Centre Think Tank in conversation

In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Sonia Kumar, the Member of Parliament for Dudley since 2024, who previously worked within the NHS.Their discussion covered how we can fix the NHS, moving the NHS further towards the use of AI and digital, the vital role of physiotherapists in tackling musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, and the need for increased investment in this area, the assisted dying bill, protecting our economy, and supporting small businesses.

In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Baroness Ritchie, the former Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and a Labour Member of the House of Lords. She is also the Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, a former Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Minister for Social Development, and a former Member of Parliament for South Down.Their discussion covered the future of peace in Northern Ireland and the future of devolution. They also spoke about the education system in Northern Ireland, the impact of Brexit, the veto within the Assembly, and replacing the role of First Minister.

In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to Mari Burton. She is the National Campaign Manager for the National Education Union, co-host of the National Education Union Podcast, and a former history teacher.Their discussion covered the No Child Left Behind campaign, which supports free school meals for all students, and how this has already been implemented in London. They also discuss how this impacts students from families with a lower income and how hunger can affect learning at school.

In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor and Torrin Wilkins speak to Neil Kinnock. Their discussion covered his time in politics, how his views on devolution have evolved, his support for Proportional Representation, and how he ended up appearing in the “My Guy” music video with Tracey Ullman.He was Leader of the Opposition and Labour Leader during the 1987 election against Margaret Thatcher and the 1992 election against John Major.Neil then served in numerous positions within the European Union. These include as the European Commissioner for Transport, the European Commissioner for Administrative Reform, and the Vice-President of the European Commission.He is now a Member of the House of Lords and a supporter of Centre Think Tank.

In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to Yair Zivan, former advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, of the centrist Yesh Atid party.Their discussion covered what centrism means and his new book, “The Centre Must Hold”.

In this episode, Will Barber-Taylor speaks to John Bowers KC, the Principal of Brasenose College at Oxford University.Their discussion covered standards in politics and his new book, “Downward Spiral: Collapsing Public Standards and How to Restore Them.”

In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and Member of the House of Lords, Dick Newby. He previously served as the National Secretary of the SDP.Their discussion covered the history of the SDP, what caused the initial successes, and how it has impacted politics today.

In this episode, Will Barber–Taylor speaks to former Member of Parliament and former Liberal Democrat front bench Spokesperson Stephen Lloyd. Stephen was the Member of Parliament for Eastbourne from 2010 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2019. His front bench roles included Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Northern Ireland, the DWP, and in the coalition government, as PPS to the Environment Secretary. Their discussion covered why he is a centrist, the impact of Brexit, and how we can tackle loneliness after the pandemic.