Podcasts from The Bigger Picture presented by Simon Rose

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University considers the new world of ideas, communications and self-censorship and how we will cope with the unintended consequences of "many to many" conversations. He also wonders whether Governor Mark Carney is damaging the Bank of England's reputation and, in the EU debate, in the wake of Donald Tusk's comments, who will win the race to Hell?

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the latest Brexit developments as Theresa May once more visits Brussels in the hope of breaking the stalemate. Will Jeremy Corbyn's 5-point letter help to bring about cross-party co-operation to take things forward? Mike also looks at President Trump's State of the Union Address. What were the positives and negatives. In conclusion, Mike wonders whether, as perhaps with the UK, the centre ground of politics has vanished.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University considers why so many in the developed world are advocating hard-left economic policies, wondering if there is a growing disconnect between the young and those ruling us. He also looks at attacks on advertising, explaining how vital advertising is in a free society and that it is essentially commercial free speech. Lastly, he ponders the worsening economic and political situation in Venezuela, asking if President Trump has got it right in supporting opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University considers the possible future course for the Brexit process in the wake of the Government's unprecedentedly large defeat in the House of Commons. He also looks at the current economic and political state of the EU itself, finding one ray amidst the gloom in the preparations made for Brexit by the authorities in Cornwall. He also marks the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table.

James Cameron-Wilson surveys the UK box office, dominated by period pieces. Stan & Ollie takes the #1 spot, followed by The Favourite & Mary Poppins Returns. Keira Knightley in Colette comes in at #7 with The Upside, remake of French hit Untouchable, at #8. Jason Reitman's movie on Gary Hart, The Front Runner, only manages #18. For home release, James reviews The Escape with Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of the Groucho Tendency blog, talks to Simon Rose about the latest developments in the Brexit saga. After further defeats in the Commons, Theresa May will soon find out how she fares in the Meaningful Vote on her deal. What will happen if she loses the vote, though, as she's widely expected to do. What are the viable alternatives? Has John Bercow lost the confidence of too many MPs? Are Parliament's actoins undermining democracy? How likely is another election? Or another referendum?

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University ponders what the biggest security threats around the world might be in 2019. He also considers whether what one commentator calls "The Mad World of Theresa May" might have lured the EU into a trap that makes a no-deal Brexit more likely and how the Police in the UK are losing the war against guns.

James Cameron-Wilson examines the UK holiday box office, led by Disney's Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt. He has his head in his hands when discussing the much-derided Holmes & Watson with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. His favoured home release is the much-garlanded Polish film Cold War. James also looks ahead to what he thinks could be some of the biggest movies of the early part of 2019.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University takes a look at the government's immigration proposals and reveals that, on the subject of immigration, he himself is to the left of Jeremy Corbyn. He also discusses a Fabian Society paper about extradition rights and the EAW after Brexit and looks ahead to 2019, which will be a massive year for elections around the world.

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of The Groucho Tendency blog, looks back over a momentous few days in British politics. He discusses the Meaningful Vote that never was and the vote of no confidence in Theresa May as Conservative leader. Whither Brexit, now, though Will the ECJ ruling on Article 50 be used. Is another referendum or general election on the cards and, if the former, what could possibly be on the ballot paper?