The Reaction Podcast

On this episode, Reaction’s political reporter Max Mitchell speaks to historian Henry Hemming about his new book Four Shots in the Night: A True Story of Stakeknife, Murder and Justice in Northern Ireland. They talk about the importance of intelligence during the Troubles, the evolution of the IRA and its eventual involvement in the democratic process, Margaret Thatcher’s lack of interest and inept diplomacy in Northern Ireland and Operation Kenova’s case against the agent known as Stakenife. 

Ahead of the London Defence Conference, host Iain Martin speaks to Sir Michael Fallon, former defence secretary, about establishing Western deterrence in a new age of geopolitical uncertainty. They touch on AUKUS, Britain’s relationship with its European allies, a potential national service and why deterrence saves lives and money in the long term.

On this episode, host Iain Martin speaks to John Rentoul about the consequences of the local elections, the Tory defections, Labour’s readiness for government and what Keir Starmer believes in. 

On this episode of the Reaction Podcast, host Iain Martin is joined by Tim Shipman, chief political commentator at The Sunday Times, to talk about his new book, No Way Out: Brexit: From the Backstop to Boris. They discuss the political gambles, successes and failures that led Brexit Britain to where it is today, the legacy of Theresa May’s premiership, what the Brexit moment tells us about historical revolutionary times, the dishonesty of both Brexiteers and Remainers and the future of Britain outside the EU.

On this episode, Max Mitchell (standing in for Iain Martin) speaks to author and journalist Kapil Komireddi about the upcoming Indian elections. They discuss the domineering figure of Narendra Modi, the rise of Hindu nationalism, the tumultuous history of modern India and Kapil’s book, Malevolent Republic: A Short History of the New India, which has just been released in a new and revised paperback edition.