Podcasts from The Bigger Picture

Political commentator Mike Indian examines the resignation of Sir Kim Darroch, the UK's American ambassador and wonders whether Donald Trump's suggestion of Nigel Farage in the post might come to pass. He considers who came out on top in the Tory leadership debate on TV and mulls over Labour's latest shift on Brexit and its response to the Panorama programme on anti-Semitism in the party.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University considers the latest opinion poll putting Labour in fourth place and wonders if history is being made or whether it is just a temporary blip? He looks at the politics and culture of music and dress from punk and Thatcher's new romantics through to a very modern dandy. And he comments on the race to be Europe's first spaceport, which may be won by Britain.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex Collect compares and contrasts the two contenders for the leadership of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt. He also considers whether the protests in Hong Kong are emblematic of bigger stresses and strains involving the US, China and Europe. Lastly, he looks at the Sky/HBO TV series, Chernobyl, which he considers one of the best political TV dramas of all time.

Tim Price, director at Price Value Partners discusses the move towards a cashless society and whether it's an inevitable consequence of the financial crisis. What effect might the advent of Facebook's new cryptocurrency, Libra, have on banks, central banks and even governments and their control of money? What might the possibility of a Marxist government in the UK mean for investors? Tim posits the possibility that cash in banks may shrink overnight!

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.