How the Conservative Right became so Powerful

[@sandraharvey9609]

Your voices of sanity, experience and common sense in a crazy world is so refreshing. Thank you so much.

[@pjs20thetube]

The problem with the current political system in the UK is it is not designed for finding consensus. It also does not allow for representation of non-partisan voters. Hence you have a scenario where a small clique takes so much power.

[@germansnowman]

Absolutely. As a German living in the UK, this is one of my biggest issues with the system here. Mind you, coalitions are not always ideal either as we are currently seeing in Germany, but the effectively two-party system combined with the non-representative nature of FPTP is increasingly damaging.

[@pjs20thetube]

@@germansnowman indeed German style coalition isn't what I have in mind. First in terms of representation, I would go for the direct election of the government. In the UK case, it would be the PM and the cabinet - i.e. The PM and deputy PM or Finance, External Affairs and Internal Affairs ministers form a team and get elected. The team must not belong to any party. The teams to be contested be primaried in parliament. After that the top two or even only one must seek election from the wider electorate. The house of common be represented by parties. And general election people vote for parties not MPs. The parties must present a core team for election. If any member of the team leaves the party, it is subject to recall. And other parties can contest. Representation in parliament will be on a portional basis. All parties in parliament must have proposed legislation and if all they do is disrupt the working of parliament they can be recalled. The house of lords be voted by functional constituencies such as business, trade union, military, ex judiciary members, regional representatives, ex civil servants, academia, etc. Their job is to revise legislation or undertake a select committee role. Select members of civil servants. Members of political parties not represented. Second, I would have a system where parliament to table alternative solutions. They cannot just be opposing. For example, parties cannot just opposed Brexit deals, they must present alternatives. If there are dead log house of lords would look at alternatives and suggest a compromise.

[@philipmulville8218]

@@germansnowman Very true. Proportional Representation, as we have here in Ireland, delivers better outcomes in my opinion than FPTP.

[@dandeboi]

​@@philipmulville8218it's really amazing how much we take this for granted. It makes our politics much less polarised and discourages extremist ideas on both sides.

[@budweiser600]

Erm yeah, the reality is all Western Political systems are fragmented due to mass 3rd-world immigration, and the importation of numerous non-societal, tribal values. There is no coming back from this, certainly not from your perspective.

[@m00plank90]

This is so refreshing. And what we need. Left and right working together.

[@smoozerish]

love the channel guys. Great to hear you guys share your views in a mature and non shouty conversation. Keep it going.

[@seanwoods7018]

Great program, sensible discussions and honest views from each side , grown up politics,brilliant.

[@adrianmacgrath5814]

Total drivel on ireland though

[@ShaunieDale]

Glad to hear your shoutout to Gary Stevenson and his new book. I’ve watched all his videos and I have the greatest respect for him.

[@darren_bassett]

I love long form discussion like this. If only parliament was as civilised.

[@FoobsTon]

Parliament is about power and getting things done. This is just talking. There's a difference.

[@charlespring5296]

Rory thinking about the Roman Empire 5 or 6 times a day is too perfect ♥️

[@jonbaxter2254]

He is me fr

[@johnsmall30]

10:16 10:21

[@bikeman9899]

Interested to hear the opinions of the Dublin conference audience . I agree, that a UI is unlikely anytime soon. Many southern ppl look north, and shudder. They look east and are puzzled and dismayed (post Brexit) . If a UI is to come about, it will require London to say, "Look fellas, we are in a pickle here. We need to conserve resources, focus on Britain itself. If we toss the keys to you in say , 5 years, are you ready?" Then some substantial issues need be discussed, specifically NATO and defense, and how to resettle Loyalists who will not accept a UI, regardless of what London says to does. Loyalist rejection of the GFA and democracy, is what makes ppl shudder at the thought of them being compatriots. Inflexible, obdurate, non democratic, and willing to engage in violence.

[@ninesfm6817]

I can’t thank you enough for being there….all the best!

[@wewhofly]

Hmm, did not expect a chunk of this to be about Ireland, but a few problems with that Irish discussion - or clarifications. 1. Irish people know their history. We're small enough and tribal enough to know it. So, it's a little funny hearing this notion that Sinn Fein have to try to overcome their past with the electorate. We all know both FG and FF emerged out of violence; brother against brother, wars of Independence and Civil War. So Sinn Fein? They've had to wait a while - yes. Voters wanted to be certain guns are gone. However, they've already won the popular vote in the last General Election (1st preferences). 2. Campbell mentions that in his chats with some Irish people, he asked for a show of hands for Irish Unity. There were no hands. Confusing to me, I'll admit, until he qualified later that his group were "Business Leaders". I'd presume non-business people of all persuasions in Ireland, especially the young, would be very open to Irish Unity. Not coercion, unity. 3. On Israel/Palestine. How else would most Irish people react to the Israeli/Palestine situation? To react any other way would be to pee on our own history. Israelis should understand this. To suggest we are being difficult is insulting - like we're children who aren't quite educated enough yet to make the right choice We know our own history and Peace is what Irish people want for both Israel and Gaza. Real peace without fear or coercion on either side. War is not peace. If Israel wants Ireland to be less difficult, perhaps invite Irish politicians to mediate and help find a peace. Use our stubbornness to their advantage.

[@chandi58]

I have never voted conservatives but if Rory was the leader of the party - I would be tempted.

[@garyambrosini1427]

Because he isn't conservative

[@jbaidley]

@@garyambrosini1427 Check his voting record. No, Rory is Conservative, he's just what Conservatives used to be before they became this.

[@stuartgraca]

I am glad you brought up Rome and todays politics, Just two days ago I made a comment , on another KZbin video, referring to the fall of the Roman empire and the Tory infighting of today.

[@PostingCringeOnMain]

The problem is that the fall of Rome is a period that covers around 200/300 years, from the murder of Severus Alexander and military anarchy, to the Tetrarchy and splitting of ruling the empire, the battle of Adrianople and loss to the Visigoths, the East/West split, the Visigoth sacking of Rome, the Hun invasion and then the Vandals and the second sacking of Rome ultimately ending with the murder of the last Western emporer Romulus Augustulus and Vandal occupation of Italy... comparing all of *THAT* to a 4 year parliamentry term feels a bit silly to me.

[@stuartgraca]

@@PostingCringeOnMain take these present years as Romes final 20 years, yes no empire is the same and no political history is the same, but the significance of a far reaching empire having a centre , were those leaders are infighting, not for the empire but just for the position and adulation as leader. The focus falls on personalities rather than the success of a battle.

[@thehealinggame]

Great chat. Thanks to you both

[@dinty66]

FF & FG were offshoots of our 1st Sinn Féin government which lasted from 1919 up to the treaty in 1922 !! Not a recognised government but fully functional to replace Westminster !!

[@MazzaEliLi7406]

Thank you.

[@markbryan4336]

I'd love an episode on UBI. I think I'm fairly pro-UBI but the complexities are absolutely fascinating and I'm open to having my mind changed either way.

[@jbaidley]

Thank **** for Rory pointing out how undemocratic party "democracy" is. MPs must choose the leader/PM.

[@colinthompson3111]

Very good discussion. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@declangodfrey]

Get Rutger Bregman on the podcast. Not only a big proponent of UBI but he's also done a good job recently (with De Correspondent) interviewing leaders of Dutch political parties on his podcast. (De Rudi & Freddie show, echt een aanrader als je Nederlands kan).

[@ConallMcgleenan]

Rory You talked about extreme past ? When you say extreme do you mean body count? Can you clarify? If a person (not a paid mercenary/soldier) is willing to give up their life for a cause, then that is pretty fundamental and principled (in general), i can't get my head around it - but for people to feel so strongly to give their live then somethings BAD - can all be just mad. Should Irish people, and people around, forget about the atrocities colonial powers visited upon them in the past? You talk about re-branding and how much YOU are "prepared to forget". How much are YOU prepared to accepted in terms of recognition of British Atrocities ? Ireland is not pro Palestinian, or pro anything. Ireland is against injustice. Ireland is against genocide. Ireland is for peace. Ireland is for the Paddy every where.

[@danciagar]

Amazing how much reverence Alister gives to the opinion of the "business" class.

[@grahamariss2111]

I am not surprised the basis of New Labour was that you ensured a vibrant private sector to provide a revenue source to fund the social care policies.

[@AliTheAllStar]

Great to hear you guys talking about UBI. It's one of my top 3 priorities for politics at the moment and I really can't imagine a happy future without it. Really need more discussion about it in the mainstream. Right now the Green Party is the only major party I know of with a real plan for basic income (and that's a pittance), would love if Labour and other progressive parties also established a proper plan for basic income in their manifesto cause right now I'm leaning Green for the next GE.

[@DocNick68]

UBI, the stupid idea that just won't die. Every charity and thinktank that has genuine expertise on poverty reaches the same conclusion, you cannot give the poor enough AND give everybody else something too. Doesn't it disturb you that UBI is largely popular with progressives who don't understand economics and billionaires who don't pay their workers enough?

[@MachivelianBear]

Pretty much all rent would start at the max UBI. So your UBI would be gone before you could use it.

[@Dickie2702]

Problem is with FPTP your vote will be wasted, unless you live in Brighton.

[@AliTheAllStar]

@@MachivelianBear That's not how the market works, if rent went up to the same amount as UBI nobody would be able to afford it and they'd price themselves out of competition. That's assuming UBI replaced housing benefit which isn't normally the proposal. Even if it did and somehow normal market logics didn't apply then rent controls would be the obvious solution. It's reasonable to assume inflation might go up a little bit but I'm sceptical of even that since there'd be the same amount of money in the pool just in different hands. Even if inflation did go up though people would almost certainly be better off on the whole.

[@AliTheAllStar]

@@Dickie2702 In any safe seat a tactical vote is a wasted vote in my view. I'm not gonna change the outcome either way so it makes more sense to signal the policies I really want.

[@TheBurdenOfHope]

Gary Stevenson getting a mention! Amazing stuff. Really looking forward to his book too. His KZbin channel is really worth watching too

[@AMGOSUK]

Informative, good fun and good natured as usual. Thanks

[@MalkWilliams]

Extremists also have power (especially when a government has a small majority), because they would rather everything burn than compromise. If more moderate people give them leeway for the sake of party unity, they will never reciprocate.

[@costaskaravias4267]

Rory & Alistair I was not a fun but the more I watch and listen to your show along with other interviews you have done over the last few years I WAS WRONG!! as many of my friends. Keep going , love the show and honesty that comes through, to make a real difference consider to come back back into front line politics! Alistair supporting the Labour Governments front bench and Rory 🤔well as a Conservative opposition leader !

[@philipmulville8218]

Couldn’t agree more. Their discussions and interviews are so enjoyable. Alistair ribbing Rory about his deep interest in the Roman Empire was just great.

[@TinaButcher-r6m]

Looking at the comments section it's the most respectful I've seen online

[@PoldarkGodzilla]

Basically an echo chamber where they largely agree with each other and play to a predominantly left wing audience 😂 love to see Douglas Murray take on Campbell again , hilarious the first time !

[@TinaButcher-r6m]

@PoldarkGodzilla should we all watch GBeedbies where a walking set of giant dentures foams and spits for an hour about Megan? If you think Murray did anything more than show himself up as a fool then you deserve GBeebies

[@dsjwhite]

Brilliant, thank you

[@susanb4816]

True justice is the only way to end extreme poverty, relative poverty, most social ills, a lot of mental health issues, lack of access to healthcare. Justice is the foundation of society and has been lacking under most governments worldwide

[@shaneintheuk2026]

I would love to see a special on universal benefits. Also one on the cost/benefits to society of legalising drugs and allowing doctors to prescribe* them to undercut and defund criminal gangs. *corrected thanks.

[@edgeyt1]

Prescribe

[@shaneintheuk2026]

@@edgeyt1 doh! I should have known that from the Latin.

[@wewhofly]

So you're interested in getting paid to use legal drugs for a living? Sorry, I just had to make the connection based on your comments.

[@shaneintheuk2026]

@@wewhoflynever used drugs in my life but I am aware that the vast majority of thefts are committed by a tiny percentage of the population and much of it due to a drug habit. Add in that drug money funds criminal gangs who are responsible for many of the violent crimes. The money you could save on policing could be spent on treating addicts. That doesn’t include the benefits of undercutting narcotics production in countries like Afghanistan and Colombia.

[@wewhofly]

Good response. I was only playing with your word use 👍@@shaneintheuk2026

[@reginaldamoah8608]

The Tories cowtail to their right fringe whereas Labour seek to purge their left fringe. So the country moves further to the right. Also the media court the right more. They made the likes of Farrage one of the most influencial politicians in the country, along with JRM and kept us on first name terms with you know who. I think we need a credible left winger to bring some balance to the force.

[@iangascoigne8231]

Unfortunately for you the people won’t vote for the Left fringe. Though when the left were in power in the Labour Party, the tried to purge the right. That’s politics.

[@hamsterminator]

The point made in this very video was that the tories are moving back to the centre and that Labour only shifted back after disastrous years under Corbyn where the party splintered and opened the door wide open to Boris. Farage is if anything a product of the electorate rebelling against what it perceived as left wing main stream politics and it created UKIP.

[@DJWESG1]

Ready when the country is.

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@DJWESG1 Unfortunately the country isn’t ready. It may be possible if Labour had the right leader, people may be more ready to vote that way.

[@0w784g]

Nonsense. The right has been utterly purged from the Tory front bench. The far-left had control of the Labour front bench for a very long time comparatively.

[@brendanlea3605]

Its easy to understand why Ireland and Spain are the most supportive of the Palastinians! Both have been in similar situations. The Irish under the English and Spain under the Fascists.

[@jimg6458]

I thought a great point that was maybe overlooked, was the story Alastair told about the show of hands from ‘business people’ in Ireland. A few seconds before both Rory and Alastair were waxing lyrical about what a success the South’s transition has been, and then they return to noting that business people were unhappy about the PM’s recent views. That in a nutshell is why it’s working over there - the politicians are doing what is right, rather than what is in the interest of the business people (rich donators). I understand that these people will bring in business that support the economy but this acceptance that all of their demands and views should be met in return for their investment, is what everyone is so sick of. It’s exactly why Trump is so popular in the States, because he doesn’t rely on the money to run for office… unfortunately he brings all his own circus and corruption which defeats the purpose. The point remains though, if you want your finger on the pulse, get a show of hands from the people on the street who actually experience the outcome of political decisions. Love this podcast 👍

[@22BAANA22]

Yes, and it's so funny being just a regular Irish person listening to this! I don't know anyone who's seriously upset with the president and nobody cares about what business people think here imo.

[@jimg6458]

@@22BAANA22 😂😂 I was a bit the same when they were talking about Scotland. I’m glad to hear that though 😅

[@BigHenFor]

Trump doesn't rely on the money? How naive? Trump does rely on his brand to inflate the price of his assets and to get financing. It's all about the money. The rest is just impression management.

[@jimg6458]

@@BigHenFor I mean he doesn’t rely on the money of donors so he isn’t held over a barrel for donations. It’s how he won first time around - based his entire campaign on the fact he would make decisions people wanted rather than making decisions that benefited the donors who really control the system.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

Scotland is an independent nation in a voluntary trade and political union with England.

[@timmy3822]

Im a firm believer in UBI, but I’d be lying if I claimed to be knowledgeable on all its aspects and even potential shortcomings. A special episode on it would be very welcome. I definitely think with an uncertain future regarding the rise of AI, in ways that many may not yet fully comprehend there has to be a discussion around wealth and income. It’s time we looked at people as people, giving them the space in their life to grow personally and not just in a work sense. I’m tired of people working their entire lives just to survive in many cases without the luxury of excess income for hobbies or exploration of interests. People have more to offer the world than pure economic output for an exploitative capitalist system.

[@PostingCringeOnMain]

I don't think it's that the maths doesn't add up - even very conservative economists support it (See: Milton Friedman - "Negative Income Tax") but selling it politically is almost impossible because no one wants to vote to give everyone "free money for doing nothing". Heck, we can't even get the country to vote for very slightly higher taxes to improve public services, which has the simplest cost/benefit analysis imaginable. We couldn't convince the country not to impose sanctions on it's self or recognise the benefit of frictionless trade with our closest neighbour... we're a long way off getting people to understand how UBI would help everyone and not just lazy feckless work shy immigrants who claim sign on while taking all of the jobs, or whatever the daily mail crowd are moaning about today.

[@trevfindley]

​@@PostingCringeOnMainI agree with this, and I like the concept of ubi, but one thing I've never heard much debate on is the inflationary potential it has. If it was introduced nationwide tomorrow, with the current state of the private rental market, wouldn't we just see rents rise almost overnight to a level that shifts the entire allowance directly into the pockets of landlords, and negates the benefits for people who aren't homeowners? How could this be prevented? Rent controls? I do feel that this would be a significant problem that would need to be addressed...

[@alecmiddleton1842]

@@PostingCringeOnMain I feel the tide of public sentiment against "benefit scroungers" has fallen from its height when Austerity was introduced. The sentiment is still there and always will be. Benefit scroungers were abstract strangers in 2010. Now more people have experienced the DWP being utter ***ts directly to themselves or to their daughters, fathers, grandsons, friends etc. They know those people close to them and don't believe they are idle scroungers and believe those people deserve support, not punishment.

[@alecmiddleton1842]

@@trevfindley While I was part of the UBI campaign, I rarely shut up about the inflationary risk. Every shopkeeper and landlord would know more people would have more money and would try to adjust their pricing accordingly. Approaches and solutions were discussed.

[@trevfindley]

@@alecmiddleton1842 Would you possibly be able to direct me towards a website, video or other resource where some of these approaches are outlined? Although i must confess that i've not deeply researched ubi, i've only ever come across oblique acknowledgements that inflation is a concern, that never seem to get fleshed out... I can't help wondering if these solutions could end up being more offensive to the 'free market' crowd then the idea of ubi itself. In the same vein tho - I also wonder if the thinking behind these solutions could yield policy ideas that are useful to society irrespective of ubi...

[@derollo3]

You should try doing an interview with Michal Šimecka, he is leading a political party called Progressive Slovakia that was very close to effectively making a new liberal government in Slovakia. He also has a lot of history with the UK, I think interviews with politicians from central and eastern Europe could be interesting and add a lots of new perspective to everyone.

[@JimWall]

I'm not sure if the trial is still running but, the Welsh government was/is running a UBI trial with those leaving care.

[@TheHairyKarl]

Get Gary Stevenson on! 💯✊🏻

[@lesleyegg]

This is a really good episode; especially enjoyed the analysis after the Dutch stuff.

[@BlueInk912]

14:30 i would LOVE to hear Rory & Mary Beard's discussion!

[@CloudhoundCoUk]

The finance industry is largely staffed by privately educated people. They are taught the rules do not apply to them.

[@Plumduff3303]

Brilliant show thankyou

[@dunphyc3]

The traditional core support of Sinn Fein in the South is very very small. They are now the largest party in the state but almost none of that support is because of their stance on Northern Ireland which is pretty much a non issue for the electorate (much less than many in the UK assume it is). The problem is the politicians themselves are very different so the people need to be very careful what they are voting for.

[@JelMain]

And need someone worth voting for.

[@seymourclearly]

Someone needs to look into where sinn fein's money has come from, they are a wealthy party

[@JelMain]

@@seymourclearly Ireland's a wealthy tax-refuge.

[@docastrov9013]

Bye bye West Brits. Your time has gone.

[@Runboyrun89]

@@docastrov9013good man. You think this is going to convince the Castle Catholics and Protestants (who you need) for a UI. A lot of SFers are going to be quite perplexed when they wake up the day after the election and the tri colour waving to realise there is still no UI, and that their presence is an active impediment to it happening.

[@Samafterhours]

I'm not an Irish but I also do believe Britain has no right to exist on any of the Island of Ireland. I thought this was a given for any fair commentator,Rory!

[@georgemayo7383]

I always believe that, the torie party, is always controlled by some wealthy people with a lot of influence.

[@peace-now]

As usual, an informative and even handed discussion.

[@gillscorner794]

Alistair made very little attempt to hide his predjudices on Ireland and Israel - very lazy thinking. I would expect his show of hands shows more about the people he has dinner with than the reality in Ireland

[@foreignofficeclub5815]

Completely disagree with your unionist view of Scottish independence but respect your opinions

[@TheTravellingFrog]

From Toronto in Canada, I was fascinated at your desire to tackle UBI. The Senate in Canada have reached the ‘consideration’ stage of Bill C233 which is an act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. I’d like you to tackle both. As you know I’m sure, both are quite different. I’d like you to tackle both. Personally I’m all for a GBI as then the money though underpinning everyone, will benefit specifically those below the poverty line and pull them out of poverty.

[@jons9721]

Normal people simply don't join political parties. Whether its leftie students or racist right wing pensioners. If you select party leaders from membership you have a high chance of getting extremism. Politics parties are not democracies, they exist to win power in them. In the same way the military isn't a democracy but is in charge of defending it

[@sb8163]

The arrogance of Rory Stewart to lecture the Irish people on forgetting their own history. Does he remember who killed the first Protestant, the first Catholic, the first British soldier (20yr old Hugh McCabe), the first RUC member, the first child, who planted the first bombs.. we do and we haven't forgotten, unlike Stewart who never knew any of it in the first place He needs to go look it up and at least try to inform himself, as far as he could comprehend from within the confines of his cossetted bubble of academia about a situation he has zero experience of Oh btw, this week is the anniversary of Bloody Sunday 1920: when British forces indiscriminately opened fire on players and spectators at a football match in Dublin murdering 14 civilians in cold blood, including an 11yr old boy William Robinson from Little Britain Street who had climbed a tree to watch the match over a wall. It was a reprisal attack carried out on unarmed Dublin citizens for the murders of British officers by the IRA The Irish people know more history than Rory Stewart's ignorance of the extent of his own ignorance will ever allow him to realise

[@dinty66]

Never forget the 4th P which was much quoted in 2020 after our last election , Pure Pragmatism & an ambition to get the job done !!

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Very interesting discussion thanks

[@runthomas]

i think rory is excellent ...there were various aspects of this conversation which where alastair mentioned something i was unfamiliar with ...and rory picked up on all of them and politely explained for those who didnt know what alastair was ranting on about. this shows that rory is in touch with his audience, whereas alastair isnt

[@JelMain]

Time to explain Johnny Mercer's headache. In 1977, his Intelligence asset, Robert Nairac, handled an approach from the Regular IRA. It went straight to the Fred Mulley, the Labour Defence Minister, who had a fit, and did a Henry I on Bob - with the result that rather than the altar at Canterbury, the Provisionals chose a pig farm. I was then offered his job, but being as good as they thought, I checked, and got the full blast of the Regular IRA's fury - that caused the split from the Provos, and the Sinn Fein midground. My dad was on more Select Committees than I care to name, as a co-opted specialist adviser, and so sounded out the House, there was no path forwards. 20 years and 1600 deaths later, much the same offer produced the Stormont Agreement. It was an experience which definitely coloured a similar initiative Rory knows of, stabilising the Indus, and in some ways illustrates the current exodus in the area.

[@docastrov9013]

Seeing as Johnny Mercer wasn't born until 1981...🙄

[@lastspud7030]

😊come on Rory if Cameron can weasel his way back into politics, you as one of the good ones should come back.

[@thfab4831]

The Dutch hold Pieter Omtzigt in high esteem because he helped bring to light a big benefits scandal; lots of single mothers (mostly from immigrant background) had to pay back benefits which they were entitled to. So he is seen as a uniquely moral politician. His big platform is to reform the dutch democracy (one of the reforms he proposes is to go to a german system of a mix of regional and proportional representation). Besides that he is centre left on economic issues, centre right on social issues and a bit of a euroskeptic, so practically the exact opposite of Macron.

[@qeitkas594]

He will get less than 20% of the votes to put things in perspective. So do not speak for all the Dutch when you say they hold him in high esteem. Many do not and I agree with Rory that he is a huge risk for blowing up the political system. Anyhow he won't last long because you cannot be the unique moral politician every year and besides that he is known for being very difficult to work with.

[@XavierJAlexander]

Re: Ireland, heaven forbid a leader take a morally consistent position rather than resort to liberal fence sitting platitudes eh?!

[@dinty66]

Ya's are bringing back home today Lads !!!

[@larrygerry985]

Northern Ireland is simple demographics and economics. There will be an inflection point when the Catholic diaspora will become the majourity and a significant minority of Protestants will think about their childrens economic futures and call for a untied Ireland.

[@mikedon5205]

You missed the point though The big elephant in the room regarding a united Ireland is that people think they only have to get a majority vote for a united Ireland in the North however I wonder if people in the south are told certain sacrifices have to be made if a united Ireland vote might fail in the south

[@Runboyrun89]

Have a look at the recent census. The demographics have already swung with not enough movement on the UI point. People keep saying this but miss that this was a relevant point 20 years ago. The time for taking advantage of it was now. Instead SF denigrated the south and inserted themselves as the keepers of the UI flame.

[@NMY232]

​@@mikedon5205Here in the Republic outside of Dublin dinner parties the people will support a United Ireland. It's widely popular but not discussed often because "it's up to them" (in the north) first. However, the details will matter. People will want to know what they're taking on. The finer points regarding flags, anthems, parliaments etc should really be hammered out in advance of a vote.

[@FoobsTon]

You've clearly never been there.

[@newgrangetours3219]

I just love this

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks so much

[@ToastieBRRRN]

The only time Women became "Emperors" of Rome was during Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). For example: Irene of Athens; the untimely death of her husband caused the throne to actually fall to her. Well initially as regent of child Emperor Constantine VI, then co-empress, then finally Empresses regnant. The only other time was through popularity of the Macedonian dynasty sisters - Zoe and Theodora. All very interesting individuals.

[@dylanschulz9118]

True, but I think it is more interesting than that because there were women who had enormous influence over politics and sometimes arguably more than the emperor

[@ToastieBRRRN]

@@dylanschulz9118 Indeed, my favourite is Julia Maesa, who wielded a lot of influence during Severan dynasty of Emperors.

[@keithstannard2872]

Loved this podcast (as always). PLEEEEEASE do the special on UBI! It is so difficult to find grown-up conversation about this subject which I always thought could solve so many of our problems but even more so now that AI looms on the horizon. We need you to do this!

[@michaelolver7684]

Don't see how it can work with uncontrolled mass immigration though. Surely it'll just be a drain on us. Expected numbers for the coming years are 600-800k legal immigrants per year, plus you can add 50k illegal that we know about. Surely a UBI would just bankrupt us more than we already are? It's known the majority of incomers are low skill and already a net drain not benefit...

[@RobbieMeadows-oz4cx]

People in tents are the new scum . Immigrants went out of fashion

[@KevinThomas-kxtphotography]

Sunak's management style is like a Kite, he shifts to which every wind is blowing, like the Boats Suella called him out on it, drop everything else and now we are going for it 110% casting everything to the side, ECHR do away with it it's in the way of Rwanda. Everything is pointing at the Boats and yet we had over 500,000 people enter the Uk last year via the legal route with the Government holding out the welcome hand. Wake up people we are being Mushroomed by the Tories.

[@crunchynutters469]

Looking at choosing of party leaders: I think the Tory party (as a member myself) should reverse the way they choose. They should let the members choose 2 final candidates from a preselected, say 6 selected by the 1922. Once the last 2 have been selected by the members, the Tory MPs should select

[@chriswilde6674]

I was very pleased that you recommended Gary Stevenson's book which I will definitely be reading. I believe he would be a very interesting guest on your podcast.

[@Trisha-qi3em]

The problem with Britain's government is that too many do not know how to Serve the people. They serve themselves.

[@guybrushthreepwood9071]

Omtzigt is mostly popular because he is anti-populist and thinks politics are broken because of populists preaching short-term solutions. Also he argues that neoliberal policies have taken the human element out of government institutions and these institutions should focus on working for the people instead of distrusting people that need help by seeing them as leeches that want to take advantage of the system. So in short: giving trust to gain trust and accept that solving systemic issues will take time.

[@58deluxe8]

I'd love to see Paul Keating on your show. You should reach out to him Alastair.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

Our steady decline from being a democracy. I've noticed a heavy obvious use of identity politics. So someone will pick on some topic widely popular so people like them, then rely on the human weakness to assume TRUE what you hear from someone you like and assume FALSE what you hear from others. So that wedge then builds someone who believes everything you say without independent thinking. Polarisation works when you wrap a big lie around a small truth.

[@barbaraharbinson2403]

Brilliant ❤

[@SylviaPhilpot-c3m]

It would be good to explain (Rory, one of your explainers) the accepted difference between right wing, centre right, centré centre left and left wing. I sometimes think I’ve grasped this, but sometimes, things seem contradictory

[@wewhofly]

It's a game politics uses. You can be any number of those titles in one Individual. Party politics only works by coaxing you into thinking you can't. Whole humans are very complex. Be passionate in your beliefs but allow them to be as diverse as they want to be. Don't be politically pigeonholed.

[@lesleyegg]

It's confusing that Liberal has so many meanings. Perhaps every time someone says 'liberal' they should explain what they mean in the context.

[@lilscottieme]

I’m definitely a big supporter on the principle of UBI. However it could only really be introduced in the context of a bigger re-structure of our society at the same time.

[@subcon959]

Really looking forward to the UBI discussion.

[@alecmiddleton1842]

You can't have a UBI that works as a stand-alone policy. You have to reform tax, finance and housing policy (at least) to prepare the ground for it to be successful. It will not work if you only introduce it as a substitute for current welfare and benefits policies.

[@JHayler7]

I imagine Andres Yang would be intersting to have on regarding UBI and his attempts to push it into the mainstream

[@margaretmcnamee6411]

Ireland had a long history of colonial occupation and all that implied for their people. That is why they have sympathy for the Palestinians.

[@catherineromanik956]

It would be nice if the book covers stayed a bit longer on screen. Thx.

[@paulstix1]

Very interesting and engaging. Thanks 🙏

[@redrev674]

The question is where the political centre in the U.K. is? I don’t think it is a static thing.

[@Jyiy686]

Please get Gary Stevenson on for an interview!

[@RobbieMeadows-oz4cx]

I'm on benefits. By the time I've bought me 20 cigs a day I don't have much cash left to feed my family. It's a disgrace. I can't work because I am seriously depressed 😞

[@Lucia-pd6fi]

I am currently politically orphan, but I would have voted for Rory without question.

[@Trisha-qi3em]

I would really like to hear you both discuss the catastrophic killing in Gaza...NO politics, just from decent human ideals.

[@alecmiddleton1842]

I was an active campaigner for UBI years ago, until work and life got in the way. I have messaged some UBI campaigners via LinkedIn so hopefully someone who knows a bit about the campaign will contact the podcast and become the guest you want. A Midlander with the initials BK would be a good guest. BK is knowledgeable, has appeared in a HoC Commitee on this issue and handles the media spotlight well.

[@TinaButcher-r6m]

Is there any kind of group campaigning for it?

[@alecmiddleton1842]

@@TinaButcher-r6m Have a search, there are probably plenty around the world, not just the UK. It's probably 10 years since I was involved so my own knowledge is dated. I was quite the "campaigning lefty" at that time and had my fingers in a few pies - mostly disability campaigns. Some campaigners/campaigns are more welcoming and effective than others. That's something you'll have to discover for yourself.

[@alecmiddleton1842]

@@TinaButcher-r6m Labour Party, Lib-Dem Party and Green Party all have sub-groups supportive of UBI. Don't know about the Conservatives - feel it's unlikely - but there is support for UBI on the right, probably amongst the fringe Libertarian Parties. Milton Friedman, hero of the Thatcherites, was a supporter of UBI. Partly because it is anti-bureaucratic. On the right, (from my ageing memory) they favour the tax-man paying out a UBI 'Prefund'. Everybody starts paying tax in again once they pass an earnings threshold. So you could join a party close to your own politics to help make UBI happen. Being ex-Labour and knowing active Greens, there are pros and cons to party membership as a vehicle for getting the changes you want.

[@alecmiddleton1842]

@@TinaButcher-r6m This page rings bells about my personal involvement with UBI basicincome(DOT)org(DOT)uk Replace the (DOT) with a . for the link to work.

[@billybhoy32]

Rory, The Good Friday Agreement was about moving forward democratically. SF are a democratic party. FG and FF also have a bloody past.

[@mikeashton4864]

I've recently become a regular listener and wonder if you think yanis variofakis would be an interesting guest? Unless you have interviewed him already? Thoroughly enjoy your discussion.......

[@DeputyChiefWhip]

Cant wait for Gary Stevenson's book

[@frances7243]

You finished today's chat with a mild comment about the amount of time you now spend doing the show (which really a must for me) but if it all became too much who might you suggest for Rory II and/or Alastair II? No rift between you two intended.

[@pastyman001]

If Scotland separated, what would be the priorities of the new government? Strugglng to pay all the debts and bills without support from the UK

[@museholic7000]

It would be building all the infrastructure that the Westminster gov has deprived them of.

[@Soul_of_a_Robot]

​@@museholic7000what with though? Until it happens, you don't know what's left to spend Also, Scotland did well from the Empire. Their global interests are a direct result of the union. They really ought to stop crying and just ride it out like the rest of us instead of potentially ruining their economy absolutely. They aren't even gauranteed to get in the EU

[@bonariablackie4047]

What is important about an independent Scotland is that they are not anti England. What they want is full control of their budget without Westminster holding the purse strings, and the ability to make and set their own laws without having to go to Westminster for permission. If Scottish students want to go to Cambridge University, the Scots don't have a problem with that. The ISSUE for Scottish people is that Westminster is 700 miles away, Westminster shows nothing but contempt for the Scots and always have and , the Scots have had to put up with people like Braverman and Reese Mogg, that they did not vote for, and they do not want to be ruled by Westminster. It's really that simple. So an Independent Scotland would not mean barriers set up to prevent English people going to Scotland or Scottish people going to England. It is being able to have full political control of their country, which is their democratic right. It is clear to Scottish people that they do not have any say, they are entitled to another referendum on independence, because Aliistair Darling told them that if they left the UK, they would have to leave the EU. Then, what happened two years later? Scotland voted remain and was entirely ignored, and was taken out of the EU against their will by Westminster.

[@Mute040404]

Don't take it personally, the ruling elite on both sides of the border have contempt for most people, even those that voted them in

[@JM-kr1tj]

Nowhere in mainland Scotland is 700 miles from Westminster. Even the Orkneys aren't 700 miles from Westminster. The Shetlands are, but the Shetlands are also 340 miles from Edinburgh - only slightly closer than Edinburgh is from London - and have very different issues to the Central Belt.

[@FoobsTon]

Give it a rest. Scotland voted to remain in the UK and share sovereignty. That was it. Period. That's all it said on the ballot. Accept it. Everything you've written is just personal projection.

[@stuartgraca]

I think the answer to why the far right gets preferential sway , is in Rirys comments on how to be a better politician, to live for a time in a third world economy and do not surround yourself with echo chamber friends. I am not in politics but tgese principles have kept me generally more considerate and with more humility, a feature missing in so much of politics and finance.

[@TinaButcher-r6m]

The far right have always been good at evoking visceral fears and offering up scapegoats, Jews, the poor, immigrants, communists, socialists, benefit receivers, the disabled, the 'lazy'.

[@margaretknox2301]

The UK government need to have Scotland as a fully functioning part of UKand not constantly ignore it and I am a unionist!

[@gloriahbs]

Brilliant - first time tuning in. 80 years old & it will be the first time at the election that I will not vote conservative. I don’t trust the Rt wing group at all. Gun.

[@phoenixreborn6065]

Shows how weak the Conservative Party is if only 30 of them are even slightly right wing on some issues. What is the point of the rest of them!? To twiddle their fingers and do nothing?

[@sb8163]

Re. Rory's attempt to compare Palestine with Northern Ireland: the partition of Ireland created Northern Ireland as a one-party sectarian state where Irish people in their own homeland were discriminated against after a border was drawn through their country splitting communities who had lived together for generations without any consultation with the people. It was gerrymandered to turn a religious minority on the island into a majority to give Protestants an electoral supremacy Contrary to Rory's narrative: the 'victim' card - that the IRA wanted to destroy the NI govt - the violence of the troubles was stared by the Loyalists, not by the IRA. It was in response to the Civil Rights movement whose marches were attacked, and fueled by the inflammatory rhetoric of DUP founder Rev Ian Paisley who started a riot over a flag in 1964. The provisional IRA wasn't formed until 1969 Then Rory goes on to admire Ireland's success under FF and FG, two parties who formed from a split in the IRA! This year they attended a commemoration of the Ballyseedy Massacre, an atrocity in which men from the side which is now FG tied nine men from the side which is now FF to a landmine and blew them to pieces. Among all the body parts they failed to notice one man, Stephen Fuller, had been blown clear and survived. He went on to become a FF politician and died in 1984

[@bernardh9994]

The conversation is great, but could you please improve lighting? Thanks.

[@docastrov9013]

I think it is a fake background to make it look like they are in the same place.

[@markashdown1314]

Are the Shinners similar to Hamas?

[@NMY232]

More like the PLO perhaps