PoliticsJOE
Jeremy Corbyn on Keir Starmers leadership woes
updated
Is the broken asylum system a genuine priority for Starmer's Labour, or are they simply pandering to the right after a recess of pressure? Seán and Laura explore how Labour’s rhetoric on immigration, asylum hotels, and the use of potential warehouse housing reflects a wider battle with a narrative dominated by Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
They also ask whether this approach risks alienating progressive voters while failing to win over those already committed to the far right. Can Labour ever be “right-wing enough” for the voters it’s trying to attract, or is it walking into a political trap? Such are the risks of engaging in what they describe as a “race to the bottom” on asylum policy.
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During her address, Cooper made tacit references to patriotism, echoing language often heard from the right of British politics. This rhetoric comes in the wake of the summer riots outside asylum seeker hotels across the UK, events that have fuelled public debate over immigration, integration, and the government’s response to rising tensions.
While Labour has traditionally taken a more progressive stance on migration, today’s announcement signals a subtle shift in tone. Observers argue it demonstrates a willingness to appease right-wing voters, with Cooper stressing that the UK must take back control of its asylum system while upholding its international obligations.
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The council previously ran a pilot scheme in its children’s services department, using Palantir’s AI to transcribe case notes and summarise social workers’ records. Now, it plans to extend the technology to supporting children with special educational needs. But is outsourcing such sensitive work to a controversial Silicon Valley giant really the future of local government?
Palantir isn’t just any AI company. Co-founded by Peter Thiel, the PayPal billionaire who bankrolled Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign, Palantir facilitates Trump’s deportation agenda and supplies technology to the IDF.
Seán and Ed debate whether councils should trust companies like Palantir with public services, pointing out the risks of data sovereignty, automation errors, and lessons from past scandals like Horizon. Should taxpayer money be spent on AI software that could displace human workers, or would it be better invested in caseworkers and frontline staff?
Palantir already works with the NHS and Leicestershire Police, while Keir Starmer toured the company’s Washington HQ earlier this year. Is Britain sleepwalking into a future where big tech runs public services?
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Can he really just call it the Department of War? Himself and Pete Hegseth seem to think so. Hear the funny moments, bizarre choices, and viral scenes from the pair's press conferences, as well as Trump's cabinet making the case for his Nobel Peace Prize.
See also the escalation of Trump's feud with the Democrat governor of California Gavin Newsom, as the latter accuses the former of being a dictator. Granted, Trump seems to like the idea.
Finally, hear the President speak live from the scene of the soon-to-be-decommissioned Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility. As he looks to send the National Guard to more American cities after Washington D.C., just how far will the President go?
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Farage, who won Clacton at the 2024 general election, has been vocal in his belief that leaving the ECHR is the only way to “take back control” of Britain’s borders and stop small boat crossings in the English Channel. But critics argue that such a move would rip up hard-won protections for ordinary people – from the right to a fair trial and freedom of speech, to safeguards against torture and unlawful detention.
In Clacton, many residents were shocked to learn that their representative wants to dismantle these fundamental rights. Others voiced concern about how leaving the ECHR could affect everything from workers’ protections to women’s rights and safeguards for disabled people. For some, it raised a deeper question: if Farage is willing to roll back these rights, what does that mean for the democratic values he claims to defend?
The European Court of Human Rights is not an EU institution – the UK helped write its founding charter after the horrors of the Second World War. Leaving it would make Britain the first European country to walk away from the court, putting it alongside authoritarian states that have refused to recognise its rulings.
This video captures the raw, unfiltered reactions of voters in Clacton as they come to terms with what Farage’s proposal really means for their lives. Is this about sovereignty and control, or about stripping away freedoms that protect us all? Watch the full report to find out.
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Since the Brexit referendum, immigration and border security have remained central to the political debate, and coastal towns like Clacton are often at the heart of the conversation. With record numbers of asylum seekers and migrants arriving in small boats from France, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver on its pledge to “stop the boats.”
On the streets of Clacton we ask residents how they believe the UK should tackle the Channel crossings. Do locals agree with Farage’s tough stance on border control, or do they see deeper causes behind the crisis? From calls for stronger enforcement and military intervention, to appeals for humanitarian solutions and fairer asylum processes, the responses reveal the complexity of an issue that goes beyond party politics.
This vox pop captures the mood in Essex at a time when immigration dominates headlines and will be a defining factor in the next general election. With Prime Minister Keir Starmer under pressure to act, and Reform UK presenting themselves as the party of “common sense” on migration, the views of voters here matter more than ever.
Watch the full video to see what people in Clacton really think about small boats, the UK’s asylum system, and what should happen next.
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As Oli and Seán unpack the interview, they highlight how Torres comes across as patronising and out of touch, and reflect on the Democrats' flawed comms strategy as they struggle for relevance in an era dominated by Donald Trump.
Friedland opens up candidly about his experience as a Jewish American, trying to find the human in Torres, but the responses feel more like talking points than engagement, showing the gulf between lived experience and political messaging.
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The plan proposes striking returns deals with all willing countries, including Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Reform argue this is the solution to controlling immigration, but as the team point out, the proposal is fraught with problems. Ava explains why such a policy is not only morally questionable, but also logistically impossible.
With flags flying and protests still popping up, immigration remains one of the most divisive issues in UK politics. Reform UK’s proposal to work with regimes like the Taliban raises urgent questions about credibility, morality, and strategy. What does it mean for this to be a serious plan?
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From football stadiums to government buildings to asylum hotels, British and English flags have become symbols charged with very different meanings depending on where you see them. The two explore why some people view the Union Jack as a unifying emblem, while others see the St George’s Cross as a marker of exclusion, anger, and far right politics.
Drawing comparisons with Northern Ireland, they discuss the 'Ulsterisation' of Britain, and how flags can be used to carve out territory, define in-groups and out-groups, and foster a siege mentality. They ask whether England has ever really answered the question of what its flag stands for, or if that vacuum has allowed extremist groups to hijack national symbols.
The conversation also touches on Brexit, migrant hotel protests, and Nigel Farage’s new mass deportation plan; all set against the backdrop of a culture where flags increasingly signify political allegiance rather than shared pride.
Are flags inherently racist? Or is it the meaning we attach to them that makes them so divisive? And can patriotism exist without tipping into nationalism?
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From his early vox pops to hits like Pornstar University, visiting the most Brexit place in Britain, and his various clashes with Jacob Rees-Mogg, we hear about the challenges of building a career in political journalism, the importance of telling stories with empathy, and how everyone has a front-page story. The conversation captures not just the end of an era for PoliticsJOE, but also the spirit of what made Ed’s reporting stand out.
As Ed moves on to the next chapter, Campbell on Campbell acts as both send-off and celebration. He'll still be on the podcast.
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At the summit of European leaders, Trump stole the spotlight once again with unscripted remarks, awkward encounters, and his trademark unpredictability. His bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was no less eventful, packed with off-beat exchanges that raised eyebrows in Washington and beyond.
But Trump didn’t stop there. He turned his attention to the Kennedy Centre, giving the cultural landmark a makeover in his image. Hear about his choice of paint, and, of course, marble.
Finally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino dropped by the White House to talk about the upcoming World Cup. The president was allowed to hold the tournament's trophy, and even asked to keep it.
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Nearly two years since the conflict began on 7 October 2023, children and families in Gaza are facing famine conditions—and the warning signs have tragically become reality.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has imposed sweeping aid restrictions and a long-running blockade, including periods of total siege, that have devastated food systems across the region. As a result, agricultural infrastructure, bakeries, flour mills, and stores have been destroyed or rendered inaccessible.
UNICEF reports that malnutrition in Gaza has surged—particularly in Gaza City, where rates have quadrupled since February.
On 22 August 2025, the UN-backed IPC officially confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surroundings, describing it as “entirely man-made.” Over 500,000 people are now enduring catastrophic conditions characterized by starvation, destitution, and death; that number could reach 641,000—almost a third of Gaza's population—by the end of September unless urgent action is taken.
The IPC affirmed that the famine was facilitated by four interlinked factors: conflict, mass displacement, restricted access, and collapse of Gaza’s food systems.
UNICEF and other UN agencies warn that without a ceasefire and immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access, lives will continue slipping away in preventable suffering.
Watch as UNICEF reveals the face of hunger in Gaza, advocates for urgent relief, and stresses that this famine can—and must—be stopped.
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While the procurement of asylum hotels ramped up under the last Conservative Government, the latest disorder at the Bell Hotel was triggered by the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl by an asylum seeker housed there. The 38-year-old has been charged, but denies all allegations.
Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent as, it's alleged, far-right agitators descended on Epping, alongside upset locals. Demonstrators threw bottles, flares, and projectiles; police used crowd‑control measures. Several officers and hotel staff were injured, and vehicles were damaged. Arrests followed, including for violent disorder and criminal damage.
In response, Epping Forest District Council demanded the Bell Hotel’s immediate closure, arguing it was unsuitable for asylum accommodation, especially near schools and a care home, and warning of further community disruption.
On 12 August, the council applied for a High Court injunction, arguing the hotel's use as asylum housing violated planning permission and heightened local tensions.
On the 19 August, the High Court granted an interim injunction (a temporary ban) requiring asylum seekers to be relocated by 12 September, finding the hotel’s usage breached planning rules and posed public safety risks.
The government immediately announced its intent to appeal this ruling. The Home Office emphasised the need for a managed closure of the hotel as they work to phase out asylum‐seeker hotels entirely by 2029.
The ruling presents a new challenge to the government as multiple other councils, including two Labour-led councils in Wirral and Tamworth, announced their intent to pursue legal action against the use of asylum hotels.
PoliticsJOE went to Epping to find out how locals really feel about the use and impending closure of an asylum hotel in their area.
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The conversation explores how the injunction against the Bell Hotel has fuelled division in Epping, with residents torn between hostility, compassion, and frustration at a failing system. Jovan explains how outsourcing asylum accommodation to private landlords has turned a public responsibility into a lucrative business model, where taxpayers’ money lines the pockets of wealthy hotel owners without addressing either the needs of asylum seekers or the concerns of local communities. Rather than confronting these structural problems, politicians from across the spectrum have stoked resentment with inflammatory rhetoric, using immigration as a political weapon and offering simplistic answers to complex questions.
Jovan makes the case for reframing immigration as both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. From the care sector to wider skill shortages, the UK relies on migration, yet successive governments have failed to present an honest, solutions-driven vision for integration. Instead, the current debate is rotting the social fabric, pitting communities against each other while ignoring the underlying issues of housing, austerity, and inequality.
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The demonstration highlighted how deeply Kneecap’s message resonates with their audience. Supporters waved banners, sang along to the group’s lyrics, and demanded justice for Mo Chara. In this report, you’ll hear directly from fans who travelled across the UK and Ireland to stand by Liam Óg. Their testimonies reveal the power of Kneecap’s cultural influence, as well as the sense of community the group has built through their uncompromising music and politics.
The video also includes exclusive clips of Mo Chara addressing the crowd, alongside speeches from fellow Kneecap members. Together, they delivered a defiant response to the charges, reinforcing the group’s reputation as one of the most politically outspoken acts in contemporary Irish music.
By taking over the streets outside Westminster Magistrates Court, Kneecap and their fans turned a legal hearing into a cultural moment — one where art, politics, and protest collided in the heart of London.
If you want to understand why Kneecap have become such a lightning rod in both music and politics, this report from Westminster offers a raw, unfiltered look at their movement in action.
Reporter: Seán Hickey
Camera and Edit: Jade Aphrodite
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The panel discuss what this ruling means, the public anger it has stirred, and the wider failures that underpin it. Ava highlights that while local frustrations are real, the target of that anger is misplaced. Instead of directing hostility at vulnerable people seeking refuge, communities should be questioning why the Home Office has failed to process asylum applications efficiently, leaving people stuck in limbo.
The conversation also touches on the Tories’ decade of austerity, which has hollowed out public services and fuelled resentment, and the role of Labour ministers, who continue to leave the taxpayer footing the bill for expensive hotel accommodation rather than pushing for reform.
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Rooney’s announcement has ignited a heated debate on the boundaries between political activism, free speech, and terrorism laws. Since Palestine Action was officially proscribed on July 5th, offering financial support could now be considered a breach of the UK’s Terrorism Act. What would this mean for publishers, booksellers, and even readers?
Laura and Seán unpack the legal and cultural implications of Rooney’s decision, the UK government’s response, and the wider debate about solidarity with Palestine, artistic responsibility, and the risks faced by public figures who take strong political stances. They also reflect on Rooney’s long-standing support for the BDS movement, her refusal to publish in Hebrew with a company based in occupied territories, and the wider impact on writers, actors, and cultural institutions associated with her work.
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Viewers will see the most talked-about exchanges from the meeting, including Trump’s remarks on peace negotiations, Putin’s perspective on global security, and the two leaders’ surprising moments of agreement and disagreement. This video is your concise guide to understanding what happened when Trump and Putin came face-to-face in Alaska.
The meeting has been framed by many as a pivotal moment in the shifting balance of global power. With tensions between Washington and Moscow continuing to shape world politics, the Alaska summit offered insight into Trump’s foreign policy instincts and Putin’s strategy for Russia’s role on the international stage.
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In this tense and at times combative press exchange, Trump fields pointed questions about his strategy going into the talks, his stance on Russia’s military actions, and the role the United States should play in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reporters press the President on whether he will push Putin on issues like territorial integrity, NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe, and the controversial question of sanctions.
The discussion also touches on the significance of Alaska as the summit location—a symbolic midpoint between Washington and Moscow—and what that might signal about the tone of the negotiations. Trump, in his signature style, alternates between defiant confidence and evasive answers, leaving the press and international observers speculating about his true intentions.
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The discussion covers hot-button topics including immigration in Britain, the pressures of global markets, and the ways in which entrenched bureaucracies can undermine elected leaders. Liz Truss also draws comparisons between herself and Donald Trump, arguing that future British leaders must learn from Trump’s outsider approach to successfully challenge the status quo.
Truss outlines her vision for the future of UK politics, calling for the rise of alternative media to hold those in power accountable and to give ordinary citizens a voice.
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So, we went to holiday spot to meet locals outraged by the Vice President's visit, who were staging a protest.
Protests sprung up in nearby Charlbury, where between 50 and 100 demonstrators gathered to make their message clear: He's not welcome here.
Protesters carried placards with slogans ranging from satirical—“Cotswolds childless cat ladies say go home”—to more pointed political commentary referencing Gaza and US policies, such as “end the genocide” and “war criminal.”
A standout element of the protests was a fleet of meme‑laden posters mocking Vance's appearance—including an edited bald caricature displayed across placards and even on a mobile advertising van.
Typically celebrated for its serene, rural charm and high‑profile residents (like former PM David Cameron), the Cotswolds instead found itself the unlikely stage for political confrontation—and a suburban idyll briefly transformed into front‑row drama.
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Yousaf reflects on the human cost of the conflict, describing the relentless bombardment, collapse of healthcare, and widespread famine conditions. He sharply criticises the lacklustre response of Western governments, arguing that repeated calls for restraint have been ignored, while military and political support for Israel continues.
The former First Minister warns of grave breaches of international law, citing credible reports of collective punishment, targeting of civilians, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. He stresses that such actions, if left unchecked, undermine the global rules-based order and embolden other states to act with impunity.
Yousaf also outlines what he believes the world’s response should be: urgent diplomatic pressure, suspension of arms sales to Israel, stronger sanctions, and a commitment to meaningful accountability through international courts. He calls for a permanent ceasefire and a renewed global effort towards justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
This is not just an interview—it is a firsthand account from someone whose family has lived through the crisis, offering a unique perspective on the moral and political failure to protect civilians in Gaza.
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A lifelong activist, Stephen shares how visits to Israel opened his eyes to the realities of occupation and systemic discrimination against Palestinians. He condemns the disproportionate attacks on Gaza, the ongoing humiliation in the West Bank, and the UK government’s military and diplomatic support for Israel.
Stephen also details his experiences at pro-Palestine protests, including increased police hostility and attempts to provoke unrest. As a Jewish voice in these demonstrations, he challenges the false narrative that Jewish communities uniformly support Israeli policy, exposing how antisemitism accusations have been weaponised to silence criticism.
Similarly in the Labour Party, Stephen recounts how he once supported Keir Starmer, only to be disillusioned by the leader’s embrace of right-wing factions and his signing of the Board of Deputies’ controversial Ten Pledges. He argues this was part of a calculated campaign to crush the left and dismantle the grassroots movement built under Jeremy Corbyn.
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Having spent the day speaking with both anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, Laura exposes the misinformation driving some of the far-right narratives, from myths about free iPhones for asylum seekers to exaggerated claims about luxury hotel stays. In reality, she explains, asylum seekers often receive less than £10 a week in support, live in isolating conditions, and are unable to work or integrate into the community.
She also challenges the left’s defence of the hotel system, arguing that it fails everyone. The conversation dives into how the government’s lack of transparency, the role of private contractors like Serco, and the weaponisation of social media have amplified tensions across the UK.
From the relocation of asylum seekers after violent protests in Epping, to the increasing organisation of far-right groups, Laura and Seán explore why these flashpoints are becoming more common, and what they reveal about Britain’s volatile political climate. They discuss fears of “civil unrest,” the limitations of mainstream politics, and the tactics of populist figureheads like Nigel Farage in mobilising anger without taking responsibility for the consequences.
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