Debated Podcast

In this episode of the podcast Will speaks to Wes Kussmaul about his book Quiet Enjoyment, the founding of his company Delphi, AI and its influence on the world around us, PKIs and internet security and the media's perception of technology.

In this episode of the podcast Will is joined by Philip Norton, Lord Norton of Louth, to discuss his recently published book on the 1922 Committee - The 1922 Committee: Power Behind The Scenes. They discuss how the committee was formed, its influence on the Conservative Party, the importance of its Chairman and Executive, the relationship it had with David Cameron and Margaret Thatcher and what the future holds for it.

In this episode of the podcast Will is joined by Jon Cruddas, the Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham and the author of A Century of Labour. They discuss the Labour Party's relationship to Ramsay MacDonald, Labour in the 1950s and 60s and the USSR, Keir Starmer's place in the ideological traditions of the Labour Party, the Attlee government's agenda and the mythologising of political figures.

In this episode of the podcast Will speaks to Denis MacShane, former Labour MP for Rotherham from 1994 - 2012 and Minister of State for Europe from 2002 to 2005 about his recently published diaries Labour Takes Power: The Denis MacShane Diaries 1997 - 2001. They discuss Denis' time working with Robin Cook, the preparedness of new Labour ministers at the start of the 97 Parliament, Milosevic and Kosovo, Labour and the trade union movement and the impact of William Hague's time as leader of the Conservative Party.

In this episode of the podcast Will is joined by Nick Thomas Symonds, Labour MP for Torfaen, Shadow Minister without Portfolio and author of Attlee: A Life In Politics, a new edition of which was recently published. They discuss Attlee's early life, his involvement with the Stepney Boy's Club, his service in World War I, his time as Mayor of Stepney and PPS to Ramsay MacDonald, his leadership of Labour and his time as a reforming Prime Minister.

In this episode of the podcast Will speaks to author Linda McDougall about her new biography of Marcia Williams, later Baroness Falkender, a key member of Harold Wilson's team before, during and after his time in Downing Street. They discuss Marcia's upbringing, her first time meeting Harold, how she helped him become Labour Leader and win the 1964 General Election, the misogyny she encountered and the infamous Lavender List, Wilson's resignations honours list.

In this episode of the podcast, Will speaks to Anthony Broxton, creator of the Tides of History Twitter account and author of Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain. They discuss the connection between politics and Rugby League, the decline and revival of the game, the politics of authenticity versus consumerism and the Cod Wars. You can buy a copy of Hope and Glory here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hope-Glory-League-Thatchers-Britain/dp/1801504555

In this episode Will speaks to Maria Fernandez - Garcia from Right to Roam about what the right to roam is, what the major political parties are doing about it, the Countryside and Right of Ways Act and how it could be expanded and the positive mental health implications for greater access to the countryside.