Politics Unpacked

Tim Montgomerie and a panel of Times columnists, including David Aaronovitch, Daniel Finkelstein and Jenni Russell, discuss the results of the general election in front of a live audience.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential listening in the election campaign brought to you by The Times Opinion podcast.Tim Montgomerie is joined by Melanie Phillips, Jenni Russell and Matthew Parris.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential listening in the election campaign brought to you by The Times Opinion podcast.Tim Montgomerie is joined by Philip Webster, Fay Schlesinger and Daniel Finkelstein and asks the following questions:- What was your moment of the week?- Who had a good / bad week?- What new things did we learn this week?- What should Times readers expect next week?And crucially - who is going to be Prime Minister?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Matthew Parris, Rachel Sylvester and Hugo Rifkind.Opinion podcast 28 April:Rachel SylvesterIt's going to be Fear versus Fear between now and May 7th. The parties are intent on terrifying the voters about the dire things that will happen if their rivals win but they just risk fuelling the anti-politics mood with their negativity.Matthew ParrisThis is a genuine question to which I am not sure of the answer. Just imagine the Tory campaign had from the start made no accusations against other parties, said nothing unpleasant about Ed Miliband, and confined itself to describing what they believe to be in their own successes. Doubtless the media would have done the negative stuff anyway. Would this have hurt the Conservatives? I really don't know, but I'm very unsure that it would.Hugo RifkindThe Passion of David Cameron is all a bit "The Quiet Man Is Turning Up The Volume". Passion ought to be deeply suspect in British politics; the preserve of fanatics, zealots... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential listening in the election campaign brought to you by The Times Opinion podcast.Tim Montgomerie is joined by Laura Pitel, Daniel Finkelstein and Alice Thomson and asks the following questions:- What was your moment of the week?- Who had a good / bad week?- What new things did we learn this week?- What should Times readers expect next week?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Philip Collins, Marcus Roberts and Jenni Russell. The panel discuss the latest trends in the run up to the 2015 General Election. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential listening in the election campaign brought to you by The Times Opinion podcast.Tim Montgomerie is joined by Daniel Finkelstein, Rachel Sylvester and Callum Jones and asks the following questions:- What was your moment of the week?- Who had a good / bad week?- What new things did we learn this week?- What should Times readers expect next week?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Matthew Parris, Jenni Russell and Hugo Rifkind. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential listening in the election campaign brought to you by The Times Opinion podcast.Tim Montgomerie is joined by Daniel Finkelstein, Michael Savage and The Spectator's Isabel Hardman and asks the following questions:- What was your moment of the week?- Who had a good / bad week?- What new things did we learn this week?- What should Times readers expect next week? Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Election special: Tim Montgomerie is joined by Philip Webster, Laura Pitel and Oliver Moody. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Danny Finkelstein, Peter Kellner and Libby Purves.Danny Finkelstein:The most lasting and impressive thing about the Coalition may end up being the fact of it - that it lasted and was stable at a time when the country needed stable government but hadn't voted for one. But there was more - in particular that it enabled cuts to be made with remarkable little social unrest. And there was less - the parties together failed to forge a political identity that enabled them to capture the centre.Peter Kellner:I agree with Danny. In addition, voters are now far less keen on the idea of coalitions than they were before the last election. They wanted parties to work together in the national interest but now are unhappy with the results. As a nation we say we want politicians to put country before party. Nick Clegg did just that- and look what has happened to his ratings.Libby Purves:Excited that scientists have discovered not only Richard III’s scoliosis and head wounds but... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Patrick Kidd, Ann Treneman and Matt Ridley to discuss David Cameron's potential gaffe, Alex Salmond scaring Westminster, and the governments role in the biggest marine protection zone in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Richard Fletcher, Philip Aldrick and Janice Turner for a Budget special, plus a look at George Osborne the Chancellor and the man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Jenni Russell, Matthew Parris and Hugo Rifkind. Jenni Russell:Is the icecap starting to break? For months the polls have been locked, with Labour and the Tories stuck on a third of the vote, and Labour remaining just slightly ahead. Labour has been hoping that the electorate will reject austerity; the Tories have been anxiously awaiting a reward for seeing the economy turning at last. Ashcroft's latest poll puts the Tories four points ahead; more importantly the Tories have led more of the last twenty polls than Labour have. Matthew Parris:Okay, I'll say it: I think there's a chance the Tories are just going to win outright. We are in the media have a habit of fighting the last battle and because the last election led to a coalition this has conditioned thinking about the next one. But Labour support may begin to ebb away: not least because the party has no stomach for this fight and people know it. Hugo Rifkind:Parts of England are developing a profound... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Alice Thomson, Rachel Sylvester and Philip Webster. The panel discuss how the major parties are confronting the issue of immigration ahead of the general election in May. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Lucy Fisher, Isabel Hardman and David Aaronovitch. Lucy Fisher:Yesterday a new “cash for access” scandal exploded, after MPs Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind were caught out offering their influence and political contacts in exchange for money. The revelation looks set to erode further voters’ faith in mainstream politics, which will benefit only Ukip and the Greens at the polls in May. The scandal has also sparked a row about MPs’ second jobs, on which many are now calling for an outright ban.Isabel Hardman:The Church of England is now locked into a face-off with the Conservative party. The Bishops probably didn’t mean to offend the Tories so much with their letter last week, but they did, partly by being so naive about complex issues such as defence and partly by being mealy-mouthed about the recovery. But the Tories also didn’t need to get so upset about what the Bishops wrote - if indeed they read it. It included a defence of markets and of the Big Society:... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Suzy Jagger, Lech Mintowt-Czyz and Philip Webster. The panel discuss:1. Focus on the Conservative Party's key weakness - being party of the rich. Are they in danger of being too punitive on welfare? 2. Focus on Labour's key weakness - their remoteness from business. Is it too late to correct?3. Key weakness of all of the parties - a complete disinterest in foreign policy. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Roger Boyes, Roland Watson and Anne Applebaum - the panel discuss the deteriorating situation in Eastern Ukraine. Should Ukraine be armed? Does Britain have any foreign policy at present?In addition, conservative commentator John O'Sullivan joins Tim direct from Sydney to talk about Tony Abbott's leadership in Australia. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Richard Fletcher, business editor, and Philip Aldrick, economics editor, as they discuss recent events in Davos and Greece. Plus, our political sketch writer, Ann Treneman, joins the president of YouGov, Peter Kellner, to discuss the state of UK politics.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Sam Coates, Daniel Finkelstein and Anne Ashworth.The panel discuss David Cameron's employment manifesto pledge, the response of the Muslim Council of Britain to the letter from Eric Pickles plus the astounding response to the National Savings & Investment Pensioner Bonds. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Alice Thomson, Laura Pitel and Libby Purves. Generational difference on the Paris massacres, 'weaponising' the NHS and televised political debates.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Jenni Russell, Matthew Parris and Rachel Sylvester. The panel discusses the forthcoming general election:All of the politicians say that this election matters more than any for a generation but they always do. But are they right this time?In terms of the minor parties, who has the potential to most affect the outcome of the next parliament: Ukip or the SNP?Who will be prime minister at the end of the year?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by cartoonist Peter Brookes to review the biggest talking points of 2014 with his favourite drawings of the year with Anne Ashworth and Hugo Rifkind.Subscribe in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-readSubscribe to The Times: www.thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special 2015 edition: Tim Montgomerie is joined by Roland Watson, Fay Schlesinger and Francis Elliott to discuss some potential big talking points in the year ahead. Tim also roams the newsroom to chat to various Times editors to see what is on their 'ones to watch' list. Subscribe in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-readSubscribe to The Times: www.thetimes.co.uk' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by David Aaronovitch, Fay Schlesinger and Robert Crampton. David AaronovitchYesterday the Russian rouble dropped to an all-time low rate of 63 against the dollar, and interest rates were raised by 6.5% to 17%. Part of this economic collapse is due to the oil price drop and part to sanctions following the annexation of the Crimea. Meanwhile, for the last few weeks reports have been multiplying of aggressive Russian air activity, which could itself endanger more civilian life. The consequences of Putinism, not the general election, will arguably be the great story of 2015. We need to wake up to it now. Fay SchlesingerFaces pressed against glass and framed by an Islamic flag, millions watched the victims of the Sydney siege go through their 16-hour ordeal. All that terror seems to have been the doing of one man. The fact is that almost anyone can be a terrorist these days, and heightened security can't be expected to protect against lone wolf attacks. The only solution is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Philip Webster, Melanie Phillips and Robbie Millen. Philip Webster:The Lib Dems are flailing around trying to show they are different from the Tories they have kept in office. It won't work. They have just signed off the autumn statement whose accompanying documents contain all the cuts they now so despise. They should pull out of the coalition. That will prove they are different. It won't mean an early election.Melanie Phillips:The appeal of Islamic State lies in the real power it has gained through territory and wealth. The only way to stop it recruiting is therefore to destroy it on the ground. The west's real problem, though, is the absence of a strategy to combat holy war.Robbie Millen:Should the Elgin Marbles be returned to Athens? The Greek Prime Minister said that their loan to the Hermitage was an “affront to the Greek people”. Such bombastic, bone-headed nationalism should be ignored. The marbles belong as much to Britain --- and all the civilised world... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Francis Elliott, Giles Whittell and Libby Purves. Francis Elliott:All four political parties are promising to cut taxes after the next election despite a deficit which is stubbornly refusing to fall. Worse they pretend they are doing so to make work pay for lower-income households but that's just not true. Vote for no tax cuts!Giles Whittell:China has been watching Vladimir Putin's brinkmanship in eastern Europe. It sees what can be accomplished through bullying indecisive western democracies, and has decided to have a go itself. Banning British MPs from visiting Hong Kong is a case in point. It's time to get angry with Beijing.Libby Purves:We need to think more intelligently about the distressing subject of paedophilia. Some men - and indeed a few women - are unnaturally and dangerously attracted to children. Not all of them abuse - or view the terrible online films. But for those still innocent who struggle, and hate themselves for this desire, there should be... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Webster is joined by Suzy Jagger, Hugo Rifkind and Roger Alton. The panel discuss the progress against Isis, the launch of The National - a brand new newspaper in Scotland - and Labour's popularity following the Thornberry affair.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Webster is joined by Patrick Kidd, Anne Ashworth and Daniel Finkelstein. Recognising the church's role in society, the housing dilemma and Lord Owen's proposal.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Matthew Parris, Roger Boyes and Alice Thomson.Labour leadership, Obama foreign policy and tackling dementia. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by David Aaronovitch, Ann Treneman and Rachel Sylvester. David Aaronovitch:The Age of Uncertainty. Not only do we not know the likely result of the next election, but it would be a fool who even attempted a prediction. In May we could see everyone losing and by June all three major party leaders standing down. Eek. Ann Treneman:George Osborne is on a one man mission to revitalise the north although the phrase 'northern powerhouse' may be the most patronising thing a politician has come up with for some time. But will London - or Westminster - ever allow such a thing really? In a nation that cannot even find one person to head an inquiry who isn't a member of the great and the good, is the very idea of the dispersal of power simply an anathema ?Rachel Sylvester:The internet is about to transform the way we deal with the state. The geeks in hoodies at the Government Digital Service have devised a way of verifying your identity securely that will open up the number of... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Jenni Russell, Philip Webster and Libby Purves.Jenni Russell This week the Defence Secretary apologised after saying that some communities in Britain felt swamped by immigrants. He used a word that he must have known had a toxic resonance in the debate. The Archbishop of Canterbury, appalled, has pleaded with politicians not to portray individual immigrants as a 'deep menace'. He is right. Politicians are behaving scandalously. The answer to the problems created by rapid immigration is to change the rules of admission, not to abuse the people who follow them. Philip WebsterIt is in Labour's interest that UKIP wins the Rochester by-election. Such an outcome would leave the Tories in utter disarray, fearing further defections with a question mark over the future of David Cameron. But they cannot afford to say that, which is why they are campaigning hard there. Why? Because otherwise Cameron's message Vote UKIP, Get Labour has added salience. And UKIP might come for... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Laura Pitel and Richard Fletcher. Hugo Rifkind:"Mansion taxes, higher council taxes and rises in stamp duty are all opposed by many affluent homeowners, and often with good reason. They should realise that property in Britain is a time bomb they cannot escape. If measures are not taken soon to make more housing available to more people, then, twenty years from now, there will be such an appetite for savage taxes on homeowners as to make them inevitable."Laura Pitel:"Nigel Farage likes to say that UKIP is no longer a one-man band. But he is still the party’s biggest draw and its key decision-maker. If he quit tomorrow it would descend into chaos. UKIP is on a roll right now, but it is hard to see it surviving in the long term."Richard Fletcher:"The hostile rhetoric surrounding immigration has spooked big business. Capping EU immigration is not the answer, warns the CBI. But will big business be heard in a post crisis environment where politicians will... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Rachel Sylvester, Philip Aldrick and Giles Whittell.The panel debate the effect of Andrew Lansley's health reforms, France and Germany's role in the stability of the Eurozone, plus Obama's foreign policy is put under the microscope. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Philip Webster and Daniel Finkelstein to discuss UKIP politician, Douglas Carswell's victory in the Clacton by-election. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie hosts this special edition of Did You Read? from the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.Featuring Philip Collins, Ann Treneman and Tory MP Owen Paterson, plus Phil Webster talks about the most influential people on the right today.Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie hosts this special edition of Did You Read? from the Labour Party Conference in Manchester.Featuring Jenni Russell, Matthew Parris, Phil Webster, plus Matthew Elliott from Taxpayers Alliance and Marcus Roberts from the Fabian Society on the fallout from the Scottish Referendum. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Collins, Richard Fletcher and Melanie Reid of The Times join Tim Montgomerie for this special edition of Did You Read?, where they discuss the Scottish Referendum result, the consequences for the entire UK as well as ask which party leader has come off worst?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel discuss the latest news ahead of the independence referendum in Scotland and debate the potential political ramifications. Tim Montgomerie is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Jenni Russell and political commentator and pollster Peter Kellner. Plus, the paper's Scottish Political Editor, Lindsay McIntosh, joins the debate direct from Scotland. Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Francis Elliott, Matthew Parris and Deborah Haynes. Francis Elliott David Cameron in Portugal, Ed Miliband in France and Nick Clegg in Spain - which of them will be most enjoying their break? Mr Cameron is famously good at "chillaxing" but with the polls not so far following the economic growth figures he - arguably - has more to worry about than Mr Miliband. It is Mr Clegg, however, who most needs a break.Matthew ParrisAs the situation deteriorates in LIbya, the voices keenest for the 2011 intervention (including perhaps The Times) will re-set their advice, arguing now that the problem is that we haven't intervened enough. They will advocate further intervention. But these are the voices that originally advised that intervention-lite, all done from the air with no "boots on the ground" would do the trick. We must remind ourselves that they were wrong then, that we have no reason to trust their advice now, and that a period of silence from the neocons would be... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Suzy Jagger, Roger Boyes and Patrick Kidd.Suzy JaggerLibya is at risk of fracturing into three fiefdoms - tripoli in the west, Benghazi in the east, and Sabbha in the south. Libya has enjoyed no stability since the overthrow of Gaddafi and points to a sobering third chapter of the Arab spring - uprising and coup; nascent democracy; and terrifying chaos. As the Middle East burns, literally, we have a foreign secretary with no foreign policy experience and a government with no foreign policy.Roger BoyesIt's a hot summer. Wars in Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, trouble brewing in the South China Sea, Libya in flames. It hasn't been that bad for a century. All these flare-ups seem insoluble so it's tempting to look away, do the Harold Macmillan thing and shoot some grouse on the moors. But is all this killing really so difficult to stop?Patrick KiddCameron's packing the latest Ben Macintyre book (sensible fellow), Miliband's sucking up to a Labour donor... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by David Aaronovitch, Matt Ridley and Anne Ashworth. David AaronovitchSometimes it is hard to grasp the meaning of an event. In the wake of the shooting down of the Malaysian airliner - almost certainly by pro-Russian separatists, it turns out that Vladimir Putin has been, in effect, waging war on his neighbour. The US claims that over 100 armoured vehicles have been given by Russia to the rebels in recent weeks begs the question of why we have done so little about it. Anne AshworthAin’t nothing going on but the rent, so long as millions of twentysomethings are concerned. However, politicians do not seem to be aware of the explosive growth in the private rented sector - now bigger than social housing - and the need for imaginative policy in this area which would provide more affordable homes to let. No wonder younger voters are so disaffected. Matt RidleyWe’ve spent years encouraging faith schools, and when a group of Birmingham schools come along and show us what real... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special addition: Tim Montgomerie is joined by Phil Collins, Jill Sherman and Phillip Webster after an extraordinary day which has seen an extensive cabinet reshuffle.The panel attempt to answer the following:1. Is this still a reforming govt?2. Has the reshuffle met expectations for women?3. Is the Eurosceptic movement for an election or to last?Subscribe via iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/did-you-read Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Rachel Sylvester, Fay Schlesinger and Matthew Syed.Rachel SylvesterDavid Cameron is carrying out a reshuffle for women. How patronising. The truth is the Tories are struggling to get local associations to choose female candidates, and have failed to tackle the off-putting culture of the House of Commons. All the parties need more than tokenism to woo women voters.Fay SchlesingerIn 1961, a new law challenged the so-called sanctity of life and raised fears of a 'slippery slope' and the untimely death of thousands. That law legalised suicide. This week Lords will debate assisted dying, which crosses another line by giving doctors a proactive hand in death. With the right controls, it makes compassionate and practical sense. In an ageing society, governments cannot shirk responsibility for helping people to die well.Matthew SyedThere is a proposal to make “honesty lessons” for new MP’s compulsory. I think this is silly. The problem with trust in politics is much... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Daniel Finkelstein, Ann Treneman and Patrick Kidd. Daniel Finkelstein: “The recent death of Gerry Conlon and the compensation paid to the wrongly convicted youths accused of raping the Central Park jogger, should remind us of the danger of hysteria and panic to the operation of the justice system. This week as I review the child abuse debate I wonder if we have forgotten this.” Ann Treneman: “Are we seeing the return of Parliament as a power in the land? On Monday, the Home Secretary repeatedly acknowledged the "relentless" campaigns by backbench MPs on the issue of alleged child abuse. But there is also the power of the Europhobes, who have got the government on the run. I would also say that Mr Speaker himself, by simply re-discovering something called the Urgent Questions, has made the Commons much more relevant. People say Parliament isn't what it used to be. Actually, I think it's growing in importance every year.”Patrick Kidd: “The warning is stark: to meet a £30bn... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Tim Montgomerie is joined by Francis Elliott, Matthew Parris and Jenni Russell. DYR? Francis ElliottIf David Cameron really wants the European Commission to be an agent for change and a place where dynamic politicians go to complete a glittering career two of his arguments from the Juncker J'accuse speech last week - then why on earth is he poised to send Andrew Lansley to Brussels?Matthew ParrisNeither my time nor my capacity for enquiry and deliberation are unlimited. So I have decided to have no opinion at all on what those involved should do about the ISIS crisis. We British are not involved. I have no opinion on the future of the US Space Program, either. Jenni RussellThere's been outrage over the revelation that Facebook spent a week manipulating the news its users read to discover whether giving them sad or happy stories affected what they then posted online. The anger is justified. But we are all being manipulated all the time by what we read, see and choose to follow... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Collins steps in for Tim Montgomerie and is joined by Suzy Jagger, Phil Webster and Patrick Kidd.Suzy JaggerThis month's surprise - and to date, devastatingly successful - assault by Isis on Northern Iraq has led to a new cat's cradle of shifting internAtional alliances. The West has found itself to be a new uncomfortable bedfellow with Tehran. How do we manage these new allegiances? And are we right to blame much of the crisis deepening in the region to President Obama's complete absence of real foreign policy? Philip WebsterCameron has played the Juncker appointment badly, unnecessarily losing Merkel on the way. He can salvage something from the wreckage by facing other leaders down on Thursday and staging an immediate press conference at midnight to tell the world who voted for whom.Patrick KiddShocking in Sao Paulo, humbled in Hamilton and now stumped by Sri Lanka in Leeds, it's been a grim few days for England sports fans. Whatever happened to that glorious summer of 2012 when we... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Melanie Phillips, Alice Thomson and Roger Alton.Melanie PhillipsPeople say the Iraq debacle has happened because we went in and got rid of strong man Saddam. On the contrary, it's because the US and UK got out of Iraq, allowing Maliki to alienate the Sunnis. Leaving a strong man in place hasn't worked in Syria, and Saddam would have run his own jihadi gangs. This chaos directly threatens the West, as did Saddam, but the main focus should be on the head of the snake, Iran.Alice ThomsonThe real battle in education is not between Dominic Cummings and David Cameron whom he tells Rachel Sylvester and me is like "a sphinx without a riddle" but between Michael Gove and The Blob . The Education Secretary is determined to face down the trendy modernists who want all children making paper mâché puppets and set schools free while promoting academic rigour, he's right. Roger AltonMany people, not always women - are quite happy to say "I don't know anything about football" as if... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Libby Purves, Daniel Finkelstein and newcomer, Giles Whittell.Libby PurvesAnn Widdecombe complains that it is ‘very difficult” to be an active Christian in Britain today. She says that Militant secularism stops people in workplaces from wearing crosses, saying God bless, or offering to pray for people - and that - quotes “stances of conscience” are prevented by political correctness and equality law. I say - render unto Caesar: and show don’t tell...and that applies to other religions too.Daniel FinkelsteinWhat is the point in Britain having influence if it doesn't use it? And what better cause could there be than trying to prevent Jean Claude Juncker from being President of the European Commission? For both procedural and substantive reasons, Mr Juncker is the wrong President for the Commission and this matters even if you believe that the EU must be only a single market. Giles WhittellI’d like to talk about what Putin does next. Little mentioned in our... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Matthew Parris, Ann Treneman and David Aaronovitch. Matthew ParrisSpain's King Juan Carlos was respected in the 1980s for his brave refusal to support a coup against democracy. That respect has been squandered: hence (in part) the abdication, but are we smug in pointing this out? The fading of British republicanism in recent decades has been enormously dependent on the growing personal popularity of our Queen. Our real monarchists are probably a minority. The majority are, firstly, Elizabethists. Woe betide our monarchy if we ever got a real stinker on the throne.David AaronovitchThe Newark by-election on Thursday is a genuinely interesting contest. My contention - and polls seem to back it up - is that the Euro elections were a Ukip high point. As Ukip has grown, so the proportion of people alarmed by them has grown too. But the media appreciation of this fact has been slow in developing. If the Tories hold on to Newark with any degree of comfort then the understanding... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.