Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

With the Conservatives miles behind in the polls, the route to election victory is narrow... but not entirely blocked.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for the new, exclusive series on governmental cock-ups - new episode on Tony Blair and the Iraq War coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions in to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak, the self-declared fiscal conservative, becomes Prime Minister having lost the summer's leadership contest. But will his Thatcherite instincts allow him to rise to the epic challenges ahead? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and 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.

The Liz Truss era is over after just a few weeks. Since 2010, four Conservative Prime Ministers have fallen between general elections, suggesting that Truss is part of a deeper pattern...Rock & Roll Politics: The (Post) Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on October Weds 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Back the podcast for early, ad-free episodes and 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.

Liz Truss is in the untenable position of supporting an economic policy she opposed with revolutionary disdain during the leadership contest. But can Tory MPs agree on an alternative?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and 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.

The mighty markets have wrecked the Truss/Kwarteng shallow revolution… but how will they constrain a Labour government if Keir Starmer wins the next election? Plus brilliant questions and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on October 26: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ And Rock & Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live for the very first time at the Old Market Theatre Brighton on Dec 12: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSupport the show on Patreon to get early editions, bonus podcasts, merchandise 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.

The Truss and Kwarteng u-turn on tax shows they failed to read the space available to them. How many consequences will there be? This week, there will be analysis, brilliant questions, and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Sign up to Patreon here for bonus podcasts 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.

Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng have unleashed another shallow revolution, the third since 2010. The pound sinks and public services are on their knees. For 12 years, the UK has become a laboratory for whacky economic experiments. But will passive England vote for more?Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 26th, as the drama intensifies… https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Sign up to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don’t forget, join the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative by sending your questions to [email protected] ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liz Truss era resumes at breakneck speed. How should Labour respond? In this week's podcast, I reflect on the lessons of Harold Wilson's much-overlooked leadership with Nick Thomas-Symonds, shadow International Trade Secretary and author of Harold Wilson - The Winner. Plus, brilliant questions on the monarch and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - this Thursday at Kings Place. Tickets available at kingsplace.co.uk Email me and the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative: [email protected] Subscribe to 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.

Can a monarch genuinely define an era while being unable to express a view or implement policies that can change lives? Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Email yours to [email protected] & Roll Politics: The Start of the Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place London on Thursday September 22nd and streaming live. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/Support the podcast, help us grow and get each week’s edition early plus bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAudio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to overturn Tory orthodoxies in place since this long-serving government was elected in 2010. What will the consequences be and what are the implications for Labour?Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - at Kings Place on Monday September 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Join as a patron for exclusive bonus podcasts, on Prime Ministers and their special advisors: 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.

We had no time for listeners' questions earlier this week, so here's a bonus podcast with some of the brilliant ones I received, plus my reflections on the BBC and its board member, former Tory strategist Sir Robbie Gibb.Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is the 14th and final show at this year's Edinburgh Festival, in which the audience makes predictions on Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon, and I reflect on the ultimate irony of the Tory Leadership contest.Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Subscribe on Patreon for early episode releases and special series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meeting some of the members of the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative has got me thinking, and so have the audiences at my live shows…Plus, I review some of the events and shows I've seen at the Fringe, including those in which Nicola Sturgeon and Keir Starmer were centre stage.Send your questions to [email protected], and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to grow the Co-operative further!Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics live at the Edinburgh Festival: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics 'The Liz Truss Era Special' on Sept 19th at Kings Place are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/The Patreon version of the podcast is here: 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.

As in the 1970s, soaring fuel bills are transforming political assumptions and orthodoxies, with only the candidates to be the next PM struggling to catch up.And as always, your questions. Send them in to [email protected]!Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsRock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on Sept 19:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/Subscribe on Patreon for early episodes and bonus content: 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.

While the Tory leadership candidates row over tax cuts, there are bigger questions: what to do about Brexit labour shortages, and how will the war in Ukraine end? Plus brilliant questions from the importance of a leader's chosen confidant and adviser to the essence of 'authenticity'. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Rock & Roll Politics: 'The Liz Truss Era' is live at Kings Place on Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Patreon backers get exclusive access to episodes early, plus bonus content: 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.

Liz Truss presents herself as the change maker in a time of turmoil. Keir Starmer must do the same, even if the focus groups and the influence of mid-’90s New Labour point to an alternative, risky route of extreme caution… Plus brilliant listener questions.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival every day from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon for early access to episodes, bonus content and 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.

Some Conservative members want their next Prime Minister to be... Boris Johnson. A man who shares this view is... Boris Johnson himself, who anticipates a return to Number 10 despite the current race to replace him.Plus the undeserved elevation of Margaret Thatcher to god-like levels, even among non-Conservatives, and brilliant audience questions.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsPatreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions into [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To my surprise we are learning a lot from the contest even though the candidates are saying very little. The biggest lesson so far: Get ready of political storms this autumn when the winner seeks to implement their economic policies. Also this week, more of your brilliant questions.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, exclusive merchandise and 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.

For the third time since 2016 the Conservatives alone will elect a new Prime Minister. Yet the rest of us are excluded from the tax cutting, small state fantasy. In this episode: how the party has changed since the contest that followed the fall of Margaret Thatcher.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon here::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 understandable reasons, there are more raging questions about Johnson’s lack of a moral compass. His hesitation in responding to the allegations about former deputy whip Chris Pincher relate to his tendency to misjudge the nature of every challenge, from Covid to Brexit… Plus, your brilliant questions on the ill defined ‘centre ground’.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. Next up, a special episode on Harold Wilson and Marcia Williams: 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.

In a week when Matthew Parris claimed Rishi Sunak was a ‘centrist’ and Keir Starmer proclaimed that Labour was on the ‘centre ground’ I wonder where the ‘centre’ is and what it means… if anything. Plus your brilliant questions on Mick Lynch, Boris Johnson, the by-elections and much more.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsPatreon for bonus podcasts and much more is here: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.

In my reflections I suggest that the fragmentation of the railways – with no clear lines of responsibility – is the biggest cause of the current crisis… plus brilliant questions on a range of urgent issues from the BBC’s choice of panellists to Northern Ireland to what happens if the Conservatives win the next election but Johnson loses his seat.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack us on Patreon to get the podcast early and ad-free plus exclusive bonus editions 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.

The confidence vote that Boris Johnson won narrowly is already having consequences.Tory MPs deploy their new leverage to demand vaguely-defined tax cuts and a new war with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol …but what about the spending increases the same Tory MPs also want?And as the UK economy totters on the cliff’s edge, how would it cope with an economic battle with the EU?Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and 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.

Boris Johnson 'won' the vote of confidence in his leadership, but voters will note that many of his MPs don't support him and will wonder why they should, either.If there is a leadership contest most voters will not have a role - and all candidates will pitch to the right in order to win. Rock & Roll Politics is live and streaming live on Wed June 8th - A Tory Leadership Special. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ Back the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and 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.

As millions enjoy street parties and raise a glass to the Queen - what exactly are they celebrating? Plus, brilliant questions on Partygate and Johnson’s survival.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed June 8th. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/My new series on Prime Ministers and their advisers, starting with Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings, is exclusively on my Patreon page from the 1st of June:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions in to [email protected] ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time moves on and other issues erupt. But should that reduce the potency of the lockdown parties at Downing Street, and reduce the pressure on the inept Metropolitan Police?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place at June 8th, and we have a lot to pack in. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ Sign up to Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more:And don't forget to send your questions in to [email protected] ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson chose to place a border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Now, he faces the dark consequences… Plus, the hidden risk of Keir Starmer’s pledge to resign if he’s issued with a penalty charge notice for Beergate, and brilliant questions from the UK and around the world.Send in your questions from your runs, bakes, and rows to [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 8. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/You can back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon to get episodes early, plus exclusive podcasts, merchandise and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsYou can also become a Premium Subscriber on Apple Podcasts for early access. Search Rock & Roll Politics in the app for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I reflect on the many lessons arising from the local elections, from the sudden focus on Starmer's future to the fractured state of the UK. Plus, more of your brilliant questions. Rock & Roll Politics returns to Kings Place on June 8th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ Tickets for my live shows at the Edinburgh Festival are also on sale: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics You can back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon to get episodes early, plus exclusive podcasts, merchandise and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsYou can also become a Premium Subscriber on Apple Podcasts for early access. Search Rock & Roll Politics in the app for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I reflect on Ukraine and the origins of World War One… plus the lessons of Labour’s victory 25 years ago this week. Also, brilliant questions on issues from sex pests at Westminster to how to fund the NHS…Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 8th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8jun/Support us on Patreon and get bonus podcasts, early editions and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsEnjoy the podcast and want a simple way to access bonus content as well as ad-free episodes? Rock & Roll Politics Patreon content is now also available via Apple Podcasts too. Click here to find out more: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rock-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/id1384867286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mood amongst some Conservative MPs has turned against Boris Johnson, but what are the conditions that bring about the toppling of a Prime Minister by their own party?Plus brilliant questions on the passivity of voters, NHS co-payments, Union Jack socks and much more.Patrons to Rock & Roll Politics get episodes early and an exclusive podcast on the 2017 general election, out this Friday! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Apple Podcasts listeners can also now receive exclusive content. Find out more here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rock-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/id1384867286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I get angry…Plus brilliant questions on all the big themes, and the latest on my Union Jack socks.On Patreon there are bonus podcasts on the Feb ‘74, ‘83 and ‘92 elections. Back us on Patreon, help us grow, and get amazing merchandise and perks too: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.

In a packed podcast we reflect on the lessons for the BBC in its never-ending attempt to find a Political Editor… Plus, Rishi Sunak, the French Elections, Labour and the need to excite as well as reassure. Plus brilliant questions and why all of us at Rock’n’Roll Politics should form a co-operative.Back Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon, help us grow, and get amazing merchandise and perks too: 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.

A drop in living standards and the return of inflation should be an open goal for Labour, but there are huge challenges for ahead for Labour as well as opportunities presented by the cost of living crisis. Plus, as always, your brilliant questions…There’s a new bonus podcast on the Patreon version of Rock n Roll Politics, discussing the 1992 General Election. Sign up now to listen! https://www.patreon.com/posts/64700914 Send your questions to Steve at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Boris Johnson and Theresa May half-wanted to move their party on from Thatcherism… and yet they both appointed Thatcherite Chancellors. Why did they do so? What were the consequences? Plus brilliant questions ranging from how Labour can oppose Brexit, to why Prime Ministers make terrible mistakes, and on to a new favourite theme of listeners: tuition fees. Good or bad?Support Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts, exclusive Rock’n’Roll Politics mugs 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.

Boris Johnson's comments linking Ukraine with Brexit show that he is still writing Daily Telegraph columns as a form of leadership.Plus the P&O fire-and-rehire crisis, the language of ‘regulations’ and ‘freedom,’ and your brilliant questions... Join Rock N Roll Politics the Patreon version here for lots of bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSend your questions to Steve at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s podcast out early for Patreon followers. Number 10 is briefing that Boris Johnson is proving to be a world leader in the Ukraine crisis, and implying that perceptions of him will improve as they did in relation to Margaret Thatcher after the Falklands. Will they? And what really happened in 1982, when Thatcher went to war? Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Thursday, March 17th, and streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/ Join Rock N Roll Politics the Patreon version here for lots of bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Don’t forget to add your personal RSS for the podcast to your favourite app so you can listen wherever you are… Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, reflects on the current international crisis. Jonathan met Putin several times during different phases of his leadership, and has been involved in negotiations - including in Northern Ireland - where resolution in any form seemed close to impossible. Plus brilliant questions, and news of my Union Jack socks, arriving soon. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Thursday March 17th, and streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/Get Rock'n'Roll Politics early when you back the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Jonathan Powell’s books include: Great Hatred, Little Room: Making Peace in Northern Ireland Don’t forget to add your personal RSS for the podcast to your favourite app so you can listen wherever you are… Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Putin’s view of his country’s recent past propels him to invade Ukraine – and yet his sense of the past is in many ways a wilful misreading. On this at least, he is not alone. Many leaders are burdened by a misreading of their country’s past… with consequences. Plus, brilliant questions from listeners and your suggestions for general election bonus podcasts for Patreon supporters.Help Rock’n’Roll Politics by backing us on Patreon here. You’ll get extra podcasts, mugs, free tickets and even (for top tier backers) a live show in your own home…Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place, London on Monday March 17th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/Email: [email protected]://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I reflect on that most potent and misleading word in British politics, ‘freedom’ – and then we go over to some brilliant questions ranging from Sunak’s chances of becoming PM to latest on UK foreign policy, plus great suggestions for General Elections in forthcoming Patreon podcast episodes.Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London, and streaming live, on Monday Feb 21st. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-febSupport Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon here to help us keep growing and also get bonus podcasts, mugs, complimentary live tickets and much more.Email: [email protected]://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I reflect on British foreign policy in the light of the Ukraine crisis and other sagas in which the UK has played a haphazard role… and Keir Starmer follows a pattern in speaking about foreign policy solely in terms of the never-ending vote losing factionalism in his party. Plus, brilliant questions on the police investigation re Downing Street parties and much more.Help the podcast to grow by supporting us on Patreon, the crowdfunding platform. You’ll get bonus podcasts, mugs, free tickets for live shows and much more. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place, London on Monday Feb 21st at 7pm..a brand new show and streaming live too. Tickets here : https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As politics gets even wilder, I reflect on how the make-up and effectiveness of the No.10 operation tells us much about the character of a Prime Minister. Based on the recent past, the structure of Number Ten will neither save a Prime Minister nor lead them to their doom. The wider political context always determines their fate… Plus, more brilliant questions from the UK and around the world.You can now support the podcast on Patreon with options that include special bonus podcasts – the first series is on epic General Elections – plus Rock’n’Roll Politics mugs, free tickets and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Feb 21 and streaming live too: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/Audio production by Alex Rees for Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sue Gray ‘update’ was more dramatic than expected, but only Conservative MPs have the power to act. Will they?Plus, brilliant questions from around the UK and the rest of the world.Rock’n’Roll Politics is live – and streaming – at Kings Place on Monday Feb 21st: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson totters precariously because of the parties in Number 10… even though he himself has never been a great party lover. Why did he not think through those famous consequences? Did he not consider what would happen if the gatherings were leaked? Plus brilliant questions from all parts of the UK, Germany, Poland, Brussels and beyond. Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London next Monday Jan 24. Join us for an epic political night – and we’re streaming live too. Tickets for either option here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-24-01/Written and presented by Steve Richards. Recorded at Podmasters Studios, Highbury, London. Audio production by Alex Rees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I analyse Keir Starmer's latest pitch as if it were a classic literary text - which it is not - but there clues in it that are interesting. Speeches are always more revealing than they seem.Plus, brilliant questions from Portugal, Holland, France and of course the UK.Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Jan 24th and also streams live. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-24-01/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first podcast of the New Year, I reflect on two big political taboos that I predict will be broken in 2022, and brilliant questions on the politics of Tony Blair, when governments fall and the latest on Covid. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Jan 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the resignation of Lord Frosty Frost shines light on a vast range of the current political landscape… also Covid latest, the North Shropshire by-election, and how they all connect… plus brilliant questions from across the UK and around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I reflect on the state of the modern Conservative party when so many of its MPs fervently oppose modest protections against Covid at a point when the virus is raging once more…plus brilliant questions, reports on the recent live shows and much more.Recorded at Podmasters Studios. Audio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak briefs the Times about his plans to cut taxes as taxes are about to rise… Keir Starmer gives an interview to the paper that makes no waves… plus brilliant questions.Rock’n’Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham on Wed Dec 8th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/And live at Kings Place London on Thursday Dec 9th (also streaming live): https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/Audio production by Alex Rees at Podmasters Studios.Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has conducted a wide ranging shadow cabinet reshuffle-How significant will the changes be? Plus brilliant questions from around the UK...and the rest of the world. Rock N Roll Politics- The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 9th..and also streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My reflections on the government's plans for trains in the north of England, Paul Dacre's revealing reasons for pulling out of the OFCOM post and Andrew Marr's equally illuminating statement on why he's living the BBC...plus brilliant questions. Rock N Roll Politics-the Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 9th. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.