Centre Think Tank in conversation

Centre Think Tank
  • 5.0 (1)
  • POLITICS
  • MONTHLY

Centre Think Tank in Conversation is hosted by Torrin Wilkins and Centre Think Tank. It includes interviews with a wide variety of politicians, academics, and activists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/12/2025

    Michael Ignatieff interview

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Michael Ignatieff, who is the former Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and a professor of history at Central European University. Their discussion covered his leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada as a centrist and moderate, the nature of centrism, and the challenges facing modern liberal democracy. They looked at the future of centrist and liberal politics in Canada, the UK, and across liberal democracies. Michael reflected on his 2011 election defeat, the pressures of campaigning from the political centre, and the difficulty of campaigning in an election with two strong contenders on the left and right of politics. The conversation also looked at how figures such as Rob Jetten and Mark Carney have been successful in creating bold proposals whilst standing on a centrist platform. They also look at the deeper structural problems affecting liberal democracy, including the rise of populism and the failures of over-centralisation. Michael argues that centrists must confront bureaucratic inefficiencies and address legitimacy deficits caused by rapid social change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  2. 27/03/2025

    Sonia Kumar MP interview

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Sonia Kumar, the Member of Parliament for Dudley since 2024, who previously worked within the NHS. Their discussion covered how we can fix the NHS, moving the NHS further towards the use of AI and digital, the vital role of physiotherapists in tackling musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, and the need for increased investment in this area, the assisted dying bill, protecting our economy, and supporting small businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

  3. 17/03/2025

    Baroness Ritchie interview

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Baroness Ritchie, the former Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and a Labour Member of the House of Lords. She is also the Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, a former Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Minister for Social Development, and a former Member of Parliament for South Down. Their discussion covered the future of peace in Northern Ireland and the future of devolution. They also spoke about the education system in Northern Ireland, the impact of Brexit, the veto within the Assembly, and replacing the role of First Minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  4. 13/12/2024

    Sinéad McLaughlin MLA interview

    In this interview, we spoke to Sinéad McLaughlin, MLA. She serves as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Foyle and is the Social Democratic and Labour Party spokesperson on Jobs, the Economy, and Justice. The discussion included how to fix the justice system in Northern Ireland, rejoin the single market, and the status of Irish Gaelic in Northern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  5. 13/12/2024

    Mari Burton interview

    In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to Mari Burton. She is the National Campaign Manager for the National Education Union, co-host of the National Education Union Podcast, and a former history teacher. Their discussion covered the No Child Left Behind campaign, which supports free school meals for all students, and how this has already been implemented in London. They also discuss how this impacts students from families with a lower income and how hunger can affect learning at school. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min

  6. 23/07/2024

    Lord Kinnock interview

    In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor and Torrin Wilkins speak to Neil Kinnock. Their discussion covered his time in politics, how his views on devolution have evolved, his support for Proportional Representation, and how he ended up appearing in the “My Guy” music video with Tracey Ullman. He was Leader of the Opposition and Labour Leader during the 1987 election against Margaret Thatcher and the 1992 election against John Major. Neil then served in numerous positions within the European Union. These include as the European Commissioner for Transport, the European Commissioner for Administrative Reform, and the Vice-President of the European Commission. He is now a Member of the House of Lords and a supporter of Centre Think Tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  7. 27/06/2024

    Yair Zivan interview

    In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to Yair Zivan, former advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, of the centrist Yesh Atid party. Their discussion covered what centrism means and his new book, “The Centre Must Hold”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  8. 15/04/2024

    John Bowers KC interview

    In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to John Bowers KC, the Principal of Brasenose College at Oxford University. Their discussion covered standards in politics and his new book, “Downward Spiral: Collapsing Public Standards and How to Restore Them.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
See All (33)

About

Centre Think Tank in Conversation is hosted by Torrin Wilkins and Centre Think Tank. It includes interviews with a wide variety of politicians, academics, and activists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information