Podcasts by Category
- 121 - The Trade Union campaign for PR w/ Lynn Henderson and Nancy Platts | ep. 104
It was a watershed moment in October 2022 when the Labour Party conference overwhelmingly voted to include in its manifesto a commitment to change the voting system to proportional representation after the next election. Just the year before, despite mass support in the membership, the motion failed because the affiliated Trade Unions opposed the motion.
To discuss this historic shift, what the changing the voting systems means to the trade union movement, and where next, we’re excited to be joined by Lynn Henderson and Nancy Platts.
Lynn is the chair of the Electoral Reform Society and also chairs Politics for the Many – the trade union campaign for electoral reform. In her day job she is a senior national officer at the Public and Commercial Services Union, the UK’s largest trade union for government workers. She is also a Trustee of the Jimmy Reid Foundation, a think tank for radical political thinking, based in Scotland.Nancy Platts is a Consultant at Campaign Collective – a social enterprise which works with not-for-profits and other campaigners, providing high quality marketing, communications advice and PR support, and is the co-ordinator of Politics for the Many.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 15 Apr 2024 - 120 - The role and opportunities for a democratic movement in Scotland | ep. 103
Support for Scottish independence is still strong but the SNP are clearly in a weaker position, institutionally, reputationally, and ideologically. They have become mired in scandal, their hegemonic grip on politics north of the border looks to be loosening, and yet the constitutional questions about who governs Scotland and how remain relevant and live. Labour’s position has clearly strengthened – albeit without ever addressing key questions of democratic renewal and constitutional change.
With a UK general election less than a year away, especially while it looks like Labour could win power and form a majority, the context for the democratic left, the future of the UK and Scotland are changing – and with it how and how much the UK is bound together changes. What progressive and democratic reforms are feasible and desirable in this new context and how can the progressive democratic left work together are essential questions on either side of the independence case. To talk this through with us, Neal and Lena were joined by:
Gerry Hassan is the author of several books on Scottish and British politics including ‘The Strange Death of Labour Scotland’ and ‘The People’s Flag and the Union Jack: An Alternative History of Britain and the Labour Party’.Esther Roberton, who was the coordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention in the 1990s and has spent more than three decades serving on and chairing national and regional boards across significant areas of policy including health, education and justice, as well as initiatives relating to the Scottish Parliament and as Non-Executive Director of the Scottish Government.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 02 Apr 2024 - 119 - Citizens' Assemblies | ep. 102
Citizens’ assemblies represent an alternative way of doing politics: a randomly selected group of citizens are convened to reason collectively, to consider evidence and to have discussions which should arrive at complex, nuanced decisions for the long term. As such, they’ve been called ‘democracy under good conditions’.
They have been credited with tackling some of the toughest political and ethical questions – such as abortion, AI, hate crime and nuclear power –generating balanced and often surprising solutions. Citizens’ assemblies aren’t some kind of wacky democratic experiment – they’re a tried-and-tested tool in our democratic arsenal. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Labour Party, if it wins the next election, is reportedly open to introducing citizens’ assemblies for some of the biggest, most complex concerns of our time – housebuilding, House of Lords reform and devolution.
To discuss this, we were joined by:
Jamie Kelsey Fry, Global AssemblyJames Robertson,Sortition FoundationEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 18 Mar 2024 - 118 - Small Parties, Big Ideas | ep. 101
First Past the Post might block smaller parties from gaining representation at Westminster, but on this episode of It’s Bloody Complicated, we discussed how in spite of this they can still wield substantial influence and contribute meaningfully to our national political discourse.
We were joined by:
Gina Miller, True and Fair PartyCatherine Mayer, Women’s Equality PartyEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 04 Mar 2024 - 117 - Radical Pragmatism | ep. 100
Progressives face a dilemma; we want a change of government but know the country needs a big change of direction. In an essay published for the journal Renewal, Neal has set out the case for what he calls a Radical Pragmatic Left, i.e., a Left that recognises both the need to reconnect with voters and defeat the Tories but critically has a plan to transform the country within the context of the Poly crisis world we face. The need for such a Left is made more urgent by the looming threat of the populist Right if any new incoming government fails too much, too soon.
To discuss the essay and its implications Frances was joined by Neal and Alan Finlayson, Professor of Political and Social Theory at The University of East Anglia and Chair of the Board of Renewal. As part of his work Alan has developed particular expertise in the theoretical and practical study of political rhetoric.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 19 Feb 2024 - 116 - Fighting fracking, factionalism, and Jeremy Hunt | ep. 99
In 2017, South West Surrey Compass organised and slashed Jeremy Hunt’s majority taking it from the 7th safest Tory-held seat to the 121st. In 2019, they took control of a local council. In 2023, they sued the government.
In the beginning of a an election year, we brought old Compass friends Paul Follows and Steve Williams onto It’s Bloody Complicatedto talk about their journey, lessons, and plans for cooperation in South West Surrey.
For the past 8 years, they have been a leading light for progressive cooperation. They have illustrated time and time again that coalitions and cooperative politics isn’t lowest common denominator politics – it’s our future.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 29 Jan 2024 - 115 - New Media | ep.98
The mainstream press in Britain has been in a state of managed decline for much of the 21st century. Once massive news outlets have suffered massive staff reductions as they have struggled to adapt to a digital age. But over the last few years, green shoots of growth have emerged. From the national level with publications like Byline Times and Novara Media to the regional level with the Manchester Mill, Sheffield Tribune, Bristol Cable and more, new media outlets are daring to do things differently and challenging the industry orthodoxy. But all the while, outlets on the Right such as GB News are also going from strength to strength. What opportunities – and challenges – might arise from this new media landscape? And will it help or hinder our fight for a new democracy?
To discuss all of this and more, we were joined by:
Hardeep Matharu, Editor of Byline TimesPriyanka Raval, Reporter at the Bristol CableEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 114 - The Big Fat Podcast of the Year 2023 with Ayesha Hazarika and Andrew Grice | ep. 97
As another year comes to a close, we were excited to welcome Ayesha Hazarika and Andrew Grice to It’s Bloody Complicated to round up another year in politics.
Ayesha Hazarika is a broadcaster, journalist and political commentator, and former political adviser to senior Labour Party politicians.Andrew Grice is a political columnist for The Independent, having been its political editor from 1998 to 2015. He has worked in Westminster since 1982.2023 was a year of strikes and protests, record-breaking global temperatures, a coronation, 2 cabinet and 1 shadow cabinet reshuffles, and horrific conflict.
What’s on the report cards for our progressive parties?
What can we expect from 2024 with a general election (probably) on the horizon – and what are the prospects for genuine system change, including proportional representation?
We digested the year that was, alongside some mince pies. Members joined us live at 6pm on Tuesday 12th December with Ayesha and Andy.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 18 Dec 2023 - 113 - Land Ownership and the Commons | ep. 96
According to the Right to Roam campaign, 92% of the UK’s countryside and 97% of its rivers are not available to the vast majority of the public. For Episode 96 of It’s Bloody Complicated, we’ll be discussing land ownership and the Commons, and why democratising and sharing control of our land, rivers and seas could slash inequality and help calm political instability in this country.
We were joined by :
Guy Standing, a leading thinker and writer on this issue. In his book Plunder of the Commons, Guy deep dives into a history of our country’s democracy that created the commons and why we need to fight to keep it.Pam Warhurst,the founder and chair of Incredible Edible the community urban gardening project. In its 15th year of “propaganda gardening”, Incredible Edible has 170+ groups in the UK, and around 1000 groups worldwide, growing food, building communities, and transforming our relationship with the public land around us.On the podcast, we discussed why our relationship to land is such a pressing issue, what a new progressive settlement for the Commons might look like and how we can get there.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 04 Dec 2023 - 112 - In Conversation with Areeba Hamid, co-Director of Greenpeace UK
Climate chaos is looming. The question of how to protect and preserve our planet for future generations is a conversation that’s not just timely, but absolutely essential.
That’s why, for Episode 95 of It’s Bloody Complicated, we were joined by Areeba Hamid, co-Director of Greenpeace. When she took up the role last October, Areeba became the first woman of colour and first migrant to lead Greenpeace and, along with Will McCallum, the first to share the top job.
From grassroots activism to global campaigns, Areeba shared insights into the transformative power of environmental advocacy and explored the challenges Greenpeace has faced in the fight against climate change. We explored the complexities of environmental conservation, the role of Greenpeace alongside newer organisations like XR and JSO, and why we must renew our democracy to achieve climate justice.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 20 Nov 2023 - 111 - In Conversation: Clare Short | ep. 94
After Labour came to power in 1997, Clare Short served as the UK’s first cabinet-level Secretary of State for International Development, a post she would go on to hold for six years. In this role, she secured large increases in the British government’s overseas aid budget and persuaded then-chancellor Gordon Brown to write off the debts to Britain of Africa’s poorest countries. A famously independent-minded politician, she stood down from her role over the Iraq war in 2003 and later resigned the Labour whip in 2006. She then served the remainder of her term as an independent before standing down as an MP in 2010.
She joined us on It’s Bloody Complicated to discuss the legacy of New Labour, the future of the UK’s role in international development and how the current political moment compares to 1997.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 30 Oct 2023 - 110 - Live from Labour Conference 2023 | ep. 92
Labour faces a huge challenge at the next election: first to win power, then to use it to change our country for the better. The polls suggest it will clear the first hurdle, but what of the second?
The challenges our county faces have never been greater. We need a bold and reforming progressive government to rebuild our crumbling public services, restore trust in our democracy and tackle the climate crisis head-on. We brought you a live episode of It’s Bloody Complicated from Labour Conference 2023 to ask: is Labour up to the challenge?
We were joined by journalist and broadcaster Steve Richards, the New Statesman’s Zoe Grunewald, and The Guardian's Zoe Williams to talk about the key headline announcements, reflected on the mood on the conference floor and discussed whether Labour is ready for power.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 13 Oct 2023 - 109 - New Zealand: The Route to PR | ep. 91
In 1993, New Zealanders voted to replace First Past the Post with a proportional voting system. 30 years on, we discussed how this all-important electoral overhaul came about with two special guests:
Max Rashbrooke, a New Zealand based writer on democracy and economic inequalityAnd Danna Glendining, a New Zealand Green Party activist and MMP advocateWe discussed the challenges and difficulties of changing the voting system, how a transition to PR has transformed politics in New Zealand and what democracy campaigners in the UK can learn about the road to electoral reform.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 02 Oct 2023 - 108 - The Threat of the Far Right | ep. 90
On this episode, we brought together an expert panel to discuss the threat of the far-right to democracy and how progressives are fighting for change.
Nick Lowles, Hope Not Hate chief executiveHannah Rose, Hate and Extremism Analyst at the Institute for Strategic DialogueAnd Luke Cooper, author of Authoritarian Contagion: The Global Threat to Democracy.With the far right marching steadily into the mainstream in Europe and elsewhere, the endurance of progressive forces and their capacity to win will depend on their ability to build deep and enduring alliances with their political neighbours.
We delved into why now is such a vital moment for this political discussion, what’s at stake and why progressives need to go big to combat the tide of far right extremism sweeping Europe and the globe.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 18 Sep 2023 - 107 - In Conversation with Oliver Burkeman | ep. 90
The average human lifespan is absurdly, insultingly brief. If you live to be 80, you’ll have had about 4,000 weeks. But, to Oliver Burkeman, that’s no reason for despair.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortalswas a smash hit from author and journalist Oliver Burkeman. On 25th July, he’ll join us on It’s Bloody Complicated to talk time, reality, the delusions we hold about productivity, and how to focus on the ‘gloriously possible’ in a time of spiralling global crises.
Oliver is the author of The Antidote: Happiness for People who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. He wrote a long-running column for the Guardian, This Column Will Change Your Life, and has a devoted following for his writing on productivity, mortality and the power of limits.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 30 Jul 2023 - 106 - In Conversation: Daniel Chandler | ep. 89
What would a Fair Society actually look like? What are the feasible policy building blocks that could help us get there?
In Daniel Chandler’s book Free and Equalhe makes the case for a new progressive liberalism grounded in the ideas of the philosopher John Rawls – complete with democratic reform of the voting system for the House of Commons, a universal basic income, and the abolition of private schools.
Listen back to this episode of It’s Bloody Complicated as we ask Daniel about these ideas and more.
This episode was recorded with an audience of our members on July 11th.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 17 Jul 2023 - 105 - In Conversation: Dr Julia Grace Patterson | ep. 88
Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the NHS this year, Julia Grace Patterson is publishing a new book, Critical: Why the NHS is being betrayed and how we can fight for it.After years of austerity, a global pandemic, and the looming threats of privatisation, the NHS is bad shape.
She writes, “The NHS is an institution. But it’s also a political football, kicked back and forth between politicians for the past 75 years. It’s a burden to some and a potent vote-winner for others. It’s a construct, framed in the media. It’s a set of ideas and a logo. It’s a workplace for many and the birthplace of almost all of us. It’s become a valued part of our society, it is extraordinarily special – and it’s being destroyed”.
On this episode ofIt’s Bloody Complicatedwe dug into her journey as a campaigner and what she’s planning heading into the next election.
Julia is a relentless and extremely effective campaigner and advocate for NHS staff and patients. She is the Founder and Chief Executive of EveryDoctor, a doctor-led campaign organisation fighting for a better NHS. A doctor who qualified from UCL Medical School in 2010, she took a break from her speciality training to set up EveryDoctor, and has now given up her GMC licence to practice, in order to devote herself fully to advocating for NHS staff and patients. She remains a doctor on the GMC register.
This episode was recorded live on 27th June, 6pm.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 03 Jul 2023 - 104 - Coalitions in a Time of Chaos, with Vince Cable | ep. 87
Vince Cable has been a Labour party councillor, a SDP coalition candidate, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, our Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, an academic, a civil servant in the Foreign Office, and a key minister and negotiator in the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition government of 2010-15.
We sat down with him and others with international experience of cooperation in politics on June 13th to talk about the why, where, and how of coalitions.
If our electoral landscape wasn’t enough to prove that we need to build a new cooperative politics, the scale and intensity of the crises we face is.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 18 Jun 2023 - 103 - Community Power | ep. 86
On this episode, Frances Foley, deputy director of Compass hosted two great movers and shakers of the community power movement:
Andy Jackson, community leader at We’re Right Here, the campaign for community powerMohammed Afridi, Director of Organising at the Civic Power FundWe got into the complicated nitty and gritty of what terms like ‘community power’ actually mean, the links to physical infrastructure, and democratic innovation at the local level, from co-operatives to friendly societies, settlements to trade unions.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 30 May 2023 - 102 - Local Elections Wash Up | Ep. 85
With the Conservatives publicly announcing that they are expecting of loss of more than 1,000 councillors in the upcoming local elections, it looks to be a good year for progressive councillors. But we know that, especially when there are 8,000+ seats up for election with 25,000+ candidates, It's Bloody Complicated.
Join us on May 9th as we dig into the results from the Local Elections in 2023, and what's going on beneath the surface.
We're joined by journalist and former president of the YouGov, Peter Kellner, as well as council leaders and campaigners from Compass's networks around the country.
We’re joined by Caroline Jackson, the Leader of Lancaster City Council for the last two years, leading a Shared Administration containing 5 political groups and 44 councillors, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg who leads the Labour-Lib Dem partnership council in North Hertfordshire.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 10 May 2023 - 101 - 3 Years of Starmer | Ep. 84
On the 4th April 2020, Keir Starmer assumed office as the Leader of the Labour Party. He won that leadership election with almost a 30% winning margin.
3 years on, Neal talks with journalists Rachel Shabi andRafael Behr to look back, and forward to where Starmer's leadership is taking us.
Sir Keir is a controversial leader. In the three months since the beginning of this year, he's come under fire for candidate selection processes that routinely block progressive and left leaning candidates, a purge of the left leaning members, failing to engage with the recommendations of Brown's Commission, resolutely refusing to stand with striking workers, ignoring the wish of 80%+ of his party's members to scrap our rotten voting system, and the list goes on.
He's built a huge poll lead, previously unthinkable for Labour. He is widely expected to be capable of winning the next election and become Prime Minister.
But in December last year, 63% of voters thought the current poll lead Labour is enjoying is down to negative views of the government, not positive views of Labour or him. Compass is committed to ensuring a progressive government at the next election. That will be a Labour-led one, with either a majority or minority of seats. On this episode of It's Bloody Complicatedwe dive into the what Keir Starmer's leadership means for that future.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 26 Apr 2023 - 100 - The Power of Protest | Ep. 83
On 21st April 2023, Extinction Rebellion are bringing 100,000 to protest peacefully outside the Houses of Parliament to demand an end to the fossil fuel era and for a citizen-led transformation towards a fair society that includes reparations.
This is the Big One. After a "winter of discontent" that saw thousands gathered at picket lines and demonstrations, and hundreds of pages spent evaluating and criticising the tactics of protests in our streets or our museums, protest - and its power - is in the air.
What are the demands of the Big One? What is changing in how the British state interacts with protestors and organisers? Are we under threat?
On this episode of It's Bloody Complicated we hear from Miranda Irwin a relationship builder from XR, David Mead, a legal academic specialising in the regulation of protest and dissent, and Nick Dearden, the director of Global Justice Now to talk about the power of protest.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 12 Apr 2023 - 99 - In Conversation with Zack Polanski | Ep. 82
Zack Polanski has had an incredible year.
Last September, he was elected the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. As a member of the London Assembly, he is the Chair of the Environment committee, and has worked with others across all parties and persuasions on an incredible array of progressive policies. From the fight to end new transmissions of HIV, campaigning for universal basic income, and bringing communities and civil society into making and informing climate policy to standing by strikers and appearing on LBC, BBC, and at our Green Party Conference Event, he's been busy.
On this episode, we caught up with longtime Compass friend Zack Polanski on the lessons and challenges of the past years and what's to come for him and his party in the years to come.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 01 Apr 2023 - 98 - Voting Justice, Social Justice | Ep. 81
When people can't feed themselves and their families and the planet burns, it's clear democracy is not working. On this episode of It's Bloody Complicated, we're diving into the mechanics of how our political system makes our society more unequal and unstable.
The structure of our parliaments changes what they can and will do, limiting the potential for the change this country needs. Voting justice would lead to social justice. Where votes are fair and equal across the UK, where people's voices are represented and Westminster doesn't hold an iron grip on crucial levers of power.
In the UK, voter are split pretty evenly (49/51) on whether immigration enriches or undermines our society. Yet, three quarters of constituencies have anti-immigration majorities. 8 in 10 Brits are concerned about climate change. Half think that net zero targetsneed to be brought forward. Over 65% of the public supports nonviolent direct action to protect the environment. The pay rise size that the most working Britons agree with is 1o%.
Between union busting, new coal mines, and greater police power, it's clear that chasm between the policy passed and public opinion is creeping wider. Without changing the way we vote, the policy options of what we vote for policies will keep being decided by the margins, factions, and swing voters.
Joining us to make the case for voting justice as social justice, and explain the connection between the ballot box and bills passed are:
Professor Kate E. Pickett, co-author of The Spirit Level, is a Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of YorkEmeritus Professor, Baroness Ruth Lister, Professor of Social Policy at Loughborough UniversityEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 15 Mar 2023 - 97 - The Definite Left | Ep. 80
On this episode of It's Bloody Complicated, Frances hosted a conversation between Anthony Barnett and one of the symbols of hope for British progressives - longtime Compass friend and the only Green Party MP, Caroline Lucas.
At the tail end of 2022, Anthony Barnett caused a stir with an essay, "The Year of the Definite Left". He laid out why new movements on the Left across the world are challenging the political status quo, and what challenges lie ahead.
His general diagnosis is hopeful, but disparaging about the UK:
While it is in the Americas, both South and North, that the definite Left has gained political influence, the forces of humanisation that underlie it are felt everywhere, from Ukraine to Brazil, and from the apartments of Tehran to those of Beijing. But still they remain largely bottled up by the dominant order. In my own country, the UK, Brexit cannot be voted out like Trump, while the Labour opposition, far from seeking to initiate a Biden-style alliance with an intellectually vibrant definite Left, seeks to ensure its impotence and a return to Blairism.
Guardian article here.
Join the Martin Forde event 20th March 2023 here.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 01 Mar 2023 - 96 - Hegemony Now | Ep.79
Significant power is vested in Wall Street and Silicon Valley. How did we come to live in a world dominated by big tech and finance, where they hold considerable sway over the direction of politics and government? How do we understand this transformation in power? And what can we do about it?
On this episode of It's Bloody Complicated, Jeremy Gilbert joined us to talk through how we might upgrade the concept of hegemony, the importance of passive consent, the complexity of political interests, and the structural force of technology. He is the co-author of Hegemony Now: How Big Tech and Wall Street Won the World (And How We Win it Back), which outlines a dynamic socialist strategy for the 21st Century.
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 15 Feb 2023 - 95 - Universal Worker Dignity | Ep. 78
It's fair to say that the events of the past few years still encroach on the everyday lives of people. Whether it’s the Covid pandemic, Brexit, economic instability or the cost of living crisis - how we all get through life and work has completely changed due to these major events.
Nothing has changed as dramatically in our society and culture than the world of work. This is because we are experiencing a period where worker dignity is at the fore-front of public consciousness. The fight to own this right is as strong as the political and economic forces that wish to go back to ‘business as usual,’ ‘profit is king,’ and ‘get back to the office and work.’
On this episode we explored the path of universal worker dignity, celebrate successes achieved from workers in the UK and US, and as we go into 2023, explore the challenges that we need to stand against, using both the power of people and technology.We were joined by:
Max Alvarez, Editor in chief of The Real News Network and author of The Work of living.Hannah O’Rourke, Co-founder of Campaign Lab and co-author of Reorganise: 15 Stories of workers fighting back in a digital age.Lucy Harley-McKeown, Journalist and editor of The Block and co-author of Reorganise: 15 Stories of workers fighting back in a digital age.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 26 Jan 2023 - 94 - Changing the Voting System | Ep. 77
After the historic vote on the Labour Conference floor for a manifesto commitment at the next general election to implement proportional representation in the House of Commons, a group of the organisations campaigning for democratic renewal came to together to publish a petition together to call on Keir Starmer to take up the torch of electoral reform. Tens of thousands of you agreed.
To start off 2023, we hosted some of the movers and shakers from the movement for change to our voting system. We picked up with some of those organisations that we launched this petition with:
Tom Brake, Director of Unlock DemocracyJess Garland, Director of Policy and Research, Electoral Reform SocietyJoe Sousek, National Coordinator of Labour for a New DemocracyOwen Winter, Co-founder and researcher, Make Votes Matter.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 16 Jan 2023 - 93 - Win As One | Ep. 76
Politics isn’t working. To do the big things, to transform our society and planet we have to transform the way we do politics.
On this special episode of It's Bloody Complicated, our four guests helped us understand why and how our miserable political structures and culture deny the chance of big change in the areas they most care about, and why a better politics gives us hope that the system can make the desirable become feasible.
They are:
Gavin Esler, former Newsnight presenter and now author and campaigner – his latest book is How Britain EndsGail Bradrook, a scientist and co-founder of XR Simon Duffy, the President of Citizens Network a global non-profit cooperative developing the theory and active of active citizenship Lara Parizotto, the co-director of Migrant Democracy Project, an organisation mobilising migrants to participate in UK democracyEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 15 Dec 2022 - 92 - BONUS: All In with Lisa Nandy
Join Frances in conversation with long time friend of Compass, Lisa Nandy MP about her new book "All In: How we build a country that works".
This brilliant new book reveals how Britain can leave behind the mess in which we find ourselves. All In charts a course towards a fairer, more equal, more prosperous country by drawing on the greatest asset we have – each other.
Get your copy of All In hereEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 09 Dec 2022 - 91 - Live with Local Groups, Cumbria | Ep. 75
As part of Win As One, we’re going round the country holding podcasts in key regions to talk to local activists about the issues they’re facing, and ask the golden question – what do you want to win for?
During this special episode of the Compass podcast, we talk to activists working in Cumbria about the climate crisis.
We speak to activists from South Lakes Action on Climate Change, Make Votes Matter, MP Watch, and the Compass group, as well as a local councillor.
With the decision due on the new coal mine in the coming weeks, the local need for sustainable and affordable transport links across the county, and a history of heavy industry, how is Cumbria looking forward to a future where climate action, and climate justice are the questions of the century?
Want to get involved?
TALK TO US ABOUT JOINING A LOCAL GROUP NOW
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 07 Dec 2022 - 90 - BONUS: The Scavenger Mindset with Clare Richmond
We need a leadership revolution if we are to reach our collective potential and address our complex challenges.
Through her work as an activist and grassroots organiser, Clare Richmond is calling for leaders to shake off outdated leadership styles and seek instead a more inclusive, resilient and grass-roots methodology to find success for themselves and their teams.
In this special episode, Neal Lawson talks to Clare about her new book The Scavenger Mindset: Rethinking Leadership to unlock the untapped talent within.
Membership supports everything we do. Join the movement, become a memberEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 25 Nov 2022 - 89 - BONUS: The US midterms elections special
Tuesday 8th November marked a decisive day in the US political calendar - the midterms elections - which set the scene for the rest of Biden's presidency and beyond. Following a summer of positive polling for the Democrats, some were cautiously optimistic that they would defy historic trends and hold on to their narrow majorities in both houses.
The question now is not only whether Democrats will keep control of the Senate, but what the latest round of elections will do to the health and state of US democracy.
On Tuesday 15th November, to give their expert views on everything from the runners and riders to wider trends shaping the US landscape we were joined by 3 brilliant strategists, campaigners and commentators:
Sky Gallegosis a Founding Partner at Hilltop Public Solutions, a political consulting firm based in DC that manages high-stakes, high-profile campaigns, builds coalitions and mobilizes grassroots advocates across the country. Ashley McBride is a managing director of Amare Public Affairs and has over 20 years of experience of winning Democratic and progressive political and issue-based campaigns. Frank Sharryis the founder of America's Voice and a long-time advocate for immigration reform and democratic rights.Membership supports everything we do. Join the movement, become a member
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 16 Nov 2022 - 88 - Climate, climate, climate: with George Monbiot and Hannah Martin | Ep.74
Perhaps the biggest reason we need to Win As One is the urgency and scale of the climate emergency, which impacts every one of us and demands a collective response like no other.
On this episode of the Compass podcast, we discuss what on earth we are going to do to address this crisis to save people and planet. We know that we will need a united front between grassroots social movements, political parties and climate experts to get us there.
To discuss how we get there, we're joined by some old friends and leading voices from the British climate movements:
commentator and activist, George Monbiot co-executive director of Green New Deal Rising, Hannah MartinThese guests are formidable forces, and always worth listening to individually. Together, they’re sure to be a conversation not to miss.
Membership supports everything we do. Join the movement, become a memberEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 11 Nov 2022 - 87 - Tackling the Cost of Living in Buckinghamshire | Ep.73
Roger hosts this special episode in conversation with activists fighting the cost of living crisis whilst working for a pluralist, progressive politics in Buckinghamshire.
If you're curious about the work that Compass local groups do, and where we're at with the Win As One campaign, this is a must listen.
Also, we get an update from our director, Neal Lawson, on what Prime Minister Sunak means for Labour's electoral chances.
To find out more about our upcoming campaign, please visit www.compassonline.org.ukEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 29 Oct 2022 - 86 - The cost of living is costing our democracy | Ep. 72
Our economy is in crisis. Ordinary people can’t afford even the basics – heating, eating and transport, mortgages are going up and pensions going down. Some of this is down to geo-politics, much of it is home grown. What’s happening, why, where does this go and what are the alternatives? Finally, what is the link between a failing economy and a failing democracy?
To help us understand what happening and find a route map out – we are delighted to be joined by Richard Murphy. Richard has been doing an amazing job on social media explaining the crisis and the alternatives to it but for years Richard has been burrowing away successfully on tax justice and then wider big economic reform issues – not least driving the work of the Green New Deal and how we pay for the great transition. Through Blogs, Tweets and Books Richard has been central to what a new political economy could and should be.
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 14 Oct 2022 - 85 - BONUS: Lessons from the Teal Independents
The Teal Independents are marking waves in Australian politics, finding electoral success by putting community and climate first.
They're bringing difference and creativity into their political system that's bringing about tangible change to the political landscape.
In this episode, Neal Lawson sits down with Byron Fay - chief executive of Climate 200 and a core supporter of the Teal movement - to discuss the story so far of the Teal Independents, and what we can learn from them in the UK.Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 10 Oct 2022 - 84 - Live from Labour Conference: Win as One - Changing Politics to Change Society | Ep.71
Labour faces a huge challenge, not just to win power but to use it to transform the country. The old politics that allows the domination of elites and swing voters constrains what we can do in the face of huge challenges like climate change and economic instability.
A new politics, unlocked in the first instance by proportional representation, disperses power to the people, communities and workers and puts our dream of a good society on the map.
Yes, it means working with others, so we can achieve 80% of what we do want and not have 100% of what we don’t.
Win as One is the campaign to change politics for good with Labour taking the lead role in delivering power to, for and by the people. Come and join us in the biggest conference debate about making democracy a first order issue.
Live from Liverpool Town Hall, Progressive champions Beth Winter MP, Peter Marland, Frances Foley, Clive Lewis MP and John Harris shared their reflections on the PR motion and their experiences of the progressive movement. Laura Parker from Labour 4 new Democracy also passed by to celebrate the PR motion pass with us!
Speeches are also available on Compasstv youtube channel
This event was powered by Win as One
To find out more about our upcoming campaign, please visit www.compassonline.org.uk
Membership supports everything we do. Join the movement, become a memberEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 30 Sep 2022 - 83 - BONUS: Is Socialism Possible in Britain? - In Conversation with Andrew Murray
In this special edition of the podcast Neal talks to Andrew Murray, former advisor to Jeremy Corbyn, about the lessons of the Corbyn era and what that means for the future of socialism in Britain.
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist? Become a member! Support our work and be a part of the Compass communityEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 20 Sep 2022 - 82 - The new Prime Minister - In conversation with Ken Spours and Gaby Hinsliff | Ep.70
This podcast makes reference to slides presented by Ken Spours. To view these, watch the podcast video on our CompassTV youtube channel
The right is shape shifting again - from Johnson to now Liz Truss. What a Truss premiership means is unclear - will she stick to desiccated Thatcherism or pivot to a new hybrid Toryism?We are joined live with Professor Ken Spours who through his work on the Osbourne Supremacy and shapeshifters had helped us place a Gramscian lens over the adaptation and contortions of modern Toryism. Also joining us is Gaby Hinsliff, the flabulous Guardian political columnist who writes astutely about centre-left politics.
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist? Become a member! Support our work and be a part of the Compass communityEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 06 Sep 2022 - 81 - BONUS: “What’s the point of this, Miss?” What’s gone wrong with education and how we can fix it
Original recording of this special episode was on video, references to slides are mentioned throughout the recording.
This episode is part 1 of 2 of a education series special. Part 2 of the education series is available on ourCompasstv YouTube channelCovid-19 has exposed the vast inequalities baked into the way we educate children in the UK. But there’s a whole lot more that needs changing – and most politicians don’t like talking about it.
Are we genuinely providing children and young people with the education they need to deal with the huge challenges ahead? Are we finding the spark in every child? Have schools become exam factories? What do we want for our children, here and now – and in the future?
In short, what’s the point of education in the 21st century?
Joining us to discuss are this and much more are four education thinkers and doers:
Peter Moss, Emeritus Professor of Early Childhood Provision at UCL Institute of Education, University College LondonChristine Merrick, former Ofsted inspector and ex-headteacher with nearly fifty years’ experience in early years and primary education in the UK and abroadRobin Duckett, founder of the Sightlines Initiative for creative practice in UK early educationMadeleine Holt, education campaigner and filmmaker in innovative primary and secondary schools through Schools on Screen.At the event we’ll explore:
The spread of GERM – the Global Education Reform Movement – throughout our systemIts symptoms – standardisation, market-led competition, a narrowed curriculum and test-based accountabilityThe human cost: a burgeoning workload and unhappy staff and students.It’s time to question what’s driving education: is it the needs of children and young people, or something else entirely?Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 22 Aug 2022 - 80 - In Conversation with Stella Creasy | Ep.69
Stella Creasy is one of the most dynamic back-benchers in Parliament. She campaigns nationally on issues such as abortion rights, making Westminster a child friendly workplace, and how to deepen democracy. Locally, Stella put her constituency, Walthamstow, on the map with clever campaigns and even smarter social media.
We were delighted to welcome her to It’s Bloody Complicated. We talked all things Labour Party and Tory Party, and what’s next for the future of democracy, E17, and indie rock.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 02 Aug 2022 - 79 - Another World is Possible with Geoff Mulgan | Ep.68
Another world is possible.
A professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London, Geoff Mulgan is a prolific writer, thinker and doer.
He was a strategy adviser to former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as well as governments around the world, with his expertise also running think tanks like Nesta and Demos.
His latest book Another Word is Possible, released in June 2022, examines how we reignite social and political Imagination. From the sciences to philosophy, learning from the past and not giving in to the doom of recent calamities, we discussed with Geoff how we can create new methods of creative imagination for a better politics and society.
He will shares his experiences working with the previous Labour government, the practice of theory of change and what can be applied for the future, for the better.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 18 Jul 2022 - 78 - The Welsh Basic Income pilot - The What, How and Why with Jonathan Williams | Ep.67
Basic income is a regular payment everyone receives. Forever.
Now, the Welsh and Irish governments have followed the examples of the United States and elsewhere, and are piloting basic income programmes for real.
In this special episode Jonathan Williams, co-founder of UBI Lab Wales, gives us the inside track on the Welsh pilot.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 01 Jul 2022 - 77 - Election Special: France Decides with Rim-Sarah Alouane and Philippe Marlière | Ep.63
On Monday 11th April we saw the consequences when progressives divide and centrists ignore the ground to their left. A rightward-shifting Emmanuel Macron finds himself in a second-round matchup with the far-right Marine Le Pen in France.
Left-of-centre parties split the vote in the first round, allowing Le Pen to narrowly make the run-off. Current polling suggests that left-wing voters will only break to Macron fairly narrowly – with huge numbers set to abstain.
What does it all mean? And what are the lessons for the UK?French politics experts Philippe Marliėreand Rim-Sarah Alouanewill join us to assess the aftermath of the election.
Take a deep dive into the French election on this edition of It’s Bloody Complicated, the Compass podcast.
Support the show(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 02 May 2022 - 76 - Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century - In Conversation with Helen Thompson | Ep. 62
This week on the Compass podcast we are joined by Helen Thompson, author of the book Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century, published by Oxford University Press. A chronicle of three recent political histories - in our geopolitics, world economy and todays western democracies, Helen shows us the ways that energy, global finance and democracy interact - forcing us to think hard about why and how we get a fit for purpose democracy to meet the challenges we face.
Helen Thompson is a professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University and panelist at Talking Politics podcast. Her previous works also include the 2017 book 'Oil and the Western Economic Crisis.'
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 26 Apr 2022 - 75 - Progressive Alliances Everywhere: In conversation with Anthony Slaughter, Lucy Nethsingha and Peter Marland | Ep.54
Across the nations, regions, towns and cities of the UK, a new way of doing politics is emerging.
Far from the adversarial politics encouraged by Westminster’s first-past-the-post electoral system, politicians and people are working together across parties for progressive change.
Joining us to discuss the art, benefits and challenges of progressive alliances are:
Anthony Slaughter, Leader of the Wales Green Party, which recently announced an electoral alliance with Plaid Cymru in CardiffLucy Nethsingha, Liberal Democrat Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, which is run in a joint administration with Labour and independentsPeter Marland, Labour & Co-operative Leader of Milton Keynes Council, which is run by a ‘Progressive Alliance’ of Labour and the Lib Dems.It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 14 Dec 2021 - 74 - BONUS: Paint your town Red! Conversation with Matt Brown and Rhian E.Jones
This week on the Compass podcast we are joined by Matthew Brown and Rhian E. Jones, authors of the book Paint Your Town Red: How Preston Took Back Control and Your Town Can Too, published by Repeater. Against a national backdrop of austerity and privatisation, a city in Lancashire bucked the trend and created what is known as the Preston Model.
Matthew is the leader of Preston City Council, where he has led pioneering efforts in community wealth-building – what has become known as the ‘Preston Model’. He’s also a Senior Fellow at the Democracy Collaborative, tasked with promoting community wealth-building across the UK and abroad.Rhian is a writer, historian and the author of four books on politics and popular culture. She’s a founding editor of New Socialistand an editor at Red Peppermagazine.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 27 Aug 2021 - 73 - Trialling a 4-Day Week | Ep. 66
What would your life look like with less time spent at work?
Across the UK, thousands at workers at 70 companies are taking part in the biggest-ever trial of a four-day working week.
Joining It’s Bloody Complicated to discuss the trial and a potential future of reduced working hours are representatives from digital marketing firm Literal Humans and brewery Pressure Drop, both of which are participating in the pilot.
And we’ll also hear from Will Stronge, co-author of Overtime: Why We Need a Shorter Working Week and Head of Research at future-of-work think tank Autonomy, which is helping coordinate the pilots, and Kate Bell, Head of Rights, International, Social and Economics at the TUC.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 19 Jun 2022 - 72 - Fixing Westminster | Ep. 65
From fines for the prime minister to shocking allegations of harassment, bullying and sexism in the workplace, Parliament has been bedevilled by scandal once again.
We’re joined by Dr Hannah White, Jennifer Nadel and Darren Hughes to explore What about the structure and culture of our politics results in such awful behaviour – and how we build a new politics.
Hannah White is Deputy Director of the Institute for Government and author of Held in Contempt: What’s Wrong with the House of Commons? (https://www.waterstones.com/book/held-in-contempt/hannah-white//978152615669 3)
Jennifer Nadel is Co-Director of Compassion in Politics and an award-winning journalist.
Darren Hughes is Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society and a former government minister in New Zealand.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a
Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:
https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 04 Jun 2022 - 71 - Local Elections Special | Ep. 64
It’s Bloody Complicated brings you a special episode on a fascinating set of elections across the UK. Joining us is elections guru Professor Rob Ford.
What were the progressive triumphs and tragedies – where did progressive alliances win out, and where could they have helped score wins?
Rob Ford is Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester. He is the author, with Maria Sobolewska, of the award-winning Brexitland and, with Tim Bale, Will Jennings and Paul Surridge, of The British General Election of 2019.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 31 May 2022 - 70 - The Future We Want #5: Poetry, Protest and Performance with Tishani Doshi
Orwell Youth Fellows Jamie See and Noah Robinson meet poet Tishani Doshi to explore protest, poetry and performance.
Tishani Doshi is an award-winning poet, novelist, dancer and journalist.
The episode begins with Jamie and Noah reading their poems.
Read 'A Love Symphony to the World' by Jamie See (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/runners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/jamiesee/)
Read 'Here There Are No People' by Noah Robinson (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/runners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/noahrobinson/)
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing.
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
Compass' regular podcast, It's Bloody Complicated, is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 24 May 2022 - 69 - Democrats in Power: What's Been Won and What's Up Next | Ep.61
After a year-plus on the job, having inherited a deeply divided country, Joe Biden and the Democrats are still facing multiple interlocking crises – from the war in Ukraine, to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, to climate catastrophe. But amidst all this, can we count some wins – on infrastructure, Covid and a once-in-a-generation Supreme Court nomination?
Top Democratic organisers Sky Gallegos and Joe Sudbay join It's Bloody Complicated to help make sense of it all.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 19 Apr 2022 - 68 - Making Democracy Work with Polly Mackenzie | Ep.59
Chief Executive of Demos Polly Mackenzie joins It’s Bloody Complicated to look at what's gone wrong with our democracy and how we can fix it.
Polly builds on the insights from her series of papers for Demos – Making Democracy Work.
Polly Makenzie was Director of Policy to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg from 2010–15, helping to write the 2010 Coalition Agreement. After leaving Government, Polly established the operations of the Women’s Equality Party and founded the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.
Read the Making Democracy Work papers (https://demos.co.uk/making-democracy-work/).
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 22 Feb 2022 - 67 - The Future We Want #5: Communities and Public Services with Professor Donna Hall
Orwell Youth Fellow Jessica Tunks joins Professor Donna Hall to discuss family, community, reimagining public services and her scorching essay 'Knifepoint'.
Donna Hall is Chair of New Local and of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
The episode begins with Jessica reading her essay 'Knifepoint'.
Read 'Knifepoint' by Jessica Tunks (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/winners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/jessica-tunks/).
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing.
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
Compass' regular podcast, It's Bloody Complicated, is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 24 Mar 2022 - 66 - The Future We Want #4: Hopes and Failures of Social Housing with John Harris
Orwell Youth Fellow Rosaleen Tite Ahern joins Guardianjournalist John Harris to discuss place; the successes, failures and hopes of social housing; and her brilliantly evocative essay 'Streets in the Sky' on Manchester's Hulme Crescents.
John Harris is a columnist at the Guardianand host of the podcast Politics Weekly UK. (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/johnharris).
The episode begins with Rosaleen reading her essay 'Streets in the Sky'.
Read 'Streets in the Sky' by Rosaleen Tite Ahern (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/winners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/rosaleen-tite-ahern/).
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing.
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
Compass' regular podcast, It's Bloody Complicated, is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 17 Mar 2022 - 65 - In Conversation with Tommy Sheppard MP | Ep.58
Tommy Sheppard MP joins It’s Bloody Complicated to discuss the future of the Scottish independence movement, the prospects of the SNP supporting a Labour government and his remarkable political life.
Tommy Sheppard is the Scottish National Party MP for Edinburgh and the SNP’s Spokesperson for Constitutional Affairs.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 08 Feb 2022 - 64 - The War in Ukraine with Luke Cooper and Citizens not Consumers with Jon Alexander and Sue Goss | Ep.60
Jon Alexander, author of the new book Citizens,joins the podcast to tell us how can we start to think and act like Citizens, not Consumers. Joining Jon is conversation is author and political scientist Sue Goss.
But first we hear from Luke Cooper of Another Europe is Possible for an update on the terrible events in Ukraine. Luke helps us think through what we can be doing about this awful war.
Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us(https://www.jonalexander.net/)
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 10 Mar 2022 - 63 - Lessons from '97, in association with Social Liberal Forum | Ep.57
Frances Foley goes behind the scenes of Labour–Liberal Democrat cooperation in the 1997 General Election with former Lib Dem Policy Director Duncan Brack, political commentator Peter Kellner, and Compass Director and 1997 Labour electoral negotiator Neal Lawson .
In ’97 an informal arrangement between Labour and the Lib Dems helped drive tactical voting – and a landslide election victory for Labour, ending 18 years of Conservative rule.
What are the lessons from 1997 today? What has changed in the intervening years? And after four election defeats in a row, how might progressive parties work better, and smarter, together?
Duncan Brack is Editor of the Journal of Liberal History, and was Liberal Democrat Policy Director from 1988–94 and special adviser during the coalition government in 2010–12.
Peter Kellner is a political commentator, election analyst and former President of YouGov.
This episode is presented in partnership with the Social Liberal Forum.
There are seats where Labour can't win, but the Tories can lose. Find out more about the Compass campaignOnly Stand to Win(https://www.compassonline.org.uk/campaigns/only-stand-to-win/).
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Wed, 02 Feb 2022 - 62 - Preparing for Minority Government, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung | Ep.56
We take a look at coalition governments – what they are, how they are formed, lessons from the new 'traffic light' coalition in Germany and why the UK’s progressive parties need to be thinking about them right now.
Joining the podcast are Henning Meyer, Publisher of Social Europe, Fellow at the German Ministry of Finance and member of the SPD's Basic Values Commission, and George Peretz QC, legal expert, member of the Society of Labour Lawyers and author of the recent article Wargaming a Minority Labour Governmentin Prospect (https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/wargaming-a-minority-labour-government-next-election-starmer).
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 30 Jan 2022 - 61 - The Big Fat Pod of the Year 2021 | Ep.55
Political commentators and Guardian journalists John Harris and Zoe Williams join us to break down the political year that was and look ahead to 2022.
From tackling the climate catastrophe to the state of the current Conservative party and challenges facing a progressive alliance – as well as some political reasons to be cheerful in 2022.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 01 Jan 2022 - 60 - In Conversation with Ece Temelkuran, in association with Social Liberal Forum | Ep.53
Author, journalist and political commentator Ece Temelkuran joins the podcast to talk about her new book Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now, faith vs. hope, the parallels between the UK's slide towards authoritarianism and her experience in Turkey, and the power of young women.
Together: 10 Choices for a Better Now (https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/together-a-manifesto-against-the-heartless-world-ece-temelkuran-2) How to Lose a Country: The Seven Steps From Democracy to Dictatorship (https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/how-to-lose-a-country-the-7-steps-from-democracy-to-dictatorship-ece-temelkuran?variant=32558325629006)
Ece was in conversation with special guest host Jon Alexander of the Social Liberal Forum.This episode is brought to you by Compass and the Social Liberal Forum.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 06 Dec 2021 - 59 - BONUS: In Conversation with First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford
On a special bonus episode of It’s Bloody Complicated, the Compass podcast, we welcome First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford MS.
Mark spoke to Compass Director Neal Lawson about progressive alliances, his support for proportional representation, basic income and why he's vowed to stand down after five years.
Under Mark Drakeford’s leadership, Labour in Wales bucked the party’s national trend in 2021, winning a working majority of 30 seats in the Senedd.
Welsh Labour is currently in talks with Plaid Cymru about a cooperation agreement. And the party has previously worked with the Liberal Democrats.
The Welsh Government this year also approved a basic income (UBI) trial for Wales.
The Basic Income Conversation, powered by Compass, recentlypublished a report(https://autonomy.work/portfolio/ubi-in-wales/) with Autonomy on principles, precedents and feasibility of piloting a basic income in Wales.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 14 Nov 2021 - 58 - What Now for Labour and PR? | Ep.52
83% of Labour members backed proportional representation. So did 80% of the membership’s representatives on the conference floor. But the Labour machine didn’t, and the motion to make PR party policy fell at last month’s party conference.
We welcome leading Labour for a New Democracy campaigners Laura Parker and Caroline Osborne to the podcast to get the inside track on the campaign for Labour to back fair votes.
Why didn’t the leadership back PR? How can those unions who didn’t support PR be convinced to do so? And, with a groundswell of support among members and voters, what’s next for the UK’s largest progressive party and democratic reform?
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 06 Nov 2021 - 57 - Germany at the Traffic Lights with John Kampfner and Michèle Auga | Ep.51
The election in Germany has seen progressives surge and conservatives suffer at the polls.
John Kampfner and Michèle Augajoin It's Bloody Complicated to make sense of the SPD and Olaf Scholz's (relative) surge, the CDU's collapse, and the 'traffic light' (red/yellow/green) coalition talks.
Will Scholz’s late embrace of the climate agenda be born out in practice? And what can we in Britain learn from German progressive electoral successes – and the alliance-building challenges to come?
John Kampfneris a journalist and the author of Why Germans Do It Better: Notes from A Grown-Up Country(https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/why-the-germans-do-it-better/).
Michèle Augais head of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in London (https://www.fes-london.org/).
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 30 Oct 2021 - 56 - The Future We Want #3: The Future of Work with Jon Cruddas
Orwell Youth Fellow Tom Finlayson joins Labour MP Jon Cruddas to discuss impending environmental disaster, automation, AI and the future of work – themes brought vividly to life in Tom's dystopian short story 'Not So Welcome Break'.
Jon Cruddas is the Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham and a leading thinker on the meaning of work. His book, The Dignity of Labour, is out now from Polity Books (https://politybooks.com/bookdetail/?isbn=9781509540785&subject_id=89).
The episode begins with Tom Reading his short story, 'Not So Welcome Break'.
Read 'Not So Welcome Break' by Tom Finlayson (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/winners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/tom-finlayson/)
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing.
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
Compass' regular podcast, It's Bloody Complicated, is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 28 Oct 2021 - 55 - Tomorrow's Communities | Ep.50
In the face of global crises, how can communities attain better social, economic and environmental outcomes?
Joining It's Bloody Complicated are Henry Tam, editor of the new book Tomorrow’s Communities: Lessons for community-based transformation in the age of global crises, and contributors to the book Marjorie Mayo and Diane Warburton.
Henry Tam is a political writer whose books include Time to Save Democracy and Whose Government is it?. He was Head of Civil Renewal under the last Labour government.Marjorie Mayo is Professor of Community Development at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her recent publications include Community-based learning and social movements and Changing Communities: stories of migration, displacement and solidarities.
Diane Warburton is a founding Trustee of Involve. Her published works include Community and Sustainable Development and From Here to Sustainability.
Tomorrow's Communities by Henry Tam (ed.), Policy Press (https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/tomorrows-communities)It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 22 Oct 2021 - 54 - The Future We Want #2: The Climate Crisis with Andrew Simms
In the second episode of The Future We Want, a new series from Compass and the Orwell Youth Prize, Orwell Youth Fellows Lauren DeBruin and Hugh Ludford join Andrew Simms to discuss climate, dystopia – and how we encourage each other to want a better future.
Andrew Simms is the co-director of the New Weather Institute, coordinator of the Rapid Transition Alliance and co-author of the original Green New Deal.
The episode begins with Lauren and Hugh reading their pieces, 'What We Lost' and 'You Are What You Eat'.
Read 'What We Lost' by Lauren Debruin (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/?s=Lauren+Debruin)
Read 'You Are What You Eat' by Hugh Ludford (https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/winners-orwell-youth-prize-2020/hugh-ludford/)
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing.
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
Compass' regular podcast, It's Bloody Complicated, is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 05 Oct 2021 - 53 - Progressive Alliance: Will Labour Accept Sharing Power to Win? Live from Labour Conference | Ep.49
This episode of It's Bloody Complicated is brought to you from Labour Party Conference. At this year's conference, the Labour machine rejected the overwhelming wishes of party members, and the motion for the party to adopt proportional representation fell.
We were joined by Labour MP Clive Lewis, Green MP Caroline Lucas, Labour for a New Democracy campaign head Laura Parkerand Best for Britain CEO Naomi Smith to look at the necessity and strategy of a progressive alliance following Labour's latest rejection of PR.How do we build a cross-party progressive movement that can not only win an election but change our broken political system?
Read:'Keir Starmer made a huge mistake in not backing PR' – Neal Lawson | Guardian
Caroline Lucas's speech in full
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 03 Oct 2021 - 52 - The Future We Want: The Poverty Pandemic with Dawn Butler
Compass and the Orwell Youth Prize have teamed up to bring you a special new series, The Future We Want.
In this first episode, Orwell Youth Fellow Manal Nadeem joins Dawn Butler MP for a discussion of race, power and the pandemic. The episode begins with Manal reading her piece, 'The Poverty Pandemic'.
Read 'The Poverty Pandemic' by Manal Nadeem
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual programme for students aged 12–18 culminating in a writing prize. The prize and programme introduce young people to the power of political language, and provoke them to think critically about the world around them.
The Future We Want is a new podcast series from the Orwell Youth Prize and Compass. We've matched the Orwell Youth Fellows from 2020 with figures from politics, media and political writing
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 10 Sep 2021 - 51 - BONUS: How to Stop Fascism with Paul Mason
We welcome writer, journalist and film-maker Paul Mason to the podcast to discuss his new book, How to Stop Fascism(Allen Lane).
Paul spoke about how the rise of right-wing populism and authoritarianism has not acted as a 'firewall' against fascism, the online tactics of the new networked fascism and the lessons of the French Popular Front for a Progressive Alliance movement today.
How to Stop Fascism: History, Ideology, Resistanceis available now.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 02 Sep 2021 - 50 - The Future of the Greens with Jonathan Bartley | Ep.48
Recently departed Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Bartley joins It’s Bloody Complicated.
Jonathan stepped down as Green co-leader in July. He is now focusing his energy on helping to build a progressive alliance, saying to the Guardian that ‘there is a progressive majority in this country but we will have Conservative governments as far as we can see because of first past the post’.
He spoke about why we need a progressive alliance – and why there must be something in it for the Greens – as well where the Greens' next seat in Parliament might come from, defending the right to protest and his unusual journey to the leadership of a political party.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 20 Aug 2021 - 49 - From the Soft Left to Left Patriotism with John Denham | Ep.47
John Denham joined It's Bloody Complicated to talk nation, identity and patriotism.
Is there such a thing as ‘progressive patriotism’? And against the backdrop of Brexit and a potential second Scottish independence referendum, is it finally time for progressives to talk about England?John Denham is Professor and Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton, and co-founder of the English Labour Network. He was the Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, and served as a minister for ten years in the 1997–2010 Labour government.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 01 Aug 2021 - 48 - BONUS: Decision Time for Deutschland, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
This episode was recorded immediately following the initial devastating flooding across western Germany. Our thoughts and solidarity are with all those affected.
Compass has teamed up with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung to bring you a German election special.Germany is poised to pick its next leader. After 16 years at the helm, Angela Merkel is stepping aside – and what comes next is anyone’s guess.
Will Germans elect Armin Laschet, her successor in the CDU, after he pledged to continue what Merkel started? Or could they choose change in the form of the Greens’ first ever candidate – young and dynamic Annalena Baerbock? How might the Social Democratic Party respond to these changes?
And what does this decision mean for the country at the heart of Europe – for action on climate change, the future of the EU and prospects for progressives across the continent?
Ulrike Herrmann is a journalist based in Berlin and a staff member of the left-alternative daily “die tageszeitung” (taz). She focuses on economic issues and is a non-active member of the Green party.
Christos Katsioulis currently heads the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s (FES) London office.
Ed Turner is Reader in Politics at Aston University and Co-Director of the Aston Centre for Europe. and publishes widely on German politics.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 26 Jul 2021 - 47 - Big Ideas Before Their Time with Anna Coote | Ep.46
Policy innovator Anna Coote joined It’s Bloody Complicated to talk about a life at the cutting edge of policy thinking – from citizens' juries to a four-day week and universal basic services.
We took a closer look at the idea of universal basic services (UBS) – and any tensions that may exist with universal basic income (UBI).
And we surveyed the present state of progressive politics – and how we can advocate and implement transformative policies for a good society.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 19 Jul 2021 - 46 - Brexit: Five Years Later | Ep.45
On 23rd June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU by a majority of 52% to 48%.
The ensuing half-decade has seen rolling political turmoil, unprecedented realignments and questions over the future of the UK itself.
To help make sense of these historic times, we welcome Labour MP Jon Trickett, Guardianjournalist Zoe Williams, Zoe's dog Romeo, and writer Anthony Barnett to the show.
Jon Trickett is the Labour MP for Hemsworth and a former shadow minister under the leaderships of Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband.
Zoe Williams is a Guardiancolumnist and the co-host of the Another Europe Podcast.
Anthony Barnett is co-founder of openDemocracy and the author of The Lure of Greatness: England’s Brexit and America’s Trump.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 03 Jul 2021 - 45 - Johnson and Gramsci: Tackling the Tories Today | Ep.44
What are the strategy, ideology and aims of the modern Conservative Party? To beat them, we have to understand them – and maybe even learn from them.
Professor Ken Spours applies the thinking of Antonio Gramsci to help us get to grips with today’s shapeshifting Tories.
Ken has provided some additional notes to accompany the show. Find them here: https://bit.ly/3xj0OnA.
Discussed on the show:
Antonio Gramsci – Prison Notebooks
Stuart Hall – 'New Labour's Double Shuffle'
Ken Spours – ShapeshiftersIt's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 12 Jun 2021 - 44 - The Dignity of Labour with Jon Cruddas | Ep.43
Jon Cruddas MP joins It’s Bloody Complicated to mark the launch of his new book, The Dignity of Labour(Polity).
Does work give our lives purpose, meaning and status? Or is it a tedious necessity that will soon be abolished by automation, leaving humans free to enjoy a life of leisure and basic income?
Jon Cruddas is Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham. The Dignity of Labouris available from Polity.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 27 May 2021 - 43 - Election Special | Ep.42
Election results across England, Scotland and Wales showed more than ever why progressives need to work together – and what can happen when they do. We're joined by a stellar lineup to survey the aftermath, and work out where we go next:
Sir John Curtice, polling expert, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde and Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Social ResearchCaroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton PavilionBeth Winter, Labour MP for Cynon ValleyLayla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and AbingdonTommy Sheppard, Scottish National Party MP for Edinburgh EastClive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich SouthFrom Hartlepool to Holyrood, we analyse the outcomes for the different progressive parties, as well as, crucially, what the results mean for the prospect of a Progressive Alliance to overturn the Tory majority in Westminster.
Almost 900 people joined the call live.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 15 May 2021 - 42 - In Conversation with Mandu Reid | Ep.41
Leader of the Women's Equality Party Mandu Reid joined the podcast to talk about why the pandemic has not been a gender-neutral crisis, how her 'politically polyamorous' party is shaking up the system and why she's working to put herself out of a job.
Mandu Reid is Leader of the Women’s Equality Party, the party’s candidate for Mayor of London and the first Black leader of a national British political party.
It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 01 May 2021 - 41 - In Conversation with Vince Cable | Ep.40
Former leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable joins It’s Bloody Complicated to share the lessons of his long and varied political life and tell us about his new book, Money and Power.
In uncertain times for progressives of all stripes, not least the Lib Dems, it was great to get Vince's unique perspective.
Vince Cable was MP for Twickenham from 1997 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2019, and as leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2017–19. He served in the Conservative–Lib Dem coalition government as Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills from 2010 to 2015, and as deputy leader of the Lib Dems from 2006 to 2010.
Vince Cable – Money and Power: The World Leaders Who Changed Economics(Atlantic)
Vince Cable – The Chinese Conundrum: Engagement or Economic War (coming September 2021, Bloomsbury)It's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 19 Apr 2021 - 40 - Starmer's First Year with Paul Mason | Ep.39
It’s a year since Keir Starmer was elected leader of the Labour Party – a year that has seen the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, internal divisions within the party and vocal debates about the best way forward.
We welcome writer, journalist and film-maker Paul Mason to It’s Bloody Complicated to discuss Keir Starmer one year on, the prospects for a Progressive Alliance, strategies for the left and his fascinating political life.
Paul Mason is the author of six books, the most recent of which is Clear Bright Future. His next book, How to Stop Fascism, will be published in Spring 2021.
How to Stop Fascismby Paul Mason
'A Year of Keir: The Road Less Travelled' – statement by CompassIt's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 06 Apr 2021 - 39 - Out of the Ordinary with Marc Stears, Jon Cruddas, Sue Goss and John Harris | Ep.38
Special guest host John Harris is joined by Marc Stears to discuss Marc's new book, Out of the Ordinary: How Everyday Life Inspired a Nation and How It Can Again.
Joining John and Marc are Jon Cruddas, Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham, and Sue Goss, author of Open Tribeand the Compass report Garden Mind.
In Out of the Ordinary, Stears describes how, in a period of intense political turmoil from the 1920s–50s, a group of British writers and artists showed a way forward by shining a light on the strength and creativity of ordinary people going about their lives. Now, the book argues, the ordinary might once again provide a unifying path out of crisis.
Marc Stears was a senior advisor and chief speechwriter to former Labour leader Ed Miliband, and directs the Sydney Policy Lab at the University of Sydney. John Harris is a columnist for the Guardian.
Discussed in the show:
Out of the Ordinaryby Marc Stears
Under Milk Woodby Dylan Thomas
Our Country (dir. John Eldridge)
English Journeyby J.B. Priestley
'The Lion and the Unicorn' by George Orwell
'Year 3' by Steve McQueenIt's Bloody Complicated is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 22 Mar 2021 - 38 - Belonging, Place and the Nation with Clive Lewis, Francesca Klug and Stuart White | Ep.37
On this very special edition of It’s Bloody Complicated, we're joined by Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South; academic and advocate for human rights Francesca Klug; and political theorist Stuart White to celebrate the launch of Belonging, Place and the Nation,Compass’s new report into nationalism and patriotism.
Should we try to confront the Right with our own, more progressive, patriotism and nationalism? Or should we abandon these terms and instead try to build something else?
In Belonging, Place and the Nation, Clive and Francesca explore what it means to belong, in a wide-ranging conversation with Frances Foley on race, identity and the telling of British history, while Stuart considers the possibility of a democratic English patriotism in the republican political tradition. They touch on all this and more in a wide-ranging conversation that doesn't shy away from the difficult questions.
Discussed in the show:
Belonging, Place and the Nation
Radical Republicanismby Bruno Leipold, Karma Nabulsi and Stuart White (eds.)It's Bloody Complicated has moved to fortnightly calls, and is recorded every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6pm GMT. Become a Compass member to join our live recordings and put your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
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Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 04 Mar 2021 - 37 - Progressive Alliance: The Reunion | Ep.36
On this edition of It’s Bloody Complicated , we're celebrating a very special reunion. Neal Lawson is joined by 2017 Progressive Alliance veterans Andrée Frieze, Barry Langford, Stephen Clark, Remco van der Stoep, Jana Mills, Steve Williams and Frances Foley to look back on the successes and lessons of that election, and look forward to how we can build a formidable Progressive Alliance next time.
Results analysis suggests that, in 2017, the Progressive Alliance made a difference in dozens of seats, contributing to the Conservatives losing their majority in Parliament. It’s time to get the band back together.
On the next episodeof It's Bloody Complicated, we're launching Compass's new reportBelonging, Place and the Nationwith Clive Lewis MP, Francesca Klug and Stuart White.The live recording is open to all – just sign up here.Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 19 Feb 2021 - 36 - Re-imagining Democracy with Peter MacFadyen and Indra Adnan | Ep.35
On this episode of It's Bloody Complicated, Frances Foley is joined by another great double bill – this time Peter MacFadyen who has inspired the Flatpack Democracy movement and Indra Adnan one of the co-founders of the new politics champions The Alternative UK.
Flatpack Democracy is an independent movement which started in Frome, inspired by frustration with missed opportunitities the way local government usually works. Since then, the group has taken control of the local council and inspired similar groups in other towns across the UK.
The Alternative UK is a political platform based in the United Kingdom. Through curation, editorial, public events, commissioning and research, it aims to transform the language and practice of politics on these islands. Inspired by and associated with Alternativet in Denmark, it is trying to bring about “a friendly revolution”.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is moving now to fortnightly calls, and will be recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm GMT. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 30 Jan 2021 - 35 - The Year Ahead with Yasmin Khan and Tom Clark | Ep.34
We’re diving straight into 2021 with a conversation about what the next year might hold for us and what it all means for progressive politics.
Our guests, Tom Clark (Editor of Prospect Magazine) and Yasmin Khan (human rights campaigner), were on hand to help us chart a course through what is likely to be an extraordinarily challenging year for us all.
We covered the pandemic, the economy, the Tories, Labour, Scotland, Biden, and more. And as ever, we took questions live on the call from Compass members.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded fortnightly on Tuesdays at 6pm GMT. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 15 Jan 2021 - 34 - The future of the Left in Europe with Yanis Varoufakis | Ep.33
For the final podcast of 2020, we had an extra special Christmas treat for our members. Writer, economist, politician, and former academic Yanis Varoufakis joined us live on Zoom for an hour of hard-headed economic analysis, a few home truths for the European Left, and plenty of laughter too.
A former academic, Yanis is perhaps best known for his tenure as Greek finance minister and his role in the country’s high stakes negotiations with the EU. But he is also a prolific author and political commentator, known for his thoughtful and engaging approach to complex topics, and his approachable and accessible style.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded fortnightly on Tuesdays at 6pm GMT. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Thu, 17 Dec 2020 - 33 - Feminism and Refugee Women with Natasha Walter | Ep.32
This week, we spoke to Natasha Walter: feminist writer, founder and director of Women for Refugee Women and author of Living Dolls and A Quiet Life.
We talked to Natasha about what motivated her to write Living Dolls, and how she moved out of journalism to found the charity Women for Refugee Women. After 14 years at WFRW, Natasha had plenty of stories to share with us and wasn’t afraid to dig into the frictions and frustrations of her work."It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 07 Dec 2020 - 32 - Inequality with Danny Dorling | Ep.31
We’re delighted to welcome academic, author, social commentator, and human cartographer Danny Dorling to the podcast this week.
The conversation roamed over many topics, from Biden and Covid, to Finland and Extinction Rebellion. We discussed in particular Danny's three latest books: Rule Britannia (written with Sally Tomlinson) , Slowdown, and Finntopia (written with Annika Koljonen).Some key points from the discussion:
Reflections on Biden's victory in the US election from the point of view of British and European progressives. (It's more relief than happiness).Just as the aftermath of wars tend to see reductions in inequality, there's a chance that the Covid-19 pandemic could force some non progressive players into backing progressive policies.Why is geography such a brilliant subject, and why has it produced so many interesting progressive thinkers?We're in the middle of a global slowdown in terms of economic growth, population growth, and innovation. Why is this a good thing?Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world, and comes in the top three for many other global indicators. Why is that? (Clue: it has something to do with a progressive alliance)The automation revolution is already well underway in our workplaces. What role will as Basic Income play in our future societies?Why has Covid stimulated the debate around inequality in a way that austerity could not?Why Labour must cooperate with other parties if they want to regain power in the next decade.And much more.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Tue, 17 Nov 2020 - 31 - Build Back Better: HOW? 4 Big Ideas | Ep.30
This week’s live podcast formed part of Build Back Better: How?, a 10 day series of conferences about how we can make the good society after Covid-19 a reality.
Universal Basic Services, a guaranteed income floor, the 4 day week, and reform of the banking system: we discussed some of the biggest, most exciting ideas around for rethinking our approach to work, money, and how we use our time.
It’s clear that current financial models are serving fewer and fewer people than ever, as society discovers itself on a treadmill that drives vast fortunes for a small few, and economic instability, environmental destruction, and burnout for the rest. The most important work is widely acknowledged to be the lowest paid, and in the case of care work it is often not paid at all. A threadbare and incomplete welfare state leaves many living in an exhausting state of permanent precarity. Our banking system isn’t working for most people, and is complicit in rising inequality, and environmental degradation.
Joining us were very special guests Anna Coote (Principal Fellow at NEF), Will Stronge (Director of Research at Autonomy), and Fran Boait (Executive Director of Positive Money), and Stewart Lansley (author of Basic Income for All: From Desirability to Feasibility).
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sun, 01 Nov 2020 - 30 - BONUS: American democracy: Where do we go from here? Election special | Ep.31
On 5th November 2020, we hosted this very special transatlantic edition of It’s Bloody Complicated – outside of our usual fortnightly schedule – to talk to three people with direct experience in building capacity and infrastructure that demonstrates a different kind of doing politics.
Roge Karma is a researcher and reporter at Vox, where he produces The Ezra Klein Show podcast and writes about policing, political polarization, and democracy reform.Manu Meel is passionate about empowering young people and advocating for civic engagement. He serves as the CEO of BridgeUSA, a national organization that is investing in the future of democracy. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media platforms.Joan Blades is a co-founder of Living Room Conversations, an open source effort to rebuild respectful discourse across ideological, cultural and party lines while embracing our shared values. She is the co-author of The Custom-Fit Workplace, winner of a Nautilus book award in 2011, and The Motherhood Manifesto, which won the Ernesta Drinker Ballard Book Prize in 2007.All three talked about their experiences of building a better way of doing politics, and what that has looked and felt like over the past few months.
At the time of recording, the final result of the 2020 US election was still up in the air - which we refer to a few times in the conversation."It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcast
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Sat, 07 Nov 2020 - 29 - What’s next for the Scottish Labour Party? With Gerry Hassan | Ep.29
The Scottish Labour Party’s decline has been severe. How – if at all – can it claw back something like the support it once enjoyed? With 51% of Labour voters now backing independence, how should Scottish Labour respond?
Join us as we discuss Scottish Labour, Independence, the SNP and the possible break-up of the UK with Scottish commentator and political author Gerry Hassan. Gerry is a regular contributor to Compass, and in his most recent blog for Compass suggests the formation of a new Labour Party in Scotland as a solution to these problems.
Listen to this week’s episode to delve into all things Scotland, Labour, and so much more.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is moving now to fortnightly calls, and will be recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)
Enjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 16 Oct 2020 - 28 - What we need to do differently with Ed Miliband | Ep.28
This week we were joined by Ed Miliband.
Ed is best known as leader of the Labour Party but his political career goes way beyond that. In his podcast "Reasons to be Cheerful" he uses the wealth of his experience to discuss the big ideas that we need to transform society.
In this fascinating and far-reaching conversation we dig into those ideas. We dissect everything from the lessons learned from the 2015 election defeat to the Green New Deal and his views on Universal Basic Income.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
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You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Mon, 05 Oct 2020 - 27 - Towards a new politics of Care | Ep.27
Long before Covid hit, it was evident to many that the UK was hurtling towards a crisis of Care. Now we simply cannot deny that the way we think about the way we care for our most vulnerable – who does it and how we value it – is deeply flawed. We urgently need a new politics of Care.
This week on the podcast we were joined by three authorities on the state of Care right now: Madeleine Bunting author of Labours of Love, Jo Littler author of The Care Manifesto and Alex Fox (CEO of Shared Lives)
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 25 Sep 2020 - 26 - The Why, What and How of Proportional Representation | Ep.26
Could proportional representation renew our democracy?
On this week’s episode we’ll be focussing on electoral reform, and exploring what it could mean to have a different voting system in the UK. With a panel of guests from the heart of the struggle to get PR on the agenda again, including Klina Jordan from Make Votes Matter, we’ll be digging into the what, why and, most importantly, how of all things PR.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 18 Sep 2020 - 25 - Building a progressive future with Matthew Taylor | Ep.25
This week we were joined by Matthew Taylor, writer, broadcaster, and CEO of the RSA. Matthew was one of a cabal of four back in the early 2000s who helped invent Compass.
In a wide ranging discussion, we cover the origins of Compass, his time as head of Tony Blair’s Policy Unit, what’s going on at the RSA and what the future holds for all Progressives.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 11 Sep 2020 - 24 - Lessons from Corbyn | Ep.24
It’s safe to say that Corbyn’s leadership divided opinion within the Labour Party, and the aftershocks of those divisions are still keenly felt today.
It’s also clear that Labour has much to learn from the experience of Corbynism – both good and bad – and attempts to scrap everything and move on could end up fracturing the party even more.
This week we spoke to Laura Parker (former Momentum national co-ordinator), Jeremy Gilbert (writer and researcher), and Bea Campbell (Green writer and activist) about lessons from the Corbyn era that Labour needs to learn.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 04 Sep 2020 - 23 - Basic Income - How do we get it? With Ronnie Cowan SNP MP | Ep.23
In May, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in no uncertain terms that universal basic income is an "idea whose time has come".
The SNP have come out in full force for this policy.
That's why this week we've invited Ronnie Cowan,SNP MP for Inverclyde and life-long proponent of the idea, to talk to us about what it'll take to make basic income a reality in the UK.
What alliances do we need to win it? How do we move the Conservative Party – and Labour – to engage?
You'll also hear from Mike Pugh joins us from Basic Income Conversation to share his experiences so far campaigning across the country for BI.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 28 Aug 2020 - 22 - What is Basic Income? with Cleo Goodman and Jessie Golem | Ep.22
In early 2020, Compass launched the Basic Income Conversation to help a public movement for basic income in the UK. A few months later, the pandemic hit and suddenly everyone was talking about BI.
It’s been an action-packed year so far, so let’s take a moment to breathe and look at where it all began for us. What exactly is a basic income, and why do we at Compass feel so strongly about it?
This week, Cleo Goodman joins us from Basic Income Conversation to break down the idea to its essential parts.
We also hear from Jessie Golem, who was a basic income recipient during a major pilot in Canada. Rarely do we get an opportunity to talk about basic income with someone who has experienced it – so naturally we were excited to have Jessie on to share her reflections with us.
"It's Bloody Complicated" is recorded every Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests:https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?
Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!
You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.Fri, 21 Aug 2020
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