Where Politics Meets History
About
Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself. With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
Episodes
- 123. Everybody Wants to Rule the Ward
Tessa and Iain analyze current election results, discussing the potential impact on Nigel Farage's political future, public sentiment towards Keir Starmer, and questions surrounding Britain's governability.
- 122. Harborne Free
In episode 122, Iain and Tessa cover Nigel Farage's significant financial gift from Christopher Harborne and explore the history and growth of Plaid Cymru. They also touch upon the podcast's potential role in inflating their egos.
- 121. Bright Ideology
In episode 121, "Bright Ideology," hosts Iain and Tessa discuss Zack Polanski's online behavior, explore Iain's political identity, and consider the value of grief counseling.
- 120. I Just Can't Wait To (Meet The) King
This episode covers the King's state visit to the US, the safety of the Jewish community in the UK, and scrutiny of the SNP. Hosts Iain and Tessa also touch on an event in Parliament.
- 119. Another near miss?
In episode 119, Iain and Tessa discuss the King's safety following the White House Correspondent's dinner. They also touch upon the topic of life expectancy.
- 118. Perran Moon River
In episode 118, Iain and Tessa delve into the ongoing political drama at Westminster, connecting current events to historical figures like Christine Keeler, Harold Wilson, and Profumo. The discussion also includes a personal moment where T…
- 117. When You Wish Upon a Starmer
In episode 117, Iain and Tessa cover Keir Starmer's statements on Mandelson, the 100th anniversary of the Queen's birth, and Tessa's campaigning efforts.
- 116. Vetting Away With It
In episode 116, Iain and Tessa delve into the political crisis surrounding Mandelson, explore the perceived decline in reading habits, and debate the balance between welfare and warfare.
- 115. The Man Who Sold the War
In episode 115, Iain and Tessa explore the historical parallels of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo in relation to Trump's potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They also touch on gender differences in wartime and Viktor Orbán's political s…
- 114. No Orbán, No Cry
In episode 114, Iain and Tessa delve into the ceasefire in Iran, analyze JD Vance's influence on Viktor Orbán's election prospects, and touch upon the diminishing practice of letter writing.
- 113. Mr Nobody Does It Better
In episode 113, Iain and Tessa cover topics including a social media post by President Trump, the potential longevity of Putinism, and Iain's recent cinema visit.
- 112. Space Oddity
In episode 112 of Where Politics Meets History, hosts Iain and Tessa cover the King's US visit, which politician benefited from the Iran war, and the Space Race.
- 111. Piano Manosphere
In episode 111, "Piano Manosphere," Iain and Tessa cover topics including the Houthis, the BBC's self-absorption, and Louis Theroux's venture into the manosphere.
- 110. Hello, This Is Pope Joannie
This episode of Where Politics Meets History covers Dame Sarah Mullally's historic enthronement, the legend of Pope Joan, and the impact of the Iranian war on Asia, alongside listener questions.
- 109. If You’re Lookin’ for a Way Out
In episode 109, Iain and Tessa discuss the possibility of WW3, an antisemitic attack in London, and the debut of SNL UK. They share insights and explore unexpected turns.
- 108. Strait from the Heart
Iain and Tessa discuss the West's approach to the Strait of Hormuz, former Trump official Joe Kent's resignation, and the possibility of reversing Brexit. The conversation also touches on Tessa's experience on Romanian Hell's Kitchen.
- 107. Automatic, Systematic, Problematic
In episode 107, Iain and Tessa debate the Strait of Hormuz and UK Navy involvement. They also discuss Tom Bower's book on Harry and Meghan and mention Lord Ashcroft.
- 106. Every Hegseth You Take
Iain and Tessa discuss strong leaders, the Mandelson files, Iran, and Pete Hegseth. They also review whether Iain's views on Iran are correct.
- 105. Love Me Donut
In episode 105, Iain and Tessa discuss the adequacy of the UK's naval forces, the UK's historical relationship with Cyprus, and public distrust in politicians, with a report from Aggie.
- 104. Puff the Magic HMS Dragon
In episode 104, Iain and Tessa discuss the UK's position on events in Iran, historical parallels, financial incentives for asylum seekers to leave, and potential spending cuts.
- 103. I Fought the International Law
In episode 103, "I Fought the International Law," Iain and Tessa analyze recent political events concerning Starmer's and Trump's actions in Iran, exploring potential outcomes and drawing historical comparisons.
- 102. In the Blair Tonight
Iain and Tessa discuss shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the Tony Blair documentary, and the history of youths being out of work.
- 101. You SEND Me
This episode covers Boris Johnson's remarks on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, and proposes solutions for the student loan system and special educational needs provision.
- 100. Happy Birthday
In episode 100, Iain and Tessa discuss the arrest and release on bail of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, exploring the history of the Royal Family and the law. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes and political commentary.
- 99. Election Avenue
In episode 99, Iain and Tessa discuss the government's U-turn on local elections, Palestine Action, and defence spending. The conversation also touches upon Iain's speeding.
- 98. Do Not Disturb
This episode features Iain and Tessa discussing current events and historical topics, including the treatment of Lord Doyle, the age of consent's history, the situation in Ukraine, and remarks by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
- 97. Civil Sar-war
This episode discusses Keir Starmer's future and the historical context of prime ministers facing mid-term challenges. It also covers the royal family's handling of issues related to Prince Andrew and the new Prime Minister of Japan.
- 96. Profumo I'm No Good
In episode 96, Iain and Tessa discuss Keir Starmer's apology, the Profumo affair's relevance to political scandals, and the UK's international role.
- 95. Bad Lord
In this episode of Where Politics Meets History, Iain and Tessa discuss Lord Mandelson's position in the House of Lords, Andrew Mountbatten's potential US testimony, and Matt Goodwin's electoral chances.
- 94. Jinping Me Sunshine
This episode features Iain and Tessa discussing political topics including Starmer's interactions in China, potential US policy under Trump regarding Iran, and news about Melania's film.
- 93. A Reformer Named Sue
In episode 93, Iain and Tessa cover Suella Braverman's move to Reform UK, Labour's stance on Andy Burnham, an ICE-related fatality in Minnesota, and touch upon Polish history and police reform.
- 92. Gone With The Wind Turbine
Iain and Tessa discuss Donald Trump's stance on Greenland, his comments regarding Chinese wind, and the actions of Brooklyn Beckham. The hosts also touch upon their own interpersonal dynamic.
- 91. Tariff You Leave Me Now
Iain and Tessa discuss various political and personal conflicts, including Trump's trade policies with Europe, political rivalries between Jenrick and Badenoch, and legal disputes involving Harry and the Mail.
- 90. Regime Changes
This episode features Iain and Tessa debating the future of the Iranian regime, its potential collapse, and Donald Trump's potential role, providing historical context. The discussion also covers the new Chinese embassy in London and inter…
- 89. Zahawi Ready?
Iain and Aggie cover the potential for Western intervention in Iran and Nadhim Zahawi's recent political move. They also touch on Peter Mandelson's relevance and an anecdote about ABBA Voyage.
- 88. Seize the Tanker
In episode 88, Iain and Tessa discuss Trump's threats regarding Greenland and its historical context, an ICE shooting in Minneapolis, Moldova's Maia Sandu, and the Labour party's standing with young voters.
- 87. It's Not Easy Being Greenland
In episode 87, Iain and Tessa cover President Trump's actions regarding Venezuela and Greenland, Brigitte Macron's legal victory in a cyberbullying case, and other lighthearted topics.
- 86. Firework (and the EU flag)
In episode 86, Iain and Tessa discuss New Year messages from party leaders, the government's stance on Shamima Begum compared to the ECHR, and fireworks.
- 85. All I Want for Twixtmas Is You
In the period between Christmas and New Year, Iain and Tessa discuss their predictions for 2026, Donald Trump's hopes for peace in Ukraine, newsreaders' regional accents, and Tessa's Christmas reading on Central Europe.
- 84. Crackin' Around the Christmas Tree
In episode 84, titled "Crackin' Around the Christmas Tree," hosts Iain and Tessa present festive awards and discuss the history of Christmas crackers and the A11.
- 83. Never Ending Storeys
In episode 83, "Never Ending Storeys," Iain and Tessa discuss historical political events that occurred around Christmas. They also draw comparisons between political figures Trump and Nixon, and share personal anecdotes.
- 82. Blaise of Glory
Iain and Tessa discuss the new chief of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, potential leadership challenges for Keir Starmer, and Bonnie Blue. They also invite listeners to send in questions and voice notes.
- 81. My Sweet Lords
In episode 81, "My Sweet Lords," Iain and Tessa cover the Sydney antisemitic terror attack and the actions of fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed. They also debate whether Keir Starmer should have granted Reform UK a peerage and touch upon Tes…
- 80. Mary's letter on a cross
In episode 80, Iain and Tessa discuss David Lammy's proposal regarding childhood criminal records, Trump's actions concerning Venezuelan oil tankers, and historical events involving Mary Queen of Scots.
- 79. Monarchy in the UK
In episode 79 of Where Politics Meets History, a Q&A format is used to discuss the United Kingdom's political landscape, including speculation about the future Prime Minister and public sentiment towards the monarchy.
- 78. Witkoff The Wall
In episode 78, Iain and Tessa debate political donations and state visits. They also discuss the challenges faced by US peace envoy Steve Witkoff in engaging with Putin.
- 77. OBR U Mine?
In episode 77, Iain and Tessa cover political topics including alleged government dishonesty before the Budget and BBC censorship claims. They also touch upon broader philosophical questions about life's moral purpose.
- 76. If Books Could Kill
In episode 76,
- 75. Let's Get Fiscal
In episode 75, Iain and Tessa delve into the upcoming Budget and its historical context, examine the potential success of Trump's Ukraine peace plan, and share an anecdote about an unusual gift.
- 74. One Way Streeting
In episode 74, Iain and Tessa cover UK immigration policy, potential challengers to Keir Starmer, the threat from Russia, and the history and politics of chocolate. They invite listener questions and voice notes.