The Two Matts

The Matts are joined by Lucy Reade, who watched the Russell Brand trial unfold at Southwark Crown Court. Lucy describes the day-to-day reality of the trial, her encounter with Brand’s father and what she believes the guilty verdict signifies. We also discuss modern-day misogyny and ask: could another Russell Brand carry out his appalling attacks on women today? You can read Lucy’s brilliant report on the trial and its outcome at The New World - for FREE! - today. Also - in part two - as Andy Burnham prepares for next week’s EU-UK summit we discuss the shape of a successful campaign to put Britain back at the heart of Europe. 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; How did Russell Brand get away with it for so long; is Trump’s hammering a disaster for foreign policy; where does my extra mortgage money go; why did Shabana Mahmood climb down; are dictionaries taking the piss (idiom/: colloquial expression meaning to be mocking or unfair); and what’s your top 3 favourite John Lewis Xmas ads? Enjoy!Produced by Ruby Mitchell Get 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/

It's a special edition for you this Thursday as the Matts analyse the incredible rout of the Republicans in the US mid-term elections. PLUS the author of one of our favourite books of the year, Sophia Smith Galer, discusses the extraordinary impact language has in our communities, why so many are at risk of extinction, and what we can/should do about it. It's fascinating stuff. 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/

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/