

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

Dec 11, 2019 • 28min
DAILY TRAIL: Campaign Trail comes to an end
In this episode Shelagh and Iain discuss Nigel Farage's comments saying Britain will face another Brexit crisis in the spring if Tories win. Nicola Sturgeon attacks Boris Johnson saying he is the 'greatest threat to Scotland of any Tory PM in modern times'
And the leader of Plaid Cymru has called for a law to stop politicians lying to public.

Dec 11, 2019 • 39min
For The Many: Once Over Easy
In their final podcast before polling day Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review the election events of the past few days. They wonder why Boris Johnson behaved as he did over the child at Leeds Infirmary and talk about Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth falling victim to a leak by a supposed friend. They give their predictions for the result on Thursday and preview LBC’s election night show. Smut Quota: Low.

Dec 10, 2019 • 12min
DAILY TRAIL: That non punch
Shelagh and Iain discuss the “fake news” surrounding the Conservative's after party sources wrongly claimed that a Cabinet minister’s aide was punched outside the hospital where a four-year-old boy was photographed lying on the floor.

Dec 9, 2019 • 33min
DAILY TRAIL: Bobot and lessons in being human
In this episode Shelagh and Iain discuss the extraordinary moment where Boris grabs a reporter’s phone so he didn’t have to look at a photo of a sick child that was featured on the front page of the Mirror. Plus, the PM hints that the BBC Licence Fee may go. Elsewhere on the campaign trail, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell sets out Labour’s first 100 days in power which includes, mass nationalisation a budget to save the NHS. They also discuss politicians not being able to break away from campaign mode.

Dec 8, 2019 • 1h 5min
For The Many: Knocking Up
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith discuss the latest events in the election campaign including the final debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. Jacqui relates her experience knocking on doors in Workington and they both tell their stories about being a candidate on polling day and then making a concession speech at the count. Smut quota: Zero

Dec 6, 2019 • 19min
DAILY TRAIL: Boris picking and choosing interviews
In this episode Shealgh Fogarty is joined by LBC's Matthew Thompson. They dicusses Boris defending his decision not to do Andrew Neil interview. Tony Blair and John Major appear alongside each other to urge tactical voting and the leaked document on trade deal impact on Northern Ireland dismissed by the Tories.

Dec 5, 2019 • 25min
DAILY TRAIL: Brexit Exit for MEP's & Andrew Neil still waiting for Boris
In this episode, Shelagh and Iain look at whether the wheels are starting to come off Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party with the loss of four MEP’s? Boris Johnson refuses to commit to doing an interview with Andrew Neil. Is Sajid Javid right or wrong when he says Labour are to blame for the rise in homelessness and seventy Labour staffers give statements to antisemitism inquiry. Plus would Jeremy Corbyn stand down if he loses this election?

Dec 5, 2019 • 36min
For The Many: Nice Beaver
Jacqui Smith & Iain Dale discuss the NATO summit, Justin Trudeau’s faux pas, the LibDem XR protest, the New Statesman refusing to endorse Corbyn and Jeremy Corbyn’s irritating habit… Jacqui reveals she wished she hadn’t contested the 2010 election and they both relate how it feels to lose an election.

Dec 4, 2019 • 18min
DAILY TRAIL: Trump labels Trudeau 'Two-Faced'
Did diplomacy fail when Justin Trudeau was caught on camera laughing behind the President’s back at Buckingham Palace? And was it diplomatic for the President to call him ‘two-faced’? Shelagh reveals for the first time ever that she supports Trump, plus what can we read into the President cancelling his press conference at the Nato summit?

Dec 4, 2019 • 31min
ELECTION: Sadiq Khan responds to London Bridge Attack & where’s Moggy?
In this episode Ann Widdecombe tells us what offers she had from Number 10 to stand aside. Michael Gove is quizzed over that confusing number of new nurses they plan for the NHS. Sadiq Khan is asked what went wrong at London Bridge that led to the deaths of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones and Labour’s Barry Gardiner is put on the spot about Labour’s Brexit position


