Quite right! Q&A: Should Starmer go left or right? – and Thimothée Chalemet’s tragédie en musique
Mar 13, 2026
A brisk debate on whether Keir Starmer should pivot left or stay centrist to win trust and credibility. A look at why Canada, Australia and New Zealand are often overlooked despite close ties. A lively defence of opera and ballet, questioning whether they are elitist relics or vital live art with democratic potential.
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Episode notes
Stick To Core Priorities
- Do focus on a small set of core priorities rather than oscillating between left and right.
- Madeline Grant argues Keir Starmer should stop flip-flopping and prove competence on economy, NHS, education and defence to rebuild trust.
Trust Hinges On Security And Spending
- Voter trust requires perceived competence on national security, migration and public spending.
- Michael Gove says centre-left parties lose electability if they cannot be trusted on defence, borders and fiscal prudence.
Trim The State To Core Functions
- Do reduce the state’s peripheral interventions and concentrate resources on core functions.
- Madeline Grant suggests restricting spending, prioritising defence funding, and saying no to many well-meaning lobby demands.