logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
43m 17s

How To Punish Politicians

THE TIMES
About this episode

Matt is joined by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg, the man in charge of investigating politicians behaviour. He discusses whether MPs' conduct is getting worse or not, and the possible punishments he could hand down to those that break the rules.


And with no PMQs Unpacked this week, Times Radio's very own 'PM', Patrick Maguire, faces questions from callers about ULEZ, troubles for the SNP and how to get an MP to answer a straight question.


Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Dorothy Byrne discuss the head of Natwest quitting over Nigel Farage's row with Coutts, Rishi Sunak's latest attack tweets and the return of the famous music magazine NME. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
Another 'Omnishambles' Budget?
<p>Rachel Reeves has told Labour MPs she'll survive Wednesday's budget, and be back for years to come. Is it set to be worse than previous budget disasters, including George Osborne's 'omnishambles' in 2012?</p><br><p>Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ed Vaizey an ... Show More
32m 31s
Nov 24
Is the Chancellor Still In Control?
<p>It’s been a year since Rachel Reeves told the CBI she'd steer clear of extra borrowing or new tax rises. After a weekend spent defending her position, is the Chancellor really in control?</p><br><p>Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers ... Show More
30m 31s
Nov 20
Ministers 'Dragging Heels' Over Single-sex Spaces
<p>The Times today reveals the guidance on transgender people using single-sex spaces like toilets and changing rooms. It's been sitting on the government's desk - are ministers trying to avoid a political backlash?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day wit ... Show More
30m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
The return of 'Tory sleaze'? Owen Paterson and the rules on MPs lobbying
A debate on changing the procedure by which standards in Parliament are upheld last week led to a backlash from MPs - and a major u-turn. So, as the government defends itself against allegations of 'sleaze', where, does it leave the current system of policing standards in Westmin ... Show More
35m 16s
Feb 2024
Why would anyone want to become an MP?
<p>The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs&nbsp;–&nbsp;and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the bal ... Show More
38m 53s
Jan 2022
In conversation with Michael Cockerell
<p>Michael Cockerell has made some of the best political documentaries about UK politics, covering prime ministers from Harold Macmillan to Boris Johnson.&nbsp;</p><p>His new book, “Unmasking Our Leaders”, takes us into a career of political journalism and interviews regarding no ... Show More
27m 28s
Nov 2021
MPs distraught at being asked to offer support for change
<p>This week we discuss the chaotic events surrounding the botched reform of the parliamentary standards committee. We look at why No 10 was so eager to save disgraced MP Owen Paterson and where the row goes next.&nbsp;</p><p>Political editor George Parker, political commentator ... Show More
38m 34s
Apr 2024
Tory MP suspended | What's going on with climate targets?
Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people".   <br /><br />Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medi ... Show More
20m 30s
Apr 2024
Why do politicians push culture wars? And should landlord MPs vote on renting laws?
<p>It's listener questions time! </p><br><p>Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe answer a listener who asks why senior politicians flock to address culture wars issues "which are frankly below their station", and another who wants to know if MPs who are also landlords should recu ... Show More
14m 56s
May 2023
The art of the political interview
POLITICO’s Ailbhe Rea takes us inside the art of the political interview. In a rare conversation on the other side of the microphone, Today programme presenter and ex-BBC political editor Nick Robinson opens up about what’s going through his mind in the middle of a high-profile g ... Show More
49m 42s
Jun 2023
Scotland’s Sturgeon arrested
<p>The former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested on Sunday, Boris Johnson’s exit from UK parliament will have consequences for the Conservative Party. Plus, former US president Donald Trump’s most recent indictment could have implications on his 2024 run fo ... Show More
9m 45s
Feb 2024
Will Young: popstar to politician? Plus Westminster ceasefire row
Nish and guest co-presenter Liz Bates set the scene on what went on to become a chaotic night  in the Commons, that put speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s job at risk. They call out the “pathetic and petty” political game playing that sought to use the suffering of people in Gaza to embarra ... Show More
54m 22s
Jan 2024
Why is trust in UK politics so low?
Today, we look at whether the voters trust political leaders. Laura, Paddy and Henry wrap up what the politicians made of the focus groups on Laura's show. Can politicians be trusted with the big issues voters believe the country faces? Who does the public think would make a good ... Show More
29m 17s