Where Politics Meets History

Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself. With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com

83. Never Ending Storeys

Iain and Tessa are back together the day after Tessa's Christmas party at her (very tall) house! They discuss the big political and news events from history which have fallen around Christmas, comparisons between Trump and Nixon - and what happened to the bottle of champagne Iain bought Tessa for Christmas...Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

12-23
01:02:37

82. Blaise of Glory

Iain and Tessa chat about the new chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli, whether Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge in the new year, Bonnie Blue and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

12-19
01:03:06

81. My Sweet Lords

Iain and Tessa discuss the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney and the heroism of fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, whether Keir Starmer should have given Reform UK at least one peer - and Tessa's school reunion.

12-16
59:39

80. Mary's letter on a cross

Iain and Tessa chat about David Lammy's idea to wipe childhood criminal record, Trump's seizing and Venezuelan oil tanker and Mary Queen of Scots Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

12-12
01:06:25

79. Monarchy in the UK

In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, Iain and Tessa discuss who will be the PM in a year's time, whether there's public support for the Monarchy, stocking filler books from the worlds of politics and history - and more!

12-09
01:10:15

78. Witkoff The Wall

Iain and Tessa jostle and joust over political donations, the importance of state visits, why US peace envoy Steve Witkoff isn't winning Putin over - and dodgy pronunciations!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

12-05
58:44

77. OBR U Mine?

Iain and Tessa chat about whether the government lied before the Budget, whether the BBC is censoring Rutger Bregman, what constitutes life's moral purpose... and Iain's trip to see Cliff Richard.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

12-02
57:38

76. If Books Could Kill

Iain and Tessa talk the Budget (SPOILER: neither is impressed!), French military service, how our reading habits have changed and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

11-28
01:02:37

75. Let's Get Fiscal

Iain and Tessa talk the upcoming Budget (and Budgets throughout history!), whether Trump's peace plan for Ukraine will be a success... and an odd gift Iain received in Frinton-on-Sea.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

11-25
01:04:16

74. One Way Streeting

Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk about the UK's changing immigration policy (and Tessa's idea involving military service), potential challengers to Keir Starmer's leadership, how much of a threat we face from Russia - and the politics and history of chocolate!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

11-21
01:03:57

73. Denmark My Words

Iain and Tessa talk Shabana Mahmood's asylum shakeup, Trump suing the BBC and a very ill-conceived moustache.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

11-18
57:55

72. It's Too Late To Apologise

Iain and Tessa return as more revelations come out regarding the BBC and Trump. Meanwhile, further information is released about the US Presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

11-14
56:08

71. BBC You Later Alligator

Davie is gone and Trump is gunning for Auntie Beeb! Iain and Tessa discuss if the BBC can survive this latest controversy... or if it even should? Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com

11-11
01:01:46

70. COPs and Robbers

Iain and Tessa link up to talk COP30, mistaken prisoner releases, potential taxes on electric cars (which gets Iain's dander up immensely) - and poppy pressure.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

11-07
57:34

69. New York, New York Votes

Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk Farage's plans for the economy, Zohran Mamdani's success in New York, the Huntingdon stabbing and the heroism of the passengers and guard, and more.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

11-04
01:00:50

68. Xi's the One

Iain and Tessa are back to discuss the relationship between China and the US after Trump meets Xi, whether Rachel Reeves is in serious trouble or not, what it means to receive the 'Freedom of the City of London'... and Rachel Johnson makes a surprise appearance!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

10-31
50:39

67. My Wage

Iain and Tessa lock horns on representation in media after Reform MP Sarah Pochin's comments on race, they discuss the new Japanese PM, the minimum wage, the use of exclamation marks and more!!!!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

10-28
53:43

66. Woke This Way

Iain and Tessa debate whether Piers Morgan is right that 'woke is dead', whether Jess Phillips will resign, Trump demolishing part of the White House and Tessa going on a Romanian cooking show!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

10-24
54:36

65. Win Some Louvre Some

Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk about whether Prince Andrew deserves to keep his titles, the heist at the Louvre, Trump vs Venezuela and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

10-21
01:02:18

64. Daddy (My Daddy) Cool

Iain and Tessa joust over the collapse of the China spy case, the history of the Official Secrets Act, the Greens rising in the polls and more! Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.

10-17
01:01:19

Samuel Jukes

I'm a tory boy you both make me laugh and you have a great business relationship keep doing good 👍🏼

09-19 Reply

steve pollock

The utter hypocrisy of this woman

07-26 Reply

Ellie

Was so disappointed to hear Jacqui's lame and disingenuous excuses for the delay and obfuscation into the outcome of Diane Abbotts' 'investigation'.Grow some balls and tell it like it is otherwise Labour isn't bringing us change its bringing us same old same old. The public isn't interested in the internal squabbles of the Labour Party and mutual arse covering . It wants truth, honesty and integrity.

05-29 Reply

Steve Pollock

Ageee with Nick ,dreadful episode

11-07 Reply

Nick Flavell

switched off after 30 mins, this person speaks so condescendingly to Ian

11-05 Reply

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