The Two Matts

The Matts unpick the events of the past week and are intrigued by the internal Labour Party politics that created a sense of chaos around the UK’s response to the war. They are also staggered - and not a little bit ashamed - of the UK’s humiliating lack of preparedness for events that were wholly foreseeable. Has this all just confirmed what many suspected - that these isles are wholly ill-equipped to defend themselves? And what role will China play as what was billed as a four- or five-day conflict now looks to be a much longer-term affair? Lots of moving parts this week - the dynamic is as fascinating as it is terrifying.

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

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The Matts do their level best to make sense of the last three days - events which make little sense in isolation, but once a wider spectrum of factors comes into play, does a sinister strategy emerge? Donald Trump is defying the US electorate just at a time when he needs to be rebuilding support. Why doesn’t he care? Was the suspected aspiration for a short four- or five-day conflict, followed by a swift return to the negotiating table, as insane as it seems? And how does this affect the UK economy and Keir Starmer’s government? We are in the foothills of this crisis - so no better time to get the map out and try to work out which way we’re headed. Join The Two Matts as they pore over the contour lines of a very rocky landscape. Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer questions from listeners, including whether or not the age of deference is dead; is Trump going flat; is Farage just like Thatcher; why doesn’t NATO repel Russia; what does a deepfake of Piers Morgan say about the future; and is Tracey Emin right about museum and gallery funding? Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maybe it’s sinking in now? The Matts agree that whatever mitigation there is, Keir Starmer’s Labour government does not have the cut-through with voters to win the next general election. The clock is ticking - just 175 weeks at most until the next election. Does Labour have enough time and the right person to see off the dual threat of a resurgent socialist message from the Greens or the ethno-nationalism of Reform? Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before the Matts start kicking lumps out of each other, they enjoy the relative calm of a brief discussion on the smokescreen around the arrest of Peter Mandelson. Then it all kicks off as they explore the ramifications of the N-word Bafta Tourette’s row. It would take about 1,000 words to explain the points of difference, so just click play and enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listeners' questions, including whether Nigel Farage really is a man of the people, if Manchester United deserve an owner as odious as Jim Ratcliffe, how to deal with friends who turn bad, whether we just wait out Donald Trump… and what is our favourite Robert Duvall role? Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts sweep up an extraordinary 24 hours in British history. But first, they marvel at the power of a single photographic frame - currently splashed on every newspaper front page in the country. Is this the most extraordinary back seat photo since Thatcher? Then they discuss if the media has an innate deference to the Royal Family and whether Jonathan Dimbleby in particular needs to rethink his designation as an actual journalist. It’s a special podcast extra as events unfold… enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested this morning by Thames Valley Police officers investigating allegations of misconduct in public office. It is an historic moment in British history. While he remains innocent until proven guilty, the consequences of the arrest of the former Duke Of York will have a profound impact around the world. The Matts get their heads around just how enormous this breaking news is… join them as they work through the implications.

ALSO: Is Reform wobbling? Can Nigel Farage's party successfully transition from high-energy anti-establishment mavericks to a more orthodox party fit to govern? The Matts explore the tensions within the party the bookmakers believe will form the next government. Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts answer listeners' questions. This week: is Keir Starmer the new Joe Biden; why isn’t Sadiq Khan in the frame for next PM; how does Boris Johnson get off so lightly; should we keep calling Prince Andrew Prince Andrew; why are the Brits sucking up to Noel Gallagher; and do TV bosses make too many repeats of telly classics? Enjoy!

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts reflect on the last week, and address their own fallibilities (and thank you, dear listeners, for pointing them out!). But the argument around Keir Starmer’s premiership remains solid. Also - is the Royal Family doing enough to bring the wrong ‘un formerly known as Prince Andrew to justice? Enjoy.

Produced by Matt Withers

OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.