The Two Matts

A frank look at Keir Starmer’s rocky week, alleged coordinated challenges and whether recent departures help or harm his project. A wide debate on elite misconduct follows, centred on newly released Epstein material and what it means for accountability. The conversation pivots to the Royal Family’s response to allegations about Prince Andrew and whether institutions are doing enough.

The Matts digest the events of the past 24 hours. Will Morgan McSweeney’s departure delay or hasten the existential crisis facing Keir Starmer? Does Starmer’s plea bargain over Peter Mandelson’s appointment wash? How could he take a bold personal decision and salvage his legacy? And of all the problematic contenders circling overhead, who could achieve mission barely-possible: to keep Nigel Farage out of Downing Street? It’s a special bonus edition of the podcast today. Enjoy.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listeners' questions including: why has this Peter Mandelson scandal provoked such enormous fury, why is not-Prince Andrew still at large, can Zack Polanski be trusted, is the House of Lords really a threat to democracy and what is the best protest song ever? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts assess the last 24 hours and reach an inescapable conclusion: Keir Starmer will not survive the Mandelson affair. He may limp on for weeks, even months. But the damage of this specific event has ignited such a rage within and without the Labour Party that his departure as prime minister feels more than likely - it feels both inevitable and necessary. If Starmer and his government were strong and making headway in the nation, this scandal would be entirely survivable. But they’re not.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deep dive into new files linking a senior political figure to Jeffrey Epstein and the shockwaves through Britain's establishment. Discussion of leaked communications suggesting market meddling and potential misconduct in public office. Focus on the risk to public trust, the urgent political test facing leadership, and the wider networks of money, sex and power exposed.

They revisit the heated Shamima Begum citizenship row and read listener reactions. They argue over whether blocking Andy Burnham showed Labour weakness and map possible political fallout. They debate Tory attacks on Suella Braverman and the dangers of invoking mental-health slurs. They assess risks from Reform and nationalist parties across the UK. They finish with lively Oscars predictions.

They unpack the political chaos in Minnesota and what it reveals about presidential power and MAGA strategy. They catalogue a month of disruptive international moves and how spectacle shapes politics. They explore concerns about leadership fitness and constitutional options. They shift to Keir Starmer’s China trip, visa‑free talks, and the economic and strategic ties shaping global diplomacy.

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester and former Cabinet minister, reflects on devolving power beyond Westminster and a place-first approach to politics. He discusses fiscal ideas like local levies, rewiring Whitehall for northern influence, keeping talent in Manchester, and practical reforms in public spending and education. The conversation also touches on cultural identity and lessons from the pandemic.

A lively Q&A tackles Trump’s diplomacy and the strange idea of buying Greenland. A heated debate over Tony Blair’s role on a private “Board of Peace” sparks questions about motive and ethics. Two strong views clash over Shamima Begum’s treatment, age and national security. There’s also a pop-culture split about Brooklyn versus Posh and the costs of celebrity.

The hosts delve into the striking events surrounding recent geopolitical shifts and media reactions. They express dismay at the media’s complacency in addressing what they call a real-time shakedown. Mark Carney’s insightful speech at Davos serves as a stark contrast to other leaders' responses. They discuss Trump’s controversial approach to NATO and Greenland while analyzing the implications for Europe’s defense spending. The discussion rounds out with critiques of populism and leadership, especially concerning Britain's position on the global stage.