PoliticsJOE
This is PoliticsJOE's podcast - the only explicitly anti-nonce podcast in the UK.
Reporting on British politics with a sense of humour, the podcast is a recorded version of the conversations we have after work.
So pull up a stool, pour yourself a cold one, and laugh through the misery alongside us.
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In what may be Gary Stevenson's last ever interview, he spoke to PoliticsJOE about his new documentary How To Get Filthy Rich, the need for wealth taxes, and how we got into this mess in the first place. How To Get Filthy Rich is available now on Channel 4 streaming. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gerry Adams is one of the most significant political figures on these islands of the last fifty years, and he has taken time out of his busy schedule to speak to PoliticsJOE. In a conversation just days before the coronation of Andy Burnham and days after the burning of nationalist effigies on bonfires across his hometown, Adams speaks to us about the necessary next steps for Burnham's government, how to quell the rise of the far-right, and how to prepare for the end of the union with Britain. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Baroness Beeban Kidron is a filmmaker and tech campaigner, and she joined Ava at Sunday Papers Live recently to speak about her book Users: How Big Tech Took Control and How to Fight Back. During the course of the conversation, Kidron breaks down the ways in which big tech have wormed their way into democracy to warp regulatory structures for their own benefit. She also explains how they've knowingly harmed the lives of their users, and offers solutions for governments to fight back. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Labour's leadership nominations opened today and, so far, Burnham remains unopposed on his march to Number 10. But who is Andy Burnham, and what does he want for Britain? Andy and Seán recap what we know so far, and speculate as to how Burnham might build a cabinet. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Keir Starmer away on NATO duty it's Deputies Day at PMQs, but Ava and Seán are still here to unpack the drama. Nigel Farage's resignation stunt has lost some momentum after all the major parties announced they wouldn't be standing a candidate in Farage's 'People v Establishment' by-election, meaning the Reform leader will spend his summer battling Count Binface for the seat. At the despatch box, David Lammy and James Cleverly clash over prison records and jury reform. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ava is joined by Venetia Menzies of Insight, the investigations team at The Sunday Times. Over the weekend, Venetia and her colleagues published a story uncovering the extent of the relationship between Reform's Nigel Farage and 'Posh' George Cottrell, a convicted felon, as well as a potential breach of the parliamentary rules linked to gifts from Cottrell to Farage. Menzies breaks down the story and the investigation leading up to it. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Another week, another Reform scandal. Ava, Andy and Seán react to news of an investigation into Nigel Farage after it emerged he accepted gifts from one George Cottrell, an old friend and colleague, before he became an MP. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this interview, Yale political scientist Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, argues that the political systems we take for granted are no longer fit for purpose. As trust in politicians reaches historic lows across Britain, Europe and the United States, Landemore makes the case that elections alone may no longer be enough to produce governments that truly represent ordinary people. Drawing on examples from Ancient Athens, France, Ireland, the United States, and the UK, she explains why professional politicians often become disconnected from the people they represent—and why citizens chosen by lottery could make better decisions than elected MPs. The interview also examines the growing gap between political elites and ordinary voters, discussing the rise of career politicians, the influence of wealthy interests, and why so many voters feel ignored by Westminster, Washington and Brussels. Landemore discusses the Yellow Vest movement in France, the Democratic Party's handling of Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped aside, the legitimacy of replacing prime ministers without a general election, and how public frustration has fuelled anti-establishment movements across the Western world. She also explains how citizens' assemblies have already been used to tackle some of society's most difficult questions, including abortion rights, marriage equality and climate policy, and why she believes these experiments could point towards the future of democracy. As public confidence in politics continues to decline, this conversation asks a provocative question: do we need fewer politicians—and more ordinary people making political decisions? Whether you agree or disagree, this is one of the most thought-provoking conversations you'll hear about democracy, political reform and the future of representative government. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code joesunday at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/joesunday Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ava and Andy take to the studio to break down Keir Starmer's first PMQs since resigning, where he defended his government's record since taking office in 2024. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code politicsjoe at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/politicsjoe Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we sit down with renowned economist, author, and founder of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose, Professor Mariana Mazzucato, to discuss her new book The Common Good Economy: A New Compass, and why she believes modern capitalism is failing to deliver for ordinary people. From Palantir's NHS contracts and the future of AI governance to Thames Water, steel, industrial strategy, and the green transition, Mariana argues that governments have lost confidence in shaping markets around public purpose. Instead, she says, we've created an economy that too often socialises risk while privatising reward. We explore why governments fund many of the world's biggest innovations, from the internet and AI to Tesla and SpaceX, yet rarely share in the rewards when those investments succeed. Mariana explains how public investment helped create some of today's most valuable companies, why she believes Britain's relationship with business has become increasingly "parasitic", and what a more mission-driven economy could look like. The conversation also covers Labour's economic strategy, Keir Starmer's mission-led government, the future of industrial policy, public-private partnerships, corporate subsidies, regulation, and the role of the state in driving innovation. Mariana challenges the idea that regulation stifles growth, arguing instead that smart regulation has historically been one of the biggest drivers of innovation and prosperity. Mariana also explains why governments need clearer goals, stronger contracts, and greater accountability when working with private companies. Whether discussing water infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, AI, or clean energy, her central argument is that markets should be organised around outcomes that benefit people and the planet, not simply around short-term profit. If you're interested in economics, politics, industrial strategy, public ownership, AI, innovation, inequality, growth, Labour politics, public services, climate policy, or the future of capitalism, this conversation is essential listening. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with Mariana's vision of a common good economy? Can governments and businesses work together more effectively to solve society's biggest challenges? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/joesunday - The all-in one app for Digital Security! Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Labour grapples with falling poll ratings, the rise of Reform UK, and growing questions about its political identity, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder joins PoliticsJOE to discuss the future of the party, the influence of Blue Labour, and why so many traditional Labour voters have drifted away. In this wide-ranging interview, Hinder argues that Labour has lost touch with many of the working-class communities it was founded to represent. He discusses why issues such as immigration, economic security, national identity, workplace democracy, and public ownership have become central to political debate, and why Labour must rebuild trust with voters who increasingly feel ignored by Westminster politics. Hinder explains the principles of Blue Labour, the political tradition associated with Maurice Glasman that combines socialist economics with a focus on community, solidarity, parliamentary sovereignty and working-class representation. He argues that Labour's current leadership has often adopted Blue Labour rhetoric without fully embracing its ideas, leaving the party struggling to reconnect with former supporters. The conversation also explores Labour's growing challenge from Reform UK, why many trade union members are considering alternatives to Labour, and whether the party has become too focused on university graduates and metropolitan voters at the expense of its traditional base. Hinder discusses the immigration debate, the role of Parliament in shaping policy, and why he believes Labour needs a clearer vision for the future. The interview also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding the direction of Keir Starmer's government, the fallout from the latest Labour Party controversies, and the broader question of what Labour stands for in 21st century Britain. Could Andy Burnham represent Labour's future? Hinder discusses Burnham's political appeal, his ability to speak to different parts of Labour's coalition, and why many voters feel disconnected from the current political establishment. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before the people of Makerfield head to the polls to potentially crown the next Prime Minister, Ava and Seán break down what they saw on the ground there last week. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicsjoe Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ava and Andy return to the PolJOE sofa to dive deep on Keir Starmer's social media ban, weighing the pros, cons, and wider implications. Is this a well-considered crackdown or a desperate lurch for legacy? Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jeremy Corbyn is no stranger to media and political pile-ons. Neither is Hasan Piker. Hasan was due to grace the PolJOE dungeon with his presence, for a chat with the former leader of the Labour Party, but the UK government had other ideas. Himself and his uncle, Cenk Uygur, had their e-visas revoked by the Home Office, who believed their arrival would not be "conducive to the public good." We decided to find out whether that was true or not by carrying on with the interview regardless. Hasan and Corbyn joined Seán for a wide-ranging chat on where their philosophies blend, and where they differ. How the global drive for equality and emancipation continues to be undermined by the very states sworn to protect them, and where the left can learn to become a true force in mainstream and grassroots political movements alike. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/joesunday Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ava is joined by Claire Hanna, the Social Democratic and Labour Party MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, to break down the recent violence and unrest in Northern Ireland. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For millions of graduates, student loans are just another deduction on the payslip. But what does Plan 2 actually mean — and why has it become one of the most controversial policies affecting young people in Britain? This week, Ava Santina takes a deep dive into the student loan system created under the Cameron-Clegg coalition and asks whether today's graduates have been sold a raw deal. From £9,000 tuition fees and RPI-linked interest rates to frozen repayment thresholds and balances that seem to grow despite years of repayments, Ava unpacks how the system works and why it has become a political flashpoint. Joining the podcast is former Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who reflects on the origins of the policy, the political decisions that shaped it, and whether governments have underestimated the impact on a generation of graduates. With young people facing soaring housing costs, stagnant living standards and mounting debt, Ava asks whether Sir Keir Starmer's government should go further to reform Plan 2 loans. Would reducing interest rates, raising repayment thresholds or redesigning the system altogether put more money back into the pockets of younger workers? And can politicians afford to ignore the growing backlash? Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the centre of this week's PMQs was the tragic killing of Henry Nowak, which some political figures seem to have used for their own ends. Seán is joined by Charlie Herbert of The London Economic to breakdown the session. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicsjoe. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Simon Dubbins is the Head of International at Unite the union, and came by the JOE studios to speak to us before the leadership race for General Secretary in one of Britain's biggest unions. He speaks to Laura and Andy about the union's changing relationship with the Labour party, the shift in member's politics, and how to reignite the ties between the Labour party and the workers' movement Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monday has come around again. Andy and Seán react to Nicola Sturgeon's headline interview with Laura Kuenssberg yesterday in light of her estranged husband's admission to embezzling funds from the SNP, as well as to the news that Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has been barred from entering the UK. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Taylor Lorenz is the journalist mapping out the culture of the internet and everything surrounding it. She took time out to swing by the JOE dungeon to speak to us about the growing power of the right in the online world, their ever-tightening grip on regulations of the internet and speech in the digital space, and how to fight back against it. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code joesunday at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/joesunday Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.