Surrey Heath Cast: Recent Episodes

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In today's episode (recorded in Friday 24th November 2023), Jacqui and Al discuss the full fallout from the Autumn Statement.

We also discuss the rise in populism and nationalism signalled by the electoral victories of far right candidates in recent elections in The Netherlands and in Argentina. What does this signal? Why is populism on the rise? And what are the geopolitical consequences?

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In today's episode (recorded in Friday 27th October 2023), Jacqui and Al discuss the war of words surrounding the Israel-Gaza crisis that is embroiling everyone from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the BBC and what that reveals about the challenge of understanding and interpreting such a timeless and seemingly intractable geopolitical issue.

We also discuss the recent by-election in Mid Bedfordshire and, closer to home, the possible judicial review into NHS staff bonuses (a BIG issue in Surrey Heath), the growing petition on the closure of the M3 Bagshot-Lightwater footbridge, and gratuitously plug the upcoming Surrey Heath Liberal Democrat dinner, with celebrity guest, Sue Perkins.

LINKS:

M3 Footbridge petition: https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-two-year-closure-of-the-bagshot-heath-footbridge-over-the-m3?source_location=topic_page

NHS bonus judicial review: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67220186#

Surrey Heath Liberal Democrat dinner: https://events.libdems.org.uk/events/51819/surrey-heath-liberal-democrats-annual-dinner-2023-with-sue-perkins-sarah-olney-mp

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this special episode of Surrey Heath Cast (recorded: Friday 13 October, 2023), Jacqui and Al discuss the appalling acts of terrorism in Israel this week, and take the long view by exploring the history of Israel-Palestine relations and how we got to where we are now, and what might happen next.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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Fresh from the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Bournemouth, Jacqui and Al reflect on our experiences as first time attendees - the highlights, the debates, the speeches, the votes, and the most impactful fringe events.

This year's Lib Dem autumn conference was the first in-person autumn conference since 2019, due to a combination of Covid-19 (2020-21) and then, in 2022, the Queen's funeral. So this was a big one - an opportunity to discuss and debate the policies that will be presented to the British public in the next Lib Dem manifesto, whenever a general election is called.

Between us, we attended incredible discussions on:

• electoral reform,
• industrial strategy,
• prison reform,
• dignity in dying,
• fast fashion legislation,
• global security challenges,
• duty of care in higher education,
• transforming the UK's approach to housing and planning,
• securing a fair deal for the armed forces,
• restoring standards in public life,
• energy and climate change,
• defence, and our commitment to Ukraine

...as well as Ed Davey's powerful Leader's speech.

So, what were our highlights? Listen on.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In today's episode, Jacqui and Al focus on two big issues currently affecting Surrey Heath.

First, we are delighted to welcome Councillor Shaun Mcdonald, the Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, to discuss this week's news that Surrey Heath Borough Council is facing potential bankruptcy in as little as two years - the result of reckless property speculation by previous administrations that have left Surrey Heath as the 6th most indebted local authority in England and on Moody's top-20 bankruptcy watch list. This week, Surrey Heath Borough Council published all the documents in their possession related to the questionable purchases, which took place in 2016: https://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/council-finances/purchase-square-and-house-fraser-store

We also discuss the ongoing threat posed by property developers to the much-valued Heathpark Woods in the village of Windlesham. We welcome the dedicated local campaigner Sandy Reed, to talk about the woods, their value to the village as a green barrier, and her petition which is gaining considerable local attention: https://www.change.org/p/save-heathpark-wood-from-destruction

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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NEW SERIES

In this first episode in the new series, Jacqui and Al get stuck into the big stories of the past few weeks:

What will be the impact of forcing criminals into the dock during sentencing proceedings? Why has Sunak parachuted Grant Shapps into Defence? What are the Lib Dems chances in Mid-Bedfordshire? And whatever happened to Michael Gove's promises of a "Green Brexit" given the government's announcement this week that they intend scrap environmental regulations on house builders.

Finally, we take our regular look at Al's diary, which has included talking to residents in Camberley about Michael Gove and his flip flopping on the environment - see this Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/aug/31/foul-fumes-and-sewage-spills-in-tory-stronghold-of-michael-gove

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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NEW EPISODE OUT NOW: ATLANTIC ADVENTURES; WEAPONISING ULEZ; AND THE GREAT CAMBERLEY STINK.

In this end-of-season special episode, Jacqui and Al are joined by inspirational Atlantic rowers (and Surrey Heath residents) Andy Hodgson and Rosalind Chaston, who tell us all about their recently-completed voyage from Gran Canaria to Barbados, undertaken entirely under their own steam over 46 days and in a rowing boat that was no more than 7 metres from bow to stern. https://www.atlanticescapade.com/

As well as being an extraordinary feat of endurance, Andy and Rosalind's adventure raised funds for two wonderful charities - the Blue Marine Foundation and the RNLI. Donations can still be made via their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/team/atlanticescapade

We also talk about the "great Thames Water stink" currently blighting the lives of Camberley residents and businesses, plus the newly-released report that exposes social media manipulation during the recent Uxbridge by-election and the weaponisation of the ULEZ issue.

Finally, we take our regular look at Al's diary...

We're now taking a short summer break, but will return with a new season of Surrey Heath Cast beginning on 31st August.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In today's episode, Jacqui and Al dissect the three big by-election results form this week, including the amazing result for Sarah Dyke, the new Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome.

We also discuss the likely response from the Tory party, which looks set to pour fuel on the fire of the so called "culture war" with a strategy of "dividing and ruling" the British public. Part of that strategy looks likely (judging by Michael Gove's interview with today's Sunday Telegraph) to seek electoral advantage by rolling back the UK's commitment to tackling climate change. But at what social, environmental and political cost?

The LGBT Veterans Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, was recently published and regular listeners will know that we've been following and supporting this process from the outset. This week the PM issued a full apology on behalf of the UK, with compensation to follow.

And finally, we take our regular look at Al's Diary from this past week - 8 hours of which was spent crawling along the creaking A303 from Cornwall back to Surrey Heath.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, Jacqui and Al talk to Prof Steve Barnett (University of Westminster) about the Online Harms Bill - a hugely significant piece of the legislation that's currently meandering through parliament.

We also talk about the future of Frimley Park Hospital, which is slated for rebuilding, and consider the possibility of an urban hospital at the heart of our community.

And finally, we talk about "Al's Diary" and recent visits to Collingwood School in Camberley and Gordon's School in West End.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, Jacqui and Al dissect the events of the past weeks, beginning with the publication of the Privileges Committee report into the conduct of Boris Johnson and the parliamentary debate on Monday (from which our MP abstained from voting). With the Bank of England hiking interest rates to 5% this week, we discuss the impact on mortgage holders and renters - and what might be done to keep people in their homes during this unfolding crisis.

We also talk about what Al has been up to in Surrey Heath and beyond - including his environmentally-conscious attempt to avoid air travel this past week by taking the train to northern Germany; and a truly inspirational visit to Collingwood College in Camberley where, this week, Al met some extraordinary students (and their teachers) who've just completed their GSCE in Citizenship in 1 year, and are tackling the challenge of littering in their community. There's hope for the future!

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode Jacqui and Al talk about some of the biggest local and national issues they've been engaging with over the last few weeks.

We open by talking about the pay injustice being felt by members of the NHS family employed through Community Interest Companies who, now, find themselves locked out of the recently-agreed pay rise, despite working throughout the pandemic.

Woking Borough Council have, this week, been forced into effective bankruptcy by the government - the end product of a decade and more of irresponsible property speculation by the Conservatives who led the Council for so long. We explore the fallout, and the short- and longterm consequences.

Finally, Jacqui has been busy this week offering insights into the Price Harry phone hacking case (in her capacity as a Director of the Hacked Off campaign) and gives us an exclusive insight into that case and the ongoing challenge of press regulation in the UK.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this belated Election Results Special, Jacqui and Al dissect the extraordinary local elections results that swept the Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats into the leadership of Surrey Heath Borough Council on 4th May.

We also look ahead to the next General Election - whenever that might come - and Al's campaign to oust our sitting MP, Michael Gove. What will be the issues that define that national campaign? What's the next challenge for the Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats in this "blue wall" seat?

And, finally, we talk about the somewhat delayed election in Frimley Green - "countermanded" because of the sad death of one of the Conservative candidates. The Lib Dems are standing three amazing candidates in Frimley Green and are appealing for support to help get them over the line.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this Election Day Special - recorded LIVE at the Surrey Heath Lib Dem Campaign HQ - we dissect the Surrey Heath Lib Dems Borough election campaign 2023, explore what a polling day operation looks like, and look forward to results day….

Special guets:
—Mike Thomason, Chair: Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats
—Matt Hodges-Long, Elections Officer: Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode (the first after a short intermission for Easter), Al and Jacqui dissect the latest happenings in Sudan - drawing on Al's experiences in Khartoum and northern Sudan last year.

We reflect on the UK Local Elections, which are now only 2 weeks away. In what was once the "safest Tory seat in the UK", the Liberal Democrats are competing hard to take control of Surrey Heath Borough Council and have laid out a comprehensive vision for how they would administer SHBC. We also talk about the new Voter ID requirements.

Finally, we share details of Surrey Heath's official celebration of the Coronation, to be held on Sunday 7th May at Frimley Lodge Park . All details available from the Mayor's Charity Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/MayorsCharitySHBC

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, Al and Jacqui talk about a big week in politics - from Boris Johnson’s appearance in front of the House of Commons’ Privileges Committee and Baroness Casey’s report into the Met Police (and the response from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner).

We are joined by Surrey Heath Borough Councillor, Morgan Rise, to ask: “what has local government ever done for us?” The answer is "a lot" - even if most people don’t know the difference between parish, borough and county councils, and fewer than 40% of registered voters ever turnout at local government elections. We also discuss, with an eye to upcoming local elections in May 2023, what it takes to be a local councillor, their roles and responsibilities, and how to balance these with 'the day job'.

Thanks for joining us, thanks for listening, and do please get in touch to suggest ideas for future shows.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode (the first after Al's return from the Falkland Islands), Al and Jacqui reflect on Al's visit to the Falklands and dig into the government's new "Stop the Boats" Bill. We also talk about sad disappearance of still more retail premises in Surrey Heath and, finally, Jacqui's involvement in the newly-created, NBCS Foundation.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, Al and Jacqui reflect on this week's terrible events in Turkey and Syria, where a series of earthquakes have claimed close to 20,000 lives so far. We talk about 'double disasters', and the impact of disasters on already disaster-hit nations such as Syria, but also about the power politics that all too frequently play out through international humanitarian responses.

Disaster Emergency Committee

Red Cross

We also talk about the wide social anxiety, triggered by the discovery of a Chinese spy balloon over the continental United States, the reanimation of Cold War-era fears, and fears about the inviolability of US sovereignty.

And finally, as Al is off to the Falkland Islands on Sunday, we talk about the islands and the Falklands Forty Schools Competition.

Keep in touch, and thanks for listening.

Al & Jacqui

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, Al dials in from Nicosia - the last divided capital in Europe - and we get a chance to talk about the origins of the cultural, social, political and geographical divisions that continue to segment Cyprus, 49 years after the events of 1974.

We also talk about the latest development in Ukraine and the announcement this week that the US, the UK and now - belatedly - Germany will be sending tanks. What does this mean for the conflict? What does it mean for Germany? And what does this mean for Nato?

And finally, closer to home, we pay tribute to the companies and people who are helping to support our communities during the cost of living crisis.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on surreyheathcast@gmail.com or send us a message via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyheathcast

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode, the first of 2023, Jacqui and Al catch up on the big stories in the news from the past few weeks, including the Prince Harry revelations, and what they tell us about the relationship between the UK media and the monarchy; the big political New Year speeches and promises from the political party leaders; and the unfolding “Westminster Accounts” story, which has revealed so much about the additional income of our MPs and begs the question: who do our MPs work for?

Finally, we discuss Surrey Heath Borough Council’s newly opened Summer 2023 Intern Programme – for undergraduates and graduates to work on real projects for the Council during Summer 2023 with the opportunity to gain valuable experience within a Local Authority.  Fore further details: https://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/council/jobs/internships

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on: surreyheathcast@gmail.com

Presented by Jacqui Hames & Dr Al Pinkerton

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In this episode we talk about the government's plans to enforce mandatory ID for voting in the UK and the injustices that this looks set to bake into our electoral process and ask "what could possibly motivate this government to suppress the votes of the young and the poor?"

We also meet Oscar Lawson, who, during the Covid lockdowns aged only 16, started writing his first novel. Now aged 18, Oscar tells us about the journey to getting the book, "Tiger", published and the charity he's supporting through its publication.

Programme links:

—Cost of Living resources, courtesy of Ash Grange Nursery and Primary School: https://www.ash-grange.surrey.sch.uk/cost-of-living-support-information/

—"Tiger" (2022), by Oscar Lawson:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiger-Secret-Intelligence-Looking-Brilliant/dp/1398456128

The Honeypot Children's Charity: https://www.honeypot.org.uk/

—Windesham Pram Race: https://www.pramrace.com/

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on: surreyheathcast@gmail.com

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In this episode we take a look back at Jeremy Hunt's autumn budget and test whether we predicted it right (spoiler: we did, mostly!).
We also talk about the UK housing scandal/crisis and how that's playing out in "Blue Wall" constituencies like Surrey Heath.

If you have been affected by poor inadequate housing, or are facing the threat of homelessness, you can contact:
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath on 0808 278 7936 (Free)
Surrey Heath Borough Council on 01276 707100 or email: housing@surreyheath.gov.uk

Contact us with questions, comments or suggestions: surreyheathcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on: surreyheathcast@gmail.com

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This is Episode 1 of the brand new "Surrey Heath Cast", presented by Dr Al Pinkerton (Geopolitics/Royal Holloway and Liberal Democrat PPC for Surrey Heath) and Jacqui Hames (BBC Crimewatch).

Each week we will explore the things that really matter in the international, national and local news - and place a distinctly Surrey Heath lens on the issues affecting our lives. 

We will also be charting Al's journey as the next MP for Surrey Heath, talking about the issues that really matter to him and the people of Surrey Heath, understanding his motivations, and discussing the things that really need to be changed and improved in our community.

Thanks for listening.

For any comments. questions, or suggestions for future episodes, contact us on: surreyheathcast@gmail.com