Wright on the Nail

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London; Jamie Jenkins, former head of health analysis at ONS (Office for National Statistics); Alain Tolhurst, chief reporter at PoliticsHome ; and Dawn-Maria France, editor-in-chief at Yorkshire Women's Life.

 The conversation begins by discussing Boris Johnson’s future as prime minister, reported to be on a “knife edge” following his apology for attending the No. 10 garden party in May 2020. Together they consider whether his acknowledgement is enough to be forgiven, the Tory MPs calling for his resignation, and who could be his potential successor.

The conversation moves on to talk about a petition to rescind Tony Blair’s knighthood, which has collected over one million signatures. The panel discusses whether Blair’s involvement in the Iraq War should discredit him from the honour, and if the appeal will be sufficient in triggering the removal.

Guests also chew over Novak Djokovic’s visa saga, and the government’s use of a “VIP lane” for PPE contracts during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

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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.

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This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

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This week is our ‘Special Guest’ episode, where host Chris Wright brings you intimate one-to-one interviews with key people in media, business, politics and beyond. In this episode, Chris is joined by Willie Carson, one of the most successful jockeys in Britain's history. 

In his 34-year riding career, he was crowned Champion Jockey five times, riding 3,828 winners, which included 17 British Classics, 11 Irish Classics, and four Derby Stakes. Following a distinguished career on the racecourse, Willie became a successful TV broadcaster and commentator, a reality television star and chairman of Swindon Town Football Club.

In this conversation, he reflects on his childhood and how years of perseverance enabled him to climb the ladder - from an apprentice at the Captain Gerald Armstrong stables in North Yorkshire, to a champion. He describes riding his first Classic winner on ‘High Top’ in the 1972 2000 Guineas, as well as being the only jockey in Britain to win a Classic on a horse that he bred himself. 

The discussion moves on to a “day to remember,” as Willie recalls winning the Oaks on the Queen’s filly in the year of her Silver Jubilee. He shares how his relationship with the monarch developed as an owner, and emphasizes her unwavering passion for thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Together they also discuss some of the downtimes and life-threatening injuries that Willie has faced over the years, and exchange views on a variety of other topics including weighing room etiquette, boosting prize money and taking part in the ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’ TV show.

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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For our special end of the year episode, Chris is joined by broadcaster Georgina Godwin; journalist Angela Epstein’ and UK director at ECIPE (European Centre for International Political Economy) Davig Henig, to deliberate and crown one influential person as Wright on the Nail’s 2021 ‘British & International Icon Award’ winner.

The influential people under scrutiny for their performance throughout 2021 include; Boris Johnson, Emma Raducanu, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Keir Starmer, Liz Truss, Marcus Rashford & Raheem Sterling, Priti Patel, Vladimir Putin, Rachel Blackmore, Rishi Sunak, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Xi Jinging and the Queen.

After each nominee is chewed over, picked apart or celebrated, Chris and the panelists award each person a mark out of 10. Will anyone receive the perfect 40 points? And who will ultimately be crowned winner? Tune in to find out…

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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

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by broadcaster and commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti; UK Music communications director Vincent Moss; and senior political correspondent at the Daily Mirror, Rachel Wearmouth.

The conversation begins by discussing the Liberal Democrats victory in the North Shropshire by-election, they then consider growing public outrage at government scandals, and whether this shock defeat could lead to Boris Johnson facing a leadership challenge.

The conversation moves on to talk about the surge in Omicron Coronavirus cases, to debate if a lockdown is looming, the imminent impact on the hospitality sector, as well as the predicted rise in hospitalisations.

Guests also chew over forecasts of a 6% surge in inflation next year, before turning to the controversy surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s defeat in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he was pipped to the post.

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; the Evening Standard’s deputy political editor, David Bond; economist and business consultant, Vicky Pryce; and journalist and broadcaster Caroline Frost.

 The conversation begins with discussing allegations of Christmas parties being held by Downing Street staff last year, while millions abided by coronavirus restrictions. The panel debate whether this is a “full blown crisis” for the government, and how these investigations may impact Boris Johnson’s authority as a leader. 

The discussion then moves on to fresh questions around the revamp of the prime minister’s flat, following reports of WhatsApp messages which cast doubt on his claim that he knew nothing about payments. The panel chew over whether these stories are “chipping away” at public trust, and if conversations around change could be taking place within the Conservative party.

Guests also discuss the government's handling of the Afghanistan crisis, the introduction of Plan B covid restrictions, and whether the North Shropshire by-election could be much tighter than many expect. 

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 author, journalist and speaker Charles Arthur; journalist and broadcaster Henry Bonsu; and  broadcaster, journalist and novelist Jemma Forte.

The conversation begins with guests discussing the new Omicron variant, as they chew over the impact of the government's “mixed messages” — including Boris Johnson’s failure to wear a face mask during a hospital visit, and whether society will be on board to follow new measures with the Christmas party season soon upon us. 

The discussion then moves on to talk about an attempt that was made to stop an RNLI lifeboat from launching into the English Channel to rescue migrants. The guests express concerns around the dehumanization of migrants, and the need for this crisis to be solved on a global scale; to “work with countries, not isolate them”. 

Together, the panel also talked through the fan-led review in football governance, and Meghan Markle's privacy victory against the Mail on Sunday.

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 David Wooding, assistant politics editor at The Sun;  Robert Hutton, parliamentary sketch writer for The Critic Magazine; and Nigel Nelson, political editor at the Sunday Mirror & Sunday People.

The conversation begins by reviewing Boris Johnson’s much criticised “paper shuffling” speech at the CBI conference, to debate whether it will damage his popularity with the electorate, and to discuss if letters of no confidence from Tory MPs could lead to a leadership challenge.

The conversation moves on to talk about the migrant crossing crisis, after at least 27 people died recently crossing the English Channel on an overcrowded dinghy that capsized. They exchange views on a UK-France blame game, and what steps could be taken to prevent people from making the perilous journey. 

Together the panel also share views on the handling of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's incarceration in Iran, as well as whether the government will consider mandatory covid vaccinations.

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 ‘Deep Dive’ episode, host Chris Wright is joined by Every Doctor chief executive, Dr Julia Patterson; The Economist’s science correspondent, Alok Jha; health and science journalist, Natalie Grover, and Bureau chief at the Health Service Journal, Ben Clover.

The conversation begins by discussing the current Covid situation in the United Kingdom in relation to the NHS, with reports of 5,000 patients waiting a year for their treatment. Guests consider the effectiveness of compulsory public health measures, and whether the booster vaccine is successful in increasing immunity to the virus.

The chat then moves on to discuss the extent of “corridor care” in England, and how this practice impacts nursing staff and patients. They debate whether the government is likely to impose a winter lockdown, and the need for greater attention on the most vulnerable people in society, who have been shielding throughout the pandemic.

Together the panel highlights concerns around fake vaccination certificates, rising levels of abuse towards hospital staff, NHS funding, and science and politics in the era of covid.

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 Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain & co-host of the ‘Oh God, What Now? podcast;’ Stephen Canning, strategic communications consultant; and Siobhan Benita, former civil servant & London Mayor candidate 2020.

The conversation begins by discussing the resignation of North Shropshire Conservative MP Owen Paterson, for breaching lobby rules and to shine a light on the current scrutiny of MPs expenses and second jobs, and the major accusations of “sleaze” towards Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party.

The chat then moves on to consider whether the prime minister is looking vulnerable and likely to face a leadership challenge. They discuss how the “sleaze scandals” acted as a distraction during COP26 - when the focus should have been on climate talks, and how this has impacted his popularity on the international stage.

Together guests chew over a deeping generational divide in the Conversative Party and explore reports of a ‘cash-for-access culture’, which has allowed MPs to be put forward for seats in the House of Lords.

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 on Northern Ireland protocol, host Chris Wright is joined by Emma DeSouza, writer and commentator for The Irish Times Opinion - and Vice Chair at ‘Votingrights.ie’; John Cotter, Law lecturer at Keele University, barrister and EU legal specialist; and Cathal McCall, professor of Politics and International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast and author. 

The conversation begins with guests reflecting on the 2016 referendum, questioning how Britain arrived at this point, and delving into the many intricacies that came to light early on in the process. 

The discussion then moves onto “get Brexit done,” as guests analyse the Brexit proceedings so far - sharing their thoughts on the possible implications of a hard border on the island of Ireland, and what this could mean for Irish thinking following the aftermath of The Good Friday Agreement. In the wake of recent mobilisation within Ireland guests ask why issues appear to not be being tackled head on, and debate the arrival of a political tactic, ‘project fear.’ 

Finally, guests chew over the “hasty deal” itself pushed forward by Johnson and Frost - and look towards the future, questioning what this could mean for both Ireland and England on an international stage, with interest brewing in mainland Europe... 

'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