Podcasts from The Bigger Picture

This week, Ed Bowsher speaks to Professor Tim Evans from Middlesex University. They discuss how the UK economy seems to be performing pretty well with a fall in unemployment in spite of Brexit concerns. Tim also highlights the terrible situation in Zimbabwe and suggests what the government needs to do before it can attract finance from the IMF. And finally, Tim looks at new research from Chatham House which highlights how Russia is using the internet to target the families and friends of members of the armed forces.

Tim Price of Price Value Partners discusses the Eurozone "doom loop", with negative interest rates impacting banks' business models and leading to the destruction of money while bail-in rules cause a slow-motion (but quickening) bank run as funds seek safety in government bonds. Tim explains why the ECB's new head Christine Lagarde may be powerless to stop a deflationary recession, why gold is back in favour and why diversification may be the last free lunch in finance.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the political furore over the prorogation of Parliament and asks what it really means. He updates us on the situation in Venezuela where it transpires Nicolas Maduro has been talking to the White House and where Reuters has exposed Cuba's true influence. And he looks at the new age of Surveillance Capitalism, the topic of a new book by Shoshana Zuboff.

Political commentator Mike Indian looks at Boris Johnson's meetings with Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron and reckons that if no deal has been arranged by September 30th, a no-deal Brexit is inevitable. He rates the chance of a General Election the day after Halloween at 80% and looks at the report that the state pension age might have to rise to 75.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at recent but growing protests in Russia and why they spell problems for Putin. He looks at the dangers for democracy of even more deeply negative interest rates. And he ponders the coming global challenges and whether China's strength will turn out to be sustainable.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses what lessons we can take from the Lib Dem win at the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election. He looks at Boris Johnson's tour of the Union and the Scottish swing in favour of independence. He considers the options left to Remainers to stop the country leaving the EU on October 31st and the role that Dominic Cummings is playing in the new government.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the resignation of Theresa May and her final PMQ and the election of Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and thus the new Prime Minister. What sort of PM will he make? What are the good and bad points of his cabinet reshuffle and does it contain enough governing experience? What is Boris's vision? And with the election of Jo Swinson as leader of the Lib Dems, could she soon be the kingmaker after a General Election?

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University discusses what he feels will be Boris Johnson's attitude towards immigration, assuming he becomes Conservative Party leader and the PM. He looks at the dilemma of NATO member Turkey buying a Russian air defence system. Lastly, he wonders if the days of the office are numbered, questioning whether in many cases we actually need them at all.

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.