House of Comments: Recent Episodes
House of Comments
After a couple of weeks away, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back. They discuss the fallout from the local elections and Sir Keir Starmer's new deal with the EU.
- UK-EU trade deal: What is in the Brexit reset agreement?
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the UK Supreme Court's ruling on recognising trans people and women. They also briefly reflect on the passing of Pope Francis.
Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "Four Weigh-ins and a Funeral"
For Women Scotland Ltd (Appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent)
* Charlotte Henry on Threads
* Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
* Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
* Emma Burnell on Twitter
* Emma Burnell on BlueSky
* Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left*
* House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's been a packed week for co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell to try and make sense of. We start with a huge about turn on tariffs by US President Donald Trump. After that, we discuss the case of two Labour MPs being turned away at the airport by Israeli authorities. The show finishes up by discussing a legal case between the Home Office and Apple.
Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "Four Weigh-ins and a Funeral"
- Retreat or negotiating strategy? Trump steps back from all-out trade war – BBC News
- Who are the two MPs deported by Israel – and what have they said about the war in Gaza? – Sky News
- Chris Bryant MP on Twitter
- Apple, and the Media, Win Legal Battle With UK Government
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's a couple of days after "liberation day" and the world is still reeling from Trump's tariff announcements. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try and unpack what on Earth is going on, including how the UK is responding. They also look at some unpleasant polling for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Elon Musk's impending exit from government.
Buy tickets to Emma's upcoming play "Four Weigh-ins and a Funeral"
- Faisal Islam: This is the biggest change to global trade in 100 years – BBC News
- Trump Tells Inner Circle That Musk Will Leave Soon – Politico
- Elon Musk is powersliding through the federal government – The Economist
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Rachel Reeves stood up to make her Spring Statement from a position that is both incredibly precarious and incredibly safe. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack what the chancellor had to say, the economic forecasts and the reaction it all got. Can Labour move on from the gloom of the early months?
- Spring Statement 2025: Key points at a glance – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
This week, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall laid out her initial plans to reform the welfare system, inevitably prompting a huge amount of debate. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look into the good, the bad and the ugly of the current system and the Government's plans to improve it.
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
Four Weigh-Ins and a Funeral tickets
- Welfare Reform: This time it's complicated
- Benefits crackdown unveiled with aim to save £5bn a year by 2030 – BBC News
- Keir Starmer: Labour will help people get back to work — it’s in our name – The Times
- No one knows why UK benefit claims have outpaced peer countries – Financial Times
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell start by trying to unpack the latest deluge of Trump news. Does anyone fancy a new Tesla? Back home, they debate the end of NHS England and a bust-up in Reform. Settle in, because Emma gives a, genuinely fascinating, history lesson on QUANGOs!
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
- Trump turns the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom - NBC News
- NHS England to be brought under government control – BBC News
- Disability benefit cuts test loyalty of Labour MPs – BBC News
- 'Biggest building boom' in a generation through planning reforms
- How I became a Labour school-fee exile in Dubai – Isabel Oakeshott, Telegraph
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
The world is an uncertain place, but Sir Keir Starmer has seemingly risen to the occasion. The UK Prime Minister has had his best week since arriving in Downing Street, first meeting US President Donald Trump, then bringing together a host of European leaders for a security summit in support of Ukraine. He did though have to contend with the resignation of Annelise Dodds (something that happened after the recording of last week's show). Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- Anneliese Dodds resigns over Keir Starmer’s decision to cut aid budget – The Guardian
- 'Charmer Starmer' with the 'Trump card' – BBC News
- Starmer navigates Ukraine talks with ‘cool head’ as Trump acts tough – Reuters
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer became the latest world leader to head to Washington to meet President Donald Trump. If the newspaper headlines are anything to go by, he's had a very successful visit. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss that, and how the Labour Party is responding to cutting the aid budget to fund increases in defence spending. This episode was recorded (minutes) before Anneliese Dodds resigned from the government over the aid cuts.
Anneliese Dodds resigns over Keir Starmer’s decision to cut aid budget – The Guardian
* Key takeaways from Starmer's talks with Trump – BBC News
* 'Charmer Starmer' with the 'Trump card' – BBC News
* Charlotte Henry on Threads
* Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
* Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
* Emma Burnell on Twitter
* Emma Burnell on BlueSky
* Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left*
* House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try to make sense of the chaos from across the Atlantic, including Elon Musk's government takeover and Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. They also discuss Emma's favourite domestic topic - local government reform.
- 'People seem dumbstruck' - Inside Musk's race to upend government – BBC News
- Trump says Israel will hand over Gaza to US after fighting ends – BBC News
- Elon Musk and His DOGEY Dealings – The Addition
- Devolution revolution: six areas to elect Mayors for first time
- Angela Rayner’s council overhaul leaves 5.7m with no vote this year – The Times
- The Politics of The Traitors
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
After a wobble, Rachel Reeves worked to reset her party's relationship with business and sound positive in a big setpiece speech. However, the Government's backing of a third runway at Heathrow may lead to a row with London Mayor Sadiq Kahn. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at the consequences of what was said this week. Before that, they remember John Prescott, whose funeral was held and attended by the New Labour hierarchy.
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In this episode of House of Comments, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the reaction to the sentencing in the Southport knife attack case. They also look at the economic data that Rachel Reeves has to contend with.
- SPECIAL: Inauguration of Donald Trump
- 'A pin-drop that changed our lives': What Southport victims' families told the judge – BBC News
- UK unemployment rises in sign Reeves’s budget stalled hiring – The Times
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
It's been another very busy in politics both at home and abroad. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Brunell look at the proposed ceasefire deal in the Middle East some more trouble for Sir Keir Starmer at home. Plus, why Kemi Badenoch really needs a win.
- Israel’s security cabinet convenes to approve deal to release hostages and pause the 15-month war – AP
- Tulip Siddiq named in third Bangladesh inquiry into money laundering and power misuse – Sky News
- No 10 accused of having ‘revolving door’ after new Treasury minister embroiled in China row – The Guardian
- Suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury pleads guilty to assault – The Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
It's been a busy start to 2025, especially for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is having to deal with some severe market jitters. However, Kemi Badenoch has chosen to focus on the issue of grooming gangs instead and Liz Truss's lawyers have sent a Cease and Desist letter to Sir Keir Starmer. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- UK Bond Selloff Puts Reeves’ Economic Project on the Brink – Bloomberg News
- Liz Truss threatens to sue Keir Starmer for saying she blew up Britain – Politico
- MPs vote against Tory call for new grooming gangs inquiry – BBC News
- 2024 first year to pass 1.5C global warming limit – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It is the final show of the year, so co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell have a bit of fun and do a quiz. Who comes out on top?
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It has been another major week in global affairs. After 50 years, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen. This has major implications in the Middle East and beyond. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss that and then look to home. The government was hit by news that the economy had shrunk 0.1% in October. They have been talking a lot about housing and planning this week, something Charlotte and Emma largely agree on!
- Assad's final hours in Syria: Deception, despair and flight – Reuters
- UK economy shrinks for second month in a row – BBC News
- The Confidence Trick
- Planning overhaul to reach 1.5 million new homes
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack a dramatic week at home and abroad. They start with the government's collapse in France, discuss US President Joe Biden pardoning his son and then analyse Sir Keir Starmer's latest speech. The Prime Minister was attempting to reset his government, although the Labour spinners were not putting it quite like that.
- Defiant Macron vows to stay on as French president and will appoint PM within days – The Guardian
- Statement from President Joe Biden
- PM speech on Plan for Change: 5 December 2024
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In a packed week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell start by remembering John Prescott, the former Labour deputy prime minister who passed away aged 86. They also debate the ICC's decision to issue and arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and others as well as developments in Ukraine.
- John Prescott: Political bruiser who played vital role in Labour comeback – BBC News
- Situation in the State of Palestine: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects the State of Israel’s challenges to jurisdiction and issues warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant
- Situation in the State of Palestine: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issues warrant of arrest for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif)
- Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
There are an awful lot of very complicated things going on at the moment. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell try and make sense of it all. They discuss ~~Elon Musk's~~ Donald Trump's picks for the next US government, the scandal in the Church of England that led to the Archbishop of Canterbury's resignation and Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill.
- Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his Department of Health and Human Services secretary – CNN
- The abuse scandal that led to the archbishop's resignation – BBC News
- Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury
- Kim Leadbeater “Disappointed” By Wes Streeting’s Assisted Dying Comments – PoliticsHome
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry on BlueSky
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on BlueSky
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss a host of issues, including the attack on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, the rise in tuition fees and Kemi Badenoch's debut at PMQs.
The main focus of the episode is, of course, Donald Trump's election victory and impending return to the White House. There's plenty to be worried about and lots of questions to ask the Democrats and the Harris campaign.
- Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Antisemitic rioters target Israeli football fans as disorder unfolds in Amsterdam – Sky Sports
- University tuition fees rising to £9,535 in England – BBC News
- Trump Names Susie Wiles as His White House Chief of Staff – New York Times
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, Rachel Reeves became the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver a budget. As expected, various taxes went up. Farmers are one particularly unhappy group. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss some details of what Reeves announced. They also look ahead as US voters head to the polls to decide who will succeed Joe Biden.
- Budget 2024: key points at a glance – The Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Political and economic nerds stand by - it's time for the Budget! Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell preview what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is going to say. They also head Stateside as the US Presidential election enters the home straight.
- Sir Keir Starmer says those with assets are 'not working people' - paving way for possible tax rises - Sky News
- Chancellor to change debt rules to release billions – BBC News
- Harris says Trump ‘is a fascist’ after John Kelly says the former president wanted generals like Hitler’s – AP News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the implications of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy's trip to China. They also discuss the ongoing fallout from Sir Keir Starmer's visit to a Taylor Swift concert.
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, Emma Burnell is away so Claire Pearsall joins Charlotte Henry. After 20 years in the Tories, Claire is in the perfect position to try and explain what on Earth happened in the shock leadership election result that saw previous favourite James Cleverly knocked out. Before that, they look at some rather uncomfortable polling for Labour.
- Labour and Starmer approval ratings continue to drop as government nears 100 days in power
- Badenoch and Jenrick reach final two in Tory race – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Claire Pearsall on Twitter
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's the Tory Party conference and Charlotte and Emma give their steaming hot takes on the beauty parade. Who has impressed and who deserves to be knocked out of the contest? James Cleverly has had a good week, but will that be enough?
Before that, they take a quick look at the ongoing developments in the Middle East.
- Badenoch Runs UK Tory Leadership Campaign From Currency Guru’s Home - Bloomberg News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Labour's first conference back in government in 14 years. Applause. They debate if Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves were able to lift the gloom. They also analyse the ongoing war in the Middle East.
- Labour conference votes to reverse cut to winter fuel allowance in embarrassing blow to Starmer – Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
House of Comments returns after the summer! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the rows currently engulfing the Labour party and the Prime Minister. From glasses to tickets to the football, Sir Keir certainly gets plenty of free gear! They also discuss someone who earns more than the PM - he's chief of staff Sue Gray.
- Sir Keir Starmer declares gifts and freebies totalling more than £100,000 - the highest of any MP – Sky News
- No inquiry into gifts for Starmer's wife, say No10 – BBC News
- Keir Starmer's top aide Sue Gray paid more than the PM – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, the show starts in the US. President Joe Biden has announced he is not standing for re-election. It's a huge story and an end to an amazing career of public service. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss President Biden's legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign to succeed him. In the UK, they discuss Sir Keir Starmer suspending the whip from seven rebel MPs and facing his first PMQS.
This is the last free show before a Summer break. See you soon!
- Biden says he quit US presidential race to 'save democracy' – BBC News
- Turn’s Out, TV Debates Matter
- We owe public apology, says new Welsh Labour leader – BBC News
- Where next for Welsh Labour? Prospective contenders & the process
- Labour suspends seven rebels who voted to scrap two-child benefit cap – Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It was the first Labour King's Speech in 14 years. There was no "Independence of the Bank of England" style surprise, but in its way the agenda for government was radical. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect the loyal address and discuss Vaughn Gething's demise as Welsh first minister.
- Wales - What Just Happened?
- Gething rival Miles likely to run to lead Wales - BBC News
- The King's Speech 2024
- King's Speech key announcements - from new football regulator to branded school uniform limits – Sky News
- Liz Truss 'disaster' mini-budget reference removed from King's Speech after former PM complained – Sky News
- Farage defends jetting to see ‘friend’ Trump in US weeks after being elected as Clacton MP – Independent
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage of this new political era.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are taking a small post-election break. However, there is something special for you - an interview with author Sarah Ditum about her book "Toxic". Normal service resumes next week.
Buy "Toxic" at:Amazon
Bookshop.org
Waterstones
- Sarah Ditum's newsletter, Tox Report
- Sarah Ditum on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
General Election 2024 brought us a historic election night. Sir Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister, Labour is in government for the first time in 14 years, the Tories are in tatters and the Lib Dems have the most number of seats ever. Oh, and Nigel Farage finally made it into Parliament. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all.
- General Election 2024 Results
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
The finish is so close we can practically taste it! Ahead of polling day on Thursday, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell highlight six key seats to keep an eye and explain why. There are a few other issues to wrap up too, including a rather unsavoury incident at Warwick University Conservative Society.
- Tory student group condemned after video shows them ‘singing to Nazi song’ – The Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
As polling day gets closer, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell reflect on a rather bizarre campaign. They also debate the latest twists and turns in the betting scandal.
- Labour candidate Kevin Craig suspended after betting against himself – Sky News
- Tory MP candidate 'bet £8,000 he would lose seat' – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
With just two weeks to go until we get the election result, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the current state of the campaign. They start by looking at the latest leaders debate, then focus on the betting scandal engulfing the Tory party. The show finishes by discussing former Conservative minister Chris Skidmore's decision to announce he is voting Labour.
- More names expected to come out in betting scandal - as Tory candidate says she will 'fully cooperate' – Sky News
- I was a Tory minister – but I think we need a Labour government – Guardian
- The Pickwick Papers election – The Zeitgeist Tapes
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In the words of Bon Jovi... we're halfway there. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell assess the current state of the 2024 General Election campaign and wonder if we could all be put out of our misery already. They look at the chaotic seven-way debate and Reform overtaking the Conservatives in a YouGov poll.
This episode also explores why nobody is talking about Brexit. Is it because it's done, or because it's too awkward?
- Reform now 1pt ahead of the Tories, although this is still within the margin of error – YouGov
- The ITV Election Debate 2024
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us create the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has had to apologise after he departed D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations early. It has even emerged that he tried to avoid going at all. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell reflect on the implications of this, the opening debate between the PM and Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage's entry into the campaign.
- EXCLUSIVE: Fury after Rishi Sunak skips D-Day event with world leaders to do TV interview – Daily Mirror
- Rishi Sunak apology tweet
- Wes Streeting Tweet
- ITV Debate Format Has Fatal Flaws
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
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- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
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On today's House of Comment, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell focus on the Diane Abbott situation and other selection sagas within the Labour party. What does it all say about factionalism and the party leadership? The also head Stateside to discuss Donald Trump becoming a convicted felon.
- Timeline of Diane Abbott’s suspension: From her comments on racism to Labour ‘election ban’ – Independent
- Karen Pollock responds to Jackie Walker's Comments
- As it happened: Trump found guilty on all hush money charges – AP
- Conservative Mark Logan defects to Labour - saying 'we need a new government' – Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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The election campaign is well and truly underway. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the first couple of days as the party leaders cover the length and breadth of the country... and others resign.
They discuss Rishi Sunak's dreadful campaign launch (again), the leaders doing interviews on the Today programme and the prospect of six debates. And where are the Lib Dems? Charlotte also succeeds in getting Emma to talk about football. Again.
- Thank you to Wokingham
- Sir Keir Starmer brands Rishi Sunak 'desperate' and says 'of course there will be TV debates' – Sky News
- Rishi Sunak in Wales
- Gordon Brown on Raith Rovers
- General Election Fever Spreads at The Podcast Show
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us creat the best, independent coverage.
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The election campaign is well and truly underway. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse the first couple of days as the party leaders cover the length and breadth of the country... and others resign.
They discuss Rishi Sunak's dreadful campaign launch (again), the leaders doing interviews on the Today programme and the prospect of six debates. And where are the Lib Dems? Charlotte also succeeds in getting Emma to talk about football. Again.
- Thank you to Wokingham
- Sir Keir Starmer brands Rishi Sunak 'desperate' and says 'of course there will be TV debates' – Sky News
- Rishi Sunak in Wales
- Gordon Brown on Raith Rovers
- General Election Fever Spreads at The Podcast Show
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us creat the best, independent coverage.
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Well... here we go. Rishi Sunak has called a General Election. Britain will go to the polls on 4th July. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sunak's decision to go now, Sir Keir Starmer's response and look ahead to the campaign.
- General Election Fever Spreads at The Podcast Show
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
The Election Campaign is going to be a busy time for us. Support House of Comments on Patreon - just £5 a month – to help us creat the best, independent coverage.
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It's been another busy week in Westminster, with a number of senior figures making major speeches. Rishi Sunak kicked off the week, with Sir Keir Starmer following Thursday. Jeremy Hunt also made comments on the economy on Friday. It feels like the election campaign is well and truly under way, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse it all.
- My Vision for Britain | Rishi Sunak Policy Exchange Speech
- LIVE: Keir Starmer Sets Out Labour's 'First Steps For Change' In Speech
- Jeremy Hunt promises further tax cuts and hits out at Labour plans – Guardian
- I’ve seen Labour suffer out of power and this is what the Tories must learn – Emma in The Express
- About 100 sub-postmaster convictions separate to Post Office cases may be 'tainted' – Sky News
- French police kill man trying to burn Rouen synagogue – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Dover in Kent has been the focus of politics this week. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who represents the area, crossed the floor and joined Labour. It was not without controversy. Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer then head eddown to the area to discuss his plans for tackling illegal migration. While that was happening, it was revealed that the UK is no longer in recession. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- Natalie Elphicke apologises for comments about ex-husband's victims – BBC News
- UK no longer in recession, official figures show – Sky News
- Keir Starmer unveils plan to use anti-terror powers to tackle small boats – BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack the latest set of local election results and the Blackpool South by-election. That vote was a huge swing towards Labour and Sir Keir Starmer's party has done well up and down the country. Things are not looking pretty for the Conservatives as they lose hundreds of councillors. However, they managed to hold onto Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.
- Local election results 2024 – BBC News
- John Swinney set to become Scotland’s new First Minister in decisive comeback for former SNP leader – Independent
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
Someone (Charlotte) managed not to upload the entirety of this episode. Sorry! Here it is.Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways.
- How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico
- Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years – BBC News
- Sadiq Khan apologises to Chief Rabbi for insinuating Islamophobia in response to his ceasefire call – Jewish News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways.
- How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico
- Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years – BBC News
- Sadiq Khan apologises to Chief Rabbi for insinuating Islamophobia in response to his ceasefire call – Jewish News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter – The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
From Conservative scandals, arrests in Scotland, smoking bans and welfare speeches, it has been a packed week in politics. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return after recess to discuss it all.
- Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement following rearrest in Operation Branchform probe – Daily Record
- Tory MP Mark Menzies suspended over alleged misuse of campaign funds – BBC News
- William Wragg resigns Tory whip after divulging MPs’ phone numbers – The Guardian
- Britain just agreed the world’s toughest smoking ban. Conservatives hate it. – Politico
- Why do Lib Dems want to crack down on smoking but legalise cannabis? – Spectator
- Prime Minister’s speech on welfare: 19 April 2024
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
History was made this week as Vaughan Gething become first minister of Wales. In so doing, the Labour politician became the first Black leader of any European nation. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the significance of this moment and how the leaders of the different parts of the UK will work together if/when Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister.
Elsewhere, they also discuss comments made by Mel Stride. The work and pensions secretary said that how we deal with mental health has "gone too far” in an interview. There is also the ongoing issue of Rwanda, which is going through the House of Lords.
- Vaughan Gething confirmed as Wales' new first minister - BBC News
- Mental health culture has gone too far, says Mel Stride - Telegraph
- Sam Freedman tweet
- Rwanda bill likely to be stalled at least till April after seven defeats in the Lords - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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The Guardian revealed that Frank Hester, a major Conservative donor, has made racist, misogynistic and violent comments about Diane Abbott. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how both the Tories and Labour have managed the incident. They also discuss MPs upcoming pay increase.
- Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ - Guardian
- Speaker fails to let Diane Abbott speak in PMQs debate on Tory donor’s remarks - Guardian
- Angela Rayner says she wants to see Diane Abbott get Labour whip restored – UK politics live - Guardian
- MPs awarded pay rise to £91,346 by independent body - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack Jeremy Hunt's seemingly very boring budget. Millenials may though be one group that noticeably benefited from it, instead of pensioners. And why didn't Jeremy Hunt get told off for all the leaks?
Before the Budget chat, they discuss two Conservative politicians who have had to make amends after making false allegations. Science secretary Michelle Donelan's department had to pay £15,000 after she accused an academic of being a member of Hamas. Baroness Jacqueline Foster had to apologise and pay damages and costs after accusing University Challenge contestant Melika Gorgianeh of being antisemitic.
- Michelle Donelan's false Hamas claim about academic cost taxpayer £15,000 - BBC News
- Why did the government have to settle the libel claim against Michelle Donelan? - Prospect
- University Challenge student gets payout from Tory peer over antisemitism claim - BBC News
- Budget summary: Key points from Jeremy Hunt's speech - BBC News
- Why millennials won the Budget... - Off to Lunch
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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He's back. George Galloway has stormed to victory in the Rochdale by-election. It will be the fourth constituency he has represented in the House of Commons. Meow. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss whether the by-election has wider implications. They also look at the ugly spectre of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party after comments from Lee Anderson.
To finish, they delve into the 13 previously unreleased reports that the Home Office made public in a busy week. Given what is in them, it's no surprise they wanted them to get little attention.
- Rochdale by-election: Landslide win for George Galloway - BBC News
- UK’s Tories tear themselves apart over Islamophobia - Politico
- Tories demand Lee Anderson be given the whip back in Red Wall MP revolt - Express
- Islamists are bullying Britain into submission - Suella Braverman, Telegraph
- Child asylum seekers in UK made to play game about who gets foster care places - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell take to their mics early to discuss the chaos that erupted in the House of Commons during a debate about Gaza. Such debates may have little effect in the Middle East, but the incident will likely impact the future of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. His job is on the line after the unedifying scenes. Elsewhere, the episode looks at Kemi Badenoch's row with the former Post Office chair she sacked and Lizz Truss's trip Stateside.
- Politics latest: Motion of no confidence in Speaker after Gaza debate descends into chaos - Sky News
- MPs demand evidence in Post Office row as Kemi Badenoch blasted for ‘deeply embarrassing’ spat - Independent
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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It started out as a bad week for Sir Keir Starmer, as the Labour Party was once again engulfed in a row about antisemitism. Both Azhar Ali and Graham Jones were suspended, although the former will legally still have to appear on the ballot for Labour in the Rochdale by-election. However, Sir Keir's party went on to claim two big wins in votes in Wellingborough and Kingswood.
If that wasn't bad enough for Rishi Sunak, the prime minister got confirmation that the UK economy has slipped into recession. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- Labour wins Wellingborough seat in by-election - BBC News
- Reform UK secures best-ever by-election results - Telegraph(£)
- Analysis: Tough week tests Keir Starmer's leadership - BBC News
- UK economy slipped into recession in 2023 - Financial Times(£)
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's website and newsletter - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Emma Burnell's Album on Spotify
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Neither the prime minister or opposition leader have had a good week. Rishi Sunak has been shown to be leaden-footed on a couple of occasions, including a terrible incident in which he made a trans "joke" in front of the mother of murdered trans girl Brianna Ghey in the House of Commons.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is facing a huge backlash as his party rows back on its £28 billion a year green commitments. The move demonstrates many of the things people don't like about the Labour leader and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- Uproar over Rishi Sunak’s crass trans jibe as Brianna Ghey’s mother visits Commons - Independent
- ‘Not a betting person’: Rishi Sunak rows back on £1,000 Rwanda bet - Guardian
- What happened in Rishi Sunak's disappearing Topjaw interview - Evening Standard
- UK's Labour Party expected to scale back $35 billion green spending pledge - Reuters
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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It has been a busy week in all corners of the UK. The Northern Ireland Assembly is finally set to return after an agreement to remove routine checks on the island of Ireland was agreed. Over in Scotland, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon faced the Covid inquiry. Back in London, Conservative MP and justice minister Mike Freer has decided to stand down due to the death threats he has received over his support for Israel. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- DUP deal aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland is published - BBC News
- Sturgeon: I did not take Covid decisions for political reasons - BBC News
- Mike Freer QUITS: Veteran Tory justice minister stands down after his office faced 'arson' attack and he was forced to wear a stab vest - saying 'I've been driven out of politics by death threats - for supporting Israel' - Daily Mail
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell may have dodged the draft, but Sir Simon Clarke has gone over the top. The former Cabinet minister called for Rishi Sunak to quit as prime minister in a scathing Telegraph op-ed. Is anyone going to follow him out of the trenches, or will Sunak survive for a few months longer? And just what political game is the Telegraph playing? It is all discussed on this week's show.
- Replace Sunak as PM or face decade of decline under Starmer - Telegraph
- I'm acting alone, says Simon Clarke after calling for PM to go - BBC News
- Andrew Neil vows to quit if Telegraph takeover goes ahead - Telegraph
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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A new in-depth poll by YouGov caused waves as it predicted a wipeout for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives at the next General Election. Some were keen to put a particular spin on it, claiming Reform was the key issue. The pollsters were not impressed...
In the same week, there was a row over Rwanda (again). Two Conservative deputy chairmen resigned and Therese Coffey got herself in a muddle. Ultimately, the Bill passed but it now faces the Lords.
- YouGov MRP shows Labour would win 1997-style landslide if election were held today
- Tories facing 1997-style general election wipeout - Telegraph
- Sunak faces revolt over Rwanda bill as two senior Tories quit - Guardian
- Rishi Sunak urges Lords to back Rwanda bill - BBC News
- Rwanda asylum plans were against Tory promises, SNP say - The National
- Rwanda: Therese Coffey mistakes country's capital for another country during attack on Labour's Yvette Cooper - Sky News
- Therese Coffey Tweet
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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In the hours before this episode was recorded, US and UK forces struck 16 targets in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. It is the first time prime minister Rishi Sunak has sanctioned military action. He will address the House of Commons on Monday. Some opposition politicians, including the Lib Dems, argue Parliament should already have been recalled.
Funnily enough, the Lib Dems have not been so keen on Parliament being recalled over the fallout from the Post Office scandal. Leader Sir Ed Davey's time as Post Office minister is under ongoing scrutiny. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss how that could continue in a General Election campaign.
- Everywhere is war - Politico
- Middle East crisis: At least five killed after UK-US strikes on Yemen - as Houthis warn it will not go 'unanswered' - Sky News
- Britain to increase Ukraine support to £2.5bn, Rishi Sunak announces - BBC News
- What actually happened in the Post Office Horizon scandal? - ITV News
- The devaluation of shame - Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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It is 2024 and that means... General Election! Sir Keir Starmer started the year with a speech, while prime minister Rishi Sunak heavily hinted in an interview that we are heading for an election in October/November. There's a US election on the way too... In fact, around two billion people around the world are going to head to the polls in the next 12 months. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack what it all might mean.
The show also covers the ongoing fallout from the Post Office scandal, after an ITV drama brought it to public attention once again. It might make things uncomfortable for Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey on the campaign trail, as he was the minister in charge at the time.
- Rishi Sunak suggests general election in second half of year - BBC News
- Keir Starmer’s New Year speech
- Rishi Sunak’s strategic genius - The Economist
- Trump's Colorado appeal may force US Supreme Court to rule on his future - Reuters
- Ed Davey accuses Post Office bosses of misleading him over Horizon IT scandal - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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We've made it to the end of 2023, so it is time for the House of Comments Christmas Special! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell round of the year by discussing the economy and Peter Bone losing his seat, before reflecting on all that has gone on over the last 12 months. There are some 2024 predictions in there too!
- UK at risk of recession after economy shrinks - BBC News
- Rishi Sunak facing another by-election as MP Peter Bone loses seat in recall petition - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on ThreadsCharlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Crisis at Christmas
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Rishi Sunak nearly had a good week. After an internal battle, the prime minister managed to get his Rwanda Bill through pretty comfortably at second reading, having already put in a good showing in front of the Covid inquiry. However, a flash of temper at PMQs rather put a downer on things. Worse, he might face yet another by-election prompted by sleaze. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
Whilst we were recording this episode, news broke that Prince Harry had won his phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). He has been awarded £140,600 in damages. The implications go far beyond MGN's bank account though.
- Potential by-election as ex-Tory MP Scott Benton faces Commons suspension - BBC News
- Rishi Sunak squeaks through in key Rwanda vote despite Tory infighting - Politico
- Harry wins 15 claims in phone-hacking case against Mirror publisher - BBC News
- 'No Empathy': Rishi Sunak Condemned Over Reaction To Child Homelessness Question - Huffington Post
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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Crisis at Christmas
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return to discuss a chaotic week and a chaotic government. Rows about immigration and "stopping the boats" continue, and this week include the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick and the Rwandan government raising concerns over the UK's emergency legislation.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has been at the Covid inquiry and Nadine Dorries thinks there is a conspiracy...
- New Rwanda bill gives ministers power to disregard some human rights law - BBC News
- Minister quits over Rishi Sunak’s new plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda - Politico
- Nadine Dorries tweet
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
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This week's episode begins by paying tribute to Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor who has died aged 70. Emma recalls working with a thoroughly decent man. Charlotte and Emma then discuss Rishi Sunak's unseemly spat with the Greek Prime Minister over the Elgin Marbles before returning to the Covid enquiry. Matt Hancock was back on the stand and trying to paint himself as the hero of the hour.
You can now support the show on Patreonand get access to both Charlotte's and Emma's newsletters.
- Former chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70 - Guardian
- PMQs: Rishi Sunak accuses Greek PM of grandstanding over Elgin Marbles - BBC News
- Matt Hancock at COVID inquiry: Dominic Cummings evidence 'inaccurate' and UK 'should've locked down three weeks earlier - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look back on a not very exciting Autumn statement. Was it another missed set-piece opportunity for the Conservatives to make an impact? They also briefly reflect on the election of Geert Wilders in Holland.
- Autumn Statement: Hunt denies tax cuts were pre-election giveaway - BBC News
- The Dutch Trump: Who is Geert Wilders and what does he want? - Politico
- Dublin was a city stunned into silence by tragedy – then the darkness fell - Irish Independent
- Charlotte Henry on Threads
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Surprise! David Cameron is back. Now Lord Cameron, the former prime minister has been appointed foreign secretary by Rishi Sunak. It was undoubtedly the most surprising moment of the reshuffle earlier this week. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what it might tell us about the Tory party.
There was also a fraught vote on support for a ceasefire in Gaza. Fifty-six Labour MPs, including some frontbenchers, defied the whip and voted for it, in opposition to the party's line on humanitarian pauses. Lisa Nandy discussed the situation at a Westminster lunch attended.
You can now support the show on Patreonand get access to both Charlotte's and Emma's newsletters.
- Lisa Nandy Says She 'Can't Apologise' For Labour's Decision Not To Back An Israel-Hamas Ceasefire - Huffington Post
- 'I was not expecting that': journalists react to David Cameron entering No 10
- UK inflation slows sharply, boosting BoE and PM Sunak - Reuters
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Happy birthday to this incarnation of House of Comments! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell have been doing the show together for a year! They reflect on the some of the chaos they have had to cover and make an exciting announcment...
You can now support the show on Patreonand get access to both Charlotte and Emma's newsletters.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It has been a somewhat explosive week at the Covid inquiry, with Dominic Cummings, Lee Cain and Helen McNamara all appearing. Alongside the chaos in government, it became apparent that there was a bit of a "woman problem" i.e. there weren't many involved in the decision-making process. This had real-world consequences. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.
- Covid inquiry: Key points from Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain evidence - BBC News
- Covid inquiry: Read the private WhatsApp messages from inside Downing Street -BBC News
- Former civil servant says Dominic Cummings texts to ‘handcuff her’ are ‘horrible’ - Independent
- Matt Hancock 'wanted to decide who should live and die - Telegraph
- Chris Whitty referred to ‘Eat out to help out’ as ‘Eat out to help out the virus’, UK Covid inquiry told – as it happened - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak's first (and maybe last?) year as prime minister. What wins has he had? What have been the failings? Apart from not calling an election, is there any way he can make it to year two?
Before that, they also highlight Tory MP Crispin Blunt's arrest on suspicion of rape, a charge he denies. Blunt's statement says he believes he is being extorted.
- MP Crispin Blunt arrested on suspicion of rape - BBC News
- Peter Bone: Tories braced for by-election after MP suspended from Commons for six weeks - Sky News
- Prime Minister's speech on AI: 26 October 2023
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss a terrible night for the Conservatives as they lost both the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-elections. Labour took the seats on the back of huge swings, with the Tories only able to offer the excuse that their voters didn't turn out on the day and it will all be ok at the General Election.
The Conservative might have to face another by-election too, after a report into MP Peter Bone found he had harassed and exposed himself to a member of staff. He's been booted out of the party, but a recall petition is likely on the cards.
The conversation also covers the futures of Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Can they keep their jobs? Can anything turn around the fortunes of their party?
- Labour overturns huge majorities to inflict two by-election defeats on Tories - BBC News
- Peter Bone loses Tory whip after bullying and harassment finding - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Emma Burnell is recovering from conference, so this week, Charlotte Henry is joined by Conservative staffer and commentator Claire Pearsall. The terrible events in Israel have been front of mind, but they reflect on what happened at Tory Party conference and discuss the optimism seen from the Labour Party. There is little doubt who "won" conference season, but does it matter in the real world? Rishi Sunak has had one win though - Dr Lisa Cameron joining the Tories from the SNP.
There is even a mention of Christmas... don't worry, it's all about council finances really!
- LIVE: Keir Starmer delivers speech at Labour Party conference - Times and The Sunday Times YouTube
- MP Lisa Cameron defects from SNP to Conservatives - BBC News
- Claire Pearsall on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It has been a big week in politics, as the Conservatives assembled for (probably) their last party conference before a General Election. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss everything that happened in Manchester, including the HS2 shambles and increasing concerns over disinformation and lies.
Attention now turns to Labour, who have picked up a very important by-election victory in Scotland and will head to Liverpool on a high. After the result in Rutherglen, the path to Downing Street for Sir Keir Starmer now seems more open than ever.
- No evidence councils are planning to restrict when residents can go to the shops - Full Fact
- Sunak scraps rest of HS2 and says A-levels will be replaced - BBC News
- Labour 'party of change', says Sir Keir Starmer after Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election win - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom"
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's been a busy week, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all. They head from the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth to Suella Braverman's speech on migration in Washington. Then there is a discussion about Sir Alok Sharma's discussion not to stand at the next election and the decision of the Rosefield oil field. The show finishes with a look ahead to Thursday's by-election in Rutherglen.
- Liberal Democrat conference: Davey's speech featured a powerful human moment - and an electoral calculation | Sam Coates - Sky News
- Hugo Rifkind Tweet
- COP26 President Alok Sharma to stand down as MP at next election - BBC News
- Rosebank oil field: What is the row over the project - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak pushing back on a number of green policies, including extending a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. However, some of the other policies he supposedly dropped were... never going to be enacted...
Elsewhere on the show, they discuss the allegations against Russell Brand. All are denied by the actor and comedian, but what does it feel like when someone you like is less than you want them to be? And what was the effect of '90s and '00s culture?
The show finishes with a discussion of Rupert Murdoch's decision to step down and chairman of Newscorp and Fox, with son Lachlan taking the reigns.
- PM speech on Net Zero: 20 September 2023
- Ed Miliband regrets Russell Brand interview in 2015 - BBC News
- K. Rupert Murdoch to be Appointed Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corporation and News Corp
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect Labour's new policy on immigration and small boats. Leader Sir Keir Stamer was in the Hague discussing the issue with Europol before making the policy announcement.
They also look at how the government seems to have run out of steam. Key legislation on conversion therapy and renters' rights looks like it will simply evaporate as time has run out. A vacuum is a dangerous place for any government or political party to be. Labour seeks new deal with Europe to stop small boats gangs - BBC News * Campaigners warn government it risks breaking pledge to ban conversion therapy - ITVNews * Blame game breaks out over delays to reforms of England rental market - Financial Times * Charlotte Henry on Twitter * Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition * Emma Burnell on Twitter * Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left* * House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
After a summer break, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and are back together. They discuss Nadine Dorries finally exiting the House of Commons and ULEZ expansion being implemented without the world coming to an end.
Grant Schapps has got another job too. Following the departure of Ben Wallace, Shapps is now the defence secretary, his fifth cabinet position in a year. By giving him that role, is Rishi Sunak muzzling his best attack dog?
- Nadine Dorries quits her Commons seat: Her resignation letter in full - Daily Mail
- Grant Shapps: great political survivor and reliable Tory attack dog - The Guardian
- Emma's tweet on Shapps appointment
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Charlotte Henry sits down with Professor Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe to discuss all things Brexit and the UK's relationship with the EU. Where are we now in the process, what do European politicians think about Britain (if anything at all) and how do things move forward seven years after the referendum? Interestingly, not many in UK politics, certainly not in the main national parties, want to talk about Brexit very much at all. They also discuss whether Brits spend too much time following US politics and not enough time worrying about what happens in Europe.
- UK in a Changing Europe
- Prof Anand Menon on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, Emma Burnell chats with Rafael Behr. They discuss how having a heart attack at a young age gave the Guardian columnist and author a fresh perspective on life... and politics. Is there a way we can do politics in a less anger-inducing way, something that would be better for us all?
- "Politics: A Survivor’s Guide" on Amazon and Bookshop.org
- Rafael Behr on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Polly Toynbee is one of the country's best-known left-wing columnists and authors. She has long struggled at balancing this with her privileged middle-class upbringing and ancestry. She explores it all in her latest book "An Uneasy Inheritance". In this conversation with Emma Burnell, she also looks at the role class plays in politics and the country more broadly.
- "An Uneasy Inheritance" on Amazon, Bookshop.org and The Guardian Bookshop
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week we have a chat about a great summer read - "Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?" by Rob Burley. Emma Burnell sits down with the author to discuss his impressive career in political television and why long-form political interviews matter so much. This topic is likely to become even more relevant as we head into a General Election campaign.
As well as the book and Burley's career, they also discuss the responsibilities the public has for improving the public discourse and whether politicians should tell jokes... shudder
- "Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?" on Amazon and Bookshop.org
- Rob Burley on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This summer, House of Comments is interviewing interesting people from across the political spectrum. This week, Charlotte Henry speaks to Dr Mark Pack, president of the Liberal Democrats. They discuss the recent by-election victory in Somerton and Frome, leader Sir Ed Davey and whether the Lib Dems can reclaim third place in the House of Commons.
By-election wins and cringey stuns are all well and good, but, ultimately, the question is - what is the point of the Lib Dems?
- Mark Pack on Twitter
- Mark Pack's website
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect the results of three by-elections, all held on the same night. The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all won one each. There were different issues at play in each of the seats, but the pincer movement from the opposition parties should be scaring the Tories. Is there any hope for them at the next general election?
- By-election results: Who are the new MPs in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Selby and Ainsty, and Somerton and Frome? - Sky News
- UK by-election results: Everything you need to know in graphs - The Independent
- Government borrows less than expected in June - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
The Standards Committee has proposed an eight-week suspension for Conservative MP Chris Pincher for "completely inappropriate" behaviour. It means Rishi Sunak will almost certainly face yet another by-election. Oh, and it all links back to Boris Johnson too...
Sir Keir Starmer made a speech outlining the fifth of his five missions - education. He spoke about the need to promote oracy skills in school, amongst other things. He had some strong words for the Just Stop Oil protestors who continue to disrupt major sporting events too. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell also debate the respective backgrounds of the leaders of the two main parties.
- Chris Pincher: MP faces eight-week ban over groping incident - BBC News
- Committee on Standards publishes report on the conduct of Christopher Pincher
- Speaking skills key to break class barriers, says Keir Starmer - BBC News
- Keir Starmer unveils Labour’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity at every stage
- Green protesters interrupt Starmer's big education speech with demand for 'no more U-turns' - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In recent weeks Labour has had some policy wobbles. These are not full-blown u-turns, but certainly a shift in position in a few key areas. However, nobody has really noticed because every time this happens the Conservatives have another disaster. On Thursday alone there was another Privileges Committee report dealing with the Partygate fallout and the Government's Rwanda policy was ruled to be unlawful by the Court of Appeal.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how Sir Keir Starmer is getting lucky and being rather ruthless. Things are not going in favour of Rishi Sunak, though...
- Labour postpones £28bn green plan as it seeks to be trusted on public finances - Guardian
- Labour ditches £3bn tax on big tech amid fear of US retaliation - The Times
- Labour scraps pledge to bring in rent controls in latest U-turn - Independent
- Matter referred on 21 April 2022: Co-ordinated campaign of interference in the work of the Privileges Committee
- Rwanda policy: Suella Braverman says plan to stop the boats is being held back - BBC News
- Daniel Korski: Daisy Goodwin accuses mayoral hopeful of groping - BBC News
- Daniel Korski statement
- Lawful and Fair: Building a Better Migration System - Fabian Society
- Tickets to "Forty-Eight"
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Rishi Sunak started the week by declining to vote, or even give a view, on the Privileges Committee report on Partygate and Boris Johnson. In then end, leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and four other cabinet colleagues marched over 100 Tory MPs through the lobby to vote for it.
The economic situation is as difficult for the prime minister as the political one. Interest rates are up to 5% and mortgage payers are being squeezed. At the same time, savers don't seem to be benefiting. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at the implications of it all.
- Keir Starmer’s dark secret: A brush with the French police over illegal ice creams - Politico
- How did my MP vote on Boris Johnson? Who voted against Partygate report and how many joined debate - i
- Banks summoned on mortgages after interest rate shock - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Boris Johnson should be banned for 90 days from Parliament. That's what the Privileges Committee would have recommended had he not already resigned as an MP. In a forensic and highly detailed report about statements he made in the Commons about partygate, they also recommend that he should not be given a former member's pass to the Parliamentary estate. These sanctions are so serious they have no real precedent. MPs will vote on them on Monday.
Over in the US, Donald Trump is back in court, this time facing federal charges. Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the past, present and future of the two blonde bombshells.
- Privileges Committee Report
- Judge sets January 2024 trial date for E. Jean Carroll's original defamation case against Trump - ABC News
- Trump pleads not guilty to 37 federal criminal counts in Mar-a-Lago case - Guardian
- Most Conservative MPs Expected To Abstain On Boris Johnson Partygate Vote - PoliticsHome
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It has been a chaotic weekend in UK politics. First, Nadine Dorries resigned as an MP after her nomination for a peerage was rejected. Former prime minister Boris Johnson followed her out of the Commons hours later with another ally, Nigel Adams, quitting on Saturday.
If that wasn't enough, former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and faced questions from police in Scotland as part of their investigation into the SNP's finances. She denies all allegations and insisted on her innocence in a strongly worded statement.
Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all in this special episode.
- Key allies rewarded in Johnson resignation honours list - BBC News
- Boris Johnson quits as member of parliament with blast at Partygate probe - Politico
- Boris Johnson asked me to intervene in honours list, says Rishi Sunak - BBC News
- Nicola Sturgeon Statement
- Nicola Sturgeon arrest: SNP urged to suspend ex-leader - The Times
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Sir Keir Starmer's latest intervention on Brexit. He wrote an opinion piece for the Express laying out his position, but did it actually contain anything new? Meanwhile, Boris Johnson continues to toy with the Covid inquiry and the government over submitting his WhatsApp messages and notebooks from the pandemic. The show ends with a brief discussion about the allegations made against Labour MP Geraint Davies.
- UK's future is outside the EU but we need to act now to make Brexit work - KEIR STARMER - Express
- Boris Johnson says he has handed over Covid WhatsApps - BBC News
- Government to take legal action against Covid inquiry over Johnson WhatsApps - Guardian
- Boris Johnson to give Covid inquiry unredacted WhatsApps - BBC News
- Labour MP accused of sexually harassing junior colleagues - Politico
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Boris Johnson continues to cast a long shadow over the Conservative Party. He is now under investigation for alleged lockdown rule-breaking at Chequers, something he denies. His allies are furious and threatening to trigger by-elections. Over in the US Ron Desantis is officially in the race to be the Republican presidential nominee. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell also discuss the ongoing debate over immigration statistics.
- Boris Johnson's allies threaten to trigger by-elections over new Covid rule-breaking row - The Telegraph
- Ron DeSantis 2024 campaign launch hit by Twitter tech glitch - BBC News
- Long-term international migration, provisional: year ending December 2022 - Office for National Statistics
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the National Conservative Conference, which was held in London this week. Various Tory MPs and ministers took the stage, including the home secretary Suella Braverman and levelling up secretary Michael Gove. Despite many of the speakers saying some deeply troubling things, there has been no sanction against the MPs and ministers who joined the event.
Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak may be facing a number of by-elections, as Boris Johnson looks set to appoint a number of MPs to the House of Lords. Helpful.
- Exclusive: Matt Hancock on NatCon, Covid, WhatsApps and “being human” - "The News Agents"
- Boris Johnson creates by-election chaos for Rishi Sunak by handing peerages to MP pals - Mirror
- Voters Are Ready to Hear the Case for Building on the Green Belt -Times
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back together to discuss all the fallout from the local elections. Can the Conservatives recover from such a terrible set of results? Are Labour on course for Government? And why are we talking about coalitions?
They also look ahead to the ongoing ping pong between the House of Lords and House of Commons over migration legislation, following an intervention from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Local election results - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In another special interview, House of Comments is joined by Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London. Prof Bale is the author of various politics books, most recently "The Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation". As we wait for the latest local election results to come in, he talks to co-host Emma Burnell about the changing fortunes of the Tory party, and what might come next for them.
- Prof Tim Bale's Books on Amazon
- Prof Tim Bale's Books on Waterstones
- Conservative Euroscepticism: The Etiology of an Obsession
- Prof Tim Bale on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell sit down with two of the groups affected by Diane Abbott's now infamous letter on racism to in the Observer. Charlotte talks about antisemitism with Dr Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust. He is also the author of the book "Everyday Hate". Emma speaks with Sam McLaren from Friends, Families and Travellers and Chris McDonagh from Travellers Against Racism.
- Diane Abbott's letter
- Community Security Trust
- Everyday Hate: How antisemitism is built into our world – and how you can change it
- Friends, Families and Travellers
- Travellers Against Racism on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell are back after an Easter break, and it's a packed show.
Dominic Raab has resigned as justice secretary and deputy prime minister after two allegations of bullying against him were upheld following an investigation by Adam Tolley KC. Judging by the tone of his resignation letter, he is not happy about it.
North of the border, the SNP's struggles continue. Colin Beattie resigned as treasurer after being arrested as the police continue to look into the party's funding and finances.
- Dominic Raab resignation statement
- Dominic Raab’s gone — so who could replace him in the UK Cabinet? - Politico
- Colin Beattie stands down as SNP treasurer after arrest - Guardian
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's a blockbuster episode this week. Former US President Donald Trump is set to face criminal charges over a payment made to former pornstar Stormy Daniels, and maybe more. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the consequences this might have for American politics. Back on this side of the Atlantic, they analyse the fallout from the SNP leadership election and what Margaret Ferrier's suspension might mean for Labour, the SNP and Boris Johnson.
- Donald Trump indictment: Ex-US president to be charged over hush money - BBC News
- Results: SNP Leadership Election 2023
- Ferrier faces suspension and possible by-election over Covid breach - STV
- UK Plan to Put Migrants on Ships Was Rejected As Too Costly - Bloomberg News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It has been a big week in politics. Senior figures have had to respond to the devastating findings of Baroness Casey's review of the Metropolitan Police and Boris Johnson had to face the Privileges Committee. Elsewhere, the SNP leadership race is coming to an end. Who is going to replace Nicola Sturgeon and what will her legacy be?
(Sidenote - some audio gremlins made Charlotte sound like a bit of a robot. Apologies.)
- Met Police: Women and children failed by 'boys' club', review finds - BBC News
- Mayor of London statement following Baroness Louise Casey Review
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Before analysing this week's Budget, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell breifly unpick the remains of the BBC's row with Gary Lineker. How did the execs ever think they would win? Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's speech wasn't exciting, but maybe that's what we needed and the show highlights the good announcements as well as the bad. Also, the SNP leadership is coming to a close but, after an acrimonious few weeks, can the party unite behind it's new leader?
- What the Lineker Moment Means - Hard Thinking on The Soft Left
- Gary Lineker is Not the Story [updated] - The Addition
- Gary Lineker Row: Bbc Backtracks After Wasting Weekend of Sports Coverage - The Addition
- Spring Budget 2023
- SNP race sliding into 'paranoia and mistrust' amid vote rigging row - The Herald
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the Government's new proposals to stop small boats crossing the Channel. Will it work? Is it the right thing to do? Why can't ministers actually answer straight questions about it? They also look at the latest delay/cancellation to befall HS2 and preview the upcoming Budget.
- Suella Braverman insists UK asylum plan lawful amid criticism - Politico
- HS2 line between Birmingham and Crewe delayed by two years - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
- House of Comments on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week. New Statesman columnist Jonn Elledge joins co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell. First up, they discuss Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint top civil servant Sue Gray, of partygate-report fame, to be his chief of staff. The conversation then turns to Rishi Sunak's Windsor win - the new framework for UK-EU relations around Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson, as ever, is lurking...
- Steve Baker: ‘I haven’t felt happy since Brexit vote’ - The Times
- Jonn Elledge at the New Statesman
- Jonn Ellege's newsletter, The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything
- Jonn Elledge on Twitter
- "Conspiracy: A History of Boll*cks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them", by Tom Phillips and Jonn Elledge
- "Not Buying It" by Charlotte Henry
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss how, mere days after it started, the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland has turned nasty. Kate Forbes has been questioned on her religious and social views... and is that the sound of a dog whistle you can hear?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is trying to get a new deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol, an issue brought into sharp focus by a shooting in Omagh this week. Meanwhile, Sunak's predecessor, Boris Johnson, is causing trouble. Who could ever imagine such a thing? Will he find his way back into Number 10?
Amidst all the political back and forth in the UK, the show pauses to remember the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturrgeon caused a stir this week when she announced that she was going to be standing down. Whatever you think about Sturgeon herself, or the issue of Scottish independence, this is undoubtedly a moment of huge signficance. She has been a dominant figure in the SNP and Scottish politics for 16 years, so co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what comes next for her party, her country and her dream of an independent Scotland. They also look at whether Sturgeon's resignation makes the likelihood of a Labour majority government led by Sir Keir Starmer more likely.
- Nicola Sturgeon: To the people of Scotland, thank you from the bottom of my heart
- UK and Scottish Governments Clash Over Gender Recognition Reform Bill - "House of Comments"
- Who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as next SNP leader? - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
Donations for Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeals* DEC * White Helmets
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect a busy week for prime minister Rishi Sunak who reshuffled his Cabinet, creating two new departments in the process, and welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the UK. The Ukrainian president also spoke with King Charles and addressed both Houses of Parliament before meeting EU leaders.
- MP Lee Anderson: New deputy Tory chairman clashes with radio presenter - BBC News
- Turn Off the News (Sometimes) - The Addition
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
Donations for Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeals* DEC * White Helmets
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human
Three years after Britain left the EU, what does Brexit actually mean? Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what has happened, and what might come next, as Britain navigates life outside the bloc. But first... a quick return to Conservative sackings and scandal. Nadhim Zahawi has gone, will deputy PM Dominic Raab be next?
- Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Tory party chair over tax affairs - Guardian
- Dominic Raab: Simon Case ‘was told of bullying before Sunak brought minister back’ - Times
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
From investigations into Dominic Raab, alleged loans to Boris Johnson and Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs, the Conservative Party has been consumed by scandal and sleaze in recent times. Furthermore, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak does not seem to be able to get a grip on it all and the communications operation behind him isn't helping. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all and wonder if there is any way back for Sunak and the Conservatives.
- The BBC chairman, the prime minister and the £800,000 loan guarantee - Sunday Times
- Nadhim Zahawi did not make ‘innocent error’, tax chief suggests - Telegraph
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the various implications of the UK Government invoking Section 35 in response to Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Then they return to London to look at yet more scandals in the Metropolitan Police and why politicians need to step and implement widespread reform of the force.
- Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill
- Elite Metropolitan police officer David Carrick revealed as serial rapist - Guardian
- Met Police officers investigated after strip-search of girl, 15 - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
The political temperature is rising. Amidst ongoing trade union strike action, the government has introduced legislation to set minimum service levels for certain sectors. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell disagree on whether this is an assault on the right to strike but agree that the proposals, as they currently stand, are a bit of a mess. They also discuss Andrew Bridgen MP, who lost the Conservative Whip after peddling anti-vax conspiracies and invoking the Holocaust.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us at @HoCPodcast.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- "Not Buying It" - Charlotte's book on fake news
- What Do We Do When an MP Spreads Dangerous Misinformation About Covid-19 Vaccines? - The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
It's 2023 and politics is back after the Christmas break. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer both made their first speeches of the year this week. Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the differing visions and ideas they set out. They then head Stateside to look at the chaos there as Republicans fail to select a Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
2022 is nearly over. It's been quite a year! Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look back on the last 12 months that included a devastating war on European soil, the passing of the UK's longest-serving monarch and political chaos that led to multiple Prime Ministers and Chancellors. In a year of difficulties, they finish on a positive note, picking out their favourite moments.
Thanks for listening and see you in 2023!
Crisis at Christmas is a wonderful cause that both Emma and Charlotte support. Please go to crisis.org.uk and support it in whatever way you are able to. Your money will help keep someone off the streets this Christmas.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
This week, Charlotte and Emma debate the wave of strike action currently gripping the UK. Not surprisingly, they do not see eye-to-eye! Is the action a result of a failure by the government? Are the unions just doing their job and sticking up for their members, or is there another element to it?
Crisis at Christmas is a wonderful cause that both Emma and Charlotte support. Please go to crisis.org.uk and support in whatever way you are able to. Your money will help keep someone off the streets this Christmas.
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Former Prime Minister and Chancellor Gordon Brown has led a commission making recommending as series of constitutional and economic shake-ups for an incoming Labour government. These include a smaller, elected House of Lords and more devolution. Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell debate the merits of these. They also touch on the end of Matt Hancock's political career and Raphael Warnock finally being set for a six-year term as the Senator for Georgia.
- Report of the Commission on the UK’s Future
- Matt Hancock to stand down as MP amid local criticism - BBC News
- Big win for Joe Biden as Democrats land outright majority in the US Senate - Sky News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
A number of Conservative MPs have decided that they do not want to stand at the next General Election. Amongst them are significant backbenchers like William Wragg, up-and-coming junior minister Dehenna Davison and former Cabinet minister Chloe Smith. The most significant MP not running again, however, is former Chancellor Sajid Javid. News of his decision broke as "House of Comments" was recording.
Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell analyse what this all means for the Conservatives. They also discuss Ian Blackford stepping down as leader of the SNP in Westminster and the by-election in City of Chester.
- I'm a Tory - get me out of here - Hard Thing on the Soft Left
- Chester by-election: Sunak fails first by-election test, says Rayner - BBC News
- Ian Blackford to stand down as SNP leader at Westminster - BBC News
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
As the fallout from Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement continues, Charlotte Henry is joined by Henry Hill, Deputy Editor of Conservative Home, to discuss the many and varied issues facing the Tories. What do they stand for now? Are they helping the right people? Henry also provides a fascinating insight into the internal dynamics at play within the Conservative Party.
- Britain is no country for young men - Stephen Daisley, The Spectator
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Henry Hill at ConservtiveHome
- Henry Hill on Twitter
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
Hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpick Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement. They are both disappointed, but for different reasons! There is also discussion about the issues off the pitch ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
- The Autumn Statement 2022 speech
- Autumn Statement 2022: Key points at-a-glance - BBC News
- Buy tickets for Emma's Play "Triggered" (If there are still any left!)
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
House of Comments is back! Emma Burnell returns with new host Charlotte Henry. This week they discuss Gavin Williamson's resignation and what it tells us about Rishi Sunak's government and Westminster more broadly. They also go Stateside to discuss the midterms.
- What did Gavin Williamson say? The text message row with Chief Whip Wendy Morton explained - i
- In battle for the Senate, the focus is on three states - Washington Post
- Charlotte Henry on Twitter
- Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition
- Emma Burnell on Twitter
- Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left
House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.
In this episode Emma interviews the business executive and founder of Radix Joe Zammit-Lucia on his new book The New Political Capitalism. In it, he argues that businesses cannot ignore politics or stand apart from it, but have an intrinsic role in shaping politics just as politics shapes business.
This one off episode is a discussion between Emma Burnell and Marc Stears. Previously a speechwriter for Ed Miliband, Marc now runs the Sydney Policy Lab.
The discussion focuses on Marc's book Out of the Ordinary which shows how a previous generation of socialist thinkers were inspired by the wonder of the everyday and how we could be again.
Emma Burnell interviews Mathew Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton - authors of new book Planet on Fire: A Manifesto for the age of environmental breakdown.
Buy the book here.
Mat and Laurie's Dazed article is here:
Tickets for Emma's first play - No Cure for Love - are available here.
Emma Burnell talks to Preston Council Leader Cllr Matthew Brown about the 'Preston model' of community wealth building. An approach he describes as "extreme common sense". We discuss how the model works, how to get community buy-in and how transferable it is to other places.
Paint Your Town Red: How Preston took back control and your town can too by Matthew Brown and Rhian E Jones
In this episode Emma Burnell interviews pollster and focus group guru Deborah Mattinson about her latest book Beyond the Red Wall.
The book looks at the kinds of voters that Labour lost from what were once its heartlands - what their passions, angers and expectations are.
Deborah's book is available here: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/beyond-the-red-wall
In this episode, Emma Burnell speaks to Margaret Bolton from the Local Trust about how their Big Local projects are adapting to the 'new normal'. She also highlights their big idea of a Community Wealth Fund.
In this episode, Emma talks to Chris Clarke, author of Warring Fictions - left populism and its defining myths.
In this fascinating episode Emma Burnell talks to author Margaret Heffernan about her book Uncharted - How to Map the Future together, The book looks at the prediction business and how to really plan for an unpredictable future.
The book is available here https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Uncharted/Margaret-Heffernan/9781471179785
and examples of Emma's journalism can be found here https://www.politicalhuman.com/journalism
In this special episode, Emma Burnell interviews David Swift, author of A Left For Itself: Left wing hobbyists and performative radicialism.
You can find the book here: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/zer0-books/our-books/left-for-itself
Emma Burnell and Professor Tim Bale meet over a (noisy) coffee to discuss his book Footsoldiers - about who joins a political party and why.
In this one-off special, Emma Burnell talks to David Hirsh, Sociology lecturer at Goldsmiths University and author of Contemporary Left Antisemitism. They discuss how antisemitism has been mainstreamed within some areas of the left and how it is an essential part of anti-democratic thinking.
The book can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contemporary-Left-Antisemitism-David-Hirsh/dp/1138235318
In this one-off episode, Emma talks to Charlotte Henry - author of new book Not Buying It - the Facts Behind Fake News about - well Fake News. But also liberal centrism as default, whether all propaganda is bad propaganda and how to understand structural biases without conspiratorial thinking.
Emma interviews Iain Overton, journalist, writer and Director of Action on Armed Violence about his new book The Price of Paradise: How the Suicide bomber shaped the modern age.
On 28th March, Emma took part in a Tortoise Media 'Think-in' - an event where panel and audience alike discuss a topic together. This topic was originally "Should Theresa May resign" but events overtook us so it became "Who should replace Theresa May?". This is that discussion.
In this one-off special, Emma Burnell interviews Nick Silver, founder of Radix and author of new book _A Guide to New Political Movements: How to do politics in the 21st century. _
They discuss the 'radical centre', leadership, ideology and what it takes to succeed in modern politics.
EMERGENCY PODCAST!
Emma and Mark are back back back! To discuss the breakaway of the Independent Groups of 7 former Labour MPs.
In their last podcast for a while, Emma, Nick and Mark look back over the madness that has been politics in 2018 and forward to much more and possibly worse in 2019! Happy New Year!
This week, Mark and Nick discuss conspiracy theories, Brexit and its ever shifting goalposts. Deal or no deal?
In this special episode hosted by Duncan Robinson of the Economist, podcast regular Nick Denys debates the future of the Tory Party and Conservative thought with Rebecca Lowe - Director of Freer.
Emma Burnell and Mark Thompson discuss the ongoing clusterf*ck that is Westminster, May and all things Brexit.
In this extraordinary episode, we talk about the budget and the new president of Brazil. But most importantly, Mark opens up about his past mental health issues.
His bravery is inspiring, but his point is that it shouldn't take bravery. It's an incredible conversation we were all honoured to be part of.
01 811 8055
"Mark talks to Paul Evans about his book, the provocatively titled 'Save Democracy: Abolish Voting'"
In our last episode before the summer break, Mark, Nick and Emma discuss what it means to be a Party member and why it matters to understand that. Even if you aren't one. We also talk about Brexit (inevitably) and Steve Bannon.
In this episode Nick Denys interviews Patrick O'Flynn - UKIP MEP - on how he thinks Brexit is going, on how UKIP is going and where now for him and the anti-Europe movement.
There's only one topic this week as we didn't want to swear too much about Trump.
But as we welcome a slightly tired Nick Denys back off paternity leave, Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell grill him about what the Chequers Deal and the Tory civil war it has subsequently caused really mean.
Emma Burnell interviews Angela Eagle MP about her book (written with Imran Ahmed) The New Serfdom: Conservative ideas and how to defeat them.
Emma Burnell interviews Ayesha Hazarika and Tom Hamilton about their book Punch and Judy Politics. It's a forensic look at PMQs from every concievable angle.
Emma interviews James Bloodworth about his new book Hired. James spent six months undercover in low wage Britain and writes movingly about what he found.
In this episode Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss the lack of any coverage of republicanism in the wake of wall-to-wall royal wedding coverage, the opening of the Grenfell Inquiry and the resignation from the Labour Party of Ken Livingstone.
No Mark this week - Emma gamely tries an AV anaolgy in his place.
In the meantime Emma Burnell and Nick Denys pay tribute to Tessa Jowell, discuss the ongoing Customs Union mess and Trump's ripping up of the Iran deal.
On the eve of the local elections, Emma, Nick and Mark discuss the Alfie Evans case and the horrendous circus that surrounded this tragedy.
We also discuss the eventual resignation of Amber Rudd - Nick's forgotten her so quickly he calls her Amanda! Did she lie or just tell an untruth - yes, we get that semantic.
We discuss the potential for peace between North and South Korea and the role of Donald Trump. Also should we protest his visit?
Finally we discuss the local elections. Good luck to everyone standing and campaigning today!
In this special episode, Nick Denys interviews Claire Ainsley, Executive Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and author of the forthcoming book _The New Working Class: How to win hearts, minds and votes. _
The UK, USA and France have taken joint action in response to the chemical attacks carried out on Syrians by President Assad. We try to look not just at why this action was taken, but also why doing so is so polarising.
One issue we aren't polarised on is the disgraceful treatment of the Windrush generation by the Home Office. But is it cock up or conspiracy?
Are our elections being hacked? Could they be in future? We try to look at the issues behind the scandals.
And finally, what would we put in a Brexit Museum?
You know it's been a tough week when your "Any finally" story is on a leaflet so racist you can't even call it dog whistling.
This week Emma, Mark and Nick discuss Labour's antisemitism problem, everyone's Cambridge Analytica problem, the release of John Worboys and the aforementioned leaflet from Havering Tories.
This week, Emma, Mark and Nick discuss the chemical attack on British soil, the likelihood of it being sanctioned by Russia and what can be done about that.
We also discuss the Irish border and the EU's position that they can't go further with the negotiations until this is settled.
Finally we look at the latest bullying and abuse scandal in the Houses of Parliament.
In this special episode, released on the eve of International Women's Day, Emma interviews Jo Swinson MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, about her new book Equal Power: and how you can make it happen.
They discuss All Women Shortlists, the Lord Rennard affair, body image and other key suggestions for improving gender equality.
Labour have changed their minds on the customs union. Have our regulars or guest Hugo Sugg? Well, what do you think?
Emma asks Ben Bradley MP- genius or goat? And we discuss the UK's reaction to snow and the effect on those living on the streets.
This week, Emma, Mark and Nick discuss the ongoing crisis in local government. There's surprising agreement about whose fault it is.
We also discuss the Telegraph and Daily Mail front page attacks on George Soros and the unfolding scandal of aid workers abusing their beneficiaries in Haiti and Chad.
In this special episode, Emma interviews Ava Etemadzadeh - a young Labour Party activist who has been in the headlines having made a complaint against a Labour MP as part of the ongoing "Pestminster" scandal.
As the Parliamentary report into future measures to tackle abuse of staff is published we discuss if it is sufficient, what needs to be done to protect volunteers and how we can all work to change the culture of politics.
This week, Regular gang Emma Burnell, Nick Denys and Mark Thompson discuss the leak of the Brexit papers and the latest Tory wobbles. Worse than normal or just par for a rather depressing course?
We also discuss the fall in provision of Social Housing, the ways councils and governments are and are not getting to grips with it and the controversy in Haringey caused by one council's approach.
No Nick this week, but we're delighted instead to be joined by Chloe Schendel-Wilson - a Conservative member and activist.
This week we discuss the collapse of Carillion. What does it mean for the future of private outsourced provision of public services?
We also discuss the latest internal wranglings on Labour's NEC.
Finally, what do Tony Blair and Nigel Farage have in Common?
Yes we discuss the prospect of a second, third, first, whatever(!?) referendum.
We have no Nick this week sadly.
Luckily we're joined by Chloe Schendel-Wilson a Conservative activist in his place.
This week we discuss the collapse of Carillion and what this means for private provision of public services. We also discuss the Momentum's clean sweep in Labour's NEC elections and their subsequent move to replace Ann Black with Christine Shawcroft.
Finally, what have Tony Blair and Nigel Farage got in common? Yes, we discuss the second/third/whatever referendum.
We're Back!
The gang are back together for 2018 to discuss politics as we understand it and even as we don't. In this episode we discuss the NHS Winter crisis, the appointment of Toby Young, the latest on the Trump White House and - somewhat foolishly - our predictions for 2018. How wrong can we be right?
Mark Thompson, Emma Burnell and Nick Denys are face to face (for the first time ever!) for this recording of a special House of Comments in the aftermath of the 2017 general election. What went wrong for May? What went right for Corbyn? Is May now finished? They discuss all of this and more. Also round the table was cultural commentator Tim Worthington who provided a very useful and, given how much political pundits have got wrong recently, a much needed non political geek perspective!
The old band are back together again! Mark Thompson, Emma Burnell and Nick Denys discuss the 2017 General Election campaign. Is Theresa May really strong and stable? Are Labour definitely going to lose? Did Paul Nuttall walk on the moon? Find out the answers to two of these questions and fewer in this special edition of the podcast.
Mark Thompson is joined by Labour activist Emma Burnell and Henry Hill of Conservative Home to discuss the ramifications of the triggering of Article 50 on the day it happened
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell reunite to discuss the momentous result of the EU Referendum to vote to leave the EU and its likely effects on British politics
Mark chairs a debate between four of the candidates standing for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner in Devon and Cornwall. The candidates are Gareth Derrick for Labour, Alison Hernandez for the Conservatives, Richard Younger-Ross for the Lib Dems and Jonathan Smith for UKIP. We cover all sort of ground including Hillsborough and the aftermath of the inquest verdict, online crime, the remit of the role of PCC and even whether it is ever morally justified to commit a crime.
Mark talks about the EU referendum campaign with Rafael Behr of The Guardian, with Lib Dem activist Jennie Rigg about safe spaces, no platforming and trigger warnings and finally to Tim Worthington about the life and work of Victoria Wood
Mark talks to former Nick Clegg special adviser Sean Kemp about his time in Number 10 and to Gavin Devine about whether we should curtail the right of pensioners to vote especially for the upcoming EU referendum
Mark talks to Conservative Home's Henry Hill about whether the younger generations will get anything like the sort of retirements they've seen their parents and grandparents have and to Simon Parker of the New Local Government Network about Universal Basic Income
Mark talks to Tim Worthington about TV remakes and Emma Burnell about "The New Politics" and the impending EU referendum
Mark talks to Mark Wadsworth of the Yound People's Party about Land Value and to Claer Barrett of the Financial Times about the prospects for younger people trying to get onto the property ladder
Mark talks to Dr David Brockington of Plymouth University about the US primaries and how they work and to Ian Dunt, editor of politics.co.uk about the government's reduction in opposition party Short money, the EU referendum and the Home Office's approach to migrants
Mark talks to Matt Singh of Number Cruncher Politics about polling before the 2015 general election and how he managed to predict the correct outcome when most other analysts got it wrong
Mark talks to former political editor of The Observer Gaby Hinsliff about Corbyn's reshuffle and Cameron's decision to allow his ministers freedom on the EU referendum and to cultural commentator Tim Worthington about the "Video Nasty" moral panic of the 1980s
This week Mark talks to former Labour parliamentary candidate Russell Whiting about his experiences in the run up to the 2015 general election and to actor Martin Ross about what he has found coming to the profession later in life
Mark talks to professional poker player Neil Channing about his life at the felt and how he fell into this rather unusual line of work and to DJ Rick Edwards about his career behind the mic
Mark talks to Labour activist Emma Burnell about the current state of Labour and politics in general and to politics lecturer Alex Marsh about "Post-truth Politics"
Mark talks to Henry Hill of Conservative Home about votes at 16 and Osborne's Autumn Statement and to cultural commentator and old school TV expert Steve Williams about in-vision TV continuity and why it's largely died out
Mark is joined by Emeritus Professor of War History at Kings College London Lawrence Freedman to discuss the nuclear deterrent and by Conservative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez to discuss her campaign and politics more generally
This week Mark speaks to media expert and former Labour adviser Paul Blanchard about Freedom of Information reform and how Jeremy Corbyn is doing and also former Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Kelly-Marie Blundell about how her party is getting on 6 months after the general election
This week in his radio show Mark speaks to journalist and BBC Radio 4 Analysis presenter Jo Fidgen about the ethics of eating meat and also to the comedienne Wendy Wason about fulfilling different roles in our busy lives and how much room is left for the real us
This week in his radio show Mark speaks to drug law reform campaigner Steve Rolles about the current drug laws and how they might change and then to chief spokesperson for the pressure group Republic about the monarchy and republicanism as well as Jeremy Corbyn's recent royal related problems
This week in his radio show Mark speaks to head of press for UKIP Gawain Towler about the EU referendum and technology journalist Nicole Kobie about broadband coverage and so called "not spots" in the light of a debate on this subject by MPs this week.
Mark is now hosting a weekly topical news show on Music Mill FM and the episodes are being uploaded to the House of Comments feed for your delight and delectation. This week he talks to Conservative commentator Rupert Myers about the Tory conference and author and cultural commentator Tim Worthington about famous TV defections of the past following Robert Peston's move from the BBC to become ITV's political editor.
Mark is joined by Editor of Politics.co.uk Ian Dunt for another "One off special" of the podcast to discuss the remarkable surge of Jeremy Corbyn and its current and likely future effects
Mark is back for a one off special during the current podcast hiatus and is joined by the Guardian political columnist Rafael Behr to discuss George Osborne's "Living Wage" budget and its political consequences.
Mark is joined by Ian Dunt editor of Politics.co.uk to discuss the general election that (almost) nobody correctly predicted the results of and what the aftermath now means for the various parties.
We will be taking a break from regular podcasts for a while to recover from the election period. Stay subscribed and we'll be back when we're fully recharged!
Mark is joined by broadcaster and historian Dan Snow to discuss the previous week's election campaigning especially the BBC Question Time debate with the three main party leaders and given that Dan is an ambassador for the Electoral Reform Society and it's Mark's favourite pet political subject they speculate on how and when reform may just happen for Westminster.
Mark is joined by Isabel Hardman the Assistant Editor of The Spectator to discuss the challenger's debate, the growing influence of the SNP on UK politics and what would happen if no stable government can be formed after the general election
Mark is joined by Labour activist and recovering blogger Paul Evans to discuss the previous week's campaigning in the general election, whether political betting or the polls are better at predicting the results of elections and whether referendums are anti-democratic.
Mark is joined by Guardian journalist James Ball to discuss the seven way debate, the alleged Nicola Sturgeon memo and the Labour attack on the Lib Dems for being "soft on drugs"
Mark is joined by Lib Dem Voice editor Caron Lindsay as the "Short Campaign" begins to discuss the Cameron/Miliband interview with Paxman, the impact of Scotland on the upcoming election and how mental health problems are being portrayed in the media following the Germanwings tragedy. And they find time to speculate about Lib Dem prospects.
Mark is joined by Conservative activist and former House of Comments co-host Nick Denys to discuss the debate about the TV debates, housing targets and the perniciousness of political jargon.
Mark is joined by former House of Comments co-host and contributing editor of Labour List Emma Burnell to discuss the sting that brought Jack Straw and Malcolm Rifkind low on outside interests, Labour's new tuition fees policy and the government's decision to devolve healthcare to the Manchester region.
Mark is joined by former Lib Dem activist Sara Scarlett to discuss tax avoidance/evasion, Peter Oborne's resignation from The Telegraph and how enlightenment values or the lack of them can play a part in extremism.
Mark is joined by the Editor of Politics.co.uk Ian Dunt to discuss the Charlie Hebdo killings, the NHS crisis, Angela Merkel wagging Cameron's immigration dog and whether the PM is chickening out of the leader debates.
Mark is joined by Left Foot Forward editor James Bloodworth to discuss the political highlights of 2014 and to look forward to what 2015 has in store. Topics include the rise of UKIP (inevitably), Labour's diminishing poll lead, the Scottish referendum and aftermath and Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Mark is joined by Mark Wallace from Conservative Home to discuss the ramifications of Douglas Carswell's defection from the Conservative Party to UKIP
Mark is joined by co-hosts Emma Burnell and Nick Denys to discuss the Commons recent vote on knife possession, Labour's potential new approach to welfare and the latest benefits fiasco.
The podcast will now be taking a break for a few months but we will be back so keep subscribed!
Mark is joined by Labour PPC Uma Kumaran and freelance journalist Bobby Friedman to discuss Gove vs May, the BBC license fee and whether we're ever going to get proper parliamentary recall.
Emma Burnell and Caron Lindsay of Lib Dem Voice discuss leadership challenges, changes to politics, the Newark By-election, Global violence against women and the travesty of Tower Hamlets.
Nick and Emma are joined by Mark Pack (political author, Lib Dem blogger and activist) to pick through the election results. What, if anything, do they tell us about the state of the main Westminster parties?
On this week’s podcast, Nick Denys talks to Carl Packman (Labour writer) and Nick Tyrone (author of upcoming book on the AV referendum and the Coalition) about the apathy and anger there is towards mainstream politics.
Mark is joined by Green Party activist Sian Berry and leader of The Pirate Party UK Loz Kaye to discuss Cameron's pledge to resign if he can't get an EU referendum, Fracking, copyright law and how the UK political system treats small parties.
Emma is joined by Labour London Assembly Member Tom Copley and Lib Dem blogger Charlotte Henry to discuss intervention is the housing market and foreign takeovers.
This week the 3 co-hosts – Nick Denys, Emma Burnell and Mark Thompson – discuss the political news from the last few weeks. Have Ukip gained a harder and nastier edge? If Boris returns to Westminster politics, will he improve the Conservative’s appeal? What does the appointment of David “Oh Sweet Child of Mine” Axelrod tell us about UK politics?
In the week of St George’s Day, Nick tries to find out what England and English is. He talks to Sunder Katwala (Director of British Future), Caroline Kent (feminist columnist for the Telegraph) and Julian Baggini (philosopher and author of “Welcome to Everytown”). Sunder is interviewed at the beginning, Caroline at around 14 minutes, and Julian from 26 minutes 20 seconds.
Mark is joined by Labour PPC Jessica Asato and Lib Dem commentator Mark Pack to discuss the fallout from the Maria Miller resignation, power and harassment in politics and they address the question: "What are the Lib Dems for?".
Emma discusses the European question with the Centre Right pro European Dirk Hazell of the European People's Party and Left winger Max Shanly of Young Labour.
Emma and Mark discuss the first EU In/Out debate between Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage focusing on the domestic ramifications and also the latest climate change report and how it's likely to affect politics.
Mark is joined by Labour PPC Uma Kumaran and Max Wind-Cowie an associate at the think-tank Demos to discuss the budget including pensions and inevitably bingo, student loans and whether there is nepotism in parliament.
This week Nick is joined by three MEP candidates to talk about whether to have an In/Out EU referendum and to try to pin down what the purpose of the EU Parliamentary is. Annesley Abercorn (Conservative), Ivana Bartoletti (Labour), and Paul Oakley (Ukip) discuss.
Emma Burnell is joined by Isabel Hardman of the Spectator and Helen Lewis of the New Statesman to discuss the Lib Dem spring conference, immigration and the situation in the Ukraine.
Mark is joined by Emma and Nick as well as former House of Comments co-host from way back Stuart Sharpe and our first ever guest from back in 2009, LBC presenter Iain Dale to celebrate our 100th episode. Topics discussed this week are the Harriet Harman and Jack Dromey NCCL/PIE story, Labour's special conference (which Emma spoke at) and the move to One Member One Vote and also whether the Conservatives and Labour would be wise to rule out potential coalition in 2015 as a manifesto commitment.
This week Nick talks to Rafif Jouejati (Syrian Opposition Coalition) about the Geneva peace talks and the future of Syria, James Delingpole (Executive Editor – Breitbart London) about free speech and the launch of Breitbart’s new London website, and Peter Franklin (Editor – Deep End, Conservative Home) about why right-wingers need to stop talking about how much income tax the richest pay.
Mark is joined by Lib Dem PPC for Guildford Kelly-Marie Blundell and Former Labour PPC and councillor Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest political fallout from the floods, the recent petition urging the government to review drugs policy and they ask whether voter recall is now dead for this parliament. Spoiler alert - it is.
What can and should be done about flooding? Would the Tories be happy to see Scotland go? And just what is their problem with women? Emma is joined by Mark Wallace of Conservative Home and Hopi Sen.
This week regulars hosts Emma Burnell, Nick Denys and Mark Thompson come together to discuss the Tories and the EU, Labour and the Unions, the split between Laws and Gove and smoking in cars.
This week Nick speaks to Christian May about the Ukrainian protests and Donna Edmunds, editor of Ukip Daily, about the political news and Ukip’s growing pains. Subjects covered include, raising the upper tax limit to 50p, Ukip’s appeal, Syrian refugees, and the treatment of women in politics.
Mark is joined by Labour activist and council candidate Claire Spencer and Ruth Porter of the centre-right think tank Policy Exchange to discuss Ed Miliband's banking reforms, Osborne's £7 minimum wage intervention, cash incentives to councils for fracking and the continuing fallout from the Lord Rennard case.
Emma is joined by Lib Dem Charlotte Henry of Total Politics, David Skelton, Director of Reform and justice campaigner Ellie Cumbo to discuss the Lib Lab Love in, Minimum wage and the fall out from the Mark Duggan Inquest
Mark, Emma and Nick discuss the newly released revelations about the miners' strike, the debate around Romanian and Bulgarian immigration, the recent floods and the politics of the Environment Agency and flood defences funding, the latest Lord Ashcroft "Mega Poll" and they make their political predictions for the coming year.
Emma interviews disability activist Sue Marsh about her campaigning including use of social media and the difficulty of getting the mainstream media interested in the subject
Mark and Emma are joined by Conservative member and political podcaster Rupert Myers to discuss food banks, IDS criticising The Trussell Trust, why Simon Hughes has decided to join the government and who his replacement as Lib Dem deputy leader might be and finally have we seen the end of Tigger as Conservative Party Chair?
Emma is back! Recovering well from her recent operation Emma talks to Mark about the recently floated "two child benefit and no more" policy from a close Cameron advisor, the gender pay gap rising and the BBC's policy on promotion and non-promotion of charities.
Mark is joined by LabourList's Mark Ferguson and freelance journalist and Lib Dem activist Charlotte Henry to discuss Nelson Mandela's legacy, the aftermath of the Autumn Statement and whether MPs deserve an 11% pay rise.
Mark and Emma discuss potential reform of the Civil Service, the Government's ideas on reducing energy bills and the increase in food banks.
Mark and Emma are joined by Conservative activist Nick Denys to discuss the fallout from the Co-op Bank and Paul Flowers scandal, Dominic Grieve's comments about a "favour culture" within some ethnic minority communities and should there be a new National Liberal party? Oh and they also discuss Doctor Who's 50th anniversary. Well two of them do.
Mark and Emma are joined by co-editor of Lib Dem Voice Caron Lindsay to discuss how politics works with respect to Mark's decision to leave the Lib Dems, Tory web history deletion shenanigans and the Ed Balls "Nightmare" e-mail.
Mark and Emma are joined by the editor of The New Statesman blog The Staggers George Eaton to discuss the latest Universal Credit debacle, the NHS A&E crisis, the latest on an EU referendum, the ending of shipbuilding in Portsmouth and whether there's a link to Scottish independence and finally oversight of spending on the monarchy. Warning - contains republican ranting.
Mark and Emma discuss the press Royal Charter, the living wage, energy prices and also whether we should be paying for MPs fuel bills on their second homes.
Mark and Emma are joined by Conservative activist Charlotte Vere to discuss Russell Brand's revolutionary ideas, the Roma children scandal and Grant Shapps vs the BBC.
Mark and Emma are joined by Lib Dem blogger Jennie Rigg to discuss the Lib Dems on Free Schools and policy differentiation in general, Plebgategategate, rendition and Labour's pay day lender tax policy.
Mark and Emma discuss the Royal Mail privatisation, drugs policy, Norman Baker and conspiracy theories, whether Jeremy Browne might defect to the Tories and Labour's schools and welfare policies.
Mark and Emma discuss Ed vs The Daily Mail and the fallout from this with journalist and author Toby Young and the US shut down with Deputy General Secretary of The Fabian Society Marcus Roberts.
Mark and Emma are joined by Graeme Archer of The Telegraph and his fellow Conservative member Amy Gray to discuss Conservative conference including conference locations, married couple tax allowance and the extension to help to buy.
Recorded in a restaurant on Brighton seafront Mark and Emma are joined by Rob Marchant, Andy Harrop and Christine Quigley to discuss all things Labour including party reform, immigration, the full employment target, housing and Damian McBride.
Mark is joined by Caron Lindsay and Nick Thornsby to discuss all things Lib Dem - live (well OK, recorded but you know) from the party's conference in Glasgow covering topics as diverse as fracking, Trident and porn filters.
Mark and Emma are joined by Nick Denys from Platform 10 to discuss the Lobbying Bill, the Universal Credit debacle, further Falkirk fallout and Sarah Teather's decision to stand down from parliament.
Mark and Emma are joined by James Hallwood of the Constitution Society to discuss the political and constitutional implications of the recent government defeat on potential action in Syria.
Mark and Emma are back from holiday and get stuck in with discussion about Will-gate and party funding, the arrest of David Miranda, the lobbying bill, the "bedroom tax" and votes at 16.
Emma and Labour Party General Secretary Iain McNicol discuss the party and their strategy going into the next general election.
Mark and Caron Lindsey talk all things Lib Dem (note from Emma - bet there'll be PR talk ;-)).
Emma Burnell talks Tory politics with editor of the Spectator Coffee House blog Isabel Hardman. We discuss all things polling, leadership and 2015.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss the politics of the "Racist Van" "Pilot", misogyny online in the wake of the threats received by campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez, internet filtering and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's comments about Wonga and payday lending.
Mark Thompson talks to LBC presenter and lobby journalist Ian Collins about the current state of politics and the prospects for the next two years in the run up to the 2015 general election.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss party funding in the light of Ed Miliband's recent announcement on union funding, the immigration backlog and Post Office privatisation.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell are joined by Liberal Conspiracy's Sunny Hundal to discuss the fallout from the Falkirk selection debacle, how Ed Miliband's proposals to respond to this might affect the future of the Labour Party and the further recent discussions about an EU referendum.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell are joined by Bright Blue's Kate Maltby to discuss the spending review and the related fortunes of the parties in its wake, the double dip that never was, royal spending, ministerial no shows and violent porn.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss "The Alternative Queen's Speech", domestic violence, the behaviour of MPs in the chamber of the House of Commons and whether benefit claimants should have their addresses published.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell are joined by Conservative activist and blogger Nick Denys to discuss Michael Gove's education reforms, The Morrissey Report into the Lib Dems in the wake of the Lord Rennard allegations and Sarah Woolaston's interview with the Guardian about how having won an open primary to become MP for Totnes, the political system has treated her.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell are joined by author Carl Packman to discuss payday lenders and what can be done to provide loans from alternative sources, the US PRISM scandal and how it relates to privacy questions in the UK and Labour's repositioning on pensions policy.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss the latest parliamentary scandal and ask whether we need a clampdown on lobbying and also the ability for MPs to be recalled as well as Labour's latest announcement on means testing pensioner benefits.
This week Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell are joined by parliamentary lobby correspondent and host of the "Hear Hear" podcast Sean Dilley to chew over the week in politics. They discuss various aspects of the aftermath of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich including the political and media responses. They also cover whether David Cameron should be able to take a holiday and touch upon the recent fortunes of the Conservative Party more widely.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Labour activist and blogger Hopi Sen to discuss Andrew Adonis' "5 Days in May" about the coalition negotiations from Labour's perspective, Loongate and the Tories incipient nervous breakdown over Europe and equal marriage.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Lib Dem activist Jennie Rigg to discuss "Post truth politics" in the wake of Iain Duncan-Smith having been caught out misusing statistics (again), Michael Gove's comments on the Lib Dem internal struggles, fish quotas and the ongoing effects of the bedroom tax.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Labour activist and local government expert Laura Wilkes to discuss the recent local election results especially with respect to the continuing UKIP surge, David Cameron's old Etonian staffing tendencies, the decision by the government not to enshrine the 0.7% GDP level of foreign aid in law and anonymity for rape suspects.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they analyse Tony Blair's latest comments about the UK political scene with respect to Labour in particular, Iain Duncan-Smith's suggestion that wealthy pensioners should hand back their universal benefits and they look ahead to the upcoming local elections.
Mark Thompson discusses recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week he is joined by Labour activist and councillor Grace Fletcher-Hackwood to discuss the case of Paris Brown the 17 year old who was forced to stand down from her position as youth advisor to a PCC due to her social media activities, Labour's position on public finances and looking forward to the local elections in a couple of weeks time they consider whether there is likely to be a UKIP surge.
Mark Thompson discusses recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week he is joined by libertarian blogger Mark Wallace to discuss the impact and legacy of Margaret Thatcher in the wake of her death last week.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they discuss the departure of David Miliband from UK politics and the UK altogether, the welfare changes and the controversial use by some in the media and politics of the Mick Philpott case in the debate about benefits.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by former Ed Miliband adviser Sonia Sodha to discuss the budget, Leveson and blogs, Workfare and JSA targets and immigration bonds.
Emma Burnell discusses recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week she was joined by Liberal conservative blogger and contributor to Platform 10 Nick Denys. They talked all things fiscal in advance of the budget and also covered the many (many) plots swirling around the Tory party and what that all means for their electoral chances.
Emma Burnell discusses recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week she is joined by Liberal Democrat Linda Jack and former Liberal Democrat Jo Shaw who had dramatically resigned from the party on the conference stage during a debate on Secret Courts on the day of recording. They discuss Secret Courts, party leaderships being out of touch with their members, the differences between Labour and the Lib Dems and how women in politics and public life are treated.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Rafael Behr the political editor of the New Statesman to discuss the fallout from Eastleigh including the UKIP surge, John O'Farrell's comments about candidate "scrutiny" and murmurs from the Conservative Party about rowing back on human rights legislation.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Isabel Hardman the editor of the Spectator Coffee house blog to discuss the AAA debacle and what it means for George Osborne and the government, the Eastleigh by-election and what Mark found out pounding the streets in South Hampshire at the weekend and finally the accusations against Lord Rennard and more generally women in public life.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they discuss Ed Miliband's announcement of a mansion tax and a reintroduction of the 10p tax rate, the latest from the Eastleigh by-election, the court decision on workfare and the Sun's decision to publish a front-page bikini picture of the recently killed Reeva Steenkamp.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Guardian writer Ellie Mae O'Hagan to discuss Chris Huhne's resignation and the ensuing Eastleigh by-election, the future of the NHS in the light of the Francis Inquiry into the failings at Stafford Hospital and the reduction in benefits based on rooms in houses that Mark refuses to call the "bedroom tax"!
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by UKIP head of press Gawain Towler to discuss Cameron's announcement of an in/out EU referendum in 5 years time, the intemperate comments of Lib Dem MP David Ward about Israel and the blacklisting scandal.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they discuss the future of the economy in the context of the recently announced high street troubles for HMV, Jessops, Blockbuster and before them Comet and others. How will our country and its workforce adjust to the new realities and can the state plan for this future or should we just go with the flow? You won't be surprised to hear that Mark and Emma have somewhat different views on this! Also, should HMV and Blockbuster in particular have seen this coming and could they have handled their upstart internet competitors better?
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by Conservative activist and former PPC Charlotte Vere to discuss the government relaunch, childcare reform, Labour's proposals for regulating landlords and they all reveal whether or not any of them own a Onesie like Nick Clegg.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they cover Labour's work guarantee, the coalition's mid-term review and they give their own assessments of how the government and coalition has worked thus far. Also, Emma takes Mark to task on his reflex for using shelf stacking as a catch-all way of describing entry level jobs!
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by the technical editor of PC Pro Magazine Darien Graham-Smith to discuss the recent joint committee report on the draft communications bill, gay marriage, gun control in the US and Maria Miller's expenses.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent political events in the House of Comments podcast. This week they discuss the Chancellor's Autumn statement and try to work out who the strivers and skivers are, whether Starbucks are a fair target for tax protests, pluralism with respect to the new "Labour for Democracy" movement and speculate on how the government will respond to the imminent Home Affairs Select Committee report on drug policy.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast. This week they are joined by libertarian blogger Mark Wallace to discuss the Leveson report and political reaction to it, the recent by-elections especially with respect to the UKIP surge and what they would like to see in the Chancellor's pre-budget statement this week.
Mark Thompson and Emma Burnell discuss recent events in politics in the all new revived House of Comments podcast.
This week they cover the UKIP members Rotherham fostering case (and hypothesise about how it would have played out if they had been BNP members), sexism in politics following recent comments by Nadine Dorries and try to predict what the Leveson report on Thursday will recommend.