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John Prescott and the pork pie

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January 30, 2025

TLDR: Labour party held the funeral of John Prescott, and Sky News' Jon Craig shares anecdotes about his interactions with Prescott, including a pork pie incident; also discussing reaction to Rachel Reeves' economy speech and government embargoes.

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In this episode, Sam Coates from Sky News and Dan Bloom from Politico discuss key happenings in British politics with a focus on the funeral of John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister, held in Hull. The podcast also touches on recent speeches regarding the economy and ongoing political maneuvers.

Key Themes and Topics

John Prescott's Impact and Tributes

  • John Prescott's Legacy: Prescott's passing at age 86 is a significant event for the UK Labour Party, prompting a colorful reflection on his career. Hosting over 300 attendees, the funeral is seen as a gathering of the Labour family.
  • Memorable Anecdotes: Jon Craig, Sky News' chief political correspondent, shares noteworthy stories of his encounters with Prescott, particularly a humorous incident involving a pork pie at a Labour Party conference. Prescott humorously branded Craig as the "pie man" after a confrontation that left a lasting impression on both their careers.
  • Reflections from Political Figures: Keir Starmer noted Prescott's robust history in politics, stating his place in political history is assured due to his fighting spirit, not just for his famous controversial punch at a protestor during the 2001 election.

Current Political Climate

  • Rachel Reeves' Economy Speech: The episode transitions to discuss Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow chancellor, who is actively promoting her growth plan amidst a busy news cycle. Her speech is highlighted for generating substantial media coverage.
  • Controversy and Challenges: Although praised for her ambitions, Reeves faces skepticism regarding the practicality of her growth plan, especially regarding previous tax policies that have burdened businesses, raising questions about the efficacy of her proposals.

Significant Political Events

  • Legislation Updates: Sam and Dan discuss ongoing legislation, including a significant bill on border security, which could lead to political turmoil regardless of its content.
  • Assisted Dying Bill: The episode also covers debates surrounding the Assisted Dying Bill, which is drawing attention due to potential amendments affecting safeguards related to its execution.

Humor and Light Moments

  • Pork Pie Incident: Craig narrates a humorous incident involving Prescott's eyebrow-raising antics where he wielded a pork pie, claiming it represented media exaggerations. The story serves as a metaphor for the challenging relationship between politicians and the press.
  • Personal Ties with Hull: Prescott’s fondness for his constituency is illustrated through amusing stories about his habits as a frequent patron at local establishments and his hardened reputation among Westminster’s elite.

Lessons from Prescott's Political Style

  • Endurance in Politics: The discussion reinforces a theme of enduring political relationships, loyalty within party ranks, and how Prescott's political career set a unique precedent for future Deputy Prime Ministers. His ability to balance grassroots connections with high-profile politics laid a framework for successors like Angela Rayner.
  • Diverse Political Personas: Dan highlights the ongoing evolution of political roles, suggesting that modern politicians learn valuable lessons from Prescott’s dedication to his roots and his complex persona in an era that often demands public relations savvy and composure.

Looking Ahead

  • Political Forecasts: As the podcast concludes, expectations rise for further developments regarding Reeves' growth proposals and other pivotal political events scheduled for the coming weeks.

Conclusion

This podcast episode serves as a thoughtful examination of John Prescott’s legacy and the current dynamics within the Labour Party and broader UK political landscape. It combines humor with important political discourse, making it a valuable listen for those keen on understanding the intricacies of British politics.

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