The Two Matts

BBC political presenter Laura Kuenssberg joins the Matts to discuss her new book Pay Attention (out on Thursday). In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion Laura defends the BBC against charges of declining influence and being guilty of creating a false equivalence in its reporting. She addresses violence in politics, Nigel Farage's weaknesses, Jeremy Corbyn's role in demonising the media, how the nation became “unrecognisable" after the Brexit referendum... and how Andy Burnham has got the strongest behind-the-scenes team in politics for a long time. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode including: is welfare out of control? Is Andy Burnham really setting us up for a quick return to Europe? Has the Israeli election improved chances of a two-state solution? Will Donald Trump get a shellacking in this week's US midterm elections? Are we all wearing poppies too soon? And is Ali G a man out of time? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts argue their case for why the Budget was either a) a dismal failure to seize an opportunity for radical change in Britain or b) breathing space for a government with bigger swings to come. And they examine Andy Burnham's stunning proposal to re-examine freedom of movement. What does it all add up to? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts answer listeners' questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: should John Healey raise capital gains tax in the Budget? Why are the Lib Dems plotting against Ed Davey? Why did BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra exist in the first place? Should we stop using the phrase 'postcode lottery'? What does artificial intelligence mean for energy and water consumption? And what minor but seriously antisocial behaviour would we like to see banned? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts consider the violent protests sweeping the continent and try to understand where it is coming from and what it signifies. Could they spread here? What can progressive governments do to stop them? Is Andy Burnham's approach any different to Emmanuel Macron’s?Tickets are still available for Alastair Campbell and Mishal Hussain at London's Cadogan Hall on October 22 hereProduced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: is Marie Le Pen bad news for the UK? Why is Sally Rooney not selling books here any more? Will standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine actually help? Should Elon Musk be allowed such power? Does Russian interference in the Brexit vote help the argument to join the EU? And what new word, in the spirit of Alastair Campbell's Persevilience, would the Matts invent? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts discuss the developments in Ukraine in the past week and Donald Trump's oil deal with Vladimir Putin. Connected much? They think so. It adds up to a ghastly - but all too predictable - betrayal of Ukraine at its hour of deepest need. Also - the potential spectacle of a live streamed execution in America. What does that tell us about the Trump mindset.. and what's become of our species in general?Produced by Matt WithersGet a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/

The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A session, including: why is Zack Polanski’s popularity plummeting? How bad are the riots in France? Who would you put in the cabinet? Is Andy Burnham courageous or cowardly on Europe? What's the best political speech in history? And what movie did you once think was amazing but makes you cringe now? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts discuss the impact of the Green Party resolution that “Zionism Is Racism”. Will Zack Polanski survive as leader? What does it mean for Jews living in the UK? What does it mean for the party's supposed core eco agenda? Also this week: what's the story behind Kemi Badenoch's conference speech? What does success look like for her? It's a lively conversation. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/