The Bylines Network Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bylines Network Podcast
The Bylines Network podcast is the official audio accompaniment to our growing family of regional publications. We explore the issues that matter, and speak with leading voices in progressive politics, business, and media.
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It's been a month of change here in the UK. A brand new Prime Minister leaving his previous post, thus triggering a By-Election for the Greater Manchester Mayoralty.
Little did we know of the farcical storm that awaited us as Nigel Farage decided that the best way to stop people talking about allegations about his finances was to parade around Clacton talking to a bin.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
It's that time of the year again where we celebrate the 5 year anniversary of a publication within the Bylines Network.
This time we'll be looking eastwards as we talk to Anna Damski and Peter Thurlow of East Anglia Bylines, talking to them about the last 5 years.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
Poorly.
It's been 10 years since the Leave EU Referendum. Our three hosts sit down and discuss the different perspectives had on that eventful day, whether it's been successful, and what the future looks like.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
After a week of high tension and intense debate across the UK following the prosecution of the murderer of Henry Nowak, Bylines Network talks to prominent Sikh MP Tan Dhesi.
In a revealing and powerful interview, Dhesi expresses his deepest sympathies for the Nowak family’s loss, and discusses faith, values, justice and why the actions of one person must not be exploited by extreme right-wing forces seeking to disrupt and divide communities.
Tan reflects on his powerful speech in the Houses of Parliament, following the incidents in Southampton, and what he is seeing in the reactions of different political parties.
Part 4 of 4 this week as we round off the look at the National/Local Elections in Great Britain. We are joined once again by Martin Roche from Bylines Scotland and Charles Smith from Bylines Cymru to talk about the winners, the big losers, and the happenings of the elections, and what this could all mean for Keir Starmer's Premiership.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
Now, in part 3 of our series, we now look to the elections in Wales.
Here, we speak to Dr Charles Smith, co-Editor in Chief of Bylines Cymru, about recent events in Wales ad what they could mean for Reform, the Greens, Plaid Cymru, and whether it'll spell the end of 20 years of Labour rule.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
In our 4 part miniseries, focusing on the upcoming elections look now to Scotland. We are joined by Martin Roche of Bylines Scotland, to give much more of an insight of the state of Scottish politics.
How will the SNP do? Will Reform replace the Conservatives in Scotland? What does success look like for the Scottish Greens? And will what's happening to Labour in England affect Scottish Labour? Find out here.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
2026, nearly 2 years on from the General Election that saw them get a massive majority in Westminster, Labour look like they will lose a catastrophic amount of councillors and councils.
With the rise of both Reform and the Greens, with elections in Manchester and London, as well as other places around the country, our hosts ask, is every really looking that bad for Labour and what does this mean for Starmer?
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
In the midst of all th global news going on, there's an important piece of legislation making its way through parliament right now.
The Representation of the People Act extends the vote to include 16 & 17 year olds, as well as automnatic voter registration, controls party donations, and adds more voter ID to the accepted forms that we alredy have to deal with.
This could be a bill that shapes the next election as it adds millions more voters to the national conversation, as well as bans certain forms of donations such as crypto currency. So, our hosts thought it was important to talk about
We also welcome Stella Rogers of North West Bylines to the crew, adding a new voice to our podcast.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
It's been 4 years since the illegal, full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
However, since the election of Trump in 2024, there has been a push for peace from Ukraine's previously biggest contributor of weapons.
To say the path to peace hasn't been smooth is an understatement.
Our hosts talk to Tetiana Toma, a Ukrainian writer for Kent & Surrey Bylines, about what the situation is, what's being negotiated, what a post war Europe should look like, and how close to peace Ukraine really is.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
This time on Bylies Network Reports, Mark Cunliffe and Anna Damski speak to Paul Koberstein about his recent book, co-authored with Jessica Applegate (found here: https://orbooks.com/catalog/canopy-of-titans/), which is about his research into rainforest carbon capture.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
Brand new year, brand new series of Bylines Reports.
This time, Ronnie Barbour from the Bylines Scotland Podcast interviews Phil White of Patriotic Millionaires.
Here, Mr White talks about the strategy the organisation will be implimenting this year, making their message known throughout the country.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
New Year, New Headlines!!
It didn't take too long for the President to make headlines as US Forces kidnap Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro.
Which then caused a domino effect of headlines all through out January.
Join Jules and Chris as they talk about Venezuela, Trumps coverting Greenland, and the incidents surrounding ICE's actions in the US.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
Happy New Year Everyone.
Let's celebrate and ring in 2026 by celebrating Kent & Surrey's 5 year anniversary.
Join our hosts as they interview the editorial team and several contributors about the running & reporting of the publication and a look to the future in the next 5 years.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
Often, negativenews makes theheadlines and it makes people sadand depressed about the stateof the world. But there has been some good news from the last 12 months.
Our hosts go through storiesthat caught their eye, togive you a positive roud up of the year.
Happy New Year eveyone, from all of us at the Bylines Network.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
George Monbiot is a journalist and environmental political activist. He writes regualrlly for publications such as the Guardian and even joined us for a talk at the Byline Festival 2025.
Here, our managing director, Ben Dickenson, and Byline Scotland Editor, Patricia S. Paton, sit down to talk to him about food safety, the environment and the current state of UK Politics.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
At the end of November, Rachel Reeves unvieled a new Autumn Budget.
Our hosts, Julian and Chris, go through the major measures in it to tell you the good, the bad, and the apathetic.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music is by Harry Binns
Dominic Grieve is a former Conservative MP for Beaconsfield and current Co-President of the European Movement.
In this episode, Peter and Michelle of West England Bylines interview Mr Grieve, asking about a wide range of issues, both domestic and foreign, from recent news stories, such as the failed procesution of alleged Chinese Spies, to, of course, Brexit.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Music by Harry Binns: https://www.instagram.com/harrybinnsmusic/
September marked end of recess and the start of Labour's Phase 2, marked by a cabinet reshuffle, and several unforeseen controversies, involving his deputy prime minister and his American ambassador. Is this a genuine phase 2 to mark the next stage in Labour's premiership or a distraction?
In other major news, the Green Party had a leadership election where a new face wsa elected, that being former deputy leader, Zack Polanski. The overwhelming support in this election shows the members enthusiastic backing to his ideas, but has he made any headway yet?
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Now onto the largest of the publications, today we celebrate the 5th Birthday of Central Bylines, who report from the entirety of the Midlands.
Julian talks with the former editor of East Midlands Bylines, Simon Ferrigino, as well as member of the current editorial board, Judy Copage and Mark Cunliffe to talk about the last 5 years of reporting, where the publication currently stands, and what the future holds.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Marcus Ryder MBE is a huge figure in the factual news world, spending 25 years in networks around the world, 8 of them acting as a senior executive at the BBC.
He's currently the CEO of the Film & TV Charity and chair of RADA. His new book, in collaboration with Sir Lenny Henry, The Big Payback talks about Reparations to address the legacy of slavery.
He sits down with Ben Dickenson and Anna Schurer to talk about diversity in the media, the power of the media, and how it can help shape the world.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Immigration and small boats have been in the news for a number of years now, with many Right-Wing parties created to address this so-called issue.
However, Chris and Julian feel like there's always a perspective that goes unconsidered, the perspective of the people seeking asylum themselves and those who work with them.
This month, Chris and Julian sit down with Charlotte Khan from Care4Calais, a charity who works with migrants living in camps in Calais waiting to cross the channel.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Another birthday to celebrate.
This time we look to the south as our smallest publication in Sussex Bylines. We ask the Editor-in-Chief, Ginny Smith, as well as James Joughin and Pea Channon, both members of SBL core editorial team, to talk about what the last 5 years have been like.
On top of that, we're joined by 2 of Sussex's contributors, Ross McNally and Rudi Banfield, who talk about what it's like to write for Sussex Bylines.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
July signalled Labour's first year in power, so what better time than now for our hosts to look back at the last 12 months of policy making and give their opinions on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
We list bills we like the look of, actions that have been taken, such as the railways going back into public ownership, and why, despite all the good, it's been a mixed bag of a first year for Labour.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Continuing out 5 years on series, we come to the third oldest of the publications, and the stomping grounds of one of our hosts, West England Bylines.
Our hosts interview the 3 Editors-in-Chief, Peter Burke, Claire Jones, and Michelle Cook, as well as Jon Hill, the former Editor, to ask how the last 5 years has gone, what goes into running a publication with such a varied area, andwhere they'd like to see it go in the next 5 years.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
An extra special episode in our Bylines Reports series, bringing you a passionate and insightful debate recorded live at the Byline Festival 2025, in front of an excited audience of 200 people.
Join host Ben Dickenson (Bylines Network’s managing director), and an expert panel including:
• Outspoken former UK diplomat Alexandra Hall Hall.
• High-profile campaigner Stephen Kinsella, founder of Hacked Off and the Press Justice Project.
• Bylines Network co-founder, and co-editor in chief of Yorkshire Bylines, Louise Houghton.
They reveal what citizen journalism really is, the power it can have to tell stories that make the world a better place, and why we need it now more than ever. There will be passion, tales from both sides of the Atlantic, and questions from the audience.
All seeking to understand - can citizen journalism change the world?
Be the first to hear this session, just days after the festival wrapped.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
For Pride month, we ask what life is like for transgender people in the UK right now. On this special episode, Julian sits down with Zoe Perry from the Forrest of Dean and Natacha Kennedy, two trans writers from the Bylines Network, to discuss the
impact of the recent hotly contested Supreme Court decision.
The court ruled that protections from sex based discrimination in the Equality Act referred to biological sex only. Our guests reveal how this felt like a gut punch to the trans community and the way it has been followed by rule changes in many institutions, leaving the LGBTQ+ community as a whole wondering what this might mean for their hard-won rights.
Drawing on research, campaigning and personal stories, Zoe and Natacha take lessons from 4,000 years of human history, bringing the story of trans experience right up to the present day and giving us all a sense of what can be done to make the future better for everyone..,and even find time to recommend their favourite queer reads and watches.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Danny Dorling's new book, The Next Crisis: What We Think About the Future, is out and the Editor's-In-Chief of Bylines Cymru and West England Bylines interview him about it.
It's facinating and vital stuff to know.
The book is about the growing wealth gap between rich and poor, the effects of the Cost of Living Crisis, and how unknowns dictate the way we think about the future.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
We're starting a new occasional mini series, celebrating the 5th birthday of every Publication when they come up.
This time, Chris and Julian are talking to Yvonne Wancke, Editor in Chief of North East Bylines.
We talk about how it started, how it's going and how she hope siit'll shape up in the future.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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The month of May was certainly full of news.
Our hosts pick two things to talk about in this episode, with the main topic being the Local Elections and the atronomic rise of Reform UK who won 10 councils and 2 Mayoralities, even doing very well in areas they didn't win, such as the WECA Mayor elections.
The other topic of discussion is the start of the leadership campiagn for the Green Party, with Zack Polanski and Co-Leader Adrian Ramesey starting their campaigns and Carla Denyer stepping down. Listen as Julian talks about their campaigns and wonders who to vote for.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
One of Labour's big promises during the election was the creation of a new publicly owned body to tackle the massive bills the British Public was facing and aid the transition to renewable energy.
On the 15th May 2025, the creation of GB Energy was given Royal Assent. And former chief executive of Siemens UK, Juergen Maier was named as its chairman.
Anna Damski, from East Anglia Bylines, and Charlie McCarthy, from Bylines Scotland, have a sit down with Jurgen and ask him about his career, what GB Energy will do to reduce emissions, and will it lower our energy bills?
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss from the Trawl Podcast?!? What is this, a crossover episode?
Lydia Pearson and Gemma Gould of North West Bylines and Central Bylines, respectively, interview the hosts of one of the most popular political podcasts, asking them about the current political climate, the state of social media, and how do they cope with both and their own mental health juggling it all.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newsletters, Join the mailing list: https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Ginny Smith returns in our 5th episode of Bylines Reports, this time talking to Tan Dhesi.
Tan Dhesi is the Labour MP for Slough and has been since 2017. When elected, he was one of the first Turbened MPs in Europe and Britain's first. He currently chairs the Defence Committee, which is a multi-party committee, which loosks at the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.
In this interview, Ginny asks him about his Party, its strategy, the rise of Reform, Brexit and what the Defence Committee does.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
Voxel Revolution Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Back to our regularly scheduled episodes now, we take a look at the new King's Speech, the first made by a new party in power since 2010.
In it, 40 bills were announced, 35 new laws and 5 new draft laws, showing Labour's proirities in getting the ball rolling when it comes to the task his party now has.
Julian and Chris go over the highlights of these new laws, what they liked, what they didn't like and what was missing.
Recorded 1 week after the General Election.
The much anticipated General Election came and went with a result that many saw coming.
Now what?
We reunite Ronnie Barbour and Ethan Jones from our previous episodes to discuss the results in England, Scotland, Wales, with a special guest Megan to talk about the results in Northern Ireland.
We talk about results that interested us, what they mean for their respective parties and what the future has in store for the UK.
In our last episode of our miniseries, Election Fever, we look at the bookies' favourites to ask the King's permission to form a Government on 5th July, The Labour Party.
In this episode we voice our frustrations, our hopes, Labour's policies and our feelings on Sir Keir Starmer.
Thank you all so much for giving so much support to our little miniseries, there will be no Big episode this month as our editor is tired but join us again in July for our bukper disscussions about the results.
We're in the Endgame now.
This week, we take a look at the incumbant Party, their chances and their polls numbers and we ask the question if this will all lead to another 5 years of Tory Rule.
No prizes for guessing the answer I'm afriad but we take a look to after the election too, to see if a loss could actually lead to a fight for the heart of British Conversivatism itself.
It's time for the Diva of Props' turn for analysis.
The Liberal Democrats arelooking to regain the number of MPs they won in 2010, if the polls are to be believed, it looks like they're on their way, with some even saying they could become leaders of the opposition!
Can the Lib Dems bank on the Tories 14 years of mis governance? Can they win back voters? Or will previously broken pledges stall them?
At every election, there's always a few parties that seems to reurn the same amount of MPs, Plaid Cymru is one of them.
As Englishmen, our hosts know very little about the Welsh Party so we call upon our friends in Bylines Cymru to tell us about them.
What are their policies? Are they the Welsh version of the SNP? And can they have an impact in this general election? listen to our latest episode to find out.
This week on election Fever, we look at the SNP with the host of our Podcast across the border, Ronnie Barbour.
A few weeks before an election was called, the previous First Minister Humza Yousaf stepped down following an impolsion of the deal made with the Scottish Greens.
Now they have a new leader facing the same problems, will they come back to bite him or will he navigate his way through this election relatively well?
In this episode, we look back on and preview two elections.
Julian and Chris look back on some major results from the Local elections that took place at the beginning of May and react to the news that broke at the end of May.
What could this mean for the Tories? Is there any battlegrounds that Labour could lose? Will we get Election Fever done before July 4th?
Check out our latest episode to find out
At the Local Elections, interesting things have been happening for the Green Party.
They continued to rise in terms of councillors, gaining 74, and came very close to gaining the Bristol City Council.
However, the most interesting result could be incoming. With all the Councillors in teh newly created Bristol Central constituency now Green ones, with two more contituencies targeted.
Continuing our Election Fever miniseries, we ask the question can the Green Party replicate gains in Westminster?
Welcome to the Bumper Episode where our hosts look at the Mayorals and the Council elections, and what they could mean for our PM.
There are brand new positions being made that could be targets as well as interesting elections happening in Bristol and London.
In March, we saw the Chancellor announce the last budget before the next General Election.
Our host comb through some of the major announcements, including the abolishment of None-Dom status, whether these policies will help those who need it the most and whether or not this spells an early General election.
This episode also features an interview by our friends, the Bylines Scotland Podcast, talking to Polly Jones, Head of the Trussell Trust, please do give them a follow.
There's an election happening in 2024. But who's running? What are their policies? Are they really doing as good or as badly as the media say?
Welcome to our new mini-series, Election fever, wghere our hosts look at each of the main political parties and anaylyse their chances when the British public go to the polls.
First up are Reform UK. Hot off the heels of getting their first MP, Reform UK have been in the media a lot lately, with their leader Richard Tice setting out their plan to "wipe Tories out at polls". But can they really make an impact? Are they really on a huge a rise as the newscasters think?
Happy 2024 Everybody!
This year, 4 billion people will be voting in either Executive, Legislative and Referendum elections.
These elections will cover 65 countries across all 6 habited continents. While we can't cover all of them, leaving out elections in places like India, North and South Korea, Iran, Indonesia and Taiwan, we chose the 4 that interested us the most.
In our first episode of the year, we will be looking at 4 elections that interest us that we think will determine the, not just the path the country will take, but the path the world will take until the next election cycle.
It's been 7 years since the landmark referendum that saw the UK, eventually, leave the European Union. And it's still a decision that affects us to this day.In our last episode of 2023, we talk to three university students contributing to North West Bylines, to talk about how Brexit has affected the young and what can be changed and done about it in the future.We hope you find this episode interesting and we hope to see you in 2024.
Sunak has changed up his cabinet before an anticipated General Election next year.
In this episode, Chris and Julian discuss those leaving, those coming in, the unsurprises and surprises of both.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunding page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps. https://chuffed.org/project/ng7b7xwqwlze
The Bylines Network has also relaunched the Bylines shop, where you can get anything from hoodies to mugs, and featuring all merch from all 10 of our publications. https://bylines-network.teemill.com/
Our online Gazette is now free if you sign up to any of our 10 newletters, Join the mailing list:https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/sign-up/
Throughout last month, by-elections happened. One in Scotland and two in England.
We bring in Martin Roche of our friends across the border, Bylines Scotland, to discuss the results once again and do they confirm what we suspect might happen in the upcoming 2024 General Election.
We do apologise for the lateness of this episode, we had some behind the scenes technical issues, we plan to keep up our end of month schedule from now on.
In the past week, the Prime Minister has made some startling u-turns on Net Zero commitments.
The main policy shifts were delaying the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, pushed back the transition away from fossil fuel boilers to the same year, and scrapped energy efficiency targets on homes.
Mr Sunak advertised these changes as “Long-term decisions for a brighter future” but they seem to be anything but. This seems, to Julian and Chris who host this week, like a bad plan to capitalise on supposed success in the recent by-elections, which we've previously covered in an episode.
Listen to us this week as we discuss why this happened, why now and what it could mean for Britain's reputation as a Global Leader on Green Targets.
Please donate to our crowdfunder if you're able to, to help Bylines achieve its goals and remain independent. Click here to give what you can.
In July, three By-Elections took place and all the results were interesting. Each of the major parties won one constituency each.
The big attention was, of course, Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where the Conservatives just managed to hold onto the constituency by a mere 495 votes. Even though the party tried to play this off as a victory, it's very much a hollow one.
The others however were a bit more straight forward. Labour took a seat from the Conservatives in Yorkshire and the Lib Dems did the same in the South West, with Ed Davey and his props making a comeback to celebrate the victory.
What does this all mean for a general election? Join Julian and Chris this week for our political analysis.
Please donate to our crowdfunder if you're able to, to help Bylines achieve its goals and remain independent. Click here to give what you can.
In this month's hour-long episode, we hear from a host of special guests including Carla Denyer, Co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Ryan Jude, a Labour Party Councillor for Lancaster Gate, and Leo Murray, Co-founder and Director of Innovation and Engagement at Possible.
At this event, each of the guests discuss what they think should be the priority out of 4 options they all agree should take place in order for the UK to achieve its Green targets and make the country a more eco-friendly place.
The Event was hosted by Louise Houghton, Editor-in-Chief of Yorkshire Bylines and was original broadcast on the 13th June 2023.
If you wish to see a video version of the event, you can find it on the Bylines Network YouTube page. Please subscribe to them, as well as the other publications with a presence there, West England Bylines and Bylines Scotland.
If you wish to contribute to our cause, we have a crowdfunder page to help the Network expand. Donate only if you can and whatever you can, every little really helps.
This month, Julian and Chris celebrate pride month by bringing you some Pride themed articles or articles written by Queer authors.
The articles this month include a discussion about gender from North West by Isabelle Goodhand, the function of Pride in the 2020s, especially with encroaching of LGBT+ rights from Central Bylines by Bryan Manley-Green, and a queer filmmaker’s examination of dealing with disability from Bylines Cymru by Abigail Luxford-Noyes. Please give all of these a read.
However, half way through the episode we also try something new and recommend you Pride themed shows, films and books that we think you should read.
Happy Pride Month everyone, please join us next time.
After a long Hiatus, we're back and once again talking about Politics. Julian and Chris return to discuss key areas of interest to them, Brighton & Hove and the County of Hertfordshire. What were the results in these areas? Do they spell success for the Conservatives? Or, indeed, any of the major parties? And what do these results mean for a future General Election? Listen to our new episode and find out!
On this week’s podcast, Julian Greenbank interviewed the UK LGBT poet laureate, Trudy Howson. Trudy started her life as an actress, looking to make it big in London during the 1970s. She then found a new life with the local LGBTQ+ community.
Through it, she went to the first Pride march in 1972 and met so many people, including Sir Ian McKellen and human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell. She has worked with many human rights organisations, such as Stonewall and Amnesty.
LGBT poet laureate
In 2016, she was named the LGBT poet laureate. She uses her role to bring awareness to many political movements and travesties, such as the rise of LGBTQ+ hate crime in the UK and the rounding up of LGBTQ+ people in Chechnya.
Her work has featured in films (such as the YouTube film We are Means Happy, directed by Craig Heathcote) and even had her work cited in a cross-party debate about LGBTQ+ rights in Chechnya, after she protested the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the region outside the Russian Embassy.
As the celebration of Ramadan comes to a close, the Bylines Network podcast team has a look at the meaning and story behind the celebration. We also speak with
Kamran Shezad from the Bahu Trust, about their efforts to make the celebration a more sustainable event.
A special extra episode, provided by East Anglia Bylines' Jessica Walsh.
Jessica speaks with Simon Feneron, manager of the Banningham Crown, about a journey which he made to the Ukrainian border to deliver aid to refugees fleeing the conflict.
Please consider donating to the Banningham Crown's crowdfunder, and checking out Jessica's write-up of the interview for East Anglia Bylines.
The Bylines Network Podcast's recent episode looks at the International Day of Forests, telling the unique efforts of different speakers.
On the 21st of March a variety of events honor and promote awareness of the value of forests, as well as trees outside of forests, for the sake of present and future generations. Every year, countries are urged to arrange local, national, and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting programmes.
Sanjive Mahandru gave us an insight into how something as simple as using a bike instead of a car can make a big statement. Sanjive is a volunteer at the Birmingham Friends of the Earth campaign, protesting environmental issues in Birmingham. After ten years of volunteering, the estate agent thinks the biggest polluters of Birmingham are council owned and they don’t follow the same agenda they do.
The team also spoke with Peter Gilbert, the Green Party Candidate for the Eccelesall Ward in Shefield. The social care worker was on the frontline of the protests stopping Sheffield council demolishing street trees and is preaching for his home to be more natural again.
Be sure to follow us on social media @BylinesPod, and our guests, @PeterGilbertUK and @Bham_FOE
As February comes to a close, the Bylines Network takes a look at LGBT+ History Month, which was celebrated this month. In the episode, the team speaks with Clive Duffy, one of the co-founders of Herts Pride and co-founder of the pro-LGBT awareness charity Ask For Clive, and also with Kaylee Golding, the founder and presenter of the ONYOURGAYDAR podcast.
31st January marks the start of seven days of celebration for Lunar New Year. A hugely important celebration, this year marks the start of the Year of the Tiger. To open our new podcast series, the team speaks with Pei Tong from Movema, who is helping organise celebrations for Lunar New Year in Liverpool.
Thank you to Anna, Henry, and Maddy, for recording the episode, and to Jules for producing and editing.
Welcome to the sixth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing! Please find the articles compiled for this edition linked below:
0:27 This Culture of Racism is not Cricket- Nabeela Akhtar (West England Bylines) read by Nabeela Akhtar
6:13 Tangkahen Last Forest Initiative; Deteriorating ecotourism in Indonesia - Rasdi Wangsa (Central Bylines) read by Maddy Griffiths
10:21 Action at last on second homes? - Martin Waller (East Anglia Bylines) read by Steve Whitley
Welcome to the sixth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing! Please find the articles compiled for this edition linked below:
0:28 Bristol City Council approves its Clean Air Zone
- Julian Greenbank (West England Bylines) read by Julian Greenbank
7:16 Sunderland’s local hero, Martin Longstaff, gets a surprise call to support Deacon Blue Graham Clarke (North East Bylines) read by
10:03 Would you walk across hot coals for Peter? Anna Girolami (Central Bylines) read by Maddy Griffiths
Welcome to the sixth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing! Please find the articles compiled for this edition linked below:
0:28 COP26: What will climate change look like in East Anglia by 2050? - James Graham (East Anglia Bylines) read by Stephen Tomlin
5:16 1 in 6 work from home due to petrol shortages says new research - Chloe Davies (North East Bylines) read by Yvonne Wancke
9:23 How Sussex can rediscover its wild side…
Ross McNally (Sussex Bylines) read by Nicola Tipton
Welcome to the sixth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing! Please find the articles compiled for this edition linked below:
0:28 - The North East on Screen: Get Carter (1971) - Phil Coghill (North East Bylines) read by Stephen Tomlin
4:25 - Will the Commonwealth Games be good for Birmingham? - Sam Chandler (Central Bylines) read by Alex Toal
8:33 - Who will police the police? - Allegra Chapman (Sussex Bylines) read by Nicola Tipton
Welcome to the fifth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing! Please find the articles compiled for this edition linked below:
0:28 Climate crisis: time’s running out - Liyanah Riaz (North East Bylines)
6:05 Walsall Council facing wave of fury - Steve Pottinger (Central Bylines)
9:33 Mimmo Lucano Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison! - Hazel Pennington (West England Bylines) read by Steven Tomlin
13:38 The fires of London - Suzanne Fairless-Aitken (North East Bylines) read by Janine Birkett
Welcome to the fourth audio edition of the Bylines Network podcast. Thank you to all of our writers for penning these great articles, to our readers for recording them, and to Julian Greenbank for editing!
What goes on at Labour conference? What will conference mean for the party? Will this be the year that Labour pledges to support electoral reform?
Join us this week, as we speak with Owen Winter and Mike Buckley about Labour conference, starting tomorrow. Owen, part of Labour for a New Democracy, has been campaigning for proportional representation since 2015, and is a key part of the effort to get Labour to vote for it this year. Mike, Director of Labour for a European Future, is intimately familiar with Labour politics, and breaks down what conference will mean for the leadership.
If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to give it a review and to subscribe. Thanks to our wonderful editor, Julian Greenbank. Be sure to follow us @BylinesPod on all social media.
With the mainstream media attention diverted from Afghanistan, this week the Bylines Network podcast looks at the situation on the ground, and what has changed since the Taliban took over the country in August. With a new administration installed, and clampdowns on women's rights and the right to protest, it is important to keep an eye on the situation, and not let it drift off the attention.
This week, we also spoke with Martin Waller at East Anglia Bylines. Martin, wrote a piece for East Anglia Bylines this week on how to fund social care, and we spoke about the problems with the government's plans, and possible solutions.
Be sure to read the article here and to follow Martin at @martinwaller10, and us at @BylinesPod
Welcome to the third audio edition of the Bylines Network! Thanks to our writers for producing these articles, our readers for recording them, and our editor, Jules, for putting them all together.
0:23: Unite’s new general secretary – new dawn for Labour, or cold war? - Jane Thomas (Yorkshire Bylines) read by Alex Toal
5:20: Hauliers dismiss ‘bring in the army’ plans to stock supermarket shelves
Peter Thurlow (East Anglia Bylines) read by Stephen Tomlin
11:44: The Covid Climate Crisis - Amber Hill (West England Bylines) read by Julian Greenbank
16:44: The woman who haunts Sunderland Empire Theatre Peter Lathan (North East Bylines)
Welcome to the third part of our miniseries on the state of higher education in the pandemic. In this episode, John and Alex speak about the "marketisation" of higher education, with the introduction of tuition fees. What does it mean to "get a degree", and how does the university experience weigh up to how it is sold? Then, Alex speaks with Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute on the broader impacts of the reintroduction of tuition fees.
Welcome to part 2 of our education mini-series, focusing on the lives of students during the pandemic. In this episode, we focus student housing: throughout Covid many students were either forced into mass-produced university accommodation, or trapped in run down private housing. With discussion of rent rebates, strikes, and evictions, Paige and John speak with:
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Brandon Olufowobi (Unite Students)
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Louise Jennifer (University of Leicester Rent Strike)
If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave us a review and follow us on @BylinesPod on social media!
We're delighted to be introducing the first ever audio edition of the Bylines Network! This week, we're taking four articles from across the network, and bringing them to life with the voices of our hosts.
0:50: Anti-vaxxers, past and present - Pen Hemingway (Yorkshire Bylines) read by Alex Toal
7:56: A 3% pay rise is not enough for NHS England - Louise Brown (North East Bylines) read by Gareth Kearns
11:10: For those in peril at sea: the Seafarers Centres - Ann C Holland (Central Bylines) read by Julian Greenbank
14:35: Conservatives and Labour are deceiving women on rape sentencing - Dr Stella Perrott (Yorkshire Bylines) read by Paige Furlonge-Walker
We're delighted to bring you the first episode of our new education miniseries! Our hosts Paige, Connor, and John have all been in university for the past year of Covid, and have put together a four-part series on the reality of being a student during the biggest crisis in a generation.
In the first episode, Connor, Paige, and John give personal testimonials of the last year. The unique challenges of online learning, and the social consequences of moving back in with your parents and losing contact with all of your friends.
Be sure to follow us on social media @BylinesPod, and to give us a review if you enjoyed the episode!
As the final round of unlocking arrives on 19th July, we discuss the challenges which this new stage of the pandemic will pose. Cases are soaring, and with them the risk of Long Covid and of vaccine-resistant mutations.
For our article of the week, we speak with Mo Kanjilal of Sussex Bylines about her recent piece Playing For England: Football and national identity. In the light of the recent racist incidents which occurred after the Euros final, we discuss the reality of being a person of colour in England during big international tournaments, and also the unifying effect which this team had on the country.
Check out Mo on social media (@Mo_Kanjilal) and to follow us @BylinesPod. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave a review!
Our Article of the Week for this week is by Mo Kanjilal, written for Sussex Bylines. We'll be speaking with Mo about the article and the week's news this week, we hope you enjoy this little preview here! Be sure to check out the full article here.
This week, four bills appeared in Parliament and were scrutinised by MPs:
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The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which passed its Third Reading this week and is now in the Lords.
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The Dissolution and Parliament Bill, which went through its Second Reading this week.
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The Nationality and Borders Bill and the Elections Bill, which both went through their First Readings this week.
With such a busy week in Parliament, we sat down with a series of experts to talk about what the bills set out to do, and what the actual implications of them will be. Listen as Alex speaks with:
Tom Brake, Director of Unlock Democracy, on the Elections Bill
Mitchell Westra, Operations Director at Open Britain, on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
and Stella Perrott, former Civil Servant and writer at Yorkshire Bylines, on the Nationality and Borders Bill.
Be sure to follow us @BylinesPod on social media, and thanks to Jules for editing the episode!
Tune in for this week's episode of the Bylines Network podcast as we break down the result of the Batley & Spen by-election!
Katrina speaks with Alex, who spent a few weekends campaigning in Batley & Spen, about the situation on the ground, why Labour managed to eek out a win, and what the result means for Labour.
Then, join us for our article of the week, as we sit down with Kim Sanderson of North East Bylines. Kim is a professional translator and an expert on cross-border service provision, and last week wrote an article on the EU Settlement Scheme. Be sure to check it out here:
https://northeastbylines.co.uk/settled-status-deadline-and-cross-border-services/
Thanks to Jules for editing this week, and be sure to check us out on social media @BylinesPod!
This week, Chris and Jules dig into the Chesham & Amersham result, as the Liberal Democrats surge to a shock win. With tactical voting from many in Labour and the Greens, what does this say about the future of progressive politics, and the state of the blue wall.
Then, in place of our "article of the week", Jules speaks to Liz Webster about the new UK-Australia trade deal, and its impact on British farming.
Be sure to follow us on all social media at @BylinesPod, and thanks to Liz for appearing on the episode!
At the height of pride month, join the team at the Bylines Network podcast, as we discuss the history and state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and across the world. Hosts Chris Davis and Connor Lamb open the discussion with a look at what Pride has become in 2021, the commercialisation of pride and the “pride-washing” which many companies do, making statements supportive of LGBTQ+ rights while acting against queer interests around the world. Then, listen in as we have our very first Member of Parliament on the podcast: Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Brighton Kemptown). Connor and Chris discuss what Pride means to him, in addition to the government’s plan for reforming the Gender Recognition Act.
Be sure to follow us at @BylinesPod on all social media, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!
This week, Alex and new host Connor Lamb from North East Bylines discuss the resignation of Kevan Collins, the government's education tsar. Why did the government ignore their own advice, and what will the £1.4bn dedicated to closing the education gap actually do?
Then in our "article of the week" section, we speak with Viv Griffiths of Sussex Bylines about an article which she wrote about plans to convert a Brighton school into an academy. Be sure to check out the article here!
https://sussexbylines.co.uk/keeping-schools-local-do-we-need-more-academies/
Over the weekend of the local elections, all eyes turned North to Hartlepool and the so-called “red wall”. The weekend’s narrative quickly became one of disaster for Labour, and triumph for Johnson. However, something very different was happening in the South. The Conservatives lost control of county councils in Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire, and Labour gained the mayoralties in the West of England and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. In this episode of the Bylines Network podcast, Alex and Jules ask “are voters in the South turning away from the Conservatives?”. To help answer this, we speak to:
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The journalist Jonn Elledge (@JonnElledge)
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Liz Brighouse, leader of the Labour group on Oxfordshire County Council
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Liz Webster, former Liberal Democrat PCC candidate in Swindon and Wiltshire, and Chair of Save British farming (@LizWebsterLD)
Thank you to all of them for appearing on the episode, and be sure to check out their social media!
Join us for this week’s episode of the Bylines Network podcast, as Alex and Jules discuss the Queen’s speech. Listen as we take a broad look at what bills have been announced, and what they indicate about the government’s plan for the country over the next few years.
In our ‘article of the week’ section, we speak with Brian McHugh, who wrote on the exam arrangements for GCSE and A-Level students this year in Yorkshire Bylines. After a year of schooling in a pandemic, both teachers and students have felt the toll. However, neither the government nor exam providers are doing much to help schools, as profits soar for certification bodies like AQA and Pearson. Finally, Alex and Jules touch on some topics that they don’t feel are being covered enough in the news: the protests in Colombia, and plans to privatise Channel 4.
Be sure to check out Brian's piece at:
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/could-the-covid-class-of-2021-please-stand-up/
And for more info on the violence in Colombia and the privatisation of Channel 4, check out:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/05/colombia-protests-unrest-protesters-police
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/may/13/channel-4-broadcaster-privatised-oliver-dowden-culture-secretary
This week, join our team of young hosts: Kerry, Jules, and new host Chris Davis, to discuss being young, in politics, and in Bylines. What drew us to politics? How to we reach out to engage other young people? How did we get involved with Bylines, and what good can it do long-term?
Be sure to follow all of our hosts: @jewelsog @kerrya_pearson and
@Chris_Davis1998 on twitter. Thanks Kevin!
Fed up of people asking what the local elections mean for Keir Starmer? Sick of hearing about the vaccine bounce or post-Brexit realignment?
Join us as we break down the local results in terms of what they actually mean for the people who voted in them. This week, we have our first ever returning guest, as Georgia Taylor (now Councillor Georgia Taylor!!) comes back to discuss her successful campaign. We also speak with Emma Knaggs, Grassroots Director at Make Votes Matter, to talk about the government's efforts to extend First Past the Post to PCC and mayoral elections.
Be sure to check them out at @Georgia_t and @MakeVotesMatter
This week, we speak to some of the people hoping to get elected to local office at various levels of local government.
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Julian Greenbank speaks with Liz Webster, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner.
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We revisit our local elections webinar with Labour Tees Valley mayoral candidate Jessie Joe Jacobs.
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Katrina Best speaks with Georgia Taylor, Green party candidate for the Forest Row and Groombridge ward for East Sussex County Council.
Thank you so much to all of our guests, be sure to check them out at @LizWebsterLD, @JessieJoeJacobs, and @Georgia_t - and us @BylinesPod!
Our episode next week may be a little bit late coming out, as we'll be digging into the results themselves, which come out on Friday!
Thanks to Julian Greenbank and Ellie Rainsley for editing the episode, our music was "Voxel Revolution" by Kevin McLeod - Thanks Kevin!!
This week, we turn to the question of democracy and the local elections. With an unrepresentative system, and efforts to suppress voter turnout, our system is looking less and less democratic.
This week, we are joined by Abbie Jones from Make Votes Manchester Manchester, and Tom Brake, Director of Unlock Democracy, to look into these problems, and what can be done to solve them.
Be sure to check out Abbie at @MVM_Manchester, and Tom at @thomasbrake and @UnlockDemocracy, along with their new report into local government:
https://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog-1/turningthetide
At a generous estimate, 35% of people vote in local elections, a little over half the number that vote in General elections. Given how important local government is, this simply can't do!
In the first of our four-part series covering the local elections, we speak to Rachael Farrington, creator or votingcounts.org.uk, and Professor Colin Copus, Director of the Local Government Research Unit at De Montfort University, about why people don't vote, and what we can do.
N.B. The deadline to vote is 11:59pm this Monday, be sure to register if you haven't already!
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Information on what's up for election, and how to vote, can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_United_Kingdom_local_elections
https://votingcounts.org.uk/
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/welcome-your-vote
Be sure to check out our new social media accounts @BylinesPod, as well as Rachael's @VotingCountsUK on Twitter and @votingcounts on Instagram
For this episode of the Bylines Network podcast, George Richmond speaks with Sam Philips, a farmer in Gloucestershire. Sam has been promoting sustainability in farming, and trying to encourage farmers to give back more to the planet.
Across the conversation, George and Sam discuss the obstacles to sustainable farming, the challenges and opportunities of Brexit, and the need to educate people about the countryside.
Be sure to follow George at @ChatwRichmond, Sam's business, at @MacaroniOrganic, and West England Bylines at @WEBylines
The Bylines Network podcast is back! This week, we travel down to Sussex, with Mo Kanjilal interviewing Stephanie Prior, Standing Invitee on Brighton and Hove City Council's Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture (TECC) Committee.
In this week's episode, Mo and Stephanie discuss why it's so important to encourage representation at a local level, and what can be done to lower barriers to entry to politics at a council level and in national politics.
Be sure to follow:
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Mo at @Mo_Kanjilal
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Stephanie at @StephaniePriorX
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Sussex Bylines at @SussexBylines
Thanks for listening!
This week the Bylines Network podcast comes to Yorkshire, as host Grace Pritchard speaks with Dr Pam Jarvis and Dr Stella Perrott about coercive control, a psychological technique common in the public sector for reducing opposition along the chain of command.
With powerful anecdotes from both the public and private sector, the podcast explores what can be done to call out this practice.
Be sure to follow Yorkshire Bylines at @YorksBylines.
This week we revisit our Bylines Network webinar: Democracy under Fire, with Peter Jukes (Executive Editor, Byline Times), Tom Brake (Director, Unlock Democracy), Clive Lewis (Member of Parliament for Norwich South), and Natalie Bennett (Green Party peer).
If you'd like to get in touch, be sure to email us at editor@yorkshirebylines.co.uk, we hope you enjoy!
Our first episode of the Bylines Network podcast visits the North East, speaking to Jessie Joe Jacobs, Labour’s candidate for Tees Valley Mayor. Host Ellie Rainsley speaks with Jessie about her work in the charity sector, how the North has been let down by successive governments, and what she plans to do to make the Northern Powerhouse more than just a soundbite. Their conversation is an exploration of the multi-faceted nature of being northern, breaking down the class and gender divides in the region, and how electing a woman who has experienced these first hand can be the first step in breaking down these barriers.
Be sure to follow us at @NE_Bylines on Twitter, and see more from Jessie at @JessieJoeJacobs
As the Agriculture Bill returns to the House of Commons today where the amendments made by the House of Lords will be debated. Grace Pritchard sat down with Baroness Natalie Bennett and farmer Joe Stanley to discuss the bill.
In this episode of the Yorkshire Bylines podcast series Grace Pritchard is joined by Jane Thomas, John Harris and Andrew Brown to discuss all things Yorkshire devolution.
Welcome to the first episode of the Yorkshire Bylines podcast series 'A Britain of two nations'. The question we're asking our guests this week is: "Has social mobility in Britain come to a standstill?"
Yorkshire Bylines writer Grace Pritchard is joined by Charlie McCarthy and Marc Limon.
Get up to date with the latest stories: https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/
Follow us on Twitter: @YorksBylines