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The Pledge

Sky Newswww.spreaker.com
Fearless and truthful. Provocative and controversial. Straight-talking and thought-provoking. A new breed of debate.
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Episodes

Are kids allowed to change gender too quickly? | Will HS2 be worth the money?

This week the panel discuss the rules on children transitioning gender, and ask if we should slow the process. But is it wrong to deny treatment to children who say they are sure that are trans? Also: Has the government learned from Windrush? How much is too much for high speed rail? Are we asleep to the threat of coronavirus? Is colour-blind casting the future?

Feb 14, 202053 min

Is coronavirus as bad as it seems? | Should there be a maximum age for a president?

With mounting concerns about the spread of coronavirus, The Pledge has recruited a doctor as a guest panellist this week - none other than Love Island's Alex George. He's arguing the media is fuelling hysteria about the infection. Also: Should there be a maximum age for US President? Was No10 right to ban some reporters? Is education the way to prevent radicalisation?

Feb 07, 202052 min

Is football banter at work wrong? | Can we trust facial recognition tech?

This week, Femi tells the panel that he doesn’t want police to use facial recognition technology as he thinks the government can't be trusted. Also: Will Brexit bring peace? Is office football banter harmless? How should we punish criminals who attack police? Is antisemitism a thing of the past?

Jan 31, 202048 min

Should Parliament move north? | White privileged men and race

This week Michelle Dewberry presents the case for Parliament moving to northern England. Also: Nick Ferrari on why white privileged men should be able to talk abut race. Afua Hirsch says the 'Tradwife' is not a feminist Twitter trend. June Sarpong reckons post-Brexit Britain should look to Africa. And on his Pledge debut, Geoff Norcott argues that social media is harming the left at the ballot box.

Jan 24, 202052 min

'I was adopted. Blood isn't thicker than water'

This week Andrew tells his adoption story - and explains why he thinks the stigma around it is wrong. Also: Should Big Ben chime on Brexit day? Are Extinction Rebellion extremists? Does Canada want Harry and Meghan? How gloomy is the outlook for our high streets?

Jan 17, 202049 min

Should Meghan and Harry leave royalty behind?

Greg Dyke thinks if you're a royal, press intrusion comes with the territory. He says if Prince Harry and Meghan are "struggling to cope" with the press coverage they could leave royalty behind and move abroad. But do the panel agree? Carole Malone thinks parliament has "repeatedly betrayed voters and democracy" and says the handling of Brexit has been "the greatest political embarrassment of modern times". Michelle Dewberry says a "pitiful" number of prosecutions have followed against soldiers ...

Oct 25, 201949 min

Is racism re-emerging in football and society?

On The Pledge this week, the panel discusses racism in football after England's 2020 Euro qualifier against Bulgaria was marred by monkey chants and Nazi salutes. Maajid Nawaz says that 'racism is re-emerging in football because racism is re-emerging in society.' Nick Ferrari believes the government's proposal for compulsory voter ID is a good idea, but do the panel agree? Michelle Dewberry says spreading the benefits of immigration to the north of England won’t work because ‘plans devised in We...

Oct 18, 201950 min

Rachel Johnson on Jennifer Arcuri's relationship with Boris Johnson

On this week's episode of The Pledge: Rachel Johnson, the prime minister's sister, discusses Boris Johnson's alleged relationship with Jennifer Arcuri, the American model turned technology entrepreneur, who it is claimed was given more than £100,000 in public money when the PM was mayor of London. Femi Oluwole says Mr Johnson's critics need to be careful and not get distracted by focusing on whether or not Mr Johnson had an affair with Ms Arcuri. Also, are Extinction Rebellion's goals realistic?...

Oct 11, 201951 min

Is Meghan hounded by the press like Diana? | Should Shamima Begum be allowed back?

This week Carole Malone tells the panel why she doesn’t think the Duchess of Sussex has been bullied by the press. Also: Should Jeremy Corbyn be given his chance to lead an emergency government? Is Donald Trump really a friend of the UK? Would you want IS bride Shamima Begum living next door? Is it necessary to allow male soldiers to wear make-up?

Oct 04, 201951 min

Was David Cameron’s memoir worth the wait? | Is Fireman Sam sexist?

This week Rachel Johnson confesses that former prime minister David Cameron’s new book memoir melted her "stone cold heart, just a little". But does the rest of the panel agree? Also: Do prison sentences for knife crime deter people? Is the job of a teacher as tough as they make out? Why should foreign students be welcomed? Is a ban on Fireman Sam political correctness gone mad?

Sep 20, 201949 min

'Good luck to my brother, the new prime minister': Rachel Johnson on Boris

In the week her brother Boris became the new prime minister, Rachel Johnson makes a personal plea on his behalf. But how does the rest of the panel feel about him? Also: Given events in the Gulf, is it time we gave the UK military more backing? Do women in sport deserve more respect? Why isn't there better care for those with dementia?

Jul 26, 201950 min

Should under-18s play at Wimbledon? | Have Harry and Meghan's privacy requests gone too far?

This week the panel debates whether Sir Kim Darroch should have written his unflattering memos about Donald Trump. Also: Are Harry and Meghan justified in wanting a high level of privacy or have they gone too far? Should we be in a new space race? Should people under the age of 18 be allowed to compete at Wimbledon? Are kids exposed to too much too young? On this week's panel are: Greg Dyke, Carole Malone, June Sarpong, Michelle Dewberry and Nick Ferrari....

Jul 12, 201948 min

Should the government help pay for everything? | Is it time to get rid of inheritance tax?

This week the panel debates the cost of funerals, and whether it’s right to make the taxpayer foot the bill when a child dies. Also: Would a no deal Brexit be undemocratic? Should inheritance tax be replaced with a levy on all large parental cash gifts? Do you think work should be made more fun than home? Can you be straight and open to a ‘gay sexual experience’?

Jul 05, 201950 min

Are politicians entitled to a private life? | Should foreign patients be charged to use the NHS?

This week the panel debates whether it’s in the national interest for Boris Johnson to answer questions about a reported row at his home. Also: Is violence against women a pandemic? Should the NHS be free at the point of delivery – no matter where you’re from? Does the government need to take a harder line on gambling firms? Do MPs deserve maternity cover?

Jun 28, 201951 min

Is it time to stop funding the search for Madeleine? | Were politicians childish to boycott Trump?

On this week's podcast, the panel debate whether the Madeleine McCann investigation should be called off - with Michelle Dewberry arguing the case is being policed according to social class. Also: Were Labour politicians right to protest against Trump? Should bands be banned for aggressive music? Does the high street need to get with the times? Is cricket showing the way on integration?

Jun 07, 201953 min

Why can't we get offenders into work? | Should we all have a vote on who is next PM?

With more than enough candidates to make up a football team, the panel on The Pledge debate whether the Conservative leadership race should be more democratic. Also: Do we need to rethink the way we rehabilitate prisoners? Who were the real winner of the European elections? Why aren't people aware of the seriousness of antisemitism? How much say should parents have about what their children learn at school?

May 31, 201951 min

Is it time to ban reality TV? | Should the rich do more for charity?

Carole Malone is arguing that rich people are entitled to do what they like with the money they've earned. And former BBC director-general Greg Dyke tells the panel the Jeremy Kyle Show was getting too "extreme". Also: Can kids handle exam stress? Was Danny Baker's sacking justified? Is the state right to re-nationalise probation services? :: If you're affected by any of this issues discussed in this episode, you can contact Samaritans for help. Call 116 123 from the UK, or e-mail jo@samaritans....

May 17, 201949 min

Should vaccinations be compulsory? | Is politics sexist?

This week, Maajid Nawaz calls anti-vaxxers "selfish and unscientific" - but should they be forced to get their children immunised? Also: Is politics still sexist? Are excluded schoolchildren being failed by the system? Should athlete Caster Semenya be allowed to compete in women's races?

May 10, 201952 min

Should rape victims be forced to hand phones to police?

Carole Malone argues women making rape accusations SHOULD be made to allow police access to their phones. Also: Should Trump address parliament? Was the Huawei leak in the public interest? Are the working class taken seriously?

May 03, 201952 min

Trailer: Take the debate with you

Coming soon: Take the debate with you. The Pledge will be available as a podcast every week. Or watch on TV - every Thursday at 8pm on Sky News.

Apr 29, 201954 sec
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