Best Hansard Society Podcasts (2024)

1
Democracy is in danger, warns Theresa May 59:40

1h ago59:40

59:40

In a powerful Churchill Attlee Lecture commemorating the Hansard Society's 80th anniversary, former Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a stark warning about the state of democracy. She expressed grave concerns about the waning trust in democratic institutions, particularly among young people. Theresa May emphasised the urgent need for a culture o…

1
Is the Conservative Party falling apart? 1:00:39

1h ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Following the local election results, are we now in zombie Parliament territory? With no immediate general election in sight what can be achieved in Westminster before MPs finally make their rendezvous with the voters? We talk to Professor Tim Bale about defeat, defections and the internal dynamics of the Conservative Party. Is what we are witnessi…

1
Post Office Horizon scandal: what is Parliament doing about it? 1:04:17

14d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Should Parliament simply overturn the convictions of postmasters caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal? That’s what the Government proposes to do through the Post Office (Horizon system) Offences Bill. But quashing of convictions is normally a matter for the courts. Some MPs have misgivings about setting a constitutional precedent as well as…

1
Is AI set to destroy trust in elections? Tackling misinformation in politics & Parliament 27:01

17d ago27:01

27:01

The emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping political discourse is a potential game changer. It has the capacity to fabricate fake interviews and manipulate images, all of which could mislead voters and disrupt the democratic process. But could it affect the results of our elections? We talk to Chris Morris, the head of factcheckin…

1
Ep. 116 ~ Guest Raja Vaidya - Raise Each Other Up 52:27

12d ago52:27

52:27

Raja learned the value of prioritizing connections with others for a more balanced and fulfilling life. Join us discuss the importance of relationships. (00:00:07) Breaking Societal Norms for Personal Growth (00:02:30) Value of Connections in Overcoming Adversity (00:12:35) Empowering Growth Through Martial Arts Training (00:23:25) Transformative G…

1
Rwanda Bill becomes law: but what was really going on behind the scenes in Parliament? 45:59

10d ago45:59

45:59

The Rwanda Bill has made it over the parliamentary finishing line but not without some last-minute drama. We talk to the SNP’s Alison Thewliss MP about what went on in a small room behind the Speaker’s Chair away from the cameras! And what on earth is going on in the minds of MPs, after another in a succession of sleaze scandals hits Westminster. T…

1
Tobacco and Vapes Bill: free vote blows smoke in Rishi Sunak's eyes 51:29

19d ago51:29

51:29

Rishi Sunak offered his MPs a free vote on his flagship Tobacco and Vapes Bill and dozens concluded they could not support it. As well as exploring the politics of the Bill, Ruth and Mark discuss the concept of a free vote and how they have been deployed in previous parliamentary sessions. They denounced them at the time, but should Labour Minister…

1
Ep. 115 ~ Meilin Ehlke - Accelerated Cosmic Spectacle 20:39

22d ago20:39

20:39

Meilin Ehlke, a key voice in this discussion, suggests that these changes are indicative of a grand shift in the cosmos, urging us to adapt and align ourselves with these transformative energies. Enjoy... Show Notes (00:01:24) Cosmic Energies Accelerating Nature's Growth Patterns (00:06:15) Earth's Response: Accelerated Growth and Energy Shifts (00…

1
William Wragg's honeytrap crisis and is Speaker Hoyle under threat? 45:52

25d ago45:52

45:52

This week we are joined by former House of Commons Clerk, Paul Evans, to discuss William Wragg’s fall from grace following a ‘honeytrap sting’. What does it tell us about the vulnerabilities public officials face in the digital age, and the complex interplay between personal conduct and public service? Numerous press reports suggest the Government …

1
Defending free speech from SLAPPs 16:40

2M ago16:40

16:40

Wayne David's groundbreaking Private Member's Bill aimed at thwarting Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) may be the most significant Private Member’s Bill to emerge from this final year of the current Parliament. But is there enough time to get this measure into law before the general election? We talk to Wayne David about t…

1
Another Rwanda roadblock 50:46

2M ago50:46

50:46

The Lords have dug in their heels and inflicted seven defeats on the Government over the Rwanda Bill this week. The Government claims the Bill is emergency legislation but it will not go back to the House of Commons until after the Easter recess. We discuss why, and what will happen next. Senior Conservative backbencher William Wragg MP tells us wh…

1
Unheard: the parliamentary snubbing of Diane Abbott 55:02

2M ago55:02

55:02

Why did the Speaker fail to call Diane Abbott during Prime Minister’s Questions? The image of Britain’s first black female MP being talked about at the Despatch Box while not being allowed to say anything herself, once again left the House of Commons looking out of touch. Do Henry VIII powers threaten parliamentary democracy? Former MP and law prof…

1
Ep. 114 ~ Guest Jennifer Regular - Living in truth is protection 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Embracing differences and living in truth are essential for personal growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment, as exemplified by Jennifer's journey of self-awareness and transformation. She found strength and resilience in staying true to her authentic self and purpose, and learned the importance of soul care and spiritual wellness. (00:11:01) N…

1
The Budget: is the democratic deficit as bad as the financial deficit? 58:18

2M ago58:18

58:18

It’s Budget week and the Chancellor has announced his plans for taxation and provided a fresh economic forecast. But how does Parliament get to grips – indeed does it get to grips - with the nation’s finances? We talk to Baroness Morgan of Cotes, a Conservative Peer who has been both a Treasury Minister and a scrutineer on the Treasury Committee. H…

1
The Foreign Affairs Committee: commentator or influencer? 22:09

2M ago22:09

22:09

In this revealing conversation with Alicia Kearns MP, Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, we explore the critical role of parliamentary scrutiny in shaping foreign policy and addressing global challenges. We discover how recent Committee hearings have garnered global attention and influenced diplomatic discourse in overseas cap…

1
The Commons Speaker survives (for now), Liz Truss takes on the ‘Deep State’, plus how do we detoxify politics? 56:31

3M ago56:31

56:31

There was no let up for Mr Speaker as the fall-out continues from last week’s Commons chaos over the Opposition Day debate on Gaza. But is his position now safe? And why has the government pulled a vote on a scheme to exclude MPs accused of sexual harassment or assault from Parliament? Liz Truss MP was interviewed at the Conservative Political Acti…

1
The decline and fall of the political interview 28:13

3M ago28:13

28:13

What happens when a party leader ducks the opportunity to face a long forensic interview on television during a general election campaign? What are the challenges posed to broadcasters when norms are ignored? Boris Johnson famously did that during the last general election: so how will that affect the approach of the parties and the broadcasters wh…

1
Ep. 113 ~ Meilin Ehlke - Harmonizing Hearts: A Triad of Celebrations 21:49

2M ago21:49

21:49

Rhythms of remembrance: love, healing, and reflection on this unique Wednesday 2. 14. 2024. A quick outline: (00:11:30) Expressing Love Through Meaningful Gestures on Valentine's Day (00:22:12) Vibrant Samba Music and Colorful Festivities (00:24:47) Celebrating Unity Through Cultural Festivities and Traditions (00:28:06) Celebrating Unity Through C…

1
Commons chaos: Can the Speaker survive a monumental misjudgement? 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

There were chaotic scenes in the House of Commons this week - as bad as anything seen during the Brexit convulsions – as the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle made a hash of handling the SNPs Opposition Day debate on a ceasefire in Gaza. Furious MPs signed a motion expressing no confidence in the Chair. But why and how did the Speaker end up in this posit…

1
Urgent Questions: PMQs, whipping, Sinn Fein MPs, access to security passes, hospitality facilities in Parliament and much more! 50:25

3M ago50:25

50:25

With the House of Commons in recess this week Mark and Ruth catch up with listener's questions on a wide range of parliamentary topics. What was the point of debating an e-petition about the date of the general election? Was there ever a time when the Prime Minister gave a proper answer at PMQs? If the Speaker were to throw an MP out of the House o…

1
Gaffes and grace at PMQs 54:45

3M ago54:45

54:45

It was supposed to be another culture wars attack line, but Rishi Sunak’s transgender jibe at Prime Minister’s Questions this week landed him in hot water. Is this misstep a sign of things to come in the general election campaign? Could Britain fight a war? We look at the political implications of a new Defence Select Committee report exploring the…

1
Ep. 112 ~ Guest Julian Rosser - Essence of Oneness 1:03:25

3M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

The evolution of the human race is a fascinating journey currently underway. As our culture awakens, our collective consciousness is being raised, leading to a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with all beings. This realization extends beyond our immediate circle of family and friends, encompassing people we may never meet and those wi…

1
A potty-mouthed Parliament? 44:01

4M ago44:01

44:01

Does Parliament have a potty-mouth problem? The Speaker of the House of Commons took MPs to task this week for their behaviour, amid accusations of a dramatic increase in the use of bad language in the Chamber. But is it really that fruity? And if he’s so concerned, isn’t it time the Speaker started to eject some MPs from the Chamber? The Governmen…

1
Ep. 111 ~ Meilin Ehlke - Unleashing Unique Talents through Collaborative Creativity 20:54

4M ago20:54

20:54

Meilin shares a heartwarming anecdote about the power of kind words. Discover how positivity and kindness can make a significant difference in our lives and the lives of others. Spread the love and create beauty, together! Nature too, has a way of bringing different elements together to create something truly magical. Meilin shares her awe-inspirin…

1
What if they gave a coup and nobody came? The Tory leadership soap opera continued 1:07:22

4M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

The Conservatives are on course for a shattering defeat and need to replace their leader again, says Sir Simon Clarke MP. We discuss the latest in the Conservative Party soap opera and what it means for parliamentary business ahead. Peers have voted not to ratify the UK-Rwanda treaty. At least they got a choice. The Commons Home Affairs Committee w…

1
War powers, Rwanda ‘mayhem’ and Ian Dunt on the state of Westminster 56:07

4M ago56:07

56:07

The Rwanda Bill is through the Commons. Rishi Sunak has faced down his internal critics and diffused a backbench rebellion. The Bill now heads off to the House of Lords: What mayhem awaits it? This week’s air strikes against Houthi camps in Yemen to protect Red Sea shipping also prompted debate about the role Parliament should play when the Governm…

1
Ep. 110 ~ Guest Sabina Čanić - The Power of Art as a Tool of Empowerment 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

Healing through art is a transformative process that allows individuals to find solace and connection through creative expression. Discover how artists Meilin and Sabina embarked on journeys of self-discovery and embraced new materials and techniques to heal and transform. Join the discussion on the power of art to communicate our inner selves and …

1
The inside story: Parliament and the Post Office Horizon scandal 52:36

4M ago52:36

52:36

The Post Office Horizon scandal is the largest miscarriage of justice in British history. James Arbuthnot is one of the ‘heroes’ at the heart of the drama unveiled in ITV’s Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. A Conservative MP and now a Peer in the House of Lords, he championed the plight of his constituents for over a decade, leading a parliamentary camp…

1
Election alert and the year ahead in Parliament: Why are so many election rules being changed? 52:52

4M ago52:52

52:52

What should be on your radar when Parliament returns on 8 January 2024? Exploring the year ahead in Parliament, we discuss how the uncertainty about the date of the general election may affect scrutiny of the new laws proposed by the Government. Once the Prime Minister has decided on the date and asks the King to dissolve Parliament, some of these …

1
Parliament Matters Explains: How does Parliament make laws? 27:12

5M ago27:12

27:12

A core purpose of Parliament is to make the laws that govern us all. But how are our laws made at Westminster? We have received several questions from listeners about how the process works and what the interplay is between the two Houses: Commons and Lords. So, in this special explainer we discuss the process from beginning to end: from when the Go…

1
Michael Crick & Tomorrow’s MPs: The latest news on parliamentary candidate selections 45:19

5M ago45:19

45:19

Legendary political journalist Michael Crick joins us in the studio, to discuss the progress each party is making in selecting their candidates with the general election now less than a year away. Michael has been tracking candidate selections and reporting the results each week via his @TomorrowsMPs Twitter account. He explains how he is ‘lifting …

1
Parliament Matters Explains: What do MPs actually do? 29:05

5M ago29:05

29:05

Members of Parliament do not have a job description. So, what exactly is their role? How do they balance constituency and parliamentary responsibilities? How do they manage ministerial and party work? At some point in the next 12 months we will have a general election. Within days, a large cohort of newly-elected MPs will arrive at the Palace of We…

1
Is Parliament a decaying organism? Lord Lisvane on our crumbling constitution 43:37

5M ago43:37

43:37

The crumbling state of the Palace of Westminster is a living metaphor for the wider constitutional decay that has taken hold in the UK, as the quality of our governance has nosedived in recent years. In this special interview, Lord Lisvane – crossbench Peer and former Clerk of the House of Commons – discusses his worries about the state of the cons…

1
‘These guys like to be written about’: The art of parliamentary sketchwriting, with Rob Hutton 10:07

5M ago10:07

10:07

In this bonus edition of Parliament Matters, Mark and Ruth talk to Rob Hutton, columnist and sketchwriter for The Critic Magazine, about the way he practices one of Britain's oldest journalistic arts, sketching the proceedings of Parliament. 🔗 Read Rob Hutton's recent sketches on The Critic website here: thecritic.co.uk/author/robert-hutton 🎓 Acces…

1
High drama or damp squib?… And what’s happening with pairing? 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

Well, in the end, was it high drama or a bit of a damp squib? This was the week when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s fate was supposedly in the balance, as MPs on his own side decided whether they were going to back his Rwanda Bill. As it turned out, he won and won quite handily. But what happens now? To discuss the events of the week, we were joined …

1
Ep. 109 ~ Meilin Ehlke - Embracing Vibrancy 39:12

5M ago39:12

39:12

Meilin explores the cosmic energies and DNA connection. Discover the presence of crystalline structures within our DNA and how they're being activated in this new era. (00:00:07) Embracing Differences and Creating Positive Change (00:04:13) The Interplay of Cosmic Energies and DNA (00:30:03) Preserving Vital Ecosystems: The Mango Groves (00:37:22) …

1
Westenders: The battle for the heart and soul of the Conservative Party 34:46

5M ago34:46

34:46

If Parliament feared that their proceedings would be overshadowed this week by Boris Johnson’s appearance before the Covid inquiry, they need not have worried. MPs rose to the challenge. There was a high-profile ministerial resignation, Rishi Sunak suffered the first Commons defeat of his premiership, and Suella Braverman delivered a vengeful perso…

1
Special feature: The genesis of PARLY, with Tony Grew 8:50

6M ago8:50

8:50

Welcome to this special feature of Parliament Matters, where we talk to Tony Grew – the Secretary of the Parliamentary Press Gallery – about PARLY, his journalism and social media project that shines a light on the proceedings of Parliament. If you tune-in to episode 6, you can listen to Tony and podcast co-hosts Ruth and Mark dissect the key parli…

1
Legislative bodging: No way to run a chip shop! 51:02

6M ago51:02

51:02

This week we are joined by Tony Grew, a doyen of the parliamentary press gallery, to discuss the growing fashion for re-writing Bills mid-air as they pass through Parliament. We debate a new report from the Lords Economic Affairs Committee about the democratic deficit surrounding the Bank of England and we look at the four new special inquiry commi…

1
Ep. 108 ~ Sid McNairy - Finding Your Yes 54:19

6M ago54:19

54:19

Sid McNairy is a passionate advocate for world peace, with a diverse background that includes coaching football, teaching yoga, and even considering a run for presidency. Since 2010, Sid has been on a journey to promote peace, a mission that was inspired by his own personal pursuit of peace and a Native American vision quest that led to him being n…

1
Parliament’s ‘Wastefinder General’ on the ‘Big Nasties’ 37:52

6M ago37:52

37:52

Following the Autumn Statement Mark and Ruth are joined this week by Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Commons. The Committee is the financial watchdog that has been going since the days of William Gladstone. As Parliament’s ‘Wastefinder General’, Dame Meg has got a list of ‘Big Nasties’: major public secto…

1
Total reshuffle, emergency legislation and Parliament’s ‘Golden Ticket’ 59:07

6M ago59:07

59:07

What a week! Suella Braverman's sacking from Government was immediately eclipsed by the appointment of former Prime Minister David Cameron as the new Foreign Secretary. Mark and Ruth explore the many questions this raises, not least for scrutiny of foreign affairs by MPs - what options do they have to hold the newly ennobled Lord Cameron to account…

1
Urgent Questions #1 21:18

6M ago21:18

21:18

Periodically we’ll have special ‘Urgent Question’ episodes to answer your questions about how Parliament works. In this episode we answer questions about whether Ministerial announcements to the media before they are made to MPs amounts to a contempt of Parliament, how parliamentary reform can be secured, and whether we really need a second Chamber…

1
Ep. 107 ~ Meilin Ehlke - The river Danube inspires 24:43

6M ago24:43

24:43

The region's rich history and captivating landscapes are evident in the tower that stands on the hill in Bad Abbach. Meilin Ehlke mentions that the tower was once inhabited by Heinrich II, who became king of Germany and Italy, and later Emperor. The stones of the tower have witnessed the passage of time and the events that shaped the region. The re…

1
All change on the Committee corridor and regulating the conduct and standards of MPs 29:02

6M ago29:02

29:02

Four new Chairs of Select Committees have been elected but how much can they achieve in what is likely to be the final parliamentary Session before the General Election? 30 MPs have lost the Whip in this Parliament and a recall petition has just opened in the constituency of Wellingborough after former Conservative MP Peter Bone was excluded from P…

1
The King’s Speech, State Opening and the 1922 Committee 47:25

6M ago47:25

47:25

As the Government sets out its legislative plans for the next Session, Ruth and Mark look at the political and parliamentary prospects for the proposals and discuss the latest on what’s happening with HS2 legislation. They ask why Parliament has legislative Sessions that begin with State Opening and end with prorogation, and disagree over whether i…

1
Introducing: Parliament Matters - The Hansard Society's new podcast about the institution at the heart of our democracy 3:05

7M ago3:05

3:05

Welcome to Parliament Matters, the new weekly podcast from the Hansard Society about the institution at the heart of our democracy – Parliament. This introductory trailer will give you a preview of what you can expect every Friday after the first full episode lands on 10 November 2023, three days after the King's Speech. Each week, Mark D'Arcy (the…

1
Ep. 106 ~ Guest Jill C. Lublin - Embrace Your Influence: Wisdom on Media and Kindness 37:16

8M ago37:16

37:16

You'll discover the transformative power of sharing your unique message with the world and the profound impact of kindness. Through Jill's insights, you'll be inspired to start your journey to visibility, knowing that your message matters and can create a positive change in the lives of others. (00:04:23) Crafting Authentic and Evolving Messages (0…

1
Ep. 105 ~ Meilin Ehlke - The Island of Crete 22:37

8M ago22:37

22:37

Meilin underscores the importance of immersing oneself in the island's natural beauty and cultural richness, and encourages others to share their experiences and the knowledge they acquire from this extraordinary place. Join Meilin Ehlke on this episode of the Moving To Oneness podcast as she delves deeper into the magic of exploring Crete. ~ * ~ ~…

1
Ep. 104 ~ Guest Thomas Johnson Jr. - Intentional Presence 43:12

9M ago43:12

43:12

Thomas's insights reflect a huge span of life experiences, from his first years in a small town in Libera arching into the capital city of the United States right into the White House. Enjoy... Reach Thomas at directly@getupngetfit.com Thomas Johnson Jr. (TJ) Founder & Chief Executive Officer GetUpNGetFit LLC Email: getupngetfit@gmail.com Phone: (3…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Hansard Society Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide