How the Conservative Right became so Powerful

Why do the ERG and the right wing of the Tory party hold so much power over their leadership? Could a universal basic income work? How often do Rory and Alastair think about the Roman Empire?

Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time.

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Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen
Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

[smoozerish]

love the channel guys. Great to hear you guys share your views in a mature and non shouty conversation. Keep it going.

[seanwoods]

Great program, sensible discussions and honest views from each side, grown up politics, brilliant.

[mplank]

This is so refreshing. And what we need. Left and right working together.

[ShaunieDale]

Glad to hear your shoutout to Gary Stevenson and his new book. I’ve watched all his videos and I have the greatest respect for him.

[pjsthetube]

The problem with the current political system in the UK is it is not designed for finding consensus. It also does not allow for representation of non-partisan voters.

Hence you have a scenario where a small clique takes so much power.

[sandraharvey]

Your voices of sanity, experience and common sense in a crazy world is so refreshing. Thank you so much.

[darren_bassett]

I love long form discussion like this. If only parliament was as civilised.

[AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Informative, good fun and good natured as usual. Thanks

[TheBurdenOfHope]

Gary Stevenson getting a mention! Amazing stuff. Really looking forward to his book too. His YouTube channel is really worth watching too

[charlespring]

Rory thinking about the Roman Empire 5 or 6 times a day is too perfect ♥️

[ninesfm]

I can’t thank you enough for being there….all the best!

[stuartgraca]

I am glad you brought up Rome and todays politics, Just two days ago I made a comment, on another Youtube video, referring to the fall of the Roman empire and the Tory infighting of today.

[costaskaravias]

Rory & Alistair I was not a fun but the more I watch and listen to your show along with other interviews you have done over the last few years I WAS WRONG!! as many of my friends. Keep going, love the show and honesty that comes through, to make a real difference consider to come back back into front line politics! Alistair supporting the Labour Governments front bench and Rory 🤔well as a Conservative opposition leader !

[colinthompson]

Very good discussion. Thank you, gentlemen.

[wewhofly]

Hmm, did not expect a chunk of this to be about Ireland, but a few problems with that Irish discussion - or clarifications.
1. Irish people know their history. We're small enough and tribal enough to know it. So, it's a little funny hearing this notion that Sinn Fein have to try to overcome their past with the electorate. We all know both FG and FF emerged out of violence; brother against brother, wars of Independence and Civil War. So Sinn Fein? They've had to wait a while - yes. Voters wanted to be certain guns are gone. However, they've already won the popular vote in the last General Election (1st preferences).
2. Campbell mentions that in his chats with some Irish people, he asked for a show of hands for Irish Unity. There were no hands. Confusing to me, I'll admit, until he qualified later that his group were "Business Leaders". I'd presume non-business people of all persuasions in Ireland, especially the young, would be very open to Irish Unity. Not coercion, unity.
3. On Israel/Palestine. How else would most Irish people react to the Israeli/Palestine situation? To react any other way would be to pee on our own history. Israelis should understand this. To suggest we are being difficult is insulting - like we're children who aren't quite educated enough yet to make the right choice We know our own history and Peace is what Irish people want for both Israel and Gaza. Real peace without fear or coercion on either side. War is not peace. If Israel wants Ireland to be less difficult, perhaps invite Irish politicians to mediate and help find a peace. Use our stubbornness to their advantage.

[markbryan]

I'd love an episode on UBI. I think I'm fairly pro-UBI but the complexities are absolutely fascinating and I'm open to having my mind changed either way.

[declangodfrey]

Get Rutger Bregman on the podcast. Not only a big proponent of UBI but he's also done a good job recently (with De Correspondent) interviewing leaders of Dutch political parties on his podcast. (De Rudi & Freddie show, echt een aanrader als je Nederlands kan).

[keithstannard]

Loved this podcast (as always). do the special on UBI! It is so difficult to find grown-up conversation about this subject which I always thought could solve so many of our problems but even more so now that AI looms on the horizon. We need you to do this!

[lesleyegg]

This is a really good episode; especially enjoyed the analysis after the Dutch stuff.

[peace-now]

As usual, an informative and even handed discussion.