2. Rochdale, “From the River to the Sea” and Race Rows in British Politics

It’s polling day! Sayeeda and David consider what this election means for Muslims and Jews in the UK & discuss who they are voting for.

Humza Yousaf, who resigned as Scotland's First Minister in May, was the first Muslim to lead a Western democracy. Sayeeda and David talk to him about his faith, his identity and growing up in a Jewish neighbourhood. He talks movingly about his in-laws in Gaza, and how knowing that condemning Hamas's actions on October 7th could have had fatal repercussions for his family. Also - his views on other more right-wing politicians with South Asian heritage, Sunak and Braverman, and on the need for more empathy in politics.

This Wednesday marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, and David and Sayeeda discuss the way that reports of sexual violence on and since 7 October by Hamas and by the Israeli army have been denied and weaponised by governments, the media and tribalism. Closer to home, Sayeeda and David turn to the general election campaign trail, as two MPs of colour have been hounded and harassed on the streets about their voting record on Gaza. Who would ever want to be a politician?

Sir Mark Rowley goes there… from pro-Palestine marches to far right protests and bad faith actors, the Metropolitan Police and its Chief have faced enormous challenges over the last 8 months. Sayeeda and David ask him about accusations of ‘two tier policing', of being too ‘woke’ as well as too 'fascist' and what the next government might look at in terms of policy changes.

As the election campaign ramps up, Labour have got themselves into hot water over the deselection of candidate Faiza Shaheen. Is Labour guilty of double standards on antisemitism and Islamophobia in the party, and is there a cynical attempt to weaponise racism for factional political purposes? Sayeeda and David discuss Biden’s ceasefire plan and whether it’s what Israel and Hamas really want. Hay Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and Cheltenham Literature Festival have all cut ties with their sponsor over links to the fossil fuel industry and alleged links to Israel. Has this been an effective strategy in the cultural fight against Israel or is the boycott bonkers?