The Two Matts

BBC political presenter Laura Kuenssberg joins the Matts to discuss her new book Pay Attention (out on Thursday). In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion Laura defends the BBC against charges of declining influence and being guilty of creating a false equivalence in its reporting. She addresses violence in politics, Nigel Farage's weaknesses, Jeremy Corbyn's role in demonising the media, how the nation became “unrecognisable" after the Brexit referendum... and how Andy Burnham has got the strongest behind-the-scenes team in politics for a long time. Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode including: is welfare out of control? Is Andy Burnham really setting us up for a quick return to Europe? Has the Israeli election improved chances of a two-state solution? Will Donald Trump get a shellacking in this week's US midterm elections? Are we all wearing poppies too soon? And is Ali G a man out of time? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts argue their case for why the Budget was either a) a dismal failure to seize an opportunity for radical change in Britain or b) breathing space for a government with bigger swings to come. And they examine Andy Burnham's stunning proposal to re-examine freedom of movement. What does it all add up to? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listeners' questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: should John Healey raise capital gains tax in the Budget? Why are the Lib Dems plotting against Ed Davey? Why did BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra exist in the first place? Should we stop using the phrase 'postcode lottery'? What does artificial intelligence mean for energy and water consumption? And what minor but seriously antisocial behaviour would we like to see banned? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts consider the violent protests sweeping the continent and try to understand where it is coming from and what it signifies. Could they spread here? What can progressive governments do to stop them? Is Andy Burnham's approach any different to Emmanuel Macron’s? Tickets are still available for Alastair Campbell and Mishal Hussain at London's Cadogan Hall on October 22 here Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: is Marie Le Pen bad news for the UK? Why is Sally Rooney not selling books here any more? Will standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine actually help? Should Elon Musk be allowed such power? Does Russian interference in the Brexit vote help the argument to join the EU? And what new word, in the spirit of Alastair Campbell's Persevilience, would the Matts invent? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss the developments in Ukraine in the past week and Donald Trump's oil deal with Vladimir Putin. Connected much? They think so. It adds up to a ghastly - but all too predictable - betrayal of Ukraine at its hour of deepest need. Also - the potential spectacle of a live streamed execution in America. What does that tell us about the Trump mindset.. and what's become of our species in general? Produced by Matt Withers Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World . Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A session, including: why is Zack Polanski’s popularity plummeting? How bad are the riots in France? Who would you put in the cabinet? Is Andy Burnham courageous or cowardly on Europe? What's the best political speech in history? And what movie did you once think was amazing but makes you cringe now? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss the impact of the Green Party resolution that “Zionism Is Racism”. Will Zack Polanski survive as leader? What does it mean for Jews living in the UK? What does it mean for the party's supposed core eco agenda? Also this week: what's the story behind Kemi Badenoch's conference speech? What does success look like for her? It's a lively conversation. Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer your questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode. Including: what should you do with your collection of New European / New World magazines? What will dominate the next 500 issues? Is Andy Burnham the real deal? Has football sold its soul? Should we proscribe Patriot Platform? And which beloved movies flopped at the box office? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: To celebrate our 500th edition, get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts give a considered analysis of Andy Burnham’s conference speech. So much to talk about and so many obvious strong points - but where will the testing moments come from? They go deep into the policies he announced and try to put together the evidence for a big plan - and rate his chances of pulling it off. Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: To celebrate our 500th edition, get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listeners' questions in their regular Sunday morning edition, including: How does Andy Burnham take Britain into the EU? Is ketamine the new heroin? Why are CS Lewis fans suddenly furious? What does podcasting mean for the future of media? And is Trump right about the Chagos deal? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss Andy Burnham's speech to the United Nations - and what it tells us about both the opportunities and challenges facing the new PM and Britain as we seek to rediscover our place in the world 10 years after Brexit. In part two the Matts discuss the waning effect of Adolf Hitler on the global conscience and what it means in concrete terms for all our futures. Enjoy! PS: Use code AlastairLIVE to get £10 off tickets to The New World event on October 22 at London's Cadogan Hall with Alastair Campbell and Mishal Husain. Tickets on sale now at cadoganhall.com . Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions, including: Why do crypto billionaires fall over themselves to give Nigel Farage money? Does Canada joining the EU help or hinder the UK’s return? Why isn’t the UN dealing with AI? Is the rise of the far right in Germany something to worry about? And isn’t Ed Sheeran basically right? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts open with a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Bonnie Greer, who died this week. In the first half they discuss the extraordinary pace of developments and concern around AI, explain exactly what has happened and why everyone really should be very worried indeed. In part two, they reject the outright demonisation of the citizens of Piddington, the small Oxfordshire village which held a referendum declaring independence from the UK in the face of an influx of asylum seekers to a barracks nearby. Finally - your discount code for the Alastair Campbell meets Mishal Husain event at Cadogan Hall, London, on October 22 is ALASTAIRLIVE. Tickets on sale now at cadoganhall.com . Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions including: why can’t we have decent welfare and a strong defence? Was Reform stung or entrapped? Why is Liz Truss still costing us so much money? Is AI really going to kill me? And why is everyone losing their minds over the Bayeux Tapestry? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Ed Miliband announces sanctions against illegal settlements in the West Bank, the Matts take a holistic look at what the government hopes to achieve and at what cost. Does this make British Jews less safe? Are challenges to Miliband’s level of Jewishness fair? And will this action make any difference to the chances of a two-state solution? Also - 25 years after 9/11, the Matts discuss Matt d’Ancona’s epic piece commemorating the attack and its ever-unfolding consequences. And they welcome the great Emily Maitlis to The New World family. Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds . Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning question and answer edition. Including; is Farage finished; what tax pledge should Burnham break; is Michael Gove stupid; how should we think about China; apart from Dante, Giotto, Thomas Aquinas, Chaucer and the Bayeux Tapesty, what’s the Middle Ages ever done for us; maintaining a dignified silence in the face of Will Self criticism; and which women authors do you admire? Produced by Ruby Mitchell OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by The New World contributing editor Paul Mason to discuss his blockbuster book Reds: A Global History Of Communism . We cover a lot of ground - from pre-historic society through the French Revolution to the USSR and finally modern day China, where the entire definition and history of Communism is being rewritten as we speak. Paul’s book has been receiving glowing reviews from outlets as diverse as the Daily Telegraph and The New World - find out why in this illuminating conversation. And if you aren’t already a subscriber to The New World , you can get a free signed copy of Reds when you sign up at thenewworld.co.uk/2matts . Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts tackle listener questions in their regular Sunday morning Q&A edition, including: Is there a resurgence of homophobia? Should Harry and Meghan be welcomed back to the UK? Are we heartbroken over Dolly Parton? What does the Meta mega settlement mean? Are online comments a good thing? And what should we be reading next? Enjoy! Produced by Matt Withers OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.