Sept. 3, 2026

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Has Reform UK lost its magic? – and why Middlesbrough’s young men don’t care

Lara Prendergast is joined by The Spectator’s political editor Tim Shipman, columnist and journalist Melanie McDonagh, and the Daily Mail’s parliamentary sketchwriter Quentin Letts.

This week: has Reform UK lost its magic? Ahead of the party’s conference, Tim reveals its plans for the first 100 days of a Reform government – and asks whether Nigel Farage can persuade voters that his party is ready to govern after a turbulent summer.

Also: what is happening in Middlesbrough? The panel discuss rising gang violence, the decline of visible policing and a generation of young men who appear increasingly indifferent to the law. Is social breakdown to blame – or has Britain simply lost its respect for authority?

Plus: what can Britain learn from Norway’s royals?

Produced by Henry Lloyd and Oscar Edmondson.

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IN THIS EPISODE

oscar edmondson

henry lloyd

# nigel farage

quentin lett

# melanie mcdonagh

# tim shipman

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