Why we stopped trusting politicians | Cody Dahler

The UK Prison Crisis | Shanice McBean & Janey Starling

Apr 7, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski sits down with Shanice McBean, co-author of Abolition Revolution, and Janey Starling, co-director of Level Up, to conduct a critical examination of the UK prison system. The discussion challenges the conventional political narrative that frames prisons as necessary tools for public safety, instead highlighting them as institutions that warehouse individuals who have been failed by the welfare state. The guests provide compelling insights into the reality of women’s prisons, noting that the majority of incarcerated women are survivors of trauma, poverty, or domestic abuse, often serving short sentences for minor offenses like shoplifting. They argue that the current system is not only ineffective at preventing crime but actively exacerbates social issues by fueling cycles of poverty, homelessness, and generational trauma. Throughout the conversation, McBean and Starling advocate for a paradigm shift, moving away from punitive measures and toward a public health model. By redirecting resources from the criminal legal system into community support, mental health services, and housing, they suggest society could address the root causes of harm and create a more equitable future.

How Much Is Trump Costing The UK? | Tessa Khan

Mar 31, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, the host speaks with Tessa Khan, founder and chief executive of the research and campaigning organization Uplift. The conversation centers on the urgent need for the UK to transition away from fossil fuels, particularly in the North Sea, and how this shift is vital for both economic stability and climate action. Khan explains how the UK’s continued reliance on oil and gas leaves households vulnerable to volatile international markets, noting that geopolitical conflicts often trigger spikes in energy costs. She dismantles the narrative that fossil fuels are cheaper than renewables, highlighting that renewable energy costs have plummeted over the last decade. The discussion also covers the concept of a just transition, emphasizing the importance of retraining the existing offshore workforce for the green economy rather than repeating the social scars left by previous industrial declines. Addressing the controversial Rosebank oil field project, Khan details the potential environmental and economic risks, arguing that it offers no real benefit to UK energy security. Ultimately, both speakers advocate for community-led renewable projects, arguing that empowering local ownership is the key to both a stable energy future and restoring political agency.