The Black Paper

We Are Griots and SBM Intelligence
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Hosted by Ndukwe Onuoha and Cheta Nwanze, The Black Paper looks at UK politics through the lens of African heritage communities, many of whom are recent migrants.

  1. 4D AGO

    What a week! Murder, migration, and political mayhem.

    Send a text In this episode of The Black Paper, we unpack a series of pressing and interconnected issues: from the realities of gender-based violence and the need for deeper mental health awareness in our communities, to the UK’s tightening visa regime and the resignation of Morgan McSweeney. We also turn our attention outward, examining international politics and the fallout from the release of the Epstein files, and what it reveals about the stark imbalance between how political elites are treated versus ordinary citizens. We close with a forward-looking conversation on the future of the Labour Party and what lies ahead for the UK’s political landscape.

    59 min

  2. JAN 27

    It's giving African politics: Braverman, Burnham, and the Battle for Sudan

    Send us a text On this episode, we move between Sudan and the United Kingdom, examining how current affairs are nothing but echoes of a not-so-distant past. In Sudan, the ongoing crisis exposes the long shadow of colonial legacies, weak civilian institutions, and an inadequate international response, showing how quickly governance collapses when militarised power goes unchecked. In the UK, political defections and the rise of Reform-style politics point to growing fragmentation and instability, as traditional party loyalties break down and the centre struggles to hold. We also interrogate proposals to centralise policing power, questioning whether efficiency comes at the cost of accountability - particularly for racialised communities - and how technology-driven policing risks embedding bias while distancing decision-making from public scrutiny.

    1h 2m

  3. JAN 21

    The beer parlour episode: visas, defections, and AI in the police

    Send us a text Summary Possibly the most chaotic episode of The Black Paper yet. We get into why UK visa applications have fallen off a cliff (and what that actually means for public services), unpack the West Midlands police chief’s AI-fuelled resignation, and chew over the latest political musical chairs as Conservatives defect to Reform. Facts were presented. Opinions were exchanged. Nobody fully agreed. If you enjoy Nigerian-style argumentative non-argument where everyone is right, wrong, and loudly convinced at the same time, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Topics 01:15 Reflections on AFCON and Football Politics 08:10 Political Realignment in the UK 24:48 Visa Applications and Public Services Impact 29:30 AI in Policing and Future Implications 31:17 The Ageing Population and the Welfare State 34:18 Demographic Challenges in Europe vs. Nigeria 36:00 Political Discourse and Leadership Legacies 43:23 Debating the Impact of Nigerian Politicians 01:01:43 Debating Leadership and Historical Context 01:10:47 The Role of AI in Policing 01:21:45 Community Advocacy and Accountability 01:32:28 The Black Paper.mp3

    1h 31m

  4. JAN 13

    Too young for likes: banning social media for under-16s

    Send us a text Summary In this conversation, we focus on two major policy debates shaping everyday life in the UK: the proposed ban on social media for under-16s and the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act. We unpack what youth protection should look like in the digital age, weighing safeguarding, mental health and responsibility against questions of access and enforcement.  We then turn to housing, exploring how the Renters’ Rights Act could bring greater security and stability for renters, strengthen community cohesion, and begin to tackle long-standing discriminatory practices in the private rental sector.  Set against wider reflections on identity, sport and belonging, the conversation connects policy to lived experience and the realities facing our communities. Chapters 00:00 Football and National Identity 09:23 Social Media and Youth Protection 30:41 The Intersection of Tech and Governance 35:41 Renter's Rights Act: A New Era for Tenants 40:18 Community Cohesion and Housing Crisis 48:59 The Role of Technology in Housing Solutions 58:31 The Black Paper.mp3

    59 min
  5. Back like we never left: welcome to the 2026!

    JAN 6

    Back like we never left: welcome to the 2026!

    Send us a text Summary In our first episode of the year, we cast our minds back to what stood out for us in 2025, and what we look forward to in 2026. We also talk Trump, language in politics, and the importance of lobbying for change. Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Unplugging 03:12 Geopolitical Implications of Language 06:07 Cynicism in Immigration Policies 09:05 The Nature of Political Interests 12:06 Reflections on 2025 and Predictions for 2026 29:13 Introduction and Recap of Previous Discussion 30:10 The Rise of Eco-Populism in Politics 32:27 The Labour Party's Identity Crisis 34:17 Youth Voting and Political Awareness 36:21 The Challenges of Democracy 38:30 Immigration and Political Dynamics 40:20 The Future of Political Parties in the UK 42:13 The Americanization of UK Politics 50:23 Emerging Trends in Tech and Community Solutions 54:30 The Black Paper.mp3

    55 min
  6. Health matters: remember, you're not Superman!

    12/16/2025

    Health matters: remember, you're not Superman!

    Send us a text Summary In our last episode of the year, we discuss various themes surrounding health, leadership, and employment, particularly focusing on the cultural attitudes towards health checks in African communities and the challenges faced in the job market in the UK. We highlight the importance of openness regarding health issues, the need for leaders to be transparent about their health, and the impact of cultural beliefs on health-seeking behaviours. We also talk about the latest unemployment figures, the changing job market, and the difficulties faced by job seekers, especially in the care sector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings 02:51 Health and Leadership: A Discussion on Openness 04:15 The Impact of Health Secrecy on Governance 10:15 Cultural Attitudes Towards Health Checks 19:50 The Role of Faith and Community in Health Decisions 26:56 The Struggles of Work-Life Balance 30:09 Unpacking the Job Market 30:37 Unemployment Rates: A Closer Look 33:38 The Care Sector Crisis 36:19 AI's Impact on Employment 41:43 Class and Dignity of Labour 53:28 Health and Resilience in Job Seeking 55:13 The Black Paper.mp3

    55 min
  7. One week, one trouble: Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage for their political lives

    12/09/2025

    One week, one trouble: Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage for their political lives

    Send us a text Summary With political leaders working hard to keep a fresh wave of turmoil at bay, this episode dives into the latest Labour Together polling on Keir Starmer’s leadership and the growing spotlight on Nigel Farage. We unpack how leaders handle crises in real time, the way media narratives can make or break a reputation, and why authenticity has become non‑negotiable for anyone seeking public trust. Our conversation highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and local governance, emphasising the challenges faced by democracies worldwide. Chapters 00:00 Political Turmoil and Coups in Africa 02:24 Leadership Challenges in the UK Labour Party 06:51 The Dark Arts of Politics 10:18 America's National Security Strategy and Global Implications 16:38 Migration, Colonial Legacy, and African Self-Determination 24:43 The Rise and Fall of Nigel Farage 32:30 The Rise of Farage and Political Scrutiny 34:48 Comparisons to Trump: Political Behaviour and Public Perception 36:33 Polling Trends: The Future of Farage and Reform Party 38:20 Authenticity in Politics: The Stammer Challenge 42:21 The Authenticity Factor: Lessons from US Politics 44:31 Misdirection in Politics: Farage's Tactics 48:51 Asylum Seekers and Exploitation: A Controversial Case 57:47 The Black Paper.mp3

    58 min
  8. The price of staying afloat: what the UK budget means for our community

    12/03/2025

    The price of staying afloat: what the UK budget means for our community

    Send us a text Summary This episode explores the recent UK budget, its implications for African heritage communities, and the broader economic landscape. We touch on fiscal policies, tax implications, and the challenges posed by immigration and visa policies. Our conversation also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit within the community and the social implications of the budget, emphasising the need for financial planning and awareness of the changing economic environment. Chapters 00:00 Budget Announcements and Community Implications 26:31 Visa Fees and Immigration Challenges 29:43 Healthcare Sector and Staffing Needs 31:57 Political Continuity and Policy Changes 32:50 Child Benefit Cap and Immigration Paradoxes 35:40 Economic Migration and Family Considerations 40:17 Financial Planning and Professional Advice 42:17 The Black Paper.mp3

    42 min
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About

Hosted by Ndukwe Onuoha and Cheta Nwanze, The Black Paper looks at UK politics through the lens of African heritage communities, many of whom are recent migrants.

Information

  • Creator
    We Are Griots and SBM Intelligence
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Black Paper
  • Show Website
    The Black Paper