Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

In a video announcing he was standing for a second term, President Biden chose ‘freedom’ as a them – a term normally associated with the Republicans. It’s a vote winner and in the UK the Conservatives have claimed it too. But will Starmer follow Biden in committing to ‘freedom’?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/rocknrollpolitics/And join Steve on a special Zoom for Patreon supporters this Weds 3 May. Sign up to join:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dangerous chaos of Johnson's leadership is exposed in a new book by historian Anthony Seldon. Yet, we knew most of the sordid details it all at the time - so how did he get away with it?Plus, a Question Time Special on relations between ministers and civil servants. Where does power lie?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th.Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/Join Patreon for our live event next Wednesday: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a bully? Dominic Raab has been officially condemned as one, by the inquiry into his conduct in Parliament. But what about Margaret Thatcher, who reduced some colleagues to tears? Was Gordon Brown a 'bully' or simply "demanding" and "emotional?"In this era of deep crises, too many imprecise terms are defining British politics.Many of you will disagree, and I look forward to our debate... don't forget, email steveric14@icloud.com with your questions!Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on May 15th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Join me on Patreon for bonus podcasts, and the first subscribers' live Zoom next month: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the SNP in turmoil, former Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander reflects on the rise of nationalism, the collapse of Labour in Scotland, his hopes for a Labour revival, and his memories of victories and defeats in UK elections.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre in Hove on Monday. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not known for their militancy, nurses have rejected the government’s latest pay offer. There's a risk strikes could continue all year, telling us much about the state the UK is currently in…Plus, questions on the wider implications of Labour’s attack ads, and an exciting announcement or two!Rock & Roll Politics is live:Old Market Theatre in Hove on Monday April 24th:https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Kings Place, London on May 15th:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/Subscribe on Patreon for bonus podcasts, sneak previews and other exclusive extras: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in conversation with Rory Carroll, The Guardian's Ireland correspondent and the author of Killing Thatcher — a brilliant new book on the IRA’s 1984 attempt to assassinate Margaret Thatcher, during the Conservative conference in Brighton.Rock & Roll Politics is live in Brighton on April 24th. You can get tickets here:https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's latest round of attack ads accuse Rishi Sunak of being soft on criminals.It's caused a briefing war in his shadow cabinet and no end of criticism. If the leader of the opposition's attacks aren't credible, they could end up causing more trouble for Starmer himself...Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday April 24th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Don't forget to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an Easter Question Time Special! Lessons on Nigel Lawson's career, Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn, the "real" Rishi Sunak... and much more.Remember to send in your questions at steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which I alienate everyone.I don't believe local parties should have the exclusive right to select candidates; the leadership must have a big say. But I also believe it was an overreaction and strategic misjudgement to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from Labour, and then bar him from being a candidate. What will the consequences be for Keir Starmer?Plus, your brilliant questions.Rock & Roll Politics is live at The Old Market Theatre, Brighton, on Monday April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Subscribe to Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. The latest bonus series is The Troublemakers, including Tony Benn, Enoch Powell, Nigel Farage and David Owen: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Blanchflower is a Professor of Economics and was a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. In our conversation for this week's podcast, he’s both gloomy about the economic future — and optimistic if there’s a bold government that recognises the value of investment.Thanks for listening. Don't forget to send in your questions for Tuesday's podcast at steveric14@icloud.com!Rock & Roll Politics is live:Witham, Barnard Castle, April 1st:https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre, Brighton. April 24th:  https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.