Politics Uncensored

Why did Trump Start a War With Iran? There's No Way to Tell

Why has Trump gone to war with Iran? God knows...On today’s show Ali and Zoe are joined by foreign affairs journalist Colin Freeman to help break down Donald Trump’s war with Iran and the UK’s position in the chaos. Then film director Daniel Everitt-Lock will joins the studio to discuss his brand new film Our Planet, The People, My Blood, a documentary following the fight against the Ministry of Defence to get compensation and recognition for the British Atomic Veterans.Before this it's the week unwrapped:Last week the Greens shocked the political establishment by Winning the Gorton and Denton by-election. In a turn of events that was shocking for everyone, except for producer Hugh who called it (yes I did), Hannah Spencer won by a decent margin in Manchester. 3 men have been arrested on suspicion of spying for china, including the husband of a, at the time of recording, sitting Labour MP. David Taylor, husband of East Kilbride now former Labour MP Joani Reid arrested Wednesday by Counter Terrorism Police in London on suspicion of spying for China All the wrong lessons learned from Gorton and Denton as Shabanna Mahmood today announced new asylum rules, which make legal projections temporary for asylum seekers. Cases will be reviewed every 30 months, after which they could be sent to their country of origin, provided it is deemed safe to do so.After the week unwrapped Colin Freeman joins to break down the conflict in Iran. The US alongside Israel have launched strikes on Iran, in what some have described as the start of WW3.The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February. In response, Iran’s foreign ministry declared its intent to defend its homeland.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps initiated counterattacks, deploying drones and missiles towards Israel, while further strikes targeted US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar.The US and Israel launched widespread strikes on 28 February, targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, military sites and leadership in the capital, Tehran, and across the country.Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the country since 1989, was killed during the first wave of strikes. Israel's military said dozens more senior figures in the powerful Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) were also killed.From 1945 to 1996 there were over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests conducted by global superpowers, including the USA, Russia, China, the UK, France, India and Pakistan. Most of these countries never tested within their respective lands, and put millions of people across the world at risk. Joining Ali and Zoe to discuss this less spoken scandal is the director for Our Planet ,The People, My Blood, Daniel Everitt-Lock.Find more information as well as the first screenings of Our Planet, The People, My Blood hereGuest Bio:Why have foreign fighters flocked to Ukraine? Veteran foreign correspondent Colin Freeman investigates and finds that Orwellian, Spanish Civil War type idealism is far from the only answer. For some, it is a yearning for adventure and a desire to embrace old-school warrior values that the West no longer seems to prize. For some, it is a flight from a life gone wrong. ZELENSKY'S FOREIGN LEGION delivers the intense frontline storytelling of a 3-Para or Black Hawk Down, while teasing out psychological complexity from the testimony and the back-stories of the soldiers Colin has interviewed at length. His thorough research and in-person experience have combined to create a fascinating new perspective on an era-defining conflict.Colin Freeman is a former chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph, now a freelance foreign affairs writer. He has been reporting on Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russian invasion, writing mainly for the The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator.He started his journalism career on the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, before moving to the London Evening Standard. In 2003 - bored with a job covering local government - he moved to Iraq to pursue a career as a foreign correspondent, spending two years in Baghdad. He spent the next two decades reporting all over Africa, the Middle East and Asia, covering events including the Arab Spring uprisings, the 2014 Ebola outbreak in west Africa, and the Somali piracy crisis. Over the years, he has written for the Economist, the British Journalism Review, Tortoise Magazine, The Lady, Country Life and pretty much anywhere else that will have him. He also contributes regularly to From Our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio Four. Daniel's career started 14 years ago, shooting corporate videos and commercial. Since then he has worked his way up to an IATSE 667 Director of Photography, and associate member of the CSC. He is a British and Canadian Citizen currently living between London, UK, and Toronto, Canada. (eligible for tax credits in both countries)To date he has shot over 13 scripted feature films, multiple series, and 2 feature documentaries.He has also had the pleasure and honour of working 2nd unit alongside prolific cinematographers, including Seamus MacGarvey ASC, BSC, on 'The Nevers' for HBO.Hosts: Zoe Grunewald and Ali MilaniGuests: Colin Freeman and Daniel Everitt-LockProducer: Hugh Smiley

SEISMIC Green Party WIN in Gorton and Denton Will Change Politics

Hannah Spencer, the Green Party Candidate in Gorton and Denton has won the by-election. In a contest that turned out to be less close then most thought, the Greens have achieved a historic election victory, in what is a big boost for Zack Polanski's insurgent left wing party. This episode was recorded on polling day before the results were out. Ali and Zoe break down the many controversies from each major party in this election, what a loss means for Labour and Reform and why no one is talking about the Conservatives.The Gorton and Denton by-election is proving to be one of the most controversial by-elections in memory (i paper) Three incidents related to the behaviour of political parties has resulted in complaints to Greater Manchester Police (i paper) Professor Jon Tonge has described the three way race as a “toxic campaign”Campaigning Controversies:Green Local academic Professor Rob Ford found himself quoted in Green Leaflets without permission under the headline “Everyone agrees, Labour are done”Ford said he did not endorse the Greens (i paper)Green tactics have faced criticism as a video appeared showing campaigners tearing down Labour signposts and putting them in the skip.Reform Reform have also not been without their controversies A leaflet dropped through the doors in the constituency claiming to be from a ‘concerned 74 year old neighbor called Patricia Clegg,’ sparked complaints to the PoliceClegg’s son has claimed that she ‘never signed off’ on the leaflet and has received a backlash online.Reform have also been involved in a ‘printing error’. Reform sent about 81,000 leaflets to the constituency’s voters from a “concerned neighbour” which did not state they had been funded and distributed by the party.However it will not face a sanction for leaflets that omitted the party’s imprint, after a high court judge accepted this was due to an inadvertent printing error (The Guardian)Reform have also been accused of allegedly trying to ‘bus in’ supporters from as far away as Blackpool and Kent to dominate audiences.Reform admitted that it sent about 81,000 leaflets to the constituency’s voters from a “concerned neighbour”, which did not state they had been funded and distributed by the party.Labour Labour has also been embroiled in controversy over a campaign leaflet Residents in Gorton and Denton have received a flyer purporting to be from a firm called ‘Tactical Choice’ (Daily Mail)Text on the leaflet have said the strategic choice would be labour candidate Angelika Stogia.The flyer reads “The Tactical Choice says Vote Labour”Labour has also been accused of ‘gaslighting public’ with edited reform clip (Matt Goodwin)Within hours of Goodwin’s announcement as a candidate, Labour managed to dig up a clip of him speaking at an event where he appeared to deride Manchester. Labour shared video on X of Goodwin telling audience he was “unfortunate enough” to be in ManchesterMr Goodwin hit back claiming that statement was referring to Conservative Party Conference (The Telegraph)

Andrew Arrest Means the End of the Monarchy?

Does Andrew's arrest mean the end of the British Monarchy?The 19th of February 2026 was the 66th Birthday of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and also the day he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In their statement Thames Valley police said that that they are “carrying out searches at address in Berkshire and Norfolk” and that Andrew “remains in Police Custody at this time”. This marks the first time in British history that a senior, working royal has been formally arrested.This week Ali and Zoe discuss the arrest of the royal formerly known as Prince Andrew and what it means for the future of the Royal Family. They also discuss the government's social media crackdown and the highest youth unemployment rate in 10 years. On Andrew's arrest, the King Stated: I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.Thames Valley Police Statement:"As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk."The man remains in police custody at this time."We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office."'It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence."'We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.'"UK unemployment hit its highest rate for nearly five years. Those aged between 16-24 are bearing the brunt, with the unemployment rate rising to 16.1%, the highest in more than 10 years.'No platform gets a free pass,' Keir Starmer has said as he announces a crackdown on social media sites. The government has announced a sweeping crackdown on tech firms to protect children from illegal content. This comes after Elon Musk’s Xai generated sexualised images of women without consent and in som cases even created said images of minors.Nigel Farage has announced his own fake shadow cabinet! The party has stated what roles its leading members would take up if they were to win a general election. Alongside this and several policy announcements, Reform UK has instated James Orr, a staunch anti-abortion Christian as their head of policy. Ali, what do you make of Reform’s shadow, shadow cabinet.Reform's appointments are as follows:Robert Jenrick, chancellor Zia Yusuf, shadow home secretary. He promised to stop the Channel crossings and derogate from any international treaty which frustrates or upends deportations. Yusuf currently lists himself in his twitter bio as “Shadow Home Secretary, Reform UK” Richard Tice will be deputy prime minister and secretary for business, trade and energy.Suella Braverman, shadow secretary of state for education and skills, completing his shadow cabinet appointments. Braverman will also be tasked on taking on the “world of DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion]” in her new brief. Lee Anderson, who was the first Tory MP to defect to Reform, will remain as the party’s chief whip.Reform MPs Danny Kruger, Andrew Rosindell, Sarah Pochin are yet to receive official roles.James Orr, head of PolicyWith the Gorton and Denton by-election fast approaching, it's looking like a 3 horse race being that’s too close to call! Ali and Zoe break down the polling and what a win in Manchester would mean for Labour, Reform and the Green Party.

Labour’s Civil War Explodes

Is this the end of the Labour Right?This week on Politics Uncensored, Zoe Grunewald and Ali Milani break down the humiliating decline of the Starmer project: from billionaire outbursts to by-election chaos and a party machine built to crush the left now turning in on itself.In the Week Unwrapped, Manchester United part-owner Jim Ratcliffe claims Britain is being “colonised” by immigrants, citing numbers that simply don’t add up. After shifting his tax residency to Monaco during Covid, is this just another case of elite hypocrisy dressed up as patriotism?Then Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin pulls out of a key Gorton and Denton hustings at the last minute, claiming bias. Labour call him a snowflake. Polling suggests Reform could take the seat. Is this by-election now a straight referendum on Keir Starmer?We also unpack Labour’s new bill to ban foreign-controlled companies from bankrolling British politics - a move that could hit Reform hard. But does it go far enough? And why are individual overseas donors still free to give?After the break, investigative journalist Paul Holden, author of The Fraud, joins the show to explain how Morgan McSweeney and Peter Mandelson built the machine that delivered Starmer to power and why it may now be collapsing under the weight of its own factional warfare.With Anas Sarwar openly questioning the Prime Minister, and figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana charting paths outside the party, we ask: is this just a bad week for Labour or the beginning of the end for Blairism itself?Guest bio:Paul Holden has over a decade of experience in investigating cases of grand corruption and corporate malfeasance, including as the senior researcher on the book and feature documentary Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade. He has published six books, three of them bestsellers in his native South Africa, and has written for publications including the Guardian and the Independent. He is a Network Fellow at the Safra Centre for Ethics at Harvard University.Hosts: Ali Milani and Zoe Grunewald Producer: Hugh Smiley

Keir Starmer CAN'T SURVIVE Peter Mandelson Scandal

The Peter Mandelson scandal is the biggest crisis this government has faced so far, Keir Starmer won't make it to Tuesday, let alone May!Fresh evidence has emerged suggesting that Mandelson shared sensitive UK information with Jeffrey Epstein. Uncertainty lingers on the horizon for Starmer over what the document handover could hold Comedian and satirist Will Sebag-Montefiore joins Ali Milani and Zoe Grunewald this week to break down Peter Mandelson, the Epstein files and the mistreatment of his victims.Keir Starmer apologised to victims this morning “I am sorry for believing Mandelson’s lies and for appointing him.” (Sky News)The prime minister has lost many from his side yesterday, since evidence has emerged that he knew about Mandelson’s close relationship with Epstein (Sky News)Keir Starmer has been blocked twice by his own side in the last 24 hours. PM was unwilling to hand over the Mandelson documents, according to Downing Street (Sky News)Starmer wanted to have exemptions on the documents being exposed, but was again blocked by his own side, showing that he no longer commands the majority (Politico, Sky News Podcast)At Prime Minister’s question, the PM mentioned that he knew Epstein and stayed in touch with him after his Pedophilia conviction.Labour MP Rachael Maskell has called for the PM to resignEvidence suggests that Mandelson forwarded information to Epstein from No. 10 in sometimes under four minutes (Independent)Epstein and Mandelson also revealed information to each other about Gordon Brown prior and post the election, including the statementsGuest bio:Will Sebag Montefiore is an internet sensation (in the same way Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations are Thai)He has 70+ million views across his digital platforms. You can see him in Poldark (BBC), Endeavour (ITV) but not Malpractice (BBC) because his scene got cut.His comedy work includes acting in Green Wing Resuscitated alongside Olivia Colman, writing and performing for BBC Radio 4 and regular appearances on Rosie Holt's NonCensored podcast.He has performed alongside Mark Rylance at Shakespeare's Globe and did pretty well in his Year 6 SATS.His satirical videos have been shared by the likes of Adrian Lester, Alastair Campbell, Owen Jones, DermotO’Leary, Dawn Butler, Lorraine Kelly, James O'Brien, Andy Haynes and, unfortunately, Joey Barton. Will is deeply ashamedof that last one but look, a retweet’s a retweet.Hosts: Ali Milani and Zoe GrunewaldGuest: Will Sebag-MontefioreProducer: Hugh Smiley