Late Night Live — Full program podcast Ian Dunt's UK, Germany rearms and politicians who dodge questions.
Feb 18, 2026
Ian Dunt, i paper columnist on UK politics and asylum coverage; Michaela Kufner, Deutsche Welle chief political editor on German defence renewal; Toby Ralph, political strategist on spin and media tactics. They discuss Keir Starmer's position, Germany's military rebuild and rearmament timeline, and six clever techniques politicians use to dodge awkward questions.
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Self‑Undermining Strategy In Labour Leadership
- Keir Starmer has alienated broad swathes of his party by targeting internal groups to win right‑leaning votes.
- Ian Dunt argues this strategic purge left him without strong internal supporters and weakened his government’s credibility.
Avoid Symbolic Policies For Headlines
- Do not enact punitive, symbolic policies aimed only at headlines rather than outcomes.
- Ian Dunt warns such measures (like banning taxis for asylum seekers) are moral theatre that fail policy goals.
Cross‑Tribal Moral Accountability Exists
- UK public and media still hold political figures to cross‑tribal moral standards.
- Ian Dunt sees this as a strength compared with the US, where tribalism often blocks accountability.