The Two Matts

More milestone moments from the Matts prompted by some whistful listener questions concerning the idea of voting tests, those we lost in 2024 and what they're looking forward to in 2025, including Liverpool's potential league win. We'll be back on Jan 6th. Until then - have a merry Christmas, and enjoy the last podcast of the season.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts reflect on the momentous year that is drawing to a close. Who made them cheer? Who made them boo? Who made them fall about laughing? It’s all here. Some of the names won’t come as a shock .. but there are a plenty of surprises. How does the Matts list of heroes, villains and clowns compare to yours? Only one way to find out … enjoy!Content warning: references to rapeSubscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If one had any remaining shred of doubt that Prince Andrew is the biggest idiot in the realm, it was dispelled this week. Not content with being the close chum of a sex-ring monster, Andrew has also tainted the monarchy by becoming besties with a Chinese spy. The Matts discuss the fall out and wonder who the biggest fool is; Andrew, or the spy who imagined he’d have anything worth revealing. Meanwhile, no contenders for the biggest liar contest. Step forward Boris Johnson with his bizarre rallying call in the Mail to get Brexit done. He accuses Starmer of leading a “surrender squad” to derail Brexit. If only that were true, say the Matts. Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are told (not asked) that the EU isn't working, offer up advice to win discussions over Christmas dinner, and while Starmer is bashing Whitehall... is DOGE actually a good idea?Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick started demanding Syrian refugees are deported from the UK less than a day after the fall of the tyrant they fled. But who is he really talking to? Who is he trying to impress? The Matts pick him apart. In part two they discuss the extraordinary response to the murder of US heath insurance boss Brian Thompson. How can anyone celebrate his cold blooded killing? The Matts test their theory that everything before “but” is bullsh*t. Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al-Assad has fled to Moscow and the Damascus is in the throes of a revolution after decades of autocratic tyranny and the deaths of hundreds of thousands. So we should celebrate, right? Yes … but … the Matts explore the history of Syria, how we got here and how the past will bend the narrative of what’s to come. What should we make of the liberation of Syria this week? Enjoy.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there too much needless complexity in the progressive cause? How worried should we be by Musk's millions? And have The Matts suffered with 'brain rot?'Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a problem with Keir Starmer. He is a terrible communicator. His speech on Thursday was a mish-mash word-salad when what this country needs is a clear sense of leadership and direction to counter the rising tide of populism represented by Nigel Farage’s Reform. What we got instead was milestones, missions and foundations. If Britain is in a battle against far-right nationalism, is Keir Starmer the right general to lead it? The Matts discuss. And what does the chaos in France tell us about European politics? Can Macron survive the resignation of Barnier and what will Trump make of it all when he comes calling for the reopening of Notre Dame?Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much damage has Joe Biden done to his legacy and, more importantly, the credibility of American justice? Granting Hunter Biden a pardon is a kick in the face to anyone clinging onto the idea that the Democrats held the moral high ground in US politics. The Matts discuss the ramifications, and the extraordinary back story, to his decision. Also - is Gregg Wallace finished? Should Jeremy Clarkson give him hope of salvation from terminal disgrace? How complicit is the BBC in Wallace’s behaviour and his downfall? Why is Nigel Farage so coy about it all? The Matts try to make sense of it all. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks Sunday Q&A, The Two Matt's are asked why they keep giving Labour a hard time, why some people respect some votes and not others and what on earth is going on with Kamala Harris? All those and more, answered. Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the massive immigration numbers all they seem? Is there a better story to tell about immigration? And what do we do about Nigel Farage hijacking the news for the cause of nationalist populism? Also this week - reaction to The New European’s Shit List. Who’s on it? And who took it well (spoiler alert - it wasn’t Owen Jones!) … enjoy!Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first half, the Matts discuss Labour’s chronic struggles since taking power. How did they get it so wrong, so quickly and what can they do to get back on track? Then the Matts take a cold look at the alarming rise of the far right across Europe. No longer a curiosity, it’s now a theme. What’s going on? The Matts have a couple of ideas.Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your questions answered, including why Keir Starmer should stay abroad, Trump's political maneuvers and whether we should have a referendum on referendums. The Matts share advice on how to maximise your cultural consumption and address how the beloved Barbour jacket, can become politically charged. Tune in for a comprehensive Q&A session analyzing these pressing topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The coming Trump administration appointment of Robert F Kennedy Jnr should terrify us all. An oddball conspiracy theorist who has a track record of causing real damage to the health of millions is to be the next Health Secretary of the United States. The Matts are joined by one of the world’s leading authorities on vaccines - Mark Honigsbaum - to understand the danger RFK Jr represents, not just to the US but to us all. But first - the Matts bid a fond farewell to John Prescott and wish there were many more of his ilk around today. Enjoy!Join The Two Matts LIVE this Monday! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get Alistair Campbell's 2024 Diaries: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Joe Biden’s move to permit the use of US missiles against Russian territorial targets mean for the war in Ukraine and the security of Europe? Also - what does the interminable Allison Pearson saga tell us about free speech in the UK? Enjoy!Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts tackle Rory Stewart's optimistic predictions and why hope alone isn't a strategy. They delve into Elon Musk's influence on politics and the uniqueness of Trump's second presidency. The discussion then inevitably shifts to Brexit, and then takes a turn into dinner with Bob Geldof. With the Best Sweetcorn Ever. Enjoy!Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The full horror of sexualised abuse in the Church of England has claimed the scalp of Archbishop Justin Welby. Was he the victim of a witch hunt; a man forced out of office by unfair pressure as many seem to think? No, say the Matts. And there’s a CONTENT WARNING on this episode: some of the ghastly abuse suffered by victims of John Smyth is discussed, as is the wider issue of child abuse in other churches including the Roman Catholic Church. Also - what difference does the interlude between Trump’s first and second term make? A lot think the Matts. Find out why!Content warning: discussion of abuseIn the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here.Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The election of Donald Trump poses huge challenges to the UK … but can Keir Starmer act to protect his government from the Trump storm to come? How can a small nation off the coast of the EU best defend its interests in the new global reality? And if Starmer’s challenge is daunting, his predicament is as nothing compared to that of Vlodymyr Zelensky. Is Ukraine’s struggle against Putin now doomed? The Matts discuss.Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YOU join the discussion on the implications of Donald Trump's election victory, the public's perception of political candidates, and the role of right-wing media and dark money. Plus Starmers' advisor problem.Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a moment of clarity, the Matts reflect on what just happened .. and why. And find themselves strangely energised by the thought of what is to come. Enough of the hand-wringing already - yes you Rory! - now is the time for action. Also - Matt D talked about working with the great Michael Caine on his brilliant new biographical journey through life and the lessons he’s learned. Enjoy!Join The Two Matts LIVE! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattslive/Subscribe to The New European and get 2 FREE packs of our 2024 festive cards worth £20: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.