
Show Notes
This week: the row over political Islam and a bigger question beneath it. After Nick Timothy’s comments on public prayer in Trafalgar Square caused a political firestorm, Michael and Madeline ask whether Britain can still have an honest debate about faith, free speech and the public square. Where is the line between coexistence and an assertion of dominance – and are politicians too afraid to confront it? Also on the podcast: the future of the Church of England. With Sarah Mullally set to become the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, they debate what her leadership might mean for an institution struggling with bureaucracy, declining trust and questions over its moral authority. And finally: Angela Rayner and the battle for Labour’s future. As tensions grow within the party over migration and economic policy, they ask whether Rayner is already positioning herself as Starmer’s successor – and why her political instincts may prove sharper than the Prime Minister’s. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.
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Michael Gove is joined by shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy, live at Conservative party conference in Birmingham, to discuss prisons, policing and the fight against Islamist extremism. Nick reflects on swapping life as a Downing Street adviser for the Commons and makes the case that prison works, before turning to the Tories’ plan for 50,000 new prison places. Britain, he argues, must ‘come down like a ton of bricks’ on extremists – but why did 14 years of Conservative government fail to draw that line? Plus: West Midlands Police’s ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, the Trafalgar Square iftar, and why Nick changed his mind on legalising cannabis. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Henry Lloyd. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.
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