Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Political commentator Mike Indian celebrates the return of Nazanin Zaghair-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori to the UK but, he wonders, how can Western countries cope with the often extreme tactics employed by rogue nations? He discusses the PM's fruitless visit to Saudi Arabia, the latest situation in Ukraine – with news of further atrocities emerging – and concerns about the enobling of Evgeny Lebedev.
Guests: Mike Indian
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University, in conversation with Simon Rose, looks at the extraordinary U-turns being made in the field of energy, with oil, gas and even coal coming back, leading to amazing new alliances being made and with ramifications that can't yet be foreseen. He discusses the unintended consequences of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, one of which he fears may be to damage the historic reputation of Russia. And he gets excited by the idea of "virtual wards" being trialled by the NHS.
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Political commentator Mike Indian looks at the political ramifications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine eight days in. With Ukrainian resistance greater than anticipated, he feels that – to paraphrase Churchill – this could be at least the end of the beginning for Vladimir Putin. The attack, argues Mike, is reinvigorating NATO but he feels more can be done to tackle Russian dirty money being sheltered in the UK while not indiscriminately targeting those hostile to Putin's actions.
Guests: Steve Caplin
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University speculates what Putin's aims might be and discusses how the West should react and, indeed, whether it will be able to manage without Russian oil, gas and even wheat. He explains about the coming refugee crisis for Europe and why China matters so much. He concludes with the ultimate question: How can we reboot the Western system to cope with what may prove a new era?
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Political commentator Mike Indian talks to Simon Rose about the divergent attitudes of the UK and other western countries to Russia and the Ukraine. He also discusses several aspects of UK politics: Jacob Rees-Mogg's comments on Brexit and trade; the fallout from Boris Johnson's remarks on Jimmy Savile in Parliament; and John Major's public criticism of the current Prime Minister.
Guests: Mike Indian
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the shocking growth in NHS waiting lists and wonders if providing tax breaks on private health provision for the elderly might prove a helpful way forward. He also considers the crisis in policing, suggesting a possible solution, even though few politicians might be willing to think long enough ahead. And he ends on an optimistic note, hoping that the recent breakthrough at JET might herald a coming age of nuclear fusion.
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Political commentator Mike Indian looks at the energy price cap increase and the general rise in the cost of living, as well as the Government's attempts to ameliorate the effects of inflation in an era of rampant political short-termism. He examines the waning popularity of Boris Johnson and asks if the PM can survive, feeling the May local elections could prove crucial. And he turns his attention to the Ukraine, wondering if Russia is merely sabre-rattling or if Putin is seriously considering an invasion.
Guests: Mike Indian
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University asks whether we are seeing the end of the second great age of globalisation and wonders how the future will be different. With the Tories in free fall, he ponders whether there are still divisions within Labour. And he reflects on the way inflation is calculated and how it may not reflect the experience of the less well-off.
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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With Simon Rose taking a well-earned break and with an action-packed PMQ on Wednesday, please enjoy 55 minutes of democratic challenge at its best. Christian Wakeford (circled in the image) has just switched sides from Conservative to Labour, Sir Keir Starmer's on the warpath, and Boris is fighting back - at last. Enjoy!
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Original Broadcast: The Bigger Picture
Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University asks if Boris ("lucky general") Johnson's luck has finally run out and wonders where the truly big beasts of British politics are these days. He ponders the military dangers of Putin's ineffective and declining economic model. And he cocks a snook at many supposed "experts" whose predications about the effect of Brexit now seem very wide of the mark.
Guests: Professor Tim Evans
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