The Two Matts

More milestone moments from the Matts prompted by some whistful listener questions concerning the idea of voting tests, those we lost in 2024 and what they're looking forward to in 2025, including Liverpool's potential league win. We'll be back on Jan 6th. Until then - have a merry Christmas, and enjoy the last podcast of the season.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts reflect on the momentous year that is drawing to a close. Who made them cheer? Who made them boo? Who made them fall about laughing? It’s all here. Some of the names won’t come as a shock .. but there are a plenty of surprises. How does the Matts list of heroes, villains and clowns compare to yours? Only one way to find out … enjoy!Content warning: references to rapeSubscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

If one had any remaining shred of doubt that Prince Andrew is the biggest idiot in the realm, it was dispelled this week. Not content with being the close chum of a sex-ring monster, Andrew has also tainted the monarchy by becoming besties with a Chinese spy. The Matts discuss the fall out and wonder who the biggest fool is; Andrew, or the spy who imagined he’d have anything worth revealing. Meanwhile, no contenders for the biggest liar contest. Step forward Boris Johnson with his bizarre rallying call in the Mail to get Brexit done. He accuses Starmer of leading a “surrender squad” to derail Brexit. If only that were true, say the Matts. Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts are told (not asked) that the EU isn't working, offer up advice to win discussions over Christmas dinner, and while Starmer is bashing Whitehall... is DOGE actually a good idea?Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

Robert Jenrick started demanding Syrian refugees are deported from the UK less than a day after the fall of the tyrant they fled. But who is he really talking to? Who is he trying to impress? The Matts pick him apart. In part two they discuss the extraordinary response to the murder of US heath insurance boss Brian Thompson. How can anyone celebrate his cold blooded killing? The Matts test their theory that everything before “but” is bullsh*t. Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

Al-Assad has fled to Moscow and the Damascus is in the throes of a revolution after decades of autocratic tyranny and the deaths of hundreds of thousands. So we should celebrate, right? Yes … but … the Matts explore the history of Syria, how we got here and how the past will bend the narrative of what’s to come. What should we make of the liberation of Syria this week? Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

Is there too much needless complexity in the progressive cause? How worried should we be by Musk's millions? And have The Matts suffered with 'brain rot?'Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

There’s a problem with Keir Starmer. He is a terrible communicator. His speech on Thursday was a mish-mash word-salad when what this country needs is a clear sense of leadership and direction to counter the rising tide of populism represented by Nigel Farage’s Reform. What we got instead was milestones, missions and foundations. If Britain is in a battle against far-right nationalism, is Keir Starmer the right general to lead it? The Matts discuss. And what does the chaos in France tell us about European politics? Can Macron survive the resignation of Barnier and what will Trump make of it all when he comes calling for the reopening of Notre Dame?Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/

How much damage has Joe Biden done to his legacy and, more importantly, the credibility of American justice? Granting Hunter Biden a pardon is a kick in the face to anyone clinging onto the idea that the Democrats held the moral high ground in US politics. The Matts discuss the ramifications, and the extraordinary back story, to his decision. Also - is Gregg Wallace finished? Should Jeremy Clarkson give him hope of salvation from terminal disgrace? How complicit is the BBC in Wallace’s behaviour and his downfall? Why is Nigel Farage so coy about it all? The Matts try to make sense of it all. Enjoy!