Paul Embery

Join journalist Isabel Hardman and trade unionist Paul Embery as they dive into Labour's latest migration policies. Hardman discusses Shabana Mahmood's controversial plan that could push the wait for settled status to 20 years, raising eyebrows about the party's direction. Embery lauds Mahmood's bold moves in light of community pressures, while warning about the challenges of implementation. Together, they explore the concept of Blue Labour, its impact on Labour's strategy, and the party's evolving relationship with working-class voters.

People have always fought back against “The elite”, and until recently they were easily recognisable: rich, privileged and often born into money. Old Etonians, billionaires, oil barons, media tycoons ruled the roost, but there are claims things are changing, and the rise of a new elite is challenging the status quo. Author Matthew Goodwin calls them a group of “radical woke middle-class liberals completely out of step with the public”. University graduates working in creative industries, media and universities, who have an heavy influence over the national conversation about things like immigration, trans rights and sex education, but critics say they don’t represent “ordinary folk”, and as a result communities are feeling unrepresented and left behind. So who is in charge, or is there an unlikely, and unknowing, coalition between the two – the new elite dominating social discourse and cultural discussion, whilst the traditional elite pull the strings of politics and economics? This is the next chapter of the culture wars – but while the pair of them battle it out for supremacy, much of the country struggles on day-to-day watching from the side lines.Presenter: Neil Maggs Producer: Jonathan IAnson Editor: Clare FordhamContributors Matt Goodwin, Professor of Politics, University of Kent and author "Values, Voice and Virtue". George Monbiot, Author, journalist and environmental campaigner Dr Lisa McKenzie, research fellow, University of Durham, writer and anarchist Bob & Lee, builders Dr Rakib Ehsan, Social policy analyst and author "Beyond Grievance" Baroness Tina Stowell of Beeston Paul Embery, Firefighter, trade unionist and writer Tom, boxing club owner Aaron Bastani, Broadcaster and founder of Novara Media

Paul Embery, British trade unionist and columnist known for writing on labour and culture. He argues politics feels disconnected from ordinary people. He talks about Britain’s decline, how institutions resist change, the case for organised protest beyond voting, immigration and social cohesion, limits of free speech policing, and what effective protest looks like.

In this conversation, Paul Embery, a left-wing trade unionist and commentator, critiques Britain’s political landscape, taking aim at figures like Keir Starmer. He discusses the abandonment of the working class by the Labour Party and warns of what he calls the 'Lebanon-isation' of Britain due to hard multiculturalism. Embery highlights the growing disconnect between the political elite and ordinary people, and he calls for a reevaluation of free expression in the face of rising identity politics.

Ella Whelan, a Spike columnist, and Paul Embery, a trade unionist, dive into the contentious topic of Labour's potential blasphemy laws surrounding Islam. They discuss the implications for free speech and the societal risks of such regulations. The conversation shifts to Labour's declining popularity, linking it to a disconnect from working-class voters, and the rise of the Reform Party. They also tackle Trump's controversial order banning male athletes from women's sports, raising questions about fairness in competition amid changing gender policies.

Ian Acheson, a senior advisor at the Counter-Extremism Project, and Paul Embery, author of "Despised," engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle the controversial shooting of Chris Kaba and the attempt to frame him as a British martyr. The conversation also highlights the unsettling narrative surrounding the death of rioter Peter Lynch, questioning the justice system's handling of mental health. They delve into America's political discontent and the polarized responses to racial incidents, revealing the complexities behind the 'anti-racist' discourse.

Paul Embery, a writer, trade unionist, and Labour Brexiteer, discusses Labour's Brexit stance, focusing on maintaining promises to working-class voters. Topics include Rachel Reeves' plans for the EU, Brexit's impact on Red Wall constituencies, managing immigration post-Brexit, and evolving attitudes towards immigration within the Labour party and trade union movement.

Paul Embery, a firefighter, trade unionist, and author of "Despised: Why the Modern Left Loathes the Working Class," dives deep into the political dynamics of the UK Labour Party. He critiques Keir Starmer's struggle to regain the trust of working-class voters and discusses the party's disconnect with these communities over issues like immigration. Embery emphasizes the necessity of a radical shift in ideology to reconnect with working-class values, and he illuminates lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, calling for transparency and justice.

Paul Embery, a firefighter, trade unionist, and columnist, discusses the Labour Party's disconnect from working-class voters. He recounts his experience of leaving the Fire Brigades Union after expressing his Brexit views. Embery critiques the party's shift towards liberal agendas, warning it risks losing core support. The conversation also emphasizes the challenges facing the UK Fire and Rescue Service amidst resource cuts, highlighting the urgent need for better funding and support.

Paul Embery, a trade unionist and firefighter, discusses the Left-Wing case for Brexit, arguing that it aligns with historical socialist values. He highlights how the Labour Party has alienated working-class voters, warning against their shift towards populism. Embery addresses the crisis in the fire service due to austerity measures and critiques the complex discourse on womanhood and transgender rights. He advocates for an open dialogue and emphasizes the need for the Left to reconnect with traditional values in order to regain the trust of working-class communities.