The Underrated Political Performers of 2023

[@petejohnson8590]

Rory, come on, you are needed, a real M.P. A decent one A true full , A M.P. That is truly likable, use your considerable talents, give us hope. 👍👍👍

[@stevewatkinson4593]

Be good to see Rory in the Labour Party

[@lublondon]

Always a great pleasure to listen to civilised and smart conversation. Thank you to both of you !

[@DarkFire515]

I’d like to see Rory become a minister. He’s a conservative yes but also unquestionably a man of principle and purpose. Such people are needed now more than ever.

[@grahamhilldrup1256]

I’m not a Conservative but I would also like to see him as a Minister.

[@PaulChapman1bz]

The system is broken and politicians will not fix it. It's completely naive to think otherwise.

[@sharronwood4486]

Also not a conservative but would like to see him as Prime Minister

[@davidhamilton7020]

I'd like Rory to explain how he was given a 2 part BBC series in 2014 where he was given free reign to make up fake history about the relationship between Scotland & England when he was not a qualified or recognised historian. Rory the Tory is embedded in the British states security services...as was his father. He's just another British nationalist player.....full of shite.

[@simoningate2056]

Probably a bit late for him to be selected - he would make a great minister irrespective of the party - maybe Labour should entice him.

[@Hulin-0]

I would like to say that after having almost entirely given up on our political class The Rest is Politics has been at the centre of my rehabilitation; although there is still along way to go and there is no garrantee as to how far I will get. So please do not underestimate the importance of your contribution (Mr Stewart) for ordinary people like myself who are not burdened by the responsibility of party politics it is absolutely vital. Have a very happy new year and thank you too both of you.

[@philipmulville8218]

Hands down the best political podcast currently available.

[@arcoffice5778]

Totally agree. Even if my chosen political party is far removed from any colour of Tory. Always liked AC & acknowledge the experience Rory has in International Affairs. Thing is, they don’t appear to “get” Welsh, Scottish democracy

[@VaucluseVanguard]

So a mass murderer of brown people talks to a man who still believes in ‘late empire’ white man’s burden in bringing civilisation to the brown people of the world.

[@Logic78600]

My favorite podcast of 2023 Thank you for this Rory and Alister

[@michaelgray7847]

Alister Campbell, along with Tony Blair should be behind bars .

[@reginaldamoah8608]

Thought provoking and encouraging to see that two people from different political backgrounds can get along.

[@StratsRUs]

No difference

[@patcampton7163]

They areng that different.

[@kesart8378]

Rory and Alistair, the 'dream team' of political analysis done with great charm, warmth and wit.

[@UTubeSL]

Totally agree

[@michaelgray7847]

You're clearly very deluded.

[@clear-vision]

Top podcast from top analysts, Rory is incredibly articulate and so knowlegdeable. Wonderful program.

[@jimbim4405]

As an event producer, I had to organise an event a few years ago at which the world's leading mayors came together to discuss what they were doing and what their plans were. There were some very heavy hitters (New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo etc) but i was amazed that the standout contribution was from Andy Burnham - what I was NOT expecting!1 Thoughtful, engaged, dedicated. Someone with. a genuine vision based on intelligence rather than tribe, and I left feeling very optimistic about his future. As someone usually of the right, this was a VERY pleasant surprise!!

[@deniseallen1835]

Great part 1, looking forward to part 2! This is fast becoming my favourite podcast of 2023 too... and I agree, it is ESSENTIAL to route out corruption and make it completely unacceptable in politics and government - but not just in of itself, and our position on the international stage, but also because it needs to permeate all areas of life and be a role model for our children as they grow.

[@MRTransportVideos]

I totally agree with the Two Andy's as 'Best Politician 2023' - it was a superb episode, they were both honest, decent and... human, such a refreshing change from 'Government By Slogan'.

[@uncletravellingmatt588]

Totally, I am a Labour voter and member but I work with the WMCA and Andy Street is brilliant. Also, met Andy Burnham and really rate him.

[@MRTransportVideos]

Although I didn't vote for Andy Street, I respect him for what's he's done and is doing because (and he's gone to great pains about this) he's NOT a Conservative politician, he's a businessman who happens to align with Conservative values, and so isn't beholdent to the Party. This makes him far more independent and, as a consequence, willing to engage across the political spectrum.

[@Claymore5]

Brilliant work as usual gentlemen. Intelligent informed debate is a commodity in short supply in politics - but you have an abundance of it.

[@SpennoDJ]

i introduced my mum to the podcast a few weeks ago, and she was a new labour voter during the Blair years. She got excited and bought me 4 of Alastair's books for Christmas

[@Wob-rt1sc]

😂

[@richardcoppack5357]

Delighted with the success of both these guys. I hope both will re enter politics. If their type prevails, we should have no concerns about the future of our country

[@Simon-zb6fp]

If ever there was a pitch to serve in the next Labour Government Rory you have made a good one

[@jk12114]

Yes , in place of zionists like starmmer !

[@tatata1543]

Have a look at his voting record, he is as big an arsehole as any of them. The sad thing is you’re right, he would fit right in to the current Labour Party. That’s how stuffed we are.

[@juliehannam5226]

Another interesting summation of 2023 thanks for the gift of your Podcast for us all wishing you both a Peace love filled New Year X

[@kesart8378]

I do so much enjoy the affectionate, mutually respectful and reciprocally admiring relationship between these two quite honourable, erudite gentlemen.

[@vincentho3792]

I always appreciate Rory interrupting Alistair to explain things to us international audiences. I was honestly baffled about the 'salmon problem' and 'sturgeon arrests' :)

[@CloudhoundCoUk]

Spooks at work..

[@kville5796]

​@@CloudhoundCoUk😊

[@philipmulville8218]

Yes, his clarification that it wasn’t about fish had me laughing out loud. What a pleasure to listen to.

[@kesart8378]

It shouldn't require a brain sturgeon or rocket scientist to figure out such stuff.

[@philipmulville8218]

@@kesart8378😂

[@neilfeder4625]

Got Rory's book for Christmas off a mate. Fantastic so far. Brilliant podcast.

[@jennywrig]

So very civilised, informative and almost heartwarming to hear two politicians discuss and analyse the world so honestly. I'm surprised and sorry Rory Stewart got such backlash over his remarks about joining a labour cabinet. His inclusion would be of major benefit to the labour party.

[@MsTravelady]

Sarwar was the reason I left the Labour Party. He is as big a liar as they come. Zero integrity.

[@Heather-zk5eu]

Yes! And Scotland voting Labour or not makes no difference. We get the government England votes for.

[@edvigq]

Thank you so much for this utterly neccesary hope generation system you have created. "The Underrated Political Performers of 2023" If I were voting you'd both be on the list. A Happier New Year to all of us

[@kimholder]

2024 is a scary, scary year. So much has to go right, the future is so dark if it doesn't, and even if it all does, the right path forward is so hard to see, much less walk. The call to stand for honesty and integrity really strikes a chord in me. But what to do about the media? What do you do when spin dominates the news room? How can a system stand up when a tidal wave of deep fakes piles onto that?

[@R08Tam]

Looking forward to Part 2

[@MalKyle1]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our political system worked as smoothly as this podcast? Thank you gentlemen, you are compulsive viewing.

[@billparsons2702]

You are both providing valuable service simply by demonstrating that political discussion can be conducted in a civil manner. I have a request though. My youthful political understanding was given a great push by the late great Brian Walden and his 'Weekend World' format. You are the guys who could bring it back.

[@rhobatbrynjones7374]

Sarwar was certainly a fresh Labour voice who had no problem being both Scottish and Labour. However Starmer has made it clear that Sarwar will have to toe the English Labour line.

[@Heather-zk5eu]

Labour in Scotland are finished until they are independent from Westminster.

[@alexlizannabelbarrett4895]

Have you two thought about hosting a television programme on a General Election night? It would be quite refreshing.

[@enawilson3210]

Set this idea in motion .l am loving these podcast ❤❤

[@mtb5778]

Harriet Harmon is an excellent individual. Integrity is the key word. A politician you can trust. Can you trust any Tory MP? Maybe Ben Wallace is one that comes to mind. My impression is most Tory MPs are in politics to help themselves more than help their constituents. Many Labour MPs moving down that path. Kwasi Kwarteng was shown to have no moral compass.

[@gordonjameskerr]

The discussion on reviving the labour party in Scotland was interesting but Rory's comments on SNP were a little naive. The targetting of Nicola Sturgeon was always on the cards when Westminster realised she consitently made them look foolish and incompetent/

[@kevinmcarthur1690]

Good New Year when it comes ... this has to be one of the most informative and refreshing political ' things' on you tube , well done guys

[@27freetime]

Great show. Good to hear committed and honest politicians getting real for a change

[@jimcorridan7245]

Brilliant paring,you restore some faith❤

[@joeDi1960]

Thank you for listening to the Labour Party Political Broadcast

[@JC-KeepSmiling]

Nice to hear talk of public officers from all over the political spectrum actually doing good things. Makes a change from the majority of you tube content that just seeks to attack or destroy.

[@ciarangrennan]

We need a proper look into the influence of social media and how it has been the single most effective tool of political influence ever seen and is largely left unchecked

[@scottmcginn2169]

If a UKIP person is telling you you are not a real conservative then you know you are a real conservative

[@grahamwalker2312]

Thank you both for another sterling video. Question which I ask is if Biden steps aside - and i agree he should - who is waiting in the wings to replace both him and the current VP.

[@dli960]

Great episode guys, looking forward to tomorrows part two. I personally would be delighted to see Rory in a labour cabinet - can’t see how the addition of such a well reasoned and experienced politician would be be bad for anyone 🤷

[@MRTransportVideos]

Certainly repriesing the International Development role, minimum.

[@edwardwilliamson1]

As we had 'best speech', there should also have been a 'worst speech'. I would nominate Mordaunt's speech to Tory conference, or Rishi's speech referencing made-up climate laws that we would 'reverse'

[@lsb9073]

Secretary of State for Justice? Please, inform me, who is ultimately responsible (ie able to do something about it) for imprisoning peaceful protesters for merely holding a placard or wearing a yellow vest? Who is over-seeing the early release or non-custodial sentencing of real criminals in order to make room for these protesters? Who oversees the FIVE YEAR sentencing of climate protesters just for scaling a bridge? If this Secretary of State is responsible for enabling short sentencing for actions of criminality (a debateable subject indeed) he has deemed sufficiently insignificant, then DO something about the draconian measures being taken against "public nuisance".

[@outsidestuff5283]

I agree that Anas Sarwar is outstanding as the leader of Scottish Labour. I'm generally not a labour voter but it would be nice to see Scotland become less of a one party state because the SNP have been too comfy for too long and have gotten stale.

[@valeriebrown6079]

But it would be nicer if the Scottish Labour Party were really Scottish and not just the branch office of the UK party.

[@Heather-zk5eu]

If you want independence vote for an independence party. If you want to be controlled by Westminster vote Labour or Tory. There you go!

[@Heather-zk5eu]

Let me know when Anas was ‘outstanding’ cause I missed that bit!

[@realJPRC]

“These are not fish references” lol brilliant

[@mikenorgrove2795]

What an attractive prospect an ethical and serious government of all the talents would be

[@lou-muaythaitipsandbreakdo2821]

Alex Chalk is my local MP! I did some work experience with him after finishing sixth form, and he was very lovely

[@weswheel4834]

"Johnson's dishonesty (if left unchecked) would have contaminated the whole of government, allowing misleading to become commonplace..." Phew, good job that didn't happen.

[@weswheel4834]

Weirdly though, after quoting this, Alastair later said that it has become commonplace for "people to stand up in Parliament and say things that aren't true, and no one seems to bat an eyelid anymore".

[@terryhand]

British politics might not be perfect, but if you want to see how bad it could be, look across the Atlantic.

[@weswheel4834]

@@terryhand I know. And there's a weird comparison where Johnson only got ousted because enough Tory MPs were willing to vote against him (because it would have looked bad otherwise), and Trump only survive(s/d) because Republicans wouldn't vote against him.

[@gmart225]

Best politics podcast in the UK.

[@geekexmachina]

I actually like this idea of coming to politics from tje civil service rather than party aliances it make a person able to consider other positions without being strapped to tne mast. I wonder whether having a cabinet of employees on a high salary but a contract that can be terminated with a short notice period and little severance for underperformance would work. Where the mandates and descisions and law making still resides in the parliament but the delivery and how to go about it resides in the cabinet, thay way we can have people running things who actually know how the machine works.

[@tompearce3610]

I wish we could ask Rory whether he is aware that existing, NHS approved PPE suppliers could supply quicker and cheaper than any of the VIP lane. I can't decide whether he is doggedly defending (Tory) corruption to defend the party, regardless of the mortality or whether he really is so incredibly uninformed.

[@Elizabeth-qi5fx]

Rory. I think you’re marvellous and understand your reasons for being a Tory as I have watched you in interview many times. I wish you would come over to the light 😉 of course I do. However, you represent a Conservative who other conservatives can aspire to become. Being a role model is a thankless task I’m afraid. Still as a Socialist I am reassured by your presence as you represent the best of Tory politics. ( That is hard for me to say tbh and you are one of a small number) As for colleagues who felt you were treacherous for making your comment, perhaps they need to look within and reflect on the treachery that many of the British people feel the Tories have committed on them with their divisive and cruel policies. I enjoy your podcasts so much - both of you. How good it is to listen to people who understand politics in a wider context of history, geography and personal experience and are articulate and thoughtful. Thank you. As a lefty I have few places I can go to hear reasoned debate.

[@paulinegibson7010]

Harriet Harman should have been the Labour Party’s first female leader.

[@christontrigwell5240]

My favourite podcast of all time absolute love it thanks rory and Alastair happy new year chaps

[@Graham48]

One of the few positives that flow from the current world threats to democracy is that it forces a stark reappraisal of one’s armoury of resistance. They touched upon the degradation of standards in political life. They suggested that Starmer should make that a point in his ‘offering’ but, I thought, fluffed the reason. Be good because being good is good. Circular. I think that corruption is inefficient because policy is subsumed by opportunist criminality. The best reason for honesty and integrity in public life is that it is efficient. Decency enables politicians and public servants to concentrate on policy. That is efficient. Morals and practical progress and achievements go hand in hand.

[@williamjmccartan8879]

An unwillingness to take responsibility for one's actions as with Boris, can become a cancer within government or any organization for that matter, so yes keep shining a light on it.

[@stephenconway2468]

Just finished listening to this, as I emptied and re-filled the dishwasher which is my last job of the day. I just wanted to say "thanks". I would be interested in your analysis of what is left and what is right wing in the UK. I ask because, like most, I find myself on different sides of the divide depending on the topic. Deep down, I consider myself to be a pragmatist. I see that the 2 of you are as well. Yet, politics is now on the right wing populist and could so easily be so on the left. Rory, if you look at Prisons the emotional response is revenge and not rehabilitation. The former is populist and not at all practical, the latter makes sense only if the underlying cause is tackled as well. For a lot of people the former is right wing and the latter is left wing or "woke"..when indeed it is realy just practical. How can we steer ourselves away from toxic labelling? There is pretty well no single issue which is not open to nuance and layers of understanding which are miles away from a political viewpoint. Pollution is not a right or left wing issue...and yet it is. Why?

[@davidseaton3121]

It is true that the Scottish Labour Party is experiencing a resurgence at present, I would say that is more to do with a desperation to be rid of the Tory Party from UK government. Alastair often bemoans the extreme right wing press in the UK, however the SNP experience the collective attack of ALL press & the establishment on a daily basis. This must also contribute to the Labour resurgence.

[@nigethesassenach3614]

I’d really like to watch / hear an interview between you guys and Johnny Rotten. He is a man that is genuine and honest, sometimes cuttingly so but such a breath of fresh air. Please invite him on. Nige.

[@coderider3022]

Anas stays away from the Tory v snp fights and doesn’t land blows in Hollyrood. Jury is out on him.

[@SarahStarmer]

"How do we do quick clean, honest, procurement that doesn't tempt people to bend the rules?" best quote from Rory Stewart. It shouldn't be a choice between an honest government that is blocked at every turn and a corrupt government that gets things done. There needs to be a third way.

[@hisdadjames4876]

The position of Foreign Secretary is rarely about left v right politics. Its about shaping Britains relationship with the wider world, sensibly promoting our interests and being an influential and decent member of the global community. Rory is tailor-made for that tough-choices job, given his incredible international knowledge and intrinsic decency, in any government. There would also be great, possibly greater merit in continuing with David Cameron!Starmer has the opportunity to change the way that we govern and part of that is choosing the best people for key jobs regardless of party loyalty AND keeping them there for long enough to achieve something worthwhile. The public would surely applaud him for being serious and statesmanlike and, in worst case, he reserves the right to fire Rory/Cameron or whomever if they are disrespectful of his leadership and overall direction. Im relying on Alastair to sell that idea to him. What a breath of fresh air it would represent. 🙏

[@Wob-rt1sc]

I 100% agree with you.

[@ShaunieDale]

I have to say Rory that I think you were too benevolent over the WhatsApp VIP lane. There were many established suppliers who were not contacted but huge contracts were given to new-born companies with no history and just happened to be created by Tory friends and donors. Companies like Burberry said they were ready to produce face coverings at scale and immediately, all they got was tumbleweed.

[@StratsRUs]

Great point

[@joanormrod4893]

True. My husband met someone who supplied PPE and they contacted the government with no success. Eventually he supplied Italy and managed to supply the local NHS.

[@KokowaSarunoKuniDesu]

Can't see beyond Jamie Raskin as best foreign politician. It helps that as a Rockville, Maryland alumnus and naturalized US citizen I actually voted for him.

[@tommythompson6319]

How do I get to see/listen to the Rest is Politics without always going round the houses to view the episode I want?

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

The video listing (under "videos" on their KZbin homepage) has a search function, for searching their own podcast vids

[@thomasmccafferty8203]

Great discussion, can we not transfer this approach to the ya boo politics in Parliament.

[@daviddevoy5966]

The thing is there is a huge gulf getween Sarwar and Starmer. Interesting to see how that develops.

[@weswheel4834]

Huge gulf on what?

[@daviddevoy5966]

@@weswheel4834 Ceasefire in Gaza. Anas wants one, Starmer says we support the IDF until there is nothing but rubble in the Strip. Bit of an unresolvable difference there I would have said. On social policy Sarwar is well to the left of Starmer, he has to be to compete with the SNP. Things like the two child benefit cap for example. Interested to see how Scots react when they are being sold a Tory lite manifesto as "change".

[@weswheel4834]

@@daviddevoy5966 I saw Anas on Question Time. He was asked to clarify. He said that he wants both sides to stop fighting and for the immediate return of hostages. I think Starmer would go for that as well tbh. Do you have a link to Starmer saying that he wants the IDF to reduce Gaza to rubble?

[@daviddevoy5966]

@@weswheel4834 Still waiting for Starmer to publicly call for a ceasefire. He voted against an SNP motion calling for one. Gaza is already rubble but Starmer keeps insisting Israel "have a right to defend themselves". Against what I have no idea.

[@weswheel4834]

@@daviddevoy5966 Against what? Maybe against the rockets and in an attempt to get the hostages back? I do think that there is a case for the international community to say "If you can't 'defend yourself' in a proportionate way then you need to stop. Now." but that's a different question. And the SNP motion was just political point scoring, it was written in a way designed to stop the Labour front bench from supporting it so that the SNP could then say "We're different from Labour, vote for us!".

[@f1remandg]

Two fingers to merch as a 73 year old stop the rollicks and stay with the real political issues! Charles will not let his mother down! And that’s a hard individual to follow!

[@Conxnut]

These are brilliant.

[@fintamaria2429]

Dear Politicians, You manipulated us emotionally and kept us in hatred and fear. WOW!

[@f1remandg]

I’m going to preempt the end before I’ve listened and having recently read Rory’s book or listened to on audible, I have just listened to the statement about the links the EU want to develop, by linking other communities with other communities! I know it’s a far fetched revelation, that The British would never have actually arrived at, even though they actually did in their actions, however actually linking other people through technology and mechanics to get them to reach and communicate face to face! Wait is it a dream? Yes it Fuxxxxxxx in is to actually b3 able to travel easily to see a loved one, to actually travel to be with someone you love etc, etc, etc, etc, it’s a wonderful concept and where are U.K.? We can’t even get a decent bus service! DG let’s move forward!

[@dwightschrute1914]

It would be great to see Alex Chalk on the podcast, he's a local MP to me and whilst I despise the current and past Tory governments, Alex has been a genuinely great MP for Cheltenham. Please try and get him on here and promote him.

[@haydenclapham8218]

Ben Wallace is massively underappreciated

[@JamesCorbett-d1x]

If Labour win the next General election, Rory should be the foreign secretary. He would smash it, because his knowledge of geopolitics, his empathatic abilities, and his knowledgeable pragmatism would make us more respected by other countries. Foreign policy needs him, regardless of parochial Parliamentariansm.

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

One thread on this podcast is how much one person can do or should try to do. If the whole is a mess (as with congress) decent people can only do so much and might destroy their own health trying - if we try to bring integrity.

[@weswheel4834]

Yeah, really enjoyed that, thanks for the episode/podcast/chat-thing :)

[@sadferret8888]

I hope one day Rory will be Prime Minister, he has integrity and humility, rare in politics.

[@weswheel4834]

He'd be a good PM if (he was an MP and) either: we used PR and needed a compromise candidate, or for some reason we needed a "national unity" government.

[@philhughes3143]

Excellent debate gentlemen. Politics is becoming so divisive at the expense of operating in the best interests of all. Fervently hoping the American schister does not get re-elected

[@AlphaTrion-]

It’s a real shame that Rory has to wrestle with the question of being more involved and useful within UK politics. Party political leanings aside, I would love to see more people of honesty and integrity shaping our country. Just the fact that Rory constantly questions himself on whether he is a “proper politician” should be all the affirmation he needs to step up. Great podcast as always. 😊

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

he was very involved and was turfed out and found the process horrid.

[@blacksusan108]

I enjoyed most of this but was amazed that Trump was deemed worse than Benjamin Netanyahu whose actions are going to reverberate for generations to come.

[@scooby1992]

Another great video Gents .

[@Glasgow_kiss]

Poverty pay sarwar best politician lol. He trips over his own tongue and gets his erse handed to him weekly at first ministers questions. Guys a joke up here.😅😅

[@davesy6969]

The IDF has been using AI since 2021 to generate targets in Gaza. The misuse of AI could be terrifying in the wrong hands and as we are currently seeing, there are plenty of people and governments who would misuse it.

[@l33jcm]

Thanks, guys!

[@Robert-je4rk]

Alastair proudly wearing his Christmas present, a Royal Stewart fleece tartan shirt helping him to save on energy costs but no sign of Rory wearing his Campbell tartan slippers. Too shy to wear them on camera or perhaps they never arrived in the post?😂 Wishing you both a Happy New Year and I very much look forward to The Rest is Politics in 2024.❤

[@harimalik1946]

❤

[@xsdatta]

He isn’t at home, he is joining the conversation from Utah, so he doesn’t have access to his gifts, perhaps?

[@uncletravellingmatt588]

So glad Rory said Nagorno-Karabagh. I visited in 2014 and the country has fascinated me since. Shocking how the world ignored this completely.

[@wolverine6104305]

Rory appears to have had Sir Humphrey as his permanent secretary 😂

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

Best Political Podcast - The Rest is Politics

[@alanbrown9178]

Err... there is no "Scottish Labour Party". It is a branch of the head offive in London. Just like the tories.

[@howardchambers9679]

Really enjoy watching two tories discussing politics

[@Ed_coombs]

Alastair in his evermore era… love it 😂

[@paulshkurka]

I always enjoy these conversations, which give a practical, understandable and down to earth assessment of our politics. A key discussion point was around the "rot in politics". I share Alistars view regarding the importance of this, putting it as my nr 1 priority. If we don't get this right, as in politics is the foundation on which our whole nationhood is built, and as any house built on rotten foundations ultimately falls apart, so our nation. But, oh Alistair....in all your commentary on this, no mention of one of the major examples of lack of moral principles than that exposed by Labours involvement in the invasion of Iraq and the deceit around WMD....

[@janegarnham]

We can move on from the past the Iraq war … I agree absolutely it was a mistake but keeping dragging back to this gets in the way of moving forward …. It’s now a distraction

[@paulshkurka]

@@janegarnham I have some sympathy with your comment, as I feel similar about Brexit. However understanding past performance is important to current and future decisions/outcomes. It is in the past but a natural response to one sided criticism, as they say about throwing stones in glass houses. By the way I'm not a Tory, just like to see as balanced, unbiased a view as possible.

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

The ending was rather sad. I believe Rory is a decent chap and not being able to swap over to a more suitable party due to tribalism - is that for real? The current Tories are far on the right and I can't be sure I would like to be affiliated with them at this time. Better a party you are proud of, than one you are ashamed of.

[@CodeCancerLab]

If Rory is being attacked by figures from UKIP then fantastic welcome to Labour, we need sensible folk in Westminster now.

[@chrisriddles9460]

Great podcast. The Kings speech at the COP summit was excellent but perhaps the Sandringham Luminate festival driven by masses of Diesel generators might indicate a conflict of interests.

[@rosalindchurcher8028]

Cant wait for the next episode.

[@VaucluseVanguard]

The worst politician by far in the UK was Nicola Sturgeon. No real competition there I think.

[@michaelbrophy]

😂 love how Rory feels the need to explain that scotland is not led by fish.

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

Yet something fishy has been happening there =)

[@tamhunter5025]

Oblivious that there is no species of fish called salmond

[@robertsmme]

Rory, Give Directly is possibly the most useful thing you do.

[@davidseaton3121]

Breath of fresh air.

[@MrArchie800]

Regarding the Scottish Labour question: One thing that is rarely mentioned is the fact that many moderate SNP voters switched to SNP from Labour and still have latent loyalties towards Labour. So Scottish Labour need to tread carefully and not just denigrate the SNP and their voters, they need to understand the difference between attitudes North and South of the border AND provide a solution for that. I’ve said it many times that the best way to avoid Scottish independence would be to simply provide competent, compassionate and fair governance from Westminster (something that has never looked remotely possible in the last 13 years especially considering the apparent shift to the right in English voters).

[@TheLucanicLord]

33:20 Twaddle. The Government sold PPE to China and didn't order from existing suppliers to intentionally create a problem that they could exploit.