Podcasts from The Bigger Picture presented by Simon Rose

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of The Groucho Tendency blog, surveys the runners and riders after the first round of the Conservative Leadership Contest, won comfortably by Boris Johnson. How will the new leader, and presumably Prime Minister, be able to solve the Brexit problem? In Mike's view, an autumn General Election has become even more likely. He also assesses the legacy of Theresa May's time as Prime Minister.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University examines the logistical challenges of the invasion of Normandy by the Western Allies 75 years ago. 30 years after the Tienanmen Square Massacre, he looks at how widespread the protests actually were and suggests that, ultimately, the yearning for freedom will win out. Lastly he looks at what the rise of the Brexit Party might mean and discusses the current travails of the EU.

Mike Indian, political commentator and author of The Groucho Tendency blog, talks to Simon Rose about the results of the European Elections and whether the Brexit Party's success will have ramifications for domestic politics. With Theresa May announcing her forthcoming resignation, who are the likely challengers for leadership of the party and what problems will they face? And what of Labour, facing criticism over its Brexit stance, its treatment of members who voted LibDem and now facing an official enquiry into antisemitism in the party?

Tim Evans, Professor of Business and Political Economy at Middlesex University, looks at a recent study showing that Britons are the most appreciative nation in Europe to the benefits of immigration. He also examines the addiction to conspiracy theories and takes a look at the current state of Cuba and Venezuela and why Donald Trump may be doing more harm than good.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the lack of progress in cross-party talks on Brexit and what it means. In the way of the meeting with the 1922 Committee, what is Theresa May's future and who will replace her. What is likely to happen in the Euro elections and the Peterborough by-election and what will it mean for the UK political landscape?

Physical Education at school; did you love it or, as so many did, hate it? What are the socio-economic implications of loathing enforced exercise? That's the question fascinatingly explored by Dr. Anne Elliott, senior lecturer of the London Sports Institute at Middlesex University and Professor Tim Evans, professor of Business and Political Economy, also at Middlesex. They believe that, conservatively, poor PE teaching could be costing the NHS £1.2 billion a year.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the sacking of the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and the resulting Cabinet reshuffle, the recall of Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya and the by-election which will result (will Nigel Farage finally become an MP?) as well the forthcoming European elections and Theresa May's Brexit discussions with the Labour leader.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University discusses with Simon Rose the woes of the Conservative Party and the rise of the Brexit Party and wonders if we're seeing the start of a seismic shift in UK politics. He also looks at how inter-generational political families are now emerging on the left, as well as the right. And he looks at architecture as a way of making structure express ideas.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the staggering economic and actuarial implications of curative medicine which appears to be on the point of extending life expectancy significantly and reducing diseases associated with old age. He looks at an app which helps to report possible car wash slaves which demonstrates the creeping digital privatisation of law enforcement. Lastly he examines the role of the "deep state" in the Brexit process.