Where Politics Meets History
Global
Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself.
With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 26, 2026 • 57min
102. In the Blair Tonight
Iain and Tessa talk about the shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the latest Tony Blair documentary, the history of youths being out of work and more!
Feb 24, 2026 • 58min
101. You SEND Me
Iain and Tessa talk Boris Johnson's comments on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, how to fix the student loan system and what should be done about special educational needs provision!
Feb 20, 2026 • 56min
100. Happy Birthday
Iain and Tessa discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and what it could mean for the wider Royal Family - as well as the history of Royals and the law. They also talk about Iain's speeding, what to do with the Houses of Parliament, suggestions for new right-wing party names and more!This episode was recorded yesterday afternoon, before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's release on bail.Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, not sexual offences which he also denies.
Feb 17, 2026 • 55min
99. Election Avenue
Iain and Tessa connect remotely, Iain in London and Tessa in Bucharest! They do battle over the government U-turning on local elections, Palestine Action, defence spending and Iain's speeding...
Feb 13, 2026 • 55min
98. Do Not Disturb
Iain and Tessa discuss whether Lord Doyle is being treated fairly, the history of the age of consent, whether enough attention is being paid to Ukraine, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarks about immigration and whether Tessa is heightist.
Feb 10, 2026 • 55min
97. Civil Sar-war
Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's future (and the history of PMs facing issues mid-term), whether the Royals are getting their response to Andrew right, the new Japanese PM and more!
Feb 6, 2026 • 59min
96. Profumo I'm No Good
Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's apology for ever making Mandelson US ambassador, they delve into the Profumo affair and what it tells us about political scandals, whether the UK punches its weight on the world stage - and more!
Feb 3, 2026 • 51min
95. Bad Lord
Iain and Tessa talk Lord Mandelson and whether he should give up his peerage or be forced out of the Lords, whether Andrew Mountbatten will testify in the US, whether Matt Goodwin will win for Reform UK in Gorton and Denton - and more!
Jan 30, 2026 • 59min
94. Jinping Me Sunshine
Iain and Tessa talk Starmer in China, what Trump could do in Iran, Melania's new film and more!
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 2min
93. A Reformer Named Sue
Iain and Tessa talk Suella Braverman defecting to Reform UK, Labour blocking Andy Burnham, ICE killing someone else in Minnesota, a little Polish history, police reform and more.
