Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
by Steve Richards
Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscribe to your weekly guide through seismic times.
Episodes
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The split on the right - how long will it last?
The right wing newspapers have made their choice - Kemi Badenoch is their new heroine. But is she making the smart strategic move? Plus, some in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative report on the continuing muscularity of Reform. • Join our never ending debate by emailing [email protected] •...
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Brexit - Which senior Labour figures agree with Andy Burnham?
The former chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has expanded on her view that Britain needs to rejoin the EU. Why is this more significant than it might appear to be? • Join our never ending debate by emailing [email protected] • The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday Dec 7th at London’s...
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Immigration – Can Britain ever have a reasoned debate?
Shock! Horror! Shabana Mahmood announces a “U-turn” on her immigration plans. What did anyone expect after the original proposals were announced within weeks of her becoming Home Secretary without much thought given to strategic and political implications? But Mahmood is by no means alone in not...
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What are the obstacles to an early election?
There is (and will continue to be) speculation about a General Election next spring, freeing Andy Burnham from the constraints of Labour’s 2024 manifesto and while he’s still on something of a honeymoon. But is he in any position to contemplate such a campaign before the plans for his big changes...
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Is the cautious budget a prelude to radical change?
The Budget developed one theme of the Burnham Era: small changes and breathing space. But how dow this fit in with Burnham’s pledge to implement the biggest change in forty years? • The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday Dec 7th at London’s Kings Place– tickets available from the...
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Will John Healey rise to the titanic Budget challenges?
John Healey presents his first Budget – constrained by a fragile economy, international turmoil, the red lines of Labour’s timid 2024 election manifesto and his own inexperience as an economic policy-maker. Can he rise to the occasion? • Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive extra content...
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How Wars End – Part Two
I knew my reflections on the Russia-Ukraine War and wider global tensions would trigger a brilliant reaction from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative…and it has done. There are now several never-ending debates taking place here: how do wars end? Should we rejoin the EU? Should the triple lock…
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How do wars end?
With the war in Ukraine continuing into another dark winter, how can it end? And - a different question - how should it end? The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday Dec 7th - tickets available from the King’s Place box office. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and...
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Did Liz Truss have a point?
The Office for Budget Responsibility continues to play a big part in pre-budget calculations - but should it? Nobody elected the OBR, as Liz Truss pointed out when she sought to bypass it… The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday Dec 7th - tickets available from the King’s Place box...
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Why is it time to talk about Brexit again?
The consequences of Brexit have been rarely explored since Lord Frosty Frost negotiated a trade deal that was agreed chaotically on Christmas Eve 2020. Now Andy Burnham declares Brexit has caused more harm than good, and most voters agree. What will happen next? The next live Rock & Roll Politics...
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What next for Zack Polanski?
Labour has won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election… but what are the implications for the Greens? And was “Kemi”’s speech to the Conservative Conference really the centrist triumph that the media reported? The next Rock & Roll Politics live show takes place on Monday Dec 7th at Kings Place,...
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Is Kemi Badenoch the leader returning to the past?
The Tories and the media accuse Andy Burnham of taking Britain back to the 1970s. But is Kemi Badenoch the leader who is returning again - like all Tory leaders - to Thatcherism, at a time when voters are turning against the consequences of the 1980s? The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on...
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Rock & Roll Politics Live: What has Andy Burnham unleashed?
An epic Rock & Roll Politics Live at Kings Place, the night after Burnham’s speech. Listen now to the recording of a show. The next is live on December 7th, stay tuned for more details to follow. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a...
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Will the media allow Andy Burnham to generate hope?
Burnham is a natural, confident communicator - and he has promised change. including a National Care Service. But the media noise is about the need to be ‘realistic’, which usually means right wing. The noise is loud and will be difficult to overcome. Can he? The Rock & Roll Politics co-operative...
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How Can Burnham Deliver the Biggest Change in 40 Years?
On the eve of the Labour conference I speak to the brilliant Michael Jacobs - former adviser to Gordon Brown, founder of Compass and supporter of Mainstream, an important platform for Andy Burnham as he moved towards Number 10. Michael has published an inspiring paper with more than sixty policy...
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What’s the most effective slogan in modern politics?
The Rock & Roll Politics co-operative continues our never-ending debate on the economy, defence and the Israeli government as I hail the most effective slogan in British politics for decades. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]...
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The UK economic crisis - Does anyone know what they’re talking about?
The Greek chorus of experts condemn "another tax and spend socialist government”. What does that mean? They also call for "welfare reform" to produce instant big cuts. How? The lack of clarity fuels the hysteria about an economic crisis. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday...
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Should Reform be allowed to spend the crypto-billionaires’ money?
Reform have received donations from crypto billionaires that amount to more than all the cash spent by the parties at the last election. Will it make a difference to the next election? Will it undermine Reform’s claim to lead ‘the people’s army’? Above all should the government stop it, even...
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Is Ed Miliband a rare example of a foreign secretary changing foreign policy?
A cathartic moment: the British government announces sanctions against Nethanyahu’s government in Israel. Ed Miliband prepared the ground assiduously and acted. While most foreign secretaries are not significant change makers, Miliband can claim to be one already. Rock & Roll Politics is live at...
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How bold will John Healey be?
John Healey has made his first speech as chancellor, and therefore the biggest of his long career. Will he be part of the promised biggest change in forty years, or be closer to an echo of Rachel Reeves? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email...
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Will the media ever allow an honest ‘tax and spend’ debate?
Westminster is staging another hysterical debate about tax and spend in which there is no coherence or honesty. They are all trying to woo the voters but it is the voters who lose out. RocknRoll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 30th. It's the first London show of the Burnham era and…
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Are there worrying signs in Burnham’s honeymoon?
Andy Burnham has generated a sense of energy and purpose during the summer break - but is he in some key areas sowing the seeds of future trouble? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place…
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Can Burnham revive Labour in Scotland and Wales?
The May elections triggered the ultimate drama – a change of prime minister. This meant reflections on the actual results were limited yet in Scotland and Wales they were of historic significance. The SNP rules again and now Plaid Cymru is in charge too. What does that mean for the Burnham…
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Will Andy Burnham call an early election?
It’s the question asked of all incoming mid term prime ministers - should they get their own mandate? Should they call an election during their early honeymoon? But the risks- always - are huge. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email…
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What to read on our summer holidays?
At the height of summer here are some political book recommendations from the distant past. Plus: how to hold local councils and mayors to account, and can the co-operative sort out FIFA? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock…
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The right is split three ways. What are the consequences?
In the recent Greater Manchester mayoral contest the Conservatives finished behind Reform UK and Restore Britain. The right are split three ways for the first time in British political history, where usually the left vote fractures fatally. What are the implications as Andy Burnham makes his…
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Can Andy Burnham deliver a National Care Service?
A whole series of prime ministers have promised a National Care service, but none have delivered. Can Andy Burnham? Plus brilliant questions in our never-ending debate on the opening of the Burnham era and the political drama in France. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from...
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Are we going back to the 1970s?
Less than a week since Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister, the Greek chorus of commentators have warned that Britain is ‘going back to the 1970s’. But what do they mean, and does it make any sense? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email...
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Will Andy Burnham’s new cabinet deliver the biggest change in 40 years?
Andy Burnham has promised the biggest change in 40 years. Is his new cabinet ready to deliver - and does he know how to bring about the change he seeks? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive...
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Was Keir Starmer more of a change-maker than he seemed?
Keir Starmer takes a bow amidst much talk that he lacked a mission and sense of governing purpose… but what happens if we follow the policy trail rather than all the noise around his leadership? In some respects he was more boldly radical than Tony Blair in his first two years as prime minister.…
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What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh?
Louise Haigh is a key figure in Andy Burnham’s team and will be back in the cabinet next week when Burnham becomes Prime Minister - a remarkable comeback given she was sacked as Transport Secretary only months after taking up the post. Haigh was widely admired during her brief period in the job…
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Will a contest against Binface make Farage more prime-ministerial?
Farage faces Count Binface in his latest campaign. As a potential prime minister, isn’t there a better use of his time? Plus, Bridget Phillipson on how education can be an instrument of freedom, and the challenges of devolution. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus...
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How much trouble is Nigel Farage in?
The Reform leader is facing more allegations about donations made before he was an MP. Can he lead a ‘people’s revolt’ when stories erupt around him that suggest he is far removed from ‘the people’? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email...
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Eve of the Burnham era: Where does power really lie?
There’s a strong focus on Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution but he has identified a bigger challenge in what he has called ‘the outsourced state’, where unelected agencies and companies run much of Britain. Plus, was Burnham right not to take questions from political editors at the end of his...
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Will Andy Burnham’s big idea work?
Andy Burnham has promised an historic transfer of power from the centre. Unlike some leaders who have made similar pledges he means it. But how will it work? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any...
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Who should be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor?
The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with their choice, only for both to turn on the Chancellor that is supposed to bring...
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What does Andy Burnham really think?
I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory. We explore where power lies, where power should lie, where he feels he has always stood on the political spectrum, why this is…
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Andy Burnham wins - what follows?
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election by a triumphant margin. What does that mean for the government, and for Reform? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at...
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What if Keir Starmer is right on defence?
Keir Starmer navigated around a reluctant Treasury and dissenting minsters to find a further significant increase in defence spending. It was not enough for John Healey and the mighty defence establishment, but where precisely would they find even more money? And would it be spent well? Rock &…
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What is the significance of John Healey’s resignation?
The instinctively loyal John Healey has resigned over the level of defence spending about to be announced - what will be the impact on Keir Starmer’s fragile leadership? And how will resources be found to pay for defence and other creaking public services? Plus, we are in an era of multi-party...
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Does it matter any more if a by-election candidate is out of their depth?
The Reform candidate in the historic Makerfield by- election has struggled to answer obvious questions about policy and his own social media comments. In today’s dangerous anti-politics mood could this be an advantage for him? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics...
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Is Farage as formidable as he appears to be?
This week Nigel Farage has chosen to fuel ‘hatred’ in relation to a horrific murder, seeking to politicise crudely and obviously. Has he been too crude and obvious? Is the fracturing on the right an opportunity for the government, or is it triggering a dangerous debate framed by the far right? To...
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Labour’s battle of ideas - much needed or dangerous?
Tony Blair’s essay has triggered detailed responses from Keir Starmer, potential successors and others within the government. Is this a healthy development for a party that seemed fearful of internal debate. or the start of a fatal divide? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll...
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What does Tony Blair mean by the ‘radical centre’?
In Tony Blair’s latest long essay he claims to be on the ‘radical centre’. In which case, why are his largely vague arguments welcomed most by those on the right? His elegant writing and capacity to frame big arguments convey a sense of clarity. Time to delve deep to see if he’s as clear as he...
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Do the fashionable assumptions about Andy Burnham make sense?
Leaders and potential leaders are often far more interesting than the stereotypes reported by political journalists. Is this the case with Andy Burnham? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Patreon subscribers can join Steve for…
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Is this the strangest leadership crisis in modern times?
Keir Starmer continues as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham fights a by-election as a potential future Prime Minister. Is Burnham a by- election candidate and leadership candidate simultaneously? Or can he pull off being the by- election candidate first, before the scrutiny of a leadership challenge?...
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Why is the phrase ‘Brexit Wars’ dangerous for Britain?
Wes Streeting says he wants Britain to rejoin the EU at some point. Andy Burnham has noted often that Brexit has been a calamitous seismic shock, and the cabinet and most voters agree. Yet this is a return to the ‘Brexit Wars’ - and not only because of the Makerfield by-election. Can there ever…
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Can Andy Burnham win the by-election?
After a week of high political drama, some raging questions are answered. Starmer wants to stay, Streeting has resigned, and Burnham has a route to the Commons. But now another question arises - can he win? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email...
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Who can lead the ‘people’s revolt’?
All leaders and potential leaders agree the urgent need to move on from what Keir Starmer calls vaguely ‘the status quo’. Nigel Farage claims to lead ‘the people’s revolt’ against the status quo. But why should he have the monopoly in leading the people when he was a key figure in creating the...
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Election Special - Who can meet the voters’ hunger for ‘change’?
Labour is slaughtered in spite of promising ‘change’ in a country desperate to move on from the failures of the past. But does Starmer - or potential successors - know what they mean by change? And does Farage? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email...
About this show
Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscribe to your weekly guide through seismic times.
Hosted by
Steve Richards