Politics Uncensored

Fubar Radio
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Jun 18

    Who Wants to Be a Trillionaire? Plus: Starmer's Social Media Ban

    Ali hosts from Makerfield for the last time before the by-election. He’s joined by author and historian, Alex von Tunzelmann to unpack the big stories of the week. The Week Unwrapped:  The US and Iran sign a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ -  Just as we thought things in the Middle East were getting boring…The US announced that a framework peace deal with Iran has been reached, bringing the 15 week conflict to a tentative end. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Washington and Tehran, and both parties are set to meet in Switzerland later this week for the initial talks. Ali and Alex discuss whether the US has achieved its foreign policy goal, how Iran will fare from the deal and the reaction from Israel. Ban on Palestine Action was lawful, court of appeal rules On Monday, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is lawful. Earlier this year, the High Court found the proscription was disproportionate, in a judgment that threatened to undermine hundreds of ongoing criminal prosecutions. That ruling has now been overturned, in a win for the government. Ali and Alex unpack the significance of this and what it means for the right to protest in this country. Voters head to the polls in Makerfield All eyes are on Makerfield as voters head to the polls after weeks of build-up for one of the biggest by-elections this country has seen. Ali and Alex look ahead to what it might mean for the Labour Party if Andy Burnham wins, and what the scenario might be if he doesn’t. Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire  Entrepreneur Elon Musk is the world's first trillionaire. The milestone came over the weekend after the stock market debut of SpaceX, the company behind his rocket launches, satellite internet network and artificial intelligence business. Musk was already the richest person on the planet, but reaching a net worth of $1 trillion marks a new era of affluence. Ali and Alex discuss what this means for Musk’s power and political influence and public attitudes towards extreme wealth.  Keir Starmer announces a ban on social media for under-16’s Earlier this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for the UK to restrict social media access for under-16s. The government says the measures would go further than ‘any country in the world’ to protect children from online harms. The new rules will mean that starting from 2027, young people under-16 would be barred from a range of major platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram.  Cosima Wiltshire, Lead of Strategy and Public Affairs at FlippGen, tells us her thoughts on the ban, how young people have reacted and how the government can make social media a safer place for all.  Guests: Alex von Tunzelmann, Author and Historian. You can find her on Instagram: @alexvontunzelmann  Cosima Wiltshire, Lead of Strategy and Public Affairs at FlippGen. You can find her on Instagram: @cosimawiltshire Producer:  Monica Lillis

  6. Jun 11

    The UK Defence Secretary Resigns. Plus: Violence in Belfast and Albania’s Backlash Against a Jared Kushner Backed Hotel Development

    The Week Unwrapped  What’s next for the war in the Middle East? Hopes for a truce in the Middle East are fading, as the United States launched a second round of airstrikes into Iran on Thursday morning. The attacks were launched after the downing of an American helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting the US’s allies in the Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday night that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalling peace negotiations. Zoë and Ali discuss what these breaches mean for peace, whether it is turning into a long-term war, and what the cost is domestically for Donald Trump. Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over military spending plans Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from Keir Starmer’s government over military spending plans. In a letter to the PM on Thursday, he says the defence investment plan "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time" and that he had no choice but to stand down. Zoë and Ali unpack why this comes as a surprise and what this significant move means for Keir Starmer’s future.  One week to go until the Makerfield By-election Ali is in Makerfield again this week, so he brings us the latest from the constituency ahead of the consequential by-election. Ali also tells us about the mood locally, why he thinks it is going to be a tight race and why he is concerned about the rise of the right-wing Restore Britain. Violence breaks out in Belfast after protests over a knife attack Earlier this week, footage was widely circulated on social media of a serious knife attack in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Authorities say the suspect is a Sudanese refugee, a detail that has fuelled anti-immigration protests. Some were peaceful, but others descended into violence. Demonstrators have set fire to vehicles and buildings, largely in Belfast, with residents reporting that many of those targeted were people of colour.  The unrest comes as anger over the fatal stabbing of Southampton student Henry Nowak remains raw. While the two cases are unrelated, both have sparked protests and renewed debate around immigration and asylum in the UK.  Zoë and Ali unpack why this is more than an immigration issue, how this casts light on increasing racist rhetoric in the UK and the role of social media.  Albania’s Flamingo Revolution: Jared Kushner’s hotel development sparks fierce backlash To Albania now, where thousands of people have taken to the streets of the capital, Tirana, to protest a multi-billion-dollar development linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump. Plans for a 10,000-room luxury resort complex on the former military outpost of Sazan Island, alongside a development near the neighbouring Vjosa-Narta Lagoon, a protected stretch of Albania's coastline, have sparked opposition. Albania's government is backing the investment and appears determined to push ahead.  Una Hajdari, Politico Europe contributor and Balkans expert joins us to explain the political difficulty of the project, why Albanians are so angry and what this might mean for the country’s future. Guest: Una Hajdari, Politico Europe contributor and Balkans expert. You can find Una on X here.  Producer: Monica Lillis

  7. Jun 4

    Footage of Henry Nowak’s murder sparks national outrage. Plus: The rising level of youth unemployment

    On this edition, body-cam footage of 18 year old Henry Nowak’s death in police custody has sparked division and outrage - we’ll unpack the latest. And later on we’ll find out why so many young people are out of work right now.  The Week Unwrapped:  Two weeks to go until the Makerfield by-election: Ali is in Makerfield again this week ahead of the consequential by-election on 18th June which could determine the future of leadership in Britain. Ali tells Zoë about the mood on the ground, what the polls are saying right now and the scrutiny that the Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon, is under. Hungary set to be the first EU country to introduce a wealth tax  In April, long-term far right leader, Viktor Orban, was ousted from government and lost his 16 year grip on power. His replacement, Péter Magyar, won his campaign on the promise that he would crack down on corruption, funneling funds towards public services. And it seems he will be delivering on that promise - with his centre-right Tisza party expected to announce a wealth tax in the coming days. Zoë and Ali discuss how this originally left-wing policy has become mainstream, whether this feeling will spread across Europe and whether it will work in practice.  The second set of Mandelson files are released  A second set of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s time as UK ambassador to the US were released on Monday. The documents were published in an attempt to reveal what ministers know about Mandelson’s links to Epstein, but it seems we have been left with more questions than answers. Zoë and Ali unpick why this slow drip of new information will continue to make the public lose faith in the current administration.  Murder of Henry Nowak sparks identity politics row The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sent shockwaves across the UK. Last year, the Southampton student was handcuffed after killer Vickrum Digwa falsely claimed to police that Nowak had racially abused him. In reality, Digwa had stabbed Nowak five times with a blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith. Footage released this week shows Nowak pleading with officers that he'd been stabbed, one officer dismissed him. Nowak died shortly after. The case has sparked fierce political debate. Critics, including Nigel Farage and Elon Musk say the tragedy highlights two-tier policing, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Farage of "exploiting tragedy to create grievance and division". Zoë and Ali consider the importance of centering his family in the discussions, how certain figures are using this as a political tool and the Right-wing’s changing views towards the police.  Why are so many young people out of work in the UK? A new report released by the government last week says that one million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) - the highest level in more than a decade. The report’s author, Alan Milburn, outlined that career opportunities for young people are “not growing, they’re shrinking” and warned that “we are at risk of a lost generation.”  So why are so many people currently out of work? Dani Payne, Head of Education and Social Mobility at the Social Market Foundation joins us to dispel the myths of the ‘snowflake generation.’ She tells us about the factors that have led to such a high level of youth unemployment, the death of the ‘Saturday job’ and what the government can do next.  Guest: Dani Payne - You can find her @danihpayne on Instagram and TikTok Producer: Monica Lillis

  8. May 28

    The UK’s growing heatwave problem. Plus: Would a social media ban actually work?

    Ali is presenting from Makerfield today, but he’s joined by Ros Taylor, writer, journalist and podcaster to cover the top stories of the week. The Week Unwrapped: Former SNP Chief, Peter Murrell, Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Party Funds Earlier this week, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of previous first minister Nicola Sturgeon, used illicit party funds to purchase luxury goods including jewellery, two cars and a motorhome. Ros and Ali discuss how the SNP have survived the scandal, whether Sturgeon deserves to be scrutinised and some of Murrell’s questionable purchases.  Robert Kenyon’s Old Social Media Accounts Exposed Last week, Reform UK announced local plumber, Robert Kenyon, as their candidate in the Makerfield by-election. However, several social media accounts linked to Kenyon have come under scrutiny, after a series of historic posts resurfaced online. Some posts attributed to the account appear to express controversial views on issues including Covid vaccines and immigration as well as degrading comments about women and anti-Ukraine sentiment. Ros and Ali question whether Kenyon is right for the role, the vetting process for Reform UK and his refusal to apologise.  Why does every Labour frontbencher have the same haircut? Finally, a recent article by Hannah Camilleri on her Substack ‘Soft Power’ has pointed out an interesting phenomenon in Westminster. She writes that if you cast your eye over the Labour benches at the moment, there is an exceptionally high rate of what has been nicknamed the “Labour Right Bob” From Shabana Mahmood to Rachel Reeves, it seems that plenty of the top women in the Commons all have the same short haircut. Ali and Ros unpack why that might be.  Up Next: Is a Social Media Ban on the Horizon? On Tuesday, the government wrapped up a consultation on whether to impose an Australian-style social media ban for under 16s. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, vowed to take "decisive” action to tackle the impact of social media on children in the UK. This is part of a wider debate about how the government can increase pressure on tech companies over online safety concerns, especially for young people. The Labour party is expected to announce a crackdown within weeks. Ali and Ros unpick the complex debate, what can be done and whether the legislation will actually work. Heatwaves: Should the Government be doing more? The UK has experienced a record breaking heatwave this week. The hottest ever May temperature was recorded on Tuesday in London - 35.1C. This warm weather is, however, a cause for concern. High temperatures have led to deaths, infrastructure failures as well as economic disruption. Scientists expect that heatwaves will happen more often as a result of climate change. So, is the UK doing enough to prepare itself for this shift? Issey Gladston, Climate Journalist and Communications Strategist, joins us to unpack why it’s currently so hot in Europe, the rise of conspiracy theories and why we should frame this as a national security issue.  Guests: Ros Taylor - Writer, Broadcaster and Journalist. You can find her on Bluesky here Issey Gladston - Climate Journalist and Communications strategist. You can find her on Instagram here.  Producer: Monica Lillis

See All (151)

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
    151
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © @ Fubar Radio Ltd. 2023
  • Show Website
    Politics Uncensored

You Might Also Like