The Matts speak to Andy Cowper, one of the leading journalists on health policy in the country - so someone who actually knows what he’s talking about. Andy gives a brilliant assessment of why the NHS is so broken today and how Keir Starmer should approach its repair. Also - are you holding your pets just that bit closer these days with the news they are being eaten by immigrants? The Matts consider the fall out from the Harris-Trump debate. Enjoy! Love this? Then you'll love The New...

The winter fuel debacle has been mismanaged by a Labour leadership long on misery and woefully short on a vision Britain can get behind. It’s early days but things have to improve. The Matts debate whether Keir Starmer understands what Britain needs right now … and that pointlessly punishing pensioners isn’t it. Also …. The build up to a night of historic import as Kamala Harris faces the Orange Maniac. Will you be staying up? The Matts will. Enjoy. Love this? Then you'll love The New...

Join The Two Matts for this week's Q&A as they delve into the integrity of British journalism and the concept of licensing for broadcasters. Also this week, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the English Channel, with a critical look at the government's response, Oasis alternatives, medical alternatives and Christmas. Yes, Christmas. Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link:...

The appalling negligence and greed that resulted in 72 people dying in the Grenfell disaster is laid bare. The Matts wonder why nobody is already on remand for manslaughter. They wonder whether the system is actually broken or if it’s working as it was set up to. They wonder how people like Jacob Rees-Mogg sleep at night. They wonder how the litany of failures over Grenfell is compatible with any notion we are a genuinely progressive society. They wonder if this inquiry, like so many others...

As Germany reckons with the rise of far right AfD politics in German regional elections, the Matts ask if simply demonising them is inviting disaster. Meanwhile - one Matt is feeling both smug about landing tickets for Oasis and furious that dynamic pricing has become the debate raging at the heart of our new Labour government. Aren’t there bigger things to worry about? Like, er, reconsidering Britain’s place in Europe? Enjoy! Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and...

Should smoking should be banned in designated outdoor spaces? The Two Matts answer this and other listener questions on the Conservative leadership contest, and a 101 on government debt. Plus, they ponder whether it's still possible to maintain friendships across political divides in today's polarised landscape. Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts ...

Broadcasting legend Adam Boulton has, over forty years as a journalist, seen the media’s relationship with politics disintegrate. In the episode, he tells the Matts where things started to go wrong, what puzzles him about Starmer’s apparent fear of upsettting the right, and why an entire generation no longer understands the difference between news and opinion. It’s an engrossing, illuminating listen from one of the most thoughtful and experienced broadcasters this country has ever produced....

The Two Matts delve into your questions, including the UK's daunting economic outlook amidst high public borrowing figures; the need for a hopeful roadmap from the government and compare the current situation with past examples of large-scale social upliftment like Lula's policies in Brazil. They also explore if a Keynesian economic resurgence is on the horizon andnew details on when Trump met the Queen. Subscribe to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See...

Listeners shower the Matts with universal adulation after last week’s interview with Charlie Mullins … apart from the 74 who wrote in asking what the hell were we thinking? Well, dear listeners … THIS is what we were thinking. But before that, in the first half, the Matts consider an extraordinary week for Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. Can she keep it going? And do the Obamas help or hinder her chances? Enjoy! (Unless you only ever want to hear stuff you totally agree with, in...

Charlie Mullins is the founder of Pimlico Plumbers and despite his challenging upbringing, has managed to build a highly successful business. He is a big supporter of remain, but despite being an ardent opponent of Brexit, has now decided to back Reform, led by Nigel Farage. In his conversation with The Two Matts, Mullins' discusses his political views and his admiration for Nigel Farage. He also explains his decision to leave the country after Labour were voted into power and tells the Matts...

The Matts recall the London Olympic opening ceremony and ask if it would be even possible for Britain today to demonstrate such joy and confidence. And if not, then how can Starmer and Reeves rekindle the spirit of ambition and self-esteem that ceremony embodied - only for it all the come crashing down just four years later with Brexit. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer your questions, from JD Vance's political missteps to Netanyahu's tactics. Also discussed: what did the impact of austerity really do for a ringfenced NHS? And how with it prosper amidst changing demographics? Plus: reflections on global sustainability, an entrenched capitalist system, energy resource challenges, and a glance at US-UK differences in the influence of religion on politics. And some book recommendations, because summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Nigel Farage this week jumped into the aftermath of tragedy in Southport to cynically incite hate. While families grieved and a community came to terms with the horror of what unfolded at a children’s summer holiday class, Reform leader Farage took his chance to plant questions of conspiracy and terrorism into the minds of his followers. What happened next was as predictable as it was ghastly. The Matts waste no time in calling out his despicable behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See...

Rachel Reeves is genuinely shocked by the gap in public finances and has moved quickly to put out the binfire she inherited from Sunak and Hunt. But will she and Starmer have the boldness required to realise their talk of a decade of national renewal? The Matts need to be convinced. Also - the race for the White House gets more fascinating by the hour. Kamala Harris remains behind in the polls but there is now, at least, hope a second Trump presidency can be avoided - God willing. And God,...

Should Michelle Obama be President? How has the political landscape changed following Kamala Harris's emergence and what are Starmer and Reeves going to do with the inherited financial mess? These and more listener questions within. Subscribe to The New European for as little at £1/week and get an exclusive offer just for listening to this podcast: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Matts talk to Pulitzer-winning author and journalist Anne Applebaum about her terrific new book on modern autocracy - and how different it is to the 20th century totalitarian blocs. How complicit is the West in these new networks of corruption and repression? And - with the UN at a low ebb - what can be done to take on these nimble and nasty states? Don’t miss this conversation with one of the most important writers in the world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

As the rest of podcastistan celebrates the dignity of President Biden’s departure from the race to beat Trump, the Matts are fuming and wonder how events might have unfolded had Joe seen sense six months ago. As it is, the contest is between a Black female Californian and an Orange lunatic. Can the Democrats win? Who wants to run as VP? And why is America’s first President of colour refusing to endorse the woman who wants to be the next? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

The Two Matts discuss Europe's shift towards right-wing populism and its implications for the UK rejoining the EU; how media brevity has impacted political understanding and debate; the Trump shooting conspiracy theories, and the public's diminished joy in politics and sports over the years. The intrepid podcasters also dive into how soundbite culture have reshaped political communication. Plus: the Paris Olympics and the wonder that is Daley Thompson. Subscribe to The New European for as...

The King’s Speech was packed with plans … putting to bed the theory that Keir Starmer’s Labour government had no plan. But will it be enough to instigate the national renewal they have promised? The Matts discuss. Also - what does JD Vance mean for Trump and for Britain? And why is David Lammy parading his Christianity on the national airwaves? The Matts make sense of international manoeuvring. Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European for as little at £1/week and get an exclusive offer just for...

The attempted assassination attempt of Donald Trump does not sanctify a man who has thrived on a particularly violent rhetoric his whole political career. As Nigel Farage blames the media, as MAGA Republican Senator JD Vance blames Joe Biden and the Democrats, the Matts look at the unfolding shift in how Trump and his supporters are reacting to the shooting - and what it means for America and the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week The Two Matts examine Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party's Brexit policy, and the political dynamics shaping the country's future. From electoral strategies to European relations and internal political struggles, this episode covers it all. The pair also deliberate over the The Telegraph's editorial stance, the UK's military considerations, and the United Nations. And, perhaps most importantly is football coming home. Subscribe to The New European :...

It’s increasingly apparent President Joe Biden is unfit to challenge Donald Trump for the White House. But what can stop him? The Matts consider the predicament facing the United States and the world… with, it’s fair to say, a deep sense of foreboding. Also … can the Three Lions do it? Will it come home? The Matts haven’t got a clue but that doesn’t stop them going on about it for a good ten minutes… enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on...

Keir Starmer looked incredibly at ease and confident at the Saturday presser. The Matts can’t remember a smoother beginning and he has recruited some great expertise. But is administrative excellence enough? Also … one question lingers in the air: Where the hell are all the Tories? Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After their Election all-nighter, the Matts consider the twists and turns of a quite extraordinary election. A massive, historic night for Keir Starmer’s Labour and a shuddering comeuppance for Sunak and the Conservative Party. Well played Ed Davey and a disaster for the SNP. But the rise of Reform and the volatility of the electorate asks big questions about what comes next for British politics. Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on...

It’s the final few days of the election campaign and the Matts are joined by Keir Starmer biographer for deep insight into what’s going to happen in the immediate aftermath of a Labour government. How to combat the rising tide of far right politics, who will the new stars of Labour be, and should Starmer go to the Euro finals of England get through? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.