Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown speaks with seasoned journalist and former head of the BBC in London, Jane Mote. They discuss the challenges facing the BBC, including financial pressures from its traditional license fee model and the broader decline of traditional media in the UK amidst digital transformation. Moat emphasises the necessity for the BBC to adapt to changing consumer preferences, where people favour streaming services like Netflix over traditional broadcasting due to brand loyalty.Mote also touches on the BBC's role in creating and maintaining British cultural identity in a globalised media landscape. She points out the organisation's ongoing struggle with maintaining editorial independence amidst political pressures and decreasing audiences. Furthermore, Moat highlights the need for the BBC to foster diverse and inclusive content that truly reflects its audience, critiquing its current shortcomings in diversity and inclusion.Throughout the conversation, they explore the implications of digital media on traditional broadcasting and the BBC's initiatives to stay relevant. Mote advocates for a more dynamic and commercially viable BBC that can continue to serve as a beacon of British culture and journalism.

In the first of the Midatlantic Essays, I explain the failure of privatised water and why we need to bring it back into public ownership.

The podcast episode from "Mid Atlantic" with host Roifield Brown features the topic of bail and criminal justice reform in the U.S., contrasting it with the UK's approach. The guest, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, https://ambailcoalition.org provides insights into the complexities of the American bail system, its historical background, current challenges, and debates surrounding reform efforts. The episode illuminates the stark differences in how bail is approached in the U.S. and the UK, highlighting the impact on freedom, equality, and justice, particularly for marginalised communities in the U.S.Key Points:Comparison of U.S. and UK Bail Systems: The U.S. system, reliant on commercial bail bonds, starkly contrasts with the UK's preference for granting bail without such bonds, raising questions about justice and equality.Disproportionate Impact on Marginalised Communities: The financial burden of bail in the U.S. often means that wealth determines pre-trial freedom, disproportionately harming black and poor Americans.Divergence in State Policies: Some states like Illinois, New Jersey, and New Mexico are moving away from monetary bonds, while others like Georgia and New York are tightening bail requirements.Increase in Pretrial Detention Rates: From 1984 to present, the detention rate has increased from 24% to 75%, indicating a shift towards mass pretrial incarceration.Challenges with Non-Monetary Pretrial Conditions: The growing use of ankle monitors, house arrest, and other conditions has become a significant and costly part of the pretrial process.Notable Quotes:"We've substituted the evils of money bail in the federal system for a system of mass federal pretrial incarceration.""The presumption of crime...really does affect people's attitudes around monetary bail and its efficacy.""Bail challenges prosecutors to act...there's no incentive to get a conviction when you've already got pretrial detention.""Our system...it's really a test of your ties to the community. Can you find a third party to put up a financial guarantee?"Organisations Advocating for Bail Reform:The Bail Project (https://bailproject.org): A national nonprofit organization that provides bail assistance and advocates for bail reform across the U.S.American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (https://www.aclu.org): Advocates for a fairer justice system and works on various fronts, including bail reform, to ensure equality and justice for all, particularly marginalized communities.Equal Justice Under Law (https://equaljusticeunderlaw.org): Focuses on ending wealth-based discrimination in the justice system, including challenges to the cash bail system.National Bail Fund Network (https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory): A directory of over 60 community bail and bond funds across the U.S. that work to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.

Roifield Brown and panel navigate through the turbulent political climates of both the United States and the UK, focusing on two major stories that have captured headlines and stirred considerable debate. The episode unfolds against the backdrop of Florida's contentious new six-week abortion law and the anticipation of a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the UK's next general election.The discussion on Florida's abortion law reveals a deep-seated concern over reproductive rights, with critics arguing that the law, which imposes mandatory in-person doctor visits and a 24-hour waiting period, acts as a de facto total ban on abortion. Panelists, including Mike Donoghue from Los Angeles and Ira Shapiro from Maryland, unpack the implications of such legislation, noting its potential to drastically alter the outcome of the November election. They delve into the political underpinnings of the law, emphasising its alignment with a broader Republican agenda to restrict abortion access across the country. The conversation also touches on the judicial dynamics at play, with Shapiro providing insight into how the Florida Supreme Court could overturn decades of precedent, hinting at a politically motivated judiciary under Governor DeSantis's influence.Transitioning to the UK, the podcast explores the significant political shift indicated by recent polls, suggesting a monumental victory for the Labour Party. Such a scenario raises questions about the potential for sweeping policy reforms under a Labour government led by Keir Starmer. Panelists, including Mike Holden from Burnley and Leah Brown from Lancashire, express a mix of optimism and caution, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Labour, particularly in addressing pressing issues like the National Health Service and climate change.Bullet Points :Florida's Six Week Abortion Law:The law's implications for women's rights and reproductive freedoms.Political motivations behind the law and its potential effects on elections.The role of the judiciary and the possibility of overturning the law through a ballot measure.UK Labour Party's Potential Victory:Predictions of a landslide victory for Labour and its implications.The potential for policy reforms in health service, climate change, and economic policy.The role of leadership and public opinion in shaping political outcomes.Key Quotes from the Podcast:On Florida's Abortion Law: "This regulation... effectively acts as a total ban, complicating abortion access dramatically as political and social opposition mounts."On Political Strategy: "It's pretty clear their real goal is a full zero... targeting IVF, rules against abortion for rape and incest survivors."On the UK's Labour Victory Prediction: "We're at a historic juncture with the Conservative Party facing what could be one of its most devastating electoral defeats in recent history."On Leadership and Decision-Making: "It comes down to a misunderstanding of what it means and looks like to be a leader... people generally don't necessarily have a willingness to learn from lessons of those who have come before them."On Public Ownership and Policy Reform: "The one thing an incumbent Labour government should do is to say water, we're going to take that back into public ownership."

Podcast Episode Summary:In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown sits down with Ian Sanders, host and producer of Cold War Conversations, to dive deep into the Cold War's impact on the Middle East. Through a detailed and engaging discussion, they explore the geopolitical dynamics, conflicts, and the roles of global superpowers in shaping the region's history. This conversation sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the Cold War, emphasising the importance of oral histories in understanding complex historical events.Show Notes & Topics Discussed:Cold War's Influence in the Middle East:Specific Conflicts and Events:The geopolitical shifts in the 1950s, including the overthrow of the monarchy in Egypt and the rise of Nasser, signalling a move towards socialism but not communism.The strategic importance of Jordan post-formation of the State of Israel and its complex relationship with both the West and its own citizens.The Six-Day War and its consequences, including Israel's territorial gains and the weakening of Nasser's position in Egypt.The Iran-Iraq War as a significant yet often backgrounded conflict of the '80s, illustrating the enduring legacy of border disputes and the influence of external powers.Soviet Union's Challenges:The draining effect of the Soviet Union's involvement in Afghanistan, drawing parallels to the American experience in the region decades later.The withdrawal from Afghanistan and the internal pressures leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.Broader Implications and Themes:The rise of Arab nationalism and anti-colonial movements in the Middle East, facilitated by the geopolitical vacuum left by declining British and French influence.The emergence of Islamic fundamentalism as a significant force following the Cold War, with ties back to the conflict in Afghanistan.Conclusion and Podcast Promotion:Ian Sanders encourages listeners to explore Cold War Conversations for in-depth interviews and stories, offering a comprehensive view of the Cold War's global impact.Host Roifield Brown wraps up the episode with a call for listener engagement through reviews and previews upcoming content for the podcast series.Quotes"And at the end of the conflict, there was really nothing. Nothing there, there was no benefit really from either side. They almost ended up back at where they started there, but there were a number of proxy forces operating in, in both countries.""So the Soviet Union fades away to Christmas 1991. But I think one of the other things that weakens the Soviet position is they have been exhausted, their army's been exhausted and bled dry by their ill-advised invasion into Afghanistan in 1979.""Yeah, the Iran-Iraq war is an interesting one. I remember this playing out in the '80s and it was almost like background noise, but in terms of its scale and the number of people killed, it is a really significant conflict and particularly for that area.""The six-day war was really a Israeli surprise, a surprise attack on Egypt. What was happening at the time is Egypt had told the United Nation forces that were on the Suez Canal to they had to get out. And in the process of them leaving, Israel sees a great opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

Host Roifield Brown looks into the escalating crisis in Gaza, its severe humanitarian implications, and the resulting shifts in Israel's global standing. Joined by Michael Kaplow of the Israel Policy Forum, the discussion centres on the unfolding human tragedy in Gaza, where an imminent famine threatens millions, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contemplate a new offensive amidst widespread food insecurity.The conversation navigates the intricate web of political manoeuvres by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of the United Nations Security Council's recent resolution, which the U.S., Israel's closest ally, notably chose not to veto. This resolution, demanding a ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan, symbolises a significant pivot in international relations and showcases the nuanced dynamics at play within Israeli politics, especially considering Netanyahu's controversial leadership and the roles of right-extremist figures in his coalition.As the dialogue unfolds, Kaplow provides insightful analysis on the broader geopolitical context, the internal and external pressures facing Netanyahu, and the profound implications of the U.S.'s stance for Israeli domestic politics and its global image. The episode not only sheds light on the complex layers of the crisis but also delves into the potential paths forward amidst this geopolitical quagmire.Quotes:"This resolution, while short, is not merely symbolic; it's a seismic shift in the dynamics of U.S. and Israeli politics, challenging the very foundation of their longstanding alliance." - Michael Kaplow"Netanyahu's political gambits are not just about navigating the current crisis; they're about clinging to power by positing himself as Israel's sole defender against a world he portrays as antagonistic." - Michael Kaplow"The crux of the debate is not about whether an operation in Rafah should happen, but about when and at what cost, highlighting a rare consensus across the Israeli political spectrum amidst international contention." - Michael Kaplow"Criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-Semitic. The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate policy critiques and those that question Israel's very right to exist." - Michael Kaplow

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown, from Birmingham, engages in a riveting discussion on the latest political developments on both sides of the Atlantic, focusing on Bernie Moreno's recent victory in the Ohio GOP Senate primary and the unfolding challenges facing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. With the insights of political analyst Aram Fischer, pollster Logan Phillips, and UK-based political consultants Leah Brown and Cory Bernard, the episode delves into the implications of Moreno's win, endorsed by Donald Trump, for the Ohio Republican Party and the broader American political landscape. The discussion also turns to the troubled waters Prime Minister Sunak navigates amidst internal dissent within the Conservative Party and looming local elections. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the Trump endorsement's impact, the dynamics of the Senate races, and the future of UK politics under Sunak's leadership.Quotes:Aram Fischer: "Ohio has been drifting to the right for a bunch of years now... the blue cities have stayed very blue, but the red areas of Ohio have gotten increasingly red."Logan Phillips: "Democrats could overperform in the right places here to have a shot at winning. They're underdogs, but they consistently have an edge in candidate recruitment."Leah Brown: "Rishi Sunak could have had a fundamentally different premiership. It's a masterclass in what does it look like to bring people along with you and to fail at that."Cory Bernard: "The Tory party...didn't have to be in this dire situation. Rishi Sunak had a clear two years and some change to set a vision... He's completely dropped the ball."

Description:One week after Frank Hestor's attack on Diane Abbott, we explore the persistent challenges of racism and misogyny within the British political landscape. Our distinguished panel, featuring MP Claudia Webb, Leah Brown from Broadstairs Consulting, and political analyst Corey Bernard, look at the troubling experiences faced by black women in positions of power, particularly highlighting the distressing experiences of Diane Abbott. As we dissect the implications of leadership in combatting racial prejudice and examine the dichotomy of progress and persistent bigotry, this conversation sheds light on the intricate dynamics of race, identity, and politics in the UK.Show Notes:Claudia Webb MP shares her experiences of anti-black racism and misogyny as a black woman in Parliament, offering insights into the broader context of institutional racism and its impact on political figures.Discussion on the lack of leadership in addressing racism, with specific reference to recent comments by Tory donor Frank Hester and the response (or lack thereof) from political leaders.Leah Brown analyses the failure in political leadership and its connection to systemic issues, including conflicts of interest and the need for integrity and accountability.Corey Bernard reflects on the role of identity politics in the political spectrum and how expectations differ across party lines, offering a unique perspective on diversity within political leadership.Claudia Webb provides a closing statement, emphasising the need for genuine leadership to confront and eradicate racism and misogyny within the political arena.Final thoughts from host Roifield Brown and the importance of continued vigilance against racism and sexism in all sectors of society.QuotesClaudia Webb MP: "The level of anti-Black racism and misogyny that I experienced as a Black Member of Parliament on the left is probably unprecedented... Black women, particularly those in positions of power, are targeted for the most vile levels of hate, targeted not just for being black, but also for being female and having the audacity to be in a position of power and then having the audacity to be on the left as well."Leah Brown: "Lack of leadership is my favourite topic... The key area in which there has been lack of leadership shown here by the Prime Minister is in relation to conflicts of interest... Fundamentally if you can't address the conflicts of interest that arise in a way that doesn't give rise to toxic leadership, you also can't expect those same individuals to show leadership."Corey Bernard: "Identity politics in this context, leading with race or ethnicity, is definitely something perhaps more expected on the left, right? As opposed to on the right... People are not very comfortable, basically, when you show who you are in terms of your identity."Claudia Webb MP: "Black people in positions of leadership does not mean that we're going to see change. We are talking about a lack of political leadership, there are opportunists that are using this for political gain... Black people in positions of leadership does not necessarily mean that we're going to see change, we're talking about a minority, but we're talking about a lack of political leadership."

Host Roifield Brown engages with Ira Shapiro, the author of "The Betrayal," to dissect the legacy of Senator Mitch McConnell. The discussion delves into McConnell's significant yet contentious 17-year tenure as the top Republican in the U.S. Senate, a period marked by strategic mastery and polarizing partisanship. Shapiro, offering insights from his comprehensive examination of McConnell's career, paints a portrait of a politician whose actions have indelibly shaped American politics.The episode explores McConnell's complex persona, acknowledging his unparalleled skill in navigating parliamentary procedure while critiquing his staunchly partisan approach. The conversation underscores McConnell's influential role in obstructing the Obama presidency and facilitating the Trump administration's judicial appointments, framing these actions as pivotal moments that define his legacy.The episode is an in-depth analysis of McConnell's first major political manoeuvre against campaign finance reform, highlighting his enduring impact on the role of money in politics. The episode also addresses McConnell's strategic decisions during key moments, such as the blocking of Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination, illustrating his prioritisation of party over country.The podcast provides a nuanced perspective on McConnell's legacy, balancing admiration for his political acumen with critical scrutiny of his partisanship and its implications for American democracy.Quotes"I have a sneaking admiration for Mitch McConnell. I think he is that Machiavellian master of the dark arts of parliamentary procedure. And there is something, even though I dislike every one of his policies, I admire him for that.""My problem is that Senator McConnell has functioned totally as a partisan. Our system is a little different and complicated because it requires some degree of minority cooperation." "He tarnished and diminished the Obama presidency through his obstruction. He made the Trump presidency through his ramming through of the Supreme Court nominees after blocking Merrick Garland's nomination.""The first and continuing work of McConnell has been to maximize the power of money in politics, and he was very successful at it."Further Reading"The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America" by Ira ShapiroThis book provides an in-depth look at McConnell's tenure and his impact on American politics, focusing on his actions during key moments and their implications for democracy. You can find it here on Amazon.