Episodes

  • What will it mean to have ‘boots on the ground’?

    What will it mean to have ‘boots on the ground’?
    Mar 4 2025
    Keir Starmer is enjoying his best media coverage since the election – but the UK commentariat always hails the appearance of ‘strong leadership’ during the early phase of an international crisis. Tough choices can still be avoided, but what happens when the consequences are played out and these vaguely defined choices must be made? The commentariat in the UK can turn speedily… and so can voters. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Can Keir Starmer be the ‘bridge’ between Europe and Trump?

    Can Keir Starmer be the ‘bridge’ between Europe and Trump?
    Feb 25 2025
    The moving parts in the international crisis continue to move. Macron and Starmer in Washington, a new government to form in Germany and Trump never far away from a TV screen. But to what end are all the diverse parts moving? Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Is Europe heading for war with Russia?

    Is Europe heading for war with Russia?
    Feb 18 2025
    Trump has instigated peace talks with Putin. The UK, France and Germany are alarmed, but what did they expect? And in their responses are they making a war with Russia more likely, and with what consequences? Plus more on ‘disrupters vs non-disrupters’ - the silliest and most shallow framing in the history of modern politics. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts including the current series ‘The Defectors’, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Who are the ‘incumbent disrupters’ in Keir Starmer’s government?

    Who are the ‘incumbent disrupters’ in Keir Starmer’s government?
    Feb 11 2025
    The new fashionable term in politics is ‘disrupter’ or ‘insurgent’. Morgan McSweeney briefs that the government must be insurgents, but does he mean it? The cautious Number 10 operation seems wary of genuine change making ministers, so who are the insurgents? And can Starmer be one? Plus, brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Is Rachel Reeves an accidental risk taker?

    Is Rachel Reeves an accidental risk taker?
    Feb 4 2025
    The chancellor hails her fiscal rules and iron resolution, but in her search for stability is she taking routes that are riskier than they appear to be? Plus five years of Brexit, the real Walden/ Thatcher interview and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Can a cautious government achieve economic growth?

    Can a cautious government achieve economic growth?
    Jan 28 2025
    Rachel Reeves is going for growth, but will she succeed? Plus, as Channel 4 screen James Graham’s new drama on Brian Walden’s last interview with Margaret Thatcher, what are the lessons for today’s media and top politicians? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place next Monday 3rd of February for the first live show in what will be a wild political year. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Trump is back. What are the lessons for Starmer?

    Trump is back. What are the lessons for Starmer?
    Jan 21 2025
    Trump has won again as a disruptor, reflecting the mood of an impatient electorate aching for change. Starmer won the election last year arguing for ‘change’ – but can he become a confident changemaker? And why are hardline Brexiteers so content with Trump’s power to determine the fate of the British economy, while obsessing over Westminster sovereignty in relation to the EU? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 3rd of February for the first live show in what will be a wild political year. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Should the Liberal Democrats be getting more media attention?

    Should the Liberal Democrats be getting more media attention?
    Jan 14 2025
    Nigel Farage commands the airwaves with only four MPs – and the two bigger parties obsess about the threat posed by Reform. Yet it’s the Lib Dems that made sweeping gains in Tory areas and have 72 MPs. As Keir Starmer’s cautious government gives them space on issues such as social care and Europe, and the media focuses on Reform, could they become a force again? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 3rd of February for the first live show in what will be a wild political year. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts, and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins