The Two Matts

Unravelling and deciphering the chaos within Labour’s response to anti-semitism - the eternal conflict simmering, and now once more raging, within the party’s ranks. What does it mean for Starmer’s momentum towards Number 10 … and does his response to this give a clue to the kind of Prime Minister he will be? The Matts find themselves thick in the thorns of an issue that will run and run for years to come. On a brighter note - a treat for cinema lovers: Matt d’Ancona raves about the new Bob Marley biopic and both Matts take a magical mystery tour through their favourite rock and pop movies.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Were we too hard on Laurence Fox? Why does the US back Israel? And is it segue or segway? All these and more on our soaraway Sunday Q&A episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it about Keir Starmer and pledges … his latest u-turn is a big one: the central plank of his economic reboot of Britain’s economy into a global green leader. Where does it leave him in terms of political credibility and, more importantly perhaps, in terms of his vision for taking a moribund national economy and supercharging it? Also - just how much do the Republicans hate American Football? Is Taylor Swift really so much of a threat. And the Matts give Rishi Sunak a decent dose of opprobrium after another week of crass political dimwittery.Grab a FREE 'Bollocks To Brexit' passport when you subscribe to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The brass neck of The New European; why are tens of thousands of people dying before their time in the UK; shouldn’t we stop Instagram harming our children; and what superpower would the Two Matts like Elon Musk to implant into their brains? All this and more in the liveliest podcast Q&A in town…Subscribe to The New European Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Laurence Fox is just the monkey, then who is the organ grinder and why is he pumping millions into causes and individuals so conspicuously damaging Britain? The 2 Matts ask some uncomfortable questions of the people funding culture wars. Also … will Rishi Sunak’s fasting regime endear him to the millions of Brits who can’t afford to eat properly after thirteen years of a Tory government? And the Matts pay tribute to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and the eternal power of sport.Subscribe to The New European HERE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the Two Matts tackle division in Ireland, independence in Scotland and personal abuse from Julia in south London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When more than a million people came out in cities across Germany to protest against the far right AfD party, it was an indication of how perilous that nation’s political situation has become. New European columnist Tanit Koch joins the Two Matts from Bonn to explain the origins of the crisis and what it means for her country … and beyond. Also - let’s celebrate the brilliance of recent movies as the Oscar nominations are revealed and the Matts give their tips for Academy Award success!Subscribe to The New European here! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little bonus episode of a podcast we like: the Disorder podcast, by friend of the pod Jason Pack (alongside former British diplomat Alexandra Hall Hall), tackles the big question of how the world got so disordered.We've picked a taster that we think you'll like: the theme is the EU, and the guest is trade negotiator John Clarke. Enjoy.Get more Disorder when you follow the show: https://tr.ee/ksicr-3WtyWe'll see you on Friday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss Scottish National Party's political strategies, ponder the what-if scenario of a centrist incursion oining the Tory party and delve into data protection issues. Plus: some podcast plugs and Oscar tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems certain that Trump will become the Republican nominee for President. We take a deep breath and let that sink in - along with all the horrendous consequences to American democracy and the inescapable reality that this os not a blip in 21st Century politics but a taste of how things will be… forever on. Also - who cares if the Daily Mirror newspaper collapses into a state of abject irrelevance? The Two Matts do - and then explain why Britain needs the once-mighty tabloid of the left more than ever.Tim Alberta: The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of ExtremismSubscribe to The New European Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Sunday Q&A The Two Matts are asked whether Sunak is wrong-footing Labour, if the English people or press are royal obsessed, and what books we should be reading.Thanks to Ben Valentine, Jonathan Fogell, Paul in Woolwich and Mira Starmore for this week's questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has justice been done in the appalling scandal of the Post Office’s prosecution of subpostmasters? Not by a long chalk. The convictions may be overturned, the compensation cheques arranged … but what about punishing those responsible? The Two Matts anticipate the next phase of this sorry saga - and try to understand the mindset of Post Office management over two decades who allowed a culture of contempt for decent employees to turn their organisation into a case study of capitalism gone awry. Also - who are the masters of the universe assembling in Davos and what do they want? To improve the world or perpetuate their own power? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Liz Truss have had an honours list? Are 'Thinktanks' fit for purpose? And is Dave Chappelle still funny? All of these and more are answered by The Two Matt's in this Sunday Q&A episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How bad can it be? Well… pretty bad is the answer. 2024 is shaping up to be a seismic year in so many ways - but the Two Matts aren’t all doom and gloom (just mostly). Will the 14th Amendment change the course of US history? Will Keir Starmer find the recipe to restore trust in politics? Will the West sell Ukraine down the river? And how can we start to step forward to a solution in the Middle East? It’s a big show this week with lots to think about - tune in and let us know what you think at [email protected] to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts review the year through the prism of people: going through their heroes, villains and the dearly departed. Who will make the list? Tune in to find out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the New European suing Michelle Mone? The full story unfolds here .. together with what we think it might mean for future writ-happy individuals trying to silence honest reporting. Plus - we are joined by the brilliant Zoe Gardner who looks back at an appalling year for the demonisation of migrants and looks forward to 2024 for what we all hope will be a year of better discourse and solutions to the defining issue of our age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is a thirty-five day suspension for one MP really enough? Are ID cards a good idea or an invasion of privacy? And 'Slow Horses' or 'The Crown'. All these questions and more are answered in this edition of The Two Matts, with Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona.Thanks to these wonderful people for their questionsHighland Girl (via Spotify)Anthony LaukaitisTrevor DobsonMichael RosenthalJane in Primrose HillYou can submit you questions to [email protected], if you're listening on Spotify, you can use the "ask a question" box under this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farage is back from the jungle and picking fights with anyone who thinks he’s a wanker! Count us in, Nige! Meanwhile Rishi Sunak presses his Rwanda bill through the commons at a running cost of close to £400m just as Channel 4 reveals the crisis in the NHS under the Tories is worse than we even thought - begging the question has the PM really thought this through? And in a special episode of Keeping Up With The Jones’s, the Two Matts wonder who is the champ of social media purity culture - Owen or Alex? All this plus the inside track on how Michelle Mone threatened to sue The New European (and our concise response) on Britain’s liveliest political podcast.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Nigel Farage 'hard right' or 'far right'?. The Two Matts pass judgement on James Cleverly, celebrate the cultural highlights of 2023 and give their alternative choices for Person Of The Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is he actually having a breakdown? Certainly the country he leads is… as Rishi Sunak comes to terms with another 24 hours of pure parliamentary chaos, the Two Matts ask: How much more of this can anyone take?! Also - in part two - Matt and Matt are joined by Middle East expert and host of the Disorder podcast, Jason Pack. Jason unpacks the complexities in how a long term solution involving Qatar could bring at least a semblance of stability to Gaza - but warns we are a long way off and things will get a lot worse before they get better. Lastly, a tribute to the late great Benjamin Zephaniah, whose poem “The British” is more relevant than ever.Listen to Jason's podcast, Disorder: https://podfollow.com/disorderLISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You asked the questions, and we've responded... Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly don't hold back over proportional representation, immigration, benefits, and the power of Elon Musk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts discuss the legacy of the former Secretary of State, who died this week. How will he be remembered? As one of the most effective diplomats of our times … or a mass murdering war criminal who should have died in The Hague? Or is the answer, just possibly, a bit more nuanced than that? After the break, Matt and Matt consider how that other giant of international politics (and that’s a joke, for the hard of understanding) handled Britain’s relationship with Greece this week. Is Rishi Sunak really quite as pathetic as he seems? (spoiler alert: YES!) and what was the thinking (spoiler alert: THERE WASN’T ANY!) behind him deciding to insult his fellow NATO leader so gravely. You’d need a heart of marble not to laugh. All this plus Shane McGowan and why you should read this year’s Booker winner.Further Reading:Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power by Robert Dallek The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher HitchensProphet Song by Paul LynchLISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Sunday - the Two Matts are back in the mailbox to answer your questions. #ama Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to spot an actual fascist in your midst! The Two Matts explore a fascinating checklist that sends shudders down their spines … and sheds light on the persistent rise of right wing populists from Geert Wilders in Holland to Javier Milei in Argentina to Nigel Farage in… as James Cleverley would say… a sh*thole in the Australian rainforest. Plus.. how to respond if invited to the cinema to watch Ridley Scott’s Napoleon: “Not tonight.” All this and more in this week’s Two Matts podcast.SPECIAL OFFER: Subscribe today and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q&A episode Matt Kelly and Matthew d'Ancona answer questions on Jordan Peterson, the EU, podcasting, and politics. Can the use of humour counter charlatans and populists? Does the EU need to undergo reformation before the UK rejoins, and who should you vote for?Thanks to Roland, Keith, Andrew, J.Wells and Micheal for their questions.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First half… a sharp dissection of the asylum that has become UK politics. How did Rishi Sunak manage to make Suella Braverman look like the competent one? In the second half, the Two Matts are joined by the inimitable Dom Joly whose new book on conspiracy theories is a treat. Well, that’s the rumour we heard anyway.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/LINKSDom's book: "The Conspiracy Tourist: Travels Through a Strange World" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Braverman out, Cameron in. What does it all add up to? In the first ever Two Matts emergency podcast, Matt and Matt get inside the head of Rishi Sunak (they things they do for you!) and work through his thinking and the consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt d'Ancona and Matt Kelly answer the important questions on; the possibility of civil war in America if Trump wins the election, the introduction of mandatory ID in the UK, the impact of right-wing media on British political discourse, favourite George Michael songs, and opinions on the new John Lewis advert. Questions from Ben Valentine, Dave, Michael Rosenthal, Liz in Bicester, and a fellow Matt.If you'd like to submit a question for the next Q&A please email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a question of statesmanship over Gaza between Barack Obama and Suella Braverman, who do the Two Matts think comes out on top? Go on, take a wild guess. Also: Is Nadine Dorries locked in a paranoid fantasy or is there a kernel of truth in the conspiracy theories she’s packed into her new book? In other news, a chunk of the Two Matts’ childhood is consigned to the dustbin.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/LINKS:Unholy: Two Jews on the news https://podfollow.com/1548441108The Modern Mann: https://podfollow.com/modernmannThe Media Podcast: https://podfollow.com/themediapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steph, Andrew, Nigel and Jim pose all the important questions, from voter ID to The Beatles.Have a question? Email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s the leader of a new brand of right wing politics… but has he actually got anything to say? The Two Matts spend an evening with Jordan Peterson - and it’s an experience they’ll never forget. Plus - who’s worst? Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson or Matt Hancock? And what should we do with politicians with blood on their handsAn exclusive offer for The 2 Matt’s Podcast listeners! theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsListen to the latest episode of The Media Podcast: https://pod.fo/e/1fe399 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben, Rob, Mike, Mo, Jane and Andrew pose all the important questions, from Whatsapp to biscuits.Have a question? Email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a competition for lousiest leader, it’s a toss up between Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak. Matt d’Ancona argues Sunak might actually be the worst Tory leader since the referendum - and that’s a pretty high bar! Meanwhile - how did the late, great Bill Kenwright summarise life at Everton FC to Matt Kelly? It was fairly pithy and to the point. All this and more as the Two Matts are joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist James Ball. Enjoy!Plus - a chance to get a free signed copy of James O’Brien’s new book when you subscribe to The New European.Further reading/watchingThe Pigeon Tunnel - "Errol Morris pulls back the curtain on the storied life and career of David Cornwell, the former spy known to the literary world as John le Carré"The Other Pandemic - James BallThe Right To Rule - Ben Riley-Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clarissa, Sanjay, Zack and Louise have questions - and The Two Matts have answers. Hopefully in the right order.Have a question? Email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to exerting influence on the world stage, there was only two real leaders in Israel this week and neither wasn’t Rishi Sunak. Joe Biden brought statesmanship and rhetorical magnificence, while Mo Salah became perhaps the most viewed appeal for humanity the world has ever seen. The Two Matts are also joined by Tanit Koch who explains the complications of Germany’s position on Israel and how Europe is fighting with itself over its place in the world.Plus - a chance to get a free signed copy of James O’Brien’s new book when you subscribe to The New European. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atrocity in Israel ... and what does the reaction in the UK say about our shared humanity? Warning: We discuss some of the graphic violence perpetrated by Hamas. And the Two Matts are joined in the second half by esteemed education campaigner and journalist Fiona Millar who hands Keir Starmer his report card on how to fix schools in the UK and much else besides.Content warning: brief, graphic description of child mortality.Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two intriguing debates this week. Firstly, is it even possible to take Rishi Sunak seriously (did we to start with?) after his confounding conference speech this week. And secondly - Donald Trump and death row. There’s a connection, trust us, though maybe not the one we’d all like to see.Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff’s gripping new book The Fall chronicles in extraordinary detail the final years of Rupert Murdoch’s grip on worldwide news media. Wolff is a master of his craft - shedding light on legends in their own lifetimes - most notably Murdoch and Donald Trump. Today, in a fascinating trialogue, he faces The Two Matts, legends in their own lunchtimes, and describes how Murdoch was bewildered by the evolution of Fox News, explains how he’s actually the opposite of Logan Roy, and reveals the lunchtime ritual of the most influential media baron of our times. Enjoy…Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Rupert Murdoch exiting stage left, Matt K recalls the time he saved his life .. or at least spared him from a broken nose. Also - what will be the long term fall out from the Russell Brand expose and has Keir Starmer moved in a positive direction on Europe ... or is it all just cynical electioneering?Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take your pick… Sleepy Joe Biden or Doo-Lally Don. Had the world ever faced a lousier toss-up for title of Leader Of The Free World? Meanwhile… what actual planet is Elon Musk on. All this plus Chanel and devil dogs in this week’s Two MattsHave a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Concrete proof this government is unfit for purpose - but what are the real scandals the media should be talking about when it comes to education in Britain? And what does the Rolling Stones new album teach us about music and rebellion? All that and more from podcastings very own top boys, Matt and Matt…Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] OFFER: get Rory Stewart's new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe today: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Grant Shapps was the answer… what on earth was the question? Also - why Iain Duncan-Smith has won Hypocrite of the Decade award… and the 2 Matts tackle the big sports story of the week: Luis Rubiales and the Spanish FA.Get Rory Stewarts' new book, Politics On the Edge, FREE when you take out a new subscription to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the death of Prighozhin a milestone in the eventual fall of Putin? What did we learn from the fact that Elon Musk has got a direct line into the Russian leader? And do Lucy Letby's awful crimes reveal anything about the nature of evil?Plus a VERY special limited offer for new subscribers to The New European when you head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Trump turn the tables on Georgian prosecutors and make his trial the most watched campaign show in history with devastating consequences for democracy. Meanwhile… where are the devastating consequences for Michelle Mone, the Tory peer who profiteered from Covid? Also - which Matt flunked his A-levels? And which Matt is suddenly a football fan for the week?A Rethink Audio production, for The New European.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe for as little as £1 a week and get a £25 gift voucher to be spent at our shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suella Braverman, Lee Anderson, Rishi Sunak ... are we falling into their trap by focussing on asylum seeker barges and taskforces against "dodgy lawyers" while the real story of this government's abject incompetence is ignored? And talking of absolute cults, the Two Matts say goodbye to two giants of culture - Jamie Reid and William Friedkin - and come up with their own Top 5 list of people who changed our culture forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prosecution or persecution? Donald Trump is dragging American politics deep into uncharted waters and if you thought 2016 represented a low point in western democracy, then you ain't seen nothing yet. On the upside, the Two Matts both loved Barbie The Movie but over Oppenheimer they had something of a fall out. Which seemed appropriate.A Rethink Audio production, for The New European.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe for as little as £1 a week and get a £25 gift voucher to be spent at our shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s driving the sudden reversal on green policies from both Sunak and Starmer… and how did Gregg Wallace become one of the all time great satirists? All this and more in this week’s meaty Two Matt’s discussion.A Rethink Audio production for The New European - get special offers when you subscribe using theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Lucas changed British politics when she became the UK’s first Green MP in 2010. Now she’s bringing her Westminster career to a close.. the Two Matts sit down with her for an extended interview about integrity in politics, why Keir Starmer needs to show more courage, and how spending time with the dying has given her a fresh perspective on life. It’s a fascinating listen with one of our most remarkable politicians. A Rethink Audio production, for The New European.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe for as little as £1 a week and get a £25 gift voucher to be spent at our shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Matt dissect the drama of the Hew Edwards saga… and find themselves at odds on both how he has been treated and the role of The Sun in this sorry tale of our timesA Rethink Audio production, for The New European.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe for as little as £1 a week and get a £25 gift voucher to be spent at our shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which The Fourth Matt is revealed, Zuckerberg takes it to Elon and the Matts celebrate The Boss.A Rethink Audio production, for The New European.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe for as little as £1 a week and get a £25 gift voucher to be spent at our shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.