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Parliament, the Monarch & the birth of party politics — How did it happen?
Season 1 Episode 113
As Britain’s modern party system frays, we rewind 300+ years to Queen Anne’s reign to trace the messy, very human birth of Britain’s party politics in conversation with historian George Owers, author…
Published on 10 hours ago
Why did Nigel Farage’s Ten Minute Rule Bill fail?
Season 1 Episode 112
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage made headlines this week with his attempt to introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill to take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights. The proposal was swiftly de…
Published on 1 week ago
Parliament vs. Prince Andrew
Season 1 Episode 111
This week, we explore how far Parliament can go in holding members of the Royal Family to account, as pressure grows for MPs to scrutinise Prince Andrew’s finances and royal titles. We ask whether Ni…
Published on 2 weeks ago
Parliament’s spying scandal: Why was the China case dropped?
Season 1 Episode 110
It’s been an extraordinary week in Westminster, with three separate ministerial statements to the Commons on the China spying case. To make sense of the confusion, Ruth and Mark are joined by Profess…
Published on 3 weeks ago
Former Prime Ministers: The role of Parliament in life after No 10
Season 1 Episode 109
In this episode, we speak with Peter Just, author of a new book, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street. Peter explores how Thatcher reinvented herself after her departure to maintain her statu…
Published on 1 month ago
What are the Usual Channels? A short history of Westminster whipping
Season 1 Episode 108
In this episode, we talk to political journalist Seb Whale about his new book The Usual Channels, which reveals the hidden world of Westminster’s whips. Seb charts how party discipline has evolved – …
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago
Assisted dying bill: Peers give the bill a Second Reading, but progress is paused for committee evidence
Season 1 Episode 107
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has cleared another key hurdle: it was given a Second Reading in the House of Lords without a formal vote. But Peers have agreed to set up a special selec…
Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Assisted dying bill: The bill makes its debut in the House of Lords
Season 1 Episode 106
As Peers embark on a marathon two-day Second Reading debate on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – the measure that would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales – we are joined by fo…
Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Is Parliament at the root of the country’s problems?
Season 1 Episode 105
Does Parliament itself lie at the root of some of Britain’s political and economic difficulties? Lord Goodman argues that it does and so makes the case for urgent parliamentary reform. This week we a…
Published on 2 months ago
Prime Minister’s Questions: Westminster’s weekly gladiatorial combat
Season 1 Episode 104
Every Wednesday at noon, the House of Commons chamber comes alive with Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), the loudest, most theatrical half-hour in British politics. To some it’s democratic accountab…
Published on 2 months, 1 week ago