Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

Labour is way ahead in the polls and has dropped its most radical policy, the £28 billion green recovery plan. But in opposition, in the build up to the 1979 and 2010 elections, the Conservatives put forward radical right wing programmes – and won from opposition. They did not retreat. Why is Labour more cautious and less confident?Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Support the show on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer and Reeves have got in a mess over their pledge to borrow £28 billion for a green recovery programme. The proposal has been marked by defensive ‘retreats’ when it would enable UK to compete with the US and EU and bring good news to every voter. Why has this happened, and what can be done about it?Plus, points from the Rock N Roll Co-operative on the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Frosty Frost and moreBack the podcast on Patreon for bonus editions and much more too.Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Get your tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attempted coups against PMs and leaders are becoming increasingly familiar. Will the current plot against Sunak succeed? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon to get bonus editions, merchandise and more. Rock N Roll Politics is live with a brand new show at Kings Place on March 26th. Get in-person or streaming tickets here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s become a cliché that Keir Starmer's pitch lacks the clarity and sense of purpose that marked New Labour's victory in 1997. But Blair’s over-mythologised win was a lot lighter on specifics than we tend to remember, says Steve Richards. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Steve Richards asked what the deeper lessons were from the Post Office scandal. The responses from the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative suggests it merely reflects a much wider problem. How do we even begin to fix Britain? Or to be more precise; how does a future Labour government fix it? Plus important notices on exclusive new content for Patreons, live events and brilliant questions.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including a bonus series on Labour in 1997, exclusive merchandise and live events only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for live event including a Q+A to celebrate 'Turning Points': Hornsey Library on January 28thTickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The indifference of ministers in the coalition government to the Post Office scandal is becoming a big story. But the indifference was not accidental, it was a deliberate act and part of a wider culture that is still pervasive: The state should step back and give 'operational independence' to non-elected figures. Steve Richards assesses how when things go wrong, as they often do in this culture, ministers become responsible, and whether these vague lines of accountability are part of the reason why nothing works in the UK.Plus we hear brilliant questions on Labour's election slogan and much more.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bonus New Year episode for all in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative: With Keir Starmer following a Blairite pre-election strategy, Steve Richards thinks Rishi Sunak has only one route to reduce Labour's lead. But will he fail to take it? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a packed house at Kings Place this December for a live Rock N Roll Politics: The Festive Special. As a special Christmas gift from Steve Richards we have the live recording for those in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative who couldn't be there, and for those who could.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A small but emblematic announcement highlights why public services are so poor in the UK; the government has scrapped plans for an app to make booking train tickets easier. Steve Richards explores why public services are not structured for the benefit of the public.All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and a Happy Christmas to you all! Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHS waiting lists spiralling out of control. A crisis in social care. Station boards full of cancelled trains. Creaking schools. But somehow, Rishi Sunak's future depends on flying a single plane full of migrants to Rwanda. How do we get a more grown-up politics in the UK?Plus your brilliant questions, notices from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and much more.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the resignation of Robert Jenrick, plus Suella Braverman's opposition to his new Rwanda legislation, can Rishi Sunak govern any more? If not, will he call an early election next year? Steve Richards assesses another Westminster drama with a special bonus podcast.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a new week and Boris Johnson will finally be held to account for his leadership during the pandemic at the Covid-19 Inquiry this week.Steve Richards imagines how different and more effective the response would have been if Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling were in charge. Would they have handled it as well as they did the financial crash?All this plus reflections on Glenys Kinnock, Keir Starmer and Margaret Thatcher, the demise of Newsnight and the BBC and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now even Holland is under the rule of a right wing populist, it might be time to admit that they are winning again. Argentina has elected another. Trump might win next year. And Farage is in the jungle watched by millions. Steve Richards asks what's happening and why?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government is presiding over a crumbling, broken country and investment is required urgently. Steve Richards asks why are Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt focussing instead on tax cuts?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive Live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak's desperate attempt to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda will be the dominant political theme for months, sucking up all energy as Brexit did.Steve Richards considers how this is political madness at the best of times, but what is prompting this lunacy now when so much in the UK doesn't work?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here.The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman and brought back David Cameron. But in terms of party management and the direction of policy, do these seemingly dramatic changes make much difference? Steve Richards considers all this plus news of an upcoming special Patreon-only Zoom event coming soon.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards considers how Rishi Sunak pays homage to Elon Musk, and discusses the confirmation from the Covid inquiry that no one and no agency was in control during a national emergency. A King's Speech is unveiled, most of which will not be implemented plus Sunak and Starmer follow the United States in their attitude to the Israel/Hamas conflict. All this begs the question who actually wields power in the UK? Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Covid struck the UK at the worst possible time. Johnson was governing amidst casual chaos and yet he was popular and this popularity made him dangerously powerful. Neither his subservient cabinet nor a parliament with a big Tory Majority dared to challenge him. Now we are discovering quite how bad things were.Plus brilliant questions on Keir Starmer and the Israel Gaza conflict, Brexit, the leadership of Heath compared with Sunak and whether I want to be an MP.Rock & Roll Politics -the Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 18th when we look back at another wild year and look ahead to 2024, the likely election year. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-11/ Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Question Time Special, Rock & Roll Politics explores the Israel/Gaza nightmare, the origins of Brexit and the crises facing the Conservative party. Plus, will Labour win an overall majority?Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham this Wednesday 1 November. Tickets here: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Party has a reputation for adapting ruthlessly to changing times, but is it deserved? After the two historic by-election defeats last week, the United Kingdom's governing party of choice faces the possibility of a calamitous defeat at the next general election. Steve Richards asks; did the Tories ever learn the full lessons from the election slaughter in 1997 and what have they done for voters since 2010 that can give them hope of a fifth term next year? Plus brilliant questions from the listeners on Israel and Gaza and much more.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions are high in the UK and yet virtually everyone condemns the brutal atrocities in Israel while warning about the horrors in Gaza. Steve Richards asks; amidst a consensus over the horror, why is there such angry disagreement?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer framed a powerful and coherent argument in his conference speech, but what about the gaps? Steve Richards asks; What have we learnt from the conference season so far? The SNP is coming up next.All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock n Roll Politics Co-operative. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards is at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The mood is disciplined and yet ebullient and businesses have flocked to the conference assuming Keir Starmer will be prime minister next year. Are Labour ready for the challenges of power?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his party conference speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed to be the “change-maker” who was moving Britain on from “the last thirty years”. Steve Richards asks, did he pull his speech off?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pre-election Conservative Party conference manages to be both noisy and subdued. The autumnal gloom has set in, there's a pervasive sense that defeat looms and that sense makes defeat more likely.It is true that Sunak inherited a nightmare, but why has he failed to rise to the challenge?All this from Steve Richards, plus more brilliant questions and notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards speaks to the Labour shadow cabinet member and historian Nick Thomas Symonds.Nick has revised his biography of the former Prime Minister Clement Attlee and included an introduction from Keir Starmer, but can Starmer emulate Attlee? Nick also has responsibility for negotiating a 'better Brexit', Steve asks him how can this be achieved?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3Nick Thomas Symonds' book Attlee: A Life in Politics will be available later this month:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attlee-Life-Politics-Nicklaus-Thomas-Symonds-dp-0755636139/dp/0755636139/ref=dp_ob_title_bk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tidal waves move away from Thatcherite orthodoxies as the next election moves into view and the consequences of austerity economics and privatised monopolies are playing out. Steve Richards asks; will the UK turn if Labour wins? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Expect high political drama: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve’s latest book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain From 1945 to Truss is now available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_2?crid=QRFD2ZSG4CJG&keywords=steve+richards+books&qid=1694439462&sprefix=steve+r%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the UK is excluded from the latest US/EU initiative, Steve Richards asks what is its role in the world? The same question was asked during the Suez crisis in 1956 and during the rows over Brexit.When the UK reaches crucial turning points does it turn, or do the key questions remain unresolved? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Wednesday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/Steve’s latest book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain From 1945 to Truss is now available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_2?crid=QRFD2ZSG4CJG&keywords=steve+richards+books&qid=1694439462&sprefix=steve+r%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today; the closure of schools because of unsafe buildings is emblematic of a country where nothing seems to work. Nothing happens by chance and Rishi Sunak's fiscal conservatism – echoing the early austerity years – has consequences. Plus Steve Richards considers Keir Starmer's reshuffle. Believe it or not the policies will matter more than the personalities.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are close to the start of a new political year and the Conservatives appear to be as disturbed as ever. Nadine Dorries is stirring, so who is Rishi Sunak turning to for support in this troubled time?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest episode Steve Richards reflects on the lessons so far from a vibrant Edinburgh Festival and introduces an episode previously released for Patreon backers on the significance of Prime Ministers appointing allies who they have known and admired for many years. Their chosen confidants tell us much about the character of a PM. In this case we look at the instincts of David Cameron as he turned to his close friend Steve Hilton.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th to Saturday August 26th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1992 election haunts Keir Starmer and his team. It was an election when Labour was at some points well ahead in the polls and still lost. In this summer special Steve Richards looks at what really happened. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a series of Summer Specials Steve Richards reflects on the role of troublemakers in British politics. This is the chance for the whole Rock N Roll Politics co-operative to hear an episode from the Patreon series on troublemakers. Today Steve focuses on Enoch Powell who made one speech that rightly led to him being sacked from the front bench, never to return. He still managed to torment Prime Ministers from the backbenches and influenced the outcome of at least one general election. Other episodes in the series are available on Patreon and look at Tony Benn, Robin Cook and Nigel Farage. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the height of summer and a chance to explore the many mysteries of British politics via brilliant questions from the Rock N Roll Politics Cooperative. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th.Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the UK's bonkers pre-election 'tax and spend' debate continues the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has discovered he has more money to spend than he had expected.Steve Richards considers all this plus the need to avoid being perceived as punitive at the start of the UK's tentative green revolution.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's gain in Selby was a triumph as was the Liberal Democrat’s victory in Somerset and Frome. In a by-election special Steve Richards considers the fall out from the results, including the Conservatives' win in Uxbridge that will have immediate consequences.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits, including a LIVE gathering on Zoom on Monday 24th July for more on the by-election fall out: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsAt the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a recent article for the Observer, Keir Starmer deployed many phrases that were part of Tony Blair's armoury twenty years ago – or even further back than that. After several Labour defeats is that the smart strategic move, to follow the language and ideas of an election winner? Or is such an unusual act of imitation a sign of weakness?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits, including a LIVE gathering on Monday 24th July for immediate by-election fall out: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsThe New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the same time that we discovered the police were not investigating allegations surrounding Huw Edwards we also learned that the presenter was in hospital. Unsurprisingly given the media frenzy surrounding him. In this episode Steve Richards asks how big can a story get when involving a presenter's private life?Support Rock N Roll Politics and get episodes early and ad-free on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th.Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsThe New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Keir Starmer's key missions is to achieve the highest levels of growth in the G7. Steve Richards asks how? The answer is far from clear, as Starmer and Rachel Reeves highlight their commitment to stick more or less to Tory tax and spend plans, although in the style of New Labour circa 1997.Plus today there’s more brilliant questions and life changing notices.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th.Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe to Patreon for exclusive benefits including the July live event:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsThe New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards is in conversation with the director, Josh Appignanessi, about his new film ‘My Extinction’.The film is both funny and urgently reflective as Josh explores the dilemmas facing each of us in the face of climate change. What does it take for us to act on the climate crisis and is the issue too overwhelming as we contemplate our extinction? Steve asks what is the best way to protest and is there hope amidst the alarm? What has Josh learnt from his own comically erratic climate change journey?https://www.dartmouthfilms.com/myextinctionSupport Rock N Roll Politics and get episodes early and ad-free on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here:https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaeaRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are now in the pre-election phase, so inevitably tax is a 'burden' that should be cut and 'reforms' will magically improve public services. Steve Richards assesses the consequences for the state that we are in.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here:https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaeaRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Water privatisation was rushed through after the 1987 election. The many problems were as obvious then as they are now. So why was privatisation proclaimed as a Thatcherite triumph for decades?Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here:https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaeaRock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The anti-Tory mood is deep and deepening but amidst the gloom where are the arguments about why nothing works in the UK? And where are the ideas that offer some hope that things can only get better? Plus - What have we learned in the fast moving Putin saga? All this and your brilliant questions too.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here:https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaea Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe to Patreon for bonus podcasts and exclusive live events: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Rosenbaum was the BBC's Freedom of Information guru, seeking to uncover hidden material via the Freedom of Information Act, an item of legislation Tony Blair deeply regretted passing. Martin became the world expert on using the act and has now written a book called 'Freedom of Information: A Practical Guidebook'. Martin reflects on the dramas leading up to the act becoming law and what happened subsequently. As a former BBC editor he also discusses the political programmes he was involved in making.Book link:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Information-practical-Martin-Rosenbaum/dp/1739800540/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is easy to blame Boris Johnson for everything that has gone wrong but the seeds of the current set of crises go deep, as the Covid Inquiry seems to recognise.Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsSupport Rock n Roll Politics on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the publication of her book - My Family and Other Radicals, Polly Toynbee reflects on being privileged and on the left, her remarkable family, being on the losing side in politics most of the time and her hopes for Keir Starmer.Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson seeks to cause trouble for Rishi Sunak. Nicola Sturgeon is arrested. These dramas are more nuanced than they appear to be but for now the obvious beneficiary is Keir Starmer. However, Steve Richards asks if Starmer is conceding too much ground in advance of an election he looks like winning? Or does he look like winning because he concedes so much ground?Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is the most pledged policy in recent decades and yet never delivered … Labour proposed a national care service in 2010, Theresa May had a plan in 2017, Boris Johnson pretended to have one in 2019 … So far nothing. Now the Fabian Society has set out its ideas for a National Care Service with a report broadly welcomed by its shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting. But where will the money come from and does Keir Starmer have the political will to deliver finally? That's two of many questions I discuss with Andrew Harrop, General Secretary of the Fabians as we delve deep in thorny areas with the next election moving into view.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th ... a different show every day. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson is making life hellish for Rishi Sunak..causing trouble in relation to the Covid Inquiry, making the front pages most days of the week, making clear he blames Sunak for his fall. Former PMs make leadership difficult for their successors...does a politically active Johnson make it almost impossible to lead the troubled Conservative party?Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For a few decades the Conservative Party has changed from an expedient political force with MPs and members loyal to the leadership to a more factional and insurrectionary movement. Tim Bale, the author of The Conservative Party After Brexit-Turmoil and Transformation, has followed the changes at every level from the membership to the leadership. To make sense of the current turmoil in the UK's governing party we look back and follow the wild patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.