The Progressive Britain Podcast - podcast cover

The Progressive Britain Podcast

Progressive Britainprog.rs
A platform for progressive voices and ideas— and some Labour history too!

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Episodes

71. A road to safe passage – with Beth Gardiner-Smith

Henna, Alison and Stephanie discuss the latest Brexit amendments, another round of Tory party infighting and the upcoming immigration bill. PLUS Stefan interviews Safe Passage CEO Beth Gardiner-Smith on fighting for the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. * Learn more about Safe Passage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 201934 min

Extra – Backstop’s back (alright) – with Jonathan Powell

With another big week coming up for Brexit we tackle one an issue that everyone seems to have an opinion on, yes, it’s the Irish backstop. Henna is joined by Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair and one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement, to explain why the backstop’s so important and what could happen if we don’t take the issue of the Irish border seriously. Further Reading: * Claire Tighe, vice chair of the Labour Party Irish Society explains the importance of the b...

Feb 08, 201920 min

70. Brexit and the age of austerity

Did austerity cause Brexit? Henna Shah chats to James Kirkup, director of the Social Market Foundation, about the bedroom tax, the remain youthquake fallacy, and getting ASOS delivery drivers better working conditions. PLUS Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd try to tackle Brexit in 15 seconds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 05, 201925 min

Extra: The path to staying in

Conor Pope and Henna Shah discuss why the Irish backstop is important, busting Lexit myths, who the public blames for the Brexit mess, going inside the People’s Vote campaign and the football affiliations of Doctor Who. Further reading: * Claire Tighe on why the backstop matters * Report: Busting the Lexity myths Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 01, 201915 min

69. Citizens’ assemblies: how would they work? – with guest Stella Creasy

Are citizens’ assemblies the way to break the Brexit deadlock? Alison McGovern speaks to Stella Creasy about the new solution being touted to find a way forward by involving people from outside of politics in the decision-making process. And with big news for Progressive Britain, Alison and Stephanie Lloyd quiz Conor Pope on some of the best moments on the podcast over the past 18 months. Further reading: * Lisa Nandy and Stella Creasy: MPs alone won’t solve the Brexit deadlock. We need a citize...

Jan 29, 201922 min

Extra: Amendments and partnerships

Conor Pope and Matthew Doyle go through the likely amendments for the return of the big Brexit vote next week, as well as the proposed partnership between Northern Ireland’s SDLP and the Republic of Ireland’s Fianna Fail, and the early frontrunners in the race for the Democratic presidential nominee in America. Further reading: * Explained: All the ‘plan B’ Brexit amendments MPs could get a vote on * Fianna Fail and SDLP announce joint partnership * Could this 36 year old Indiana mayor topple Tr...

Jan 25, 201914 min

68. Taking Brexit out of parliament – with guest Jess Phillips

What does Keir Starmer’s speech mean for Labour’s Brexit position? Does Theresa May secretly want no deal to be blocked? And what will parliament do for the next week before the big Brexit vote? Conor Pope, Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd discuss, while Jess Phillips explains why the Brexit conversation needs to be taken out of Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 201929 min

Extra: Biggest government defeat ever – with guest Alastair Campbell

Theresa May suffered the biggest government defeat of all time, then her Tory backbenchers kept her in office – while the campaign for Labour to lead a pro-European referendum campaign steps up a gear. Conor Pope discusses what next for Brexit with Alison McGovern, Stephanie Lloyd and guest Alastair Campbell. ALSO: Find out what happened when Alison and Alastair had a run-in with Boris Johnson on the way to recording. WRITE TO YOUR MP: The LabourSay campaign for Labour to lead a pro-EU campaign:...

Jan 18, 201937 min

67. Degrading discourse and the far right

Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd reveal how the night of Theresa May’s big vote will unfold, while Conor Pope speaks to Hope Not Hate’s Matthew McGregor about the growing harassment outside parliament by a small cabal of rightwing thugs – does this relate to wider growth of a far right ecosystem? Further reading: * Support the Hope Not Hate Action Fund * Who are ‘they’? Rosie Carter on how a backlash against undefined external powers could hurt Labour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Jan 15, 201931 min

Extra: The week before

Next week sees Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement finally come before the House of Commons. With the government already suffering two Brexit defeats this week, it is unlikely to pass – but what will Labour’s response be? Conor Pope and Stephanie Lloyd discuss which way things are likely to go, and how much time there is to call a general election. Further reading: * Theresa May calls the unions * Paul Mason: Lexit is a political fantasy * Sign up to the LabourSay Brexit alert service Hosted on A...

Jan 11, 201918 min

66. Labour members and Brexit

This week, MPs return to parliament ahead of next week's big vote on Theresa May's withdrawal agreement. Initially scheduled for last month, the vote was postponed under concern that it would fail to pass. But is the agreement any different now? Have any MPs changed their mind? And what role will Labour members now play in shaping the course of Brexit. Stephanie Lloyd and Alison McGovern discuss the mood in parliament this week, while Conor Pope chats to Tim Bale about new research he has led in...

Jan 08, 201921 min

Extra: Why Javid’s ‘genuine refugee’ comments matter

Conor Pope and Stephanie Lloyd look at the political cynicism the Tories have approached the recent refugee story with, and discuss what the implications of the latest polling of Labour members might be. Further reading: * Sign up to the LabourSay WhatsApp * Corbyn rejects Labour members’ calls for a second EU vote * Politicians could ease refugee suffering, but instead they stoke fear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 04, 201917 min

65. New Year special – a progressive 2018?

Conor Pope, Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd discuss some of the progressive successes of 2018. Further reading: * 209 Women exhibition free tickets * 209 Women project – see some of the pictures * Conor Pope: LabourSay – on the winning side Further listening: * Parenting and politics with Darren Jones * Seni’s Law, with Steve Reed * Labour’s antisemitism problem, with Marlon Solomon * Repealing the eighth, with Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 01, 201930 min

64. Christmas quiz 2018 special

Alison McGovern and Stella Creasy go head-to-head in the Progressive Britain quiz of 2018 – including Ukip leaders, reality television and who will replace Theresa May in 2019. Further watching: * Jonathan Dimbleby Show debate on Europe, 1996 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 201831 min

Extra: No no confidence, no no deal

Conor Pope and Matthew Doyle discuss whether Theresa May’s new deadline is really a new deadline, what happened with the no confidence vote that wasn’t, and whether parliament should be forced to sit over Christmas. Further reading: * Donate to Streetlink in memory of Gyula Remes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 21, 201812 min

63. Brexit coverage: could the news be better?

Could we still see a parliamentary vote on Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement before Christmas? Is there any way the 29 March deadline can be done about? And why are these still unanswered questions? Conor Pope discusses that with Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd, while Stefan Rollnick interviews journalist Luke Lythgoe from InFacts. Further reading: * Luke Lythgoe: Good luck ‘manging’ no-deal Brexit chaos * Write to your MP with the new People’s Vote tool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Dec 18, 201829 min

EXTRA: Has anything changed?

Conor Pope, Alison McGovern and Phil Wilson discuss the lack of a withdrawal agreement, Theresa May’s precarious leadership and why being a north east MP doesn’t mean being pro-Brexit. Further reading: * Conor Pope on why now is the time for a no confidence vote Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 14, 201825 min

62. Boris Johnson's had a haircut

So that's it. Theresa May realised she was about to lose the meaningful vote, and she's responded by trying to take her ball home. Steph and Alison catch up about what's going to happen next – could Boris Johnson's haircut hold the answer? (Answer: maybe.) Also on the pod, Alison chats to Rachel Reeves MP – chair of the business select committee – to talk about the economic outlook for the UK in the wake of Brexit. * Sign up for the Labour Say Whatsapp group at laboursay.eu/whatsapp Hosted on Ac...

Dec 11, 201825 min

EXTRA: Baby got backstop

Just when you think it couldn't get any worse for Theresa May's government, they are now not only incompetent at governing, but in contempt of parliament. This week on the extra show Progress deputy director Stephanie Lloyd is joined by Matthew Doyle to talk about whether Geoffrey Cox will be sent to the Tower of London, May's mathematical mistakes and how parliament can use their newfound control to forge a way out of this mess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 07, 201813 min

61. Economics of Brexit: what do we know?

With the House of Commons poised to hear the Government's legal advice, Stephanie Lloyd and Progress Chair Alison McGovern MP discuss the ongoing Brexit mayhem and explore what it all might mean for our economy. Further reading: * The Institute for Government: understanding the economic impact of Brexit * Alison McGovern: Our last chance to tell the truth about the economics of Brexit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 04, 201833 min

EXTRA: Project Fear and debates so near?

John McDonnell has said that a People’s Vote could be “inevitable” – what has brought about this new positioning? Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May have agreed to debates, but won’t agree what kind of debate – how will that end? And warnings that a no deal Brexit could in fact be bad for the economy have brought back accusations of “project fear”. Conor Pope and Stephanie Lloyd go through the big topics of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 30, 201815 min

60. Bottom up – how to tackle radicalisation with Lara Frumkin

How do we ‘combat extremism’? Radicalisation is an extremely complex issue, and its manifestations are rapidly changing. Conor Pope and Alison McGovern are joined by Lara Frumkin, senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University, who researches the psychology behind radicalisation. Further reading: * Alison McGovern: This much-needed fund will let Jo Cox’s ideas and values shine on * Hope Not Hate’s Sunder Katwala: Labour needs an answer on integration * Hope Not Hate’s Rosie Carter: The bac...

Nov 27, 201827 min

EXTRA: The secret Tory economic plan

Conor Pope and Stephanie Lloyd discuss the latest from the Brexit saga, including Theresa May’s Commons statement, how her leadership limps on, and the ingenious play to save her deal by, er, tanking the economy. Further reading: * MPs told off for playing football in Commons chamber Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 201814 min

59. Abdication of responsibility: Tory Brexit

A prime minister on the brink, a cabinet in revolt, a Brexit deal in tatters, and no clear plan to guide us out of this mess. Conor Pope, Alison McGovern and Stephanie Lloyd discuss how the Conservatives have made a mess of their own internal division, and what the withdrawal agreement would really mean for Britain. Further reading: * What would happen if Jacob Rees-Mogg became PM? * Editorial: This is not what anyone voted for Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 20, 201826 min

EXTRA: Brexit Mayhem

Richard Angell is joined by Alison McGovern and former political secretary to Neil Kinnock, Neil Stewart to discuss May’s Brexit deal and where we go from here. Further reading: * This month’s Progress editorial – This isn’t what anyone voted for * Matthew Doyle on the politics of a People’s Vote Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 16, 201816 min

58. US politics: midterms meanings with Matthew Doyle

Political anoraks in this country are fascinated by the extra pizzazz of American politics. Last week saw number of UK-based US experts skyrocket for the midterm elections. But who can you really trust on this stuff? And what was the real story in the results? Matthew Doyle is on hand to explain. Meanwhile, Alison McGovern discusses the refugee crisis following her trip to Lebanon, where over a million displaced Syrians now live. Further reading: * Matthew Doyle: The politicians got it wrong – n...

Nov 13, 201822 min

EXTRA: Midterms and tax cuts

Conor Pope and Stephanie Lloyd discuss the overlooked good news from this week’s US elections, as well as what different responses to the budget tell us about Labour’s new approach. Further reading: * Afzal Khan on the boundary review * Mary Creagh on strong men leaders * Conor Pope on Labour’s budget response Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 09, 201816 min

57. A choice for Labour? Communitarian vs cosmopolitan – with Stephen Kinnock MP

Is Labour losing its traditional support? If so, what can be done. Stephen Kinnock and Joe Jervis believe that what, ‘many people in Labour are failing to see is so many Communtarian values are traditional Labour values’. They explain the thinking outlined in their latest book Spirit of Britain, Purpose of Labour and the ‘six shifts’ the party needs! Further reading: * Download the Spirt of Britain, Pride of Labour here * Britain is not only polarised, it is paralysed: in their new book, Stephen...

Nov 06, 201827 min

EXTRA: Budget 2018 review

Conor Pope and Alison McGovern look at what the budget really means, including universal credit, how austerity would end, and those controversial tax cuts. Further reading: * Budget preview – Alison McGovern’s 10 things to watch out for Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 02, 201815 min

56. Immigration and citizenship – with David Lammy

How should the Windrush scandal change the way we talk about immigration and citizenship? Has Donald Trump emboldened racism in the UK? And would a People’s Vote see a resurgence of the far right? Conor Pope, Henna Shah and David Lammy discuss in this episode to mark Black History Month 2018. Further reading: * David Lammy: The economic and social grievances that led to Brexit were not caused by the EU * We must stand up for migrants – the current conversation on integration works for nobody, ar...

Oct 30, 201827 min
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