British Thought Leaders features in-depth conversations on issues that affect and shape our society and culture, giving a voice to those marginalised by legacy media. Hosted by NTD UK’s News Director Lee Hall.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Britain's strictest headmistress, Katharine Birbalsingh CBE (@Miss_Snuffy), tells @LeeAlanHall that it's time to ditch progressive teaching and go back to basics: firm discipline, structure, respect for authority, and clear rules. She says her school Michaela is real-world evidence that a strict, no-nonsense approach delivers outstanding results even in deprived areas. Katharine calls for a full ban on social media for kids, as well as a strict limiting of electronic device access for children, ...
In this compelling episode, former school counsellor Lucy Beney says Britain faces a mental health over-diagnosis crisis amongst children. Beney says what used to be seen as the emotional distress of growing up, is now often diagnosed as mental illness. She talks about kids flaunting their diagnosis as a badge of honour and competing to be the most medicated; parents who are struggling in life using their children as emotional crutches; and a medical industry that is all too happy to get more li...
Jacob Reynolds from MCC Brussels reveals the EU's intricate censorship system, which uses legislation, tech company pressure, and NGOs to control online speech, often under the guise of combating foreign interference. He also exposes how European politicians are discussing replacing native populations with immigrants for perceived political gain. Amid these tactics, a rising tide of populism across Europe and Britain signals a growing public rejection of elite narratives and a demand for leaders who prioritize national interests.
In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, journalist and author Timandra Harkness joins host Lee Hall to explore key ideas from her book Technology is Not the Problem. Harkness examines how our increasingly fragile sense of self fuels the demand for hyper-personalised technology and services. She delves into the ways these systems harvest vast amounts of personal data to deliver tailored experiences—and the serious risks that arise when such intimate information falls into authoritarian...
Lord David Frost joins Lee Hall on British Thought Leaders to say that despite winning recent battles, the war for British freedoms is far from won. In this wide-ranging interview, the former Chief Brexit Negotiator reveals how post-Brexit opportunities have been squandered amid a global shift back toward nation states and away from globalism. He makes the case for leaving the ECHR, questions the establishment's apparent aversion to free debate, and says the government is prioritising ideologica...
In this episode, Levi Browde, Executive Director of the Falun Dafa Information Center, shares the story of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong)—a spiritual practice based on meditation, qigong, and the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. He covers its rapid rise in the early 1990s, with up to 100 million practitioners in China, followed by the 1999 persecution ordered by then-leader Jiang Zemin. Levi details the CCP's brutal methods—including arrests, torture, forced labor, brainwashing,...
Matt Ridley, the acclaimed science writer and author, returns to British Thought Leaders declaring the so-called climate crisis effectively over. Ridley, who was labelled a "climate change denier" and canceled in certain circles for his views, says he accepts the planet is warming due to human activity—but argues it does not constitute an existential threat. He explains how a real phenomenon (planetary heating) was exaggerated, hijacked by ideology, and used to suppress scientific debate and dis...
Molly Kingsley, co-founder of UsForThem, joins Lee Hall for an in-depth conversation exploring the lasting consequences of the UK's Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Beyond digital ID and the suggested prohibition of X's AI tools, she addresses the myriad difficulties faced by the British public after the vaccine introduction, alongside a significant breakdown in societal and institutional trust. Drawing from her own investigative work, Kingsley shares disturbing revelations about conflicts of intere...
Education expert Joe Nutt exposes how the government's VAT on private school fees isn't hitting the wealthy as intended — instead, it's punishing children and hardworking, aspirational parents who value quality education. He calls for schools to be shielded from damaging political meddling and warns of the outsized, concerning influence big tech companies now wield over British classrooms. Above all, Nutt stresses that a strong, positive school culture remains the true foundation of successful e...
In this wide-ranging conversation, Lois McLatchie Miller explores the mounting pressures on British families in today's cultural and political landscape. McLatchie Miller addresses critical issues impacting family life, such as Britain's very high levels of abortion, and raises concerns that society is veering towards a culture that devalues human life with assisted suicide on the horizon. She argues for proactive government policies to prioritise having children and the traditional family unit,...
In this wide-ranging discussion, journalist Chris Bayliss provides insightful analysis on the potential collapse of the British state, including possible triggers and the ramifications of civil war. He explores the contributing factors that have brought Britain to this point, such as an elite class dismissive of traditional British values, who have instead pursued modernising initiatives like multiculturalism. Their approach, he argues, has resulted in multitude of problems, including individual...
In this episode Zaha Hadid Architects Principal Patrik Schumacher discusses the current challenges facing architecture and development in Britain. He explains why building has become extraordinarily difficult, citing entrenched NIMBY attitudes, widespread risk aversion, and excessive regulation that together suppress innovative architectural solutions—despite strong investor appetite for projects in London and other major cities. Schumacher explores practical ways to address London's acute housi...
At a time when traditional British values face unprecedented challenge, we sit down with values expert and conductor Gavin P. Fraser, whose new book tackles this vital issue head-on. In this episode, you’ll discover how efforts to dilute and homogenise British identity under Tony Blair’s leadership left the nation culturally vulnerable, why generations of British people have been encouraged to feel shame rather than pride in their extraordinary history, and what practical steps we can take to re...
Former prison governor Professor Ian Acheson paints a grim picture of the UK's prison system, highlighting issues that have contributed to a sharp rise in erroneous prisoner releases in recent months. He attributes chronic understaffing to low pay and poor working conditions, leaving jails reliant on inexperienced officers who are vulnerable to manipulation by charismatic and influential inmates. Acheson also warns that authorities have failed to counter the growing threat of drones smuggling co...
In this hard-hitting episode of British Thought Leaders, parent and campaigner Clare Page tells Lee Hall that the Cass Review gave false hope to those who oppose medicating children with puberty blockers–and is now being used as a springboard for their return. We discuss the government’s rapid backtracking, the ethical red flags around these new trials, the lack of science behind labelling a child as trans, and why many now fear child safeguarding is being sacrificed on the altar of ideology. Fi...
Is Football Finance Out of Control? Amid national decline and uncertainty, Britain has quietly built one of its greatest modern exports: the English Premier League (EPL). In this episode, sports finance expert Professor Rob Wilson reveals how the EPL became a global money-making juggernaut that dwarfs every other British sport. He explains where the billions come from, who’s really cashing in, why top players now earn over $500,000 a week—and whether it’s sustainable. Plus, the growing fear that...
Author Harry Saul Markham talks about rising anti-Semitism and the dangers faced by Jews in modern Britain. Markham says the government failed in its duty to protect Jewish citizens by facilitating mass immigration from countries where anti-Semitism is commonplace. He says we face societal collapse unless Britain finds a new approach to multiculturalism.
Journalist Ashley Rindsberg has spent years researching and reporting on Wikipedia. Rindsberg says there's now a Wikipedia crisis, as the world’s largest information provider has shifted to become a global influencer and a social justice movement of its own. He talks about the editorial process, Wikipedia’s role in politics, and how articles are slanted to communicate its globalist and progressive worldview.
Middle East commentator Catherine Perez-Shakdam returns to British Thought Leaders to talk about Iran's infiltration of Britain. Amid security service warnings to MPs about Iranian spies and even Iranian generals giving speeches to British students, Perez-Shakdam explains how the infiltration works and what the Iranian regime is trying to achieve.
Professor Eric Kaufmann tells NTD’s Lee Hall that "wokeness" is far from over and that there may be a new wave stronger than ever as Gen Zers reach adulthood. Kaufmann talks about the fall from the fashion of transgenderism among young people, how the vibe-shift in British politics is changing taboos, and why Member of Parliament Sarah Pochin received so little kickback when she talked about ethnic representation in advertising.
Holistic dentist Dr. Elmar Jung talks about why he opposes fillings that contain mercury; the important connection between teeth, the gut, and the brain; and why taking a more holistic view of our teeth and our lifestyle could bring improved health.
Alex Klaushofer talks to Lee Hall about Ofcom, the UK's Online Safety Act, and new plans to put a compliance burden on the internet that she says may result in only big companies being able to afford an online presence. Klaushofer encourages people to be aware of the freedoms that are being taken away in the name of preventing online harm.
Author and journalist Alex Klaushofer talks about the upcoming digital ID, what it means for freedom in Britain, and why the lack of public support for this development is being ignored.
Charlie Lamdin, the host of "Moving Home with Charlie," says the housing market is in a mess, with some of the key causes being wrong incentives for agents and failed government intervention. Lamdin says government housing targets will not be met because developers cannot make enough money from building houses. He says the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill will unleash chaos, and talks about why Britain sees so many home moves fall through. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - More from Charlie L...
Simon Cobb founded the organization People Against Parental Alienation (PAPA) to help parents who have been alienated from their children, usually by an ex-partner, which Cobb says is a form of child abuse and is also damaging to the parent, family, and society. He also discusses related problems, including police inaction, the nonenforcement of court orders, and the frequent use of false allegations. More info on People Against Parental Alienation (PAPA): https://www.papaorg.co.uk/...
Demographer Paul Morland tells NTD’s Lee Hall why he’s calling for a cultural change when it comes to families and babies. Morland says our society, economy, and way of life are under threat from tumbling birth rates and an ageing population. He says we need to break the taboo of talking about having bigger families, and that politicians should be leading the charge.
Artist Alexander Adams talks to NTD’s Lee Hall about the need for a dissident arts movement. Adams says progressivism and a powerful left-wing intelligentsia have damaged the art world beyond repair and left conservative-leaning artists without a path for progression. He talks about the forging of a new arts movement and stepping beyond the culture wars to focus on truth, goodness, and beauty.
Global forecaster David Murrin tells NTD’s Lee Hall about what he sees as the world’s biggest danger: the Chinese Communist Party. Murrin says the CCP plans to take over the world, destroying Western democracy and freedom through naval power, espionage, and infiltration. He talks about weapons the CCP has at its disposal that Western militaries cannot defend against, and what needs to be done to prevent a global disaster.
NTD’s Lee Hall sits down with global forecaster David Murrin for a wide-ranging interview on topics including the state of Britain’s politics, the urgent need to improve our defence capabilities, and the importance of cheaper energy and better manufacturing. Murrin says people in Britain will need to put aside their differences as the threat of global conflict intensifies.
NTD’s Lee Hall sits down with author George Owers to talk about his new book, which covers a 17th-century rivalry that shaped the future of British politics: the Whigs versus the Tories. George talks about parallels between the political and social battles 300 years ago and what we are experiencing today, and suggests that Britain has never really escaped the culture wars.
