The Downtown Den Politics Podcast

EP.102 | Devolution: A big step in the right direction

The government published its white paper on devolution this week. Frank, Jim and Jo reflect on that, plus Labour's travails with the doctors union and unite. More bad news on the economy too, with growth shrinking for the second consecutive month. But on a more positive note, a successful state visit of President Macron. Can the new deal with France help stop the boats?
And Forty years on, yes, can you believe it? Forty years on, we'll be reminiscing about the greatest gig ever held Live Aid.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.
For more information and to buy tickets for Talking 'Bout Regeneration 2025 visit https://downtowninbusiness.com/tbr/
To listen to Frank's conversation with Sir Graham Brady please CLICK HERE.

EP.101 | In Conversation with Sir Graham Brady

In a very special episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast Frank McKenna is joined by the former chairman of the very influential conservative backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.
Sir Graham was in Parliament for 25 years and he has recently written a book reflecting on his quarter of a century as a parliamentarian.
Listen to a fascinating conversation about Sir Graham's life in parliament and a bit more too.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.100 | What is going on with the Government?

Labours first year in government ended with a backbench rebellion, a chancellor in tears, and Jeremy Corbyn announcing the launch of a new political party.
Elsewhere Reform suspended one of its 5 MPs, Ed Davey, finally, criticised the BBCs sycophancy towards Nigel Farages party, and Downtown in Business hosted its annual City of Liverpool Business Awards.
Welcome to the 100th episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.
Watch Frank McKenna previous interview with Sir Graham Brady here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6s3BMFfK5Q

EP.99 | From NATO to Glasto: Chaos at Home and Abroad

The NATO summit and Daddy Trump, the fallout from Americas bombing raids in Iran, antisemitism at Glastonbury, and the BBC continuing its love-in with Reform UK. 
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast 

EP.98 | Keir’s First Year...

Long running public sector strikes settled, race riots quashed, an uplift in the minimum wage, NHS waiting lists cut, NHS England scrapped, breakfast clubs introduced in schools, 100,00 extra kids entitled to free school meals, renationalisation of the railways, the establishment of GB Energy, British steel saved, record numbers of immigrants deported, inflation down, interest rates falling, a trade deal with India, a trade deal with the United States, a trade reset with the EU, Britain's reputation on the world stage restored, the unveiling of an industrial strategy and the launch of a trade strategy. If you had told Keir Starmer that his government would achieve all of this in its first year, I’m sure he’d have been delighted. However, his personal ratings have tumbled, as have that of the Labour Party. Do we have a government that is good at getting things done- but bad at politics? 
Welcome to the latest episode of The Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.97 | Can a Certain Manchester Mayor Change Labour’s Narrative?

The government is launching a ten year industrial strategy this week, will Labour get any credit for its longer term approach to the country’s problems- and might a certain mayor from Manchester be able to help them tell their story more positively? 
Welcome to the latest Downtown Den Politics Podcast 
View Frank's most recent blog HERE

EP.96 | Did Trump Just Start a War with Iran?

Donald Trump decided to bomb Iran. Was the President simply pissed off with his TACO reputation- Trump Always Chickens Out- or has he got a longer term plan for the Middle East- and where does the unilateral action from the States and Israel leave international institutions? Are NATO and the UN now simply moribund, outdated, talking shops?
I’m Frank McKenna and this is the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.
 

EP.95 | Middle East in Crisis

Another very busy week in geopolitics. Israel and Iran are at war. In America, we've seen the shocking assassination of senior politicians.
This week the G7 comes together, where world leaders will attempt to find resolution to some of the events taking place across the globe which seem to have put the whole of the world in crisis.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.