Politics Uncensored

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Politics Uncensored gives you the news that matters. With unfiltered analysis and debate from leading politicians, journalists and experts, this show removes the political fluff to offer an honest and uncensored look at how Westminster really works.  

  1. 5d ago

    Why Burnham needs to tap into the politics of happiness. Plus: How can we ease the pressure on our prison system?

    The Week Unwrapped Voters head to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea by-election Voters are heading to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea for perhaps the weirdest by-election in a generation. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his seat last month following scrutiny over his financial support. He said he hoped that the vote would silence his critics and prove he has a mandate with voters. And a record 34 candidates are standing, presenting voters with the longest ballot paper in history. Zoë and Ali discuss what they think might happen. Trump confirms he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible Iran threat Donald Trump confirmed this week that he secretly swapped planes after leaving a Nato summit in Turkey, due to a possible Iranian assassination threat. The Washington Post revealed that after publicly boarding Air Force One, the US President was covertly smuggled onto a catering truck and then moved to a different military aircraft. Meanwhile, over 100 aides, officials and reporters remained on the flight, raising questions about whether he knowingly put them at risk. Zoë and Ali question the unprecedented move. Reform UK Tells Its Activists ‘Don’t Drink and Tweet’ Leaked training videos reveal Reform UK is warning its activists not to ‘drink and tweet’ and to treat ‘every social media post like a press release’ because, as the materials say, its own members are the "biggest threat to Reform." According to the Byline Times, the videos also appear to tell canvassers to ignore "no junk mail" signs and leaflet houses anyway. They're also told to avoid wearing any party branding while doing so, to stay "unidentifiable." Zoë and Ali analyse what this says about the credibility of Reform’s activists. Andy Burnham’s Cost of Living Tour  Andy Burnham is back from his holiday, and this week he’s been touring the UK as part of his plan to “bring back hope” to every postcode. One of the problems he wants to tackle is the state of Britain’s high streets. Burnham has pledged to give local councils more power to stop betting shops and vape shops from “taking over”. Zoë and Ali unpack the changing face of the highstreet and why the new PM needs to tap into the politics of happiness. They also discuss the government's lack of action on the climate crisis so far. Can the government ease prison overcrowding without risking public safety? Andy Burnham's move to pause early prisoner releases has sparked backlash from police and the family of PC Andrew Harper, whose killers are due out in January. Shortly after becoming PM, Burnham announced that people convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming offences would be exempt from early release - but manslaughter convictions were not included. The government is set to release 5,000 offenders later this year to create space in overcrowded prisons. Meanwhile, Reform UK says it would tackle overcrowding by sending foreign offenders abroad to serve their sentences. With prisons already close to capacity, and ministers warning they could run out of space as soon as November, how will the government balance the need to relieve pressure on the prison system without compromising public safety? Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors, a justice reform charity, joins us to tell us more. Guest: Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors Producer: Monica Lillis

  2. Aug 7

    “Nigel Farage Is MORE Right-Wing Than Rupert Lowe” – The Ceuta Crisis and the Divided British Right

    The Week Unwrapped Bev Craig wins in Greater ManchesterLabour has won a decisive victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral election, with Bev Craig securing a strong result to succeed Andy Burnham. Zoë and Ali unpack what this means for Burnham’s premiership and why the scale of Labour’s win could be an important sign that voters are willing to give the party another chance.  Jeremy Clarkson’s welfare solution?Jeremy Clarkson has offered his answer to Britain’s welfare crisis, suggesting in the Sunday Times, that unemployed young people claiming benefits should be made to write weekly letters thanking taxpayers for funding them. Zoë and Ali discuss why they think the proposal is insulting to disabled people and fails to recognise the wider problems facing young people trying to find work.  Infantino or Autocrat?We’re dabbling in football again this week...Gianni Infantino is set to remain as FIFA president despite growing criticism of his leadership, including scrutiny over a now-shelved plan involving private investment in FIFA competitions. Some critics of Infantino say he is turning the organisation into a dictatorship, but just how authoritarian does he sound? Zoë and Ali play a game of “Infantino or Autocrat” and attempt to work out whether a series of increasingly bizarre quotes came from the FIFA president or a historical dictator. The Migration Crisis in Ceuta Last week, more than 70,000 unauthorised migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, creating the latest flashpoint in Europe’s migration debate. Zoë and Ali are joined by independent journalist Jack Hadfield to discuss what happened. They also challenge his claims about the criminal backgrounds of migrants and examine how Reform UK has responded to the crisis, including its plans to use the Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings. Jack also gives us his take on the division on the British right and why he thinks Nigel Farage is more right wing than Rupert Lowe. What will US-UK ties look like under Burnham? Ed Miliband has travelled to Washington to meet his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio, in what was seen as an opportunity to reset relations with an administration that has previously been sceptical of him. Zoë and Ali discuss the meeting, the awkward moment when Miliband was asked about his previous comments describing Donald Trump as a racist and misogynist, and what the encounter tells us about the future of the UK-US relationship under Andy Burnham’s government. Guest: Jack Hadfield, Independent journalist. You can find him on X here Producer: Monica Lillis

  3. Jul 31

    How long will the ‘Burnham Bounce' last?

    The Week Unwrapped Rejoin EU, say two thirds of Londoners  A new poll by a team at Queen Mary University of London, has found that more than 65% of Londoners would vote to rejoin the European Union if a referendum was held 'tomorrow'. The survey also found the figure was even higher amongst young adults ages 18-35. Zoë and Ali unpack why they think this figure is quite low in reality as well as the regional and age-group divisions on Brexit. Reform UK reports Zack Polanski to police over guillotine T-shirt post Earlier this week, Reform UK reported Green Party leader Zack Polanski to the police, after he shared what Nigel Farage called an “inciteful post” on Instagram. Polanski re-shared a collection of photos on the social media platform including one of a man wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “We’re only making plans for Nigel” accompanied by an image of a guillotine. The police have said they are taking no further action, and The Green Party leader has so far refused to apologise. This all comes at a time around heightened fears for the security of politicians following the murder of Reform UK Spokesperson, Ann Widdecome. Zoë and Ali discuss why they believe it would benefit Polanski to apologise and the significance of digital communications and social media strategy in politics. Count Binface reveals his manifesto for Clacton-on-sea by-election Another update from the Clacton-on-Sea by-election…Nigel Farage’s main rival, Count Binface, has revealed his full manifesto ahead of the vote next month. Some of his pledges include capping the cost of 99 Flake ice-creams to 99p, building at least one affordable house and a windfall tax on cosy crime novels ‘written’ by celebrities. Zoë and Ali tell us why they think the ice-cream issue is more important than some might think.  The Burnham Bounce It's only Andy Burnham’s second week as Prime Minister, but it looks like the public are liking what they see. Earlier this week, Labour overtook Reform UK in a voter intention poll for the first time in over a year. It’s being dubbed as ‘The Burnham Bounce’ but how long will the momentum behind the new PM last? Zoë and Ali unpack the wider context including why weeks of bad headlines for Reform UK and Greens might be contributing to Labour’s revived popularity. After that, Burnham’s policy blitz this week includes reform on education and social care - Zoë and Ali analyse why these changes could be so significant for the country.  After the break, Zoë and Ali discuss the challenge of climate change for the new Prime Minister. Record-breaking temperatures, drought and wildfires here in the UK, mean that environmental policy is more important than ever. However, with plans for oil drilling in the North Sea set to go ahead, will our new leader take it seriously enough? Producer: Monica Lillis

  4. Jul 23

    “A Desperate Move?” Ben Habib on Farage’s Future. Plus: The Burnham Era Begins

    The Week Unwrapped: Andy Burnham is the UK’s latest Prime Minister We start with the biggest political story of the week. On Monday, Andy Burnham officially became the UK’s fifth Prime Minister in four years. This comes just over a month after he was elected as MP for Makerfield. Zoë and Ali unpack what they made of his first speech outside Downing Street.  Mamdani says he lacks legal power to arrest Netanyahu From a former mayor to a current one. Since campaigning for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani has promised to honour an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, if he were to ever show up in the city. However, in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, Mamdani conceded that he won’t be able to do so without federal government help. Zoë and Ali discuss Mamdani’s popularity, why he didn’t have this particular legal power and the effectiveness of using your words in politics. Trump backs Gianni Infantino to be next UN boss Although the World Cup is over, Trump’s friendship with the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino seems to be going strong. Earlier this week, the US President said that Infantino would be his pick to be the next head of the United Nations. He told the New York Post that the football administrator was “respected by everyone around the world", and "recognises he has a special ability to bring people together”. Ben Habib on Nigel Farage and the upcoming Clacton by-election Nigel Farage will face a record 33 opponents in the contest he triggered after resigning his seat, citing parliamentary and media scrutiny of his financial affairs. The number of candidates is thought to be the largest in a modern UK by-election, featuring 20 independents and a number of joke contenders. However, with the main Westminster parties not fielding candidates, and questions being asked about the level of support in the constituency, what could this all mean for Nigel Farage and Reform UK? Ben Habib, former MEP, Brexiteer and current Chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee joins us to share his thoughts. He tells us why he thinks the move from Farage was “desperate” and discusses the Reform UK leader’s need for media attention. Habib also speaks about his own affiliation with Restore Britain and where he’s drawing the line.  What will Andy Burnham’s Britain look Like? We continue with our top story. Andy Burnham has officially become the UK's fifth Prime Minister in four years. Since taking office on Monday, Burnham has announced his first Cabinet appointments and outlined his initial policy priorities, including a pledge to end rough sleeping, cut VAT on energy bills and pause the early prisoner release scheme. It's been a busy first few days in office, but what do these early decisions tell us about the direction of his government? Zoë and Ali discuss his first policy moves and what they make of his communication style.  Guest: Ben Habib, Former MEP, Brexiteer and current chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee. You can find him on ‘X’ here.  Producer: Monica Lillis

  5. Jul 16

    The most unpopular Prime Minister in modern history? Keir Starmer's legacy

    No Ali in the studio this week, but joining us to discuss the latest is Ros Taylor, writer, journalist and broadcaster. The Week Unwrapped: Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe, dies Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in South West England on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. A man in his twenties has been arrested, and counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation. The authorities say the alleged murder was a targeted attack, and are looking into a possible leftwing motivation.  Her death has reignited debate over the safety and security of politicians in this country. Zoë and Ros unpack the shocking news, the media reaction to her death and what it tells us about society.  Green MP Hannah Spencer to introduce bill on maximum workplace temperatures Record breaking temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves here in the UK have renewed calls for stronger action on climate adaptation. One of those is maximum workplace temperatures, which Green MP Hannah Spencer is planning to introduce to Parliament. If passed, the legislation will create an independent body to recommend safe temperatures to work in, and set out guidance on how employers should implement them. Zoë and Ros discuss how difficult it is to work in the heat, the importance of climate adaptation and how businesses might be able to adapt. Australia’s teen social media ban struggles to clear age-verification hurdle, study finds Last year, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from using social media. But a new study suggests enforcing that ban may be harder than expected. Researchers from testing firm KJR found that several major platforms weren't asking for proof of age when they created test accounts claiming to be 16, raising fresh questions about whether current age-verification technology is fit for purpose. Zoë and Ros analyse why these new laws aren’t working. Keir Starmer’s Best Moments Keir Starmer will formally resign as Prime Minister on Monday, after just two years in office. Despite a landslide election win and an end to 14 years of Conservative rule, his time in Downing Street was overshadowed by economic pressures, internal divisions and flailing public support. But was his record more successful than many people give him credit for? Zoë and Ros look back on some of the things he got right including on immigration, progress in the NHS and renewable energy. Keir Starmer’s Worst Moments Despite a string of wins, Keir Starmer never managed to win the hearts of the public. Opinion polls suggested he was the most unpopular Prime Minister in modern history. So, where did it all go wrong? Zoë and Ros reflect on what Starmer could have done better, including his communication style and multiple policy U-turns. Guest: Ros Taylor, Writer, Journalist and Broadcaster. You can find her on X here.   Producer: Monica Lillis

  6. Jul 9

    The Battle For Clacton: Farage vs Count Binface

    The Week Unwrapped Farage Resigns: First Reactions Another big week in British politics. Nigel Farage announced he will stand down as MP for Clacton. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of his finances. Earlier this week, The Times reported that Farage had failed to declare benefits, including staff and security, provided by his long-time ally George Cottrell. Farage is already under investigation by the Parliament standards commissioner over an alleged failure to register a £5 million gift from a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency billionaire. Since Farage’s announcement, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting in the Clacton by-election. Zoë and Ali discuss what they made of his resignation speech, whether it was the right decision for the main parties not to stand, and his main challenger: Count Binface. Trump’s Red Card Intervention  Heading across the pond now, where the FIFA World Cup and politics have become intertwined once again this week. One of the USA's star players had his one-match suspension, following a red card, overturned by FIFA after intervention from President Donald Trump. The decision has raised questions about the relationship between football’s governing bodies and political leaders, with critics questioning whether the president’s intervention crossed a line. Ali and Zoë unpack the backlash, and discuss why they think this World Cup has been particularly bad for FIFA’s reputation.  Voting Intention by Taste in Pop Music A new survey by polling company More in Common suggests your playlist might reveal more about your politics than you think. According to the results, Reform UK voters are most likely to be Dua Lipa fans, One Direction tops the charts for Conservative supporters, while Chappell Roan is the artist of choice for Green Party voters. Ali and Zoë try to make sense of the new figures.  Farage’s Resignation Gamble Back to the top political story of the week….Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP for Clacton. Ellie Hodges, political journalist & commentator joins the show to unpack why, in her view, Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election was an important move and why she believes the ‘establishment’ media are against the Reform UK leader.  Nato Summit: Key Takeaways This week saw dozens of world leaders gather in Turkey for this year’s NATO summit. The meeting comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, with the war in Ukraine showing no signs of ending and tensions continuing to rise in the Middle East.  There is also growing pressure from Donald Trump for NATO allies to shoulder more of the burden on defence spending. Kateryna Lisunova, a Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media adviser with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, joins us to unpack the key moments. Guests:  Ellie Hodges, Political Commentator and Journalist. You can find her on X here. Kateryna Lisunova, Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media advisor with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine. You can find her on X here. Producer:  Monica Lillis

  7. Jul 2

    Will Burnham make us trust in politics again? Plus: Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan

    The Week Unwrapped: US-UK drug deal could result in 229,000 excess deaths in England, analysis suggests A pharmaceutical trade deal between the UK and the US could lead to more than 200,000 avoidable deaths over the next decade, according to new analysis by the British Medical Journal. The agreement, struck last December, removed tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports to the US but committed the NHS to higher spending on branded medicines. This could now see around £45 billion diverted away from NHS care towards purchasing new drugs.  While ministers called it a “landmark deal”, critics say it amounts to “pacifying Donald Trump and big pharma’s demand for higher medicine prices.” Zoë and Ali unpack the pressure on the UK government from Donald Trump and the impact of Brexit on the pharmaceutical market.  Refugees would be told to repay around £10,000 under new asylum bill Asylum seekers will be required to repay up to £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under new government plans. The scheme, part of a revised Immigration and Asylum Bill introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, aims to recoup the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels, HMOs and other accommodation. But critics say it will push the immigration system in a more restrictive direction. Zoë and Ali discuss why this legislation might be considered cruel and the government’s shifting messaging towards immigration.  250 years of American Independence  This Saturday marks 250 years since the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence. But celebrations of the milestone have become politically divided. Congress created the bipartisan America250 Commission in 2016 to plan the anniversary. But upon returning to office last year, President Trump launched a rival organisation, Freedom 250. This weekend, the two groups are hosting separate celebrations: a Trump-led rally in Washington, D.C., while America250 is holding a concert in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah. Zoë and Ali explore the political divisions and issues that the relatively young country continues to face. Plus: Breaking news whilst we were on air: Keir Starmer has passed emergency legislation to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico! Let’s hope for celebrations, not commiserations! Burnham sets out Westminster Devolution vision On Monday, Prime Minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, delivered his first major policy speech since winning the Makerfield by-election.  Speaking at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, the former Mayor of the city set out his plans for the country if he becomes Prime Minister. His offer to the public centres on a major transfer of power from Westminster to local communities. Other pledges include reforming utilities, reindustrialisation, and a major push to build council housing. Burnham is on course to take over from Keir Starmer in just over two weeks’ time - but do his policies hold up? Zoë and Ali give their first impressions of Burnham’s speech, what ‘Manchester-ism’ might look like in practice and how he might get people to trust in politics again. Starmer unveils Defence Investment Plan  On Wednesday, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled his long-delayed Defence Investment Plan to the public. The plan sets out the UK’s defence budget, including targets for key weapons programmes. Since the resignation of defence secretary John Healey last month, the plan has been revised and extra spending over the next four years has increased to £15 billion.  However, the plan is already becoming a political headache. Critics say it still falls well short of what is required and questions still remain over how it will be funded. Mason Boycott-Owen, Politico’s UK Defence Reporter, joins us to talk through what the deal entails, why defence is an increasing priority for the UK and the so-called black hole in funding that this will leave for Andy Burnham if he becomes PM.  Guest: Mason Boycott Owen, UK Defence Reporter. You can find his most recent work here and follow him on ‘X’ here. Producer: Monica Lillis

  8. Jun 25

    Will Andy Burnham be the UK’s next Prime Minister?

    In this special edition of Politics Uncensored, we discuss why Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister. Plus, with Andy Burnham looking like the next person to take the role, we talk through an exclusive archive interview to get an idea of what his policies could be.  The Week Unwrapped:  Keir Starmer Steps Down as Prime Minister After months of mounting pressure, Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister on Monday after just 23 months in office. Andy Burnham has now confirmed that he will stand in the Labour leadership contest following his dramatic victory in the Makerfield by-election. With support reportedly growing among Labour MPs and senior ministers, many now believe he is on course to become Britain's next Prime Minister. Ali and Zoë unpack what they made of Starmer’s resignation speech and what they think might happen next. King Charles Reveals Personal Tax Bill King Charles has become Britain’s first monarch in modern times to reveal his personal tax bill. His tax payments were shared on Thursday, showing the figures covering the 2024-25 financial year. Buckingham Palace said the move was part of a modernising drive for greater transparency. Zoë and Ali discuss how unusual this move is and how much impact this will have on public opinion of the Royal Family. Sturgeon and Gove to Team Up for Reality TV ‘War Game’ This week, Sky announced a new reality television series, The War Game, which will see a host of political figures simulate a response to a Russian attack on the UK. Its main stars are ex-Conservative minister Michael Gove and former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, who will serve as PM and Deputy PM respectively. Zoë reveals to Ali her role in the upcoming programme! The pair also unpack what they think about political reality shows.  Why Did Keir Starmer Resign?  We continue with the big story of the week - Keir Starmer’s resignation and what’s next for the Labour Party. John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor, joined Zoë and Ali to discuss where Starmer went wrong and why he had to step down. What Would an Andy Burnham Premiership Look Like? Everything is pointing to Andy Burnham becoming the next Prime Minister. On Tuesday, he held a private meeting with Keir Starmer and cabinet ministers have been calling for a swift transition.  Ahead of the 2015 Labour leadership election - which Burnham ultimately lost - FUBAR spoke to him about the key issues he wanted to tackle if he became leader. We revisit this exclusive archive interview with MP John McDonnell to try and discern what Burnham’s policies could be. Guest: John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington. You can find him on 'X' here. Producer: Monica Lillis

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About

Politics Uncensored gives you the news that matters. With unfiltered analysis and debate from leading politicians, journalists and experts, this show removes the political fluff to offer an honest and uncensored look at how Westminster really works.  

Information

  • Creator
    Fubar Radio
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © @ Fubar Radio Ltd. 2023
  • Show Website
    Politics Uncensored