The Two Matts

The King’s Speech was packed with plans … putting to bed the theory that Keir Starmer’s Labour government had no plan. But will it be enough to instigate the national renewal they have promised? The Matts discuss. Also - what does JD Vance mean for Trump and for Britain? And why is David Lammy parading his Christianity on the national airwaves? The Matts make sense of international manoeuvring. Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European for as little at £1/week and get an exclusive offer just for listening to this podcast: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsFurther Reading/listeningJames Bloodworth - HiredPhilosophize This - Listen here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The attempted assassination attempt of Donald Trump does not sanctify a man who has thrived on a particularly violent rhetoric his whole political career. As Nigel Farage blames the media, as MAGA Republican Senator JD Vance blames Joe Biden and the Democrats, the Matts look at the unfolding shift in how Trump and his supporters are reacting to the shooting - and what it means for America and the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week The Two Matts examine Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party's Brexit policy, and the political dynamics shaping the country's future. From electoral strategies to European relations and internal political struggles, this episode covers it all. The pair also deliberate over the The Telegraph's editorial stance, the UK's military considerations, and the United Nations. And, perhaps most importantly is football coming home. Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s increasingly apparent President Joe Biden is unfit to challenge Donald Trump for the White House. But what can stop him? The Matts consider the predicament facing the United States and the world… with, it’s fair to say, a deep sense of foreboding. Also … can the Three Lions do it? Will it come home? The Matts haven’t got a clue but that doesn’t stop them going on about it for a good ten minutes… enjoy!Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer looked incredibly at ease and confident at the Saturday presser. The Matts can’t remember a smoother beginning and he has recruited some great expertise. But is administrative excellence enough? Also … one question lingers in the air: Where the hell are all the Tories? Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After their Election all-nighter, the Matts consider the twists and turns of a quite extraordinary election. A massive, historic night for Keir Starmer’s Labour and a shuddering comeuppance for Sunak and the Conservative Party. Well played Ed Davey and a disaster for the SNP. But the rise of Reform and the volatility of the electorate asks big questions about what comes next for British politics. Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the final few days of the election campaign and the Matts are joined by Keir Starmer biographer for deep insight into what’s going to happen in the immediate aftermath of a Labour government. How to combat the rising tide of far right politics, who will the new stars of Labour be, and should Starmer go to the Euro finals of England get through? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Keir Starmer involve Alastair Campbell in Number 10? How important is it that Labour provide stability? And how much impact do the media really have on voting outcomes? That and dirty rivers, NHS challenges and should politicians go to Glastonbury? Delve into the latest Q&A episode to find out.Have a question? If you're listening on Spotify you can ask us a question through the app. Alternatively drop us an email [email protected]'t forget to subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/Join our election night coverage in Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by Simon Kuper, FT journalist and author of Good Chaps - an extraordinary book exposing the collapse of morality at the heart of British politics. It’s a terrific conversation shedding light on how things got so bad so fast from Thatcher to Truss … and, as bit of a diversion, we also chat about Paris - another of Simon’s passions and subject of his book The Impossible City, described by Matt K as the second best memoir on Paris he’s ever read. The best? You’ll have to listen to find out. Enjoy!Subscription offer! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/Join our election night coverage in Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want some hot takes all through election night? Allow the Two Matts to explain, and hit this link on your phone to get ready for the night (requires Whatsapp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3jPS: Whatsapp channels do not share your phone number with others, nor can you comment - you join up and recieve messages and updates in real time from the Matts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the election betting scandal say about Rishi Sunak’s qualities as a Prime Minister? And what is going on behind the scenes as Farage and Johnson go toe to toe over Putin and Ukraine … with a fascinating intervention by the Daily Mail. The Matts discuss all this … and revisit Matt K’s mini-adventure to Stuttgart with the Tartan Army this weekend. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday Q&A, the Two Matts ponder the Tories newfound support for electoral reform, given their historical stance. They also take on the complexities of proportional representation, and the significance of party majorities. Also, are festivals cutting ties with sponsors like Bailey Gifford and Barclays due to activist pressure a problem and what impact will this have on the arts? Want your question answered? You can email [email protected] offer: www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by comedian Rosie Holt whose alter ego MP has done what many thought impossible; successfully (and hilariously) satirised this Tory government. Rosie talks about her new book and faces into life as a political satirist after the chaos of the Conservatives… “we’re going to have to work a bit harder after this lot have gone”. Before that, after successive weeks of kicking the Tories, the Matts turn their focus to Labour and what has been, so far, a fairly uninspiring campaign. How can Keir do better? Enjoy! Subscription offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Farage sucks the oxygen out of the political debate and the media fall for it every time PLUS what would life be like of the Tories get as badly wiped out as polls suggest and as a special treat for listeners, Matt D delivers Donald Trump’s Fathers Day message in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday's Q&A, The Two Matts are asked whether a Labour 'super majority' is good or bad drawing on historical results to try and predict the impact of a huge majority. They also dive into the unique structure of The Reform party and its implications, and are challenged on what they went without in their childhood.Subscribe to The New European with this OFFER: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an opening half dissecting the latest election news, the Matts hook up with Dylan Jones, editor of the Evening Standard and ex-editor of GQ in the UK whose new memoir These Foolish Things is out now - an extraordinary trip through modern British culture taking in some of the biggest names in pop, rock, media and art. And it’s a very personal conversation; Dylan talks about growing up with a violent father and also the rape he suffered aged 17. It’s a must listen for anyone interested in how culture and media intersect. Enjoy!Subscription offer! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts explore the depths of Sunak’s catastrophic decision to bail from D-Day, trying to understand what might have possessed him… and they question if the gift he’s handed Nigel Farage could have possibly come at a worse time, coinciding as it does with Europe’s far-right gaining collective momentum. On a more hopeful note, they agree Lib-Dem leader Ed Davey is putting a good audition … not for PM, but Leader Of The Opposition. Could he be the voice of conscience standing across the dispatch box holding an all-powerful PM Starmer to account? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts dive into Labour's stance on Sunak's honours list and discuss what a truly independent honours system could look like. They debate Nigel Farage's potential to lead the right and the notable silence on Brexit from opposition parties. They also explore gonzo journalism, media influence, and the peculiar phenomenon of 'time slips.' Tune in for a deep dive into current political dynamics and media trends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts digest the aftermath of the Sunak v Starmer TV debate and find big problems with both candidates … but at least one of them is actually capable of opening his mouth without a lie spilling out. In Part Two, they reflect on the inimitable courage of the D-Day generation … and consider a family story that perfectly illustrates just how much was lost on those Normandy landing stages.Subscription Offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first Two Matts General Election special podcast - and you join us with the breaking news that Nigel Farage has thrown himself into the campaign in a surprise announcement - taking over the leadership of Reform and running to win the Tory-held seat of Clacton. It’s the worst news Sunak could have wished for - but how should Starmer be feeling? Is the Labour leader fully aware of what he’s up against? The Matts are, as you’d expect, sceptical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics include the impact of Brexit on the UK and the Conservative Party, the reasoning behind voting Tory in this election, what the new portrait of King Charles III says about politics in the country, and the future of AI in various fields such as defence and medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Keir Starmer allow the row over Diane Abbott swamp the early days of his election campaign? What is the upside? And had Abbott been mistreated to the point where the Labour leadership looks petty and vindictive? The Matts weigh in on the big campaign trail talking point. Also - in part two - the brilliant Alan Edwards, author of I Was There, tells all about life with Bowie, The Stones, The Spice Girls … and a whole A-Z of rock’s rich and famous. It’s an absolute treat of an interview… enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q and A episode The Two Matts discuss whether the blood scandal will be forgotten in the mayhem of the election, if bosses will take more responsibility for company failings in the wake of Paula Vennell's inquiry breakdown, and does Rishi have another job to go to?If you'd like to get a question in to The Two Matt's email [email protected] can subscribe to The New European here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by author and journalist Caitlin Moran to talk about men and the manisphere. What can men learn from the progress women made with feminism? It’s a broad spectrum conversation veering from pornography to football, from the benefits of banter to why so many men are so bad at friendships. Also - is the new play Boys From The Blackstuff a match for the brilliant 80s Alan Bleasdale television series? The Matts have a night out at the theatre and find out.Caitlin Moran: What About Men?Subscription Offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special bonus podcast on this week's big story ... no, not Paula Vennell's disgrace in the Post Office Scandal ... no, not the Infected Blood scandal ... no, not the huge upswing in migrants crossing the channel ... not the news that mortgage rate cuts will be delayed until August, nor the news that the Rwanda flights will probably never happen... it's the big news that Rishi Sunak has decided that everything's getting better and decided now is the time to hold a General Election. The Matts are joined by New European political editor James Ball and say Bring It On! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday Q&A episode the two Matts take on your questions on compulsory voting, online voting, Article 7 and more on the Elphicke defection.Get your questions in to [email protected] can subscribe to The New European here: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not only was Rishi Sunak’s election campaign salvo this week one of the laziest, divisive and incoherent collections of gaslighting gibberish in recent political history - it was littered throughout with misleading suggestions and basic untruths. The Matts do a bit of fact checking on our dear leader’s latest spell behind baby’s first lectern. Also… a day out at the Sir Harry Evans Summit on investigative journalism inspires the Matts and provokes questions on how can the media do better.Get a FREE Bollocks To Brexit passport cover when you subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Potential' coalition governments, defections, the Beatles... it's the Q&A that has it all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who would have predicted the extent to which the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 would have changed the world to such a degree, in such a short time? The Matts debate their differences in a conversation that lays bare the tragic complexity of a crisis spreading division throughout the world. It’s a difficult listen - and all the better for it. Also - the Matts relish the new Withnail and I stage play and pay tribute to the late great Bernard Hill. Go ‘ed.. gizza listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday Q&A episode the two Matts explore whether a potential Starmer government bodes well for GB/EU relations, if we should be worried about a 2nd term of Trump and Matt Kelly responds to his criticism of the last night of the Proms.Thanks for all of your questions. You can leave them on Spotify or email [email protected] in Time: https://time.com/6972021/donald-trump-2024-election-interview/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunak is isolated and facing certain defeat in a General Election as this week’s local results make clear. What is left for the embattled PM as he states catastrophe in the face? Should he go to the country now, or tough it out even as his own party plots against him? And what of Starmer… how much of this week’s election results is down to his political brilliance or the political incompetence of his opposite number? All this and more as the Matts dissect the agitated state of British politics today… enjoy!LISTENER OFFER! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday Q&A edition of The Two Matts, the pair try to your questions on everything from Rishi's Rwanda Bill to Sam Smith and whether a new legal age needs to be set, to buy the Daily Mail. Subscribe to The New European today! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is England? What is Englishness? The Matts are joined by Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears, authors of a fascinating new deep dive into the question of nationalism, called England - Seven Myths That Changed A Country And How To Set Them Straight. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on their journey from Runnymede to Hull via Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Oxford, Blackpool and Greenwich to discover the real England. Enjoy!Subscribe to The Two Matts: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Matts ever been victim to a honeytrap? What is a 'Police and Crime Commissioner' and should we bin off first names for MP's? This and more discussed in this weeks Q&A.Exclusive listener offer >> https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts get philosophical about smoking and what a ban means for Britain. Whisper it… but has Rishi Sunak done something not completely crap for once? Or is his proposed age-related ban on smoking the start of slippery slope towards big government invading the rights of its citizens? Also … the magnificence of Salman Rushdie’s response to 27 seconds of madness which saw him lose and eye and almost die less than two years ago. This week he is back with a Knife of his own - the title of his book centred on that awful attack. It’s not just a triumph of the will to live, says Matt D’Ancona; it’s a remarkable love story. Plus a terrific offer to subscribe to the UK’s fastest growing newspaper title The New European.Exclusive listener offer >> https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q&A episode, Matt and Matt take on questions from you on poverty in the media, Trumps stance on abortion and Harold Wilson's love life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did we get to the point where troubled children have been damaged by a health system that should have protected them? How did the dogma of trans activists subsume standard medical practices? And how do those who cynically cheered them on from the sidelines sleep at night? The Two Matts discuss the Cass Report, released this week, and what it says about media, activism and the right to have an open discourse without fear of censure. Also - how movie portrayals of Amy Winehouse and Emily Maitlis both fell short.Get a FREE signed copy of James O’Briens hardback book – How they broke Britain worth £20 when you subscribe today from just £1 a week - go here 👉 https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How time flies when the world is on fire… a quarter of 2024 has already passed and the Matts check global progress against their expectations at New Year. It’s a grind reality check as Gaza and Ukraine go from bad to worse and Trump appears to be gaining ground on the White House. On the upside, there’ve been a bunch of cultural highlights to provide welcome distraction - not least the publication this week of Caledonian Road by Andrew O’Hagan. “It’s like Bonfire Of the Vanities… but better” says Matt d’Ancona. Enjoy!Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link >>https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Tories hit rock bottom.. or could things get even worse? The Matts gameplay their options with outcomes ranging from disastrous to cataclysmic. In the second half, they examine the role of satire in society and ask the question: Have we all lost our sense of humour?Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link >>https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss Owen Jones resigning from the Labour Party, ponder the need for an upper chamber in the UK parliament, debate the influence of unions, Donald Trump's latest rhetoric and briefly touch on the identity of the next James Bond. Happy Sunday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves speech on the future of the economy is dense with ideas that will affect all our futures under a Labour government. What did she mean and why does it matter? The Two Matts do the deep dive into one of the most interesting and important speeches from Labour since they lost power. Also - the time Steve Harley gave Matt K the death stare … and George Lucas sent Matt D into a world of journalistic anxiety.Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Deggsy do well for Liverpool? Why is no one intervening in Gaza? Can you ban “extremism”? And is Fargo better than the Big Lebowski? The Two Matts take the big questions of our times head on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inside track on how Princess Kate and the Royal press offices messed up so badly … and how some of the most famous photographs ever were faked. But first … another week of shambolic governance courtesy of the Conservative Party. Racism, misogyny, dodgy contract relationships and abject failure of leadership. In other words, just another week in Tory land. The Two Matts offer their inimitable perspective on Sunak’s house of chaos.Further Reading:Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America by Eduardo Bonilla-SilvaHow To Tell Someone They Sound Racist by Jay SmoothSubscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are ultra-processed foods the new cigarettes? Is there a solution to rough-sleeping? And should the fact GBNews lost £75m last year cheer us up .. or scare us even more? All this and more on the Two Matts regular Q&A episode. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for our first transatlantic podcast as Matt D’Ancona in Manhattan and Matt Kelly in London dissect the extraordinary events of this week’s Super Tuesday and what it all means for the seemingly inevitable Presidential showdown between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. And we get Matt D’Ancona’s verdict on the big Broadway production An Enemy Of The People.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beer with Tucker Carlson or George Galloway? Mob rule; Lee Anderson and Liz Truss v Rishi Sunak; and is Ofcom doing a great job regulating GBNews … (take a wild guess). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In conversation with the Two Matts, the man who knows Keir Starmer better than most - his biographer Tom Baldwin sheds light on a complex politician and what we might expect from him as PM - including the truth about his attitude to Europe and Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garbage “food”, Liz Truss and the deep state; anti-semitism; and “legitimate concerns about racism” - all explored Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember the war in Ukraine? The one that used to be front page news every day for a while? It’s TWO years since Putin launched his full scale invasion and after a brief period of delusional confidence that Ukraine was going to see him off… it appears, for the moment at least, he is winning. What needs to change, and how great is the threat to European democracy? How can we prevail against an enemy when we ourselves are so disunited over giving Kyiv the tools it needs to win? Also - is television drama the new conscience of the nation? The Matts consider the impact of Breathtaking - the latest ITV drama to shock the nation over the reality of our political failures.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are politicians terrified of the Daily Mail? Should Labour pin their colours to the proportional representation mast? Is Jez Butterworth a genius? And what’s the secret to effective communications…? Find out ASAP…Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.