It’s increasingly apparent President Joe Biden is unfit to challenge Donald Trump for the White House. But what can stop him? The Matts consider the predicament facing the United States and the world… with, it’s fair to say, a deep sense of foreboding. Also … can the Three Lions do it? Will it come home? The Matts haven’t got a clue but that doesn’t stop them going on about it for a good ten minutes… enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. ...
Jul 12, 2024•44 min
Keir Starmer looked incredibly at ease and confident at the Saturday presser. The Matts can’t remember a smoother beginning and he has recruited some great expertise. But is administrative excellence enough? Also … one question lingers in the air: Where the hell are all the Tories? Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 08, 2024•45 min
After their Election all-nighter, the Matts consider the twists and turns of a quite extraordinary election. A massive, historic night for Keir Starmer’s Labour and a shuddering comeuppance for Sunak and the Conservative Party. Well played Ed Davey and a disaster for the SNP. But the rise of Reform and the volatility of the electorate asks big questions about what comes next for British politics. Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See ...
Jul 05, 2024•47 min
It’s the final few days of the election campaign and the Matts are joined by Keir Starmer biographer for deep insight into what’s going to happen in the immediate aftermath of a Labour government. How to combat the rising tide of far right politics, who will the new stars of Labour be, and should Starmer go to the Euro finals of England get through? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 01, 2024•37 min
Will Keir Starmer involve Alastair Campbell in Number 10? How important is it that Labour provide stability? And how much impact do the media really have on voting outcomes? That and dirty rivers, NHS challenges and should politicians go to Glastonbury? Delve into the latest Q&A episode to find out. Have a question? If you're listening on Spotify you can ask us a question through the app. Alternatively drop us an email 2matts@tnepublishing.com Don't forget to subscribe to The New European: h...
Jun 30, 2024•27 min
The Matts are joined by Simon Kuper, FT journalist and author of Good Chaps - an extraordinary book exposing the collapse of morality at the heart of British politics. It’s a terrific conversation shedding light on how things got so bad so fast from Thatcher to Truss … and, as bit of a diversion, we also chat about Paris - another of Simon’s passions and subject of his book The Impossible City, described by Matt K as the second best memoir on Paris he’s ever read. The best? You’ll have to listen...
Jun 28, 2024•39 min
Want some hot takes all through election night? Allow the Two Matts to explain, and hit this link on your phone to get ready for the night (requires Whatsapp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j PS: Whatsapp channels do not share your phone number with others, nor can you comment - you join up and recieve messages and updates in real time from the Matts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 27, 2024•2 min
What does the election betting scandal say about Rishi Sunak’s qualities as a Prime Minister? And what is going on behind the scenes as Farage and Johnson go toe to toe over Putin and Ukraine … with a fascinating intervention by the Daily Mail. The Matts discuss all this … and revisit Matt K’s mini-adventure to Stuttgart with the Tartan Army this weekend. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 25, 2024•47 min
In this Sunday Q&A, the Two Matts ponder the Tories newfound support for electoral reform, given their historical stance. They also take on the complexities of proportional representation, and the significance of party majorities. Also, are festivals cutting ties with sponsors like Bailey Gifford and Barclays due to activist pressure a problem and what impact will this have on the arts? Want your question answered? You can email 2matt@tnepublishing.com Subscription offer: www.theneweuropean....
Jun 23, 2024•30 min
The Matts are joined by comedian Rosie Holt whose alter ego MP has done what many thought impossible; successfully (and hilariously) satirised this Tory government. Rosie talks about her new book and faces into life as a political satirist after the chaos of the Conservatives… “we’re going to have to work a bit harder after this lot have gone”. Before that, after successive weeks of kicking the Tories, the Matts turn their focus to Labour and what has been, so far, a fairly uninspiring campaign....
Jun 21, 2024•42 min
How Farage sucks the oxygen out of the political debate and the media fall for it every time PLUS what would life be like of the Tories get as badly wiped out as polls suggest and as a special treat for listeners, Matt D delivers Donald Trump’s Fathers Day message in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 17, 2024•41 min
In this Sunday's Q&A, The Two Matts are asked whether a Labour 'super majority' is good or bad drawing on historical results to try and predict the impact of a huge majority. They also dive into the unique structure of The Reform party and its implications, and are challenged on what they went without in their childhood. Subscribe to The New European with this OFFER: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 16, 2024•26 min
After an opening half dissecting the latest election news, the Matts hook up with Dylan Jones, editor of the Evening Standard and ex-editor of GQ in the UK whose new memoir These Foolish Things is out now - an extraordinary trip through modern British culture taking in some of the biggest names in pop, rock, media and art. And it’s a very personal conversation; Dylan talks about growing up with a violent father and also the rape he suffered aged 17. It’s a must listen for anyone interested in ho...
Jun 14, 2024•56 min
The Matts explore the depths of Sunak’s catastrophic decision to bail from D-Day, trying to understand what might have possessed him… and they question if the gift he’s handed Nigel Farage could have possibly come at a worse time, coinciding as it does with Europe’s far-right gaining collective momentum. On a more hopeful note, they agree Lib-Dem leader Ed Davey is putting a good audition … not for PM, but Leader Of The Opposition. Could he be the voice of conscience standing across the dispatch...
Jun 10, 2024•36 min
The Two Matts dive into Labour's stance on Sunak's honours list and discuss what a truly independent honours system could look like. They debate Nigel Farage's potential to lead the right and the notable silence on Brexit from opposition parties. They also explore gonzo journalism, media influence, and the peculiar phenomenon of 'time slips.' Tune in for a deep dive into current political dynamics and media trends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 09, 2024•28 min
The Two Matts digest the aftermath of the Sunak v Starmer TV debate and find big problems with both candidates … but at least one of them is actually capable of opening his mouth without a lie spilling out. In Part Two, they reflect on the inimitable courage of the D-Day generation … and consider a family story that perfectly illustrates just how much was lost on those Normandy landing stages. Subscription Offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
Jun 07, 2024•45 min
Welcome to the first Two Matts General Election special podcast - and you join us with the breaking news that Nigel Farage has thrown himself into the campaign in a surprise announcement - taking over the leadership of Reform and running to win the Tory-held seat of Clacton. It’s the worst news Sunak could have wished for - but how should Starmer be feeling? Is the Labour leader fully aware of what he’s up against? The Matts are, as you’d expect, sceptical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Jun 03, 2024•43 min
Topics include the impact of Brexit on the UK and the Conservative Party, the reasoning behind voting Tory in this election, what the new portrait of King Charles III says about politics in the country, and the future of AI in various fields such as defence and medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 02, 2024•21 min
How did Keir Starmer allow the row over Diane Abbott swamp the early days of his election campaign? What is the upside? And had Abbott been mistreated to the point where the Labour leadership looks petty and vindictive? The Matts weigh in on the big campaign trail talking point. Also - in part two - the brilliant Alan Edwards, author of I Was There, tells all about life with Bowie, The Stones, The Spice Girls … and a whole A-Z of rock’s rich and famous. It’s an absolute treat of an interview… en...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 19 min
In this Q and A episode The Two Matts discuss whether the blood scandal will be forgotten in the mayhem of the election, if bosses will take more responsibility for company failings in the wake of Paula Vennell's inquiry breakdown, and does Rishi have another job to go to? If you'd like to get a question in to The Two Matt's email 2matts@tnepublishing.com You can subscribe to The New European here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
May 26, 2024•34 min
The Matts are joined by author and journalist Caitlin Moran to talk about men and the manisphere. What can men learn from the progress women made with feminism? It’s a broad spectrum conversation veering from pornography to football, from the benefits of banter to why so many men are so bad at friendships. Also - is the new play Boys From The Blackstuff a match for the brilliant 80s Alan Bleasdale television series? The Matts have a night out at the theatre and find out. Caitlin Moran: What Abou...
May 24, 2024•55 min
Special bonus podcast on this week's big story ... no, not Paula Vennell's disgrace in the Post Office Scandal ... no, not the Infected Blood scandal ... no, not the huge upswing in migrants crossing the channel ... not the news that mortgage rate cuts will be delayed until August, nor the news that the Rwanda flights will probably never happen... it's the big news that Rishi Sunak has decided that everything's getting better and decided now is the time to hold a General Election. The Matts are ...
May 23, 2024•31 min
In this Sunday Q&A episode the two Matts take on your questions on compulsory voting, online voting, Article 7 and more on the Elphicke defection. Get your questions in to 2matts@tnepublishing.com You can subscribe to The New European here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19, 2024•42 min
Not only was Rishi Sunak’s election campaign salvo this week one of the laziest, divisive and incoherent collections of gaslighting gibberish in recent political history - it was littered throughout with misleading suggestions and basic untruths. The Matts do a bit of fact checking on our dear leader’s latest spell behind baby’s first lectern. Also… a day out at the Sir Harry Evans Summit on investigative journalism inspires the Matts and provokes questions on how can the media do better. Get a ...
May 17, 2024•55 min
'Potential' coalition governments, defections, the Beatles... it's the Q&A that has it all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12, 2024•37 min
Who would have predicted the extent to which the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 would have changed the world to such a degree, in such a short time? The Matts debate their differences in a conversation that lays bare the tragic complexity of a crisis spreading division throughout the world. It’s a difficult listen - and all the better for it. Also - the Matts relish the new Withnail and I stage play and pay tribute to the late great Bernard Hill. Go ‘ed.. gizza listen! Hosted on Acast. See ...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In this Sunday Q&A episode the two Matts explore whether a potential Starmer government bodes well for GB/EU relations, if we should be worried about a 2nd term of Trump and Matt Kelly responds to his criticism of the last night of the Proms. Thanks for all of your questions. You can leave them on Spotify or email 2matts@tnepublishing.com Trump in Time: https://time.com/6972021/donald-trump-2024-election-interview/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 05, 2024•41 min
Sunak is isolated and facing certain defeat in a General Election as this week’s local results make clear. What is left for the embattled PM as he states catastrophe in the face? Should he go to the country now, or tough it out even as his own party plots against him? And what of Starmer… how much of this week’s election results is down to his political brilliance or the political incompetence of his opposite number? All this and more as the Matts dissect the agitated state of British politics t...
May 03, 2024•50 min
In this Sunday Q&A edition of The Two Matts, the pair try to your questions on everything from Rishi's Rwanda Bill to Sam Smith and whether a new legal age needs to be set, to buy the Daily Mail. Subscribe to The New European today! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 28, 2024•33 min
What is England? What is Englishness? The Matts are joined by Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears, authors of a fascinating new deep dive into the question of nationalism, called England - Seven Myths That Changed A Country And How To Set Them Straight. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on their journey from Runnymede to Hull via Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Oxford, Blackpool and Greenwich to discover the real England. Enjoy! Subscribe to The Two Matts: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acas...
Apr 26, 2024•50 min
