Nick Cohen and historian James Hawes discuss wide range of political topics, focusing primarily on British politics, Brexit, and the rise of right-wing populism. Discussions included the historical context and current state of the Conservative Party, the challenges faced by Labour and the SNP, and the potential long-term implications of demographic changes on political landscapes. James Hawes argues that only liberal populists can counter the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform.Brexit's Long-Term Consequences and FailuresJames and Nick discusses the long-term implications and failures of Brexit, highlighting how Farage and other Brexit advocates had been promoting the idea for decades. Both criticise the lack of accountability and the continued influence of Brexit supporters despite the project's evident failures. James expressed optimism for a pro-remain populist leader to challenge Brexit advocates directly, rather than relying on complex economic arguments. He also shared a conversation with a top UK insider predicting the UK's collapse by 2029 due to Keir Starmer's inability to address the mess left by the Tories & BrexitThe Tory Party pickleJames & Nick discuss the historical and current dire state of the Conservative Party, highlighting its long history of populism and sectarianism. They argue that the party's true nature is being revealed through its alignment with Farage and its anti-migrant stance, which James compares to 19th-century Tory behaviour.Farage's Rise and threat to the UKThe discussion focuses on British politics, particularly Farage's rise and the potential for a shift towards far-right governance. James argues that Farage success in England will re-energise the SNP & inevitably speed up the UK's break-up. Both express concern about the working-class appeal of Farage's populism and discuss the perception of left-wing politicians as communists by some conservatives.Demographic Shifts and Political ImplicationsThe discussion focused on demographic challenges and political implications, with Nick and James exploring how an aging population and ironically more financially secure voters are more likely to vote for Farage and his brand of nut-job populist extremism, while younger generations face difficulties accessing housing and other opportunities. James argues that a more liberal -leftist brand of populism - with policies such as I.D. cards and German-like tests for trades people - might help counter the poison and certain chaos of Farageism.Read all about it!James Hawes <a href="https://x.com/jameshawes2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jameshawes2</a> is a historian and author of a novel and books such as including <a href="https://www.amazon.fr/Shortest-History-Germany-James-Hawes/dp/1910400416" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Shortest History of Germany </a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/James-Hawes-ebook/dp/B08KFT2XPQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RBHBHJZAR4EX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c3k8GDy46-d4TrI6WwCh1uWIk1fzEMTMDyOHiDsxp9k.rLs_wTEtPGW7vH3gZdTxdNIusnm6rOqTtqYU68HNyWE&dib_tag=se&keywords=shortest+history+of+england&qid=1750966153&sprefix=shortest+history+of+en%2Caps%2C636&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Shortest History on England</a>﻿Nick Cohen's <a href="https://x.com/NickCohen4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@NichCohen4</a> latest Substack column <a href="https://nickcohen.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Writing from London</a> on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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