Labour's Challenge: Labour's recent conference aimed for a positive tone and clearer identity under Starmer, focusing on tax dodges and immigration control, though it felt corporate and unclear to many. Achieving public trust remains a key challenge for the party.
At the recent Labour Party conference, Keir Starmer and other leaders focused on tackling tax evasion and COVID-related corruption while trying to bring a more positive tone. However, attendees noted that it felt overly corporate, lacking grassroots energy. Starmer's presentation lacked clarity on his vision, which remains a challenge for the party. He attempted to reshape the conversation around immigration, advocating for control while also supporting asylum rights. Essentially, while Labour aims for a hopeful message and tangible achievements, they must clearly define their identity and inspire the public amid ongoing political distrust.
Political Disappointment: Political discussions on immigration and benefits are failing to support vulnerable communities and often shift blame rather than providing help. Labour needs to stand for its core values and advocate for those in need, instead of leaning towards right-wing narratives.
Recent political statements regarding immigration and benefits have disappointed many, especially when they seem to overlook the real issues faced by minorities and vulnerable communities. Instead of addressing the root problems like poverty and cruelty faced by immigrants, the focus seems to shift towards blame and fraud. This makes it harder for people who need support, as politicians should prioritize helping those in need rather than conforming to right-leaning pressures. Critics believe Labour should embrace its principles and champion the rights of the disadvantaged, showing leadership rather than echoing harmful narratives. Acknowledging the nuances of immigration's impact is crucial, as is recognizing how public sentiment has been affected by recent events. Moving forward, there is a need for a more compassionate and informed dialogue about benefits and how to support those who rely on state aid, particularly in the face of political calculations.
Trust in Politics: Recent political discussions reveal issues of public trust and the necessity for politicians to genuinely engage with pressing social concerns while navigating the complexities of donations and their implications.
Recent political events highlighted the ongoing struggle between addressing serious issues and the perception of politicians as disconnected from the public. Starmer's dismissive response to a protester addressing the plight of Gaza children reflected a deeper issue of public trust. The conversation also pointed to Labour's challenge in maintaining a commitment to public service while navigating the implications of accepting donations from affluent individuals, as these practices can reinforce the narrative of double standards in politics. Moreover, engaging younger voters remains a pressing concern, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue rather than superficial gestures. The overall sentiment calls for political leaders to acknowledge public concerns sincerely and reconsider their approach to political donations to rebuild trust with the electorate.
Political Ethics: Political donations and gifts raise questions about ethics and transparency. Criticism of Keir Starmer highlights the challenge of maintaining public trust amidst accepted practices in governance, suggesting that legal doesn't necessarily mean ethical in political conduct.
Recent discussions highlight the intricate relationship between politics, donations, and perceived corruption. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has faced scrutiny for accepting gifts and donations, creating a debate on the moral implications of such actions. Critics argue that while accepting gifts may be legal, it can undermine public trust and distract from genuine efforts to present a clean political image. Transparency is often touted but may not effectively prevent questionable practices in governance. Comparisons are made to the Conservative government’s scandals, suggesting a potential double standard in how political missteps are judged. Simon Cooper, an expert on corruption, emphasizes that the British political landscape allows for actions that many would deem unethical, as long as they are declared. This creates a grey area where the lines between acceptable conduct and corruption blur, raising questions about accountability and integrity within British politics.
Political Shift: Britain's shift in political values since the 1980s, particularly under Thatcher, has led to a decrease in public service ethics and an increase in perceived corruption. This change affects governance and public trust significantly, highlighting the importance of accountability in government.
Britain's political and public service landscape has shifted dramatically since the 1980s, primarily due to the influence of Margaret Thatcher. She valued business people over public servants, leading to a decline in the public service ethos. This shift has allowed corruption to spread, as accountability weakened and scandals became distractions from governance. While Britain was once seen as less corrupt, recent years have seen it fall behind other Northern European nations. Now, government scandals affect credit ratings and confidence in the system. Transparency is crucial, but the public perception of corruption is growing, raising concerns about how governance is conducted and how public funds are used. The mix of private interests in politics and campaign donations means public service is often sidelined, leading to an environment where corruption can thrive. Understanding this transformation is essential to grasp the challenges facing Britain's political integrity today.
Political Donations: In the UK, political donations involve complex dynamics, balancing donor desires with public interest, leading to potential conflicts between private funding and public service.
In the UK, political donations often involve complex motivations. Wealthy individuals, like Russian donors or well-known business figures, often support parties to gain influence and maintain connections. While some donors genuinely want their party to succeed, others expect returns, leading to a balancing act between donor interests and public needs. For instance, a large donor may push for less regulation, while party leaders must consider the broader electorate’s preference for more support systems. This tension between pleasing donors and serving the public can make political funding a tricky business, where money can overshadow democratic values. There are cases of major donations, like those from Frank Hester, which raise questions about the influence of money in politics and the moral obligations of political parties to their supporters and the broader community.
Political Funding: Political donations heavily influence UK parties, leading to corruption and crises like the COVID-19 PPE scandal. Funding political parties through taxpayer money could reduce reliance on donations, but it may be unpopular among citizens.
It is crucial to understand that political donations heavily influence UK parties today, as they lack the mass memberships that once funded them. This creates room for wealthy donors to have undue influence, particularly in crises, as seen during the COVID-19 PPE procurement scandal. Some suggest that if the government funded political parties, it could eliminate the need for these donations and reduce corruption. However, introducing such funds may not be popular among taxpayers, as it would require increased funding from the public. Despite this, there is potential to frame this proposal in a way that emphasizes savings and a fairer political system, showing that it might actually gain public support. The issue of dog licensing humorously highlights the unpopularity of certain policies, but addressing political funding may be even more challenging yet necessary for long-term, corruption-free governance.
Political Reform: Corruption in politics, fueled by donations, can be tackled with stricter rules and better funding models, as demonstrated by reforms in France. Encouraging wider participation in politics requires fairer MP salaries and rebuilding community engagement to reduce dependence on donors.
Political donations have led to issues of corruption and inefficiency in government, as seen with wasteful spending on unusable medical supplies. To combat this, stricter rules on political funding and lobbying are essential. Other countries, like France, have implemented reforms to clean up politics, ensuring transparency and accountability. Concepts like rebuilding community involvement and paying MPs fairly could help improve political integrity and reduce dependency on donors. These changes are necessary to encourage a wider range of candidates to enter politics without relying on secondary incomes, which could help foster a healthier political environment.
Political Disconnect: There is a disconnect between British politicians' salaries and the realities of average citizens, leading to public criticism and a decline in political reputation. A proposal for small public donations could help bridge this gap, but its practicality in tough economic times is debated.
In Britain, there is a significant disconnect between politicians and average citizens, particularly regarding salaries. While MPs earn what seems like a lot at £91,000, many feel detached from the struggles of everyday people. In London, where salaries can reach millions, politicians often view their pay as insufficient. This creates a wider gap in understanding societal realities. MPs face public criticism, which diminishes the status of their role and may deter quality individuals from entering politics. A suggested solution is a small public donation system to reduce reliance on large political donations, ensuring a more even playing field in political financing. Yet, the feasibility of this idea during a financial crisis is questioned. Ultimately, it highlights the need for a better relationship between the public and politicians, where mutual respect and understanding can flourish.
Can Starmer’s upbeat note drown out the donation scandal? w/ Zoë Grünewald and Simon Kuper
Pod Save the UK
81 Episodes
Recent Episodes from Pod Save the UK
Can Starmer’s upbeat note drown out the donation scandal? w/ Zoë Grünewald and Simon Kuper
Exclusive INCOGNI Deal ➼ go to https://incogni.com/podsavetheuk to get 60% off your annual plan!
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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Starmer’s Garm Drama + the Government looks right on immigration w/ Zoe Gardner
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”
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk
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Inside out: How to fix the UK’s prison system + Labour embraces unpopularity
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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
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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Time to nationalise Ticketmaster? “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, the Grenfell Inquiry concludes
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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Guests:
Zoë Grünewald, Political Journalist
James Riding, chief reporter at Inside Housing
Audio credits:
Sky News
Number 10 Downing Street
Live! How comedy can bring hope in dark times - with Adam Hills and Kemah Bob
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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Live! The racist riots ripping Britain apart - with Ahir Shah & Tom Ballard
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.
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
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:
Ahir Shah - Comedian
Tom Ballard - Comedian
Useful Links:
How Can We Fix The British Economy? With Paul Johnson From The IFS
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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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
Red Rebellion, Just Stop Locking Up Activists And How To Fix Our Broken NHS With Claire Farrell And Victor Adebowale
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.
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!
The Kings Speech, Knives Out for Vaughan Gething and An Education on Schools Policy with Liz Bates
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
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
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
Are Labour the party to finally fix housing? w/ Kwajo Tweneboa, Toby Lloyd and Sam Freedman
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.
Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)
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:
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