Labour Together hired a PR firm to investigate Paul and others looking into its funding under McSweeney.

Also, comedian Stuart Goldsmith on the serious business of being funny about climate change and why it goes all the way to the top of British intelligence.

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GUESTS

Paul Holden, Investigative Journalist and author of The Fraud
Stuart Goldsmith, Climate Comedian

USEFUL LINKS

The Fraud: Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney, and the Crisis of British Democracy
https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-fraud/

Stuart Goldsmith
www.stuartgoldsmith.com

CREDITS

Sky News / YouTube
Sky News / YouTube
GOP Oversight / YouTube
Sky News Australia / YouTube

Will Mandelson be Starmer’s downfall?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The release of the latest Epstein files triggered a deluge of revelations, spelling the end for one of UK’s biggest political characters. Nish and Coco chat about Lord Mandelson’s fall and the damage done to Keir Starmer and his government as well as the new police investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Economist Ann Pettifor, one of the few who predicted the 2008 financial crash, is the author of a new book “The Global Casino”. She has a lot to say about the Mandelson scandal, the financial systems that control our lives and what governments need to do to challenge the global billionaires who speculate with our money every day.

Plus - move over Barbenheimer, Nish and Coco give their take on two premieres: The Moment and Melania.

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GUEST
Ann Pettifor, economist and author of ‘The Global Casino’

USEFUL LINKS

Nish Tour Tickets
https://www.nishkumar.co.uk/gigs/

The Global Casino: How Wall Street Gambles with People and the Planet
https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3258-the-global-casino

CREDITS
Keir Starmer MP / Parliament TV
Lord Mandelson / ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ BBC One
Melania Trailer

Will Starmer’s control freakery deliver victory to Reform?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Keir Starmer jets off to Beijing, leaving Westminster - once again - bubbling with rumours about his future. The King of the North might be off the cards, but Angela Rayner and even Ed Miliband are eyeing up the top spot.

Reform thinks GB News Presenter and right-wing activist Matt Goodwin is the right man to be their MP candidate in Gorton and Denton - if only he can shelve his disdain for Manchester… Nish and Coco chew it all over with political journalist Zoë Grünewald.

Away from the psychodrama, controversial plans to overhaul special educational needs education in England risk children’s legal rights to cut costs. Campaigners Rachel Filmer and Carrie Grant share their concerns with Coco.

And surveillance firm Palantir is using medical records to target people for ICE in the US - could the UK be next?

This podcast has been edited to remove a story about Matt Goodwin after he clarified the context of his comments about Manchester. We regret the error.

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GUESTS
Zoë Grünewald, journalist, broadcaster and political commentator
Dr Carrie Grant MBE, TV presenter and voice coach
Rachel Filmer, SEND campaigner

USEFUL LINKS

Save Our Children’s Rights Campaign
https://www.saveourchildrensrights.org.uk/

Stop Palantir in the NHS
https://goodlawproject.org/campaign/stop-palantir-in-the-nhs

CREDITS

Keir Starmer / TikTok
Pod Save America / X
Good Law Project / Instagram
Sky News / YouTube
UKLabour / X

Starmer’s new Trump headache and making comedy under occupation

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Donald Trump brings his particular brand of terrible speeches to the billionaires and bankers at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Nish and Coco try to work out how Keir Starmer can keep on track when facing the threat of US tariffs over Greenland as well as criticism of a lease deal with the Chagos Islands - which the US had previously praised.

Liam Thorp, the Liverpool Echo’s Political Editor, is on hand to break down Labour’s big plan to make homes warmer, the fortunes of Reform and the latest delay to the Hillsborough Law

Plus comedian Alaa Shehada, fresh from his show ‘The Horse of Jenin’, talks to Nish and Coco about the ‘Palestine Comedy Club’, a documentary which follows a group of Palestinians as they take their comedy show on tour in an occupied state.

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GUESTS

Liam Thorp - Political Editor, Liverpool Echo

Tess Ingram, UNICEF

Alaa Shehada - Comedian

USEFUL LINKS

Palestine Comedy Club collective

https://www.palestinecomedyclub.com/

Palestine Comedy Club documentary

https://filmsandfestivals.britishcouncil.org/projects/palestine-comedy-club

Starting Feb 27th:

London - Rich Mix and Bertha Doc House

Tywyn - Magic Lantern Cinema

Birmingham - Mockingbird Cinema

Brighton - Komedia

Gloucester - Guildhall

Belfast - Queen’s Film Theatre

CREDITS

Donald Trump - BBC Online

‘Palestine Comedy Club’ - Tough Crowd

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Grok AI Scandal: should we treat Big Tech like Big Tobacco? w/ Rutger Bregman

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

X has been firmly in the firing line after its Grok AI tool was used to create sexualised images of women and children. Elon Musk’s company could face a fine of up to 10% of its global earnings by internet regulator Ofcom, or a ban in the UK. He denies that the AI has done anything illegal and says users are responsible for the images they create.

How can we regulate AI? Nish and Coco speak to Rutger Bregman, historian and author who called out billionaires at Davos. He argues Big Tech should be treated like Big Tobacco, and gives his take on Iran, as thousands of protestors take to the streets, and what a radical policy platform looks like for the UK Left today.

Plus - what on earth is UKIP proposing as a terrifying rebrand?

*Update on Palestinian Hunger Strikers*: On 14th Jan Heba, Kamran, and Lewie collectively paused their hunger strike. They made British history, lasting 73 days.

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GUESTS

Rutger Bregman - Historian and Author of Moral Ambition, out in paper back on 15th Jan

USEFUL LINKS

https://www.moralambition.org/book

Let us know your experiences of SEND support in schools - or any other stories.

CREDITS

Liz Kendall MP, Technology Secretary - Parliament TV

Rutger Bregman - Publicae

Rutger Bregman and Tucker Carlson - Now This

Tehran protests - Shaparak Khorsandi/Instagram

Donald Trump - New York Times

Laila Cunningham - Daily Express/YouTube

Nadim Zahawi - Sky News

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Trump’s explosive start to 2026 - will Starmer find a backbone?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The US President put the season of goodwill behind him with a New Year Venezuelan coup and the threat of further action across Central America and the Caribbean. Then there’s the little matter of his promise to seize control of Greenland.

Nish and Coco try to make sense of the senseless - and to assess the possibility that Donald Trump could end up destroying NATO - with Tommy Vietor from our sister podcasts Pod Save America and Pod Save the World.

Plus, comedian Cody Dahler gives us his take on how 2026 will shape up for politicians and satirists. How easy is it to make jokes while the world - literally and metaphorically - is on fire?

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GUESTS

Cody Dahler, Comedian and Presenter of The Truth (In My Opinion)

Tommy Vietor, Co-Host of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World

Nida Jafri

USEFUL LINKS

Palestine Action Hunger Strikers:

How to write to your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Petition calling for action from the Justice Secretary

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/call-on-mp-and-secretary-of-justice-david-lammy-to-intervene-and-protect-the-hunger-strikers/

CREDITS

Parliament TV

Cody Dahler/TikTok

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg/BBC One

Tonight with Andrew Marr/LBC

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Why does the Left make it so f***** hard? Question Time - PSUK-style

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

You asked, Nish and Coco answered!

What are their most conservative opinions? Why do both the left and right hate NATO so much? Should we ditch GDP? Why doesn’t the UK have compulsory voting and why do some many progressives stay true to Labour when the party is failing to measure up?

All that plus the latest on Coco’s love-hate relationship with AI and a quickfire round to make sure no question is left unanswered.

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2025 in British politics: from Starmer’s flop-flops to AI slop

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Warning: this episode contains a use of a racial slur.

From the rollback of human rights and Trump’s BBC lawsuit to AI slop in politics - what the %@£! was that? Nish and Coco are joined by comedian Shappi Khorsandi and political commentator Jovan Owusu-Nepaul to make sense of the wild year that was.

Labour’s first full year in office was marked by u-turns and an inability to use the word ‘genocide’ but there were some significant new bills that boosted the rights of renters and employees.

Reform’s polling and local election success had mainstream parties running scared - but the reality of actually running stuff may have revealed the party’s limits. While Starmer focused on the threat from the right, the left was revitalised by the resurgence of the Greens and the (albeit chaotic) energy of Your Party - can they shift the political dial?

As 2025 draws to a close - Nish and Coco hand out some very special awards and can we get a Palestinian lullaby to Christmas No.1?

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GUESTS

Shappi Khorsandi, Comedian

Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, Co-Host of What’s Left?

USEFUL LINKS

https://togetherforpalestine.bandcamp.com/album/lullaby

CREDITS

Labour Party/TikTok

Parliament TV

Sky News/YouTube

Channel 4 News/YouTube

BladeoftheSun/X

Shaparak Khorsandi/TikTok

The Last Leg/Channel 4

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg/BBC

Basil the Great/X

Sky News/YouTube

5 Live/BBC

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Trump blasts Europe and Sadiq Khan - but will his strong man act backfire?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Europe’s “weak” leaders over Ukraine and immigration including a special mention for - surprise surprise - Sadiq Khan, who got a shout out for being a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”. Honestly, why is he SO obsessed?!

But a Labour government trying to convince European allies to water down human rights law to deport people faster seems perfectly in line with Trump's vision. Nish and Coco are joined by Sky’s Deputy Political Editor Sam Coates.

They also take a dive into the latest allegation swirling around Reform UK - this time the party’s election spending in Nigel Farage’s Clacton constituency is under the spotlight.

And the scale of the homelessness crisis always seems more acute at this time of year - so the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, joins PSUK to explain how their new plan will be the one to finally make a difference.

Finally - PSUK has watched the first episode of the Liz Truss Show, so you don’t have to. Nish and Coco give it a rating out of one to limp lettuce.

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GUESTS

Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness

USEFUL LINKS:

Nish’s Carol Performance

CREDITS

Politico

The Liz Truss Show / YouTube

Keir Starmer MP / TikTok

Rishi Sunak MP / TikTok

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Will cutting juries fix our maggot-ridden courts?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0000

“Dead and rotting seagulls within the roof insulation” and “maggots literally raining down on to the lobby” - this quote from a court in South Tyneside sums up the state of our creaking judicial system. So what are we going to do about it? Cut jury trials.

Deputy PM and Justice Secretary David Lammy is hoping to clear the court backlog by scrapping jury trials for crimes with sentences of less than three years - but stories like these make Nish and Coco doubtful it will be the silver bullet Lammy hopes. Is removing one of the fundamental building blocks of our justice system worth some sweet sweet efficiency gains?

Then - is this the next post office scandal? Nish and Coco are joined by Liz Sayce OBE to discuss her damning report into how the Department of Work and Pensions failed to notify unpaid carers that they were accruing enormous debt for years.

And Your Party had its founding conference this weekend… and surprise surprise… it was a spicy one. In the end, Team Zarah’s collective vision for the party defeated Team Jeremy. Will this be a new chapter or - for a party prone to in-fighting - will this leadership model trip them up from the get go?

Reminder to send in your questions for our mailbag special to psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk

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BBC News

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Reeves’s make-or-break budget: should the rich have paid more?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Coco and Nish listened to Rachel Reeves' budget so you don't have to. But hang on, we could all have skipped the speech and read it online. Someone screwed up big time, pressing a button and releasing the budget before Reeves even stood up. That cock up was possibly the most exciting thing about Labour's second budget.

A bit vanilla for you? Too much tax for ordinary workers? Too little for the wealthy?

Journalist Zoë Grünewald tells Pod Save The UK why this budget might have done enough to pacify the Labour backbenches by lifting the two child benefit cap while soothing the markets with tax and spend plans...

Dr Faiza Shaheen, Director of Tax Justice UK, was hoping for bolder action on wealth taxes, but she spots some reasons to be cheerful in the mix.

In other news, Nigel Farage gets rattled by questions about his past. Nish and Coco enjoy the novelty of seeing him squirm but wonder if it will harm his electoral chances. And bring a bottle and bury the hatchets, can 'Your Party' make this weekend their kiss and make up moment?

Send in your questions for Nish and Coco and they’ll answer them in our mailbag special. Email us at psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk

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GUESTS

Zoë Grünewald, Journalist

Faiza Shaheen, Director of Tax Justice UK

USEFUL LINKS

https://www.yourparty.uk/founding-documents/

Aditya Chakrabortty Guardian article

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/20/wealth-tax-left-super-rich-britain-budget-2025

CREDITS

House of Commons Live

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Mahmood’s Moral Mission: Copy Reform’s homework

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Warning: this episode contains strong language and a term of racist abuse.

Just when we thought the disasters of the government couldn’t get any worse… New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has made it her “moral mission” to raise Nish and Coco’s blood pressure. Cruel new plans to end the permanent status of refugees and curb housing and support for asylum seekers do perhaps justify the government’s slogan of the biggest overhaul of the system “in modern history” - but at what cost?

But - not to be outdone in terms of parties completely out of touch with reality - Your Party’s latest act of in-fighting leaves Nish and Coco with palms glued to their faces. Let’s face it - things have never been anything but fractious within the upstart political movement, but as their conference approaches the wind has never seemed further from their sails.

And ahead of the budget next week Chancellor Rachel Reeves is entertaining big cuts to the Warm Homes Plan in efforts to bring down energy bills. Nish and Coco chat to Robert Palmer, Deputy Director of environmental organisation Uplift, about why this quick fix is wrong-headed and short sighted.

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GUESTS

Robert Palmer, Deputy Director of Uplift

USEFUL LINKS

Claims of racism and antisemitism in Nigel Farage’s adolescence

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2025/nov/18/deeply-shocking-nigel-farage-faces-fresh-claims-of-racism-and-antisemitism-at-school

CREDITS

Shabana Mahmood / X

Reform UK

Parliament TV

Ed Miliband / IG

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Much a-coup about nothing? Labour take all the wrong notes from the Tories

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Are knives being sharpened by disgruntled MPs planning a coup against the PM? As Keir Starmer’s team dig in against a supposed threat to the Prime Minister from Health Secretary Wes Streeting - has the Tory-brand of Westminster psychodrama come back for a new series?

Meanwhile the BBC is under fire from the left, the right, the centre and the US president. Nish and Coco dig into an existential crisis for the public broadcaster.

And as COP30 kicks off in Brazil - can we rescue the 1.5C climate target? Alex Reid from Global Witness drops in to give us a reality check.

Later - as Robert Jenrick begins posting AI generated slop to attack his political rivals - Coco speaks to the AI and Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan.

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GUESTS

Alex Reid, Head of Forests team at Global Witness

Kanishka Narayan MP, AI and Online Safety Minister

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What can the left learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Nish and Coco celebrate the win of Progressive New York Democratic Mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani - and ponder what British lefties can learn from his social-media friendly campaign.

And is Chancellor Rachel Reeves about to rip up Labour’s manifesto promise not to introduce any new taxes on “working people”? She certainly seems to be laying the groundwork for it, after an unusual pre-budget speech on Tuesday. Nothing was announced - but it’s what wasn’t denied that tells a story…

Later - Nish and Coco discuss the disturbing influence of American anti-abortionist lobbies on the UK’s political system and what we can do about it with New York Times investigative reporter Jane Bradley and campaigner for sexual and reproductive health and rights Lisa Hallgarten. To nobody’s surprise, Nigel Farage is involved.

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GUESTS

Lisa Hallgarten - advocate, educator and campaigner for sexual and reproductive health and rights with a recent focus on young people’s right to better sex education. You can follow her on Instagram and Bluesky @FundamentalWrites

Jane Bradley - UK investigative reporter at the New York Times

USEFUL LINKS

Crooked Christmas Gear

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Jane Bradley's NYT article

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/world/europe/uk-abortion-farage.html

AUDIO CREDITS

CNN

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Britain’s prison and asylum meltdown. Plus - the Renters’ Rights Act w/ Vicky Spratt

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

It’s been a painful week for the government, with a migrant sex offender accidentally released from prison and a damning report on the spiralling costs of the asylum system. But is a plan to house asylum seekers on military sites really the answer?

Political journalist Zoë Grünewald - standing in for Coco as Nish’s co-host this week - dives into how this re-hashed Conservative plan has managed to piss off, well, just about everyone.

In better news - it’s curtains for the hated section 21 ‘no-fault evictions’ notices. The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act has become law! Nish and Zoe talk to housing journalist Vicky Spratt about how big a deal this is for renters across England.

Plus - why Housing Secretary Steve Reed's Maga-style 'build, baby, build' crusade looks likely to end in affordable housing targets more pathetic than they are now.

Then later – from spending £75,000 on flags to their only black party chair quitting - is Reform out-reforming Reform? And why is Jeremy Corbyn swapping parliament for panto this Christmas.

GUESTS

Vicky Spratt

USEFUL LINKS

Peckham Not For Sale

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/acapeckham/

CREDITS

Sky News

X / Steve Reed

Talk TV

LBC

Reform UK

ITV News

IG / Pleasance Theatre

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Pod Save the Truth w/ Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Enough is enough! Nish stages an intervention with Coco about her troubling relationship with Chat GPT. Or as Coco puts it: her mate “Chatty G”.

But Coco’s not the only one embracing generative AI - it’s creeping into politics. From MPs using it in their daily work to the Swedish prime minister turning to it for a second opinion on running the country. Is AI a useful and harmless political tool or will it erode trust even further?

Despairing, Nish catches up with internet pioneer and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. What can our increasingly polarised and trust-depleted world learn from the man who turned a crazy idea into one of the most popular websites in the world? Nish and Jimmy cover Musk’s “Wokepedia” attacks, the rise of AI and the Online Safety Act.

And Nish and Coco check in on some other questionable distortions of reality - featuring everyone’s favourite charlatan Nigel Farage and Prince Andrew’s infamous inability to sweat.

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Jimmy Wales

CREDITS

Al Arabia

BBC

The Sun

Reform UK

Donald Trump

Bloomberg

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Why can’t the UK get over Thatcher? Plus - “Your Party” infighting is Definitely Maybe over…

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:27:00 +0000

It’s been an emotional week after the arrival of a Hamas-Israel ceasefire. This is good news - but issues of humanitarian aid, human rights, and accountability are all still up in the air. The struggle for a lasting peace continues...

Closer to home - Nish and Coco check in with Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, to talk about seeing off Reform, what a new co-operative era in Welsh politics might look like and why voters may find themselves a little "indie-curious".

If Oasis can bury the hatchet, so can we! That's Your Party's message, but Nish and Coco aren’t totally sold on the Corbyn-Sultana reunion. In the wake of a Green membership surge, the party without a name is drawing dividing lines… But are they picking the right battles?

And - the Iron Lady turns 100 - as lavish celebrations begin Nish and Coco ask why the UK is soooooooooo obsessed with Mags. From Right to Buy to Section 28 - her legacy isn't looking so great in 2025. And a scary revelation that Coco is spookily good at imitating her.

NB. A previous version of this episode contained an incorrect fact about Katy Perry. We regret the error.

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GUESTS

Rhun ap Iorwerth

CREDITS

The World Transformed

Turn Left Media

CNBC

USEFUL LINKS

Medical Aid for Palestinians

https://www.map.org.uk

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Solidarity in the face of hatred: how to unite after the Manchester attack

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0000

“Shocking... but not surprising” - the words of Stephen Bush, Associate Editor at the Financial Times and Chair of the Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community for the Board of Deputies of British Jews in 2020. Stephen joins Nish and Coco to discuss the fallout from the shocking attack on a synagogue in Manchester last week.

The trio discuss solidarity and protest, and why the government’s response to the Manchester attack is not making all British Jews feel safer.

Stephen has also spent the weekend in an all-but empty exhibition hall, at Tory conference in Manchester. It’s a land of misspelt chocolate bars and retro racism - have the Tories given up the ghost?

Later - Coco and Nish try their hand at some data analysis - introducing Pod Save the UK’s brand-spanking-new diarrhoea index - before checking in on a bold new idea straight out of the Green’s conference - abolishing landlords.

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GUESTS

Stephen Bush

CLIP CREDITS

ITV

The Green Party of England & Wales

BBC

The Guardian

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Decency or division: Starmer takes aim at Reform

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:00:00 +0000

It’s conference season, and at the Labour conference in Liverpool - flagshagging, snake-oil merchants and leadership jockeying - is it Keir Starmer’s final chance for a reset? Nish and Coco are joined by political journalist Zoë Grünewald.

And later - as Trump reveals his plans for peace in Gaza, including a bizarre role for former PM Tony Blair - is the UK doing enough for Gaza? Nish speaks to Labour MP for Stroud, Dr Simon Opher, who earlier this month was denied entry into the occupied West Bank. Simon also fills Nish in on an innovative new prescription medicine - Laughter.

Finally - we open the mailbag to share your wonderful stories of immigration in the UK - and Nish furthers his feud with a beloved British comedy icon.

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GUESTS

Zoë Grünewald

Simon Opher MP

USEFUL LINKS

I am an Immigrant Podcast

https://iceandfire.co.uk/project/i-am-an-immigrant/

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Your loss, Zack’s gain? Polanski’s vision for the UK

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Oh dear lefties… We just can’t stop tearing each other apart, huh? One short month into the evolution of the new political party experiment undertaken by independent MPs Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn - and the whole thing has descended into acrimony. After a weekend of legal threats, “your” party is suddenly seeming to be a house of cards built amidst a hurricane.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has seized the moment to vomit out a new wave of inflammatory anti-migrant rhetoric. The need for a unified left movement has never been more urgent - and new Green Party leader Zack Polanski is ready to meet the moment.

Zack joins Nish and Coco in our (fully powered) studio - to talk about his vision for the future of the left, his plans to fight inequality and why he’s not actually thrilled to see Zarah and Jez at each others throats. He also brings up his ever-so-slightly hypnotherapy boobjob and in revenge, helps us pip the Sun to the post on a saaaaaucy exclusive.

Later - Nish weighs in on the Jimmy Kimmel saga… It couldn’t happen here, right? Oh, wait…

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GUESTS

Zack Polanksi - Green Party Leader

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Anger, Rage and Love - Trump’s visit to the UK and Tommy Robinson’s far right rally

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

It’s been a hellish week for our Disunited Kingdom. First Tommy Robinson mobilised ten of thousands in his ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march. Before we could recover from that toxic side show, the headline act arrived: President Trump. He was kept behind a ring of steel in Windsor where he enjoyed British brown nosing at its best from flatterers-in-chief, the Royal Family. What a state we’re in.

Coco and Nish reflect on what they learned about their fellow Brits this week and the conclusion is scary. But before they abandon hope there was another march. Thousands of ‘Stop Trump’ protestors came out onto the streets of London - to hear from a range of the UK’s loudest progressive voices, from Zarah Sultana, to Zack Polanski and Jeremy Corbyn. Two protests, two faces of Britain. Can we ever bridge the divide?

Finally - to round off the show, an injection of hope. Josie Naughton CEO of charity ‘Choose Love’ joins the pod to show us that there definitely is a way through this.

USEFUL LINKS

Choose Love

https://choose.love/

Stop Trump Coalition

https://stoptrump.org.uk/protest/

Guests

Josie Naughton

Zarah Sultana

Zack Polanski

Jeremy Corbyn

George Monbiot

Zoe Gardener

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Liberated from Labour: Zarah Sultana and Bimini Bon-Boulash - Live!

Pod Save the UK — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:56:00 +0000

Chaos, what chaos? Rayner's out. The cabinet's reshuffled. The lurch to the right hasn't stopped. But in the words of Homer Simpson, could Keir Starmer's shit show be a "crisitunity" for the left?

To tell us how we can seize this moment, Nish and Coco are joined by leftwing royalty - Zarah Sultana MP and Bimini Bon-Boulash - live at the London Podcast Festival.

Zarah shares why she feels liberated from Labour, has zero sympathy for Angela Rayner and zero tolerance for colleagues who don’t agree on trans rights.

And as the government goes flag crazy, the gang reclaim some patriotic merch for the left. Zarah champions her Princess Diana mug and Bimini channels their inner Spice Girl by reclaiming the Union Jack.

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GUESTS:

Zarah Sultana

Bimini Bon-Boulash

IMAGE CREDIT:

Kings Place / Monika S. Jakubowska

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Stop The Genocide! w/ Wael Al-Dahdouh, Jen Brister and Alexei Sayle

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:19:00 +0000

Pod Save the UK teamed up with Amnesty International UK for a powerful live recording to raise awareness and support to end the genocide in Gaza.

Nish and Coco are joined by Palestinian journalist Wael Al-Dahdouh, Gaza Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera, who shares first-hand experiences of reporting under unimaginable circumstances in Gaza and the deadly toll on journalists.

Comedians and activists Jen Brister and Alexei Sayle join the stage to reflect on the importance of speaking truth to power in a time of immense crisis and a dangerous escalation in the criminalisation of dissent.

It’s an urgent and timely discussion that delves beyond the headlines, exploring the personal stories of those that have lived through the genocide in Gaza. It highlights the devastating realities and the glimmers of resilience and solidarity that persist and the urgent need to raise our collective voices to demand an end to the genocide.

The conversation is book-ended with live performances from internationally acclaimed Palestinian musician Adnan Joubran, who brings the spirit and sounds of Palestine to life through his playing.

USEFUL LINKS

Sign Amnesty International's petition to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza!

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/demand-immediate-and-permanent-ceasefire-psuk

Donate here to support Amnesty’s work on the ground in Gaza

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/giving/donate/help-protect-civilians-gaza-POD

Come to our next live show w/ Zarah Sultana and Bimini Bon-Boulash - this Sunday!

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/pod-save-the-uk/

GUESTS

Wael Al-Dahdouh

Jen Brister

Alexei Sayle

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Friends of PSUK - Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

PSUK is taking a week off - so we’re bringing you a podcast from some of our friends - Sara and Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club!

In this first episode - PSUK’s very own Nish Kumar turns up to discuss the internet, vegetables, wet boyfriends and so much more!

USEFUL LINKS

Stop the Genocide Special W/ Amnesty International- Tuesday 2nd

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/pod-save-the-uk-x-amnesty-international-uk-stop-the-genocide/

Future of the left - Sunday 7th

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/pod-save-the-uk/

Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club Live!

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/sara-cariads-weirdos-book-club/

Follow Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club on Instagram @saraandcariadsweirdosbookclub and Twitter @weirdosbookclub

Recorded and edited by Naomi Parnell for Plosive.

Artwork by Welcome Studio.

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Does the UK have a gambling problem? Out and about w/ Dawn Butler

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

High streets across the UK are being overwhelmed by betting shops. They gobble up £4.6 billion from punters every year - and local councils have almost no powers to block them.

Labour MP Dawn Butler’s constituency, Brent East in North-West London, has 81 licensed enterprises alone. Jumping into “Betsy”, Dawn’s prized old-banger, Coco is taken out and about in Willesden to see first hand how betting shops are popping up everywhere and hear what local residents think.

Along with 37 council leaders and mayors, Dawn is calling for a reform of the Gambling Act 2005 and a hike in gambling duties. With hints she might stand to be London mayor at the next election - could this be the first glimpse of her campaign?

Then, Nish and Coco give their assessment of Keir Starmer and the European moral support squad’s visit to the White House - is Putin still calling the shots on Ukraine? And as Starmer’s Government slumps to an all-time low in the polls, Sadiq Khan has a spicy take on Labour’s first year in power. But a glimmer of hope: is that a don’t-call-it-a-wealth-tax on the horizon?

On a less hopeful note, what on earth is going on with Labour’s social media account? And Nish and Coco struggle to get their head around the new Gen Z additions to the Cambridge Dictionary. Is politics all “delulu with no solulu”?

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USEFUL LINKS

See us Live in London!

Stop the Genocide Special - Tuesday 2nd

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/pod-save-the-uk-x-amnesty-international-uk-stop-the-genocide/

Future of the left - Sunday 7th

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/pod-save-the-uk/

Sign Dawn Butler’s Petition for Gambling Reform

https://www.dawnbutler.org.uk/gambling_reform_petition

Gambling Support

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/

GUESTS

Dawn Butler MP

CREDITS

IG / @UKLabour

TikTok / @politicsprincess

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Is the government inflaming protests on the left and right?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Three thousand riot police were put on standby after Friday was dubbed “anti-asylum day” by far-right organisers, with 14 protests scheduled nationwide outside of suspected asylum hotels.

Tensions are high but with Keir Starmer constantly boasting about cracking down on “illegal” migrants - is the Government simply fanning the flames of unrest?

The New Statesman’s Britain Editor Anoosh Chakelian has been speaking to locals and asylum seekers at asylum hotels. She joins Nish and Coco to discuss why they’ve become such a lightning rod and what else the Government could be doing.

And Labour Minister Chris Bryant has had an unorthodox path into politics - from growing up in Franco’s Spain to being ordained as an Anglican priest. He answers some tricky questions on the Palestine Action arrests and landlord MPs.

And digging into the mailbag, Nish gets an education on audio porn.

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USEFUL LINKS

See us Live in London!

https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/pod-save-the-uk/

Chris Bryant - A Life and A Half: The Unexpected Making of a Politician

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/life-and-a-half-9781526680914/

National Youth Theatre Statement

https://www.nyt.org.uk/news/nyt-statement-3-august-2025

Girl On The Net - blog

https://www.girlonthenet.com/blog/age-verification-whats-the-harm/

Paid Parental Leave Review

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/parental-leave-and-pay-review-call-for-evidence

GUESTS

Anoosh Chakelian

Chris Bryant MP

CREDITS

Twitter / White House

Twitter / Keir Starmer

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Is criticism of the Online Safety Act actually right wing?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:00:00 +0000

This week - we’re talking about the internet, Coco’s proclivities toward the disembodied voice of Pedro Pascal and Nish’s struggles to find any time to work on himself. Strap in - it’s a juicy one.

Nish and Coco are joined by technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker to make sense of the UK’s new online safety laws - which restrict access to harmful and inappropriate content for young people - while simultaneously clamping down on free speech and digital privacy. The conversation is becoming a culture war topic - but are the political class actually having a sensible discussion about this seismic, world’s-first legislation?

And - guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission could see trans people excluded from public life. And now it might become law - with no debate, no scrutiny and no vote. We’ll be speaking to journalist Freddy McConnell about the risk to all of our rights and how we can fight back.

And later - we’re getting Jezzy with it - we dive into the mailbag to hear your thoughts on the party definitely not called “your party”.

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USEFUL LINKS

See us Live in London!

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Write to your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Trans Solidarity Alliance

https://www.transsolidarityalliance.com/ehrc-code

Freddy’s latest article

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/31/transgender-rights-ehrc-guidance-single-sex-spaces

Guardian article about Lord Dannet

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/05/lord-dannatt-urged-ministers-to-crack-down-on-palestine-action-at-request-of-us-firm

GUESTS

Chris Stokel-Walker

Freddy McConnell

AUDIO CREDITS

Sky News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Is the new left party what the UK needs?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 03:00:00 +0000

PSUK is back - and this week Keir Starmer has swung open the door to recognising Palestinian Statehood - with caveats. Nish and Coco discuss the massive change in the UK’s foreign policy stance.

Later, they’re joined by suspended Labour MP Brian Leishman (and his Dachshund Hugo) who voted against the government’s welfare cuts, to discuss the direction of Labour and Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn’s new political party.

And - since Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist organisation back in July, more than 100 people have been arrested across the UK in protest. Nish and Coco discuss the future of civil disobedience with former Government lawyer and member of Defend Our Juries, Tim Crosland.

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See us Live in London!

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Guests:

Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa & Grangemouth

Tim Crosland, Former Government Lawyer and Founder of Plan B

Audio Credits:

The White House

Sky News

Channel 4 News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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PSUK’s Green Leadership Debate: The Friendliest FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT You’ve Ever Heard

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:00:00 +0000

The co-Leadership bid of Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsay represents continuity for the Greens - they sit in Parliament and have proven they can win seats, but is their friendly language enough to cut through to the British public? Rival Zack Polanski says his alternative “eco-populist” vision can bring the fight to Reform and win.

Ellie and Zack sit down with Nish and Coco to make the case for their competing visions for the future of the Green Party - and answer your questions.

Elsewhere - Nish and Coco dive into Labour’s union troubles and take a peek at Ed Miliband's “radical truth telling.”

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Guests:

Ellie Chowns

Zack Polanski

Useful links:

Join the Green Party

https://join.greenparty.org.uk/

Audio Credits

BBC

Parliament TV

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Live! One year of Keir - how can we fix the mess? - with Gary Stevenson and Oliver Coppard

Pod Save the UK — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:50:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Pod Save the UK comes live from Sheffield’s Crossed Wires Festival. Nish and Coco sit down with two special guests: former trader and economics commentator Gary Stevenson and South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard.

Cracking open cans of Nish, provided by local brewery Triple Point, Nish and Coco discuss the recent vote on labelling certain protest groups as terrorist organisations and the not-so-slow creep in the loss of our rights.

One year into Government - backflips on Labour’s Welfare Bill have led to a new round of supermassive black holes for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to plug. Gary Stevenson gives us some ideas on how to do it…

And what about tackling economic inequalities on a local level? Oliver Coppard reflects on the Government’s push to go further and faster on devolution and the difficult decisions he’s made to achieve his priorities for South Yorkshire.

Finally, with Independent MP Zarah Sultana quitting Labour to form a new progressive party, everyone gives their two cents on what this will mean for the future of the left.

Guests:

Gary Stevenson

Mayor Oliver Coppard

Useful links:

Gary’s Economics

https://www.youtube.com/garyseconomics

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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[Moral] Panic on the streets of Glastonbury

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Nish’s inappropriate occurrences report at Glastonbury is in: there were people kissing, some people had their butts out and nobody seemed to be slapping on the SPF - all very inappropriate. But this isn’t what the right-wing press or the government has taken issue with…

You’ve heard it already - the controversy around Kneecap and Bob Vylan’s sets engulfed the political discourse over the festival weekend. But is the controversy the real story here? Nish and Coco shine a light on some of what was REALLY said at Glastonbury and question why those messages didn’t receive as much airtime.

Later, as the government recovers from the brink of political crisis and the Chancellor’s position is drawn into question, Nish and Coco are joined by journalist and author Frances Ryan to discuss the u-turns on u-turns that led to the government’s welfare bill passing. But the battle isn’t over yet.

Finally, Men’s health in the UK is in a sorry place. Nish is joined by Movember’s Dr Zac Seidler to discuss the government’s upcoming Men’s Health Strategy and why young men are being sucked into the manosphere.

SEE US LIVE!

https://crossedwires.live/podcast/pod-save-the-uk

Useful Links:

Contribute your thoughts to the Men’s Health Strategy

https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/mens-health-strategy

Frances Ryan: Who Wants Normal?

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455467/who-wants-normal-by-ryan-frances/9780241629437

Write to your MP about the Welfare Benefit Cuts!

https://www.writetothem.com/

Guests:

Frances Ryan

Dr Zac Seidler

Audio credits:

BBC

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Does Trump know what the F#@! he’s doing?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 03:00:00 +0000

After a rollercoaster week of news - the threat of World War 3 suddenly felt a little overstated. But a few short hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran - both countries returned to a war of words and missiles - leading to President Trump delivering an outburst for the ages: “They don’t know what the F*** they’re doing”.

But does Trump? Nish and Coco don’t think so. The UK has been swept up in the maelstrom - with the pomp and circumstance of diplomatic theatrics making little impact in a world where the US president acts unilaterally.

Then, the gang speak to urban sociologist Dr Abi O’Connor about a potential way out of the affordability crisis in housing - rent controls. Abi breaks down the concept for us all to digest, with some listener questions along the way.

Then, finally - the home secretary Yvette Cooper is seeking to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror group… WTF.

SEE US LIVE!

https://crossedwires.os.fan/pod-save-the-uk

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Useful Links

Write to your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Homes for Us Alliance

https://homesforus.org.uk/

Guest:

Dr Abi O’Connor, Urban Sociologist & Researcher for Homes for Us Alliance

Audio Credits:

The Guardian

BBC

Pod Save the World

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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U-turn after U-turn: who is the real Keir Starmer?

Pod Save the UK — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 05:27:00 +0000

Keir Starmer is not afraid of a U-turn. From abandoned policy pledges to reinstating the winter-fuel allowance, the list is growing. To add to this - this week, the PM has expressed his support for Israel’s military action against Iran, despite criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza. Then he caved in to calls for a full national inquiry into grooming gangs, despite earlier dismissing them as amplifying far-right demands.

Whether you think these are sensible or sly, these political backflips have certainly led to a lot of headscratching when it comes to one question: what does our Prime Minister actually stand for? Nish and Coco sit down with New Statesman Editor in Chief, Tom McTague, who has spent months with Starmer trying to find out what lies beneath the title.

The Government’s new Welfare Reform Bill is introduced in Parliament this week, which experts say will lead to nearly a quarter of a million more families being pushed into poverty. Nish heads down to Westminster to meet with hundreds of people who have gathered to call for an end to the rising tide of hunger and hardship in the UK. Nish speaks to Labour MP Brian Leishman, Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain and Green Siân Berry about the calls for an essentials guarantee - while hearing from the lived experience of people working at food banks around the UK.

And as the Government's new data bill finally passes in the House of Lords, Nish and Coco voice their concerns about what it means for the creative industries.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this podcast included an incorrect statistic about the rate of foodbank usage within the UK - which is estimated by the DWP to be at around 3% of households. We regret the error.

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Guests:

Tom McTague

Siân Berry

Brian Leishman

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Barnard

Emma Revie

Useful links:

Tom McTague’s profile of Keir Starmer

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/06/what-keir-starmer-cant-say

Support the Trussell Trust’s call for an Essential Guarantee!

https://www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/guarantee-our-essentials

Write to your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Audio Credits:

BBC

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Is Labour finally being Labour?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Rachel Reeves has delivered her very first spending review, promising to ‘renew Britain’ with big cash boosts for the NHS, housing and defence. It’s a marked change of tone but the Tories are calling her approach “spend now, tax later”.

Nish and Coco dig into the details and are left with some questions. Are tax rises in the Autumn inevitable? Are high-stakes promises, like vowing to end spending on controversial asylum hotels, ill-thought-out? Will all this be enough to change the public mood?

And as we’ve seen across the pond in LA this week, face masks have been critical to protect the identity of protestors demonstrating against immigration raids and deportations. But the UK government plans to ban them. Nish and Coco speak to Akiko Hart, director of human rights organisation, Liberty, about how we can uphold the right to protest and the latest on challenging the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.

And finally - it gives us great joy to announce - Reform UK is in meltdown with (now former) party chairman Zia Yusuf performing the political equivalent of the hokey-cokey… is he in or out?

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See us live!

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Liberty Human Rights

https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/

Guests:

Akiko Hart

Audio Credits

BBC

Parliament TV

Instagram / Richard Tice

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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How to protect abortion rights from the far-right

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:00:00 +0000

England and Wales is still - unbelievably - operating under an 1861 law that criminalises abortion access. An unprecedented rise in prosecutions and the rise of an aggressive US-style anti-abortion movement in the UK have triggered calls for change.

Labour MP Stella Creasy joins Nish and Coco to break down her bill to decriminalise abortion and make it a protected human right.

Over in Scotland - Reform and Labour are battling against the SNP in a crucial by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse on the outskirts of Glasgow. Former First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP shares his thoughts on this two-horse race, the Government’s complicity in genocide in Gaza, and what his next career moves might be.

And finally - is Dominic Cummings, former special advisor to Boris Johnson - yes, the one who broke lockdown rules driving to Barnard Castle to “test his eyesight” - worth paying attention to…

Stay tuned after the credits for a trailer for a special crossover with The News Meeting from the Observer, featuring our very own Coco Khan.

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Useful Links:

See us live!

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Sign Stella Creasy's petition!

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/decriminalise-abortion-and-make-it-a-protected-human-right

Write to your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Guests:

Stella Creasy MP

Humza Yousaf MSP

Audio Credits

STV

Piers Morgan Uncensored

Sky

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Babies, Benefits and Black Lives Matter

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 29 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000

Stay out of wombs Nigel! Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wants us to have more babies - which for new mum Coco feels like being bamboozled into being rightwing. Not only this, Farage is even coming for abortion - saying it’s “utterly ludicrous” to allow abortion up to 24-weeks. Keep your wits about you!

From leaked memos and inner-circle beef to U-turns and rumoured U-turns - Keir Starmer is feeling the pressure. Nish and Coco dive into the Westminster bubble to find out why the Government has become a leaky ship with Politico reporter Bethany Dawson.

Half a decade on from the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests that shook the world, only one third of the recommendations of major reports to tackle endemic racism in the UK has actually been implemented and equality initiatives are facing a rightwing backlash on both sides of the Atlantic. So, is the UK backsliding on racial justice?

Guardian community affairs correspondent and author Aamna Mohdin reflects on the personal and political legacy of the largest anti-racism rallies in the UK since the abolition of slavery.

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Guests:

Bethany Dawson

Aamna Mohdin

Useful Links:

Scattered: The making and unmaking of a refugee by Aamna Mohdin

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/scattered-9781526652591/

Politico’s London Playbook

https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/london-playbook/page/109/

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Gaza and Benefits: is Starmer changing course?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Reunited, Coco and Nish are finally back together in the studio to talk U turns, disability benefits, Brexit and… gimp masks? There’s a lot of politics to catch up on including some big shifts from the Labour government.

First on Gaza - Keir Starmer and David Lammy changed tack with fierce criticism of the Israeli government. But critics argue that without an actual arms embargo talking tough with Israel is inadequate. So is it all too little, too late?

And in another change of direction, the Prime Minister has been listening to voters and his own disgruntled MPs on benefits. He signalled a rethink on one of Labour's most unpopular moves - cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners. But reforms of disability benefits are still on the cards so Nish heads to Westminster where disability activists gathered to lobby their MPs. With a major rebellion on the cards from Labour MPs, can Starmer be steered into a U-turn on this too?

Employment minister Alison McGovern explains how she’s going to get more young people into work and she has a message for Pod Save the UK’s disillusioned Labour voters.

And did you think Brexit bollocks was in the rearview mirror? Well sorry - this week the Brexit undead returned with nonsense we thought was safely consigned to the dustbin of history.

Guests:

Alison McGovern MP

Ellie Chowns MP

Nadia Whittome MP

Meg Thomas, Disability Rights Campaigner

Audio Credits:

Parliament TV

BBC

GB News

Useful Links:

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/mass-lobby-against-benefit-cuts-21st-may-be-there

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Pod Save an Island of Strangers

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 15 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000

Coco’s back! She’s both sleep and politics deprived, but Nish is ready to fill her in.

The government's shake-up of legal migration laws landed this week - but the news has been dominated by one question. Is Keir Starmer Enoch Powell incarnate? His speech warned that we ‘risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks together’ - a careless comment or a reaction to Reform gains? Nish and Coco dissect and take a deep dive into the government’s plans with Minnie Rahman, CEO of migrants' rights charity Praxis.

Next up, the Government are jumping for joy about the US-UK trade deal, but Nish struggles to find anything to say… is this just a downgrade portrayed as an upgrade?

The race for the next leader of the Greens is on, and will Youngblud make a foray into politics? Nish and Coco discuss how to capture the youth vote. And grassroots football teams are fighting back against the FA’s ban on trans women playing football.

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To find out more about how people will be impacted check out Praxis' socials and ⁠sign up to their emails⁠ for campaign actions.’

https://everpress.com/gdfc-let-the-dolls-play

https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/nish-kumar-nish-dont-kill-my-vibe

Guest:

Minnie Rahman, CEO of Praxis

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BBC

Parliament TV

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How Labour should (but probably won’t) reset after Reform’s big win

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 08 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000

There’s no ifs or buts - Reform had a won big in last week’s local elections - but it’s not all bad news. Near-total Tory wipeout, positive signs for the Liberal Democrats and Greens and a lesson for Labour: acquiescing to Nigel Farage will only empower him.

A slightly jetlagged Nish and a fresh as a daisy Zoë digest the results before diving into demands to end Israel’s occupation of Gaza… Led by, of all people, rebel tories? In the wake of the Netanyahu’s latest actions, why isn't the British Government speaking up more?

Later, the pair are joined by climate activist Patience Nabukalu, for an injection of hope following her direct action calling for an end to fossil fuel investment from one of the UK’s biggest banks.

**Comment was sought from HSBC regarding claims of dismissing voices at their AGM but was not received in time for publication. We will update this podcast if we receive a reply**

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Patience Nabukalu

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Number 10 Downing Street

Zack Polanski

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The UK Supreme Court ruling and the fight for trans rights

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 01 May 2025 04:25:00 +0000

In the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of woman should be based on biological sex, Nish and Zoë speak to LGBTQ+ activist Ellen Jones, author of "Outrage: Why the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not yet won and what we can do about it" about the implications for trans people .

They discuss how the campaigning of reactionaries like billionaire author JK Rowling led to the decision that has seen Prime Minister Keir Starmer backflipping on his support for the trans community. Ellen speaks on the dangers of the recent ruling and practical ways to resist and support the trans community.

Then, as the Tories flounder ahead of the local elections, Zoë hedges her bets. And we take a look at two shocking attempts to seize the limelight by Liz Truss and Tony Blair.

Plus, ahead of the Australian election this weekend, Nish speaks to former Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan about how, in the wake of Trump's tariffs and attacks on allies, the commonwealth might be more important than ever and what the US and UK could learn from Australia's compulsory preferential voting system.

CORRECTION: In this episode we at one point refer to the EHCR incorrectly, for clarity, it is the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

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Useful links:

Outrage: Why the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not yet won and what we can do about it by Ellen Jones

https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/ellen-jones/outrage/9781035030606

The Good Law Project Crowdfunder to legally challenge the Supreme Court Decision

https://goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/supreme-court-human-rights-for-trans-people/

Compilation of protests against the Supreme Court Decision

https://whatthetrans.com/compilation-of-protests-against-the-supreme-court/

Volunteer at your local trans pride - London Trans Pride call for stewards

https://www.instagram.com/londontranspride

Write to your MP

https://transactual.org.uk/change-actions/write-to-your-mp/

Reclaim the framing of UK trans rights

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTWR6sdj_xWKoOGLmwp0JotSL3NBrYSd1Dy3VZOIIKJKy0Ej6cFPt32IIKan3qCq6fG4lpgrw46ewO0/pub?urp=gmail_link

Protect the Dolls T-shirt in support of Trans Lifeline, a US-based charity

https://connerives.com/products/pre-order-protect-the-dolls-t-shirt

Info on voting in the Australian Election abroad:

ALPABROAD.ORG

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Sky News

ITV News

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Nish and Coco spill the tea: your questions answered

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

As Parliament sits for Easter Recess, Nish and Coco dive into the PSUK mailbag to answer your burning questions.

There’s the serious political questions - who are the real progressive party? How can we fight Reform? Should we all just leave the UK??

But there’s some curveballs, too - like what’s up with Bob Dylan’s instagram posting? Boxers or briefs? And most importantly… Has Nish Kumar ever eaten a pot noodle in the bath?

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Trump’s Tariffs: are you feeling liberated?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:38:00 +0000

UPDATE: 10/04/25: President Trump has planned to pause extended tariffs on most countries for 90 days, while pushing ahead on plans to implement a 104% tariff on Chinese goods. A flat 10% tariff remains in place.

Trump’s tariffs continue to cause chaos in the stock markets and the threat of a recession looms. As Rachel Reeves put it in her Spring Statement - the world is changing before our eyes - but is it enough to see her back down on her precious fiscal rules? Co-host Zoë Grünewald joins Nish to make sense of it all.

Can ‘the most dangerous man in Britain’ shed light on this moment of global chaos? Author and education campaigner Melissa Benn, daughter of the late great politician Tony Benn, reflects on her father’s relevance today and the future of the left.

Plus, Melissa takes a look at what’s in Labour’s new education bill. Kemi Badenoch has labelled it “an act of vandalism” - but are the reforms as revolutionary as critics claim?

And a couple of monumental WTF’s for you this week - Israel has barred two Labour MPs, just as human rights lawyers deliver a landmark report to the Met Police’s War Crimes Team, making accusations of war crimes against 10 Britons, who served in the Israeli military in Gaza. It’s chilling stuff.

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The Most Dangerous Man in Britain?: The Political Writing by Tony Benn

https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3318-the-most-dangerous-man-in-britain?srsltid=AfmBOoqeWPvXcuRrm3zzK1FZ0GZ0JYD7BY6lSBtIpztZdp5gR12u7fmr

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Melissa Benn

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Waiting For The Apocalypse: tariffs, food security and the right to protest

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:27:00 +0000

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexually explicit and sexist song lyrics.

While we wait to see if Trump’s tariff juggernaut is going to squash our fragile economy, Nish and Coco count the cost of the “bill-mageddon” we already face. It’s a perfect storm of steep rises in household bills and a bonkers global trade war.

While we’re staring economic apocalypse in the face, we seem to be losing our rights to protest. If the Quakers get raided, who’s safe from heavy handed policing and draconian laws?

And have you prepared yourself for food shortages? Your stash of beans might not cut it. Professor Tim Lang - author of a major report on food security- has a plan we all need to hear.

On the bright side, 2025 is the year the Labour Party has decided to embrace social media and podcasts. What can possibly go wrong?

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Tim Lang

Zoë Grünewald

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Garys Economics

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Austerity 2.0: can Reeves cut her way to growth?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

First the good news: we might just manage to build a lot of new houses. And the bad news? Millions of people will be worse off and about fifty thousand children will be pushed into poverty by welfare reform.

Nish and Coco unpack Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement with the help of economist James Meadway, former advisor to John McDonnell. It was pretty bleak stuff from Reeves: the world is scary, growth is low, and cuts are coming. All with a strong whiff of austerity 2.0.

The Chancellor says her fiscal rules are “non-negotiable”. But James has an alternative Spring Statement to banish the gloom and challenge the way we think about growth.

Plus, as the great Signal security cock up rumbles on in the US, Nish and Coco wonder why they've never been included in a top-secret military chat. It’s just not fair.

And it’s got the UK talking, but will the Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’ make a difference in the real world?

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James Meadway

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Welfare cuts: are Labour copying Tory homework?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

After weeks of speculation, Liz Kendall has confirmed what benefits are to be axed in order to save £5 billion from the welfare bill - but at what cost for sick and disabled people?

Keir Starmer says the rising benefit bill is “devastating for public finances” and has “wreaked a terrible human cost”. But many of his own Labour MPs have accused him of selling cuts as compassion and in the words of Clive Lewis “causing pain for millions”. Zoë Grünewald steps in for Nish to survey the fallout with Coco.

And the cuts don’t stop there - NHS England’s abolition and unprecedented cost-cutting could see up to 30,000 jobs lost. Zoë and Coco discuss the “high-stakes” move, which the Institute of Fiscal Studies has said is “not fully thought through”.

Next up, the Tories and Reform are trying to seize the news-agenda with a pair of not-so special special announcements. And Coco has one of her own…

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A true story of money, Mafia & the Vatican (Shadow Kingdom Episode 1)

Pod Save the UK — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Today we're excited to bring you the first episode of Shadow Kingdom: God's Banker. In the summer of 1982, the Vatican’s top money man was found dead. Roberto Calvi was at the center of a prolific money laundering scheme that put him in the crosshairs of the Sicilian mafia, a secret far-right chapter of the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Forty years after his death was ruled a suicide, Shadow Kingdom host Nicolo Majnoni got a tip that there was more to the story. So who killed God’s banker?

Shadow Kingdom is a new series from Crooked Media and Campside Media. Each season starts with a crime, and as the layers are peeled back to find out who or what is at the center of it, a larger system at play is revealed.

Subscribe to Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker wherever you get your podcasts or join Crooked's Friends Of The Pod subscription community to hear the full season right now. Join Friends Of The Pod at crooked.com/friends or subscribe through the Shadow Kingdom Apple feed.

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Welfare, Warehouses and Playlist Diplomacy

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

We’ll start with the good news - Reform UK appears to be imploding. Nigel Farage has had a wildly public fallout with (now former) Reform MP Rupert Lowe, who was stripped of his whip and investigated by the police over alleged workplace bullying and “verbal threats” against the party chairman.

As Reform flounders, the Government is busy making itself even more unpopular - if that’s possible - by trailing a series of public sector cuts ahead of the Spring Budget. There are plans to cut half of the staff in NHS England and thousands of jobs in the civil service, not to mention impending benefit cuts.

Keir Starmer is expected to announce £5 billion of cuts to personal independence payments - commonly known as PIPs - the main disability benefit. Mikey Erhardt from Disability Rights UK speaks to Nish and Coco about the devastating impact this could have on 3.6 million claimants across the UK.

Next up, over the past few years we’ve seen waves of strikes by warehouse workers for the likes of Amazon, Tesco, Argos and others - but what exactly is it like to work in this algorithm-driven gig economy? Coco speaks to Laura Carreira, the director of a new film about the hidden lives of warehouse workers in the UK.

Finally, here’s something nobody wants to hear. King Charles has launched a personal playlist to mark this year’s Commonwealth Day. Nish and Coco strike back with their own playlist.

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PSUK Alternative King's Playlist

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Guests

Mikey Erhardt

Laura Carreira

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Keir Starmer - the unlikely leader of the free world?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A shouting match in the Oval Office probably should have been on everyone’s Trump 25 bingo card - but the extraordinary breakdown in relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy shocked the world. Keir Starmer rolled up his sleeves and spent the weekend in full-blown diplomacy mode - leading to Politico calling him the “unlikely leader of the free world”.

But with Trump pulling the plug on military aid to Ukraine, leaving the UK and Europe scrambling to increase defence spending - will Starmer’s peace plan work? And what does it all mean for the future of the war? Coco and Nish discuss.

With International Women’s Day this week, Political Editor at PoliticsJoe Ava-Santina Evans calls in to discuss what the government has achieved when it comes to women’s equality.

And with less than one in five young women identifying as a feminist and self-described feminists like Kemi Badenoch calling maternity pay ‘excessive’ - Coco wants to know if changing labels and groups would make a difference. Author Sophie Lewis digs into the true heart of feminism and how we can reclaim it.

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Sophie Lewis - Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen and Girlbosses against Liberation

https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2440-enemy-feminisms

Guests

Ava-Santina Evans
Sophie Lewis

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BBC

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Dear Donald: Can Starmer Tame Trump? w/ Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +0000

War - what is it good for? Absolutely nothing. But this week we found out that defending the UK from it is going to cost us a lot of money. And the losers will be the world's poorest people - the money for Britain's boosted defence budget will come from foreign aid.

Sir Ed Davey - leader of the Lib Dems - tells Coco he has an alternative: bigger taxes on big tech (and some other ideas). And Coco goes a bit Yoko Ono, wondering how we give peace a chance.

Zoe Grunewald steps in for Nish as the pod asks what Macron can teach Starmer about Trump wrangling. And we send out a search for Kemi Badenoch… Has anyone seen her? As Ed Davey presents a credible opposition voice to the Government - the Tory leader is missing in action: last seen in a right wing podcast vortex.

While Kemi Badenoch struggles to cut through, the Climate Change Commission has thought of an ingenious way to get us to act on net zero. The humble kebab.

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Zoë Grünewald

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Trump’s plan for “Peace” in Ukraine only pleases Putin + The Politics of Modern Love

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +0000

As Europe looks on in disbelief, Donald Trump has been throwing his geopolitical weight around. A monumental meeting with Russia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine was held without Ukraine or Europe.Trump then branded Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and accused Ukraine of starting the conflict.

Keir Starmer has said he is “ready and willing” to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine. But is this the answer? And as shares in major arms manufacturers soar, who’s profiting? Nish and Coco chew it over.

And from war to love - loneliness is on the rise but according to journalist and author Shon Faye, the problem isn’t us, it’s capitalism. Phew! She joins Nish and Coco to discuss the highly politicised terrain of modern romance - and why it eludes us.

Later, Tortoise tech reporter Patricia Clarke calls in to discuss what the government can do about our unhealthy social media habits and if the Online Safety Bill holds up.

And Starmer has been ambushed by tractor-driving farmers blasting out… “Sandstorm” by Darude. Yes, Darude.

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Love in Exile by Shon Faye https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453476/love-in-exile-by-faye-shon/9780241605981

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Patricia Clarke

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Adventures in the Culture War w/ Ash Sarkar

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The government has spent the week trying to out-Reform Reform by stirring up yet another moral panic about immigration. The Home Office has been boasting about its crackdown on “foreign criminals and illegal immigrants” and filming immigration raids and deportations. At the same time, it has toughened up rules to make it almost impossible for refugees who arrive in the UK via illegal routes to become British citizens.

Contributing editor of Novara Media Ash Sarkar joins Nish and Coco to discuss her new book ‘Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War’ - highlighting how a minority elite are profiting from the chaos they create and how the “i” in identity politics can distract and divide progressive movements.

And Health Minister Andrew Gwynne and Burnley MP Oliver Ryan - along with 11 Labour councillors - have been suspended from the Labour Party after it was alleged that they’d sent offensive messages to a whatsapp group chat lovingly entitled, “trigger me timbers”.

Correction: A previous version of this episode included a statement that Sheffield's recycling bins were not collected from the roadside whilst discussing an ongoing workers strike. Recycling bins continue to be collected amidst the strike. We regret the error.

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Useful Links

Write to your MP about the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

www.fighttheantirefugeelaw/org

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Guests

Ash Sarkar

Nathan Phillips

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Trump’s Gaza madness ft Lewis Goodall

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Donald Trump has left the world reeling with a plan to turn Gaza into *checks notes* “the Riviera of the Middle East”. He vowed that the US will “take over” and “own” the Gaza strip, effectively endorsing the ethnic cleansing of 1.8 million Palestinians who would have “no alternative” but to leave.

With rumours circling that his inner-circle are calling him an “HR manager” rather than a leader, in classic style, Keir Starmer has pushed back but avoided directly criticising Trump.

News Agents co-host Lewis Goodall joins Nish and Coco to discuss this latest tidal wave of horror and whether Starmer has it in him to stand for something.

On a more hopeful note, the decision to greenlight the giant new Rosebank oilfield off Shetland has been ruled unlawful by the courts. At the forefront of the fight has been Uplift Director Tessa Khan, who calls in to celebrate this major win for climate action and let us know how we can stop this oilfield for good.

Later, Coco sinks her teeth into our household waste, after Green-led Bristol Council unleashes the wrath of local residents.

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Lewis Goodall

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Masculinity and Misinformation: How JimmyTheGiant Escaped The Alt-Right Pipeline

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Warning: this episode contains strong language and a term of racist abuse.

Nish and Coco dig into some scary data about Gen Z. A poll of 13-27 year olds this week suggested nearly half of them favour authoritarian government. And nearly half of young men think women have been given too many rights. Youtuber JimmyTheGiant joins the pod to tell us about this mindset and how he disappeared into the right wing wormhole, and came out the other side.

And newts v planes: Nish and Coco check out Rachel Reeves plans for growth. Is she pinning her hopes on the tech bros and Heathrow while sticking two fingers up to net Zero?

Useful Links

https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTheGiant/videos

Guests

JimmytheGiant

Clare Farrell

Audio Credits

Today Programme, BBC Radio 4

Clare Farrell

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Trump 2.0: Fear and Loathing in DC

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A trigger warning for progressives: this episode contains explicit Trump content.

Nish and Coco’s nightmare begins with inauguration Trump meme coins, grinning tech bros and disputed Nazi salutes. Then comes the blizzard of executive orders targeting migrants and freeing rioters. But this is not just a bad dream for our liberal hosts. This is the reality of Trump world. The groundwork of MAGA 2.0 has been laid.

How should Britain react? The UK’s very own “basket of deplorables” including Farage, Truss and Braverman donned their MAGA caps and descended on the US. But they didn’t even scrape an invitation to the main event. Back home Keir Starmer and David Lammy opted for love-bombing the new President. But there is an alternative to a sucking up strategy. Pod Save the UK has spotted some green shoots of resistance.

While Trump has thrown the Paris Climate Agreement out the window - again - the UK has an opportunity to lead the way on the environment. Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer joins the pod to explain how clever cross party collaboration and campaigning could push through the new Climate and Nature Bill.

And Jon Favreau, host of ‘Pod Save America’ and ‘Offline’, joins Nish and Coco from across the pond to find out what’s in store for the US, UK and the world.

Useful Links

Write to your MP about the Climate and Nature Bill

https://action.zerohour.uk/

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Guests

Jon Favreau

Carla Denyer MP

Audio Credits

X / Lawrence Fox

Channel 4 News

Sky News

BBC

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Facts versus F-wits: how to fight the Alt Reich

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence will be “mainlined into the veins” of the nation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared, with a multibillion-pound investment and huge public rollout. Amid bond market chaos and a falling pound, the Government is pinning its hopes for growth on the AI revolution - what could possibly go wrong?

To unpick the technogobledigook with Nish and Coco is technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker. They drill into the Government's AI action plan and the potential pitfalls of this silver bullet for society, jobs and the environment.

With the far right surging across the world - it’s important to know when you can call a fascist a fascist. No one knows this better than Nafeez Ahmed, investigative journalist and author of “Alt Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within”. He breaks down the scale of the threat we are facing and how we can fight it.

And with so much Billionaire BS flying about, we debut “Facts versus Fuckwits”, debunking some prime fuckwittery from a painfully out-of-touch Tony Blair.

Useful Links

“Alt-Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within” by Nafeez Ahmed

https://www.waterstones.com/book/alt-reich/nafeez-ahmed//9781916754140

Mental Health Services:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/

Guests

Chris Stokel-Walker

Nafeez Ahmed

Audio Credits

Sky News

Jimmy’s Jobs for the Future Podcast

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Billionaire BS: How can Britain Stop Musk’s Disinformation?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year - is 2025 going to be the year of disinformation? Elon Musk started in attack mode with a flood of vitriolic and false tweets about UK grooming gangs. In Musk’s crosshairs: Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. He accused them both of cover ups. Can Nish and Coco survive a year of Musk madness - the man who already makes Nish want to “eat his own anus”?

We’re joined by political journalist Zoë Grünewald to discuss how to fight the disinformation invasion and what else might be in store in 2025 - from Reform eating the Tories to Labour delivering some much-needed change. And just when we thought we were done with billionaire BS - Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta is scrapping its fact-checking service and Andrew Tate launched a new political party.

And poor Nish is under fire from GB News for “unnecessary political swipes”on the BBC. A word to GB News - unnecessary political swipes is what Nish does! Brace yourselves - it’s a wild first show back.

Guests:
Zoë Grünewald

Audio credits:
The Guardian
BBC
Sky News
Mark Zuckerberg

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Just Stop Politics - 2024 Wrapped! w/ Desiree Burch and Liz Bates

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +0000

What a year! While Rishi Sunak held true to his January commitment to hold the election in the second half of the year - the spectacle that followed couldn't have been predicted as 2024 dawned.

Nish and Coco are joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Liz Bates and comedian Desiree Burch to chew over the gristle of the year that was.

From racist Tory donors, to milkshaked MPs, creative political stunts and Rishi Sunak’s D-Day disaster - the first half of the year had plenty to keep us entertained.

But once Labour took power - optimism quickly turned to gloom. The seven week garm-drama saga took the sheen off Keir Starmer’s newly minted cabinet, while the endless don't-call-it-austerity chat has jaded people across the country.

As 2024 draws to a close - there’s still plenty to laugh about - including the best of the worst political pop songs of the year. Prepare to cringe.

Useful Links:

https://choose.love/ - make a donation now!

Ed Davey and the Bath Philharmonic Carer’s Choir - Love is Enough https://linktr.ee/love.is.enough

Guests:

Liz Bates

Desiree Burch

Audio credits:

Sky News

BBC

ITV

Channel 4

Tiktok / Dawn Butler

Liberal Democrats

Talk TV

Fox News Via Channel 10 Australia

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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FIFA World Cup: Trade Deals 1, Human Rights Nil

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In the same week FIFA decided an appalling human rights record is no obstacle to Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, Keir Starmer was schmoozing the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. What lengths will our former human rights lawyer PM go to in his pursuit of growth? Joey Shea from Human Rights Watch takes us through what went down during the visit.

Back home, the government is talking up its plans to build 1.5 million new homes. Housing journalist Vicky Spratt joins Nish and Coco to assess whether Labour can pull off the biggest home building initiative since the second world war.

And Pod Save The UK has found the perfect job for the royal family: Trump whisperers. Prince William was hastily wheeled out in Paris to charm the President and Nish and Coco explore why Trump has a weird soft spot for the Windsors.

Guests:

Vicky Spratt

Joey Shea

Audio Credits:

Sky News

UK Government

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Toxic men and toxic politics: the problem with Gregg Wallace and Nigel Farage

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +0000

As Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace faces a stream of allegations about inappropriate behaviour at work, Nish and Coco take on the entertainment industry’s toxic culture. Nish gives an insider’s view of why change is long overdue in an industry that enables massive egos, bad behaviour, even abuse. And Coco argues that to take women’s safety seriously we need to start with zero tolerance on bullying banter.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer’s reset this week promises to focus on working people’s priorities but is this going to deliver results. And is Labour missing a trick? Journalist Zoë Grünewald on why the government needs a big vision for young people.

And with Reform UK support on the rise and soaring youth unemployment, is the left in danger of losing young voters to the right? Jacob Diggle of UK Youth joins us with solutions to get young people into work or study.

Guests:

Zoë Grünewald

Jacob Diggle

Useful Links:

UK Youth https://www.ukyouth.org

Audio Credits:

Sky News

BBC Radio 4

Parliament TV

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Who gets to decide how we die? w/ Rosena Allin-Khan MP

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This Friday, MPs are challenged with an enormous question of conscience - should we allow people with six months left to live the right to die at a time of their choosing?

Joining Nish and Coco is Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting and A&E Doctor, to help us understand the strong feelings on both sides of the debate, the difficult decision that MPs are grappling with and how she decided which way she will vote.

As the UK reels in the wake of Storm Bert, climate change lawyer Tessa Khan celebrates a victory in the legal fight against fossil fuels and tells us why the UK could lead the world on the environment.

A petition calling for a General Election only months after the last one makes Nish’s blood boil. And have you ever wondered what Keir Starmer likes to cook? A clue: it involves pasta, and it’s not very exciting.

** We have a special competition for listeners to win tickets to a special preview screening of the film Rumours, starring Cate Blanchett, next Thursday 05/12/24. To win up to two tickets, we’re asking what your political highlight was this year - they can be funny, sad, insightful or inspiring. To enter, fill in this form: https://tinyurl.com/45s5uz7t **

Guests:

Rosena Allin-Khan

Tessa Khan

Useful Links:

Stop Rosebank - https://www.stopcambo.org.uk/

Audio Credits:

ITV News

LBC

BBC

Sky News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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How to avoid World War 3 + why won’t Elon Musk Leave the UK alone? W/ Jamie Bartlett & Stephen Bush

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Russia’s war with Ukraine is escalating dramatically - as we record reports have begun to emerge about Ukraine firing British long-range “Storm Shadow” missiles into Russia. Nish and Coco are joined on the couch by Stephen Bush, associate editor at the Financial Times, to discuss the chance of...World War Three?

Meanwhile - closer to home - we find out why farmers are descending on Westminster. How big a blow is the Government’s budget for farmers and will Labour face a wipe out of rural supporters?

And as Elon Musk is summoned to testify about X’s role in the UK summer riots, we’ll be speaking to Jamie Bartlett misinformation expert and host of hit podcasts “The Missing Cryptoqueen” and “The Gatekeepers” about Musk’s influence in politics and if we should all be quitting X.

Guests:

Stephen Bush

Jamie Bartlett

Useful Links:

Jamie Bartlett’s Substack - How to Survive the Internet

https://substack.com/@jamiejbartlett

Jamie Bartlett's BBC Radio 4 podcast on the rise of social media's power - The Gatekeepers

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001w207

Audio Credits:

Sky News

BBC

Instagram / Rebecca Wilson

ITV News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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How is Trump already infecting UK politics? w/ Beth Rigby + the university crisis

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

President-elect Donald Trump has a strong stance on many issues, from isolationism to border control, not to mention he’s an open climate change denier. Is his political platform already shaping UK party politics? Nish and Coco chat to Sky News Political Editor and host of Electoral Dysfunction Beth Rigby about what his looming second-term means for the UK.

And with changes to university tuition fees in England for the first time in eight years - we dissect the crisis in higher education with President of the National Union of Students Amira Campbell and General Secretary of the University and College Union Jo Grady. Nish and Coco also dig into the mailbag to find out what you think.

Plus - some essential listening - does Coco not understand what a mullet is?

Guests:

Beth Rigby

Amira Campbell

Jo Grady

Useful Links:

Christmas Comedy in aid of Women and Children First ft. Nish Kumar

https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/christmas-comedy-in-aid-of-women-children-first/

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Trump wins: where the hell do we go from here? w/ Katy Balls + Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

It’s a dark, dark day for the world. Donald Trump - a convicted criminal no less - has been elected 47th US president in a shocking political resurrection.

Nish and Coco are joined by the Spectator’s political editor Katy Balls to discuss just how ready the UK Government is for Trump’s comeback and Kemi Badenoch’s leadership win.

Later, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations, calls in to discuss her dismay at the US news and to Foreign Secretary David Lammy ruling out cash-based reparations for countries blighted by slavery.

And with the Government announcing the first hike in tuition fees since 2017 - we want to hear from you. Are the increased fees or maintenance loans affecting you? Are you sick of paying off student loan repayments? How can we fix the crisis in higher education? Email us at psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk as we’ll be chewing this over with some special guests next week.

Guests:

Katy Balls

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Audio Credits:

BBC

Sky News

GB News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Halloween budget: trick or treat? w/ Torsten Bell MP, Grace Blakeley & Katie Schmuecker

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Double, Double, toil and trouble…the Government’s first budget has been unveiled on the eve of Halloween, and Nish and Coco are peering into chancellor Rachel Reeve’s cauldron. It’s a spooky episode, so buckle up, we find out if the Halloween budget is the horror show it’s been predicted to be.

A seance with economic and political journalist Grace Blakeley helps us break down the raft of tax rises, loosened borrowing restrictions, and investment in public services.

But what about the skeletons in the closet? Principal policy advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Katie Schmuecker drops in to chat about reforms to benefits for sick and disabled people, as well as private renters on low incomes.

And finally Torsten Bell, Labour MP and former head of the Resolution Foundation, reveals if he’s going to sleep easy or if he’s worried about any market monsters emerging overnight…

Guests:

Grace Blakeley

Katie Schmuecker

Torsten Bell MP

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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How f***ed are we if Trump wins? + Is Jeremy Corbyn MP forming a new party?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The Government’s rallying cry to the nation to help fix the NHS via a public consultation has not disappointed. In what is fast becoming the National Health Service’s very own Boaty McBoatface moment, Nish and Coco dissect the wild and weird policy suggestions flooding the website.

Then Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour Party leader and Independent MP for Islington North, joins to tell us how the left can make their voices heard in Parliament and whether a new leftwing political party could be on the horizon.

Later, with the US elections looming, co-host of our sister show Pod Save the World Tommy Vietor calls in to discuss why the Labour party is under fire for sending hundreds of staffers to canvas for the Democrats and what the result next month might mean for US-UK relations.

Finally, Nish and Coco discuss a protest from an Australian Senator who shouted directly into the ears of King Charles, which comes as the Government resists paying reparations - or even apologising for - slavery and the actions of the British Empire.

Useful links:

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-the-world/

Guests:

Jeremy Corbyn MP

Tommy Vietor

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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How ruthless is Keir Starmer willing to be? w/ Anushka Asthana and Josh Babarinde MP

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

With just two weeks to go until the Autumn budget, the Labour government is preparing to make some huge reforms. But just how ruthless is Keir Starmer willing to be in reshaping the UK? Coco and Nish dig into it with Anushka Asthana, ITV’s political editor and author of “Taken as Red: How Labour won big and the Tories crashed the party”.

Later, in the wake of the Tories latest round of madness, Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde calls in from parliament to discuss how the Government can be held to account in the absence of a sane opposition.

And speaking of political ruthlessness, we find out why Labour are demanding a police investigation into the Monster Raving Loony Party’s role in unseating Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth in Leicester South.

Useful links:

Taken as Red: How Labour won big and the Tories crashed the party.

Guests:

Anushka Asthana

Josh Babarinde MP

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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The Tories lose their minds (again) - can Starmer hold against the far right?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The Tory party have once again chosen violence against themselves, as Keir Starmer’s Labour party are languishing in the polls after 90-something days of a lack of action.

Nish and Coco burst the bubble on the news that Starmer’s Chief of Staff has been replaced by his election guru, joined by political journalist Ian Dunt to find out just how big a deal this backroom reshuffle is for the machinations of government.

Ian also unravels the ideology of centrism - explaining why it was a huge part of the Labour Party’s success at the general election and why it might not be enough to keep the electorate happy without some actual policy to back it up.

Later, Labour MP Nadia Whittome calls in from Portcullis House to talk about why she’s still hopeful for what the new government can deliver, before the biggest WTF moment since Rishi Sunak walked out in the rain - the Tory Party eliminating centrist candidate James Cleverly from the leadership.

Guests:

Ian Dunt

Nadia Whittome MP

Audio Credits:

LBC

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Is Britain’s benefits system broken? w/ Caroline Selman and John Pring

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The new Labour government has promised bold action to fix Britain’s benefit system. Last week, Keir Starmer announced a crackdown on benefit fraud and said people on long-term sickness benefits should look for work. But is this the answer?

To chew over the Government’s plans, Coco and Nish are joined by Caroline Selman, senior research fellow at the Public Law Project, and John Pring, the founder and editor of Disability News Service and author of “The Department: How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence”. With some help from our listeners, they tell us how broken the benefit system is and how we can fix it.

Then, to mark the Conservative party conference, we have the return of the section we like to call WTF. Some absolute shockers from the Tory leadership hopefuls remind us why they are no longer in power.

Useful Links:

For advice on benefits

https://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-deal-universal-credit-overpayment

Contacting your MP

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Guests:

John Pring https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/

https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745349893/the-department/

Caroline Selman https://x.com/publiclawprojct

Video Credits:

Times Radio

Sky

BBC

Daily Express

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Can Starmer’s upbeat note drown out the donation scandal? w/ Zoë Grünewald and Simon Kuper

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0000

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Keir Starmer gave his first Labour Conference speech as Prime Minister this week - but his message of “national renewal” was slightly spoiled by a backdrop of poor polling, infighting and their never ending “garm drama”. Journalist Zoë Grünewald joins Nish and Coco on the couch to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel” promised by the new government.

Later, Simon Kuper, Financial Times journalist and author of Good Chaps: How corrupt politicians broke our law and institutions - and what we can do about it, joins the show to delve into the government’s first scandal-not-scandal. They discuss how donations have infected our politics and why there’s no such thing as a free box at the Arsenal game.

Guests:

Simon Kuper https://x.com/KuperSimon
Zoë Grünewald

Audio Credits:

ITV News

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Starmer’s Garm Drama + the Government looks right on immigration w/ Zoe Gardner

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0000

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Keir Starmer promised a Labour government would “turn the page” on scandal - but he’s already under fire after a late declaration of thousands of pounds of gifts. As the Tories clamour for an investigation, Nish and Coco take to the PSUK couch to weigh in on the row.

Later, they’re joined by independent researcher on migration policy Zoe Gardner to discuss why Starmer is seeking immigration lessons from Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Zoe tells us about Italy’s controversial migration deals with North African countries and Albania, as well as what a migration system with a degree of humanity might look like.

Next we open the mailbag to hear your unpopular policy suggestions - ranging from taxes on second homes to a maximum wage cap.

Useful Links:

Tickets for Nish Kumar: “Nish, don’t kill my vibe”

https://www.nishkumar.co.uk/

Guests:

Zoe Gardner https://www.tiktok.com/@zoejardiniere

Audio credits:

The Telegraph

Times Radio

X / Ed Miliband

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Inside out: How to fix the UK’s prison system + Labour embraces unpopularity

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0000

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The government has won a vote in the commons over its controversial winter fuel payments - but Keir Starmer knows he’s not winning over the public. Unpopular decisions are the theme of the day as Nish returns to join Coco on the PSUK couch.

Later, our hosts are joined by former inmate turned podcaster and TV host David Navarro, alongside CEO of the Prison Reform Trust Pia Sinha to discuss the disastrous state of the UK’s prisons. It’s an eye opening chat - through David’s lived experience and Pia’s knowledge of the system we gain a better understanding of where our justice system is going wrong and how we can begin to fix it.

Nish fights sleep as we’re brought up to speed with the Tory leadership latest, before firing up in disappointment at misguided comments on the Grenfell disaster from two former Prime Ministers. Coco lightens the mood with the unexpected love story between two of Westminster’s best known MPs.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

Useful Links:

David’s Channel 4 Documentary https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secrets-of-uk-prisons-untold

Prison Reform Trust https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/

Guests:

Pia Sinha, CEO Prison Reform Trust

David Navarro, Host, Delinquent Nation

Audio credits:

Sky News

BBC

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

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Time to nationalise Ticketmaster? “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, the Grenfell Inquiry concludes

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Parliament is back in session and so is Pod Save the UK! Coco is joined by Zoë Grünewald, filling in for Nish, to discuss Keir Starmer’s gloomy new lines trailing what’s shaping up to be a miserable Autumn budget.

Free political point scoring around the Oasis/Ticketmaster fiasco probably isn’t going to be enough to offset the grim energy emanating from the Government’s plan to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, despite some glints of hope in other policy areas. Coco and Zoë also discuss Jeremy Corbyn’s new political alliance, restrictions on arms sales licences to Israel and Labour’s mooted outdoor smoking ban.

Later, they’re joined by James Riding, Chief Reporter at Inside Housing, to discuss the final report from the Grenfell Inquiry, exploring the “Decades of failure” and “systematic dishonesty” behind the disaster.

Finally, they check in on the Tory leadership race, where the five remaining candidates are struggling for recognition within the public eye.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Zoë Grünewald, Political Journalist

James Riding, chief reporter at Inside Housing

Audio credits:

Sky News

Number 10 Downing Street

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Live! How comedy can bring hope in dark times - with Adam Hills and Kemah Bob

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000

In this special live episode from the Edinburgh Fringe, recorded on 07/08/24, Nish and Coco are joined by comedians Adam Hills and Kemah Bob to talk about how political comedy offers relief in dark times, while still holding power to account.

The gang reflect on political flashpoints and what they learned from it, from dropping a spoonful of sugar to the unique lens that comedy can lend while reporting devastating events. Once again, Nish is confounded by Brat Summer.

Later, in a special Q&A session with our live audience, we resurrect Pod Shag the UK and hear about some of the things bringing hope to our listeners, with a special appearance from Nish’s mum.

Guests:

Adam Hills - Comedian

Kemah Bob - Comedian

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

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Live! Finding hope in the wake of Britain's racist riots - with Ahir Shah & Tom Ballard

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000

In this special live episode from the Edinburgh Fringe, Nish and Coco bring two special guests to talk about the racist riots tearing Britain apart.

**CORRECTION** This episode incorrectly states that the Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out" has a sexist subtext, when it is in fact a song criticising misogyny. We regret the error.

Nish, Coco and Ahir reflect on their personal feelings and experiences of racism in the UK in the wake of the violence, while sharing some advice for anyone feeling disturbed. Later, Tom Ballard jumps on stage to share how the UK took some of the worst possible inspiration from his home country of Australia.

The gang turn to the audience - while sharing advice for wearing sunscreen… And burrito-based magic.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Ahir Shah - Comedian

Tom Ballard - Comedian

Useful Links:

ahirshah.com

tomballard.com.au

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How Can We Fix The British Economy? With Paul Johnson From The IFS

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000

It’s been a tough few weeks for new Chancellor Rachel Reeves. In a speech to the House of Commons on Monday, Reeves declared that despite going in to government with gloomy prospects, the financial inheritance was much worse than she had expected. Naturally, this didn’t go down particularly well with the now Shadow Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, as the two traded barbs whilst invoking the opinions of THE name in British economics - Paul Johnson.

Nish and Coco sit down with the man himself, Paul, to talk about how deep the budgetary black hole goes and solutions for how the Government might tax their way out of it, whilst still meeting the difficult manifesto commitment of “no new taxes on working people”.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest;

Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Useful links:

Pod Save the UK, Live!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

PSUK YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK

Audio clips:

Parliament.TV

Instagram / James Cleveley

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Red Rebellion, Just Stop Locking Up Activists And How To Fix Our Broken NHS With Clare Farrell And Victor Adebowale

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Three weeks haven’t yet passed since the election, but Keir Starmer’s Government has faced its first rebellion. The response to seven Labour MPs breaking rank over the Government’s stance on the two child benefit cap was swift and fierce, leading to the whip being removed and anger inside and outside the party. Nish and Coco ask if Starmer has only stoked further division within the party.

Clare Farrell drops in to discuss the landmark sentencing of five Just Stop Oil protesters and how the previous government’s draconian anti-protest legislation led to this moment.

Later, chair of the NHS Federation Victor Adebowale joins Nish and Coco to discuss the National Audit Office’s recent findings into the state of NHS finances and what can be done to fix the service, while taking the pressure off of near-breaking point staff.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Clare Farrell, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion

Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation

Useful Links:

Open Letter:

https://defendourjuries.org/wtf/

Just Stop Oil petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/no-prison-for-protest/

Pod Save the UK: live!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

Audio credits:

BBC Radio 4 Today

Department of Health and Social Care

parliamentlive.tv

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The Kings Speech, Knives Out for Vaughan Gething and An Education on Schools Policy with Liz Bates

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0000

As parliamentarians were ironing their robes in preparation for the King’s Speech, Trump’s new running mate JD Vance shocked the UK with flippant remarks that have sent a shiver down the spine of the New Government. Nish and Coco are joined by Liz Bates to discuss Vance’s comments, the themes behind the surprise-free King’s Speech and two shock resignations - those of Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething and England manager Gareth Southgate.

Later, Nish and Coco catch up with two young people with lived experience of our crumbling education system and check in with Janeen Hayat, Director of Collective Action at the Fair Education Alliance. Education is one of the new government’s top five priorities - where the few short-term wins to be had are balanced out by some prickly policy problems.

Later, Liz returns to unveil an MP’s (not-so) shameful secret, the neverending Tory psychodrama and the reality TV show nobody was asking for.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Liz Bates

Janeen Hayat

Useful Links:

Find us on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@podsavetheuk

Buy Tickets to see Pod Save the UK live - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

Audio Credits:

Parliament.TV

ITV Good Morning Britain

The Guardian

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Are Labour the party to finally fix housing? w/ Kwajo Tweneboa, Toby Lloyd and Sam Freedman

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0000

It’s week one in government and Labour have hit the ground running. We’ve got a new cabinet and big moves on planning reform and international relations are underway. But what about the opposition? Nish and Coco check in with Substack superstar Sam Freedman to uncover some of the challenges the new government faces over the course of the parliament and hear who might lead a new-look Conservative Party.

Later, Kwajo Tweneboa and Toby Lloyd drop in to chew over one of the prickliest issues the UK needs to deal with - housing. From social housing, to affordability, to no-fault evictions, we cover off the biggest challenges the government faces.

Finally, things get weird when Coco declares a “Red Ed Summer” as TikTokers thirst over the new energy secretary.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Sam Freedman, political analyst

Kwajo Tweneboa, housing campaigner

Toby Lloyd, housing consultant

Useful links:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

Audio clips:

parliamentlive.tv

The Telegraph

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Labour Landslide - will things get better? With Torsten Bell MP and Femi Oluwole

Pod Save the UK — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000

It’s official. The election results are in and we are in the era of a Labour government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped up the 10 Downing Street - but one of the key questions for Nish and Coco is will things concretely improve under his leadership? What can we hope for in this new era?

The results of this election has shown massive changes in all directions and with all the parties. Joining Nish and Coco to analyse all the seismic shifts is political journalist, Zoe Grünewald. She discusses whether the Conservatives and the SNP are on the brink of collapse, and the implications of Reform getting seats in parliament.

We also hear from newly elected Labour MP for Swansea West, Torsten Bell, and Femi Oluwole looks at the early stats around tactical voting.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Zoe Grünewald, political journalist

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West

Femi Oluwole, journalist and campaigner

Useful links:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

Audio clips:

Channel 4

Sky News

BBC

Femi Oluwole

LBC

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Would a Labour supermajority really be bad for democracy? Rory Stewart on why opposition is vital

Pod Save the UK — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Counting down the last five days until the election results come flooding in, the Conservative Party is still blowing themselves apart from the inside. Why has the Tory campaign been such a clusterfuck and should we care if they implode? Would a Labour supermajority be good or bad for democracy as a whole?

To discuss these points, Nish and Coco are joined by Rory Stewart - hearing what he thinks on both the future of the Conservative party, and the future of British democracy. Now known for hosting the “The Rest is Politics” podcast with former Labour spin-doctor Alastair Campbell, Rory explains why he might return to politics - even going for the top job.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Rory Stewart

Useful links:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442034/politics-on-the-edge-by-stewart-rory/9781529922868

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Will “gamblegate” scandal obliterate the Tories Forever? Plus last few days of the election with Liz Bates

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

With just one week to go until the election, Rishi Sunak’s chances of avoiding a landslide defeat might have just got slimmer - all thanks to “gamble-gate”.

Nish and Coco are joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to discuss the betting scandal plaguing the government. Sunak vowed to lead the world in “standards of decency” but has been very slow to act. Might this mean a complete wipeout for them?

But that’s not all the scandals this week. Education secretary Gillian Keegan has repeatedly used a claim about children being taught there are “72 genders” to back up government plans to ban schools from talking about gender identity. Nish, Coco and Liz investigate her so-called sources.

And from politicians playing minecraft to the Reform UK Party singing the Spice Girls, the WTF moments are multiplying. Nish, Coco and Liz dissect their favourites from the week.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Liz Bates, Political Correspondent, Sky News

Useful links:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pod-save-the-uk-live

Audio clips:

BBC

ITV

Reform UK

TrophyTime

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Chris Packham Vs Taylor Swift: Will People or Politics Save Our Planet?

Pod Save the UK — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The major parties have failed to pledge to make the radical changes needed to save our planet from climate catastrophe - but people power may well save us yet.

Nish and Coco are joined by conservationist Chris Packham to find out what more our politicians need to do and how citizens can get involved. Chris also questions the wisdom of Taylor Swift’s private jet usage and brings a suggestion of how she could help create change.

Later, Adrienne Buller drops by to explore GB Energy - Labour’s signature manifesto pledge that they’ve claimed to be the most radical climate policy ever.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Chris Packham - Conservationist

Adrienne Buller - Author

Useful links:

The Break Down

https://www.break-down.org/post/welcome-to-the-break-down

Restore Nature Now

https://www.restorenaturenow.com/

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Who gets the power? Devolution and the General Election.

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

It’s been a horrendous campaign for the Conservatives so far, careening from disaster to catastrophe, but the Tories don't have the exclusive on political drama. This week Nish and Coco focus on the action in the devolved nations, with a particular focus on Wales and Northern Ireland.

First, we check in with Welsh Journalist Will Hayward to learn about the recent vote of no confidence in First Minister Vaughan Gething and Labour’s manifesto pledge to tune up the current devolution agreements. Then, Coco chats to Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, to learn more about Plaid’s ambitions for Wales and their plans to turn up the heat on Labour.

Later, we check in to Northern Ireland, speaking to journalist Amanda Ferguson about the stakes of the next election and whether allegations about former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will have any bearing on the election.

Finally, the gang break out some of Coco’s recently rebranded charming and quizzical moments.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru

Will Hayward, Welsh Affairs Editor at Wales Online

Amanda Ferguson, freelance journalist

Audio credits:

Sky News

Blue Sky.mp3 by Sergmusic -- https://freesound.org/s/639933/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

TikTok/ Suella Braverman

Useful links:

Jo Stevens interview with S4C https://x.com/NewyddionS4C/status/1802786241852707250

Constituencies and candidates:

Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.montgomeryshire-and-glyndwr.2024-07-04/montgomeryshire-and-glyndwr/

Ynys Mon:

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.ynys-mon.2024-07-04/ynys-mon/

Dudley:

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.dudley.2024-07-04/dudley/

Fareham:

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.fareham-and-waterlooville.2024-07-04/fareham-and-waterlooville/

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Manifesto deep-dive: Is Labour’s at all progressive?

Pod Save the UK — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Following a week of political manifestoes dropping from UK parties - Nish & Coco take a deep-dive investigation to see how they hold up against one another. With a focus on manifestoes that have left-wing approaches - they discuss what policies are the most realistic and which hold up the best under scrutiny. Joined by political journalist Zoe Grünewald, Nish & Coco look closely at welfare policies, the NHS, taxes and social care.

Special guests Rebekah Pierre (author and social worker) and Helen Barnard (of the Trussell Trust) send the hosts their thoughts on which policies have the most potential for hope.

And there’s a return of WTF moments featuring an iconic UK hit song and Starmer’s comeback to a surprise protest.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Zoe Grünewald, political journalist

Audio Clips:

BBC

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Times Radio

Sky News

Dawn Butler/Elson

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

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How to make your vote count: is Tactical Voting a necessary evil? With Femi Oluwole

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The polls are indicating a landslide victory for Labour come the election on July 4th. But that hasn’t stopped the calls - from both the left and the right - for citizens to vote tactically. But what does that really mean in Britain’s broken electoral system?

Joining Nish and Coco on the PSUK sofa is Femi Oluwole, activist and campaigner, and Joe Twyman, a seasoned pollster covering his 9th election. Together they discuss whether this is an election for people to vote with their heart or if being “strategic” is more important and whether our new parliament has any hope of delivering long overdue reform to our electoral system.

We also hear from Jessica Garland from the Electoral Reform Society.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Femi Oluwole, YouTube Campaigner, Tactical Voting activist

Joe Twyman, Co-founder and director of Deltapoll

Audio Clips:

Sky News

BBC

ITV

Channel 5

PoliticsJoe

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

https://www.gov.uk/registertovote

https://www.getvoting.org

https://tactical.vote

https://stopthetories.vote/

https://www.sprintforpr.uk/

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Why is it so hard to tax the rich? Would it fix our economy? With Gary Stevenson

Pod Save the UK — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

The UK’s sorry state of affairs when it comes to water and railways is both a massive problem and an opportunity for the incoming government. Water companies are teetering on the brink of collapse and it feels inevitable that they will soon fall back in to public ownership. But how can we pay for renationalised services?

Cat Hobbs from We Own It talks to Nish and Coco about the history of privatisation and the opportunities that renationalised services present to the UK.

And economist and activist Gary Stevenson explores how the public can rewrite the narrative on taxation - starting with a 1% tax on people with wealth of over £10,000,000. But why stop there? Coco and Nish ask about other potential boons to the state budget.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It

Gary Stevenson, the Activist and Economist behind Gary’s Economics

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

https://weownit.org.uk/

https://patrioticmillionaires.uk/

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Jeremy Corbyn & Mhairi Black: Left Culled, Centre Cracked and Right Reformed?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

In week two of the campaigns for the upcoming General Election - the fight for the centre vote has become a focal point. But the crucial question remains - what will this do for the future of politics in the UK? Are we at risk of losing diversity across parties? And as Keir Starmer appears to be purging the left-wing factions of the Labour Party, Nish and Coco speak to former Labour leader and now independent candidate Jeremy Corbyn on whether he’s hopeful for a potential Labour government and what advice he has for Keir Starmer.

Nish and Coco also speak to Mhairi Black about the challenges facing the SNP when trying to capture the electorate. They also discuss whether we are at risk of losing the kind of representation that the Left and younger voters need to bring about hope and change in society.

There’s also a rundown of the first Sunak vs Starmer TV debate and a return of the best WTF moments from the week’s political campaigns.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Jeremy Corbyn, Independent Candidate for Islington North

Mhairi Black, former SNP Deputy Leader and MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Audio credits:

BBC

ITV

Labour Party

Sky News

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generational Warfare: Has Rishi Sunak’s electoral gambit misfired?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 30 May 2024 03:00:00 +0000

It’s week one of the campaign and after a comical series of false starts, Rishi Sunak and the Tories have fired the first shots in a campaign of generational warfare.

Nish and Coco are joined by political correspondent Liz Bates to find out if there are votes to be won in these wedge politics. Later, they speak to Christine Jardine from the Liberal Democrats about their differences with Labour as well as the electoral battleground that is Scotland. And, as the campaign heats up - the WTF moments are multiplying. Nish, Coco and Liz dissect their favourites from the week.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Liz Bates, Sky News

Christine Jardine, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP

Audio credits:

BBC

Sky News

Shrek - Paramount pictures

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

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What do the Trans & Non-binary community need most right now?

Pod Save the UK — Sun, 26 May 2024 15:59:33 +0000

Nish and Coco are joined by Abigail Thorn (actress, writer and host of PhilosophyTube) and Freddy McConnell (writer and journalist) to examine the issues facing the trans and non-binary community in the UK today.

In recent news, the current Tory government has proposed new guidelines for education in schools across England. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said that gender identity should not be taught in schools to students of any age. Abigail and Freddy respond to these news headlines and also discuss The Cass review, a proposed new approach from the Labour Party around the Gender Recognition Act, and which individuals need highlighting for their work on trans rights in the UK.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Abigail Thorn,

Freddy McConnell, journalist

Audio credits:

ITV

BBC

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

https://transsafety.network/

Transactual Briefing on the Cass Review - https://transactual.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/TransActual-Briefing-on-Cass-Review.pdf

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Are these the last six weeks of Rishi Sunak and the Tories?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 23 May 2024 17:31:35 +0000

Nish and Coco bring you a hot off-the-press special look at the announcement of a UK general election.

On Wednesday 22nd May - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the next general election will be on Thursday 4th July 2024. It appeared to be a sudden decision that surprised even his own Conservative MPs. But this announcement brings a whole host of questions with it. What key issues will this election be fought on? Is the timing helpful to any party in particular? How will Sunak fare under the microscope? To answer those and many more - friend of the show Liz Bates makes an eager return. Alongside Nish and Coco - Liz discusses what drove Sunak to this announcement and whether Keir Starmer got something of a headstart on his campaign.

There’s also discussion of how other parties might fare in this race from Lib Dems to the SNPs. And co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay gives his point of view.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

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Guest:

Liz Bates, Sky News

Adrian Ramsay, Co-leader, Green Party

Audio credits:

BBC

Sky News

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

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The economy is growing, so why are we feeling poorer?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:57:57 +0000

The UK is officially out of recession - Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have been banging the drum of the 0.6% GDP growth in the Jan-March quarter, but are things actually getting better?

George Monbiot drops into the studio to demystify Neoliberalism - the invisible economic doctrine that has influenced UK politics and policy since the Thatcher years. George also brings some fresh ideas for how citizens can move away from being consumers and recapture our democracy.

Finally, Nish and Coco eviscerate Esther McVey’s campaign to ban that most dreadful example of civil service impropriety - the rainbow lanyard.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

George Monbiot, activist and writer

Audio credits:

BBC

LBC

The Guardian

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life) by George Monbiot and Peter Hutchison

The Guardian - Latest GDP figures offer some better news – but boom-boom Britain it ain’t

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Abortion rights & ending hunger with Aisling Bea

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:57:08 +0000

“A hung Parliament” - it’s not quite admitting defeat, but the new media lines from Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party suggest that even the Government knows its days are numbered. Nish and Coco unpack Sunak’s shock admission and some of the highlights from the local elections.

Comedian, actor and activist (and old colleague of Nish) Aisling Bea drops in to talk about campaigning against food insecurity. The “Essentials Guarantee” campaign championed by the Trussell Trust asks that political parties prioritise all citizens having basic essentials as part of their election manifestos.

Aisling also talks about the fight for abortion rights in her homeland of Ireland, while Coco reminds us that the abortion laws in England, Scotland and Wales are incredibly archaic. Abortion buffer zones, 150m no-protest areas around clinics have just hit their one-year anniversary of receiving royal ascent for England & Wales, however, the Home Office has yet to roll out the change to the law - leaving protestors free to approach women outside.

Finally, the gang mix together a metaphorical soufflé of villains, stirring in a healthy dose of uncapped banker bonuses, adding a dash of Susan Hall, and a pinch of the Labour Party’s surprise new MP.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Aisling Bea

Audio credits:

BBC

The Guardian

GB News

Useful links:

Come to see Pod Save the UK live at Edinburgh Fringe!

Essentials Guarantee Campaign - Trussell Trust

Could there really be a hung parliament at the next UK general election? - The Guardian

Anti-abortion activists ramping up protests outside clinics after failure to introduce buffer zones - The Independent

Goldman Sachs’s UK gender pay gap widest in six years - Financial Times

On abortion culture wars, Britain takes a different path - Politico

What a sad little life Jane - Come Dine With Me

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Are the Local Election results the beginning of total Tory annihilation?

Pod Save the UK — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:51:16 +0000

While the results from elections across England & Wales are still rolling in - the signs so far are pointing to a disastrous outcome for the Conservative party. So Nish & Coco have jumped on for this special bonus episode to pop the champagne - asking exactly what it means ahead of the General Election - whenever that will eventually be called!

Liz Bates from Sky News joins Nish and Coco to explain why the historic result of the byelection in Blackpool is so seismic. They also discuss whether results for Reform UK will scare the Tories into more extreme right-wing rhetoric, whether Boris Johnson forgetting his ID was a publicity stunt and whether Keir Starmer is not a good leader, but a lucky one.

We also throw ahead to the general election - if there was a dreaded hung parliament - would that work at all? And how might the Tories be trying to claw their way back into favour before they finally allow the UK to have a general election?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Liz Bates, Sky News

Audio credits:

BBC Newcast

BBC News

Sky News

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Humza Yousaf's Shock Resignation: Are the Greens Seizing Power in Scotland?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 02 May 2024 16:28:33 +0000

The Westminster rumour mill went into overdrive last weekend peddling an ultimately incorrect rumour that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was due to call a summer election. With suggestions that this rumour was started by the Labour Party, Nish and Coco ask whether progressives might be starting to control the narrative.

And might that change in power balance towards the Left also be coming to the fore in Scotland? Following the shock resignation of First Minister and SNP Leader Humza Yousaf, Politico’s reporter Andrew McDonald unpacks how the Green Party may have greater influence in Scottish politics moving forward.

And what are the radical solutions we need to address the crisis in Britain’s care system for children? The collaborators of the new book Free Loaves on Friday poet Lemn Sissay and journalist Rebekah Pierre explain why hearing directly from care leavers is vital for addressing problems across the system.

This week - we present the PSUK hero no one asked for and the villain you never saw coming. Move aside Idris Elba - Nish Kumar is coming for your spotlight…

Finally - make sure to look out for a bonus edition of Pod Save the UK this week where we bring you analysis from the results of the elections across England and Wales with Liz Bates.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Andrew McDonald, Politico

Rebekah Pierre, Journalist and Social Worker

Lemn Sissay, Poet and Activist

Audio credit:

Sky News

Useful links:

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id

https://unbound.com/books/free-loaves-on-fridays

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Nish dismantles Sunak's attack on disabled people and Coco meets Caroline Lucas

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:23:52 +0000

Rishi Sunak finally ‘got Rwanda done’ after a long and dramatic night as his Safety of Rwanda Bill ping-ponged between the Common and the Lords. Our guest, the Green MP Caroline Lucas, tells Coco what it was like to be in Westminster that night and criticises Rishi Sunak for holding a drinks party while the Bill - which she describes as “a piece of performative cruelty” - was still being debated in the Lords. She also discusses her new book about why the left needs to speak up for ‘Englishness’, and explains why she’s training to become a death doula.

Nish and Coco provide an indispensable guide to next week’s local elections, talking about why they’re important and analysing what they might mean for Tory and Labour prospects at a general election. They also discuss whether the new rules on voter ID are an attempt by the Conservative Party to suppress the vote.

For our hero and villain of the week, Nish is appalled by Rishi Sunak’s attack on the sick and disabled, while Coco has been enjoying The Menstrual Cramps! Plus what would happen if Nish and Rishi Sunak met at notorious Berlin club Berghain?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavillion

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

Sky News

Useful links:

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id

https://www.bethknight.com/

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/

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Jess Phillips on Angela Rayner tax story: scandal or smear?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:55:21 +0000

On a busy week of news as MPs return to Parliament, Nish and Coco are joined by the Labour MP Jess Phillips. She gives her take on the investigation into Angela Rayner’s tax affairs, and reveals the toll it’s taking on her party’s deputy leader.

A discussion on Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel leads Jess to reveal her family links to Iran, and there’s some rare praise for Rishi Sunak for his anti-smoking legislation. Jess also says Diane Abbott should get the whip back, despite the two Labour colleagues having a somewhat frosty relationship.

Villain of the week is Liz Truss for her shameless book tour, although Jess makes a play for her to be hero, saying she’s “a gift” for Labour and “should be on the tele more”. There’s also praise for Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, for putting a sexist photographer in his place. Plus Nish and Coco have some songwriting tips for Megan Thee Stallion.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

BBC News

Fox News

LBC

odeiotedlasso/X

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Scandal and cyber security in Westminster

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:42:48 +0000

Coco is back from holiday and the first order of business is for Nish to explain the Westminster “honeypot” scandal, which has seen the vice-chairman of the 1922 committee resign. But beyond a salacious story about MPs texting, what are the broader security issues this raises? Nish and Coco also take issue with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting attacking “middle-class lefties” in a tabloid newspaper.

Special guest Shami Chakrabarti joins Nish and Coco to discuss human rights - what they are, why we need them, and how we need to define them in a future that’s powered by technology and AI. The Labour peer also gives her verdict on Keir Starmer’s leadership, Diane Abbott’s suspension, and responds to listener comments about the importance of voting. Plus she takes an unexpected detour into film criticism.

Nish laments the fall of a heroic shoe, and Coco aims a government department for the way it treats carers in her villain of the week.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Baroness Shami Charkrabarti, human rights lawyer and author of Human Rights: The Case for the Defence’.

Audio credits:

Dr Luke Evans MP

Sky News

Elent Finance/Instagram

LBC

Useful links:

https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/

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Fighting the Rwanda Bill + Mr Kumar goes to Westminster

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:48:10 +0000

With the Government’s controversial Rwanda Bill currently stuck between the Commons and the Lords, this timely special episode focuses on the UK’s asylum policy. Nish takes up an invitation to speak about the issue at the House of Lords. The event has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, in conjunction with the makers of a new film called Io Capitano - which follows the perilous migration journey of two young boys travelling from Senegal to Europe in search of a better life.

Nish joins Labour peer Lord Dubs, the co-chair of the APPG on Refugees, in his office afterwards to hear how he and his colleagues are “digging their heels in” to try and amend the Rwanda Bill. Lord Dubs tells Nish what he learnt from a recent trip to Calais to meet asylum seekers first-hand. They also discuss what a more humane asylum system might look like and whether the next Labour government can deliver it. Back in the studio, Nish and Coco discuss the extent to which arts and culture can have the power to bring about change.

With special thanks to Altitude Films and Think-Film Impact Production.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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Guest:

Lord Dubs, Labour peer and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees

Useful link:

Io Capitano trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6fLvLN2EqM

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A China crisis, a dodgy attack ad, and Titchmarsh’s trousers

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:23:30 +0000

As Westminster goes on its Easter holidays, Nish and Coco reflect on a busy end of term that saw a couple of ministerial resignations and a diplomatic row with China. Nish asks if Lord Cameron’s post No.10 activities leave him compromised in dealing with China as Foreign Minister. Coco also raises the plight of the WASPI women, who lost out due to the change in pension age - will they ever see any compensation?

Special guest George the Poet joins Nish and Coco for a fascinating conversation that takes in disillusionment with Westminster politics and the pitfalls of getting into political arguments over social media. Plus he reveals which famous comedian gave him his stage name.

Nish takes aim at a villainous Tory campaign ad, while Coco celebrates the life of Richard Taylor, father of Damilola. Also, find out why Alan Titchmarsh’s trousers have been censored in North Korea!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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Guests:

George the Poet, spoken word artist and author of Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness

Audio credits:

BBC News

The Conservative Party

Useful links:

https://www.georgethepoet.com/

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Democracy for sale, Europe’s first black leader + tea with Obama

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:30:43 +0000

This week Nish and Coco ask if our politics is on sale to those with the deepest pockets? The Conservative Party would love us all to move on from the row around the £15 million donation from Frank Hester, but it’s a story that highlights the often murky world of political funding. Nish and Coco talk to investigative journalist Peter Geoghagen about what the rules are, what donors get for their money, and whether there’s a better way to do it.

Dodgy donations have also cast a bit of a cloud over a momentous week in Welsh politics, which saw the appointment of Vaughan Gething as the first black leader of a European country. Journalist Will Hayward explains why it hasn’t been an easy ride for him so far and why he’s got a rocky road ahead. Plus in other news, MP’s and Lords play ‘ping pong’ with the Government’s Rwanda Bill, and there’s a new name in the Tory leadership frame.

Competent and popular politician spotted at Downing Street shock: Nish and Coco discuss President Obama’ popping in for a cup of tea with Rishi Sunak. Plus a new sighting of Princess Kate raises more questions about the royal PR machine. In this week’s hero and villain, find out why a Glasgow record shop has amused Nish and why a Lord has annoyed Coco.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Will Hayward, Welsh affairs editor at WalesOnline

Peter Geoghagen, investigative journalist and author of the Democracy for Sale Substack

Audio credits:

ITV News

ITV News West Country

Useful links:

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/world-corrupt/

https://democracyforsale.substack.com/

https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/

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Tory donor racism row, plus the Princess and the pic

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:41:43 +0000

Another shocker of a week for the Conservatives which saw their biggest donor caught up in a race row, and their former Deputy Chairman defect to Reform UK. Beth Rigby, Political Editor at Sky News, tells Nish and Coco that the Tories don’t want to give back the £10 million they received from Frank Hester last year, despite the racist language he’s alleged to have used about the MP Diane Abbott. Beth also reveals what happened at the surprisingly tetchy press conference held by Reform to unveil Lee Anderson as their party’s first ever MP in the Commons.

Beth tells Nish and Coco why she’s obsessed with THAT Royal Mother’s Day picture, they discuss Princess Catherine’s questionable photoshop skills, conspiracy theories and what it all means for the Royal Family.

Nish’s hero of the week is film director Jonathan Glazer, while Coco isn’t happy with Times columnist Matthew Parris. Plus hear about Beth’s Arsenal bantz with Keir Starmer, Coco’s visit to the dentist…and more badger chat!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Beth Rigby, Political Editor, Presenter and Podcaster, Sky News

Audio credits:

Sky News

SBS/7 Network/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Useful links:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electoral-dysfunction/id1613562765

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/who-trolled-amber/

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Jeremy Hunt’s election budget for big earners and big owners

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:13:55 +0000

Did the Chancellor’s much anticipated pre-election budget fall flat? Nish and Coco pick over the details and wonder why our public services are being sacrificed for the sake of tax cuts. There’s reaction from Westminster from political journalist Kiran Stacey, who says that there are signs of the budget unravelling already. Rachelle Earwaker from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says it does nothing for the poorest in society, calling it a budget for “big earners and big owners”.

Find out how a sleepy corner of Devon could be about to shake up our political system. Fed up of a first past the post system that’s delivered a Tory MP for the last 99 years, voters in Totnes are organising their own series of primaries to pick a progressive candidate to oust their MP Anthony Mangnall. Could it catch on in other places too?

There’s an International Women’s Day theme to this week’s hero and villain…find out what Lucy Moore and the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have done to deserve their accolades. Meanwhile Coco’s got a bone to pick with King Harold of 1066 fame, plus there are tales of micro-pigs, badgers and naughtiness at Disneyland.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Kiran Stacey, political correspondent at The Guardian

Rachelle Earwaker, senior economist at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

X / @SDevonPrimary

X / @lucyajmmoore

Useful links:

https://www.jrf.org.uk/

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/

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The man who would be PM: who is the real Keir Starmer?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:20:30 +0000

With a huge lead in the polls, all the signs point to Keir Starmer moving into Downing Street by the end of the year, so how well do we know the man who would be PM? Guest co-presenter Liz Bates attempts to get behind the rather dull public image, by interrogating Tom Baldwin, who spent hours talking to Starmer for his new authoritative biography of the Labour leader. The conversation takes an emotional turn when Liz and Tom discuss Starmer’s difficult relationship with his dad; how he couldn’t hug him on his deathbed, and then later found a hidden scrapbook that showed how proud of his son he really was. They also talk about what makes Starmer tick politically - is there such a thing as Starmerism? - as well as his love of football and music…and Tom reveals what Starmer thinks of the book!

Nish joins Liz from Crooked HQ in LA to discuss the fallout from Lee Anderson’s expulsion from the party, and whether the Tories have an islamophobia problem. They also discuss the rogues gallery of candidates competing to win the Rochdale by-election, and Liz reveals what it’s like to get up close and personal on the campaign trail, with the bookies favourite George Galloway.

Plus find out why Nish gave one very lucky New York cab driver a massive tip, and why he loves smelly books!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Tom Baldwin, author of Keir Starmer: The Biography

Audio credit:

GB News

Useful link:

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/lovett-or-leave-it/

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Will Young: popstar to politician? Plus Westminster ceasefire row

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:29:13 +0000

Nish and guest co-presenter Liz Bates set the scene on what went on to become a chaotic night in the Commons, that put speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s job at risk. They call out the “pathetic and petty” political game playing that sought to use the suffering of people in Gaza to embarrass the Labour Party. There are also harsh words for Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch for using the Commons to settle scores in her row with the former Post Office chairman Henry Staunton.

Former Pop Idol winner Will Young reveals his life-long interest in politics, and tells us what it was like to see his petition on ending medical testing on dogs, debated at Westminster. For his next foray into politics, Will says he’s planning to go to Somerset to troll Jacob Rees-Mogg, and says he’s even thinking about becoming an MP himself.

In heroes and villains, Liz takes inspiration from Samatha Morton, while Nish defends Indian cuisine. Plus find out why Nish is channelling Carrie Bradshaw!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Will Young: singer, actor and writer

Audio credits:

Sky News
parliamentlive.tv
Thames Television / Freemantle Media
BAFTA

Useful links:

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/keep-it/

https://www.careleaveroffer.co.uk/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rochdale row tests Starmer’s leadership, plus the woman who helped take down Weinstein

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:06:14 +0000

A week that was supposed to bring more woe for Rishi Sunak has turned into arguably the biggest test of Keir Starmer’s leadership. Labour has had to suspend two of its parliamentary candidates for making comments about Israel. For Starmer, who’s staked his reputation on ridding Labour of anti-semitism, it’s been hugely embarrassing. Nish and Coco reflect on the farcical situation in Rochdale, where Azhar Ali will appear as a Labour candidate on the by-election ballot in a couple of weeks, despite the party having removed its support for him.

With the Horizon Post Office scandal having put the use of non-disclosure agreements back in the spotlight, we hear from a woman who has made it her mission to stop NDAs being used to silence victims. Zelda Perkins, a former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, tells Nish and Coco about the traumatic experience of signing her NDA, which she likens to “legal waterboarding”, and why she chose to break it to help expose the film producer’s crimes. On an optimistic note, she reveals how politicians from across the political divide are helping her to achieve change.

Wrexham FC owners Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney feature in heroes and villains, as do three councillors from Warwickshire County Council. Plus find out why Nish has ditched Coco on Valentine’s Day, and why they want your Jason Statham inspired film art.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Zelda Perkins, co-founder of Can’t Buy My Silence

Audio credits:

Sky News

parliamentlive.tv

‘She Said’, Annapurna Pictures, Plan B Entertainment and Universal Pictures

Warwickshire County Council

Useful links:
https://www.cantbuymysilence.com/

https://protect-advice.org.uk/

https://www.wbuk.org/

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Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf: Sunak, Starmer and samosas

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:19:26 +0000

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf joins Nish and Coco to reflect on the highs and lows of his first year as leader. He takes us back to the fateful Valentine’s night phone call with Nicola Sturgeon that changed his life, and tells us how he felt watching his former mentor shed a tear at the Covid Inquiry last week.

The First Minister talks about the helplessness he felt when his family members were trapped in Gaza, and reveals his fears for his brother-in-law, a surgeon who remains in Khan Younis. He tells how Keir Starmer called to offer his support, in stark contrast to Rishi Sunak and his then Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

Their wide-ranging conversation also takes in King Charles’ shock cancer news, independence and Brexit, and the challenge the SNP faces at the next general election. Plus there’s Celtic FC, samosas and learn why his first ever job gave him a huge bicep! This week’s hero and villain can be found on our social media channels.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, and leader of the Scottish National Party

Audio credits:

UK Covid-19 Inquiry

BBC News

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The MP who gives away part of her salary, hope for Northern Ireland and Nish Kumar takes on the evil plotters

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:11:40 +0000

After nearly two years without a functioning Government, are the people of Northern Ireland finally about to see the power-sharing executive return to Stormont? Nish and Coco reflect on a dramatic week with journalist Amanda Ferguson.

The Labour MP Nadia Whittome talks of her frustration at her party’s stance on calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, but says Labour’s position is now evolving. She insists the party is still a broad church but admits it is a problem that there are no MPs from the left in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet. She also tells Nish and Coco why she donates part of her MP salary to worthy causes - in stark contrast to the Tory MP who resigned from his ministerial role because it didn’t pay enough!

Coco celebrates the drag artist Crystal for taking down a high-profile right-wing troll, while Nish is left exasperated by the Tory ‘evil plotters’ WhatsApp group. Plus we find out why Coco wants a beard, and relive Nish’s childhood barbershop trauma.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East

Amanda Ferguson, freelance journalist

Audio credits:

BBC

Sky News

X/MANPalestine Action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are our councils going bust?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:53:43 +0000

1 in 5 local councils in England is in danger of going bankrupt within the next two years - it’s a growing crisis that Westminster has done its best to ignore. With their budgets continually slashed, council leaders are faced with sometimes impossible choices about which services can be funded and which have to be axed. Nish and Coco discuss the crisis with a council leader, Joe Harris, and a ‘policy wonk’ Zoe Billingham. As they chat it emerges that Michael Gove has committed an extra £500 million into the pot for next year. Our guests verdict? It won’t touch the sides.

Meanwhile in Westminster, is it a rebellion if it’s only one person rebelling? Plus introducing your new favourite Conservative group…the Popular Conservatives or PopCons! Nish is obviously delighted to hear about another SFG (or stupid fucking group), especially as this one has a certain Liz Truss attached to it.

Also find out what Ministers Lucy Frazer and Hugh Merriman did to jointly take the villain of the week crown, while the hero of the week goes to a judge who defended the honour of the poppadom.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Joe Harris, vice chair of the Local Government Association, and the Lib Dem leader of Cotswold District Council

Zoë Billingham, the director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) North think tank

Audio credits:

Sky News

BBC News / Laura Kuenssberg

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Rwanda, Reparations and Romance

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:55:16 +0000

It’s groundhog day at Westminster as Rishi Sunak’s Safety of Rwanda Bill returns to the Commons - will all the talk of rebellion come to anything this time? Nish and Coco discuss whether an opinion poll in the Telegraph was used to try to influence the debate and encourage the rebels. Plus they ask how it is that the UK has granted asylum to Rwandans AFTER signing a deal that deems the country safe.

Labour MP Clive Lewis and journalist Laura Trevelyan went on a fascinating journey together, after discovering a shared connection on the island of Grenada….where his ancestors were enslaved and hers were slave owners. They discuss whether countries involved in the slave trade should pay reparations…and what goes into the traditional Grenadian meal of Oil Down.

Find out why Manchester United fan Nish is full of praise for Liverpool fans, and what Avanti West Coast Trains have done to annoy Coco. Plus there’s some disagreement over whether we should be helping lonely Pod Save the Uk fans find love…Pod Shag the Uk anyone?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Laura Trevelyan, campaigner and journalist

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South

Audio credits:

Heirs of Enslavement, Persephonica

Sky News

The Traitors US, Peacock

Useful links:

https://www.persephonica.com/shows/heirs-of-enslavement

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The Horizon Post Office scandal and Lionel Rishi

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:53:07 +0000

Why did it take a TV drama to wake politicians up to what’s been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history? More than 700 sub-postmasters were convicted of theft, due to accounting discrepancies caused by the Post Office’s faulty computer system. ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office caused public outrage and has forced the Government into taking unprecedented action. James Harding, former BBC director of News and Current Affairs, joins Nish and Coco to discuss what lessons journalism can learn from the saga.

With the UK, like much of Western Europe, recording historically low birthrates, Nish and Coco wonder why it only seems to be politicians on the right who ever engage with it as an issue. Is it a simple matter of economics, or maybe it’s just 14 years of Conservative Government that’s killed the mood!

Plus Keir Starmer’s glitter-bomber makes a surprise appearance, we find out Coco’s unusual choice of pool nickname, and why the PM is ‘dancing on the ceiling’.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

James Harding, co-founder and editor at Tortoise Media

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

ITV Studio / Little Gem

ITV/Good Morning Britain

Sky News

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Nish and Coco’s predictions for 2024, plus would you kiss a Tory?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Comedians Andy Zaltzman and Catherine Bohart return to help Nish and Coco try to predict what politics has in store for us in 2024.

There’s much debate about the possible date of the next general election…with arguments made for both November 5th and December 25th! The panel also considers whether the electorate will warm to Keir Starmer. Plus there’s also the prospect of another Trump presidency to terrify us all.

Andy and Catherine also help Nish and Coco field listeners' questions, with discussions ranging from whether our electoral system is fit for purpose, to who’d win in a fight between Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. But the key question is: would anyone kiss a Tory?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Andy Zaltzman, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Bugle podcast

Catherine Bohart, comedian and co-presenter of Trusty Hogs podcast

Useful links:

https://www.catherinebohart.com/live

https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live

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Just Stop Politics! Nish and Coco’s review of 2023

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Comedians Andy Zaltzman and Catherine Bohart take up Nish and Coco’s challenge, to find the laughs in another chaotic year in British politics. Is it cheating that they had to deploy novelty Christmas hats? You decide.

Our review of 2023 starts with a fresh-faced and optimistic Rishi Sunak making his five pledges, and ends with the Conservatives tearing themselves apart over Rwanda. In between, we take in King Charles getting his fancy new hat, Nicola Sturgeon’s shock exit, Boris Johnson getting his comeuppance, Keir Starmer getting glitterbombed, and of course, the continuing mis-adventures of Suella Braverman.

Plus two Ben’s battle it out for the title of PSUK Hero of the Year, while it’s more of a one-man race to the title of PSUK Villain of the Year.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Andy Zaltzman, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Bugle podcast

Catherine Bohart, comedian and co-presenter of Trusty Hogs podcast

Audio credits:

Sky News

BBC News

Rishi Sunak - Instagram

ITV News

GB News

STV News

Useful links:

https://www.catherinebohart.com/live

https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sunak survives, plus the long wait for Grenfell justice

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:34:27 +0000

Rishi Sunak endured one his toughest weeks yet as Prime Minister, as he faced the Covid Inquiry and tried to placate rebellious MPs. But he lived to fight another day - as does his controversial Rwanda Bill. For Westminster watchers it was all about the mooted rebellion that didn’t materialise, but for Nish and Coco, the real story was the death of an asylum seeker aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge. For Nish, this stark warning about the potentially tragic effects of inhumane policies, should be cause for introspection amongst our political leaders.

The news that the final report of the Grenfell Inquiry has been pushed back once again, has frustrated many of those waiting to see justice done. Journalist Peter Apps joins Nish and Coco to discuss the inquiry, and offer his analysis of the systemic issues that allowed the tragedy to happen…and whether it could happen again.

Welsh political journalist Will Hayward also pops up to offer an instant reaction to the news that the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is stepping down - what’s his lasting legacy, and what happens next? Plus find out what Climate Change Minister Graham Stuart has done to make him Nish’s villain of the week, while Coco brings some festive cheer with her hero of the week.

Plus we want your nominations for ‘the political moment of the year’ - good or bad, silly or serious - email them to PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Will Hayward, journalist for Wales Online

Peter Apps, journalist and author of Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen

Audio credits:

UK Covid 19 Inquiry

Parliamentlive.tv

Sky News

ITV News

Useful links:

Peter Apps’ book: https://oneworld-publications.com/work/show-me-the-bodies-2/

Inquest’s campaign for a National Oversight Mechanism: https://www.inquest.org.uk/no-more-deaths-campaign

https://www.crisis.org.uk/

Our sponsors:

https://auraframes.com/PSUK (Use promo code PSUK)

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Bereaved families’ verdict on Boris Johnson at the Covid Inquiry

Pod Save the UK — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:24:51 +0000

Please note: This podcast includes a description of a death from Covid, that some may find distressing.

This week saw arguably the most anticipated moment of the Covid Inquiry so far, the first appearance of Boris Johnson, who was Prime Minister during the pandemic. Over two days at the hearing, he offered an apology and admitted some mistakes were made, but defended his overall approach.

In this bonus episode, Nish and Coco find out how his words went down with those most deeply affected by the pandemic, those who lost their loved ones. Susie Crozier-Flintham, who lost her dad Howard, reveals what it was like to be in the room to hear his testimony - she says he refused to look at the families who were there, and in fact arrived 3 hours early just so he could avoid them.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Susie Crozier-Flintham, Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice

Audio credits:

Uk Covid-19 Inquiry

Useful links:

https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/

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Tory Immigration crackdown, plus Ben Rhodes on following the Queen into the toilet

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:15:02 +0000

It’s been a big week in the Tories’ war on foreigners. While efforts to resuscitate the Rwanda plan continue, Nish and Coco pick over the Government’s five-point plan to reduce legal immigration. For Nish, these are measures produced by people who clearly have no lived experience of relying on the NHS or on social care. Coco points out the cruelty of minimum income plans that could split families up, and also discriminate against women.

Former National Security Adviser to Obama, and co-host of Pod Save the World, Ben Rhodes, joins us to give us the American view on Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. As someone who’s been in the room with Benjamin Netenyahu, Ben gives us his take on the Israel Gaza crisis, and reflections on the stance taken by the UK and the US as the situation worsens. Plus, don’t miss a glorious anecdote that takes in the twin British obsessions of royalty and toilets!

Nish’s Hero of the week salutes MPs and campaigners who defeated the Government on compensation for people affected by the contaminated blood scandal. While Coco’s villain is a building contractor whose shoddy workmanship means kids are having to do their lessons in tents. Plus we want your nominations for ‘the political moment of the year’ - good or bad - email them to PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Ben Rhodes, co-host of Pod Save the World, and former White House Deputy National Security Adviser

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

The Telegraph

Sky News

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https://auraframes.com/PSUK (Use promo code PSUK)

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Sunak’s big fat Greek blunder, plus will COP28 be a COP out?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:58:05 +0000

Rishi Sunak’s decision to publicly snub the Greek Prime Minister in a row over the Parthenon Marbles, has left Nish and Coco wondering whether he possesses any of the skills to be a global statesman? Worrying then, that his next stop is the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Politico’s Karl Mathiesen joins us to talk about the UK’s place in the climate debate, and the contradictions of a COP hosted by an oil-rich state.

Sunak, Cleverly, Braverman, Patel, Javid…the Conservative governments of the last few years have been the most diverse ever. But is that really something to celebrate? Kehinde Andrews, the UK’s first Professor of Black Studies, doesn’t think so. He talks to Nish and Coco about politics, black history, taking on Piers Morgan and much more in a fascinating chat about his book, The Psychosis of Whiteness.

Plus heroes and villains has a bit of an Indiana Jones vibe this week! And find out why it’s not a good idea to employ Nish to mind your shop.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University, and author of The Psychosis of Whiteness

Karl Mathiesen, Climate correspondent at Politico Europe

Audio credits:

Parliamentlive.tv

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg / BBC TV

Useful links:

https://choose.love/

https://hopenothate.org.uk/

https://keepcampsfieldclosed.uk/

https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/142438/kehinde-andrews

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The Tories’ back-handed budgeting

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:52:16 +0000

This week the attention of British political journalists was firmly fixed on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who unveiled big tax cuts in his much-anticipated Autumn Statement on Wednesday. The Conservative government’s cuts to National Insurance will put a few more pounds into UK payslips starting January– but at what cost? The Guardian’s Kiran Stacey joins Nish and Coco to explain what these cuts mean for public services (spoiler alert: it’s not good), and to explain why these proposals look like the work of a Chancellor who doesn’t plan to be in office much longer.

While the Tories plot out a strategy for the next election– and its aftermath– the millions of people using food banks have other concerns. Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research & Impact at the Trussell Trust explains what the Autumn Statement means for people struggling with food insecurity and homelessness, and why tax cuts typically benefit the wealthiest members of society, not the poorest. She also lays out what kinds of structural changes could help end poverty.

Planned changes to the disability benefits program give Nish a villain for the week, while Coco celebrates the heroic campaigners of Stop MSG Sphere whose activism successfully halted plans to build a bulbous, pulsating light-polluting orb-shaped music venue in Stratford, East London.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research & Impact at the Trussell Trust

Kiran Stacey, Political Correspondent, The Guardian

Audio credits:

UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Sky News

ITV News London

parliamentlive.tv

Useful links:

Helen Barnard’s book: www.waterstones.com/book/want/helen-barnard/9781788213974

Visit our sponsors: auraframes.com/psuk, promo code: PSUK

Visit crooked.com/store for Christmas present ideas

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Judges block Rwanda plan, plus who broke Britain with James O’Brien

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:33:22 +0000

A frantic week in UK politics, that started with the sacking of Suella Braverman and the shock return of David Cameron, took another huge twist as the Supreme Court ruled that the Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful. Rishi Sunak however came out fighting, announcing an emergency bill to keep the policy alive.

Plenty then for Nish and Coco to get their teeth stuck into with guest, LBC presenter and “conscience of liberal Britain” James O’Brien. His book ‘How they broke Britain’ features a cast of nefarious characters, including Cameron himself - how suitable is he for the role of Foreign Secretary? Also in the firing line is the right-wing media and Paul Dacre in particular, while we also learn about the less well-known shadowy cabal of conservative think tanks and the tactics they employ to influence public opinion. But is Jeremy Corbyn worthy of a place on James’ shit list?

Plus why Nish and James are ‘disaster capitalists’, Nish makes a shock news hat admission, and we have a bumper heroes and villains, as James weighs in with his selections. Find out what ITV has done to upset Nish, and why Coco puts James to shame by nominating 44,000 heroes!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

James O’Brien, LBC radio presenter, and author of ‘How they broke Britain’

Audio credits:

ITV Breakfast/Edinburgh TV Festival

ITV Studios/@NigelFarage

parliamentlive.tv

Talk TV

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Bye bye Braverman, hello Cameron

Pod Save the UK — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:05:14 +0000

Nish and Coco jump on for an emergency bonus episode to reflect on a day of high political drama. Rishi Sunak reshuffles his top team, with the axe finally falling on his controversial Home Secretary Suella Braverman. That was followed by an even bigger shock…the appointment of former Prime Minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary.

Nish and Coco reflect on Cameron’s questionable legacy since leaving politics, and wonder what it means that he’s been appointed to the House of Lords in order to be given the job - can it be right that MP’s won’t have the chance to question him in the Commons?

Also, beyond the headline moves, Nish wonders what it tells us that we now have our 16th Housing Minister since 2010. Whilst a reshuffle might be exciting for politics watchers, what are the consequences for the rest of us, of ministers being switched between jobs at such an alarming rate?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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The King’s Speech: Milli Vanilli in a gold hat

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:34:01 +0000

King Charles’ first State Opening of Parliament as monarch, provides plenty of pomp, pageantry and politics for Nish and Coco to get stuck into. It’s a spectacle that throws up lots of questions, including who is Black Rod, and why does an MP get taken hostage by the Palace? As the Government presents its legislative agenda for the year ahead, we ask why is it so slim? Could it signal an early election? Nish and Coco are also incredulous as to why, with so much that needs fixing in this country, valuable space in the speech is given over to cracking down on pedicabs!!

The New Statesman’s politics correspondent Zoë Grünewald is on hand to explain the splits in Labour over Gaza, as we see the first resignation from Keir Starmer’s front bench. We also discuss why so much political hot air is being expelled over this weekend’s pro-Palestinian protest - is it really disrespectful to have an anti-war march on Remembrence weekend? One of the loudest critics has of course been Home Secretary Suella Braverman - following a string of controversial pronouncements, we wonder if she’s actually trying to get herself sacked by Rishi Sunak?

Plus in our Hero and Villain of the Week section, find out how a bowl of Potpourri helped raise £50,000 for charity, and why an underwear magnate could soon be under a vest! Also, what exactly is a News Hat?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Zoë Grünewald, Policy & politics correspondent at The New Statesman

Audio credits:

parliamentlive.tv

Sky News

Useful links:

Visit our sponsors: cariuma.com/PSUK

Find the What A Day Newsletter at crooked.com/daily

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No.10’s shameful Covid WhatsApps, plus is AI a threat to humanity?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:55:41 +0000

The latest hearings at the Covid Inquiry reveal chaos and dysfunction at the heart of Government during the pandemic. Did Boris Johnson really think Covid was nature’s way of dealing with old people? Nish and Coco sift through the swearing and the gossip to get to the heart of what really matters about the latest revelations.

Coco tells Nish about her experience attending the huge rally, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel Gaza crisis, in London last weekend. How does she feel about Suella Braverman’s characterisation of the rallies as “hate marches”?

With Silicon Valley’s finest - and Elon Musk - in the UK for Rishi Sunak’s big AI Summit, Nish and Coco have a play around with ChatGPT…can it come up with a script for them to introduce the show? Cristina Criddle joins the show from Bletchley Park to take us inside the summit and explain what it may or may not achieve. Plus Nish and Coco’s hero and villain of the week, and do YOU find Rishi Sunak sexy?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Cristina Criddle, Technology reporter at the Financial Times

Audio credits:

UK Covid 19 Inquiry

Sky News

Useful link:

The Cariuma x Crooked, Lovett or Leave It sneaker is available at crooked.com/store

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year of Sunak, and why housing is eating our economy

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:19:09 +0000

As the Israel Gaza crisis continues, pressure grows on both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to back calls for a ceasefire. Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, explains why he supports it and what else needs to happen for it to be meaningful. He also has advice for how you can help, either through safe protest, or through donation. Nish and Coco also ‘celebrate’ Rishi Sunak’s year at Number 10, revealing their highs and lows of 12 months of Sunak.

Is the Government’s promise to end ‘no-fault’ evictions being kicked into the long grass? Nish and Coco try and work out the political manoeuvring, with the help of Toby Lloyd, who was the Downing Street housing adviser who persuaded Theresa May to promote the policy when she was Prime Minister. He also reveals what it was like to work inside the cramped rooms of Number 10…where there’s every chance that your meeting might be disturbed by the Chancellor’s wife coming home with the food shop!

Plus find out why Coco has been having a “fat bear week”. This week Nish and Coco’s great nominations for hero and villain of the week can be found on our social media platforms…find out by why bankers are winding up Nish, and why Coco’s fallen in love with a sheepdog.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK

Toby Lloyd, Housing policy expert

Audio credits:

The Guardian

10 Downing Street

Parliamentlive.tv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sunak in Israel, by-elections and back to Bibby

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:29:39 +0000

The crisis in Israel and Gaza presents a huge challenge for our politicians, both internationally and at home. With protests on the streets and spikes in religious hate crimes, every word uttered by our leaders is diplomatically loaded. Nish and Coco discuss the difficulties of Labour’s position, and then return to record a fresh section at the start of this podcast in reaction to Rishi Sunak’s surprise overnight visit to Israel.

Pia Sinha of the Prison Reform Trust helps us understand why our prisons are full to bursting, and whether emergency action from the Justice Secretary will solve the problem. With asylum seekers being returned to the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge, Anoosh Chakelian of The New Statesman, tells us about meeting some of those men. Plus she also gives us the lowdown on two very intriguing by-elections this week.

Heroes and Villains returns, which is more bad news for disgraced former Tory MP Peter Bone. Plus find out why Coco and her cat could be heading for a divorce.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Pia Sinha, Director of The Prison Reform Trust

Anoosh Chakelian, Britain Editor of The New Statesman

Audio credits:

Sky News

@TheArchbishopofCanterbury

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sparkles with Starmer plus Rob Delaney, NHS champion

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:30:26 +0000

Despite being an American, who can’t even vote in this country, Rob Delaney has become an outspoken champion of the NHS. His love for our health service was born from tragedy: losing his young son Henry to cancer. He tells Nish and Coco why we have to fight for the NHS, and compares it to an American system which enriches CEOs and advertising execs. Find out why he thinks Joe Biden is the best president of his lifetime, and what he thinks of Keir Starmer. Plus with a cameo in the new Mission Impossible film, Rob is perfectly placed to answer Nish’s question: what does Tom Cruise smell like?

Party Conference season continues, with insights into two very different gatherings: Labour in Liverpool and the Greens in Brighton. Coco describes what she got up to when she went down to the seaside at the invitation of Greens co-leader Carla Denyer - did they manage to woo her to their cause? Plus George Parker of the Financial Times, gives us all the gossip from the Labour get-together - was all that glitters gold? Did Keir Starmer convince as a Prime Minister in waiting?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Rob Delaney, comedian, actor and author of ‘A Heart That Works’

George Parker, political editor of The Financial Times

Useful links:

Rob’s book:

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rob-delaney-2/a-heart-that-works/9781399710848/

New podcast from Crooked: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/ruined/

Show sponsor: https://brighttax.com/pstuk

Audio credits:

Royal College of Nursing

Sky News

@robdelaney

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tory conference sh*tshow + Stormont stalemate

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:00:16 +0000

Coco and her special guest Femi Oluwole pore over the bin fire that was the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. Was Sunak strengthened or weakened by the whole HS2 fiasco - and what was the thinking behind wheeling out his wife for a surprise appearance? With the likes of Braverman, Truss - and even Farage - being feted by the party faithful, Coco and Femi discuss the party’s lurch to the right. Plus Femi on playing real-life Pokemon Go in Manchester…only with Tory Ministers.

What’s it like for the people of Northern Ireland to be without a functioning government for the last 18 months? The SDLP’s Matthew O’Toole explains the real world effects of the collapse of power sharing - including on the country’s drinking water. He also tells us why being in Stormont right now is like being on the set of The Shining.

Plus Femi has some tips for budding activists, and reflects on the personal toll of putting himself in the firing line by calling out Brexit lies. You can find Coco and Femi’s Hero and Villain of the week on our social media channels.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Femi Oluwole, journalist, political commentator and content creator

Matthew O’Toole, SDLP member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast, and Leader of the Opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Useful links:

Find Femi on X: @Femi_Sorry / or YouTube: Femi

Find Cariuma x Lovett Or Leave It at crooked.com/store

Audio credits:

@Femi_Sorry

Conservatives

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cancelling HS2 and GB News + Lib Dem Layla Moran

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:10:33 +0000

The Conservative Party heads to Manchester for its Conference as rumours swirl that Rishi Sunak is going to axe the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the HS2 high speed rail line that was supposed to unlock the potential of The North - a bit awkward then! Coco and her special guest Grace Blakeley discuss why it’s all gone wrong and what it says about us as a country that we can’t seem to deliver big infrastructure projects on budget, on time, or at all.

With party conference season in full swing, Lib Dem MP Layla Moran (and her cat Murphy) joins us after their shindig in Bournemouth. She discusses tactical voting and tells us that her party definitely won’t be going into coalition with the Tories - although it doesn’t have any ‘red lines’ for working with Labour. Plus she reveals the Labour ‘diss’ track she sang at the infamous Lib Dem ‘Glee Club’ karaoke night.

Coco and Grace discuss the scandal engulfing GB News, amid calls for it to be taken off air, following an avalanche of complaints over Laurence Fox’s offensive comments about a female journalist. And Coco asks Grace if she would go on GB News.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guests:

Grace Blakeley, economist and author

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, and party spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and International Development

Audio credit:

Liberal Democrats

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Russell Brand scandal and fixing the police

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:35:21 +0000

In the wake of the allegations of rape and sexual assault against Russell Brand, Nish says his behaviour was an open secret, and Brand’s TV work dried up as people refused to work with him. Nish also reveals that there are others still working in the industry about whom production staff will say “oh we don’t send young women into their dressing rooms”. Coco highlights the wider cultural issues that lead to women feeling unsafe in the workplace and also unwilling to report assaults to the police.

Six months on from Dame Louise Casey’s damning report into the Metropolitan Police, we ask what progress has been made? Former Met Superintendent, Dr Leroy Logan MBE, tells Nish and Coco it’s not a case of a few bad apples, but of the “whole barrel’ being rotten. He also has some stinging criticism for Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Despite everything however, he says he’d still encourage his grandchildren to join the force.

You won’t be surprised to find that Nish’s villain of the week is a certain ‘lettuce adjacent’ politician, but you may be surprised by Coco’s hero…Danish artist Jens Haaning. Plus Coco steals Nish’s seat, and poses the question; what’s your favourite Beck album?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Useful links:

In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support for rape and sexual abuse on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland.

In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673.

In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732).

Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html

Leroy Logan is patron of https://www.voyageyouth.com/

Guest:

Dr Leroy Logan MBE, former Met Police superintendent, and former Chairman of the National Black Police Association.

Audio credits:

Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches (Channel 4/Hardcash Productions)

Red, White and Blue (Small Axe Films Ltd/BBC)

BBC News

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China spy scandal rocks Parliament + David Lammy

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:38:34 +0000

Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy reveals what it was like in Westminster when the news broke that a parliamentary researcher, with close links to leading Tory politicians, had been arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Mr Lammy tells Nish and Coco that the atmosphere at Westminster is “febrile”, with MPs having to think carefully about who they rely on for advice and research. He also sets out Labour’s position on the threat posed by China. Plus as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jung Un hold an “evil bro hangout”, just how worried should we be?

Find out what UK Apprentice presenter Lord Sugar did to become our inadvertent hero of the week, while Coco calls out the Daily Mail for trying to use a black writer to publish critical views of the Notting Hill Carnival. Plus, British v Indian cold remedies - who comes out on top?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and Labour MP for Tottenham

Audio credit:

parliamentlive.tv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fixing Britain’s crumbling schools and broken politics

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:27:35 +0000

Nish and Coco reflect on a scandal they think is a perfect metaphor for Tory-led Britain. Schools have had to close because they’ve been built using cheap and unstable concrete (called RAAC), while there are also concerns over hospitals and other public buildings. So as the country crumbles around us, who’s to blame?

Labour leader Keir Starmer has reshuffled his top team ahead of next year’s expected general election. Coco welcomes brand new Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital, Chris Bryant, into the studio. He gives his reaction to his appointment and admits he’s a bit “discombobulated” after a whirlwind day. He reveals how reshuffles haven’t always gone well for him, and impresses Coco with his impression of Tony Blair. He also talks about his new book 'Code of Conduct', which seeks to provide a blueprint to make Westminster politics work better.

Also find out Chris Bryant’s favourite Sugababes song, why Nish fears being kidnapped by Kevin Bacon, and which action hero should voice Nadine Dorries’ new book.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Useful links:

Article by Merope Mills: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/04/daughter-died-hospital-families-treatment-martha-rule

Guests:

Sir Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, and Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital

Audio credits:

Parliamentlive.tv

ITV News

BBC Radio 4

@Ettifaq

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Exposing Andrew Tate and saying goodbye to Nadine Dorries

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:49:35 +0000

More 16 to 17-year-old boys recognise Andrew Tate than Rishi Sunak - have we been guilty of underestimating the influence of Tate’s brand of toxic masculinity? Nish and Coco speak to journalist Matt Shea, who has spent years investigating the notorious misogynist. His new documentary uncovers the truth behind Tate’s ‘War Room’ club, and investigates claims members are taught how to groom women into online sex work. We also learn about the mysterious mastermind behind Tate, who has so far remained in the shadows.

As Labour promises not to implement wealth taxes, Nish and Coco wonder if we’ve all missed ‘the secret wink’ that means it’ll all be ok once they’re in power. Plus Nish and Coco bid farewell to Nadine Dorries, who finally quit as an MP 81 days after saying she would. They look back at her ‘best bits’ and reflect on the battle for her Mid Bedfordshire seat.

Find out if Nish will be buying Theresa May’s new book, and why do so many people seem to mis-understand the film The Matrix?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Useful links:

Watch Matt Shea’s documentary here (UK only): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001q1n6/andrew-tate-andrew-tate-the-man-who-groomed-the-world

Vote for us: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting

Guests:

Matt Shea, journalist and documentary filmmaker

Audio credits:

BBC Three - Andrew Tate: The Man Who Groomed the World?

The Mail on Sunday

BBC Breakfast

TikTok/@nadinedorriesmp

Parliament.tv

Channel 4 News

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Men in suits spoiling women’s football

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:47:57 +0000

With the headlines dominated by Lucy Letby, the most prolific child killer in modern British history, Nish and Coco reflect on the proper role for politicians in cases like this. While we crave reassurance from figures in authority, should they resist the urge to wade in with an easy soundbite? Plus we also reflect on the other big story of the week, the women’s World Cup final, and ask why it’s always men in suits who have to spoil things?

With music venues and nightclubs shutting at an alarming rate, Nish and Coco talk to an agent and a DJ about whether the UK’s nightlife is in crisis. Do politicians place enough value in the night time economy? Can anything be done to reverse the trend, or is it as a result of our changing cultural habits?

Also, why ‘Insomnia’ should be Coco’s current club anthem of choice, and why newsrooms are enjoying the comeback of the August ‘silly season’. Plus we celebrate some world class swearing, and Nish has some ideas for the new Conservative Party general election slogan.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Useful links:

Save The Night event at Fabric in London (free daytime event to support the global nightlife community):

https://ra.co/events/1754683

Ladies Music Club: Supporting women, non-binary and trans people in music

https://www.ladiesmusicpub.com/

Power Up: supporting Black music creators and industry professionals

https://prsfoundation.com/powerup/

Guests:

Hannah Shogbola, music agent at United Artists, and founder of creative consultancy Daju

Gaia Ahuja, DJ and member of Girls Don’t Sync

Audio credits:

Sky Sports News

RFEF

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tories war on 'lefty lawyers', and Sunak's Disney dinner

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:11:54 +0000

Returning from their summer holidays, Nish and Coco reflect on the failure of the Government’s ‘small boats week’. It was supposed to showcase progress but, instead it ended in the tragic deaths of a number of people trying to cross the Channel. An interesting time then for Tory HQ to step up their war on so-called ‘lefty lawyers’. We hear from immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, who was the target of a Conservative smear campaign. She tells Nish and Coco how right wing newspapers were given a four page dossier on her, riddled with inaccuracies and misrepresentations, trying to tie her to the Labour Party. She says it’s an experience that will scar her for life.

Economics expert Grace Blakeley joins Coco and Nish to reflect on the week’s big news on inflation and jobs…picking apart why the positive headlines might be a bit misleading. Nish, Coco and Grace also fess up to the most expensive meals they’ve ever had, in light of Rishi Sunak’s $1200-a-head Disneyland dining experience. Among the questions discussed: Does it matter that our PM is so rich? Who controls the economy? And…should we have billionaires at all?

Plus hero and villain of the week, tales from Vietnam and Edinburgh, and why it’s easier to teach a dog to surf than Nish. Also find out why Nish and Coco have the cleanest bottoms in podcastland!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Stand Up to Racism Dorset: https://www.facebook.com/SUTRDorset/

Contact via sutrdorset@gmail.com

Guests:

Jacqueline McKenzie, partner and head of immigration and asylum law at Leigh Day

Grace Blakeley, journalist, author and economics commentator

Audio credits:

GB News

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to have difficult conversations - with Gina Martin

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

In a politics increasingly dominated by ‘wedge issues’ and the ‘woke’ divide, Nish and Coco explore whether it’s possible to have constructive conversations on social issues with people with whom you disagree. The activist and author Gina Martin reveals the lessons she’s learnt from her career as an activist, which started when she was a victim of upskirting. Her campaign ended up changing the law to make upskirting a specific sexual offence. Gina also has lots of tips for Pod Save The UK from her new book ‘No Offence, But…’.

As Nish and Coco prepare to go on their summer break, Coco reveals what she’ll be getting up to on her honeymoon. Plus we salute the anarchic genius of 90’s Saturday morning kids TV…with shout outs to Cat Deeley and Wonky Donkey!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572
Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk
Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld

Guest:

Gina Martin, campaigner and author of ‘No Offence, But…: How to have difficult conversation for meaningful change’

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Tactical voting, Tory traps and Labour purges

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Is a combination of a progressive alliance, tactical voting and proportional representation the way to save the UK from Tory rule? Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass, argues that there would have been no Boris Johnson or Liz Truss if left-leaning parties had been able to work together. Neal, who’s been a Labour member for 44 years, also explains why he’s facing possible expulsion from the Labour Party for tweeting in favour of tactical voting.

Have Labour fallen into a Tory trap by following last week’s by-elections? Nish and Coco examine why the headlines have been about the costs of green policy, rather than historic Tory defeats. Also with homeless numbers rising, why isn’t there more urgency around legislation to ban Section 21 evictions?.

Plus the schoolkids who put Robert Jenrick to shame, and why Coco’s mum loves Minions.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guest:

Neal Lawson, founder of the pressure group Compass

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By-election special: Tories trounced in two, scrape home in one

Pod Save the UK — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:17:19 +0000

Nish and Coco can’t resist popping up for a special bonus mini-episode to discuss the Super Thursday by-election results. A revolt against Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ulez low emissions policy hands the Tories a lifeline to hang on to their seat in Uxbridge and Ruislip - Coco hopes that doesn’t encourage Labour HQ to sideline their green agenda.

Better news for Labour in Selby and Ainsty where Kier the Younger - Labour candidate Keir Mather - successfully overturns the biggest majority ever in a by-election by the Labour Party. While in Somerton and Frome a huge win for the Liberal Democrats means Coco gets to enjoy leader Ed Davey pulling another of his cheesy victory stunts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Keir Starmer a Kid Starver?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:03:12 +0000

Nish and Coco ask “what’s going on with Labour?” Sir Keir Starmer caused consternation within his own ranks, by saying he wouldn’t abolish a two-child limit on claiming some benefits - a Tory policy that many of his frontbench colleagues have condemned. Nish and Coco wonder why politically tough decisions only ever seem to come at the expense of the poorest in society.

SNP MP Mhairi Black tells Nish and Coco about dodging falling masonry, sociopaths and bullies in the corridors of Westminster - part of the reason she’s quitting at the age of 28.

We also have a handy guide to three crucial by-elections. Plus why you should never accept a plum from Coco - or invite her to a picnic!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guest:

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, and deputy leader of the SNP at Westminster.

Audio credits:

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

BBC News

parliamentlive.tv

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Tea with Biden, scandal at the BBC and drugs with the Greens

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:51:30 +0000

While the UK was losing its senses over a sex scandal, the BBC and a tabloid newspaper, Nish brings some sanity. His advice to journalists and politicians: if you know nothing, why not shut up? What we learn from the story is that the UK needs more facts and less speculation.

In Nish’s crosshairs is Tory MP Lee Anderson. He called the BBC a “safe haven for perverts” while his party and Westminster faces an epidemic of sexual harassment allegations.

Carla Denyer - co leader of the Green Party in England and Wales - is Coco and Nish’s special guest. The Greens could offer the most radical policies at the next General Election: taxing on multi millionaires, decriminalising drugs and welcoming migrants. But can the party persuade trans people the Greens are their ally?

President Biden drops in for tea at Number 10 but his British best mate is not the Prime Minister, it’s King Charles. And immigration minister and cartoon destroyer, Robert Jenrick, is villain of the week.

https://www.change.org/p/robert-jenrick-restore-cartoons-at-children-s-asylum-centres?source_location=search

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Carla Denyer, co-leader of The Green Party

Audio credits:

Sky News

Parliamentlive.tv

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Does Rishi Sunak give a sh*t about the climate?

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:01:58 +0000

Does Rishi Sunak care about the climate crisis? A former minister accuses him of apathy, and a leaked memo suggests he’s considering rolling back one of the UK’s key financial climate pledges. Just Stop Oil’s Chloe Naldrett joins Nish and Coco with a personal message for the Prime Minister. While we’re recording, Wimbledon becomes the latest sporting event to be hit by protestors, so we drag Chloe back into the studio to give us an instant reaction. She also tells why being shouted at by Piers Morgan was worth it, and why she was willing to go to prison for what she believed in. Plus advice on how you can get involved if you’re feeling helpless about climate change.

Nish and Coco examine Rishi Sunak’s grilling by the House of Commons Liaison Committee. Meanwhile his enemies within the party form a new not-so-supergroup called The New Conservatives - although they’re singing a familiar song…about “culturally secure borders”.

Plus Coco has a run in with Twitter and reveals that she loves a parody knock off fashion item - and heroes and villains returns, much to the relief of Nish’s mum!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Chloe Naldrett, spokesperson for Just Stop Oil

Audio credits:

Just Stop Oil

Parliamentlive.tv

Sky Sports

The Diary of a CEO podcast

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Matt Hancock vs The Grim Reaper

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:28:37 +0000

Matt Hancock fails to win over bereaved families at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, as they turn their backs on him while another confronts him dressed as the grim reaper. Nish and Coco get to grips with ‘greedflation’ as MPs question supermarket bosses about their huge salaries. Plus Coco questions why Labour has an all-white all-male line up of candidates for the upcoming by-elections. And Nish is disheartened by a report that finds cricket is racist, sexist and elitist - the “full fruit machine” of prejudice!

We continue ‘Chat Shit Get Banged’, our campaign to stop politicians lying, with the help of John Humphrys, former presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme. The man once labelled the BBC’s ‘Rottweiler in chief’ reflects on his 33 years holding politicians to account, including memorable encounters with Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher.

Also, tales from Glastonbury, and Prigozhin v Putin - how did a hotdog seller build up his own private army? Plus Coco gets a surprise Patreon request.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

John Humphrys, Classic FM presenter and former presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme

Audio credits:

Uk Covid-19 Inquiry

Parliamentlive.tv

Sky News

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The King of the North, Windrush and ChickenNugNugz

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:20:59 +0000

Labour’s Andy Burnham, tells Nish and Coco why he doesn’t mind being labelled ‘The King of the North’ and why he thinks our political system needs a complete rewiring. He also gives his reaction to the demise of his old pandemic-era foe Boris Johnson, and shrugs off concerns about the city of Manchester getting into bed with Abu Dhabi - the owners who’ve brought such success to Manchester City F.C.

We celebrate the 75th Windrush anniversary with a member of the Windrush generation, Catherine Ross, who tells us how Caribbean people introduced the British to moisturising amongst many things! Nish and Coco meanwhile, take the Home Office to task for backtracking on promises made in the wake of the Windrush scandal.

Plus, the mortgage time bomb set to go off before the next election, the return of austerity twins David Cameron and George Osborne, and why Rishi Sunak is “chicken shit”. Coco also reveals why footballing hardman Graeme Souness made her cry, and who is the mystery PSUK fan known only as ChickenNugNugz?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester

Catherine Ross, Founder and Director of Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum

Audio credits:

Good Morning Britain (ITV)

BBC Breakfast TV

BBC News

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The end of Boris Johnson and the start of the Covid Inquiry

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:29:10 +0000

Nish and Coco are reunited in the studio following a tumultuous week in politics that saw Boris Johnson resign and Nicola Sturgeon arrested. Sky News’ Liz Bates tells us why Johnson’s demise could be good news for the strength of UK democracy, and explains why the independence movement is holding firm despite the SNP’s woes.

Given it was Johnson’s party-ing during Covid that brought him down, it’s timely that the public hearings in the Covid Inquiry got underway this week. Labour frontbencher, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, tells us why she went back to working 12 hour shifts in hospital during the worst of the pandemic. She reveals some of the harrowing things she saw, and why she felt pity for Matt Hancock when she faced him in the Commons.

Is Manchester United fan Nish bitter about Manchester City’s success? His choice for villain of the week answers that question, while Coco’s hero is an acting legend who always keeps an onion in her handbag. Plus get ready for the latest bit of PSUK merch - the “left-wing Barbie”.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Liz Bates, Sky News Political Correspondent

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Shadow Minister for Mental Health and MP for Tooting

Audio credits:

Talk TV

UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Parliamentlive.tv

British Vogue

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Labour’s Emily Thornberry promises a “no bullshit” manifesto

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:42:47 +0000

Can the Labour Party save the UK? Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry is challenged by Nish and Coco over her party’s attack ads, and on the Labour manifesto - which she promises will help young people, and be bullshit free. Find out why she thinks being Labour leader is the hardest job in the world, and what she got up to behind the bike sheds with David Cameron.

Plus, Mr Sunak goes to Washington, Prince Harry goes to court, and a familiar Brexit campaigner returns (clue: his blood type is real ale). Plus find out why Nish feels like he’s in Mad Max, and why Coco is celebrating Bristol’s toilets!

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Emily Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury, and Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales

Audio credits:

Parliamentlive.tv

@Nigel_Farage

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Don’t mess with a Baroness

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:00:26 +0000

Nish and Coco ask how we can save the UK from knife crime. It turns out we have evidence of what works - so why aren’t we doing it?

We meet Jon Yates, who leads a charity that has been given £200 million by the Home Office to research what works and then put it into practice. He’s trialling a targeted, interventionist approach, called ‘focused deterrence’ which helped Glasgow dramatically reduce violent crime. Those lessons are now going to be applied in 5 cities in the UK. One of those is Nottingham, a city that’s home to Dr Marcellus Baz, a community champion who turned his life around after being stabbed - what does he think of Jon’s plans?

Nish and Coco also cut through the rows about notebooks and WhatsApp messages to talk about why the Covid Inquiry really matters - they have a message for the government: “don’t mess with a Baroness”. Plus we salute the Secret Tory and ask is the Post Office racist?

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Jon Yates, Chief Executive of the Youth Endowment Fund

Dr Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO of Switch Up, which supports young people away from crime in Nottinghamshire

Audio credits:

Sky News

@secrettory12

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Speedy Sue and other myth-takes

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:55:11 +0000

Why did Suella Braverman’s speeding ticket take up so much oxygen, and who did it serve? Nish and Coco discuss whether the leaks against the Home Secretary are symptomatic of a party that’s heading into yet another bout of self-destructive psychodrama. As if that’s not enough, Boris Johnson is back in trouble too!

As another set of record migration figures are published, Nish and Coco reflect on the immigrant experience and how it forged their own friendship. And there’s a big serving of hope too…in the form of economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler and his ideas to improve our politics - democracy vouchers anyone?

Plus Coco delivers a lesson in Greek Mythology, and find out what Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Succession’s Logan Roy have in common.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guest:

Daniel Chandler, economist, philosopher and author of Free and Equal: What would a fair society look like?

Audio credits:

Parliament.tv

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Facts, Rats and Rents

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:22:21 +0000

Never ones to shirk a challenge, Nish and Coco launch ‘Chat Shit Get Banged’, their campaign to stop politicians from lying. They get some expert help from Will Moy, from fact checkers Full Fact - he’s dedicated his life to correcting the mistakes and mistruths of the people elected to lead us…not mislead us. With a general election on the horizon next year, he tells them he’s done with “bullshit manifestos”, and reveals how AI could help root out the liars.

Campaigning works! Nish and Coco dissect the new Renters Reform Bill, which has finally been published thanks to the tireless efforts of people like our guest Anny Cullum, one of the founders of the community union Acorn. But does it go far enough? The Bill doesn't really address rocketing rents, so we ask if rent controls are the next battleground.

Plus, Nish takes on the NatCons, but has a rare good word for Jacob Rees-Mogg. We also introduce you to Marvel’s newest superhero: Ombudsman, and find out why Coco knows so much about rats’ mating habits.

If you want to support Full Fact’s campaign to amend the rules to make it easier for politicians to correct mistakes, then you can sign their petition here: https://actions.fullfact.org/petitions/mps-owe-us-truth/?utm_source=%2F&utm_medium=home

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Twitter: @podsavetheuk

Guests:

Will Moy, Chief Exec of the fact checking charity Full Fact
Anny Cullum, Policy Officer and Researcher for the tenants and community union ACORN

Audio credits:

https://nationalconservatism.org/@NatConTalk

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Protest, Eurovision and Showgirls

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 11 May 2023 16:15:09 +0000

While we were busy being dazzled by glittery crowns and golden coaches…did the authorities sneak in and steal away our rights? New laws have given the police wide ranging powers to arrest protestors - scuppering the plans of anti-monarchy protestors to demonstrate against the Coronation. Instead they were arrested, detained and then released without charge - after the event was safely over. Nish and Coco ask barrister and activist Paul Powlesland and ask what happened to the British love of freedom?

Plus find out why a PSUK listener spent 15 hours outside his local polling station; why the Coronation gave Coco ‘Showgirls’ vibes; why Coco can't wait for Eurovision; and why Labour and the Lib Dems are in danger of being ‘vagina adjacent’.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

WhatsApp: 07514 644572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644572

Audio credits:

Paul Powlesland
Good Morning Britain, ITV
Parliament.TV

Photo credits:

Paul Powlesland
Video - Paul Powlesland
Photos - Tom Garner
Video clip - Good Morning Britain, ITV
Video clip - Parliament.TV

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Raving for a Republic

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:28:15 +0000

Pod Save the UK is on a mission: to free the royals, and the country, from the madness of monarchy. Has King Charles’s coronation sent the UK into a frenzy of royal fervour, a bored stupor or a republican rage? Nish Kumar and Coco Khan work out how to ditch the Windsors and replace them with something better. Professor Amelia Hadfield, head of politics at Surrey University, has spotted some pitfalls for Pod Save the UK’s revolutionaries. Labour MP, Clive Lewis, joins the pod. His opinions on monarchy have got him into trouble with his own party. But who wants to be the killjoys spoiling everyone’s street party? Coco has a plan: rave for the republic.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

Audio clip credits:

Policy Exchange

Parliament TV

LBC

Sky News

Photo credits:

Jenny Lambert

Poppy Murray

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Chat Sh*t, Get Banged: the USA meets the UK

Pod Save the UK — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

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Introducing Pod Save the UK (4th of May)

Pod Save the UK — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:43:43 +0000

Pod Save the UK is your fresh weekly fix of UK political news, big ideas and a shot of inspiration. Comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan find out what's going on, what's going wrong and how we can fix it. Produced in partnership between Reduced Listening and Crooked Media, the company behind Pod Save America. New episodes out Thursdays starting the 4th of May.

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