UK Election Preview with David Lammy
2Digest
Ben Rhodes hosts a special episode of Pod Save the World with British Labour Party politician David Lamy, discussing the upcoming UK election and the state of British politics. Lamy, who could be the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom if Labour wins the election, discusses the party's comeback from its 2019 defeat and the challenges facing the Conservative Party. He also shares his views on the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the need for progressive realism in foreign policy. The episode also features an interview with Ed Wong, the diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times and author of the new book "At the Edge of Empire, a Family's Reckoning with China." Wong discusses his father's life in Communist China and his own experiences reporting on China's rise to power. He also reflects on the challenges of navigating the relationship between the United States and China.
Outlines
Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and welcomes David Lamy, a British member of Parliament and Shadow Foreign Secretary, as a guest co-host. Ben Rhodes discusses the upcoming UK election and the potential for a Labour victory.
The UK Election and Labour's Comeback
This Chapter delves into the upcoming UK election, with David Lamy discussing Labour's remarkable turnaround after its 2019 defeat. He highlights the leadership of Keir Starmer and the party's focus on economic growth and public services.
The State of the British Right
This Chapter examines the state of the British right, with David Lamy discussing the challenges facing the Conservative Party and the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party. He analyzes the factors contributing to the Tories' decline and the potential for a shift towards populism.
The Betting Scandal and Trust in Politics
This Chapter explores a recent betting scandal involving Rishi Sunak's circle, raising questions about trust in British institutions and politicians. David Lamy discusses the implications of this scandal and the need to rebuild trust in government.
Labour's Domestic and Economic Agenda
This Chapter focuses on Labour's domestic and economic agenda, with David Lamy outlining the party's plans for economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and public services. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust in the NHS and education system.
Labour's Foreign Policy Vision
This Chapter delves into Labour's foreign policy vision, with David Lamy discussing his concept of "progressive realism" and outlining the party's approach to key global issues. He emphasizes the importance of resetting relations with Europe, strengthening ties with the global south, and supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine and the Politics of Support
This Chapter examines Labour's stance on the war in Ukraine, with David Lamy discussing the party's commitment to supporting Ukraine and its efforts to counter Russian aggression. He also addresses the rise of populist views on Ukraine and the need for sustained international support.
The Conflict in Gaza and Labour's Approach
This Chapter focuses on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with David Lamy discussing Labour's call for a ceasefire and its efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution. He highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for international pressure on both Hamas and the Israeli government.
Progressive Realism and Political Pragmatism
This Chapter explores the tension between progressive ideals and political pragmatism, with David Lamy discussing the need for Labour to balance its principles with the realities of winning elections. He addresses concerns about overcorrection and the importance of building a broad coalition.
Julian Assange's Legal Saga and the Espionage Act
This Chapter provides an update on the legal saga of Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, and discusses the implications of his plea deal with the United States. Ben Rhodes argues that the decision to drop the Espionage Act charges was the right one, given the potential for chilling effects on journalism.
Keywords
UK Election
The upcoming general election in the United Kingdom, scheduled for July 4th, 2023. This election will determine the next Prime Minister and the composition of the House of Commons. The main contenders are the Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, and the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer.
Labour Party
The Labour Party is one of the two major political parties in the United Kingdom. It is a centre-left party that advocates for social justice, economic equality, and a strong welfare state. The Labour Party has been in opposition since 2010, but is currently polling ahead of the Conservatives in the lead-up to the 2023 election.
Conservative Party
The Conservative Party is one of the two major political parties in the United Kingdom. It is a centre-right party that advocates for free markets, limited government, and traditional values. The Conservative Party has been in power since 2010, but has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brexit negotiations, and a series of scandals involving Boris Johnson.
Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage is a British politician who is known for his Eurosceptic views and his leadership of the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Farage was a key figure in the campaign for Brexit and has since founded the Reform Party, which is currently polling ahead of the Conservatives in some polls. Farage is a controversial figure who has been criticized for his populist rhetoric and his association with far-right groups.
Progressive Realism
A foreign policy approach that emphasizes pragmatism and a realistic assessment of the world as it is, while still adhering to progressive values. This approach seeks to balance the pursuit of ideals with the need to achieve concrete results in a complex and often challenging international environment.
War in Ukraine
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022 with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and thousands killed. The war has also had a significant impact on the global economy and has led to increased tensions between Russia and the West.
Conflict in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip. The conflict has been characterized by cycles of violence, with Israel launching military operations against Hamas and Hamas firing rockets into Israel. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with millions of Palestinians living under a blockade and facing severe economic hardship.
Xi Jinping
The current paramount leader of China, serving as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Xi Jinping is considered to be the most powerful leader of China since Deng Xiaoping, and has overseen a period of rapid economic growth and increased assertiveness on the world stage. He has also implemented a number of policies that have been criticized for their authoritarian nature, including the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong and the mass internment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
China
The People's Republic of China is a vast and rapidly developing country located in East Asia. China is the world's most populous country and has the second-largest economy in the world. China has been a major player in global affairs for decades, and its rise to power has been a source of both opportunity and concern for other countries. China's relationship with the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and is characterized by both cooperation and competition.
United States
The United States of America is a federal republic located in North America. The United States is the world's largest economy and is a major military power. The United States has been a global leader for decades, and its relationship with China is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The United States and China have a complex relationship that is characterized by both cooperation and competition.
Q&A
What are the key factors contributing to Labour's potential victory in the upcoming UK election?
David Lamy attributes Labour's comeback to the leadership of Keir Starmer, the party's focus on economic growth and public services, and the challenges facing the Conservative Party, including scandals and a lack of vision.
How does David Lamy's concept of "progressive realism" shape Labour's foreign policy approach?
Lamy believes in a pragmatic and realistic approach to foreign policy that balances progressive values with the need to achieve concrete results in a complex international environment. He emphasizes the importance of resetting relations with Europe, strengthening ties with the global south, and supporting Ukraine while acknowledging the need for a strong military presence.
What are the key challenges facing the Conservative Party in the upcoming UK election?
The Conservative Party is facing a number of challenges, including a series of scandals involving Boris Johnson, a lack of vision for the country, and the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party. These factors have led to a decline in support for the Tories and have increased the likelihood of a Labour victory.
How does Ed Wong's book "At the Edge of Empire" provide insights into the relationship between the United States and China?
Wong's book explores the history of his family in China, including his father's service in the PLA, and his own experiences reporting on China's rise to power. He argues that the relationship between the United States and China is characterized by both cooperation and competition, and that the two countries will likely face challenges in reconciling their ambitions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
What are the key takeaways from Ed Wong's analysis of the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province?
Wong argues that the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang is rooted in a structural problem with governance in China, which he describes as the last remaining empire. He believes that the Communist Party has an inherent drive to use force to control diverse populations across vast geographic reaches. He also highlights the role of Xi Jinping's paranoia about foreign influence and his determination to prevent a breakup of China similar to the Soviet Union.
How does Ed Wong's analysis of Hong Kong shed light on Xi Jinping's approach to governance?
Wong argues that Xi Jinping's crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong is a reflection of his belief that places like Hong Kong are anchors or footholds for Western forces seeking to undermine China. He believes that Xi Jinping sees the protests in Hong Kong as a threat to the party's control and is determined to consolidate power and prevent the spread of Western ideas into China.
What are the key areas of potential conflict between the United States and China?
Ed Wong believes that the most difficult area to reconcile the ambitions of the United States and China is military dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. He argues that the United States wants to maintain its military edge in the region, while China seeks to assert its own military power and influence. This dynamic creates a potential for conflict and instability in the region.
How does David Lamy's personal journey inform his political views?
Lamy's personal journey, growing up poor in Tottenham and coming from a family of immigrants, has shaped his commitment to social justice and economic equality. He believes that Labour's success in the upcoming election will be a victory for progressive values and will represent a turning point in British politics.
What are the key challenges facing the United States and China in navigating their relationship?
The United States and China face a number of challenges in navigating their relationship, including economic competition, military rivalry, and ideological differences. The two countries have different visions for the world order and are likely to continue to clash on a range of issues. The ability of the two countries to coexist peacefully and cooperatively will be a major factor in shaping the future of the international system.
Show Notes
Ben is joined by guest host David Lammy, British MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary. They discuss the upcoming election in the UK on July 4th and how historic a Labour win by Keir Starmer would be, how to read into popular support for Nigel Farage and his far-right party, an election betting scandal from people within Rishi Sunak’s inner circle, and the key domestic and economic issues on the line. They also talk about David’s theory of “progressive realism” and how a Labour foreign policy would continue to advocate for unity on the war in Ukraine, pressure Hamas and Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire, and what it would mean for David to represent his country as Foreign Secretary. Then, Ben touches on the arrival of a Kenyan police force in Haiti, Julian Assange’s release from prison, and speaks to New York Times reporter Edward Wong about his new book, “At the Edge of Empire: A Family's Reckoning with China”.
Democracy or Else is OUT NOW! Buy wherever you get your books: http://crooked.com/books
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Table of contents
United States
