House Of Comments's Posts

This week's episode begins by paying tribute to Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor who has died aged 70. Emma recalls working with a thoroughly decent man. Charlotte and Emma then discuss Rishi Sunak's unseemly spat with the Greek Prime Minister over the Elgin Marbles before returning to the Covid enquiry. Matt Hancock was back on the stand and trying to paint himself as the hero of the hour. You can now support the show on Patreon and get access to both Charlotte's and Emma's newsletters. Former chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70 - Guardian PMQs: Rishi Sunak accuses Greek PM of grandstanding over Elgin Marbles - BBC News Matt Hancock at COVID inquiry: Dominic Cummings evidence 'inaccurate' and UK 'should've locked down three weeks earlier - Sky News Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia producti

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look back on a not very exciting Autumn statement. Was it another missed set-piece opportunity for the Conservatives to make an impact? They also briefly reflect on the election of Geert Wilders in Holland. Autumn Statement: Hunt denies tax cuts were pre-election giveaway - BBC News The Dutch Trump: Who is Geert Wilders and what does he want? - Politico Dublin was a city stunned into silence by tragedy – then the darkness fell - Irish Independent Charlotte Henry on Threads Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Surprise! David Cameron is back. Now Lord Cameron, the former prime minister has been appointed foreign secretary by Rishi Sunak. It was undoubtedly the most surprising moment of the reshuffle earlier this week. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss what it might tell us about the Tory party. There was also a fraught vote on support for a ceasefire in Gaza. Fifty-six Labour MPs, including some frontbenchers, defied the whip and voted for it, in opposition to the party's line on humanitarian pauses. Lisa Nandy discussed the situation at a Westminster lunch attended. You can now support the show on Patreon and get access to both Charlotte's and Emma's newsletters. Lisa Nandy Says She 'Can't Apologise' For Labour's Decision Not To Back An Israel-Hamas Ceasefire - Huffington Post 'I was not expecting that': journalists react to David Cameron entering No 10 UK inflation slows sharply, boosting BoE and PM Sunak - Reuters Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Em

Happy birthday to this incarnation of House of Comments! Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell have been doing the show together for a year! They reflect on the some of the chaos they have had to cover and make an exciting announcment... You can now support the show on Patreon and get access to both Charlotte and Emma's newsletters. Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom" House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

It has been a somewhat explosive week at the Covid inquiry, with Dominic Cummings, Lee Cain and Helen McNamara all appearing. Alongside the chaos in government, it became apparent that there was a bit of a "woman problem" i.e. there weren't many involved in the decision-making process. This had real-world consequences. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all. Covid inquiry: Key points from Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain evidence - BBC News Covid inquiry: Read the private WhatsApp messages from inside Downing Street - BBC News Former civil servant says Dominic Cummings texts to ‘handcuff her’ are ‘horrible’ - Independent Matt Hancock 'wanted to decide who should live and die - Telegraph Chris Whitty referred to ‘Eat out to help out’ as ‘Eat out to help out the virus’, UK Covid inquiry told – as it happened - Guardian Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Commen

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak's first (and maybe last?) year as prime minister. What wins has he had? What have been the failings? Apart from not calling an election, is there any way he can make it to year two?  Before that, they also highlight Tory MP Crispin Blunt's arrest on suspicion of rape, a charge he denies. Blunt's statement says he believes he is being extorted. MP Crispin Blunt arrested on suspicion of rape - BBC News Peter Bone: Tories braced for by-election after MP suspended from Commons for six weeks - Sky News Prime Minister's speech on AI: 26 October 2023 Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom" House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss a terrible night for the Conservatives as they lost both the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-elections. Labour took the seats on the back of huge swings, with the Tories only able to offer the excuse that their voters didn't turn out on the day and it will all be ok at the General Election.  The Conservative might have to face another by-election too, after a report into MP Peter Bone found he had harassed and exposed himself to a member of staff. He's been booted out of the party, but a recall petition is likely on the cards. The conversation also covers the futures of Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Can they keep their jobs? Can anything turn around the fortunes of their party? Labour overturns huge majorities to inflict two by-election defeats on Tories - BBC News Peter Bone loses Tory whip after bullying and harassment finding - Guardian Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burn

Emma Burnell is recovering from conference, so this week, Charlotte Henry is joined by Conservative staffer and commentator Claire Pearsall. The terrible events in Israel have been front of mind, but they reflect on what happened at Tory Party conference and discuss the optimism seen from the Labour Party. There is little doubt who "won" conference season, but does it matter in the real world? Rishi Sunak has had one win though - Dr Lisa Cameron joining the Tories from the SNP.  There is even a mention of Christmas... don't worry, it's all about council finances really! LIVE: Keir Starmer delivers speech at Labour Party conference - Times and The Sunday Times YouTube MP Lisa Cameron defects from SNP to Conservatives - BBC News Claire Pearsall on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter Buy tickets for Emma's latest play, "Venom" House of Comments i

It has been a big week in politics, as the Conservatives assembled for (probably) their last party conference before a General Election. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss everything that happened in Manchester, including the HS2 shambles and increasing concerns over disinformation and lies.  Attention now turns to Labour, who have picked up a very important by-election victory in Scotland and will head to Liverpool on a high. After the result in Rutherglen, the path to Downing Street for Sir Keir Starmer now seems more open than ever. No evidence councils are planning to restrict when residents can go to the shops - Full Fact Sunak scraps rest of HS2 and says A-levels will be replaced - BBC News Labour 'party of change', says Sir Keir Starmer after Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election win - Sky News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter

It's been a busy week, and co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack it all. They head from the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth to Suella Braverman's speech on migration in Washington. Then there is a discussion about Sir Alok Sharma's discussion not to stand at the next election and the decision of the Rosefield oil field. The show finishes with a look ahead to Thursday's by-election in Rutherglen. Liberal Democrat conference: Davey's speech featured a powerful human moment - and an electoral calculation | Sam Coates - Sky News Hugo Rifkind Tweet COP26 President Alok Sharma to stand down as MP at next election - BBC News Rosebank oil field: What is the row over the project - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

This week, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss Rishi Sunak pushing back on a number of green policies, including extending a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. However, some of the other policies he supposedly dropped were... never going to be enacted... Elsewhere on the show, they discuss the allegations against Russell Brand. All are denied by the actor and comedian, but what does it feel like when someone you like is less than you want them to be? And what was the effect of '90s and '00s culture? The show finishes with a discussion of Rupert Murdoch's decision to step down and chairman of Newscorp and Fox, with son Lachlan taking the reigns.  PM speech on Net Zero: 20 September 2023 Ed Miliband regrets Russell Brand interview in 2015 - BBC News K. Rupert Murdoch to be Appointed Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corporation and News Corp Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on

This week co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect Labour's new policy on immigration and small boats. Leader Sir Keir Stamer was in the Hague discussing the issue with Europol before making the policy announcement. They also look at how the government seems to have run out of steam. Key legislation on conversion therapy and renters' rights looks like it will simply evaporate as time has run out. A vacuum is a dangerous place for any government or political party to be. Labour seeks new deal with Europe to stop small boats gangs - BBC News Campaigners warn government it risks breaking pledge to ban conversion therapy - ITVNews Blame game breaks out over delays to reforms of England rental market - Financial Times Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

After a summer break, co-hosts Charlotte Henry and are back together. They discuss Nadine Dorries finally exiting the House of Commons and ULEZ expansion being implemented without the world coming to an end.  Grant Schapps has got another job too. Following the departure of Ben Wallace, Shapps is now the defence secretary, his fifth cabinet position in a year. By giving him that role, is Rishi Sunak muzzling his best attack dog? Nadine Dorries quits her Commons seat: Her resignation letter in full - Daily Mail Grant Shapps: great political survivor and reliable Tory attack dog - The Guardian Emma's tweet on Shapps appointment Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Charlotte Henry sits down with Professor Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe to discuss all things Brexit and the UK's relationship with the EU. Where are we now in the process, what do European politicians think about Britain (if anything at all) and how do things move forward seven years after the referendum? Interestingly, not many in UK politics, certainly not in the main national parties, want to talk about Brexit very much at all. They also discuss whether Brits spend too much time following US politics and not enough time worrying about what happens in Europe. UK in a Changing Europe Prof Anand Menon on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human. 

This week, Emma Burnell chats with Rafael Behr. They discuss how having a heart attack at a young age gave the Guardian columnist and author a fresh perspective on life... and politics. Is there a way we can do politics in a less anger-inducing way, something that would be better for us all?  "Politics: A Survivor’s Guide" on Amazon and Bookshop.org Rafael Behr on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human. 

Polly Toynbee is one of the country's best-known left-wing columnists and authors. She has long struggled at balancing this with her privileged middle-class upbringing and ancestry. She explores it all in her latest book "An Uneasy Inheritance". In this conversation with Emma Burnell, she also looks at the role class plays in politics and the country more broadly. "An Uneasy Inheritance" on Amazon, Bookshop.org and The Guardian Bookshop Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

This week we have a chat about a great summer read - "Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?" by Rob Burley. Emma Burnell sits down with the author to discuss his impressive career in political television and why long-form political interviews matter so much. This topic is likely to become even more relevant as we head into a General Election campaign. As well as the book and Burley's career, they also discuss the responsibilities the public has for improving the public discourse and whether politicians should tell jokes... *shudder* "Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?" on Amazon and Bookshop.org Rob Burley on Twitter Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

This summer, House of Comments is interviewing interesting people from across the political spectrum. This week, Charlotte Henry speaks to Dr Mark Pack, president of the Liberal Democrats. They discuss the recent by-election victory in Somerton and Frome, leader Sir Ed Davey and whether the Lib Dems can reclaim third place in the House of Commons. By-election wins and cringey stuns are all well and good, but, ultimately, the question is - what is the point of the Lib Dems?  Mark Pack on Twitter Mark Pack's website Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell dissect the results of three by-elections, all held on the same night. The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all won one each. There were different issues at play in each of the seats, but the pincer movement from the opposition parties should be scaring the Tories. Is there any hope for them at the next general election?  By-election results: Who are the new MPs in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Selby and Ainsty, and Somerton and Frome? - Sky News  UK by-election results: Everything you need to know in graphs - The Independent Government borrows less than expected in June - BBC News Charlotte Henry on Twitter Charlotte Henry's newsletter, The Addition Emma Burnell on Twitter Emma Burnell's newsletter, Hard Thinking on the Soft Left House of Comments on Twitter House of Comments is a C.A.H Multimedia production in association with Political Human.

The Standards Committee has proposed an eight-week suspension for Conservative MP Chris Pincher for "completely inappropriate" behaviour. It means Rishi Sunak will almost certainly face yet another by-election. Oh, and it all links back to Boris Johnson too... Sir Keir Starmer made a speech outlining the fifth of his five missions - education. He spoke about the need to promote oracy skills in school, amongst other things. He had some strong words for the Just Stop Oil protestors who continue to disrupt major sporting events too. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell also debate the respective backgrounds of the leaders of the two main parties. Chris Pincher: MP faces eight-week ban over groping incident - BBC News Committee on Standards publishes report on the conduct of Christopher Pincher Speaking skills key to break class barriers, says Keir Starmer - BBC News Keir Starmer unveils Labour’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity at every stage Green protesters interrupt Starmer's big e