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Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: A-levels, Inflation & Who Is Governing Britain?

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: A-levels, Inflation & Who Is Governing Britain?
As the first proper A-level results arrive since 2019, political commentator Mike Indian explains how education must be the answer to solving the UK's productivity puzzle. In the wake of the latest rise in inflation, he says that targeted support and state intervention will be needed to get things back onto an even keel. And with the Tory leadership contest continuing, he asks where the big, transformative ideas are and wonders if an absent Boris Johnson is simply abrogating responsibility.
Guest:

Mike Indian


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: Curing Basketcase Britain, The Commonwealth Games & Immigration Thriving Post-Brexit

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: Curing Basketcase Britain, The Commonwealth Games & Immigration Thriving Post-Brexit
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University explains why bold market reform is needed to solve the problems of "basketcase Britain", before it is too late. He reflects on the success of the Commonwealth Games, held in Birmingham, particularly the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies and considers where the future of the Games – and the Commonwealth – might lie. And he shows how immigration is thriving in the wake of Brexit though points out that infrastructure planning must be tackled seriously and quickly.
Guest:

Professor Tim Evans


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: Tory Contest, Taiwan, Cost of Living & Lord Trimble

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: Tory Contest, Taiwan, Cost of Living & Lord Trimble
Political commentator Mike Indian updates Simon Rose on the contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party, as Liz Truss garners ever more endorsements. He considers Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the most senior American politician to visit in many years. He looks at the cost of living crisis in the light of the MPC's biggest interest rate rise in 27 years. And he pays tribute to Lord Trimble and his vital role in the Northern Ireland peace process.
Guest:

Mike Indian


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: Ideas for the Tory leader, Labour hones its plans & China's demographic timebomb

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: Ideas for the Tory leader, Labour hones its plans & China's demographic timebomb
Wondering why our government seems so bereft of ideas and unable to say what it believes in, Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University assesses a list of policies for a future Tory leader suggested by ex-MEP Daniel Hannan. Tim also looks at Keir Starmer's early attempts to hone Labour's platform for the next election. And he explains why China is facing a demographic timebomb which will have massive ramifications for its economy.
Guest:

Professor Tim Evans


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: The Tory leadership contest analysed and where it leaves Labour

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: The Tory leadership contest analysed and where it leaves Labour
Political commentator Mike Indian analyses the Conservative Party contest to determine the leadership of the party and who will be Prime Minister. What are the positive and negative aspects of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss? Will the views of the party membership and the MPs coincide and what will each mean for the Labour party? Mike also looks at Boris Johnson's final Prime Minister Questions and the cost-of-living crisis.
Guest:

Mike Indian


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: The vital role for unconventional people

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: The vital role for unconventional people
Gavin Oldham, managing director of Share Radio, talks to Simon Rose about the important role unconventional people can play, particularly in leadership roles. While recognising why Boris Johnson could no longer be PM, he points to some of his achievements, feeling they will be remembered by posterity. In so many walks of life, particularly in politics and business, it is important that there are people who can go against the herd, who can challenge conventional ways of doing things and attempt to roll back over-regulation and bureaucracy.
Guest:

Gavin Oldham


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: Boris Johnson's Resignation

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: Boris Johnson's Resignation
Political commentator Mike Indian talked to Simon Rose at the very moment Boris Johnson announced his resignation as Prime Minister. Coping adeptly with the breaking news, Mike explained why Pincher was the straw that broke the camel's back but worried how any major government moves could be made by a caretaker PM. He considers the possibility of a major political realignment, wondering about the likelihood of Johnson retiring quietly. With a summer of leadership contests ahead, he reflects that – unlike many other nations - the UK is still a functioning democracy.
Guest:

Mike Indian


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: The Politics of Nothingness, Young Activists & Secular Britain's Rituals

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: The Politics of Nothingness, Young Activists & Secular Britain's Rituals
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University discusses the Politics of Nothingness engulfing British politics, asking where the politicians are who are principled and who have clear policies. He feels the political blancmange might be the end of an era and that there could be something revolutionary afoot in due course. He also wonders where all the young climate activists have gone and muses on how secular Britain is reviving its Christian rituals in another form in a search for meaning in our lives.
Guest:

Professor Tim Evans


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: Rail strikes, inflation & interest rates and the Government's Rwanda policy

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: Rail strikes, inflation & interest rates and the Government's Rwanda policy
Political commentator Mike Indian looks at this week's rail strikes, marvelling both at the Government's lack of engagement and Labour's silence on the issue. With inflation hitting a 40-year-high, he considers what policy responses are available as the prospects of stagflation loom every larger. And he looks at the Government's Rwanda policy and the proposed British Bill of Rights.
Guest:

Mike Indian


Published:
Simon Rose

The Bigger Picture: What is the government's vision, levelling up & the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Simon Rose
Original Broadcast:

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture: What is the government's vision, levelling up & the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University asks what the vision – if any – is of the Tory Government and worries that we are witnessing the dialogue of the deaf. He looks at the levelling-up debate and how our politics is so riven with contradictions. He reserves praise, however, for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, which he considers a masterclass in strategic communications and statecraft, an enriching series of events with something for everyone.
Guest:

Professor Tim Evans


Published: