Wright on the Nail

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright joins David Henig, UK Director at ECIPE, who leads thinking on future UK trade policy; Christina Patterson, journalist, writer, and broadcaster; and Neil Mackay, author, filmmaker, and broadcaster.

The episode begins by discussing the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a charity worker who was arrested and detained in Tehran in 2016. They delve into the abuse she faced online, and why critics branded her “ungrateful” for the frustration she expressed with the UK government for taking six years to secure her release.

The conversation moves on to chew over the prime minister’s speech at the Conservatives’ Spring Conference, which compared the resistance of the Ukrainian people to Russia’s invasion to the UK’s decision to leave the EU. 

Staying on the topic of Boris Johnson, the guests debate a new whistleblower's claims that he gave orders to evacuate Pen Farthing’s animals from Afghanistan. Boris Johnson, a liar? 

Together they also discuss the latest updates from Ukraine and react to the Spring Statement 2022 - cuts to fuel duty, National Insurance hikes softened, and an income tax rabbit in the hat.

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'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

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In this week’s ‘Deep Dive’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Bill Roedy, former chairman and chief executive of MTV Networks International. Bill and his team built a global operation comprising 200 channels and 20 brands, in 200 countries. 

Prior to joining MTV, he spent 10 years at HBO as their vice president, and before this, was part of the United States Army, a veteran of the Vietnam war and commander of three Nuclear Missile bases as part of NATO during the Cold War. 

For his distinguished military service, Bill was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Silver Star) and Meritorious Service Medal. Bill is also a former senior adviser to the U.S State Department.

In this episode, Bill joins Chris to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis. They consider the effectiveness of a no-fly zone, and whether the situation could escalate to the use of chemical weapons. 

Together they describe the impact of sanctions on Russia and whether China could be a good force for Ukraine, both economically and politically.

Chris and Bill discuss what would be different if Trump was still president, and whether NATO is “stronger than ever,” following Putin’s invasion. Describing the devastating and deliberate targeting of civilians, Bill shares how Russia underestimated Ukraine’s resilience, and what could be the catalyst for a peace deal, to finally put an end to the war.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

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In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Dawn-Maria France, editor-in-chief at Yorkshire Women’s Life; Duncan Weldon, an economist and writer; and John Inverdale, a broadcaster who presented coverage of many major sporting events including the Olympic Games and Wimbledon.

The episode begins by analysing the UK’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, to discuss whether the Home Office is failing Ukrainian refugees with the lack of forward planning, and the impact of a Nationality and Borders Bill on Ukrainians who are making their way into the UK.

The conversation moves on to discuss whether the UK government has shown true leadership, and the British public's perception of the handling of the crisis, with polling showing huge support for the UK to grant visas to Ukrainian refugees.

Together they also discuss the impact of sanctions on Russian oligarchs, and Roman Abramovich: What do the Russian owner's sanctions mean for Chelsea Football Club?

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Matthew Stadlen, radio and TV presenter; Marta Dzhumaha, PR specialist at BetterMe; Fredrik Erixon, economist and director of ECIPE; and Oz Katerji, freelance conflict journalist and filmmaker.

Following the devastating attack which Russia launched on Ukraine, Chris opens the discussion by speaking with Marta Dzhumaha, a civilian in Ukraine, about the country’s united spirit, and growing fears for civilians caught in a conflict they did not start, or want. 

Oz Katerji joins the discussion speaking from Kyiv, to describe how the city’s defences are holding up since being invaded, and shares his experience covering the conflict on the ground.

Together the panel then discuss the effectiveness of international sanctions, the resilience of President Zelensky, and the West’s responsibility to protect the people of Ukraine.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘Deep Dive’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Philip Davies, Conservative MP Shipley; Jon Bryan, poker player and gambling writer; and Emmet Kennedy, presenter and producer of ‘The Final Furlong Podcast’. 

The conversation begins by discussing the catalyst for changing the laws relating to gambling, one of mankind’s oldest activities, to consider how the growth of online gambling has impacted the sports betting industry.

The conversation moves on to discuss anti-gambling campaigns and an increased media and public focus on problem gambling. The panel debated where tougher regulation is needed to tackle gambling-related harms, and highlight the risks of gambling addiction.

Together the panel also discussed the impact of eliminating betting sponsorships from football shirts, and whether the infrastructure of the horse racing industry is sustainable without prize money or TV advertising exposure.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by journalist and author Otto English, journalist and broadcaster Jemma Forte, and writer, broadcaster and commentator, Jonathan Sacerdoti.

The conversation begins by observing a quieter week in the news for Boris Johnson as Ukraine tensions otherwise heat up, to debate whether he will be able to draw a line under the partygate scandal. They discuss how the West has reacted to Putin’s pressure on Ukraine, and whether “anybody can get into the mind of this man”, and understand his motives.

The discussion moves on to chew over Jacob Rees-Mogg’s new job role as ‘Minister for Brexit opportunities and Government efficiency’, to consider what the reshuffle says about the prime minister’s own image, as well as a raft of post-Brexit issues such as changes to alcohol duty.

Together, the panel express their views on a report suggesting that Channel migrants should be deported to an overseas British territory, and discuss whether this more radical course of action is really the solution to the migrant crisis.

Finally, the panel argue whether West Ham’s Kurt Zouma should be allowed to continue his job as a professional footballer following a ‘cat-kicking video’, and highlight the concerning news that 15 year-old elite Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for using performance-enhancing substances.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘Deep Dive’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Daniel Lippman, Politico reporter covering the White House and Washington; John T. Bennett, CQ Roll Call editor-at-large and former White House-Congress reporter; and Aaron Parnas, White collar attorney and Democratic strategist.

 The conversation begins by discussing Donald Trump's involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots, to chew over whether the election results would have been the same without the influence of the covid pandemic, and if he underestimated the anger and fear of his loyal supporters.

The conversation then moves on to talk about President Joe Biden, to reflect on his first year in office; the frustration with the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, as well as his ‘Build Back Better’ agenda. The panel debate how his popularity is faring, and whether Trump's ‘huge fundraising haul’ could give him an advantage if he decides to run in 2024.

Together, the panel also discuss Ukraine tensions, RNC’s vote to censure Liz Cheney, and who could be the dark-horse candidate for the presidential election.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm 

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by writer and  producer Simon Fellowes; chief executive of ‘Best for Britain’ Naomi Smith; CapX editor John Ashmore; and writer and broadcaster Christina Patterson.

The conversation begins by discussing Boris Johnson’s continuous battle to save himself, as more of his senior aides walk out of Downing Street’s doors - including Dan Rosenfield, Martin Reynolds and the surprising exit of Munira Mirza, with guests deliberating whether Boris will be the next to go.

The discussion moves on to guests chewing over the recent opinion polls, with support for the Conversative’s falling behind Labour in light of a series of scandals; and guests delve into not just the short-term future of the Party, but what this means for its future more broadly.

Together, the panel share their thoughts on government spending, particularly the £10 billion spent on PPE overseen by Rishi Sunak and written off by the government, and the impact this will have on the cost of living crisis.

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by PA Media  ​​political correspondent Patrick Daly; Scottish political editor at The Times Scotland Kieran Andrews; and senior lecturer in Law at St. Mary's University, Daniela Nadj.

The conversation begins by discussing the delay in Sue Gray’s partygate report to consider what a police investigation means for Boris Johnson; accusations that he is using the Met as a “shield” to protect his position in No 10, and whether this scandal could ultimately cost him his job.

The discussion moves on to chew over allegations that the Prime Minister intervened in helping Pen Farthing, founder of the animal charity Nowzad, secure safe evacuation of animals from Afghanistan as the Taliban overran Kabul. The panel debate whether there is any validity to the story despite Johnson calling it “total rhubarb”, and how the public would react if it’s found to be true.

The panel also discuss foreign secretary Liz Truss’ flight by private jet to Australia, lorry queues in Dover, the Ukraine crisis and a return to Plan A covid restrictions. 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor; John Cotter, lecturer in law at Keele School of Law and Anoosh Chakelian, Britain editor at the New Statesman. 

 The conversation begins by discussing fresh calls for Boris Johnson’s resignation, and his bid to cling onto power before the critical local elections. They contemplate how the numerous scandals from fast-track contracts to the No.10 Christmas party will influence so-called ‘Red Wall’ seats, and whether he is likely to fight a vote of no-confidence.

The conversation moves on to debate the impact of the BBC licence fee being frozen and plans for it to be abolished by 2027, to discuss whether the plan is ideologically motivated, or perhaps a timely distraction from the ‘partygate’ scandal.

Guests also chew over Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia and consider whether it is right to ban sportspeople who are unvaccinated from competing at the Olympics.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com