PODCAST: Defecting Tories, sectarian councillors and Brexit-hating luvvies
Last week, I joined the fine people at online magazine spiked for their weekly podcast (see video below). We discussed some of the week’s top stories, including:
The defection from the Conservatives to Labour of Dover MP Natalie Elphicke
I argued that this smacked of cynical opportunism on the part of both Elphicke and the Labour party (of which I remain a member). While Labour should always strive to win the support of Tory voters, I don’t believe, given her well-known views on a number of issues, that Elphicke has chosen the Labour party for reasons of principle. Instead, it appears that the defection is driven more by a desire to inflict damage on Rishi Sunak than by anything else.
The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the local elections in England, and the spectacle of one victorious candidate in Leeds chanting ‘Allahu Akbar!’
I argued that the rise of communal sectarianism in our society is a growing concern. However, given our utter failure to properly integrate minority communities, and the elites’ obsession with promoting multiculturalism at every opportunity, are we really surprised at how things have turned out?
The cancellation of Kevin Spacey
I argued that Spacey has never been convicted of any crime in a court of law, and it is therefore wrong that his career has effectively been placed into the deep-freeze. While allegations of sexual misconduct must always be treated seriously, the presumption of innocence is a hallmark of a civilised society, and we undermine it at our peril.
David Tennant telling critics of the trans cult to ‘f**k off, and let people be’
I argued that Tennant was missing the point. It’s all very well to say, ‘live and let live’, but when the demands of a particular movement begin to impact on the legitimate rights and concerns of others, there is every justification in saying ‘no’.
Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright blaming Brexit for poor reviews of a West End play for which he wrote the music
I argued that this is a sign that Brexit Derangement Syndrome is alive and kicking. The truth is that our liberal and cultural elites still haven’t come to terms with the decision to leave the European Union and will, even all these years later, seek to attribute all manner of ills to it. They do not deserve to be taken seriously.
Anyway, the full 40-minute podcast can be viewed here. As ever, all feedback, positive or negative, is appreciated. Enjoy!
A reminder that you can follow me on X/Twitter: @PaulEmbery
It’s hard to see how Natalie Elphicke fits in with the global elite Labour Party of today, aside from they’re all from the same class of people. I think Starmer has correctly deduced that most people in the country are really not paying any attention to the details. To me it really reinforces that our political class really do have no guiding principles, beliefs or values.
Rufus wainwrights west end efforts was regarded by a friends of mine clearly said it was mince .. nothing to do with Brexit . Blaming Brexit is like blaming the Arabs for selling oil it’s absurd as much as he is .