The Two Matts

The appalling negligence and greed that resulted in 72 people dying in the Grenfell disaster is laid bare. The Matts wonder why nobody is already on remand for manslaughter. They wonder whether the system is actually broken or if it’s working as it was set up to. They wonder how people like Jacob Rees-Mogg sleep at night. They wonder how the litany of failures over Grenfell is compatible with any notion we are a genuinely progressive society. They wonder if this inquiry, like so many others before it, will actually change a thing.LISTENER OFFER: Subscribe to The New European today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsFurther ReadingThe Lives Of Grenfel Tower: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2018/may/14/lives-of-grenfell-tower-victims-fireDawn Foster's piece for the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/opinion/london-tower-grenfell-fire.htmlTrump’s Red-Pill Podcast Tour - Helen Lewis: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/09/trump-lex-fridman-podcast-tour/679702/

As Germany reckons with the rise of far right AfD politics in German regional elections, the Matts ask if simply demonising them is inviting disaster. Meanwhile - one Matt is feeling both smug about landing tickets for Oasis and furious that dynamic pricing has become the debate raging at the heart of our new Labour government. Aren’t there bigger things to worry about? Like, er, reconsidering Britain’s place in Europe? Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

Should smoking should be banned in designated outdoor spaces? The Two Matts answer this and other listener questions on the Conservative leadership contest, and a 101 on government debt. Plus, they ponder whether it's still possible to maintain friendships across political divides in today's polarised landscape.Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

Broadcasting legend Adam Boulton has, over forty years as a journalist, seen the media’s relationship with politics disintegrate. In the episode, he tells the Matts where things started to go wrong, what puzzles him about Starmer’s apparent fear of upsettting the right, and why an entire generation no longer understands the difference between news and opinion. It’s an engrossing, illuminating listen from one of the most thoughtful and experienced broadcasters this country has ever produced. Enjoy!Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

The Two Matts delve into your questions, including the UK's daunting economic outlook amidst high public borrowing figures; the need for a hopeful roadmap from the government and compare the current situation with past examples of large-scale social upliftment like Lula's policies in Brazil. They also explore if a Keynesian economic resurgence is on the horizon andnew details on when Trump met the Queen.Subscribe to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

Listeners shower the Matts with universal adulation after last week’s interview with Charlie Mullins … apart from the 74 who wrote in asking what the hell were we thinking? Well, dear listeners … THIS is what we were thinking. But before that, in the first half, the Matts consider an extraordinary week for Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. Can she keep it going? And do the Obamas help or hinder her chances? Enjoy! (Unless you only ever want to hear stuff you totally agree with, in which case… other podcasts are available ;)Love this? Then you'll love The New European. Subscribe today and get a FREE, SIGNED copy of Tony Blair's new book, On Leadership when you use this link: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

Charlie Mullins is the founder of Pimlico Plumbers and despite his challenging upbringing, has managed to build a highly successful business. He is a big supporter of remain, but despite being an ardent opponent of Brexit, has now decided to back Reform, led by Nigel Farage.In his conversation with The Two Matts, Mullins' discusses his political views and his admiration for Nigel Farage. He also explains his decision to leave the country after Labour were voted into power and tells the Matts about his passion for boxing and the need for more apprenticeship schemes.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

The Matts recall the London Olympic opening ceremony and ask if it would be even possible for Britain today to demonstrate such joy and confidence. And if not, then how can Starmer and Reeves rekindle the spirit of ambition and self-esteem that ceremony embodied - only for it all the come crashing down just four years later with Brexit. Enjoy!

The Matts answer your questions, from JD Vance's political missteps to Netanyahu's tactics. Also discussed: what did the impact of austerity really do for a ringfenced NHS? And how with it prosper amidst changing demographics? Plus: reflections on global sustainability, an entrenched capitalist system, energy resource challenges, and a glance at US-UK differences in the influence of religion on politics. And some book recommendations, because summer.