Pod Save the UK

Crooked Media

Pod Save the UK is your weekly fix of political news, big ideas and a shot of inspiration. Each week hosts, comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan are joined by politicians, experts, and famous friends to unpick the latest news, look for solutions, and inspire action. From Crooked Media – the creators of Pod Save America – in partnership with Reduced Listening, tune in to new episodes of Pod Save the UK every Thursday wherever you pod. read less

Our Editor's Take

Pod Save the UK is a podcast about British politics from the creators of Pod Save America. Host and journalist Coco Khan has worked as an editor and writer for The Guardian and Huffington Post. Cohost Nish Kumar is a stand-up comedian and host of the BBC's spoof news series The Mash Report. Together they discuss the most critical stories in UK politics affecting everyone day-to-day. The two hosts blend humor with serious journalism.

For podcast listeners who may think that politics is about two men shouting at each other, Nish is about to correct them. He is passionate about explaining why people should have an interest in politics. The subject affects everything. That goes from children's education to waiting for a doctor's appointment. Although Nish admits to not being very open-minded, he wants to find some hope too.

Each Pod Save the UK episode discusses the latest political stories. Why is the home secretary in the newspapers again when there are much bigger issues to solve? As ministers get into trouble, Nish and Coco discuss critical topics like immigration. In one episode, they share how they became friends through their experiences. Nish explains that for them, immigration is always personal. When politicians talk about immigrants, it's like them talking about their parents.

In another episode, the pair examine the publication of a new Renters Reform Bill. Guest Anny Cullum joins the conversation. Anny is a member of a tenant union called ACORN and spends her time fighting for tenant rights. They discuss the history of council houses and how social housing has changed over the years.

This episode is an excellent example of how Nish and Coco help to dissect political news. After examining the bill, they examine the outlook of home ownership and what needs to change. Coco's excitement for politics is evident. She gets angry over the lack of improvement in the housing sector.

Pod Save the UK is an entertaining and honest discussion of British politics. New episodes debut each week.

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Episodes

Trump 2.0: Fear and Loathing in DC
2d ago
Trump 2.0: Fear and Loathing in DC
A trigger warning for progressives: this episode contains explicit Trump content.Nish and Coco’s nightmare begins with inauguration Trump meme coins, grinning tech bros and disputed Nazi salutes. Then comes the blizzard of executive orders targeting migrants and freeing rioters.  But this is not just a bad dream for our liberal hosts. This is the reality of Trump world. The groundwork of MAGA 2.0 has been laid.How should Britain react? The UK’s very own “basket of deplorables” including Farage, Truss and Braverman donned their MAGA caps and descended on the US. But they didn’t even scrape an invitation to the main event. Back home Keir Starmer and David Lammy opted for love-bombing the new President. But there is an alternative to a sucking up strategy. Pod Save the UK has spotted some green shoots of resistance.  While Trump has thrown the Paris Climate Agreement out the window - again - the UK has an opportunity to lead the way on the environment. Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer joins the pod to explain how clever cross party collaboration and campaigning could push through the new Climate and Nature Bill.And Jon Favreau, host of ‘Pod Save America’ and ‘Offline’, joins Nish and Coco from across the pond to find out what’s in store for the US, UK and the world.Useful LinksWrite to your MP about the Climate and Nature Billhttps://action.zerohour.uk/https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/GuestsJon FavreauCarla Denyer MPAudio CreditsX / Lawrence FoxChannel 4 NewsSky NewsBBCPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK
Facts versus F-wits: how to fight the Alt Reich
16-01-2025
Facts versus F-wits: how to fight the Alt Reich
Artificial intelligence will be “mainlined into the veins” of the nation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared, with a multibillion-pound investment and huge public rollout. Amid bond market chaos and a falling pound, the Government is pinning its hopes for growth on the AI revolution - what could possibly go wrong?To unpick the technogobledigook with Nish and Coco is technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker. They drill into the Government's AI action plan and the potential pitfalls of this silver bullet for society, jobs and the environment. With the far right surging across the world - it’s important to know when you can call a fascist a fascist. No one knows this better than Nafeez Ahmed, investigative journalist and author of “Alt Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within”. He breaks down the scale of the threat we are facing and how we can fight it.And with so much Billionaire BS flying about, we debut “Facts versus Fuckwits”, debunking some prime fuckwittery from a painfully out-of-touch Tony Blair. Useful Links“Alt-Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within” by Nafeez Ahmedhttps://www.waterstones.com/book/alt-reich/nafeez-ahmed//9781916754140Mental Health Services:https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/https://www.samaritans.org/https://www.youngminds.org.uk/https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/ GuestsChris Stokel-WalkerNafeez Ahmed Audio CreditsSky NewsJimmy’s Jobs for the Future Podcast Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK
Just Stop Politics - 2024 Wrapped! w/ Desiree Burch and Liz Bates
19-12-2024
Just Stop Politics - 2024 Wrapped! w/ Desiree Burch and Liz Bates
What a year! While Rishi Sunak held true to his January commitment to hold the election in the second half of the year - the spectacle that followed couldn't have been predicted as 2024 dawned. Nish and Coco are joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Liz Bates and comedian Desiree Burch to chew over the gristle of the year that was. From racist Tory donors, to milkshaked MPs, creative political stunts and Rishi Sunak’s D-Day disaster - the first half of the year had plenty to keep us entertained. But once Labour took power - optimism quickly turned to gloom. The seven week garm-drama saga took the sheen off Keir Starmer’s newly minted cabinet, while the endless don't-call-it-austerity chat has jaded people across the country.As 2024 draws to a close - there’s still plenty to laugh about - including the best of the worst political pop songs of the year. Prepare to cringe. Useful Links: https://choose.love/ - make a donation now!  Ed Davey and the Bath Philharmonic Carer’s Choir - Love is Enough https://linktr.ee/love.is.enoughGuests: Liz BatesDesiree Burch Audio credits: Sky NewsBBCITVChannel 4 Tiktok / Dawn ButlerLiberal DemocratsTalk TVFox News Via Channel 10 Australia Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK
Who gets to decide how we die? w/ Rosena Allin-Khan MP
28-11-2024
Who gets to decide how we die? w/ Rosena Allin-Khan MP
This Friday, MPs are challenged with an enormous question of conscience - should we allow people with six months left to live the right to die at a time of their choosing? Joining Nish and Coco is Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting and A&E Doctor, to help us understand the strong feelings on both sides of the debate, the difficult decision that MPs are grappling with and how she decided which way she will vote.As the UK reels in the wake of Storm Bert, climate change lawyer Tessa Khan celebrates a victory in the legal fight against fossil fuels and tells us why the UK could lead the world on the environment.A petition calling for a General Election only months after the last one makes Nish’s blood boil. And have you ever wondered what  Keir Starmer likes to cook? A clue: it involves pasta, and it’s not very exciting. ** We have a special competition for listeners to win tickets to a special preview screening of the film Rumours, starring Cate Blanchett, next Thursday 05/12/24. To win up to two tickets,  we’re asking what your political highlight was this year - they can be funny, sad, insightful or inspiring. To enter, fill in this form: https://tinyurl.com/45s5uz7t   ** Guests:Rosena Allin-KhanTessa Khan Useful Links:Stop Rosebank - https://www.stopcambo.org.uk/ Audio Credits:ITV NewsLBCBBC Sky News  Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK
How to avoid World War 3 + why won’t Elon Musk Leave the UK alone? W/ Jamie Bartlett & Stephen Bush
21-11-2024
How to avoid World War 3 + why won’t Elon Musk Leave the UK alone? W/ Jamie Bartlett & Stephen Bush
Russia’s war with Ukraine is escalating dramatically - as we record reports have begun to emerge about Ukraine firing British long-range “Storm Shadow” missiles into Russia. Nish and Coco are joined on the couch by Stephen Bush, associate editor at the Financial Times, to discuss the chance of...World War Three?Meanwhile - closer to home - we find out why farmers are descending on Westminster. How big a blow is the Government’s budget for farmers and will Labour face a wipe out of rural supporters?And as Elon Musk is summoned to testify about X’s role in the UK summer riots, we’ll be speaking to Jamie Bartlett misinformation expert and host of hit podcasts “The Missing Cryptoqueen” and “The Gatekeepers” about Musk’s influence in politics and if we should all be quitting X.Guests:Stephen BushJamie Bartlett  Useful Links:Jamie Bartlett’s Substack - How to Survive the Internethttps://substack.com/@jamiejbartlett Jamie Bartlett's BBC Radio 4 podcast on the rise of social media's power - The Gatekeepers https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001w207  Audio Credits:Sky NewsBBCInstagram / Rebecca WilsonITV News  Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk
How f***ed are we if Trump wins? +  Is Jeremy Corbyn MP forming a new party?
24-10-2024
How f***ed are we if Trump wins? + Is Jeremy Corbyn MP forming a new party?
The Government’s rallying cry to the nation to help fix the NHS via a public consultation has not disappointed. In what is fast becoming the National Health Service’s very own Boaty McBoatface moment, Nish and Coco dissect the wild and weird policy suggestions flooding the website.Then Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour Party leader and Independent MP for Islington North, joins to tell us how the left can make their voices heard in Parliament and whether a new leftwing political party could be on the horizon.Later, with the US elections looming, co-host of our sister show Pod Save the World Tommy Vietor calls in to discuss why the Labour party is under fire for sending hundreds of staffers to canvas for the Democrats and what the result next month might mean for US-UK relations.Finally, Nish and Coco discuss a protest from an Australian Senator who shouted directly into the ears of King Charles, which comes as the Government resists paying reparations - or even apologising for - slavery and the actions of the British Empire. Useful links:https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-the-world/ Guests: Jeremy Corbyn MPTommy Vietor Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld
The Tories lose their minds (again) - can Starmer hold against the far right?
10-10-2024
The Tories lose their minds (again) - can Starmer hold against the far right?
The Tory party have once again chosen violence against themselves, as Keir Starmer’s Labour party are languishing in the polls after 90-something days of a lack of action. Nish and Coco burst the bubble on the news that Starmer’s Chief of Staff has been replaced by his election guru, joined by political journalist Ian Dunt to find out just how big a deal this backroom reshuffle is for the machinations of government. Ian also unravels the ideology of centrism - explaining why it was a huge part of the Labour Party’s success at the general election and why it might not be enough to keep the electorate happy without some actual policy to back it up. Later, Labour MP Nadia Whittome calls in from Portcullis House to talk about why she’s still hopeful for what the new government can deliver, before the biggest WTF moment since Rishi Sunak walked out in the rain - the Tory Party eliminating centrist candidate James Cleverly from the leadership. Guests: Ian Dunt Nadia Whittome MP  Audio Credits: LBC Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld
Is Britain’s benefits system broken? w/ Caroline Selman and John Pring
03-10-2024
Is Britain’s benefits system broken? w/ Caroline Selman and John Pring
The new Labour government has promised bold action to fix Britain’s benefit system. Last week, Keir Starmer announced a crackdown on benefit fraud and said people on long-term sickness benefits should look for work. But is this the answer?To chew over the Government’s plans, Coco and Nish are joined by Caroline Selman, senior research fellow at the Public Law Project, and John Pring, the founder and editor of Disability News Service and author of “The Department: How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence”. With some help from our listeners, they tell us how broken the benefit system is and how we can fix it.Then, to mark the Conservative party conference, we have the return of the section we like to call WTF. Some absolute shockers from the Tory leadership hopefuls remind us why they are no longer in power.Useful Links: For advice on benefits https://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-deal-universal-credit-overpaymentContacting your MPhttps://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/Guests: John Pring https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745349893/the-department/Caroline Selman https://x.com/publiclawprojctVideo Credits: Times RadioSkyBBCDaily ExpressPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld
Starmer’s Garm Drama + the Government looks right on immigration w/ Zoe Gardner
19-09-2024
Starmer’s Garm Drama + the Government looks right on immigration w/ Zoe Gardner
Exclusive INCOGNI Deal ➼ go to https://incogni.com/podsavetheuk to get 60% off your annual plan!Keir Starmer promised a Labour government would “turn the page” on scandal - but he’s already under fire after a late declaration of thousands of pounds of gifts. As the Tories clamour for an investigation, Nish and Coco take to the PSUK couch to weigh in on the row.Later, they’re joined by independent researcher on migration policy Zoe Gardner to discuss why Starmer is seeking immigration lessons from Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Zoe tells us about Italy’s controversial migration deals with North African countries and Albania, as well as what a migration system with a degree of humanity might look like.Next we open the mailbag to hear your unpopular policy suggestions - ranging from taxes on second homes to a maximum wage cap.Useful Links: Tickets for Nish Kumar: “Nish, don’t kill my vibe” https://www.nishkumar.co.uk/Guests: Zoe Gardner https://www.tiktok.com/@zoejardiniereAudio credits:The TelegraphTimes RadioX / Ed MilibandPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld
Inside out: How to fix the UK’s prison system + Labour embraces unpopularity
12-09-2024
Inside out: How to fix the UK’s prison system + Labour embraces unpopularity
Exclusive INCOGNI Deal ➼ go to https://incogni.com/podsavetheuk to get 60% off your annual plan!The government has won a vote in the commons over its controversial winter fuel payments - but Keir Starmer knows he’s not winning over the public. Unpopular decisions are the theme of the day as Nish returns to join Coco on the PSUK couch. Later, our hosts are joined by former inmate turned podcaster and TV host David Navarro, alongside CEO of the Prison Reform Trust Pia Sinha to discuss the disastrous state of the UK’s prisons. It’s an eye opening chat - through David’s lived experience and Pia’s knowledge of the system we gain a better understanding of where our justice system is going wrong and how we can begin to fix it. Nish fights sleep as we’re brought up to speed with the Tory leadership latest, before firing up in disappointment at misguided comments on the Grenfell disaster from two former Prime Ministers. Coco lightens the mood with the unexpected love story between two of Westminster’s best known MPs.  Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Useful Links: David’s Channel 4 Documentary https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secrets-of-uk-prisons-untoldPrison Reform Trust https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Guests: Pia Sinha, CEO Prison Reform TrustDavid Navarro, Host, Delinquent Nation Audio credits:Sky NewsBBCContact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworld
Time to nationalise Ticketmaster? “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, the Grenfell Inquiry concludes
05-09-2024
Time to nationalise Ticketmaster? “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, the Grenfell Inquiry concludes
Parliament is back in session and so is Pod Save the UK! Coco is joined by Zoë Grünewald, filling in for Nish, to discuss Keir Starmer’s gloomy new lines trailing what’s shaping up to be a miserable Autumn budget. Free political point scoring around the Oasis/Ticketmaster fiasco probably isn’t going to be enough to offset the grim energy emanating from the Government’s plan to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, despite some glints of hope in other policy areas. Coco and Zoë also discuss Jeremy Corbyn’s new political alliance, restrictions on arms sales licences to Israel and Labour’s mooted outdoor smoking ban. Later, they’re joined by James Riding, Chief Reporter at Inside Housing, to discuss the final report from the Grenfell Inquiry, exploring the “Decades of failure” and “systematic dishonesty” behind the disaster. Finally, they check in on the Tory leadership race, where the five remaining candidates are struggling for recognition within the public eye. Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukWhatsApp: 07494 933 444 (UK) or + 44 7494 933 444 (internationally)Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/podsavetheworldGuests: Zoë Grünewald, Political JournalistJames Riding, chief reporter at Inside HousingAudio credits:Sky NewsNumber 10 Downing Street