Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Epizódy

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  Piddington: Is This the Turning Point on Migration? 15.09.2026 23min

  Piddington: Is this the turning point on migration? Villagers in Piddington are mounting a growing revolt over plans to house migrants in their community, with campaigners warning that the fightback could spread across the country. Reform and the Conservatives have backed calls for a local referendum, while residents are demanding answers over the impact of migrant accommodation on their communities.Charlie Rowley, former Conservative Special Adviser, joins us to discuss the growing anger in Piddington and whether this could mark a wider turning point in Britain’s immigration debate.Joy Morrissey MP, Shadow Minister for Women & Equalities, examines concerns raised by local women about the proposed migrant camp, including claims that female Labour MPs have failed to respond to residents asking for help. Should women living near migrant accommodation have greater protection and a stronger voice in decisions affecting their communities?We also discuss whether the Piddington campaign could become a national movement, and what it means for Reform, the Conservatives, Labour and the future of Britain’s asylum policy.Finally, Alan Miller, co-founder of the Together Declaration, joins us to discuss proposals for digital ID checks for pubgoers buying alcohol. Would digital ID make the system safer, or is Britain heading towards unnecessary surveillance and restrictions on everyday life?Piddington, migrant camps, immigration, asylum seekers, migrant accommodation, Reform UK, Conservatives, Labour, women’s safety, ECHR, digital ID, pubs, alcohol and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Reform Party Conference Special Part 1: Is Farage Ready to Govern? 04.09.2026 23min

  Reform Conference Special: Can Farage really deliver? Peter Cardwell hosts. Reform UK is gathering for its conference amid fresh controversy over claims the party breached foreign donor rules, with aides standing down as questions mount over its finances and internal discipline.Alex Deane, political commentator, examines the latest Reform scandal and the growing questions around the party’s funding, as Nigel Farage prepares to make the case that Reform is ready for government.Farage is expected to promise to declare a national emergency on his first day as Prime Minister, sack ministers who fail to deliver and stop the boats within 100 days. We examine whether Reform’s plans to tackle illegal immigration, slash benefits and cut taxes are actually achievable.Duncan Barkes, Talk presenter and host of Prick With a Fork, joins us from the Reform conference to bring us the atmosphere, arguments and personalities on the ground.Alex Phillips, Talk presenter, also joins us for our Reform Conference Special Part 1, ahead of the second part of the conference coverage on the show that follows.Is Reform genuinely ready to govern, or are the latest funding allegations exposing a party that still has serious growing pains?Reform UK, Reform conference, Nigel Farage, Reform scandal, foreign donations, foreign funding, political donations, funding rules, national emergency, stop the boats, immigration, benefits, tax cuts, Reform government and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should the State Own More of Britain? 01.09.2026 25min

  Is more public ownership the answer to Britain’s economic problems? Andy Burnham is calling for greater public control of key parts of the economy, arguing that a bigger role for the state is necessary to deliver growth. But would more public ownership actually improve Britain’s economy, or simply leave taxpayers picking up the bill?David Buik, financial adviser and markets commentator at Aquis Exchange, examines Burnham’s economic agenda and what greater state intervention could mean for investment, businesses, taxpayers and Britain’s already stretched public finances.Fraser Myers, Deputy Editor of Spiked, joins us to debate Burnham’s push for more public ownership and whether Labour’s economic direction represents a return to the politics of the big state.We also examine the latest Conservative shadow cabinet reshuffle. With Kemi Badenoch attempting to rebuild the party and put her stamp on the Conservatives, which figures have been promoted, who has been pushed aside, and can the Tories finally find the ruthlessness needed to take on Reform UK?Jake Wallis Simons, author and columnist, joins us to discuss the reshuffle and his argument that Kemi Badenoch needs to show the ruthlessness required to revive the Conservative Party.Andy Burnham, public ownership, nationalisation, state control, British economy, economic growth, taxpayers, Labour, Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, Tory reshuffle, Reform UK and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Fight on the Right? 28.08.2026 30min

  Reform UK is calling for restrictions on voting rights for people who cannot speak English, while Kemi Badenoch has vowed to deport all illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, Green Party gains in Dover highlight how a divided right-wing vote could benefit the Greens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What is the appropriate age to start using social media? 27.08.2026 30min

  For years, experts have warned about the impact social media can have on young minds. Now, Big Tech is facing the consequences. Meta has agreed to an $18 billion settlement over lawsuits involving Facebook and Instagram, leading to new limits on screen time for millions of teens.Ian Collins is joined by tech journalist Guy Cocker to discuss the issue, followed by child safeguarding consultant and former detective Jonathan Taylor, who spent 15 years investigating child abuse cases, to further assess the dangers of children being exposed to social media.Later, Ian is joined by Ryan Shorthouse, Founder and Chair of Bright Blue, to discuss a leading think tank's suggestion that Andy Burnham should start charging pensioners National Insurance, arguing that it is the fairest way to protect working people from further tax hikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Covering Up the True Scale of Migrant Crime? 26.08.2026 32min

  Is Britain covering up the true scale of migrant crime? Victims are demanding answers as claims emerge of a migrant crime wave being hidden from the public. We examine the latest allegations and the growing political pressure to publish more data on crimes committed by foreign nationals.Orla Minihane, from Restore Britain and a member of Pink Ladies, discusses the campaign for greater transparency around migrant crime and the impact of immigration on communities. Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s Mayoral Candidate for London, joins us at 13:40 to discuss the issue and the findings from the latest undercover investigation into the Channel crossings.We also look at the Talk undercover documentary, following the extraordinary investigation in which a journalist posed as a migrant and crossed the Channel in a dinghy, uncovering claims that French police were giving people smugglers lifts back towards migrant camps.Maurice Cousins, Campaign Director at Net Zero Watch, examines the growing cost of Britain’s pursuit of net zero. With claims that the drive has failed to reduce household energy bills and warnings that households could face hundreds of pounds in additional costs, is net zero making energy more expensive for ordinary families?Finally, Nuriyah Khan, broadcaster and podcast host, discusses Labour’s decision to open the door to a potential ban on cousin marriage. What is driving the debate, and could legislation restricting cousin marriage have wider consequences for British society?Migrant crime, immigration, small boats, Channel crossings, undercover investigation, Reform UK, London, net zero, energy bills, climate policy, cousin marriage, Labour and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Talk Exclusive: Inside the Migrant Dinghy Heading for Britain 25.08.2026 25min

  Talk International Editor Isabel Oakeshott reveals the extraordinary undercover operation arranged by Talk which saw a journalist trick his way onto a migrant dinghy preparing to cross the Channel from France to Britain. The Telegraph has today published its write-up of the exclusive.What did the investigation uncover about the smugglers, the migrants attempting the crossing and the dangerous journeys being made across the Channel? And what does it tell us about the scale and reality of Britain’s small boats crisis?We also speak to David Shipley, investigative journalist and former prisoner, following claims that Muslim gangs are forcing white prisoners to convert to Islam. What is happening inside Britain’s prisons, how organised are these gangs, and are prison authorities doing enough to tackle intimidation, religious extremism and gang culture?Talk International exclusive, Isabel Oakeshott, migrant dinghy, small boats, Channel crossings, illegal immigration, asylum seekers, France, Britain, people smugglers, migrant crisis, prisons, Muslim gangs, forced conversion, Islam, extremism and prisoner safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Wasting £500,000 a Day on Illegal Migrants? 24.08.2026 33min

  Is Britain wasting £500,000 a day on illegal migrants? The Government is facing fury over the reported cost of detaining migrants and moving them around the country, as Shabana Mahmood comes under pressure to push ahead with tougher migration reforms despite opposition from Labour MPs. Is the asylum system becoming an unsustainable burden on taxpayers?Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, examines the staggering cost of the UK’s migration system, the political battle surrounding Mahmood’s reforms and whether Labour MPs opposing tougher immigration measures are out of step with the public.Sir Peter Fahy, former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and former National Lead of Prevent, reacts to calls from the Greens for police to lose access to Tasers and pepper spray. Would removing these powers make policing safer or put officers and the public at greater risk?Finally, Nick Wallis, broadcaster and journalist, discusses claims that another Tavistock-style scandal is developing in Wales, examining concerns surrounding gender medicine, hormones and surgery and asking whether lessons have been learned from previous controversies.Illegal immigration, asylum seekers, £500,000 a day, Shabana Mahmood, migration reform, Labour, Reform UK, policing, Tasers, pepper spray, Green Party, Tavistock, gender medicine, Wales and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Heading for a £3 Trillion Debt Crisis? 21.08.2026 28min

  David Bull sits in for Ian Collins. Britain’s soaring welfare bill is pushing national debt towards the £3 trillion mark, while the political right remains divided over whether Reform UK should work with the Conservatives or Restore. We examine whether Britain’s spending and welfare system can continue on its current trajectory.Steve N Allen, comedian and broadcaster, looks at Reform UK’s refusal to make deals with Restore or the Conservatives, the latest immigration chaos in Europe, and the growing pressure on Britain’s public finances. We also examine the extraordinary case of Infected Blood victims being told to return compensation.Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at Popular Conservatism, reacts to claims from Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson that racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain. Is the country genuinely becoming more prejudiced, or has the language around discrimination become increasingly politicised?We also discuss the welfare bill and national debt, the latest clashes between French police and migrants attempting to launch Channel boats, and the continuing divisions between Reform UK, Restore and the Conservatives.Reform UK, Suella Braverman, Nigel Farage, Restore, Conservatives, welfare, national debt, £3 trillion debt, immigration, migrants, Channel crossings, France, racism, sexism, Infected Blood compensation and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Finally Getting Tough on Illegal Immigration? 20.08.2026 33min

  Is Britain finally getting tough on illegal immigration? The Government is facing renewed pressure over asylum policy after a controversial migrant information booklet was reported to contain guidance explaining what rape is and telling asylum seekers not to commit sexual offences. We examine the wider row over immigration, deportation and whether the UK’s asylum system is failing victims.Peter Barnes, political strategist, joins us to assess the biggest immigration stories of the day, including reports that a migrant convicted of raping a sleeping woman has been allowed to remain in Britain because of human rights protections. We also examine Shabana Mahmood’s plans to spread asylum accommodation more evenly around Britain and proposals for a Rwanda-style system to remove failed asylum seekers. Can the Government actually regain control of the asylum system?Fraser Myers, Deputy Editor of Spiked Online, looks at the latest turmoil surrounding the Government and Labour, following claims from former No.10 chief of staff Sue Gray that working under Keir Starmer was “unbearable”. We also examine Angela Rayner’s argument that civil servants can be more productive working from home, and what this says about the modern Labour Government.We also have the latest from Reform UK, including its apprenticeships press conference and fresh revelations about the feuding at the heart of the party. Can Reform maintain discipline as it attempts to build itself into Britain’s next governing party?Finally, we examine reports that Muslim charity schools are being investigated over alleged links to Hamas, raising further questions about extremism, safeguarding and the role of charities and schools in Britain.Illegal immigration, asylum seekers, Shabana Mahmood, Rwanda, deportations, ECHR, Reform UK, apprenticeships, Nigel Farage, Labour, Sue Gray, Angela Rayner, civil servants, Hamas, extremism and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Social Media Destroying Childhood? 18.08.2026 29min

  David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Children are increasingly being exposed to extremist content online, with warnings that young people are becoming “intoxicated with extremism” through social media. At the same time, Meta is facing a landmark trial over allegations surrounding social media addiction in children, while Instagram and Facebook could be forced to change the way they operate. Is social media becoming too dangerous for children, and should much tougher restrictions be introduced?Andrew Gilligan, Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange, examines the impact of social media on children, whether the platforms have become too powerful, and what responsibility should fall on companies such as Meta.Dr Charlotte Littlewood, Senior Researcher at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy and former Counter Extremism Coordinator, looks specifically at the radicalisation of children online. How are extremist movements using social media to reach young people, and are parents, schools and technology companies doing enough to stop it?We also examine the latest developments surrounding Instagram and Facebook, including the landmark legal challenge facing Meta and the possibility of major changes to how children access social media.Finally, Kevin Foster, former Immigration Minister and former Conservative MP for Torbay, discusses the continuing small boats crisis. A migrant dinghy has been towed to safety by French police, while reports suggest migrants are sleeping under bridges in Dover amid fears of makeshift “Calais Jungle”-style camps. Is Britain losing control of illegal immigration?Social media, children, extremism, radicalisation, Meta, Instagram, Facebook, online safety, immigration, small boats, asylum seekers, Dover, Channel crossings and illegal immigration. Is social media destroying childhood? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Reform Welfare: Cruel or Kind? 17.08.2026 34min

  David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Reform UK has unveiled plans for £50 billion a year in welfare cuts, including proposals to stop foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit. Robert Jenrick is also set to set out the party’s plans to overhaul the benefits system. Are Reform proposing necessary welfare reform, or are their cuts too harsh?Lord Daniel Hannan, Independent Peer and Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, examines Reform’s welfare proposals, the scale of Britain’s benefits bill and whether reducing welfare spending can be done while protecting people who genuinely need support. We also discuss claims that a significant proportion of disability benefit claimants would accept support to return to work in exchange for financial assistance.Vanessa Frake, Justice Adviser to Reform UK and former prison governor, looks at the state of Britain’s prisons. With the new HMP Millsike super-prison reportedly operating with hundreds of empty cells, while concerns grow over sentencing changes allowing some serious offenders to avoid prison, is the Government failing to use the prison capacity it has?We also examine cases involving paedophiles avoiding prison under Labour’s sentencing changes, including the case of a convicted paedophile who allegedly changed his name 20 times to conceal his criminal history. Are sentencing and offender identification systems failing to protect the public?Finally, Sarah Pochin MP, Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby, gives her reaction to Reform’s £50 billion welfare plans and explains why the party believes Britain’s benefits system needs such a radical overhaul.Reform UK, welfare cuts, £50 billion, Universal Credit, benefits, foreign nationals, disability benefits, Daniel Hannan, prisons, HMP Millsike, sentencing, paedophiles, Sarah Pochin and Vanessa Frake. Are Reform’s welfare reforms cruel or kind? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham’s Immigration and Crime Crisis 12.08.2026 40min

  Is Andy Burnham losing control of immigration and crime? The Prime Minister faces growing pressure on two of the biggest issues shaping British politics, with a row over asylum seeker accommodation intensifying as new figures suggest thousands more migrants could arrive under Labour’s small boats policy.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Editor at Spiked, examines Burnham’s demand that middle-class areas take more asylum seekers, the pressure on local communities, and claims that the Government’s small boats policy is already failing. Is Burnham spreading the burden fairly, or simply moving the problem around?Jamie Jenkins, statistician and political commentator, analyses the latest polling showing Labour moving ahead of Reform as the so-called Burnham bounce continues. Could the Prime Minister call a snap election while Labour is ahead, and what do the latest numbers really tell us about the political landscape? We also look at the extraordinary polling suggesting 20% could vote for Count Binface in the Clacton by-election, and reports that Nigel Farage is preparing to take on Kemi Badenoch at the next General Election.Finally, Colin Sutton, Reform UK Policing & Crime Adviser and Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner, reacts to growing opposition to the Government’s early release programme. With 50 police chiefs joining the fight against early release, probation officers threatening strike action, warnings that the policy risks more crime, and reports that convicted terrorists could be released within weeks, is the Government putting public safety at risk?Andy Burnham, asylum seekers, small boats, immigration, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch, Count Binface, polling, early release, prisons, probation, terrorism, police and crime. Is the Government losing control? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should MPs Have More Protection? 11.08.2026 33min

  Should MPs have more protection? The murder of Ann Widdecombe and a police investigation into the Widdecombe suspect over an alleged arson attack at Nigel Farage’s home have renewed questions about the risks faced by Britain’s politicians. How much should we spend to keep MPs and high-profile political figures safe, and what price are we willing to put on protecting democracy?Security specialist Will Geddes examines the growing threats facing MPs and prominent political figures, whether politicians are receiving adequate protection, and why anyone would choose to become an MP given the increasing personal risks.Fraser Myers, Deputy Editor of Spiked, looks at the latest political battle between Andy Burnham and the Conservatives. Labour has overtaken Reform in a new poll, while economists warn Burnham could raise taxes by £25 billion. Is Burnham experiencing a genuine political recovery, and should he take advantage by calling an early General Election?We also examine Kemi Badenoch’s challenge to Burnham ahead of the Budget and whether the Prime Minister is facing a crucial test of his economic agenda.Finally, NHS GP Dr Bhasha Mukherjee discusses two major developments in healthcare: the approval of a new weight-loss pill in the UK and progress towards eliminating hepatitis C in England. What could these developments mean for patients and the NHS?Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage, MP security, political violence, democracy, Andy Burnham, Reform UK, Labour, Kemi Badenoch, tax rises, General Election, NHS, weight-loss drugs and hepatitis C. How much should Britain spend to keep its politicians safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can Andy Burnham Win Back Britain? 10.08.2026 31min

  David Bull sits in for Ian Collins.Can Andy Burnham win back Britain? The Prime Minister is taking his cost of living message around the country as new polling raises questions about the strength of Labour’s support and whether Burnham can turn his premiership around before the next General Election.David Wooding, columnist at The Sun, assesses Burnham’s cost of living tour, the latest bombshell polling on Nigel Farage, Reform UK, Labour and the Conservatives, and the growing political pressure on the Prime Minister.We also examine the mounting controversy over PC Andrew Harper’s killers, after police warned that the public will judge Burnham over the decision to release them early. With prisons under pressure from reoffending, and reports that terrorists involved in a plot to kill thousands could also be released within weeks, is the Government losing control of the criminal justice system?Polling expert Sir John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde, asks what Burnham would actually need to do to win back voters at the next General Election. With Labour pursuing a closer relationship with the EU and concerns growing over potential wealth tax rises, can Burnham rebuild the party’s support?Finally, Sarah Pochin MP, Reform UK, reacts to Nigel Farage’s proposal to explore sending foreign criminals to prisons in El Salvador, alongside the case of an asylum seeker jailed for raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl after posing as a boy on Snapchat. What would a tougher Reform immigration and deportation policy look like in practice?Andy Burnham, cost of living, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, polling, Labour, PC Andrew Harper, early release, prisons, terrorism, immigration, foreign criminals, El Salvador, asylum seekers and the next General Election. Can Burnham win back Britain? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should Social Housing Be for British Families Only? 07.08.2026 31min

  Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins today, asking: Should social housing be for British families only? The Conservatives are proposing to stop foreign nationals from accessing council housing, reigniting the debate over who should qualify for Britain’s limited supply of social homes. Is this a fair response to the housing crisis, or does it risk creating a new divide?James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, examines the Tory proposal and whether it can address growing frustration over housing availability, immigration and pressure on local communities.Political commentators Christine Hamilton and Neil Hamilton, former Conservative MP, debate the wider impact of immigration on British communities, including whether the pressures created by migration are contributing to growing civil unrest.We also examine violent protests in Thetford, where protesters attacked homes they believed were being used to house asylum seekers and a female police officer was reportedly seriously bitten during anti-migrant disorder. Has immigration created a level of public anger that politicians can no longer ignore, and where is the line between legitimate protest and criminal violence?Social housing, council housing, immigration, foreign nationals, asylum seekers, Thetford protests, civil unrest, policing, Conservatives and British politics. Should British families get priority for social housing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has Immigration Put Reform Back on Top? 05.08.2026 32min

  Has immigration put Reform back on top? New polling suggests Reform UK has overtaken Labour once again, with immigration continuing to dominate voters’ concerns. As the Government defends its “one in, one out” migrant returns deal, is border control now the defining issue in British politics, and can any party convince the public it has a credible solution?Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop discusses Reform’s resurgence in the polls, why immigration has become the country’s number one political issue, and whether Labour’s approach is failing to win over voters.Ed Shackle, Director and Head of Qualitative Research at Public First, examines what is driving public opinion, why Reform appears to be gaining support again, and whether immigration is reshaping the electoral landscape ahead of the next general election.Guy Dampier, Senior Researcher on Nationhood at the Prosperity Institute, looks at Britain’s migration policy in comparison with other European countries, asking why Spain has been able to remove far more illegal migrants than the UK and whether Britain’s legal framework is preventing effective enforcement.Finally, retired prison governor and author Vanessa Frake reacts to plans for the early release of thousands of domestic abusers, as well as the continuing legal challenge over the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. Is public confidence in the criminal justice system being eroded?Reform UK, Nigel Farage, immigration, small boats, opinion polls, Labour, deportations, prison reform, PC Andrew Harper and British politics. Has immigration become the issue that will decide the next election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can the Navy End the Small Boats Crisis? 04.08.2026 30min

  Should Britain deploy the Royal Navy to stop the boats? Reform UK has sparked a diplomatic row after proposing the use of British forces to return migrant boats and, if necessary, land troops on French beaches if France refuses to cooperate. Is this a serious solution to the small boats crisis or an unworkable political gesture?Andrew Tettenborn, writer and academic, discusses Reform’s proposals, France’s angry response, and whether stronger military action is legally and practically possible to tackle illegal Channel crossings.Mark Littlewood, Director of Popular Conservatism, examines the growing tensions between Reform UK and Restore as negotiations over a possible alliance appear to falter. Is division on the political right helping Labour, and can the parties find common ground?Finally, former barrister Helen Fields reacts to the decision to release PC Andrew Harper’s killers early despite previous promises, alongside the Government’s announcement that rapists and child sex offenders will be excluded from the early release scheme. Has the balance between justice, punishment and prison reform gone too far in the wrong direction?Royal Navy, small boats, Channel crossings, Reform UK, France, immigration, PC Andrew Harper, early release, prison reform and British politics. Should Britain take a tougher approach to border security and criminal justice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should Reform and Restore Join Forces? 03.08.2026 33min

  Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins where we ask if the political right unite? Following Nigel Farage’s latest speech, speculation is growing over whether Reform UK and Restore could work together after Restore’s leader proposed a pact to unite the “patriotic Right” under a series of policy conditions, including a burka ban and a referendum on the death penalty.Former government adviser James Price discusses whether a broader alliance on the right is politically realistic, what it would mean for the Conservatives, and whether ideological differences make any formal agreement impossible.Liam Deacon, former Head of Press for the Brexit Party, analyses the significance of Farage’s latest remarks, the growing calls for greater unity among right-wing parties, and whether a divided right risks handing an advantage to Labour.Finally, Richard Tice MP, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, reacts to Nigel Farage’s speech, addresses the latest developments surrounding Reform, and explains whether the party is open to working with other right-of-centre movements or intends to go it alone.Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, Reform UK, Restore, Rupert Lowe, Conservatives, right-wing politics, political alliances and British politics. Can the political right unite before the next general election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can the Tories Win Back the Right? 31.07.2026 25min

  Can the Conservatives win back the political right? With Reform UK facing internal turmoil and Kemi Badenoch pushing to reshape her party, is this the moment for the Conservatives to reclaim right-wing voters, or has British politics changed for good?Former Conservative Cabinet minister Sir David Lidington discusses whether the Conservatives have a credible route back to power, what the party must do to reconnect with voters, and whether a shift to the right is enough to reverse its fortunes.Dan Barker, Reform UK board member, explains why Reform believes it remains the natural home for right-of-centre voters and responds to growing suggestions that the Conservatives are attempting to win back supporters who have drifted away.Polling expert Sir John Curtice analyses the latest political trends, asking whether the Conservatives are genuinely recovering or simply benefiting from Reform’s recent difficulties. What do voters actually want from the political right?Finally, Ben Habib, leader of Advance UK and chairman of the Great British PAC, reacts to the growing migrant crisis on Europe’s borders after fresh crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Are European countries facing a coordinated migration crisis, and what lessons should Britain take from events across the continent?Conservatives, Reform UK, Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, Sir John Curtice, immigration, Europe, Ceuta, Morocco and British politics. Can the Tories win back the political right, and is Europe losing control of its borders? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.