Where Politics Meets History

Tessa and Iain discuss Gordon Brown's ideas around civic duty, Reform UK's record-breaking £72 million donations - and whether childcare really should be funded by the state.

And - Iain will discover what is really in Tessa's surprise box.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

ChatGPT is coming for our jobs, Ed Milliband causes uproar in Israel and Iain has been in bed with Vanessa Feltz! See if you can count how many times Tessa threatens to replace Iain with AI...

WARNING: Iain has also been given his driving license back, do stay safe out there listeners.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

While Tessa was brushing up on David Lloyd George, Iain spent his weekend watching the Reform party conference livestream. I wonder if there was any drama? The incorrigible pair also chat all things AfD and Healey.

“Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.”

Iain and Tessa discuss the Bayeux Tapestry, Zia Yusuf's controversial post, Harriet Harman calling Kemi Badenoch woke, Zack Polanski's chances in Holborn and St Pancras and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss Kemi Badenoch's reshuffle, whether James Cleverly has a chance at the London mayoralty, Germany’s AfD and why former East German states are fertile ground for populist/right-wing gains, Dolly Parton and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

While Iain's away, Tessa is joined by businessman and founder of The Black Farmer food company Wilfred Emmanuel Jones. They talk NEETs, salmonella, the Russian threat and more!

In another Q&A special episode, Iain and Tessa get quizzed on defectors, U-turns, culture wars, grades and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa are back for this special live episode on the return of Harry and Meghan. The two also discuss the tragic death of Jason Arday and the reflections it's brought about, as well as Reform UK dropping Tim Montgomerie.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

In this special questions edition of the podcast, the listeners quiz Iain and Tessa on whether Carer's Allowance should be increased to take pressure off the social care sector, whether Zelensky is still in a strong position, whether camera glasses should be banned - and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa talk Farage's win in Clacton (and him not turning up to the declaration!), a row about melons and the Japanese PM, whether Reform UK voters care about climate change - and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa digest Iain's various Edinburgh Fringe interviews (Sturgeon, Streeting and more), as well as the history of Edinburgh, how Andy Burnham should tackle the prisons problem and much else besides.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss the controversy around Jason Arday and whether Cambridge should be blamed, the controversy around the withdrawn Tory Crewkerne candidate and whether Kemi Badenoch should be blamed, the Welsh language and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa talk Jacqui Smith's wedding, the political crisis over migrants arriving in Ceuta, the Danube river drying out (and its history) and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa talk wildfires, climate anxiety, reservoirs, Kemi Badenoch's views on net zero and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Tessa's on holiday - Natasha Clark's back! Iain and Natasha mull over how Andy Burnham might change the social care system, attempts from recent history to change that system, how sacked Cabinet ministers are feeling about the new government, whether the new PM can cut welfare - and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss the millionaires wanting to pay more tax, ministers moving up north, reusing your shower water... and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa speak about Andy Burnham's rise to power, the history of Downing Street, Tessa's new words and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa talk the Falklands, Keir Starmer's last week, Thomas Tuchel, a frisson between Tessa and Alastair Campbell and more.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss the reaction to the murder investigation into former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe's death, friendship across political borders and more.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss Farage facing off against Count Binface, Prince Harry losing his case against the Mail publisher, the posthumous pardon given to the last woman hanged in the UK, Tessa's travels and more.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Tessa is still sailing the seven seas so LBC's Natasha Clark steps in for this one. Iain and Natasha talk Nigel Farage coming under further scrutiny, England's win against Mexico, whether Andy Burnham will call an election and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @NatashaC

Iain and Tessa discuss America at 250, whether Nigel Farage actually wants to be prime minister - and Tessa giving history lectures on a cruise ship!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa discuss who Andy Burnham might pick for his chancellor, the King's tax returns, Iain's barbecue and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

Iain and Tessa bring you discussion on climate change, Kemi Badenoch vs Bridget Phillipson, whether the shine is coming off Nigel Farage and more!

Iain and Tessa dissect Keir Starmer's resignation - what went wrong, prime ministerial resignations throughout history, who might be in a Burnham cabinet if he takes over - and more!

Iain and Tessa react as Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield seat convincingly! But what are his core principles (does he have any?) and could the PM be ousted before the end of the summer? Plus, how do our divided times compare to politics in Tudor England? All that and more!

Iain and Tessa talk the history of bans for children (in light of the social media ban), stereotypes against the English, the upcoming by-election and predictions thereupon - and Iain's views about hydration breaks at the World Cup.

Iain and Tessa are back for more. Tessa's been interviewing Rory Stewart, so she gives her review of that rival podcaster. There's also discussion about the unrest in Northern Ireland, what it means to be English, the future of the BBC and more.

Iain and Tessa add a bit more history and discuss Reverend Thomas Malthus, If Bill Clinton is the best President since Reagan, and the BBC.

Iain and Tessa discuss if Nigel Farage is fuelling social division (and whether Elon Musk is pouring petrol on the fire), why Canada may have more in common with Britain than America, and France's latest swipe at the UK — spoiler: it involves potholes.

Iain and Tessa discuss what drones have done to warfare (and how the Ukraine war compares to wars through history) the latest tranche of Mandelson files and what their impact might be, why trade unionists are shifting to Reform UK - and more!

Iain and Tessa discuss the crisis of youth joblessness, Tony Blair's return to the political conversation, the price of food in Europe - and more!

Iain and Tessa talk the SNP Peter Murrell embezzlement scandal and similar scandals throughout history - as well as whether Wes Streeting would make a better PM than Andy Burnham, Iain's viral cake moment... and someone very special makes an appearance!

Iain and Tessa discuss net migration (and the history of people arriving in, and leaving, the UK) - and more!

Iain and Tessa talk about Wes Streeting reviving the Brexit debate, whether Andy Burnham stands a chance, whether Keir Starmer shares anything with Ted Heath - and more!

Iain is joined by LBC political editor Natasha Clark for this one while Tessa is ill! They talk Streeting, Burnham, Starmer, Farage and more!

Iain and Tessa speak about Keir Starmer on the ropes, fallout from the local elections, a hundred years since the 1926 general strike - and Tessa's brother Duncan Dunlop speaks to our pair about his election win in Scotland.

Iain and Tessa digest the election results so far! Does it mean Nigel Farage will be the next PM? Does it mean people hate Keir Starmer? Does it mean Britain is ungovernable? Answers to those questions and more!

Iain and Tessa discuss Nigel Farage's £5m gift from Thai-based businessman Christopher Harborne, how Plaid Cymru grew into the force it is now, whether this podcast plays to their egos and more!

Iain and Tessa speak about Zack Polanski's Twitter antics, whether Iain is actually a liberal, whether grief counselling is a good idea - and more.

Iain and Tessa discuss the King's state visit to the United States, how to stop the Jewish community feeling unsafe in the UK, whether the SNP get enough scrutiny, Tessa's exciting event in Parliament and more.

Iain dials in LIVE from washington as he and Tessa discuss the King's safety after THAT White House Correspondent's dinner.

PLUS, has your life expectancy gone down?

Iain and Tessa discuss the latest twists and turns in the Westminster psychodrama, drawing in Christine Keeler, Harold Wilson, Profumo and more - plus, how did Tessa let herself down in front of Labour MP Perran Moon?

Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's statement in the Commons re how he handled Mandelson - plus a hundred years since the Queen's birth, Tessa's tireless campaigning and more!

Iain and Tessa discuss the PM's new crisis over Mandelson - and whether it's a Westminster village story (Tessa thinks so!) - they also talk about the decline in reading, welfare vs warfare and more!

Iain and Tessa discuss whether men are more prone to start wars than women, Trump's planned blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - and the historical parallel to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary and more!

Iain and Tessa talk the ceasefire under stress in Iran, whether JD Vance is hurting Viktor Orbán's chances in this weekend's election in Hungary, the dying art of letter-writing and more!

Iain and Tessa discuss President Trump's expletive-laden social media post, whether Putinism will outlast Putin, Iain's trip to the cinema and more.

Iain and Tessa speak about the King's divisive US visit, which politician has benefitted from the Iran war, the Space Race, and more!

Iain and Tessa speak about the Houthis, why the BBC is obsessed with itself, Louis Theroux's journey into the manosphere and more!

Iain and Tessa unpack Dame Sarah Mullally’s historic enthronement after 1,400 years of male predecessors, explore the legend of Pope Joan, examine the impact of the Iranian war on Asia, and answer your questions.

Iain and Tessa explore whether the world may be edging towards WW3, examine the shocking antisemitic attack in London involving Jewish ambulances set on fire, and give their take on the debut of SNL UK, plus plenty more insights and unexpected turns along the way.

Iain and Tessa speak about what the West should do about the Strait of Hormuz, why Trump official Joe Kent resigned, whether Brexit should be reversed, Tessa appearing on Romanian Hell's Kitchen and more!

Iain and Tessa talk the Strait of Hormuz and whether the UK Navy should get involved, whether Tom Bower is right or wrong about Harry and Meghan - they have a row about Lord Ashcroft and Iain name-drops like never before!

Iain and Tessa talk strong men, the Mandelson files, whether Iain is right on Iran, Pete Hegseth and more!

Iain and Tessa talk about the UK's naval forces and whether they're good enough, Cyprus and the UK's history with it (and Aggie reports after her recent visit!) - they also talk public distrust in politicians, donuts and more!

Iain and Tessa joust over the UK's position on what's happening in Iran and historical parallels, failed asylum seekers being offered thousands to leave, where to cut spending and more!

Iain and Tessa digest the events of the last few days -whether Starmer should have supported Trump's actions in Iran from the start, what could happen next and what we can learn from history!

Iain and Tessa talk about the shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the latest Tony Blair documentary, the history of youths being out of work and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Boris Johnson's comments on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, how to fix the student loan system and what should be done about special educational needs provision!

Iain and Tessa discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and what it could mean for the wider Royal Family - as well as the history of Royals and the law. They also talk about Iain's speeding, what to do with the Houses of Parliament, suggestions for new right-wing party names and more!

This episode was recorded yesterday afternoon, before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's release on bail.

Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, not sexual offences which he also denies.

Iain and Tessa connect remotely, Iain in London and Tessa in Bucharest! They do battle over the government U-turning on local elections, Palestine Action, defence spending and Iain's speeding...

Iain and Tessa discuss whether Lord Doyle is being treated fairly, the history of the age of consent, whether enough attention is being paid to Ukraine, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarks about immigration and whether Tessa is heightist.

Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's future (and the history of PMs facing issues mid-term), whether the Royals are getting their response to Andrew right, the new Japanese PM and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Keir Starmer's apology for ever making Mandelson US ambassador, they delve into the Profumo affair and what it tells us about political scandals, whether the UK punches its weight on the world stage - and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Lord Mandelson and whether he should give up his peerage or be forced out of the Lords, whether Andrew Mountbatten will testify in the US, whether Matt Goodwin will win for Reform UK in Gorton and Denton - and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Starmer in China, what Trump could do in Iran, Melania's new film and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Suella Braverman defecting to Reform UK, Labour blocking Andy Burnham, ICE killing someone else in Minnesota, a little Polish history, police reform and more.

Iain and Tessa talk Trump's U-turn on Greenland, his mistakes about Chinese wind, whether Brooklyn Beckham did the right thing, whether Tessa is too mean to Iain - and more!

With Iain in London and Tessa in Madeira, our pair talk Trump vs Europe, Jenrick vs Badenoch and Harry vs the Mail, among other things!

Iain and Tessa debate whether the Iranian regime will fall, and what involvement Trump could have in that - as well as a bit of Iranian history to put it all in context! They also discuss the proposed new Chinese embassy in London, whether Labour MPs should stop worrying about their leader... and one of Iain's exes!

Tessa has the lurgy so Iain is joined by Aggie for this one! They discuss whether the West will get involved in Iran, ex Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defecting to Reform UK, whether we should listen to Peter Mandelson... and a mistake involving ABBA Voyage!

Iain and Tessa are back to talk Trump's further threats to take Greenland (and the history behind it!), ICE shooting a woman in Minneapolis, Moldova's Maia Sandu and whether Labour is losing the young...

Iain and Tessa discuss President Trump capturing Venezuela's Maduro, whether he might invade Greenland, Brigitte Macron winning a cyberbullying case and which former newsreader's boots Tessa is wearing.

Iain and Tessa review the party leaders' new year messages, the government vs the ECHR on Shamima Begum, the fireworks and more!

In this interesting limbo period between Christmas and the New Year, Iain and Tessa discuss their predictions for 2026, Trump's hopes for peace in Ukraine, Iain's views on newsreaders with regional accents and Tessa's Christmas reading (Central Europe: The Death of a Civilization and the Life of an Idea, by Luka Ivan Jukic).

In this special festive episode we recorded earlier, Iain and Tessa give out some fabulous festive awards! There's also discussion about the history of the humble Christmas cracker... and the A11 (stick with it)!

Iain and Tessa are back together the day after Tessa's Christmas party at her (very tall) house! They discuss the big political and news events from history which have fallen around Christmas, comparisons between Trump and Nixon - and what happened to the bottle of champagne Iain bought Tessa for Christmas...

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa chat about the new chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli, whether Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge in the new year, Bonnie Blue and more!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa discuss the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney and the heroism of fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, whether Keir Starmer should have given Reform UK at least one peer - and Tessa's school reunion.

Iain and Tessa chat about David Lammy's idea to wipe childhood criminal record, Trump's seizing and Venezuelan oil tanker and Mary Queen of Scots

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, Iain and Tessa discuss who will be the PM in a year's time, whether there's public support for the Monarchy, stocking filler books from the worlds of politics and history - and more!

Iain and Tessa jostle and joust over political donations, the importance of state visits, why US peace envoy Steve Witkoff isn't winning Putin over - and dodgy pronunciations!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa chat about whether the government lied before the Budget, whether the BBC is censoring Rutger Bregman, what constitutes life's moral purpose... and Iain's trip to see Cliff Richard.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa talk the Budget (SPOILER: neither is impressed!), French military service, how our reading habits have changed and more!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa talk the upcoming Budget (and Budgets throughout history!), whether Trump's peace plan for Ukraine will be a success... and an odd gift Iain received in Frinton-on-Sea.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk about the UK's changing immigration policy (and Tessa's idea involving military service), potential challengers to Keir Starmer's leadership, how much of a threat we face from Russia - and the politics and history of chocolate!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

Iain and Tessa talk Shabana Mahmood's asylum shakeup, Trump suing the BBC and a very ill-conceived moustache.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

Iain and Tessa return as more revelations come out regarding the BBC and Trump. Meanwhile, further information is released about the US Presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

Davie is gone and Trump is gunning for Auntie Beeb! Iain and Tessa discuss if the BBC can survive this latest controversy... or if it even should?

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

Iain and Tessa link up to talk COP30, mistaken prisoner releases, potential taxes on electric cars (which gets Iain's dander up immensely) - and poppy pressure.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk Farage's plans for the economy, Zohran Mamdani's success in New York, the Huntingdon stabbing and the heroism of the passengers and guard, and more.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa are back to discuss the relationship between China and the US after Trump meets Xi, whether Rachel Reeves is in serious trouble or not, what it means to receive the 'Freedom of the City of London'... and Rachel Johnson makes a surprise appearance!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa lock horns on representation in media after Reform MP Sarah Pochin's comments on race, they discuss the new Japanese PM, the minimum wage, the use of exclamation marks and more!!!!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa debate whether Piers Morgan is right that 'woke is dead', whether Jess Phillips will resign, Trump demolishing part of the White House and Tessa going on a Romanian cooking show!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk about whether Prince Andrew deserves to keep his titles, the heist at the Louvre, Trump vs Venezuela and more!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa joust over the collapse of the China spy case, the history of the Official Secrets Act, the Greens rising in the polls and more!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa are together again - this time to talk peace in the Middle East, the history of Benjamin Netanyahu, Venezuela, Prince Andrew, and who could be the next prime minister!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

Iain and Tessa talk the beginnings of peace in Gaza, Kemi Badenoch's speech, the new Archbishop of Canterbury and whether Nick Clegg's book is selling well.

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.