Politips... for A-Level Politics and Beyond

In this special episode, an audience of 14-18 year olds from St Barts in Newbury quiz the veteran political journalist. Topics covered include the next election, what it was like to meet Margaret Thatcher, interviewing Donald Trump, and who was the most frustrating politician to interview.

In this episode we review the extraordinary rise and rapid fall of Liz Truss as Prime Minister. We analyse what went wrong. Was it her policies, her personal qualities or the political circumstances of 2022?

In this episode we introduce the individuals and thinkers who have shaped the big political ideologies. We discuss why this is a fascinating subject and consider the development of political thinking from ancient Greece though to Medieval times. This introduces a new series of episodes that will focus on key political thinkers.

In this episode we delve into the military power of the US and UK. We discuss the limits placed on the ability of presidents and prime ministers in the US and UK to deploy military force.

In this episode Jonny and Ed discuss how much involvement citizens have in democratic decision making in the US and UK.

In this episode we discuss the pitfalls of finding reliable sources of political information and reveal our favourite news sources. Our roaming host, James Wilder, makes a cameo appearance at the end.

In this episode we speak to our special guest Mark Owen about the role of the Holocaust in education. We cover Mark's research into Holocaust education and the challenges and significance of teaching this important topic.

This week we debate the significance of constitutional change since the 1997 general election. We discuss changes to Parliament, the use of referendums, changes to rights legislation and devolution.

In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of further use of referendums in British politics.

In this episode we talk to regular host James Wilder and a special guest, Jonny Roberts, about their experiences of standing at a general election to become an MP.

In this episode we review the book The Lies of the Land by Adam Macqueen. A history of political dishonesty and deceit. We discuss the book and detail one of the gripping stories in the fantastic collection of the biggest political lies of the last half-century. Find Adam Macqueen on twitter - @adam_macqueen

In this episode we review the book by Anthony Seldon and Raymond Newell on Boris Johnson's time in 10 Downing Street. We discuss if young people interested in politics should despair at the antics of those in charge. Follow Anthony Seldon on twitter @AnthonySeldon

Through 6 gruelling rounds we evaluate the First Past the Post and Proportional Representation electoral systems to find one winner!

In this special episode we are joined by the classicist and educationalist David Horn, to discuss how democracy emerged in ancient Athens. We explore the strange yet familiar features of ancient democracy, and ask ourselves how they compare to our modern equivalents.

The second of our two episodes comparing political parties in Britain and America. In this episode we compare the Republican and Conservative parties, exploring their different histories, policies and unity in today's politics.

The first of two episodes comparing political parties in the US and UK. In this episode we compare the Labour and Democrat parties; discussing their origins, policies and how united they are.

This week we discuss the role that the Supreme Courts of the US and UK play in their respective political systems. Two courts with the same name, but why is the US normally seen as the more important institution?

We have all heard of "the Donald" and "Bojo" in our recent politics. But how comparable are they? This week we compare the powers of the US president to the UK Prime Minister through the lenses of these two populist politicians.

US Presidential elections cost up to 100 times more than UK General Elections… We talk about how and why there is such a staggering difference in amounts spent on campaigns in the US and UK. Where does the money come from? How is it spent? What are the structural, cultural, and rational reasons for the differences? Finally we discuss whether money actually helps you win.

In this second episode of our Brexit special, we explore the trials and tribulations of Britain's exit from the EU following the 2016 referendum. As part of this, we discuss the nature of royal prerogative powers used by prime ministers amidst some the the biggest parliamentary rebellions in recent political history.

What is the EU and why did Britain join this intergovernmental organisation only to leave in 2016? In this episode we chart the highs and lows of Britain's involvement with the EU, including the gradual rise of British Euroscepticism. We finish with a discussion of the reasons for the Brexit vote in 2016.

Jonny leads the conversation on direct action. We discuss what constitutes direct action and its effectiveness. We also discuss to what extent popular public opinion is necessary for pressure groups to influence change.

James leads our discussion on Biden's historic visit to Kyiv and its impact. We also discuss US foreign policy more generally and how significant it is for sitting Presidents. 

Ed leads an analysis of Nicola's long tenure as Scotland's First Minister and what her resignation may mean for the SNP and the independence movement.

Ed leads our conversation on the Speaker of the House of Representatives; their role and how it differs to the Speaker of the House of Commons as well as the recent election of the current Speaker Kevin McCarthy and its political repercussions.