Oh God, What Now?

The horrifying dam destruction in Ukraine has ruined countless lives and sparked disgust the world over. Will this war crime go unpunished? And how is the West responding? Plus, we unpack the latest Starmer drama. Is Labour’s relationship with the Unions on the rocks? And in the extra bit for backers, TURN DOWN THAT RACKET! Why are noise complaints for late-night venues on the rise? This week’s guest is former FSN bureau chief Laura Makin-Isherwood. “This lays open a bigger question, which is what can Putin’s war aims possibly be now? – Gavin Esler “I’m at a loss at what Putin thinks he’s liberating for the Ukrainians.” – Gavin Esler “By coming out with this very radical strategy, Starmer is admitting and accepting the need to be very ambitious.” – Hannah Fearn www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler, Hannah Fearne and guest Laura Makin-Isherwood. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour might be leading the polls over the terrible Tories, but maybe the two are more similar than most of us think. Have we seen the return of 1950s ‘Butskellism’? With that in mind, a new report suggests that most millennials hate the Tories (shock), does that mean they’ll vote Labour though? And Phillip Schofield’s been plastered across the news, is this the end of his TV career? Or is there a way back from TV cancel culture for disgraced celebs? That’s Oh God, What Now? with special guest Marina Purkiss. Hear our new paper review podcast PAPER CUTS here. https://listen.podmasters.uk/PCogwn “I’m a bit concerned that to try to win back these red wall voters Starmer’s moving more to this centre-right ground.” – Marina Purkiss “I think the main dividing line at the next election will be, get the Tories out.” – Marina Purkiss “Young people need something to cling onto, and no one is offering them anything.” Marina Purkiss “The Labour party has rarely been one of ‘let’s kick the table over’.” – Alex Andreou “If you’re backing out of promises that would’ve benefitted them, you’re missing out on a massive trick there.” – Marina Purkiss www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Ros Taylor and guest Marina Purkiss. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So, we’re in the future I guess – and apparently A.I. threatens bringing an end to humanity. With top scientists sounding the alarm – should we be worried or panicked? Plus, vaping is in the Government’s firing line. Why is it on the agenda and how does Sunak balance crackdowns with his apparent Thatcher adoration? And in the extra bit for backers our panel discusses why so many of us get it wrong on recycling… Our guest this week is Zoë Grünewald of New Statesman. “It’s not the worry that A.I. is used by an evil genius, it’s the worry the A.I. becomes a threat itself.” – Arthur Snell “We have no concept of what super intelligent computers look like. It makes it difficult for policymakers and the public.” – Zoë Grünewald “So much of how Westminster works is personality focused. I can’t imagine a future where MPs are entrusting robots with their secrets.” – Zoë Grünewald “In public discourse it’s very difficult to imagine what a superintelligent computer looks like.” – Zoë Grünewald www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Marie Le Conte and Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So it be, so it is – Succession has come to an end. We’re all obsessed with the HBO drama, so we thought why not give it the Oh God, What Now? treatment. If you’re scared of spoilers – you have been warned, this will be full of them. Andrew Harrison, Hannah Fearn and Alex Andreou discuss the fate of the Roys and Waystar Royco. “Everybody in the show is awful to a greater or lesser degree.” – Andrew Harrison “The character development even continues right into the final moments.” – Hannah Fearn www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn and Alex Andreou. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson’s in hot water…again. The former PM has thrown an epic tantrum over the COVID inquiry wanting unredacted WhatsApp messages. What will the Government do next – and will there be any end to this row? Plus our panel discusses “safe pair of hands” Jeremy Hunt. What’s going on with the MIA Chancellor? “Johnson is the dead cat here and the reticence has to do with how many other people will be implicated.” – Alex Andreou “Where is Hunt? Is he sitting back preparing for his leadership bid?” – Hannah Fearn “There needs to be a precedent set… we deserve a detailed inquiry.” – Hannah Fearn “What Tories are trying to do is change the topic, from something where people disagree with you to something where they nod and say you’re right.” – Seth Thévoz www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn, Seth Thévoz and Alex Andreou. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part Two of our latest live outing: Who will be the Conservative Corbyn for their impending wilderness years/psychological meltdown? Our panel ponders whether it’ll be Badenoch, Mordaunt, Braverman… or David Frost? And (for your nerves) we wind up with some reasons to be cheerful for the year ahead. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou, Marie le Conte and Arthur Snell. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part one of our latest live outing: When we look back upon this Government… it’s always with a sense of blame. Join us live in London as we go over the Seven Deadly Sins of 13 years of Toryism. Plus, as cheese sandwiches and Heinz beans are reclassified as luxuries, our panel come up with some modest proposals for economic living that might meet Anne Widdecombe’s approval. Your panel at the Leicester Square Theatre is Ros Taylor, Andreou, Marie le Conte and Arthur Snell. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou, Marie le Conte and Arthur Snell. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that cheese sandwiches, Heinz beans and swimming in poo-free water are officially luxuries, have we reached Peak We Had It Hard When I Were A Lad? New figures show that our anti-migration government has managed to, er, double migration to the UK. How will Sunak get out of that? Plus our panel discusses a new survey which says a third of us are too tired to get fit. Comic writer John O’Farrell of the We Are History podcast is our special guest. Listen to We Are History: https://link.chtbl.com/WAHogwn “They can’t say the Brexit word so they blame Ukraine and the poor people.” – John O’Farrell “The Tories could well talk themselves into a doomloop where their message is ‘Everything is sh-t – vote for us’.” – Rachel Cunliffe “Even if a cheese sandwich was a luxury, why are we not even allowed luxuries these days?” – Jacob Jarvis “We shouldn’t be nostalgic about suffering.” – John O’Farrell www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis with Yasmeen Serhan, Rachel Cunliffe and John O’Farrell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There were some frankly bizarre statements made at the National Conservatism Conference. Now it’s over, we’re left asking: what was the point of it all? Our Seth Thevoz was there and spoke to Andrew Harrison about what he made of it. Plus, Kemi Badenoch: problem solver or is she just making everything worse? We know the answer. And in the extra bit - for subscribers only - our panel talks Succession and the parallels it draws with reality. “It’s like they’re talking about a Conservative Party loss that they haven’t had yet….it’s bizarre.” – Rachel Wearmouth “We’re seeing an ideology looking for its Trump.” – Alex Andreou “It’s absolutely an American import from a mile off and the amount of people trying to make Britain wear it frightens me.” – Alex Andreou “It’s the most obvious case of rage-farming.” – Matt Green Read about Seth Thevoz’s day out at the zoo: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/inside-national-conservatism-conference-suella-braverman-immigration-wind-farms-rifles/ www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Matt Green and Rachel Wearmouth. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories are at each other’s throats…again. Both Suella Braverman and Priti Patel took a pop at the party’s leadership at recent conservative conferences. Could Sunak survive a looming Tory revolt? And the state pension age may rise to 68, would you return to work if it meant a shot at rebuilding the country? Plus, the panel discusses their favourite accents and why we judge them so much. “The point here about the Conservatives is that they’re finished.” – Tom Peck. “I think it’s a deepening and a radicalisation of the rump that is left of Conservative support in the UK.” – Naomi Smith “I am totally expecting to have to find work when I’m 70, unfortunately.” – Hannah Fearn “I don’t think people are going to go back to their job to rebuild the country, because people just aren’t like that.” – Tom Peck www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith, Tom Peck and Hannah Fearn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Government’s Illegal Migration Bill is “morally unacceptable” according to the Archbishop of Canterbury. But since when did that stop the Conservatives? We look at the chaos, the confusion and the growing asylum seeker backlog. Plus, Labour did OK in the locals but were the real winners the Greens and the Lib Dems? And what does it mean for the General Election? And in the Extra Bit, for subscribers only, our panel discusses their favourite on-air mistakes. “The UNHCR says the legislation would amount to an asylum ban and undermine international legislation… it’s a horrible, horrible plan.” - Naomi Smith “I can’t see how it’s anything other than a floating prison.” - Naomi Smith “Cast your mind back, Labour had a 20 to 30 point lead and now it has a 12 point lead, which is quite a big drop.” - Naomi Smith “Things like rivers full of shit are very high on people’s agendas and people are very clear that the Tories have done that to them.” - Arthur Snell www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor, Marie Le Conte, Arthur Snell and Naomi Smith. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees with voice acting by Will Bond. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The republicans doth protest too much, according to the Met police. Can the force change? And does it really want to? Speaking of change, should the Tories be terrified by the local election results? And Trump, Carlson and DeSantis – no, not the start of a bad joke, but a trio who are pushing forward the far-right in America. “In recent years, it’s felt there has been scandal after scandal after scandal from the Met.” – Rachel Cunliffe “If you hand the police sweeping new powers and say you can arrest someone for having a bike lock, guess what? They’re going to use them.” – Rachel Cunliffe “I don't think individual officers actually understand the law as it stands.” – Rachel Cunliffe “It’s arresting people for thought crimes, it’s a sad moment. It will do a lot for the republican cause.” – Gavin Esler www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Rachel Cunliffe, Yasmeen Serhan and Gavin Esler. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the Tories’ best efforts at damage control they still got utterly trounced at the locals. Stopping boats didn’t work (in any way whatsoever) and neither didn’t stopping votes. So while Sunak will be moping, should the rest of us – and Starmer in particular – celebrate? Or are the results a little more confusing than that? Andrew, Ros and Naomi discuss. “Without question it has been a very bad night for the Conservatives.” – Naomi Smith “It’s very clear lots of Conservatives just stayed at home.” – Naomi Smith “There is no possibility of Johnson coming back, it’s his friends trying to humour him. It’s pathetic.” – Ros Taylor “It’s clear Starmer would be different. But what would he do? Labour needs to answer that.” – Ros Taylor “How incredible that the Tories did this badly even with their voter suppression activities in place. How much worse would they have done without it?” – Naomi Smith “Any thwarted vote is a disgrace. It’s straightforwardly awful to turn people away.” – Ros Taylor Tell the Government what you think about its Voter ID rollout: https://www.bestforbritain.org/voter_id_shambles_tell_the_government_what_you_think www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Naomi Smith. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Coronation weekend and Charles “invites” you to pledge your allegiance to the crown. A wholesome tradition? Or just a bit much? And should we actually read much into the local elections? We ask special guest Ben Walker, senior data journalist at New Statesman and a Labour council candidate. Then in the extra bit – for subscribers only – with rock legends Aerosmith retiring, the panel discusses people they’d like to see pack it in. “I won’t be saying it and I imagine very very few people will be standing on their sofas shouting the words out either.” – Ian Dunt “You’ve got a fundamental problem and that is that councils have been almost completely neutralised.” – Ian Dunt “Levelling up is just a load of words, it doesn't really mean anything.” – Hannah Fearn www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Ian Dunt, Hannah Fearn and guest Ben Walker. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Simon Williams. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Whitehall bust up is underway with Sue Gray and Simon Case clashing over the former’s appointment as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff. Is this a witch hunt – or are there just questions? Plus, conflict in Sudan means the UK has organised a second rapid evacuation in two years. Has this one gone smoother than the last? And with the high profile departures of cable anchors Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon across the pond – we discuss our favourite TV hosts. “Opinion of Sue Gray is totally moveable. The thing about the modern Tory party is it is incapable of understanding people can be independent.” – Arthur Snell “I would maybe start looking at LinkedIn quietly if I were Simon Case.” – Marie Le Conte “The narrative that recasts history is that Sue Gray made Johnson resign. Sue Gray helped him to hold on to his job!” – Alex Andreou www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou, Marie Le Conte and Arthur Snell. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn . OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More details of Johnson’s chaotic reign have emerged in Anthony Seldon’s new book Johnson at 10. He might now be in the history books but have we truly heard the last of him? And can we track his scandals without giving him the attention he wants? Plus, send in the subs! Our panel discusses Dominic Raab’s obscure replacements. Comedian, actor and Twitter sensation Matt Green is this week’s guest. “Johnson may be confined to the history book but Johnson-ism isn’t.” – Seth Thévoz “There is every possibility that Johnson may try and gather his troops behind him once more.” – Naomi Smith “If people saw what Johnson was like in private they might see the edge more, the nastiness more, and I think that’s what people need to see.” – Matt Green www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Naomi Smith, Seth Thévoz and guest Matt Green. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Producers: Chris Jone and Alex Rees. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That’s a Raab! Karate guru Dom has lost several Cabinet jobs after an investigation into bullying allegations. What fallout can we expect? Plus, the Home Office has tried to clean up its act and says it will now refer to asylum seekers as “customers”. How compassionate. And another local councillor drops the ball, after replying to an email in Welsh in German. Why can so many Brits not speak a second language? Plus, our special guest this week is Geri Scott, political reporter at The Times. “He will never believe anything he did was wrong, he’s stepping down for the good of his party only.” – Hannah Fearn “There was a shocking lack of contrition in the letter.” – Yasmeen Serhan “It’s hard to imagine that you’re going to have the best and brightest line up for a job in government if the expectation is that they’re going to be treated in a poor way” – Yasmeen Serhan “It just feels like a zombie government that can’t get anything done.” – Geri Scott www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak promised an end to sleaze after the dark days of Johnson. But has his faux competency made us take our eyes off the ball? Plus, it’s not just lorries stuck in Calais. Our panel discusses the impact Brexit has had on the music industry and why it’s now so tough to get a gig in Great Britain. “The first rule when you’re talking about trust is don’t keep banging on about trust.” - Ros Taylor “Sunak just simply thinks that his wife’s financial affairs are separate from his own – but that’s not a sustainable position.” - Ros Taylor “How do any of these MPs manage to evade the same level of scrutiny afforded to a local community councillor?” - Naomi Smith www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Marie Le Conte, Naomi Smith and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour is ahead in the polls but questions are still being raised over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Could he really be blowing it? Plus, is Suella Braverman Donald Trump’s fault? Then finally, the rise of the non-apology apology with councillors facing further pressure. Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor at New Statesman, joins as a special guest. “Council elections are always used as a test bed for the themes that might come along in the General Election.” – Seth Thévoz “I don’t think panic is the word because I don’t think anyone in Labour at any point has ever thought it’s in the bag.” – Tom Peck “It’s not really about people switching from Tory to Labour, it’s about how many who voted Conservative in 2019 are just fed up.” – Rachel Cunliffe “The amount of money in British politics is considered in the context of American politics.” – Seth Thévoz “A lot of our culture war flashpoints are directly imported from the US.” – Rachel Cunliffe www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Tom Peck, Seth Thévoz and Rachel Cunliffe. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Government dishes out fresh lessons in doggedness – does the strike stalemate risk a brain drain for Britain? We discuss health workers ditching the UK for Australia for better money (and weather). Plus, why doesn’t Westminster work? It’s a question we all want to answer – and Ian Dunt has in his new book. And, with *major* spoiler warnings, we talk about the Succession latest. “I hate the word vocation because it tends to be a way of not paying people for their skill.” – Hannah Fearn “Being a doctor is the ultimate non-bullsh*t job, it’s something we totally rely on.” – Hannah Fearn “Maybe we owe health care workers more than a round of applause, maybe we owe them money.” – Andrew Harrison www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Andrew Harrison, Hannah Fearn and Ian Dunt. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunak is expected to cling on until Autumn 2024 for a general election. Why, when there’s clearly no plan of action? And as we creep closer, we unpack what the race might look like as Starmer’s Labour sparks controversy with its attacks on the PM. Plus, why is Elon Musk slowly making Twitter the least cool website on the planet? “All Labour needs to do is think of variations of the same theme – are you better off under the Tories?” – Gavin Esler “I fully don’t understand why on earth something like that would be put out? I didn’t like it, particularly given the tone of some far-right commentary at the moment.” – Ahir Shah “Journalism and content would change massively if Twitter weren’t to exist tomorrow. Even the serious stuff would be severely impacted.” – Marie Le Conte www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Gavin Esler and Marie Le Conte . Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Chris Jones and Liam Tait. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has had his (first) day in court. How will this alter the course of US politics to come? Plus, Brexit promises are falling short again, quelle surprise. The panel discusses the problem the Government can’t bring itself to mention. In a special guest double-header, we’re joined by comedian, actor and Twitter star Matt Green, and Geri Scott, political reporter at The Times, this week. “The taboo has been broken about indicting a former president.” – Seth Thévoz “This feels like the first instance in history of a witch hunt finding an actual witch.” – Matt Green “For years shame and embarrassment stopped the real baddies getting through, but now it’s a superpower if you can’t feel those things.” – Matt Green “Obviously Trump is a million miles away from the people who support him.” – Geri Scott www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Seth Thévoz. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunak was apparently turning it around but now he’s firmly black on the course to oblivion. Should he stop staring at potholes and realise he’s heading to a political black hole? Plus – we unpack the Trump latest, as his arrest looms. And, moanalism (yes, we’ve invented a word). What’s with all these articles where people just want to complain and tell us not to enjoy stuff? “There are comment pages that need to be filled.” – Marie Le Conte “It’s been weird watching Conservative politicians one up each other on performative cruelty.” – Ahir Shah “Most people have a sniff test around paying off porn stars, they know that it’s a bad thing.” – Arthur Snell “Trump is a complete shadow of a human being, yet all the Republicans are terrified of him.” – Arthur Snell www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Arthur Snell and Marie Le Conte . Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s with the Tories’ crackdown on anti-social behaviour? And what’s meant to be so wrong with people hanging about in parks? Plus, with protests in Israel and France, the panel discusses the spread of such activity in Europe – and why it feels empowering to people. Jonn Elledge, a regular columnist at New Statesman and Big Issue, is this week’s guest. “They’ve tried to make the case on pollution and anti-social behaviour… even though there’s no link.” – Ian Dunt “We have a government that’s run entirely in the interest of angry older voters.” – Jonn Elledge “It’s like one in five people in this country object to all forms of fun.” – Jonn Elledge www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Ian Dunt and Tom Peck. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Johnson Rebellion fails to materialise and backbench rebellions over Northern Ireland fizzle, are we finally, finally seeing the end of the Brexit Wars? Plus: Humza Yousaf wins the SNP leadership. Can he put the party back together? How does Dominic Cummings still cast such a baleful shadow over the Tories? And Paris is burning. Can Macron put out the fire? Or is he l’allume-feu déformé? “The ERG WhatsApp saga shows you that yes, there’s a friends group… but there’s always the inner friends group that you’re not part of.” – Yasmeen Serhan “Did Cummings bring Johnson down? No, Johnson brought Johnson down.” – Arthur Snell “Netanyahu’s in trouble. Either he pauses his reforms and loses his government – or he pushes his country into civil war or worse.” – Yasmeen Serhan “Westminster reporting is a shadow of what it was… SubStack matters because you can’t attach yourself to a paper any more.” – Hannah Fearn Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn, Arthur Snell and Yasmeen Serhan. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SPECIAL EARLY RELEASE! THE GREASED PIGLET IS OUT OF THE PEN... It’s his party and he’ll lie if he wants to… Boris Johnson finally, finally goes before the Privileges Committee. How did his tactic of sneering, blustering and lying go over? And is it finally sausage time for the Greased Piglet? Plus as the horrific Casey Report excoriates the Met, does London’s police force have to be dismantled? And in the Extra Bit, what’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to our panelists? “Johnson’s defence is ‘I am too stupid to understand the rules I myself set’.” – Geri Scott “Steve Baker is now a card-carrying member of the Europhilic wokerati. He’s noshing on his tofu right now.” – Naomi Smith “His argument is ‘Nobody told me not to do the bad thing that I was on telly every night telling you plebs not to do’.” – Ayesha Hazarika Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Naomi Smith, Ayesha Hazarika and Geri Scott. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson is stealing the limelight from Rishi Sunak yet again as he faces a four-hour grilling from furious MPs. We look ahead to the greased piglets latest trial. Plus, the panel reflects on the Iraq War, 20 years on. How has it warped our politics? Then, in the extra bit for Patreon backers, we look to the skies and discuss who should occupy the moon base – and whether we really need one. “It will be glorious – it has the outward architecture of farce already.” – Tom Peck “His defence will be, ‘I’m sorry your honour, I’m very stupid.’” – Marie Le Conte “What’s best for Sunak is Johnson goes away and shuts up – but that is something he doesn’t want to do.” – Tom Peck www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou, Tom Peck and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Hunt’s bland Budget offers little hope – but hey, at least we avoided a technical recession. The panel picks apart the Chancellor’s pledges. Plus, as Rishi Sunak lets his MPs duke it out – is he above the fray, or asleep at the wheel? Polly Mackenzie, chief social purpose officer at UAL and formerly director of Demos, is this week’s guest. “The post-purge Tory party keeps on drifting to the right… it’s a significant problem.” – Ian Dunt “Is Sunak someone who actually wants to make things work or does he just want to set things on fire?“ – Ian Dunt “Most people of working age have only ever experienced the retirement age going up. We’re creating a nation of nihilists.” – Ian Dunt “We need to nuance the boundary between work and retirement. C’mon, life doesn’t end at 70.” – Polly Mackenzie www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Ian Dunt and Hannah Fearn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lineker versus the BBC ends 1-0 to the football legend. What does the ding-dong battle tell us about the broadcaster’s shortcomings? And why did the Government call this so wrong? Plus, what is going on with Trump and Fox News? The panel looks at the right-wing rage machines across the Atlantic. And, we discuss the protests in Georgia – and the nation’s desire to join the EU. “Footballers are media trained, this feels like a fight the Government shouldn’t want to pick – but they keep doing it.” – Marie Le Conte “It’s perfectly possible people don’t need to be on one side or another of a massive cultural divide. A lot of British people are rather unwilling participants of the culture war.” – Arthur Snell “The BBC has invited critics to point out the way all of its leadership could be questioned over their impartiality.” – Yasmeen Serhan “Nothing about the American media landscape shocks me anymore. Does it surprise me Fox News just said what its audience wants to hear? No.” – Yasmeen Serhan www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Marie Le Conte, Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Braverman and Sunak’s callous and dehumanising “stop the boats” push is the latest moral shame bestowed upon us by this Government. Plus, we ask: is it ever okay for politicians to lie? We discuss the criticism of party leaders changing tack… And in the extra bit (for Patreon backers) – should we try harder to celebrate success in later life? “The way the government has conducted itself over small boats is despicable.” – Ian Dunt “Braverman gave less a word salad and more a word meringue, hard on the outside but inside it's all air.” – Gavin Esler “They teach media literacy in Finland from kindergarten on, something that would put The Sun and Daily Mail out of a job over here.” – Gavin Esler “I used to be a fan of the ‘good chap’ theory where politicians bow out, but what do we do about the ‘bad chaps’ and ‘bad women’ in politics?” – Gavin Esler www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt, Gavin Esler and Rachel Cunliffe. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OK, Matt Hancock entrusting his WhatsApp messages to the world’s least trustworthy woman is pretty funny. But is the Telegraph using them to rewrite history on COVID? Plus, our panel gently disagree on the wisdom of Keir Starmer hiring Sue Gray as his Chief of Staff. Sunak bets on cruelty to small boat refugees to reanimate his Prime Ministership. And as Harry and Meghan are turfed out of Frogmore Cottage, which homes were our panel glad to see the back door of? “There is no British male who has eaten more complimentary canapés than Stanley Johnson.” – Tom Peck “I hadn’t realised how much Simon Case is just another little boy in this WhatsApp group and not a senior civil servant with gravitas.” – Arthur Snell “There is a weird Alan Partridge vanity to Hancock. Somehow he’s worried about his legacy?” – Seth Thévoz “The more Johnson uses the honour system for outrageously nepotistic means, the easier it is for a future government to get rid of it.” – Tom Peck Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell, Seth Thévoz and Tom Peck. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Won’t somebody think of the Brexiters? Sunak’s “Windsor Framework” sucks all the anger out of the Northern Ireland border issue, so what is Boris Johnson going to do with his life now? Plus, Flat Broke: Why isn’t anyone talking seriously about housing? The latest source for Isobel Oakeshott to burn is the hapless Matt Hancock. Who could possibly have foreseen this? Vicky Pryce? And what’s the worst event YOU’VE ever been to? “We’ve seen how flexible and generous the EU can be just as long as they’re not being constantly attacked and insulted.” – Naomi Smith “We’re closer than ever to accepting that Brexit never had to be ‘hard’, ‘clean’ or any of those silly words.” – Ros Taylor “The UK is discovering that it can catch far more flies with honey than with vinegar.” – Naomi Smith Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Hannah Fearn, Naomi Smith and Ros Taylor. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak got Brexit done again – but will it be enough to satisfy the headbanging Leave die-hards who want to rule the Conservative Party? We discuss the latest NI protocol settlement after the PM’s meet with Ursula von der Leyen. And as the right-wing surges, the panel unpacks Suella Braverman’s immigration positions. Plus, Observer restaurant critic Jay Rayner gives his take on the food shortages as tomatoes become more valuable than the pound. “There was never enough good faith there in the past.” – Marie Le Conte “We have a political class who seem uniquely confused by the concept of a sea.” – Ahir Shah “There’s quite a lot of poetic justice for Boris Johnson involved here.” – Marie Le Conte www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ahir Shah, Marie Le Conte and Yasmeen Serhan. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Boris Johnson drags us back to 2018 with his NI protocol meddling we discuss the latest Brexit wranglings (yes, again…). Plus, a year on from Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, we reflect on the conflict and how it has reshaped politics. And in the extra bit, in full for Patreons, we talk about the bizarre feeling of someone you disagree with making a smart point… “If you’re applying a purity test – someone can always be purer.” – Seth Thévoz “Sunak would be in a tricky position if he’s relying on Labour on a vote of this magnitude.” – Ian Dunt “Keeping the Conservative base today will be the test for the rest of Sunak’s time as Prime Minister.” – Seth Thévoz www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Naomi Smith, Ian Dunt and Seth Thevoz. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Keir Starmer casts Jeremy Corbyn out, the panel discusses what this means for the Labour Party, its former leader and wider politics. Could this set a new model for influential but independent MPs? Then – have you seen your gas bill yet? We unpack the latest in the energy cost crisis, as people suffer despite booming profits for providers. Plus – what Government departments would our team like to take over – would they copy Sunak and make any new ones? “It’s really bad for a party to become a cult around one figure, I hope Corbyn and his fans see that.” – Ayesha Hazarika “For Jeremy Corbyn, he had all of the power within the party, he couldn’t convert that into power within the country.” – Ayesha Hazarika “If you have to spend so much time exposing the endless screw ups of our current leaders, when do you get a chance to talk about what you want to talk about?” – Hannah Fearn www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Ayesha Hazarika and Hannah Fearn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second half of our latest live outing, the panel discusses hope for the future and the prospect of rekindling the old EU flame… Is it time to rebrand rejoin? Plus, a special conspiracy theory quiz and some questions from our beloved audience. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor, Ian Dunt and Ayesha Hazarika. Audio producers: Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To listen to this week's live show in its entirety before everyone else, join us from just £3 a month: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow What a difference a day makes… with Sturgeon gone and Starmer putting his foot down on Corbyn, the panel picks apart the latest political shake ups. What will this mean for the prospect of (whisper it), a Labour Government? Out early for everyone (and you’ll get it all on Patreon) here’s part one of our latest Leicester Square Theatre outing – with the second due in our usual Friday slot… Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor, Ian Dunt and Ayesha Hazarika. Audio producers: Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gove convenes a stealth conference on how to make Britain work better with the EU. Is the time ripe to start talking about Britain rejoining? Is the Tories’ Red Wall emissary 30p Lee Anderson a disaster waiting to happen? Plus, with legendary works of fiction going out of copyright – we ask our panel what they would reboot or reimagine. Rachel Cunliffe, associate editor at New Statesman, is this week’s guest. Get the last few tickets to Oh God, What Now? Live at the Leicester Square Theatre here. https://lsttickets.leicestersquaretheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/873632997 Hear Mugshots with Michael Crick here. https://link.chtbl.com/mugshots-ep1 ChatGPT Is a Blurry JPEG of the Web says Ted Chiang. https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/chatgpt-is-a-blurry-jpeg-of-the-web “This pseudo-butch rubbish stimulates a part of the Conservative base that Rishi Sunak is now actively trying to appease.” – Alex Andreou “It’s a continuation of the Brexit disease. Our body politic was infected with lies. This intake is the direct result of that.” – Alex Andreou “If you see Brexit as a divorce, we can’t be aiming to get remarried any time soon, it’s more of a friends with benefits situation with the EU.” – Rachel Cunliffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New series preview: How much do we really know about the people who make the headlines? In a provocative new series the acclaimed journalist Michael Crick, formerly of BBC, C4 and Newsnight, delves into the backgrounds of the powerful and the influential. In this first episode: Few newspaper editors wield as much power as the Daily Mail’s Paul Dacre. Feared and courted by politicians, he’s imposed his singular vision of Britain on successive governments – while sometimes stretching the law in pursuit of justice. But what makes Dacre tick? What does he want? And how might this epic career end? Like this excerpt? Hear the complete episode on all platforms right now here. And subscribe for new episodes every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak shuffles his Cabinet pack and comes up with a couple of dog-eared former junior ministers plus 30p Lee. Is there any talent left in the Tory tank? And is Sunak really in charge? Plus, HORRIBLE BOSSES: The Dominic Raab Edition. Why do bullies appear to prosper in the Conservative Party? And when does “robust management” become office tyranny? And in the Extra Bit: After the bizarre resurrection of Liz Truss, what are the best comebacks of all time? Get your tickets for OGWN Live on Weds 15 Feb here: https://lsttickets.leicestersquaretheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/873632997/events/128440767/seats?zone=Main%20House. The Official Left-Wing Economic Establishment Mug is here: https://podmarket.co.uk/products/oh-god-what-now-left-wing-economic-establishment-mug “This is the core vote strategy that got the Tories a surprise win in 1992. It’s also the strategy that got them annihilated in 1997…” – Seth Thévoz “Sunak is scraping the bottom of the barrel, it's embarrassing.” – Hannah Fearn “When Truss became PM I got three separate texts from three separate people and they all said, ‘She’s crackers.’” – Alex Andreou “Truss could at least have left it til people had finished trying to apply for the mortgages they now can’t get – because of her.” – Hannah Fearn Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn, Seth Thévoz and Arthur Snell. Audio producers: Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Truss is back and Johnson never went away – what are they angling for? And can Sunak avoid these two figurative icebergs? Plus, the yob narrative is back on the agenda. Is Tory posturing on anti-social behaviour any more than pandering to curtain-twitchers? And with Australia choosing not to put Charles on its banknotes – who should we put on our money? The panel is joined by Geri Scott, political reporter for The Times. Get your tickets for OGWN Live at the Leicester Square Theatre on Weds 15 Feb. Get your Official Left-Wing Economic Establishment mugs here. “She sounded like somebody who had lost the ability to assess empirical reality… if you were a close friend of hers you’d want to sit down and have a chat.” – Ian Dunt “Boris Johnson could be moulded into any political position he finds useful.” – Ian Dunt “There used to be these big debates: Heath vs Thatcher, Europhile vs Eurosceptic - where are those big debates within the Tory Party now?” – Ian Dunt “I really don’t think [Liz Truss] has got many friends left, and that’s why she’s doing this kind of legacy making” – Geri Scott www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conservative Party is dying. Can anyone resurrect it? Our panel, begrudgingly, looks at the challenges they’ll have to face if they’re ever to become a functioning party again. Plus, we discuss the parlous state of the UK’s military capabilities. Can we defend ourselves? We wade through the news with an all-star panel of Oh God, What Now? regulars. “Voters won’t pick the most interesting PM, they’ll pick the one who will save them.” – Alex Andreou “It’s hard for someone to be better at being worse than Liz Truss.” – Arthur Snell “The Conservative Party is now in the realm of religion, not evidence-based policy.” – Alex Andreou “I’m certain that the bulgy eyed weirdos controlling the Tory party will be the first to grab it back and they'll lose another two elections badly.” – Arthur Snell www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou, Ahir Shah and Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the PM and his party on the back foot – have they just given up? Our panel picks apart Sunak’s dither and delay in his sacking of Nadhim Zahawi. Plus, are we seeing a new, even more hostile, hostile environment? And we forcefully quit the anti-growth coalition as we discuss alternatives to Trussonomics. This week’s guest is Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor at New Statesman. “If Rishi Sunak didn't know about this, what is the point of ministerial vetting processes? What is the point of saying you’re going to bring integrity back to Government?” – Rachel Cunliffe “Even an experienced PM would struggle to put the box in what Johnson is doing.” – Ian Dunt “All of the things you need to fix the problems that we have takes much longer than Sunak has.” – Ian Dunt “The Tories have a talent pool problem and an exhaustion problem. That is really problematic because we need the best Government we can to weather the storm.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt and Miatta Fahnbulleh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories are on the Zahawi to hell as briefing wars break out over sleaze scandals as Johnson lurks on the sidelines. Plus, voter ID is rolling out this year – but it turns out plenty of people don’t have a clue. What might mass disenfranchisement mean? Heidi Alexander, former MP, current Deputy Mayor of London and parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, is this week’s guest. “This exposes just how rigged the game is if you’re really rich.” – Naomi Smith “The more people see of Sunak, they’re not impressed with him… he is not popular on the doorstep.” – Heidi Alexander “Johnson is absolutely out to come back, and we should be aware of this and that his ambitions have not died.” – Ros Taylor “Britain needs a hard reset, switch us off and back on again.” – Naomi Smith www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor and Naomi Smith. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the nation feels the squeeze, the Tories revel in sleaze. We get down to brass tacks on Nadhim Zahawi’s taxes. And while they ditch levelling up, do this cabal of cronies even understand what needs fixing? Plus, we ask: is it time for the West to go full throttle in backing Ukraine in the war against Russia? Our guest this week is Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards. “The Tory party hasn’t really reformed and changed, the same issues that brought them down in ‘97 have just recurred.” – Steve Richards “The people who are running this country just live in a different world, they have no conception of what real life is.” – Arthur Snell “The chaos around levelling up announcements conveyed the emptiness of the policy.” - Steve Richards “What happens to some of these people is that they get into as ort of fantasy mindset when they’ve been in power for so long they become immune to how they will be perceived.” – Steve Richards www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Law, huh, what is it good for? According to the Tory Brexiteers, not a lot, as they move to scrap thousands of EU regulations. The panel discusses what an act of legislative vandalism this truly is. Plus, COVID conspiracies become the new… COVID conspiracies. Anti-vaxx rhetoric is back and being weaponised by the right. What are Andrew Bridgen et al up to? And, in the extra bit (in full for Patreons) we keep tabs on the politics of cigarettes. Get tickets for OGWN Live in London on Weds 15 Feb here. Don’t miss our new documentary series Jam Tomorrow. “They have no idea what law it is they’re getting rid of… and they admit it.” – Ian Dunt “You are repealing law – once you hit that date, the law just goes off the statute book… it’s really hard to undo.” – Ian Dunt “Sunak is weak and he’s not getting things through, and he’s too weak to face down the ERG, so hitting abort on this bill is unthinkable.” – Naomi Smith “For all his many faults Sunak isn’t dim, and he knows that this arbitrary deadline is going to cause mayhem and serious economic damage.” – Naomi Smith www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt, Naomi Smith and Seth Thévoz. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’d think Rishi Sunak would be pushing ministers to take the flack amid the current crises – but they’re remarkably quiet. Where are the rest of his Cabinet? Plus, while Eurosceptics suggested Britain’s EU departure would weaken the bloc, the opposite has happened. Quelle surprise… And we talk about the spread of toxic masculinity online. Can we stop it earlier? Special guest Anoosh Chakelian, Britain editor at New Statesman, joins our panel this week. “Hunt is like the villain in a kids’ cartoon, you never see him but you hear whispers of him” – Marie Le Conte “It’s slim pickings for Sunak, he’s inherited a party that was deliberately purged.” – Tom Peck “Politicians can only do okay in the media if they have okay policies, and everything is so bad right now there’s no win for the Government.” – Tom Peck “People abroad have no idea how things have ended up so bad in Britain.” – Anoosh Chakelian Check out the latest podcast from Podmasters, Jam Tomorrow – an assessment of the promises made to Britain after the Second World War: https://kite.link/JTS1 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Marie Le Conte and Tom Peck. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special preview of our new series - search for Jam Tomorrow in your favourite podcast app or visit https://kite.link/JTS1 How did Britain’s dreams of a new postwar world go unfulfilled? And what does that mean for us today? In the first of a new documentary series from the makers of Oh God, What Now?, Ros Taylor looks at the legacy of the War itself. Ιdeals of the Blitz Spirit and dreams of wartime heroism still shape everything from pop culture and entertainment to the Brexit debate. But the truth of the War is more complex and less comforting. What will it take for us to see the Second World War – and ourselves – clearly? • “If you’re going to have a foundation myth it might as well be one where you destroy Nazism.” – Al Murray • “If the response to air raid wasn’t stoicism there was a fear that morale would break down.” – Lucy Noakes • “The Keep Calm And Carry On poster was designed for a type of war that never arrived.” – Henry Irvine • “Britain went into the war not alone but at the head of the world’s biggest empire… When Britain went to war, so did vast part of the world.” – Lucy Noakes Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Jade Bailey. Voiceovers by Imogen Robertson. Original music by Dubstar. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Jam Tomorrow is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak is constantly trying to reject the idea he could be out of touch – but, seriously, does he have any idea what Britain wants? This week’s guest Ben Walker, of Britain Elects and New Statesman, picks apart the polls to get in the mind of voters. Plus, political donations – how can we avoid undue influence and, dare we suggest it… corruption? Are more stringent rules needed? “Everyone is feeling the cost of living crisis, going to a supermarket is like a radicalising process.” – Ben Walker “The economy was where the Conservatives were always king – but not now.” – Ben Walker “Sunak doesn’t have that sort of Blair talent to know intuitively what people want.” – Arthur Snell “It still feels like a Chancellor who happens to be Prime Minister, rather than watching a Prime Minister.” – Ahir Shah www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow This week's edition is sponsored by Policy Mogul - a real-time political and parliamentary monitoring, influence, and stakeholder mapping platform for public affairs and policy professionals. Find out more at policymogul.com and don't forget to mention Oh God, What Now? if you send them an enquiry. Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunak and Starmer's battle of the speeches marked this year’s first blue on red ding dong. What are their respective pitches? The panel plays a game of spot the difference between the pair’s positions and policies. Plus, as the PM tries to hibernate through the new Winter of Discontent – is he sleepwalking towards a General Strike? And, finally, we unpack the pros and cons of tea-spilling biographies. Anybody heard about one of those recently? “None of these policies mean anything. There’s no time given for debt falling.” – Ian Dunt “It’s not about what the people want, it’s about wavering target voters.” – Ian Dunt “I can’t see a world where Sunak doesn’t lead the Conservatives into the next election, so now Labour knows who the opponent is.” – Marie Le Conte “The Government assumed the usual dynamics around strikes would prevail, and they have not prevailed.” – Ian Dunt “We have a bunch of not very talented people shunted into ministerial positions saying what they think they’re meant to say.” – Gavin Esler www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler, Ian Dunt and Marie Le Conte . Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices