Pod Save the UK

Latest Episodes:

Cancelling HS2 and GB News + Lib Dem Layla Moran Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

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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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

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The Russell Brand scandal and fixing the police Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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 Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

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

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

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

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Fixing Britain’s crumbling schools and broken politics Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

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

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

Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk

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 Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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

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

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Men in suits spoiling women’s football Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

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

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Tories war on 'lefty lawyers', and Sunak's Disney dinner Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk

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

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

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How to have difficult conversations - with Gina Martin Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

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 Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

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 Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

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.

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