Podcasts from The Bigger Picture

With just a week to go until Britain COULD leave the EU, political commentator Mike Indian asks who's to blame for the Brexit mess. While asking for an extension to the leaving date, Theresa May has put up the hackles of many MPs with her latest address. He also looks at what's happened to collective responsibility, the Speaker's ability to pick and choose which precedents he invokes and why Jeremy Corbyn walked out of a meeting with the PM because Chuka Umunna was present.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the state of the UK economy in the wake of the Spring Statement. He looks at taxes, tariffs and debt, pointing out that despite the perceptions of many, the UK is a high-tax economy. He explains why the Conservatives are reluctant to get rid of the deficit entirely. And, as a new book is published, he looks at Chernobyl and the way in which - it now appears - the Soviet Union minimised and covered up the extraordinary extent of the disaster.

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of The Groucho Tendency blog, gives us a snapshot of where we are with Brexit in the wake of Geoffrey Cox's return from Brussels and with the Government all but certain to lost Tuesday's second meaningful vote. He also looks at the record of Chris Grayling in the wake of the Eurotunnel settlement and examines the issue of racism in both main political parties.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the challenge to Jeremy Corbyn as Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson establishes a group of moderate MPs within the party. What might happen to the Labour Party? He also looks to Latin America and the effect the rise of Evangelicalism is having. And he looks at why Zimbabwe is cosying up to Russia.

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of The Groucho Tendency blog, looks at the formation of The Independent Group, with 8 ex-Labour and 3 ex-Conservative MPs to date. What do they stand for? And against? Will there be more defections? Could they change the face of British politics or is it too early to say? What might their arrival on the scene mean for the Brexit process, with the clock ticking down and even Jean-Claude Juncker confessing to "Brexit fatigue"?

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.