Socialist Think Tank Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Socialist Think Tank
Paul is back from the World Championships, Cat Cray returns, Kerry hits home and John is in his rightful place as chair.
We discuss the frightening and ignored situation in Iran, why our education system is insistent on making children cry and the luxury of a cheese sandwich.
We discuss International Workers' Day, the media and the placing of a hat on a rich man's head.
For some reason voter ID is considered to be a more pressing issue for the government, despite miniscule levels of fraud, than tonnes of raw sewage in our waters. Possibly because the gutter is full of political rhetoric from the establishment Parties.
John, Jayne, Kerry and Paul talk about apartheid, capitalism's role in making lives miserable and teachers in the NEU fighting back.
We discuss the implications of the UK budget, the Forde report on the Labour Party's institutional racism being ignored and Putin and Xi.
We discuss the liberals' outrage when it is a tv presenter rather that the government's usual suspects under attack, the inhumane immigration bill and the upcoming budget
We Talk to Thelma about her time in the Labour Party, through to a new party and what is Socialism to her?
We discuss the latest on the NI protocol, Hancock showing the true face of the tories and Stephen Bear. We may mention Sue Gray and the Labour Party becoming a funny tinge of red.
Imposed Installation of pre payment meters, Shell Obscene profits and Liz Truss on her honesty
On the eve of a huge day of strike action we discuss the NEU action and the right to strike. We also discuss Doncaster care homes and tanks in Ukraine
- Andrew Tate and modern mysogyny. - NHS privatisation on the cards - Levelling southwards (except Richmond)
Topics include • Sunak & Starmer’s New Year speeches • Tory anti-strike law • Sexual orientation census results
We discuss the strikes and attempt to balance the appalling narrative in the UK mainstream media, as they go on the attack. We also discuss the compass tactical voting coalition and whether we'd actually be any better off under a Labour Party backed by hedge funds and private interests.
We discuss Labour's plans for reform of the Lords, Elon Musk's reveal of the Hunter Biden files and disestablishment of the Church of England
We discuss how it has become normal for foodbanks and warmbanks to be offered by the political class as solutions rather than fair pay and dignity. We discuss the elitists getting increasingly wealthy at our expense with the Mone PPE scandal as an example. We talk about the UK's confusing stance on China, criticising their authoritarian clampdowns and lockdowns while appearing in many cases to strive to do the same here.
We are joined by Patricia Pino and Christian Reilly from the MMT podcast to find out just what MMT is and what the left can learn from understanding economics using this framework.
We discuss the issues in the NHS with pressure on services and the nurse's strike, what is going on at G20 and what we would like to see in the budget.
As Gavin Williamson is accused of bullying and Matt Hancock abandons the commons for the Jungle, how are the wrong people constantly put in charge? We also look at the failures in screening for the Police force and wonder why in the world Starmer has opened up a new anti immigrant front on the previously safe space of those who come here to save our lives in the NHS. We also have a look at what might have been for Sedgefield Labour Party.
National Security risk Braverman is put straight back into office following serious breaches of the ministerial code and immediately removes the mask to reveal her fascist views on refugees. Meanwhile everyone is balloting for strike and Musk takes over twitter.
We discuss the 4 part Al Jazeera documentary "The Labour Files" which depicts a rotten core of a racist political Party and Sunak's coronation by Tory MPs
Truss is gone. How did it happen? What does it mean for us? Will anything change? Will Boris make a comeback? Do looks matter in politics and is Keir Starmer suffering from dark side degradation?
Paul talks about his experiences in the Sedgefield Labour Party selection race, and the team talks Trussonomics and Ukraine.
The Big Story is: How to survive at 40°C Other Stories: RMT announces further rail strike & Mo Farah trafficking survivor
We discuss Johnson's resignation as Party leader, NHS birthday woes and Labour's proposed National Care Service
We discuss the potential for a Scottish Independence Referendum, 50 years of UK Pride and those resignations
We discuss whether the rail strikes have been a success or failure, Roe vs Wade being overturned and the Tory by election defeats
As Johnson sacks his ethics adviser, we ask if there is any point in having his role for a clearly unethical political class.
We discuss the latest UK Parliamentary debacle as Tory MPs narrowly vote confidence in their disgraced leader Boris Johnson. We also ask whether policing has become a problem and whether we should extend free school meals.
We talk to Dan Draper about his third in a trilogy of films Manifesto. Following on from The Nature of the Beast and The Big Meeting. Along with Alan Gibbons and Michael Hardy, activists from the film.
We discuss plans for student loans to be denied to anybody who has to re-sit English or Mathematics, the fallout of Partygate and the re-writing of the ministerial code and the human cost of the Uyghur detention camps in China
We discuss the actions needed to be taken now as prices soar and wages stagnate, the abuser working for MI5 and pollution now responsible for one in six deaths worldwide.
An amazing collaboration of groups supporting each other in gaining recognition for women that history has failed to remember
We discuss the crisis in governance in Northern Ireland, the murder of a journalist in the West Bank and the UK government's plans to cut 90,000 jobs.
We are joined by Momentum activists who will discuss current events and how they plan to address issues through the new member led policy platform.
We discuss the outcomes of the local election and what it means, overturning Roe v Wade and women's rights, support for menopausal women and the Brownies learning coding.
We talk about the French elections, Councils failing to use powers to stop shoddy housing schemes, working class women's life expectancy shock and the sunflower oil shortage.
What's a socialist to do when there's a choice between a far right candidate and and establishmentarian who tries to outflank his opponent to the right on immigration? We discuss French politics in the build up to the Presidential Election.
We discuss if it is worth having a ministerial code, the plan to give refugees a one way ticket to Rwanda, Johnson's potential replacements if he ever relinquishes power and whether "accidental Partridge" Madeley was right to call climate change activists "childish.
With "Partygate", cost of capitalism crisis, sending refugees to Rwanda and no real response from our politicians, is our system promoting the worst people possible to positions of power and what can we do about it?
We also discuss the NEU conference and education.
With news breaking of fines issued to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, we discuss the shamelessness of our political class.
We also discuss freedom of information laws being undermined, the privatisation of channel 4 and the Sunak family tax dodging.
John and the team discuss foreign policy, baby deaths in the NHS, nuclear energy and conversion therapy.
Jon Trickett joins us to discuss the alternatives to a spring statement for the wealthiest for the wealthiest.
The Big Story is the Spring Statement.
Also discussed, Ukraine developments, the P&O neoliberal dream, Covid and the Royal backlash.
Now that the western world are paying attention, Socialist Think Tank discusses the refugee crisis and how humane policies would benefit us all.
With guests Mike Tapp, Julie Ward and Moses Chikwekwete Mbano.
The much anticipated return of host John D Clare!
Topics
Ukraine
Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs Cost of Living Crisis Rally
P&O Ferries
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
As the Saudi Monarchy performs mass executions and continues to attack Yemen with British support, Boris goes begging for oil. Why does Britain continue help Saudi create what the UN described as the worst humanitarian crisis in the 21st Century?
Other stories
Is press freedom under attack?
Ukraine update
Writer and producer, Ed Waugh, Unsung Hero, Jane Harker and director Russell Floyd join host Paul Daly to talk about their new play, "Wor Bella".
Wor Bella is the brilliant story of heroic WWI Munitionettes who not only selflessly served the war effort on the home front from 1914 to 1918 but also played to raise money for charity.
On the day after what would have been Harry Leslie Smith's 99th birthday we speak to NHS campaigners & Harry's son, John Smith, about the crisis facing the NHS after 11 years of underfunding. What would life without the NHS be like and what we can do to protect it?
THE BIG STORY
Unions condemn lifting restrictions and sick pay changes
OTHER STORIES
Banker Bonus Bonanza bumper profit for Lloyd's and Barclays with big bonus set to make a comeback.
Zimbabwe political activists arrested. Is this our future?
Storm Eunice is there a North South divide when it comes to weather?
What is happening in UK Education?
The right wing Govian agenda has caused lasing damage, yet still education is accused of being too left wing.
We speak to some education experts including President of the NEU, Daniel Kebede and General Secretary of the Socialist Educational association James Whiting about what we need to do for a better future in education.
Chantelle Lunt guest presents on the return of Political Unmuted
THE BIG STORY
Cressida Dick Resigns
OTHER stories
Cost of living crisis
Ukraine vs Russia
UCU University Strike
Everything is going up in the UK.
Food
Energy
National Insurance
Bills
Everything except for wages.
And, of courses, taxes on the rich.
James Meadway joins us to talk about the cost of living crisis
Dr Deepa Govindarajan Driver (@deepa_driver) from @socialistlawyer joins us on the show to discuss Julian Assange
The Big Story
Emma Watson pro-Palestinian post sparks antisemitism row
Other questions:
Boris Johnson accused of corruption after ‘great exhibition’ text emerges
BLM protesters cleared over toppling of Edward Colston statue
Johnson hopes to ‘ride out’ Omicron but acknowledges parts of NHS may be overwhelmed
Jeremy Corbyn, Anna Rothery, Dan Lewis, Chantelle Lunt, Ian Hodson, Laura Daly and Paul Daly go live find out the highs and lows of 2021 and make some predictions about what 2022 will hold.
The Big Story:
- Julian Assange can be extradited to US to face espionage charges, court rules
The Other Topics:
- Is the government doing enough to protect exploited minimum wage workers?
That No.10 party – do we give a damn?
We are joined by Cat Cray, activist in the RMT Union and the Assistant General Secretary of the RMT, Steve Hedley to talk about their actions, their solidarity and what makes a strike work!
The Big Story:
Covid Crisis and the NHS
The Other Topics:
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Labour’s main union backer says it will cut political funding
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Starmer’s reshuffle
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Family costs predicted to rise
The Big Story:
· UK ministers urged to ‘stop playing politics’ over Channel crossings. (2, 3, 4, 5)
The Other Topics:
-
Speaker announces review on bringing babies into Commons. (2)
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Priti Patel quietly adds further measures to the policing bill. (2, 3, 4)
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New Covid variant. (2, 3 … and 4).
The Big Story:
• NHS is at breaking point and putting patients at high risk, bosses warn.
The Other Topics:
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‘A betrayal of the north’: HS2 and levelling up
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The England social care cap: how will it work and is it fair?
Cop 26 has been a game of blame and broken promises. We discuss why capitalism can only deepen the climate crisis.
Other stories
Have we lost sight of the true meaning of Remembrance Day?
The Poland-Belarus border migrant crisis.
The Big Story is the Owen Paterson scandal
Other Topics
• Yorkshire Cricket Club racism scandal
• Bonfire Night: Should we ban noisy fireworks for our pets’ sake
• Charge … retreat! Boris Johnson’s top U-turns in No 10
Aoife Mercedes Rodriguez-Uruchurtu, Carlos Tornel and Liam Tuckwood join host Paul Daly to discuss why COP26 was a con and why capitalism will never solve the climate crisis.
The Big Story is the UK Budget?
Other Stories Was Angela Rayner right to back down on her ‘Tory Scum’ comment?
Spiking – a storm in a wine glass?
Israel bans six Palestinian NGOs – what can we do about Palestine?
The Big Story is the government's Net Zero by 2050 strategy
Other Topics: With Covid running out of control, why are the Tories doing nothing?
Brace yourself for poverty: UK inflation rising as economy stutters
We are joined by John Smith and Cal Shaw to talk about how we treat refugees. Can we call ourselves humane when people fleeing for their lives are treated so badly?
The Big Story - Tory MP Sir David Amess’s death after being stabbed at constituency surgery.
Other Topics will be: Covid response ‘one of UK’s worst ever public health failures’ What is the Labour Party doing to Liverpool Labour and should it stop? Should GPs be made to hold face-to-face appointments?
The Big Story is the Tory Conference:
• Tory conference
• Carrie Johnson urges Tories to back transgender rights
Other Topics English football will sell itself to anyone’: human rights groups condemn Saudi-Newcastle deal
What should the government be doing about energy prices?
Pandora Papers scandal… and why is nobody interested?
The deep corruption of the system has, once again, been brutally exposed. So why aren't we absolutely furious?
Presenter Paul Daly is joined by Harry Cross, Mark Montegriffo and Jayne Strange to find out what has happened, why it matters and what we can do to smash this corrupt system.
Labour Conference: Starmer accuses Tories of being ‘lost in the woods’ as he rejects Corbyn era
Is it time for Labour members to join the Green Party?
Is the answer to crimes against women Philip Allot’s advice that women should get ‘street-wise’?
1 in 20 children infected with Covid – are we simply ignoring a Covid disaster?
“Never mind cancer outcomes” – Johnson challenged by Look North on levelling up
Paul and Laura are joined by the People's Assembly's Helen O'Connor and regular guest star Chantelle Lunt to discuss the protests against austerity at this week's Tory Party Conference, or as we are calling it, the elitist jamboree.
We also discuss the MET, Cressida Dick and Boris Johnson
This week, Cat Cray joins us as a non-Labour member to help us discuss the events of the Labour Party Conference
Other topics include
The energy crisis
Call for ‘new deal’ for England’s children as poll shows mental health concerns
Equalities minister under fire for writing she does not ‘care about colonialism’
We took our Saturday night show to Brighton and talked to Jeremy Corbyn and Sasha Josette about municipalism, socialism, organising and the Labour Party.
Peter talks of his Trade Union organising past and how people power will always be more successful than bureaucracy
McCluskey accuses Starmer of reneging on pledge to reinstate Corbyn
How worried do we need to be about the Labour conference?
Aukus pact: UK and US battle to contain international backlash
Taliban takeover of Afghanistan will reshape Middle East, official warns
We are joined by representatives of the brilliant Disabled People Against The Cuts (DPAC), Paula Peters and David Kirkham to discuss their plans plans for disrupting the cruel cuts with an audioriot! Also joining us is Jan Gray who along with the rest of the panel, takes us through the cruel cuts austerity disabled people have faced since the banking system and capitalism caused the world financial crash in 2008 and the similarities we see now as the poorest bear the brunt of the pandemic while the rich cash in.
Joe tells us how his experiences in the military, going AWOL, and seeing the so called "War on Terror" from the inside developed his understanding of the problems with capitalism and how this led to his own socialist beliefs.
Ought English people to be ashamed of their country’s history?
Social care backlash grows after MPs vote through tax plan
Zarah Sultana’s emotional speech on Islamophobia and racism
Durham police charge dozens of beggars and rough sleepers.
Chantelle Lunt (Black Lives Matter) who grew up in the care system and fights for the rights of others, Patsy Stevenson, who was has been smeared as a fake by the right wing after she was famously restrained at Sarah Everard's vigil and Laura Daly, community champion and founder of the Women's Banner Group, talk about their own lived experiences and how to be active in the fight for the rights of women and all.
Azzy Aslam talks about the value of using the strengths of capitalism to achieve socialist goals
Labour councils house eight times as many asylum seekers as Tory areas, analysis finds. Is Paul Howell right to back HS2 east line? Is the Texas abortion law the beginning of the end for liberal democracy? CCTV in school toilets – what do you think?
CONTENT WARNING - In the after show we discuss suicide in the context of supporting mental health.
Jess Barnard joins the team as we discuss the marginalisation of elected young people within the Labour Party and ask, are UK Labour throwing away their best chance of electoral success?
The "dream team" are back after a month. August is usually pretty quiet, so what have we missed? Will Geronimo the Alpaca get a mention in moments of the month? What about Ken Loach or minority report inspired Labour Party discipline? Will we discuss the tragic and terrifying events in Afghanistan? Johnson's potential "bribe" and working with them "if necessary. Or will you, as usual, surprise us in the poll with something none of us expect?
Poll results to discuss
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Planned cut to Universal Credit
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Afghanistan
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UK plunges towards supply chain crisis due to staff and transport disruption
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Sharon Graham becomes union’s first female general secretary after surprise victory
Kerry Wilkes and Stuart Sutherland join us to talk about the mess and cruelty of Universal Credit and the economic illiteracy of cutting the much needed uplift.
We are joined once again by Mohammad N Asif, a now settled former refugee from Afghanistan, a former British Army serviceman, Garrie Coleman, and the multicultural ethical Newspaper, the Prisma for real perspectives on Afghanistan.
This is the kind of journalism that has been sadly lacking, authentic voices, real honest perspectives, no spin.
We are joined by Yvette Williams from Justice4Grenfell and Klaudia Fior from Bywire News to talk about the injustices we see all around us, none so stark and disgraceful as the communities who still suffer from the injustice of Grenfell.
We speak about Starmer the Llama Harmer (or is it Alpaca attacker) and his treatment of the national treasure Ken Loach.
We talk about the injustice of the treatment of Julian Assange.
We talk about the inherent media bias.
And as always, we talk about why it's all part of capitalism.
The following article was submitted by a woman involved in the super complaint against police officers who have been perpetrators in domestic violence and abuse. This chilling take on what it is like to live it should be a wake up call for those protecting them.
We are joined by special guest Lewis Baker to discuss the working class using the power of a strike. Having taken action against McDonalds for the first time, Lewis knows first hand the power of collectivism.
Just how great is the crisis in government; including Dawn Butler, Tory lies & sleaze
Just how great is the crisis in the Labour Party?
Just how great is the Crisis in NHS and the Public Sector?
Just how great is the Climate Crisis; is it just a moon wobble?
Panelists:
Vonni Hardman
Vonni Hardman (she/her) STT member, NEU Durham LGBT+ Officer and NEU Northern Region LGBT+ Organising Forum member or any combination thereof!
Laura Miles
Laura is a former LGBT rep on the UCU national executive committee. Now retired from teaching she continues to be an activist and writer on socialist and trans issues. Her book Transgender Resistance: Socialism and the Fight for Trans Liberation was published in 2020.
Kacey de Groot
Kacey is the current executive seat holder for LGBT+ members of the NEU as well co-sec (women) of the union's Trans and Non-Binary Educator's Network. She is a secondary school Drama teacher in Coventry and a co-parent to three awesome children in her spare time.
Keyne Rowe
Keyne is a science communicator, a climate activist, and advocate for gender freedom working with TransActualUK to combat the anti-trans moral panic. They are a policy wonk, methodology queen, and a queer mess. Find them on twitter @keyne_unable, or better yet avoid social media as much as you possibly can.
Tory council leader denies there is an adult social care crisis. Outrage aimed at No 10 as MPs back £4bn cut to foreign aid budget. Johnson and Patel accused of hypocrisy over racist abuse of England footballers Summer chaos predicted as 1.6m in England told to isolate in a week. We also talk about the ridiculous self destructive behaviour of the UK Labour Party and the deliberate confusion of the UK government's handling of the coronavirus.
Jayne Strange and Pam Fitzpatrick join Paul and Laura to discuss the UK Labour Party, Labour Womens' Committee, Keir Starmer's latest relaunch and the Health and Care bill that seeks to further privatise the NHS.
We discuss why poor people are living shorter lives in England, women's safety in wake of a MET Officer killing a young woman after his shift, what Batley and Spen says for the UK Labour Party and whether other countries should boycott the Olympics over human rights in China.
For the second year running, the biggest socialist gathering in Europe will not be going ahead. So we will bring you a little of the Miners' Gala feel with messages from trade unionists, brass bands and political speeches! It's not the Gala, but it's the next best thing! Jeremy Corbyn MP, former Labour Leader Heather Wood Alan Mardghum (Durham Miners' Association) Mary Foy MP Dan Draper (Director of the Big Meeting) Ken Loach (2 time Palme D'Or winning Director) Lynn Gibson (Women's Banner Group) NASUWT Riverside Band
Host, Paul Daly (NASUWT and Socialist Think Tank) and panellists supply teacher Rachel Lozinski (NASUWT) and nurse Angela Hankin (UNISON) introduce some guests who want to thank key workers for their work through the pandemic as well as demand a much needed and well earned pay rise. Panellists describe what it was like to live through the pandemic as eye witnesses to very different experiences of PPE shortages, chaotic governance and tragedy.
Contibutors
Dr Patrick Roach (NASUWT General Secretary)
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP
Christine Fletcher (Durham County Council)
Samantha Townsend (Durham County Council)
Joe Solo (We Shall Overcome)
Ian Lavery MP
Rehana Azam (GMB)
Nadia Jama (Labour NEC)
Alan Mardghum (Durham Miners' Association)
Sean Hoyle (RMT)
Laura Smith (No Holding Back)
Michelle Codrington-Rogers (NASUWT)
Paula Peters from Disabled People Against the Cuts joins us along with Stuart Sutherland to discuss the cruelty of the Personal Independence Payments assessments and more.
Labour says calling for free social care would ‘just give Tories a stick to beat us with’. Why aren’t we responding with greater alarm to the growing number of Delta variant infections? Should our schoolchildren be made to sing: ‘Strong Britain, Great Nation’? Matt "Handsy" Hancock may get a mention too!
Dan Lewis from On the Bywire Joins Paul, Laura and Socialist Think Tank member, Marc Lungley to discuss Hancock's resignation, the People's Assembly and anti vaxer demos in London and Labour's u turn on free social care. We also ask whether Britney Spears is a slave.
The Rickard Sisters tell us all about their Graphic Novel of social classic, Robert Tressel's "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists"
The government plans to force low paid carers to take the covid vaccination. The MET is "institutionally corrupt". Matt Hancock is "Totally F***ing Hopeless".
2 women who overcame impossible struggles and used their experiences to support amd protect women going through the Same. Lucy from the Gemini Project talked to us about creating something positive from trauma.
Paul, Laura and Jayne talk about pay rises for NHS workers, Unite General Secretary election, Jedward, Trade Unionism, Starmer drama (or lack of it, Labour losing their deposit and more.
We discuss the G7 Summit, booing footballers who take the knee, whether the UK is sleepwalking into authoritarian rule and the fact that the North East could LOSE two MPs in proposed shake up of UK parliament.
Laura and Paul are joined by In Evil Hour's Alice as well as recurring guest Tina McKay to discuss how to express our socialism through Music, Art and comedy. We discuss whether there are any funny right wingers and have a pop at centrist liberals. Not to be missed!
We talk social care, Buckingham Palace racism, Napier barracks and the end of Netanyahu.
We speak with campaigners Owain Gardener, former MEP Julie Ward and Dr Helen Groom about the planned detention centre for women refugees who have committed no crime.
We discuss Matt Hancock's position after Cummings' evidence, Belarus, Low quality house building and Tory Islamophobia
We are joined by Maxine Mallon and Abel Harvie-Clark, organisers of the Kill the Bill protest in Newcastle. The bill seeks to give more powers to police to stop protests among other worrying attacks on the public.
We hear from people who have lived in Palestine, rather than simply those who care. We are joined by Halla Alsafadi, Neder Alhussein, both of whom have personal experience, as well as the founder of Labour Friends of Palestine, Mark McDonald.
Joe Guinan, Vice President of the Democracy Collaborative joins us to talk about socialism, democracy, the Preston Model, and the Forrest Gump of the left, Gar Alperovitz.
5527 children in Sedgefield alone are trapped in poverty, Education funding in County Durham is levelling down, a Shildon Tory refuses to take up his seat and former MP Phil Wilson says "If it wasn’t for the Labour Party, we’d probably have a Labour Government"
We discuss the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, new plans for photo ID which disenfranchises so many, EU citizens being locked up and expelled and the suspension of Howard Beckett
Mohammad N Asif joins us following the Kenmure Street protests to tell us how solidarity is done and speaks movingly about his own experiences in Afghanistan.
We discuss the local election fallout, Labour losing Hartlepool and Starmer blaming everyone but himself. But it is also mental health awareness week so as always, we wont ignore these massive issues.
We discuss why Keir Starmer decided to blame a working class woman with an accent for his dismal performance along with the other election results, as always with the viewer as a main contributor.
In the wake of Arlene Foster’s resignation, we speak to Tina McKay, Sean Byers and Dr Stephen Baker about what is really going on in Northern Ireland.
Id Arlene Foster’s overthrow ‘a wake-up call for Britain',
Boris Johnson loses his temper at PMQs as inquiry launched into ‘cash for curtains’, 200 groups criticise UK government consultation on refugee policy and Gordon Brown leads calls for $60bn of Covid support for poor countries.
A conversation about Women's Health and Safety with Marie Harrington, Janine Booth, Mel Mullins, Cat Cray, Linda Martin and Shelly Asquith
In a week where it is alleged that the Prime Minister said "let the bodies pile high in their thousands", we discuss Dominic Cummings spilling on the PM, Johnny Mercer saying almost nobody in government tells the truth, UK pervasive racism and the heart breaking situation in India.
We are joined by Ben Sellers from Socialist Telly's Pint and Politics show as well as Allison Carpenter to discuss all all sorts of topics generated from our our panel and our audience.
There are plenty of English Socialists to be proud of. Let's stop the fash from monopolising pride in the English. Alan Mardghum, Rachel McGrath and Raj Pal tell us about socialist we can be proud of.
We learn how to fight back against sweat shops, the importance and power of trade unions. We also somehow reference Jedward and South Park.
We are joined by some amazing working class students who are standing up to elitism and snobbery.
The team discuss Ulster, teachers wanting to leave the profession, Miserly sick pay undermining covid efforts and the reaction to a royal death
Lauren describes her unusual but distinctively working class journey to socialism and the importance of direct action.
We are joined by Luke from GRT Socialists to challenge the racism faced by his community.
We are joined by the Manx Labour Leader, Joney Faragher along with Devon Watson and Ciara Sowerby. Does the Isle of Man act as a microcosm of capitalism?
We discuss the government congratulating itself on being the least racist society ever, Northern Independence and John's Fish and Chip obsession rears it's head again!
Laura, James and Paul are joined by Lauren Conway to discuss the Northern Independence Party, and Lauren makes a surprising reveal!
Sib Ali talks about his film, "My Life on Camera", Heidi Smith discusses "The Sensory Place" and Austin Harney tells us of his own autism and his success in the Labour and Trade Union movement.
https://www.marxists.org/history/international/iwma/documents/1864/rules.htm Read by Paul Daly
By Alan Sears https://equitableeducation.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/alan-sears-infrastructure-of-dissent.pdf Read by Michael Jones
Written by Bill Fletcher Jr in https://www.thenation.com/article/society/unions-labor-third-reconstruction/ Read by Paul Chynoweth
Mia Mantri joins the team again to discuss Autism. The team also discuss Boris Johnson's pandemic botch "regret", pub covid passports and Cameron's crony lobbying.
Protest, police brutality, Black Lives Matter (BLM) , Sarah Everard, Bristol riots, Police and Crime bill, hate crimes, all discussed with Yunus Bakhsh, Mel Wilson, James Summerill and Paul Daly.
The team are asked whether it is better to vote for a Party or candidate, whether Labour is right to call for a public enquiry over covid, furlough going to the rich and unsavoury and the new powers for police to stop protests.
We speak to Thomas Barlow about anarchy, branching out from our usual topics, and the media.
We speak to Frances and Rachel about the importance of female representation in Westminster.
Thomas Barlow (Independent Media Association) and Charlotte Austin (Red Pepper) join us to discuss the media and the left. We also discuss the Labour Party and #Milfgate
Women, Race & Class. The Approaching Obsolescence of Housework: A Working Class Perspective
By Margaret Benson, from https://monthlyreview.org/2019/09/01/the-political-economy-of-womens-liberation/ Read by Rochelle Charlton-Laine
The team discuss the MET in the wake of tragic events followed by a brutal response, LGBT advisers quitting in protest at government ministers and council cuts.
Beloved actor (you wouldn't call a female doctor a doctress) talks about her own socialism and the importance of telling stories.
The team talk about strike with Nurse Angela Hankin, while news of police brutality on Clapham Common comes through.
The Social Ties goes live with Lasscast and the Woman's Banner Group for the week of International Women's Day
The team are joined by Tina McKay to discuss the budget, the Treasury move to Darlington, Patel's bullying payout, a measly 1% pay rise for nurses and fake levelling up.
The Women's Banner Group present a panel of inspirational women, Lynn Gibson, Laura Daly Neve Ovenden, Fiona Nicol, Samantha Townsend and Emma Rowell.
The Women's Banner Group host a discussion with Beth Farhat (TUC) Laura Daly (Unite), Lisa Collins (Usdaw), Deb Eggleston (NASUWT), Vonni Hardman (NEU), Cat Cray (RMT) and Rehana Azam (GMB)
We speak to Scott Robson about his involvement in Northern Pride, the important of solidarity with trans people and It's a Sin.
The team are joined by Ian to talk about the hypocrisy of clapping Nurses and not paying them
Samantha Townsend, Mary Foy MP, Jessie Joe Jacobs, Chris Varty, Heidi Smith and Chloe Walls talk Women in Politics.
Written by Keston K. Perry, read by Michael Jones. https://polarjournal.org/2020/08/01/climate-reparations-an-internationalist-approach-for-the-twenty-first-century/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
The team talk Liverpool Mayoral candidates, vaccines for Palestinians, murder rate of black people and GCSE grading by teachers.
Ray discusses his own role in the movement, including his own role in Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.
The team discuss Keir Starmer's economic vision, Matt Hancock's unlawful act, the disgrace of flammable cladding and whether vaccines should be mandatory. In the second half we talk emotion in politics, our political inspiration and for some reason, Harry and Megan and whether the Royal Family should have sponsor logos.
We discuss all things Socialism, recalling Labour Party conference and Starmer's big speech.
Kristin tells us of her views on socialism and compares the systems in the UK and Sweden.
The team discuss northern tories openly praising Thatcherism, the crisis in Myanmar, whether lockdown is an excuse for murder and how, once again, trickle down economics has been debunked.
Prepared by The Democracy Collaborative and Trademark Belfast. Written by Joe Guinan and Seán Byers. Read by Tina McKay. https://democracycollaborative.org/COVID-Climate-Capitalist-Crises
We speak to Neil about socialism on a real world context, in run down town and city centres, and the power of collaboration.
The team are joined by Socialist Think Tank's Rochelle Charlton-Laine to talk about trans athletes, flag worship, working from home or living to work, and Handforth Parish Council.
Vonni speaks movingly about her growing up as a lesbian while being demonised by Thatcher's government and section 28. She also tells us about the importance of solidarity with trans people and why there need not be a conflict between safe spaces for all women and trans rights.
Paul tells us about understanding socialism, how it needs to be bottom up, and how important eduction is. We also learn more about the Political Education Project.
Laura Smith and Paul. O'Connell join us to talk all things Socialism, particularly the Political Education Project. Apologies for the sound quality at the beginning. It gets better quickly!
Fiona speaks about the reality of life for many people, including harrowing tales of child poverty in the sixth biggest economy in the world, in North West Durham, UK.
This week's topic include the miners' pension fund, the right to food, GameStop hedge fund foiled by reddit and political pledges.
Part of the reading for session 1 of the Political Education Project (politicaleducationproject.org). We hope this makes the course more accessible, or for those who are just here for socialism, we hope you enjoy a working class socialist speech. Read along here. https://bit.ly/3cw9hg5
Alison Carpenter and Helen Caney join Paul and James to discuss Save Our Socialists and the suspension of hard working members of the Labour Party
Our new show explores the actions of groups in the real world. Rachel Meenan talks about the antiracism work being done in the North East of England
Laura Daly, Rochelle Charlton-Laine, James Summerill and Paul Daly talk about Socialist Think Tank!
Heather speaks about the conclusion of the UK Miner's Strike of 1984 and Thatcher's legacy
Where is public opinion on socialism? Are socialist ideas more normal than people think?
The team are asked whether socialism involves private ownership, whether Biden will take the USA to war, there is a comments uprising for Paul to become an MP and somehow the conversation ends up, like all good Parish Council meetings, about dog poo.
Our guest questions have asked us to consider whether socialism has ever not led to disaster, what Biden means for the UK, why vaccines have been moved away from the North East and whether David Evans' veto on candidates is democratic.
Stuart returns from holiday to rejoin the usual team as they discuss the impending homelessness crisis, depression during lockdown and the hysteria around desperate humans in dinghies.
While Stuart takes a well deserved holiday, Paul, Laura Samantha and host John, are joined by Charlotte Austin as they discuss the exam results fiasco.
North of Tyne Metro Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, speaks about how to implement socialist ideas in a capitalist system.
Crispin has worked incredibly hard to support the UK Labour Party of the past few years with Stand Up For Labour. Now he is introducing Labour Grassroots. We also discuss who the funniest, and not so funny politicians are.
The regulars are joined by Laura Daly as they discuss care homes, nurses' pay and political censorship.
Sarah North joins us to discuss in depth the issues specifically facing women during covid 19 and in wider life. The guests are amazed that we have our first troll and Samantha deals with it in the best possible way.
John, Samantha, Paul and Stuart are joined by Kelly McGinn, a teacher and trade unionist to discuss Labour, settling with whistleblowers, Covid 19 and the disproportionate challenges faced by women and a special question from listener guest Simon Hocking on wealth taxation.
Peter talks to us about socialism, trade unionism and Engage for Change, a free music festival which combines the two.
The regular guests are joined by Mel Wilson to discuss the government coronavirus response, Shamima Begum and facemasks.
Musician and proud socialist, Joe Solo, discusses socialism and https://weshallovercomeweekend.com/
John D Clare and regular guests Samantha Townsend, Stuart Sutherland and Paul Daly discuss Social Care, the budget announcements and NHS restructure.
Ben Sellers discusses how his early life influenced his socialist values and how he pit to use skills learned in the Trade Union movement.
John D Clare and usual guests, Stuart Sutherland, Samantha Townsend and Paul Daly discuss this week's big stories including the return to schools in September, the politicisation of the Civil Service and Hong Kong.
Valerie Jamieson talks about Talk Socialism, a key part of Jamie Driscoll's North of Tyne Mayoral campaign, and much more.
John D Clare is joined by his usual guests and Maggie Bosanquet , Low Carbon Economic Development Officer for Durham County Council.
Nadia is a community activist and campaigner from Sheffield. She explains why socialism plays such an important role in her work for her community.
The former Chair of the Labour Party discusses working class socialism with a North East accent and his clashes with Boris Johnson.
John D Clare and guests discuss the Labour Together report and the planned return to schools in September.
Harry discusses how socialist economics would lead to greater prosperity and a fairer society.
John D Clare hosts guests Paul Daly, Samantha Townsend and Stuart Sutherland for the return of the popular radio show Inna brand new format.
We talk about Alan's history, why he is a socialist and what socialism means to him. We also discuss how socialism is relevant today and essential for equality moving into the future.