16 episodes
John Bercow's Absolute Power The Spontaneity Shop
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5.0 • 17 Ratings
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Deborah Frances-White quizzes former speaker John Bercow about how British democracy really works.
The instruments of power in the UK are often arcane, confusing and bizarre – but understanding how they operate is key to wielding them effectively – and as citizens, we need to be aware of what those in power can and can’t do. With a governing party which is using those instruments more ruthlessly than any government in recent memory, it’s more important than ever to appreciate how we got here and what we can do about it.
Former Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow is an ideal guide through this dense thicket of tradition, legislation, convention and constitution. But rather than giving a lecture, we will present this guide in the form of a conversation between him and Deborah Frances-White.
Familiar from her hit podcast The Guilty Feminist as well as her award-winning BBC Radio 4 show Rolls the Dice and countless other TV and radio appearances, Deborah has a keen interest in human rights and how governments use and abuse their power. But, raised in Australia, and not having spent a career in parliament she – like most people – doesn’t know in detail how a lot of these aspects of government actually work. By asking the questions likely to be in the mind of the audience, she can engage the listeners as they go with her and John on their journey through the corridors of power.
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Bonus episode - Brexit
In the process of making the series, we found one thing came up again and again. BREXIT. In the interest in keeping each episode focussed we realised quickly there wasn’t time to keep all the Brexit related content in but realised that a large behind the scenes chunk of the story was being told. We’ve collected the clips and present them here.
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
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1.10 How to Become an MP
We get to the most important question of all, How does one Become an MP? Is it backstabbing and elbowing? Or is it just stomaching some poorly cooked dinners?
This is the last recording of this series, but next week there will be a bonus outtakes episode touching on one of the most contentious events in modern British history - Brexit.
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
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1.09 The House of Lords
John and Deborah tread through the secret corridors to get to one of the strangest and most misunderstood elements of the British Political system, The House of Lords! What do they do? How are they allowed to still be doing it? Are they worth it, or just born with it?
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
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1.08 Statutory Instruments
Statutory Instruments. What are they and can we trust Priti Patel to weild them on our behalf?
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
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1.07 Backbenchers
John Bercow and Deborah Frances-White go all the way to the back bench to discover how Parliamentary our system really is. What’s the point in staying in the shadows? Why does getting close to the PM’s family not always work out? What do the Backbench hold over the PM?
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
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1.06 The Treasury and the Chancellor
Deborah Frances-White and John Bercow try to determine who does the adding up at the Exchequer and whether the power of the Chancellor lies in expertise in economics or skill at making friends.
Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe’re on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Customer Reviews
Great show on British politics and for Bercow fans
As a long time fan of British politics and a more recent fan of former Speaker Bercow I found this series fascinating, informative and entertaining. So disappointed when I got to the end. I think this series could go on longer with even more detail on the really important aspects of parliamentary life and work. The repartee between the Speaker and his co-host was perfect.
A entertaining and enlightening podcast.
Only two episodes in, this podcast has become a highlight of these last two weeks.