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Feb 2024
38m 53s

Why would anyone want to become an MP?

Financial Times
About this episode

The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs – and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the balance. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss how we got here and why it matters. Plus veteran broadcaster Michael Crick, the brains behind the ‘Tomorrow’s MPs’ initiative, shares his analysis of who the Tories and Labour are selecting to stand as new candidates at the upcoming general election. 


Free Links


Backing for wider police powers to protect MPs amid fears of political violence


Gaza vote highlights security fears in parliament


Parliament finds itself in a dangerous position after the Speaker’s intervention


Why are MPs angry with the Commons speaker?



Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Michael Crick @MichaelLCrick


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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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