The Two Matts - podcast cover

The Two Matts

The New Worldwww.thenewworld.co.uk
Join The New World's Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona plus occasional guests for weekly chat on politics and media with a side of cultural stuff. A podcast in the spirit of the award-winning New World newspaper - irreverent, witty, surprising, argumentative ... and annoying all the right people.

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Episodes

What's next for Brits in Europe?

In this week’s episode, host Eleanor Longman-Rood discusses Liz Truss's first week at Number 10. Is it out with the old and in with the new or more new leadership, same old failings? She then hears listeners' thoughts on what's next for Rishi Sunak after losing his leadership bid. The New European 's Suna Erdem joins the podcast to share her thoughts on how Liz Truss's opening days have been, the challenges facing British Expats after Brexit killed freedom of movement and what Suella Braverman h...

Sep 08, 202245 min

The last days of Boris Johnson

In this week’s episode, Matt Withers hears listeners' thoughts on which fictional characters could get a seat in Liz Truss' cabinet. Steve Anglesey talks to New European editor-at-large Alastair Campbell about Boris Johnson leaving Downing Street, his legacy, what he does next and what exactly the atmosphere is like in No 10 when a prime minister departs for the final time. And Edwina Currie, Michael Gove and Dan Wootton are all inducted into the Hall of Shame. Enjoyed this episode? Let us know ...

Sep 01, 202227 min

The fall of Kabul, one year on

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey revels in the fact that there are just 10 days left of Boris Johnson as prime minister, but despairs in the fact that Liz Truss will likely be succeeding him - who this week said she was a solar power sceptic. Then, he hears listeners' suggestions on what they would give Liz Truss as a welcome gift when she moves into Downing Street. Journalist Lynne O'Donnell then joins the podcast to explain the state of Afghanistan one year after the fall of Kabul, ...

Aug 25, 202254 min

Is the storm of Britain's civil disobedience coming?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey discusses the country's rising political tensions as Britain's rising temperatures appear to be halted for now before hearing listeners' suggestions on what they would get Boris Johnson as a leaving present. Journalist Zoe Williams then joins the podcast to discuss the appeal of Boris Johnson that allowed him to remain leader for so long, Liz Truss's policy priorities and how Britain will respond to the worsening cost-of-living crisis. Finally, Rishi S...

Aug 18, 202234 min

Six ways to avert economic catastrophe (before it's too late)

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey discusses the upcoming choice, not between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, but between heating or eating as the cost-of-living crisis worsens. On a lighter note, he then hears listeners' thoughts on what Liz Truss's show at the Edinburgh Festival would be called. Then, The New European columnist Paul Mason joins the podcast to discuss how the Tory leadership race is approaching the economic crisis, what can be done to fix the broken financial system and goe...

Aug 11, 202241 min

Liz Truss's U-turns, predicting elections and Rishi's lies

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey has Tory leadership race fever. He begins by discussing Liz Truss's disappearing policies and Rishi Sunak's disappearing chances of success before hearing listeners' thoughts on what a choice between the two candidates is similar to. Then, journalist and global editor of The Bureau of Investigate Journalism James Ball joins the podcast to share his thoughts on why Liz Truss would make a terrible Prime Minister (he has 39 reasons, but could go on). He a...

Aug 04, 202235 min

Sunak v Truss, 2012 remembered and car-free cities

In this week’s episode, Steve Anglesey is joined by The New European journalist Suna Erdem to discuss the Conservative leadership race, whether we should be nostalgic for the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and the increasing number of cities going car-free. He goes through listener suggestions as to what films or songs best sum up the Tory TV debates. And Priti Patel, Nadine Dorries and the Daily Telegraph are all ushered into the Hall of Shame. Enjoyed this episode? Let us know by tweeting @TheN...

Jul 28, 202249 min

Life in a climate of fear

In this week’s episode, Eleanor Longman-Rood and Matt Withers hear readers' thoughts on what jobs Boris Johnson could do next now he's finally leaving Downing Street. They are joined by journalist Clár Ní Chonghaile to discuss the forest fires sparking into life in Athens again and what the summer might bring. Plus Nadhim Zahawi, Rishi Sunak, Bob Stewart, Shailesh Vara, Tatler magazine and Rehman Chishti are all inducted into the Hall of Shame. Enjoyed this episode? Let us know by tweeting @TheN...

Jul 14, 202236 min

Boris Johnson’s resignation: What's next?

In this week’s episode, The New European journalist Eleanor Longman-Rood steps in while our editor and host Steve Anglesey is away. She discusses Boris Johnson's resignation and the events that led up to his departure before asking: what will they do with that wallpaper now? Then, she hears listeners' thoughts on what fictional character could make Brexit work, after Keir Starmer's speech on Monday. Journalist and global editor of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism James Ball joins the podca...

Jul 07, 202240 min

Why is Britain in a self-harm recession?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey begins by talking about Nigel Farage's GB news show (but don't let that put you off), before hearing listeners' thoughts on which politicians would headline at the worst music festival ever and what their band would be called. Then journalist and broadcaster Jonty Bloom joins the podcast to discuss why economic predictions are far worse for Britain than other countries, why the economy hasn't had the boom everyone, including Rishi Sunsak, was hoping fo...

Jun 30, 202243 min

The sixth anniversary special: Brexit and its dossier of disasters

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey hears how listeners would ruin a film or song title by adding the word Brexit. Then, The New European journalist Clár Ní Chonghaile joins the podcast to discuss, on the sixth anniversary of the Brexit vote, how it is now clear to all that it really wasn't a good idea. She outlines the dossier of disasters that Brexit has created, suggests how Labour need to step up and how the promises made by the Leave campaign never came true. Plus, Ann Widdecombe, J...

Jun 23, 202251 min

Boris Johnson is waging a phoney war on Europe - to save his own skin

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey hears what our listeners' will be doing to mark 23rd June, six years since the Brexit referendum took place. Then journalist and author John Kampfner joins the podcast to discuss the diversion politics designed to save Boris Johnson's skin as he weaponises Brexit, how Europe has grown tired of Britain's parliamentary antics and how Britain is viewed abroad while they continue to unravel. Plus, Suella Braverman, Jonathan Gullis and Ann Widdecombe all fe...

Jun 16, 202236 min

Is it time for a career move for Boris Johnson?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey hears listeners' suggestions on what Boris Johnson's next job should be, considering 148 of his own MPs don't think he should be in the one he's in now. Then Comedian Mitch Benn joins the podcast to give his take on this, his objections to the prime minister's lack of ethical judgement and his thoughts on how Britain celebrated the Platinum Jubilee. Plus, Brendan Clarke-Smith, Nadine Dorries and David Frost all feature in the Hall of Shame this week. E...

Jun 09, 202239 min

Has Boris Johnson survived the Sue Gray report? And, what to look out for from the Cannes Film Festival

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey discusses if Boris Johnson has managed to escape unscathed from the Sue Gray report before hearing listeners' suggestions on what famous book title best sums up her findings. Then, The New European 's editor-at-large Alastair Campbell joins the podcast to discuss the report's aftermath and why Labour needs to start thinking seriously about what they stand for as the opposition. Then, in this special double episode and live from the Cannes Film Festival...

May 26, 202249 min

How Brexit is destroying the Falklands

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey ponders what Boris Johnson’s mood is like after the Met announced they've finished issuing partygate fines. He then hears listeners’ suggestions on what politicians they would like to see on Eurovision and what songs they should sing. Also in this episode, journalist Rob Burnett explains what it is like to live on the Falkland Islands, how Brexit is accomplishing something the Argentine Junta couldn’t: destroying the Islands and, finally, what the futu...

May 19, 202240 min

Is Europe lagging behind on drugs?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey tackles Michael Gove's bizarre BBC interview before hearing listeners' thoughts on which politicians they would like to see in Doctor Who and in which role after the news that Ncuti Gatwa is to be the next Doctor. The New European 's Suna Erdem then joins him to discuss why Europe is lagging behind on legalising cannabis, what Sadiq Khan's latest moves on legislation mean, and if legislation could realistically happen in Britain in the next 5 years? Pl...

May 12, 202240 min

The killing fields

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey takes a look at the local election campaigns and hears readers' suggestions as to what the Conservative slogan should be at the next general election. He is joined by National Farmers Union president Minette Batters to discuss how war in Ukraine is worsening the sector's Brexit-driven problems and why a food supply crisis could follow. Plus Nadine Dorries, George Eustice and Ann Widdecombe are among those inducted into the Hall of Shame. Enjoyed this e...

May 05, 202243 min

The figures don't lie, Brexit has not gone "remarkably smoothly"

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey discusses the biggest news story of the week - which isn't porngate nor Angela Rayner's legs - but surrounding Rishi Sunak before hearing listeners' thoughts on what sportsperson they would like to see as prime minister. Then journalist and broadcaster Jonty Bloom joins the podcast to discuss his exasperation over David Frost's opinion that Brexit has gone "remarkably smoothly", the government's latest U-turn on border tests and checks and how Brexit i...

Apr 28, 202236 min

Is France more divided than ever?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey wishes Boris Johnson well as he finds cover on a visit to India while MPs vote on whether to launch an investigation into claims he misled Parliament over the partygate row before hearing listeners' thoughts on what Boris Johnson's next job could be. Then, award-winning journalist Marion van Renterghem joins the podcast to discuss if Marine Le Pen has changed since France's last presidential elections, what a France under Le Pen would look like and if ...

Apr 21, 202238 min

What’s the future for Channel 4?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey discusses the news that Channel 4 is to be privatised before hearing listeners' thoughts on what the name of a drama starring Nadine Dorries would be called, answers range from It's A Sin to (thick) Skins. Media commentator and journalist Liz Gerard joins the podcast to share her thoughts on what lies in store for the television network, the reason behind privatisation and why the government has waged war on Channel 4. Plus, Ann Widdecombe, David Frost...

Apr 07, 202235 min

Why Ukraine belongs in the European Union

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey suggests what Boris Johnson could have said in response to Partygate fines being issued and takes listeners' thoughts on the latest episode of the saga. Former BBC R4 presenter, North America Editor and Europe Editor Mark Mardell joins the podcast to discuss why the idea of a European army haunts Brexiteers, if Ukraine can get their application to the European Union fast-tracked and, if they do, will their acceptance be symbolic more than anything else...

Mar 31, 202234 min

Why Putin's puppet, Alexander Lukashenko, must be punished

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey likens some of the pie in the sky dreams The Apprentice finalists had to those of the chancellor before hearing listeners' thoughts on what Rishi Sunak's memoir may be called. Head of National Anti-Crisis Management of Belarus, the country’s shadow government in exile, Pavel Latushka, then joins the podcast to discuss the dictator that has been in power even longer than Vladimir Putin - Alexander Lukashenko. He explains why the Lukashenko must be punis...

Mar 25, 202232 min

How Eton changed British public life

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey shares what he enjoyed this week, including president Zelensky's address to Congress, and what he didn't particularly enjoy this week, featuring Michael Gove being called a hero. Journalist and campaigner Fiona Millar then joins the podcast to discuss why Boris Johnson surrounds himself with individuals from who went through the private school system, how Eton would perform if it received the same funding as the state school system and how education in...

Mar 17, 202228 min

How Britain's farming industry has been lied to, ignored and left out in the cold

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey begins by dissecting James Cleverly's comments on the government's response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, concluding that Britain is only really world beating in one category - failure. Broadcaster and journalist Jonty Bloom then joins the podcast to discuss one very angry annual farmer's conference. He shares his thoughts on how the industry has been lied to, how the situation for British agriculture is only going to get worse and why Keir Starmer ...

Mar 10, 202243 min

When will the reign of Vladimir Putin come to an end?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey pokes fun at the government's flag-waving, photo op filled and somewhat lacking response to Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Author and Foreign correspondent James Rodgers joins the podcast to share his expertise on whether Putin has lost his mind, the thinking behind his military tactics and if the 21st century dictator could be toppled. Plus, Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage and Sir Edward Leigh all feature in the Hall of Shame this week. Enjoyed this episod...

Mar 03, 202233 min

War in Europe: What does the Russian invasion mean for Ukraine and the world?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey begins by reciting a somewhat ironic quote from Nigel Farage who said that Putin had no interest in invading Ukraine and won't do so. Award-winning journalist James Ball then joins the podcast to discuss what is next for Ukraine and if Putin has been showing us his true intentions for years. He also shares his thoughts on how to improve Westminster for the better and salvage British democracy, before it's too late. Plus, Laurence Fox, Boris Johnson and...

Feb 24, 202230 min

A hunt for Brexit opportunities, how Boris Johnson is no laughing matter and THAT Jimmy Carr joke

In this week’s episode, our host Steve Anglesey returns! He questions Jacob Rees-Mogg's logic of calling Brexit a success by reading out a letter from a listener who recounts the struggles he has had importing from a British business to where he lives in Poland. Comedian Matt Forde then joins the podcast to discuss how, despite him being easy to make fun of, he won't miss Boris Johnson when he goes, how both the Left and Right-wing lost their minds simultaneously and THAT Jimmy Carr joke. Plus, ...

Feb 17, 202236 min

The 'heshuffle', slurs and Bloody Difficult Women

Supply teachers Eleanor Longman-Rood and Matt Withers are on presenting duties to sift through another quiet week in British politics. They discuss Boris Johnson's 'heshuffle' and hear listeners' suggestions as to what role Jacob Rees-Mogg should hold. After Keir Starmer is harassed by protesters repeating the PM's Jimmy Savile slur they examine whether we should expect more of these kind of attacks. And The New European 's own Tim Walker pops by to talk about his new play, Bloody Difficult Wome...

Feb 10, 202244 min

Busy cafes, looming war and a pandemic: What is life like in contemporary Ukraine?

In this week’s episode, host Steve Anglesey has many questions from another sane week in British politics, including will Boris Johnson change his name to Boris Dorries when he and his culture secretary tie the knot? He also introduces The New European 's three-part pop-up podcast, The 27, a superb investigation into the deaths in the Channel by Clár Ní Chonghaile and Suna Erdem. Author Andrei Kurkov joins the podcast to discuss life in contemporary Ukraine, what people are expecting from the la...

Feb 03, 202231 min

The 27 - Episode 3

The stream of people risking their lives to live in Britain is relentless. In November 2021, at least 27 people drowned trying. Within hours, their tragedy became a global political and journalistic storm. Within days, this most human of stories had been subsumed into the rolling news agenda. This three-episode podcast attempts to re-humanise this tragedy, in the hope that truly understanding the answers to questions about Who they were , why they came and how they died will shape our response t...

Feb 03, 202237 min
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