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In this episode, we sit down with Baggy Shanker MP, Member of Parliament for Derby South.

Baggy reflects on his journey into politics, the responsibility of representing a diverse constituency, and why meaningful community engagement must sit at the heart of public service.

We explore what it means for politicians to be genuinely accessible, and the pressures facing our communities, from immigration debates to employment rights. 

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about representation, responsibility and the future of multicultural Britain.

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Is Britain “being colonised” - or is that language part of something much bigger?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into three major political storylines shaping the national conversation: Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial remarks about immigration, projections that UK net migration could fall toward zero, and Keir Starmer’s push for closer ties with Europe.

But instead of reacting at headline level, we ask a deeper question: what do these narratives actually mean for people of African heritage in the UK?

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Cheta mentioned a video he thought would be a good watch for our listeners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154W-wLJ_qU

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In this episode of The Black Paper, we unpack a series of pressing and interconnected issues: from the realities of gender-based violence and the need for deeper mental health awareness in our communities, to the UK’s tightening visa regime and the resignation of Morgan McSweeney.

We also turn our attention outward, examining international politics and the fallout from the release of the Epstein files, and what it reveals about the stark imbalance between how political elites are treated versus ordinary citizens.

We close with a forward-looking conversation on the future of the Labour Party and what lies ahead for the UK’s political landscape.

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On this episode, we move between Sudan and the United Kingdom, examining how current affairs are nothing but echoes of a not-so-distant past.

In Sudan, the ongoing crisis exposes the long shadow of colonial legacies, weak civilian institutions, and an inadequate international response, showing how quickly governance collapses when militarised power goes unchecked.

In the UK, political defections and the rise of Reform-style politics point to growing fragmentation and instability, as traditional party loyalties break down and the centre struggles to hold.

We also interrogate proposals to centralise policing power, questioning whether efficiency comes at the cost of accountability - particularly for racialised communities - and how technology-driven policing risks embedding bias while distancing decision-making from public scrutiny.

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Summary

Possibly the most chaotic episode of The Black Paper yet.

We get into why UK visa applications have fallen off a cliff (and what that actually means for public services), unpack the West Midlands police chief’s AI-fuelled resignation, and chew over the latest political musical chairs as Conservatives defect to Reform.

Facts were presented. Opinions were exchanged. Nobody fully agreed.

If you enjoy Nigerian-style argumentative non-argument where everyone is right, wrong, and loudly convinced at the same time, this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Topics

01:15 Reflections on AFCON and Football Politics

08:10 Political Realignment in the UK

24:48 Visa Applications and Public Services Impact

29:30 AI in Policing and Future Implications

31:17 The Ageing Population and the Welfare State

34:18 Demographic Challenges in Europe vs. Nigeria

36:00 Political Discourse and Leadership Legacies

43:23 Debating the Impact of Nigerian Politicians

01:01:43 Debating Leadership and Historical Context

01:10:47 The Role of AI in Policing

01:21:45 Community Advocacy and Accountability

01:32:28 The Black Paper.mp3

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Summary

In this conversation, we focus on two major policy debates shaping everyday life in the UK: the proposed ban on social media for under-16s and the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act.

We unpack what youth protection should look like in the digital age, weighing safeguarding, mental health and responsibility against questions of access and enforcement. 

We then turn to housing, exploring how the Renters’ Rights Act could bring greater security and stability for renters, strengthen community cohesion, and begin to tackle long-standing discriminatory practices in the private rental sector. 

Set against wider reflections on identity, sport and belonging, the conversation connects policy to lived experience and the realities facing our communities.

Chapters

00:00 Football and National Identity

09:23 Social Media and Youth Protection

30:41 The Intersection of Tech and Governance

35:41 Renter's Rights Act: A New Era for Tenants

40:18 Community Cohesion and Housing Crisis

48:59 The Role of Technology in Housing Solutions

58:31 The Black Paper.mp3

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Summary

In our first episode of the year, we cast our minds back to what stood out for us in 2025, and what we look forward to in 2026.

We also talk Trump, language in politics, and the importance of lobbying for change.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Unplugging

03:12 Geopolitical Implications of Language

06:07 Cynicism in Immigration Policies

09:05 The Nature of Political Interests

12:06 Reflections on 2025 and Predictions for 2026

29:13 Introduction and Recap of Previous Discussion

30:10 The Rise of Eco-Populism in Politics

32:27 The Labour Party's Identity Crisis

34:17 Youth Voting and Political Awareness

36:21 The Challenges of Democracy

38:30 Immigration and Political Dynamics

40:20 The Future of Political Parties in the UK

42:13 The Americanization of UK Politics

50:23 Emerging Trends in Tech and Community Solutions

54:30 The Black Paper.mp3

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Summary

In our last episode of the year, we discuss various themes surrounding health, leadership, and employment, particularly focusing on the cultural attitudes towards health checks in African communities and the challenges faced in the job market in the UK.

We highlight the importance of openness regarding health issues, the need for leaders to be transparent about their health, and the impact of cultural beliefs on health-seeking behaviours.

We also talk about the latest unemployment figures, the changing job market, and the difficulties faced by job seekers, especially in the care sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings

02:51 Health and Leadership: A Discussion on Openness

04:15 The Impact of Health Secrecy on Governance

10:15 Cultural Attitudes Towards Health Checks

19:50 The Role of Faith and Community in Health Decisions

26:56 The Struggles of Work-Life Balance

30:09 Unpacking the Job Market

30:37 Unemployment Rates: A Closer Look

33:38 The Care Sector Crisis

36:19 AI's Impact on Employment

41:43 Class and Dignity of Labour

53:28 Health and Resilience in Job Seeking

55:13 The Black Paper.mp3

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Summary

With political leaders working hard to keep a fresh wave of turmoil at bay, this episode dives into the latest Labour Together polling on Keir Starmer’s leadership and the growing spotlight on Nigel Farage.

We unpack how leaders handle crises in real time, the way media narratives can make or break a reputation, and why authenticity has become non‑negotiable for anyone seeking public trust.

Our conversation highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and local governance, emphasising the challenges faced by democracies worldwide.

Chapters

00:00 Political Turmoil and Coups in Africa

02:24 Leadership Challenges in the UK Labour Party

06:51 The Dark Arts of Politics

10:18 America's National Security Strategy and Global Implications

16:38 Migration, Colonial Legacy, and African Self-Determination

24:43 The Rise and Fall of Nigel Farage

32:30 The Rise of Farage and Political Scrutiny

34:48 Comparisons to Trump: Political Behaviour and Public Perception

36:33 Polling Trends: The Future of Farage and Reform Party

38:20 Authenticity in Politics: The Stammer Challenge

42:21 The Authenticity Factor: Lessons from US Politics

44:31 Misdirection in Politics: Farage's Tactics

48:51 Asylum Seekers and Exploitation: A Controversial Case

57:47 The Black Paper.mp3

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Summary

This episode explores the recent UK budget, its implications for African heritage communities, and the broader economic landscape.

We touch on fiscal policies, tax implications, and the challenges posed by immigration and visa policies.

Our conversation also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit within the community and the social implications of the budget, emphasising the need for financial planning and awareness of the changing economic environment.

Chapters

00:00 Budget Announcements and Community Implications

26:31 Visa Fees and Immigration Challenges

29:43 Healthcare Sector and Staffing Needs

31:57 Political Continuity and Policy Changes

32:50 Child Benefit Cap and Immigration Paradoxes

35:40 Economic Migration and Family Considerations

40:17 Financial Planning and Professional Advice

42:17 The Black Paper.mp3