Is the government preparing for a summer of riots?
Summer is here and the government is worrying about riots on the streets. In their final episode of this political term, Beth, Ruth and Harriet unpack No 10's briefing this week that Angela Rayner has warned about the risk of civil unrest, almost a year on from the murders in Southport that sparked a summer of violent protests.So what is the government's strategy? And what's really going on in towns like Epping, where asylum hotels have sparked backlash this week?Plus, the return of Sir James Cleverley to the Tory front bench: is this the start of a Conservative revival or just more reshuffling?Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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40:49
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40:49
The '£7 billion' government secret
Who knew what about the Afghan data leak? And could anyone in parliament have done more to help scrutinise the government at the time of the superinjunction? Harriet thinks so. So in this episode, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet talk about the massive breach, the secret court hearings, and the constitutional chaos it’s unleashed. Plus - the fallout from the latest Labour rebellion. Four MPs have lost the whip - officially for repeated defiance, but unofficially? A government source called it "persistent knobheadery". So is Keir Starmer tightening his grip or losing control? And how does this compare to rebellions of Labour past? Oh and singer Chesney Hawkes gets an unexpected mention. Responding to claims in the podcast about whether Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle could have scrutinised the government, a Commons spokesperson said: "As has been made clear, Mr Speaker was himself under a superinjunction, and so would have been under severe legal restrictions regarding speaking about this. He would have had no awareness which organisations or individuals were and were not already aware of this matter. "The injunction could not constrain proceedings in parliament and between being served with the injunction in September 2023 and the 2024 General Election Mr Speaker granted four UQs on matters relating to Afghan refugees and resettlement schemes. "Furthermore, as set out in the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Speaker has no powers to refer matters to the Intelligence and Security Committee." Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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47:38
Is migration helping or hurting the UK?
There's a new plan for deterring migrants from crossing the channel and coming to the UK - but will it actually work? This week, Beth, Ruth and Harriet have a deep dive into one of the most divisive and defining political issues of our time: migration. In the week France's President Emmanuel Macron has been hobnobbing with the great and the good on his state visit to the UK, he's also agreed a new 'one in, one out' returns deal with the prime minister. So is this a breakthrough deal? Also - how could stemming migration cause problems for the UK? Are the numbers really out of control? And how does this all link back to the economy? Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube.
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Is Labour losing Wales to Reform?
Could Reform UK get their first taste of government next year? They're the biggest party for Welsh voters, according to exclusive polling from More in Common ahead of the Senedd elections next year. But what does this mean for Labour? The party was founded in Wales and since devolution in 1999, they've run the government there. Are they now scared of Reform? So in this extra episode of Electoral Dysfunction, Beth meets Wales's first female First Minister – Labour's Eluned Morgan. She's also been taking the temperature with a group of Welsh voters. They talk about the "Farage surge" in Wales ahead of the Senedd elections next May as Baronness Morgan admits the threat from Reform is "very serious" and that Labour have got "a lot of work to do" to stay in power. Also – the first minister attempts to swerve rating the Keir Starmer's first year... but Beth's not letting her get away with it. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube
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39:34
Did Keir Starmer screw up his own anniversary?
Happy 1st anniversary, Keir Starmer. He wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour’s achievements after 12 months in goverment and his 10-year plan for the NHS. But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the sight of his own chancellor crying at PMQs, when he kept his support for her slightly vague, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss if his start in office has been shattered by this week. They also wonder if the solution to make relations with his own MPs a bit easier would be to make better use of Angela Rayner. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!
Political powerhouses Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every episode, they will examine politicians, what they stand for and how they sell polices as UK politics enters a new era.They will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.WhatsApp - 07934 200444
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