Melissa Benn

Melissa Benn, author and political commentator, and daughter of the late Tony Benn, discusses the implications of Trump's tariffs and their impact on the UK economy. She reflects on her father's lasting influence in today's political landscape and critiques the Labour Party's new education bill, labeled 'an act of vandalism' by Kemi Badenoch. The conversation also touches on human rights issues, including Israel's treatment of Labour MPs and the urgent need for accountability in global politics. Thought-provoking and timely, this dialogue navigates complex contemporary challenges.

Andy Beckett, journalist and historian who maps Labour’s mavericks. Melissa Benn, writer and activist carrying Tony Benn’s legacy. They discuss the Labour left’s long influence, tensions with Starmer’s direction, whether cooperation or rupture is likeliest, prospects for a new left party, communication and organisation challenges, and how inequality, electoral reform and local action shape future politics.

Fraser Nelson, Editor of The Spectator, debates the taxation of private school fees, arguing for maintaining their financial privileges. In contrast, Ash Sarkar, a contributing editor at Novara Media, and Melissa Benn, a writer and campaigner, advocate for a comprehensive school system, highlighting the inequalities perpetuated by enhanced funding for private schools. They discuss the societal implications of VAT on private education, the need for equitable funding for public schools, and the emotional toll on families amidst the funding disparities.