The Two Matts

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.

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.