The Two Matts

As parliament prepares to debate legalising assisted suicide, the Matts argue their respective corners on its desirability. Also - if they think having a German football manager is bad, wait until they find out about the King’s antecedents. The Matts despair at little England’s bottomless capacity for xenophobia when it comes to Germans. Enjoy!Content warning: strong language, references to suicide, depressionIn the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer enthuses to merchant banks and global conglomerates about opening up Britain for investment … and tearing down regulatory barriers that get in their way … the Matts wonder who actually runs the country? Not least since one of the shiny new investors are the very same people who ransacked Thames Water. And while we are talking about investment, what about the drastic cuts to local government funding that are damaging some of the most vulnerable in society? Also - Alex Salmond … is it too soon to mention the dark side? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Sunday edition of The Two Matts the pair chat about Labour's terrible start, Tory freebies and the US support for Israel. Coming from Berlin this week, the Matts also dip into drumming and whether young people not being able to read long books is a problem.Subscribe to The New European today!: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are in Berlin, discovering all is not well in the powerhouse of Europe. Is the rise of the far right AfD party inevitable? And how is migration warping the political discourse? Also - Boris Johnson’s worst lie yet? Could be. His mendacious outpouring about Trump’s innocence over the insurrection is a signal of a dark ambition; a return to power alongside his mate in the White House. The Matts weigh up the evidence. Warning! Contains impressions. Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European today!: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sue Gray has been resigned - also known as fired - as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff. Can she be blamed for Labour’s shaky start or is the problem more deeply-rooted? Also - one year after the Hamas atrocities of October 7, and the subsequent carnage in Gaza, the Matts take stock and explore some plausible outcomes of the raging conflict in the Middle EastSubscribe to The New European today!: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Sunday! Today The Two Matt's hear your questions starting with the case of Lucy Letby. Should her case be scrutinised amidst doubts, despite the distress it may cause? Also, are the progressive press more critical of the left than the right and should Labour back proportional representation? The Matt's wrap things up by trying to work if Sue Gray is Gareth or Tim from 'The Office'. Oh, and what about Morgan McSweeney? And who's Keith? It's all very important.Subscribe to The New European today!: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are in the final stretch of what may be the most important election of our lifetimes - and everything is still on a knife edge. The Matts consider the state of play between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and anticipate the consequences of all eventualities. Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European today!: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts pick off the Tory leadership candidates one by one with the nagging doubt in their minds that, whoever wins, it doesn’t really matter. The Tories are in such deep trouble as a party that restoring any sense of relevance and legitimate opposition to Keir Starmer’s monster majority will require Churchillian energy and determination. And sorry to break it to you Kemi, Robert, James and Tom … but you ain’t no Churchill. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come for the impressions but stay for Keir Starmer's ethics in comparison to Boris Johnson's corruption, the Matt's giving Keir a hard time and 'Have I Got News for You,' going stateside. Happy Sunday!Subscribe to The New European today!:  theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts try to understand just why an already desperate situation in the Middle East is getting worse. What links the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois boxing match in Wembley and the conflict in Lebanon. And who are the silent winners while international diplomacy battles to contain any escalation? Also - did Keir Starmer’s conference speech give any further insight into how he intends to stem the rising tide of right wing nationalism in the UK? And do the freebies matter? The Matts have a view. You will too! Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something fundamental is missing in the way Labour have set about governing. It’s not just about free dresses, spectacles, Taylor Swift freebies and a box at the Emirates. It’s about an appreciation of what happens next if Keir Starmer doesn’t establish - quickly - a real sense of purpose for this term of office that the nation can understand, get behind… and hold him accountable for. He hasn’t done it yet. The Matts are worried. We should all be worried. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts dive into the Labour Party's promises at their Liverpool conference, get taken to task over Tony Blair's relationship with autocrats and the ethics of promoting his new book, On Leadership. Plus Mossad's tactics against Hezbollah, and more on the intricacies of swearing. All in 30mins! Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Major is scathing about Brexit in his interview with BBC’s Amol Rajan. The Matts find themselves nodding vigorously in agreement - not just on the Referendum … but Ukraine, Rwanda, far-right entryism and Britain as a nation I’ll at ease with itself. Also - is A Very Royal Scandal worth a watch? Yes … but with a few caveats. The Matts can’t agree about whether this version of the Emily Maitlis / Prince Andrew drama is all it should be. Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, why the US election is revealing itself to be an unprecedented cocktail of violence and fiction - and what Kamala Harris needs to do to get back in front of the story. Also - why aren’t the Lib Dem’s more explicit about reversing Brexit and how did Keir Starmer expect the story of Lord Alli’s remarkable benevolence to play out, if not terribly. Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts rifle through your inbox, covering everything from pensioner pushback to Jenrick's rise from mediocrity to... irrelevance. Also: a non-apology over swearing.Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts speak to Andy Cowper, one of the leading journalists on health policy in the country - so someone who actually knows what he’s talking about. Andy gives a brilliant assessment of why the NHS is so broken today and how Keir Starmer should approach its repair. Also - are you holding your pets just that bit closer these days with the news they are being eaten by immigrants? The Matts consider the fall out from the Harris-Trump debate. Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The winter fuel debacle has been mismanaged by a Labour leadership long on misery and woefully short on a vision Britain can get behind. It’s early days but things have to improve. The Matts debate whether Keir Starmer understands what Britain needs right now … and that pointlessly punishing pensioners isn’t it. Also …. The build up to a night of historic import as Kamala Harris faces the Orange Maniac. Will you be staying up? The Matts will. Enjoy.Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Two Matts for this week's Q&A as they delve into the integrity of British journalism and the concept of licensing for broadcasters. Also this week, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the English Channel, with a critical look at the government's response, Oasis alternatives, medical alternatives and Christmas. Yes, Christmas.Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The appalling negligence and greed that resulted in 72 people dying in the Grenfell disaster is laid bare. The Matts wonder why nobody is already on remand for manslaughter. They wonder whether the system is actually broken or if it’s working as it was set up to. They wonder how people like Jacob Rees-Mogg sleep at night. They wonder how the litany of failures over Grenfell is compatible with any notion we are a genuinely progressive society. They wonder if this inquiry, like so many others before it, will actually change a thing.LISTENER OFFER: Subscribe to The New European today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsFurther ReadingThe Lives Of Grenfel Tower: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2018/may/14/lives-of-grenfell-tower-victims-fireDawn Foster's piece for the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/opinion/london-tower-grenfell-fire.htmlTrump’s Red-Pill Podcast Tour - Helen Lewis: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/09/trump-lex-fridman-podcast-tour/679702/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Germany reckons with the rise of far right AfD politics in German regional elections, the Matts ask if simply demonising them is inviting disaster. Meanwhile - one Matt is feeling both smug about landing tickets for Oasis and furious that dynamic pricing has become the debate raging at the heart of our new Labour government. Aren’t there bigger things to worry about? Like, er, reconsidering Britain’s place in Europe? Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should smoking should be banned in designated outdoor spaces? The Two Matts answer this and other listener questions on the Conservative leadership contest, and a 101 on government debt. Plus, they ponder whether it's still possible to maintain friendships across political divides in today's polarised landscape.Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcasting legend Adam Boulton has, over forty years as a journalist, seen the media’s relationship with politics disintegrate. In the episode, he tells the Matts where things started to go wrong, what puzzles him about Starmer’s apparent fear of upsettting the right, and why an entire generation no longer understands the difference between news and opinion. It’s an engrossing, illuminating listen from one of the most thoughtful and experienced broadcasters this country has ever produced. Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts delve into your questions, including the UK's daunting economic outlook amidst high public borrowing figures; the need for a hopeful roadmap from the government and compare the current situation with past examples of large-scale social upliftment like Lula's policies in Brazil. They also explore if a Keynesian economic resurgence is on the horizon andnew details on when Trump met the Queen.Subscribe to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listeners shower the Matts with universal adulation after last week’s interview with Charlie Mullins … apart from the 74 who wrote in asking what the hell were we thinking? Well, dear listeners … THIS is what we were thinking. But before that, in the first half, the Matts consider an extraordinary week for Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. Can she keep it going? And do the Obamas help or hinder her chances? Enjoy! (Unless you only ever want to hear stuff you totally agree with, in which case… other podcasts are available ;)Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Mullins is the founder of Pimlico Plumbers and despite his challenging upbringing, has managed to build a highly successful business. He is a big supporter of remain, but despite being an ardent opponent of Brexit, has now decided to back Reform, led by Nigel Farage.In his conversation with The Two Matts, Mullins' discusses his political views and his admiration for Nigel Farage. He also explains his decision to leave the country after Labour were voted into power and tells the Matts about his passion for boxing and the need for more apprenticeship schemes.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts recall the London Olympic opening ceremony and ask if it would be even possible for Britain today to demonstrate such joy and confidence. And if not, then how can Starmer and Reeves rekindle the spirit of ambition and self-esteem that ceremony embodied - only for it all the come crashing down just four years later with Brexit. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer your questions, from JD Vance's political missteps to Netanyahu's tactics. Also discussed: what did the impact of austerity really do for a ringfenced NHS? And how with it prosper amidst changing demographics? Plus: reflections on global sustainability, an entrenched capitalist system, energy resource challenges, and a glance at US-UK differences in the influence of religion on politics. And some book recommendations, because summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage this week jumped into the aftermath of tragedy in Southport to cynically incite hate. While families grieved and a community came to terms with the horror of what unfolded at a children’s summer holiday class, Reform leader Farage took his chance to plant questions of conspiracy and terrorism into the minds of his followers. What happened next was as predictable as it was ghastly. The Matts waste no time in calling out his despicable behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is genuinely shocked by the gap in public finances and has moved quickly to put out the binfire she inherited from Sunak and Hunt. But will she and Starmer have the boldness required to realise their talk of a decade of national renewal? The Matts need to be convinced. Also - the race for the White House gets more fascinating by the hour. Kamala Harris remains behind in the polls but there is now, at least, hope a second Trump presidency can be avoided - God willing. And God, the Matts discover, may have other ideas - at least according to Donald Trump. Enjoy!Subscribe to The New European with the best deal you'll find ANYWHERE: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Michelle Obama be President? How has the political landscape changed following Kamala Harris's emergence and what are Starmer and Reeves going to do with the inherited financial mess? These and more listener questions within.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/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Matts talk to Pulitzer-winning author and journalist Anne Applebaum about her terrific new book on modern autocracy - and how different it is to the 20th century totalitarian blocs. How complicit is the West in these new networks of corruption and repression? And - with the UN at a low ebb - what can be done to take on these nimble and nasty states? Don’t miss this conversation with one of the most important writers in the world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the rest of podcastistan celebrates the dignity of President Biden’s departure from the race to beat Trump, the Matts are fuming and wonder how events might have unfolded had Joe seen sense six months ago. As it is, the contest is between a Black female Californian and an Orange lunatic. Can the Democrats win? Who wants to run as VP? And why is America’s first President of colour refusing to endorse the woman who wants to be the next? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts discuss Europe's shift towards right-wing populism and its implications for the UK rejoining the EU; how media brevity has impacted political understanding and debate; the Trump shooting conspiracy theories, and the public's diminished joy in politics and sports over the years. The intrepid podcasters also dive into how soundbite culture have reshaped political communication. Plus: the Paris Olympics and the wonder that is Daley Thompson.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/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.