Pod Save the UK-logo

Pod Save the UK

Crooked Media

Pod Save the UK is your weekly fix of political news, big ideas and a shot of inspiration. Each week hosts, comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan are joined by politicians, experts, and famous friends to unpick the latest news, look for solutions, and inspire action. From Crooked Media – the creators of Pod Save America – in partnership with Reduced Listening, tune in to new episodes of Pod Save the UK every Thursday wherever you pod.

Location:

United States

Networks:

Crooked Media

Description:

Pod Save the UK is your weekly fix of political news, big ideas and a shot of inspiration. Each week hosts, comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan are joined by politicians, experts, and famous friends to unpick the latest news, look for solutions, and inspire action. From Crooked Media – the creators of Pod Save America – in partnership with Reduced Listening, tune in to new episodes of Pod Save the UK every Thursday wherever you pod.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Humza Yousaf's Shock Resignation: Are the Greens Seizing Power in Scotland?

5/2/2024
The Westminster rumour mill went into overdrive last weekend peddling an ultimately incorrect rumour that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was due to call a summer election. With suggestions that this rumour was started by the Labour Party, Nish and Coco ask whether progressives might be starting to control the narrative. And might that change in power balance towards the Left also be coming to the fore in Scotland? Following the shock resignation of First Minister and SNP Leader Humza Yousaf, Politico’s reporter Andrew McDonald unpacks how the Green Party may have greater influence in Scottish politics moving forward. And what are the radical solutions we need to address the crisis in Britain’s care system for children? The collaborators of the new book Free Loaves on Friday poet Lemn Sissay and journalist Rebekah Pierre explain why hearing directly from care leavers is vital for addressing problems across the system. This week - we present the PSUK hero no one asked for and the villain you never saw coming. Move aside Idris Elba - Nish Kumar is coming for your spotlight… Finally - make sure to look out for a bonus edition of Pod Save the UK this week where we bring you analysis from the results of the elections across England and Wales with Liz Bates. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally) Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Andrew McDonald, Politico Rebekah Pierre, Journalist and Social Worker Lemn Sissay, Poet and Activist Audio credit: Sky News Useful links: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id https://unbound.com/books/free-loaves-on-fridays

Duration:00:47:07

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Nish dismantles Sunak's attack on disabled people and Coco meets Caroline Lucas

4/25/2024
Rishi Sunak finally ‘got Rwanda done’ after a long and dramatic night as his Safety of Rwanda Bill ping-ponged between the Common and the Lords. Our guest, the Green MP Caroline Lucas, tells Coco what it was like to be in Westminster that night and criticises Rishi Sunak for holding a drinks party while the Bill - which she describes as “a piece of performative cruelty” - was still being debated in the Lords. She also discusses her new book about why the left needs to speak up for ‘Englishness’, and explains why she’s training to become a death doula. Nish and Coco provide an indispensable guide to next week’s local elections, talking about why they’re important and analysing what they might mean for Tory and Labour prospects at a general election. They also discuss whether the new rules on voter ID are an attempt by the Conservative Party to suppress the vote. For our hero and villain of the week, Nish is appalled by Rishi Sunak’s attack on the sick and disabled, while Coco has been enjoying The Menstrual Cramps! Plus what would happen if Nish and Rishi Sunak met at notorious Berlin club Berghain? Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally) Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavillion Audio credits: parliamentlive.tv Sky News Useful links: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id https://www.bethknight.com/ https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/

Duration:00:54:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jess Phillips on Angela Rayner tax story: scandal or smear?

4/18/2024
On a busy week of news as MPs return to Parliament, Nish and Coco are joined by the Labour MP Jess Phillips. She gives her take on the investigation into Angela Rayner’s tax affairs, and reveals the toll it’s taking on her party’s deputy leader. A discussion on Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel leads Jess to reveal her family links to Iran, and there’s some rare praise for Rishi Sunak for his anti-smoking legislation. Jess also says Diane Abbott should get the whip back, despite the two Labour colleagues having a somewhat frosty relationship. Villain of the week is Liz Truss for her shameless book tour, although Jess makes a play for her to be hero, saying she’s “a gift” for Labour and “should be on the tele more”. There’s also praise for Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, for putting a sexist photographer in his place. Plus Nish and Coco have some songwriting tips for Megan Thee Stallion. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally) Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Audio credits: parliamentlive.tv BBC News Fox News LBC odeiotedlasso/X

Duration:00:52:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Scandal and cyber security in Westminster

4/11/2024
Coco is back from holiday and the first order of business is for Nish to explain the Westminster “honeypot” scandal, which has seen the vice-chairman of the 1922 committee resign. But beyond a salacious story about MPs texting, what are the broader security issues this raises? Nish and Coco also take issue with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting attacking “middle-class lefties” in a tabloid newspaper. Special guest Shami Chakrabarti joins Nish and Coco to discuss human rights - what they are, why we need them, and how we need to define them in a future that’s powered by technology and AI. The Labour peer also gives her verdict on Keir Starmer’s leadership, Diane Abbott’s suspension, and responds to listener comments about the importance of voting. Plus she takes an unexpected detour into film criticism. Nish laments the fall of a heroic shoe, and Coco aims a government department for the way it treats carers in her villain of the week. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Baroness Shami Charkrabarti, human rights lawyer and author of Human Rights: The Case for the Defence’. Audio credits: Dr Luke Evans MP Sky News Elent Finance/Instagram LBC Useful links: https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/

Duration:00:47:33

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Fighting the Rwanda Bill + Mr Kumar goes to Westminster

4/4/2024
With the Government’s controversial Rwanda Bill currently stuck between the Commons and the Lords, this timely special episode focuses on the UK’s asylum policy. Nish takes up an invitation to speak about the issue at the House of Lords. The event has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, in conjunction with the makers of a new film called Io Capitano - which follows the perilous migration journey of two young boys travelling from Senegal to Europe in search of a better life. Nish joins Labour peer Lord Dubs, the co-chair of the APPG on Refugees, in his office afterwards to hear how he and his colleagues are “digging their heels in” to try and amend the Rwanda Bill. Lord Dubs tells Nish what he learnt from a recent trip to Calais to meet asylum seekers first-hand. They also discuss what a more humane asylum system might look like and whether the next Labour government can deliver it. Back in the studio, Nish and Coco discuss the extent to which arts and culture can have the power to bring about change. With special thanks to Altitude Films and Think-Film Impact Production. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Lord Dubs, Labour peer and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees Useful link: Io Capitano trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6fLvLN2EqM

Duration:00:38:36

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A China crisis, a dodgy attack ad, and Titchmarsh’s trousers

3/28/2024
As Westminster goes on its Easter holidays, Nish and Coco reflect on a busy end of term that saw a couple of ministerial resignations and a diplomatic row with China. Nish asks if Lord Cameron’s post No.10 activities leave him compromised in dealing with China as Foreign Minister. Coco also raises the plight of the WASPI women, who lost out due to the change in pension age - will they ever see any compensation? Special guest George the Poet joins Nish and Coco for a fascinating conversation that takes in disillusionment with Westminster politics and the pitfalls of getting into political arguments over social media. Plus he reveals which famous comedian gave him his stage name. Nish takes aim at a villainous Tory campaign ad, while Coco celebrates the life of Richard Taylor, father of Damilola. Also, find out why Alan Titchmarsh’s trousers have been censored in North Korea! Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: George the Poet, spoken word artist and author of Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness Audio credits: BBC News The Conservative Party Useful links: https://www.georgethepoet.com/

Duration:00:48:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Democracy for sale, Europe’s first black leader + tea with Obama

3/21/2024
This week Nish and Coco ask if our politics is on sale to those with the deepest pockets? The Conservative Party would love us all to move on from the row around the £15 million donation from Frank Hester, but it’s a story that highlights the often murky world of political funding. Nish and Coco talk to investigative journalist Peter Geoghagen about what the rules are, what donors get for their money, and whether there’s a better way to do it. Dodgy donations have also cast a bit of a cloud over a momentous week in Welsh politics, which saw the appointment of Vaughan Gething as the first black leader of a European country. Journalist Will Hayward explains why it hasn’t been an easy ride for him so far and why he’s got a rocky road ahead. Plus in other news, MP’s and Lords play ‘ping pong’ with the Government’s Rwanda Bill, and there’s a new name in the Tory leadership frame. Competent and popular politician spotted at Downing Street shock: Nish and Coco discuss President Obama’ popping in for a cup of tea with Rishi Sunak. Plus a new sighting of Princess Kate raises more questions about the royal PR machine. In this week’s hero and villain, find out why a Glasgow record shop has amused Nish and why a Lord has annoyed Coco. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Will Hayward, Welsh affairs editor at WalesOnline Peter Geoghagen, investigative journalist and author of the Democracy for Sale Substack Audio credits: ITV News ITV News West Country Useful links: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/world-corrupt/ https://democracyforsale.substack.com/ https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/

Duration:00:49:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Tory donor racism row, plus the Princess and the pic

3/14/2024
Another shocker of a week for the Conservatives which saw their biggest donor caught up in a race row, and their former Deputy Chairman defect to Reform UK. Beth Rigby, Political Editor at Sky News, tells Nish and Coco that the Tories don’t want to give back the £10 million they received from Frank Hester last year, despite the racist language he’s alleged to have used about the MP Diane Abbott. Beth also reveals what happened at the surprisingly tetchy press conference held by Reform to unveil Lee Anderson as their party’s first ever MP in the Commons. Beth tells Nish and Coco why she’s obsessed with THAT Royal Mother’s Day picture, they discuss Princess Catherine’s questionable photoshop skills, conspiracy theories and what it all means for the Royal Family. Nish’s hero of the week is film director Jonathan Glazer, while Coco isn’t happy with Times columnist Matthew Parris. Plus hear about Beth’s Arsenal bantz with Keir Starmer, Coco’s visit to the dentist…and more badger chat! Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Beth Rigby, Political Editor, Presenter and Podcaster, Sky News Audio credits: Sky News SBS/7 Network/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Useful links: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electoral-dysfunction/id1613562765 https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/who-trolled-amber/

Duration:00:50:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jeremy Hunt’s election budget for big earners and big owners

3/7/2024
Did the Chancellor’s much anticipated pre-election budget fall flat? Nish and Coco pick over the details and wonder why our public services are being sacrificed for the sake of tax cuts. There’s reaction from Westminster from political journalist Kiran Stacey, who says that there are signs of the budget unravelling already. Rachelle Earwaker from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says it does nothing for the poorest in society, calling it a budget for “big earners and big owners”. Find out how a sleepy corner of Devon could be about to shake up our political system. Fed up of a first past the post system that’s delivered a Tory MP for the last 99 years, voters in Totnes are organising their own series of primaries to pick a progressive candidate to oust their MP Anthony Mangnall. Could it catch on in other places too? There’s an International Women’s Day theme to this week’s hero and villain…find out what Lucy Moore and the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have done to deserve their accolades. Meanwhile Coco’s got a bone to pick with King Harold of 1066 fame, plus there are tales of micro-pigs, badgers and naughtiness at Disneyland. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Kiran Stacey, political correspondent at The Guardian Rachelle Earwaker, senior economist at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation Audio credits: parliamentlive.tv X / @SDevonPrimary X / @lucyajmmoore Useful links: https://www.jrf.org.uk/ https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/

Duration:00:47:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The man who would be PM: who is the real Keir Starmer?

2/29/2024
With a huge lead in the polls, all the signs point to Keir Starmer moving into Downing Street by the end of the year, so how well do we know the man who would be PM? Guest co-presenter Liz Bates attempts to get behind the rather dull public image, by interrogating Tom Baldwin, who spent hours talking to Starmer for his new authoritative biography of the Labour leader. The conversation takes an emotional turn when Liz and Tom discuss Starmer’s difficult relationship with his dad; how he couldn’t hug him on his deathbed, and then later found a hidden scrapbook that showed how proud of his son he really was. They also talk about what makes Starmer tick politically - is there such a thing as Starmerism? - as well as his love of football and music…and Tom reveals what Starmer thinks of the book! Nish joins Liz from Crooked HQ in LA to discuss the fallout from Lee Anderson’s expulsion from the party, and whether the Tories have an islamophobia problem. They also discuss the rogues gallery of candidates competing to win the Rochdale by-election, and Liz reveals what it’s like to get up close and personal on the campaign trail, with the bookies favourite George Galloway. Plus find out why Nish gave one very lucky New York cab driver a massive tip, and why he loves smelly books! Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Tom Baldwin, author of Keir Starmer: The Biography Audio credit: GB News Useful link: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/lovett-or-leave-it/

Duration:00:52:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Will Young: popstar to politician? Plus Westminster ceasefire row

2/22/2024
Nish and guest co-presenter Liz Bates set the scene on what went on to become a chaotic night in the Commons, that put speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s job at risk. They call out the “pathetic and petty” political game playing that sought to use the suffering of people in Gaza to embarrass the Labour Party. There are also harsh words for Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch for using the Commons to settle scores in her row with the former Post Office chairman Henry Staunton. Former Pop Idol winner Will Young reveals his life-long interest in politics, and tells us what it was like to see his petition on ending medical testing on dogs, debated at Westminster. For his next foray into politics, Will says he’s planning to go to Somerset to troll Jacob Rees-Mogg, and says he’s even thinking about becoming an MP himself. In heroes and villains, Liz takes inspiration from Samatha Morton, while Nish defends Indian cuisine. Plus find out why Nish is channelling Carrie Bradshaw! Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Will Young: singer, actor and writer Audio credits: Sky News parliamentlive.tv Thames Television / Freemantle Media BAFTA Useful links: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/keep-it/ https://www.careleaveroffer.co.uk/

Duration:00:50:54

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rochdale row tests Starmer’s leadership, plus the woman who helped take down Weinstein

2/15/2024
A week that was supposed to bring more woe for Rishi Sunak has turned into arguably the biggest test of Keir Starmer’s leadership. Labour has had to suspend two of its parliamentary candidates for making comments about Israel. For Starmer, who’s staked his reputation on ridding Labour of anti-semitism, it’s been hugely embarrassing. Nish and Coco reflect on the farcical situation in Rochdale, where Azhar Ali will appear as a Labour candidate on the by-election ballot in a couple of weeks, despite the party having removed its support for him. With the Horizon Post Office scandal having put the use of non-disclosure agreements back in the spotlight, we hear from a woman who has made it her mission to stop NDAs being used to silence victims. Zelda Perkins, a former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, tells Nish and Coco about the traumatic experience of signing her NDA, which she likens to “legal waterboarding”, and why she chose to break it to help expose the film producer’s crimes. On an optimistic note, she reveals how politicians from across the political divide are helping her to achieve change. Wrexham FC owners Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney feature in heroes and villains, as do three councillors from Warwickshire County Council. Plus find out why Nish has ditched Coco on Valentine’s Day, and why they want your Jason Statham inspired film art. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Zelda Perkins, co-founder of Can’t Buy My Silence Audio credits: Sky News parliamentlive.tv ‘She Said’, Annapurna Pictures, Plan B Entertainment and Universal Pictures Warwickshire County Council Useful links: https://www.cantbuymysilence.com/ https://protect-advice.org.uk/ https://www.wbuk.org/

Duration:00:50:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf: Sunak, Starmer and samosas

2/8/2024
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf joins Nish and Coco to reflect on the highs and lows of his first year as leader. He takes us back to the fateful Valentine’s night phone call with Nicola Sturgeon that changed his life, and tells us how he felt watching his former mentor shed a tear at the Covid Inquiry last week. The First Minister talks about the helplessness he felt when his family members were trapped in Gaza, and reveals his fears for his brother-in-law, a surgeon who remains in Khan Younis. He tells how Keir Starmer called to offer his support, in stark contrast to Rishi Sunak and his then Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. Their wide-ranging conversation also takes in King Charles’ shock cancer news, independence and Brexit, and the challenge the SNP faces at the next general election. Plus there’s Celtic FC, samosas and learn why his first ever job gave him a huge bicep! This week’s hero and villain can be found on our social media channels. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, and leader of the Scottish National Party Audio credits: UK Covid-19 Inquiry BBC News

Duration:00:51:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The MP who gives away part of her salary, hope for Northern Ireland and Nish Kumar takes on the evil plotters

2/1/2024
After nearly two years without a functioning Government, are the people of Northern Ireland finally about to see the power-sharing executive return to Stormont? Nish and Coco reflect on a dramatic week with journalist Amanda Ferguson. The Labour MP Nadia Whittome talks of her frustration at her party’s stance on calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, but says Labour’s position is now evolving. She insists the party is still a broad church but admits it is a problem that there are no MPs from the left in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet. She also tells Nish and Coco why she donates part of her MP salary to worthy causes - in stark contrast to the Tory MP who resigned from his ministerial role because it didn’t pay enough! Coco celebrates the drag artist Crystal for taking down a high-profile right-wing troll, while Nish is left exasperated by the Tory ‘evil plotters’ WhatsApp group. Plus we find out why Coco wants a beard, and relive Nish’s childhood barbershop trauma. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East Amanda Ferguson, freelance journalist Audio credits: BBC Sky News X/MANPalestine Action

Duration:00:48:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Why are our councils going bust?

1/25/2024
1 in 5 local councils in England is in danger of going bankrupt within the next two years - it’s a growing crisis that Westminster has done its best to ignore. With their budgets continually slashed, council leaders are faced with sometimes impossible choices about which services can be funded and which have to be axed. Nish and Coco discuss the crisis with a council leader, Joe Harris, and a ‘policy wonk’ Zoe Billingham. As they chat it emerges that Michael Gove has committed an extra £500 million into the pot for next year. Our guests verdict? It won’t touch the sides. Meanwhile in Westminster, is it a rebellion if it’s only one person rebelling? Plus introducing your new favourite Conservative group…the Popular Conservatives or PopCons! Nish is obviously delighted to hear about another SFG (or stupid fucking group), especially as this one has a certain Liz Truss attached to it. Also find out what Ministers Lucy Frazer and Hugh Merriman did to jointly take the villain of the week crown, while the hero of the week goes to a judge who defended the honour of the poppadom. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Joe Harris, vice chair of the Local Government Association, and the Lib Dem leader of Cotswold District Council Zoë Billingham, the director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) North think tank Audio credits: Sky News BBC News / Laura Kuenssberg

Duration:00:47:21

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rwanda, Reparations and Romance

1/18/2024
It’s groundhog day at Westminster as Rishi Sunak’s Safety of Rwanda Bill returns to the Commons - will all the talk of rebellion come to anything this time? Nish and Coco discuss whether an opinion poll in the Telegraph was used to try to influence the debate and encourage the rebels. Plus they ask how it is that the UK has granted asylum to Rwandans AFTER signing a deal that deems the country safe. Labour MP Clive Lewis and journalist Laura Trevelyan went on a fascinating journey together, after discovering a shared connection on the island of Grenada….where his ancestors were enslaved and hers were slave owners. They discuss whether countries involved in the slave trade should pay reparations…and what goes into the traditional Grenadian meal of Oil Down. Find out why Manchester United fan Nish is full of praise for Liverpool fans, and what Avanti West Coast Trains have done to annoy Coco. Plus there’s some disagreement over whether we should be helping lonely Pod Save the Uk fans find love…Pod Shag the Uk anyone? Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Laura Trevelyan, campaigner and journalist Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South Audio credits: Heirs of Enslavement, Persephonica Sky News The Traitors US, Peacock Useful links: https://www.persephonica.com/shows/heirs-of-enslavement

Duration:00:52:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Horizon Post Office scandal and Lionel Rishi

1/11/2024
Why did it take a TV drama to wake politicians up to what’s been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history? More than 700 sub-postmasters were convicted of theft, due to accounting discrepancies caused by the Post Office’s faulty computer system. ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office caused public outrage and has forced the Government into taking unprecedented action. James Harding, former BBC director of News and Current Affairs, joins Nish and Coco to discuss what lessons journalism can learn from the saga. With the UK, like much of Western Europe, recording historically low birthrates, Nish and Coco wonder why it only seems to be politicians on the right who ever engage with it as an issue. Is it a simple matter of economics, or maybe it’s just 14 years of Conservative Government that’s killed the mood! Plus Keir Starmer’s glitter-bomber makes a surprise appearance, we find out Coco’s unusual choice of pool nickname, and why the PM is ‘dancing on the ceiling’. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guest: James Harding, co-founder and editor at Tortoise Media Audio credits: parliamentlive.tv ITV Studio / Little Gem ITV/Good Morning Britain Sky News

Duration:00:51:57

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Nish and Coco’s predictions for 2024, plus would you kiss a Tory?

1/4/2024
Comedians Andy Zaltzman and Catherine Bohart return to help Nish and Coco try to predict what politics has in store for us in 2024. There’s much debate about the possible date of the next general election…with arguments made for both November 5th and December 25th! The panel also considers whether the electorate will warm to Keir Starmer. Plus there’s also the prospect of another Trump presidency to terrify us all. Andy and Catherine also help Nish and Coco field listeners' questions, with discussions ranging from whether our electoral system is fit for purpose, to who’d win in a fight between Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. But the key question is: would anyone kiss a Tory? Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Andy Zaltzman, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Bugle podcast Catherine Bohart, comedian and co-presenter of Trusty Hogs podcast Useful links: https://www.catherinebohart.com/live https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live

Duration:00:32:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Just Stop Politics! Nish and Coco’s review of 2023

12/28/2023
Comedians Andy Zaltzman and Catherine Bohart take up Nish and Coco’s challenge, to find the laughs in another chaotic year in British politics. Is it cheating that they had to deploy novelty Christmas hats? You decide. Our review of 2023 starts with a fresh-faced and optimistic Rishi Sunak making his five pledges, and ends with the Conservatives tearing themselves apart over Rwanda. In between, we take in King Charles getting his fancy new hat, Nicola Sturgeon’s shock exit, Boris Johnson getting his comeuppance, Keir Starmer getting glitterbombed, and of course, the continuing mis-adventures of Suella Braverman. Plus two Ben’s battle it out for the title of PSUK Hero of the Year, while it’s more of a one-man race to the title of PSUK Villain of the Year. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Andy Zaltzman, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Bugle podcast Catherine Bohart, comedian and co-presenter of Trusty Hogs podcast Audio credits: Sky News BBC News Rishi Sunak - Instagram ITV News GB News STV News Useful links: https://www.catherinebohart.com/live https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live

Duration:00:59:21

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sunak survives, plus the long wait for Grenfell justice

12/14/2023
Rishi Sunak endured one his toughest weeks yet as Prime Minister, as he faced the Covid Inquiry and tried to placate rebellious MPs. But he lived to fight another day - as does his controversial Rwanda Bill. For Westminster watchers it was all about the mooted rebellion that didn’t materialise, but for Nish and Coco, the real story was the death of an asylum seeker aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge. For Nish, this stark warning about the potentially tragic effects of inhumane policies, should be cause for introspection amongst our political leaders. The news that the final report of the Grenfell Inquiry has been pushed back once again, has frustrated many of those waiting to see justice done. Journalist Peter Apps joins Nish and Coco to discuss the inquiry, and offer his analysis of the systemic issues that allowed the tragedy to happen…and whether it could happen again. Welsh political journalist Will Hayward also pops up to offer an instant reaction to the news that the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is stepping down - what’s his lasting legacy, and what happens next? Plus find out what Climate Change Minister Graham Stuart has done to make him Nish’s villain of the week, while Coco brings some festive cheer with her hero of the week. Plus we want your nominations for ‘the political moment of the year’ - good or bad, silly or serious - email them to PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk WhatsApp: 07514 644 572 (UK) or + 44 7514 644 572 Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld Guests: Will Hayward, journalist for Wales Online Peter Apps, journalist and author of Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen Audio credits: UK Covid 19 Inquiry Parliamentlive.tv Sky News ITV News Useful links: Peter Apps’ book: https://oneworld-publications.com/work/show-me-the-bodies-2/ Inquest’s campaign for a National Oversight Mechanism: https://www.inquest.org.uk/no-more-deaths-campaign https://www.crisis.org.uk/ Our sponsors: https://auraframes.com/PSUK (Use promo code PSUK)

Duration:00:50:22