Podcast Summary
Childhood experiences and activism: Early childhood experiences and activism can significantly shape one's political beliefs and career, as demonstrated by British politician David Davis's upbringing by activist grandparents during the Great Depression and his own experiences with civil disobedience.
Key takeaway from this conversation with David Davis, a long-time British politician, is the importance of personal experiences and upbringing in shaping one's political beliefs. Davis shared his childhood memories of growing up in a prefab, raised by grandparents who were activists fighting for better living conditions and unemployment benefits during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships, his grandparents' activism instilled in him a sense of social responsibility and a desire to help others. This early influence likely contributed to his political career and his stance on issues like unemployment and social welfare. Additionally, Davis's experience of being arrested for peaceful protests against poor living conditions demonstrates the significant role of civil disobedience and activism in driving political change.
Grandfather's past: A self-educated, charismatic radical Communist activist's blacklisting during the coal fields strikes influenced his grandson's political beliefs and personal experiences.
The speaker's grandfather, a self-educated, charismatic, and formidably intelligent man, was a radical Communist activist during the coal fields strikes in the UK during the war, leading him to be blacklisted and unable to find employment. This experience, along with the speaker's upbringing in a working-class environment and his own experiences with socialism, contributed to the speaker's eventual shift towards conservative political beliefs. Despite his radical past, the grandfather was highly respected and remembered fondly by the family. The speaker's complicated relationship with his stepfather and the financial struggles of his family also influenced his decision to join the territorial SAS in his late teens.
Pack mentality in politics: People's politics are influenced by group identification, leading them to overlook injustices against those they don't identify with. It's a reminder to apply the same standards to everyone and be consistent in one's principles, even if it goes against popular opinion or political affiliation.
People's politics are not always based on logic but rather on which group or team they identify with. This pack mentality can lead individuals to overlook injustices if they dislike the person on the receiving end. The speaker emphasized the importance of applying the same standards to everyone and being consistent in one's principles, even if it goes against the popular opinion or one's own political affiliation. The speaker also highlighted instances in his life where he went against the grain, such as buying the Daily Mirror to keep it running despite being a Tory, and advocating for gay marriage and separation of church and state. These actions were driven by a commitment to logic, fairness, and the rule of law, regardless of the public opinion or political correctness.
Boris Johnson's evolving beliefs: Boris Johnson's stance on various issues like gay marriage, Europe, and Brexit have evolved over time. He acknowledges making mistakes but refuses to admit them openly. He was a pro-European MP in the late 80s but became a prominent figure in the Brexit campaign, defending it despite challenges.
People and their beliefs can evolve over time. The discussion revolved around Boris Johnson's changing stance on various issues like gay marriage, Europe, and Brexit. Johnson acknowledged that he was wrong about some things in the past but refused to admit it openly. He had been a pro-European MP in the late 80s but became a prominent figure in the Brexit campaign. Johnson defended his stance on Brexit, acknowledging that it hadn't gone as well as planned but maintaining that it was an important change. He criticized the European Union for its regulatory barriers and lack of democracy. Despite his central role in the Brexit negotiations, Johnson expressed uncertainty about the future and how to move forward.
Brexit and Free Trade: Brexit was a gamble on a world of free trade at a time when major economies were starting to erect trade barriers, and it's crucial to adapt to new realities in a rapidly changing world.
The 2016 Brexit decision was a gamble on a world of free trade at a time when the world was becoming protectionist. Lord Ridley acknowledges that both sides made mistakes in the argument, but he believes the biggest mistake was betting on a world of free trade when major economies were starting to erect trade barriers. He also mentions the importance of considering international security and decoupling from China as reasons for not being overly optimistic about Brexit. Lord Ridley emphasizes that the world has changed since the Brexit vote, and it's crucial to adapt to these new realities. He encourages open dialogue about the complexities of global trade and security in a rapidly changing world.
Thatcher's Unconventional Leadership: Margaret Thatcher, as an unconventional leader, dismissed conventional wisdom to pursue her principles, leading to significant changes in the UK's political landscape. If David Davis had become Prime Minister, he would have prioritized meritocracy, education, and assertive foreign policy, while maintaining a balanced budget.
Margaret Thatcher, as the Prime Minister of the Conservative Party, stood out from her predecessors due to her strategic aims, analytical capacity, and tactical caution. Her approach was fundamentally different, and she dismissed conventional wisdom to pursue her principles. However, the discussion also touched upon the challenges the UK currently faces, such as domestic problems, international issues, and social mobility. If David Davis had become Prime Minister, he would have focused on meritocracy and education, using technology to cater to each student's capability. He would have adopted a more assertive stance on foreign policy and been a low-tax Tory with a balanced budget. Despite the opportunity, he is content with his current role and does not harbor aspirations for the premiership.
Rory Stewart's political beliefs: Rory Stewart emphasizes staying true to original motivations, treating Parliament seriously, remembering who put you there, being cautious about easy solutions, and focusing on rethinking policies, particularly in housing and education.
While Rory Stewart may have criticized certain figures and policies associated with the Conservative Party, he does not consider himself part of the establishment. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's original motivations for entering politics, treating Parliament seriously, remembering who put you there, and being cautious about accepting easy solutions. Rory also shares his belief that populist politicians, whether gentle or unpopular, can be successful due to a rejection of the status quo and a promise to address the concerns of the people. He suggests that the Conservative Party should focus on rethinking policies, particularly in areas like housing and education, and take time to assess potential new leaders.
Political differences: Journalistic work and political leanings can put journalists at odds with political figures they share a background and social circle with, but maintaining a friendly relationship is possible through respectful discourse.
Despite sharing a background and social circle with Conservative Party figures like David Davis, Boris Johnson, and Alan Clark, the speaker, as a journalist, found himself on the opposite side of various political issues, including Brexit and social policies like gay marriage and the death penalty. Davis, in particular, attempted to draw the speaker into the Conservative Party fold, offering him a newspaper and expressing a shared disdain for the establishment. However, the speaker's journalistic work and political leanings put him at odds with these figures, leading to disagreements and debates. Despite these differences, the speaker maintained a friendly relationship with them, recognizing their unique qualities and the value of engaging in political discourse.