Podcasts from The Bigger Picture

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the political and economic response so far to Covid-19, giving us his report on the Government's actions so far. He tells us, why we should be cautious for some time yet when it comes to trusting the data about the virus. And he examines the history and geopolitics of dangerous diseases, telling us about the infamous beak doctors of the 17th century.

Political commentator Mike Indian examines the Government's response to the developing Coronavirus crisis, including social distancing, daily press conferences, school closures and emergency legislation. He also ponders the economic responses, including the latest interest rate cuts from the Bank of England and what might be done for those workers who get into financial difficulty. Pondering the responses in Europe and the United States, he also looks at the latest state of the Democratic Primaries.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University discusses the political economy of the Coronavirus and the difficulties of protecting citizens in a non-totalitarian state. He examines Rishi Sunak's first Budget, asking what was in it, what is means for the government's overall economic and political direction and what it means for Labour and the Opposition.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the Government's response to the Coronavirus, America's Super Tuesday and what it means for the Democratic challenge to Donald Trump, Priti Patel and Sir Philip Rutnam and whether The Budget will be knocked off course by the Coronavirus.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the Free Speech Union set up by Toby Young and asks if we're witnessing the future of trades unions. He wonders if, in the light of Dominic Cummings' writings, the forthcoming Budget will be one of the most radical of all time. And he looks at the rise of the YIMBY (Yes, In My Back Yard) movement.

Political commentator Mike Indian casts his eye over the runners and riders in the revised cabinet - and what the reshuffle means for the future of the Government. He asks if Dominic Cummings is really the power behind the throne. And he looks at Michael Bloomberg's entry to the Democratic Primaries and explains that becoming President is NOT his aim.

Tech guru Steve Caplin on how you can interact with Turner's masterpiece on the new £20 note, Jeff Bezos's pledge to save the environment, Samsung's new phones, the Met Police bringing in live facial recognition, an app taking revenge on nuisance calls, the knife that thinks it's a fork and vice versa and ends with organic robots, robot snakes, sweating robots and a giant Gundam robot.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University examines why big construction projects such as Crossrail and HS2 go over budget, what ought to be done about the BBC and its licence fee and he casts a look back over the UK's troubled relationship with the EU during its 47-year membership.

Political commentator Mike Indian looks across the pond, discussing Trump's State of the Union address, his impeachment acquittal and the Iowa caucuses. Back home, with Brexit now achieved, what can we expect from an EU trade deal and how are decisions such as that regarding Huawei likely to be received? With the SNP under pressure with another sex scandal, he looks at the Labour leadership election and asks if Emily Thornberry has run out of road?