Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • UK's Rwanda asylum plan faces opposition and legal challengesThe UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faces opposition from the Supreme Court and internal Conservative Party divisions, with some advocating for international law and others pushing for more aggressive action. The government is considering passing legislation to declare Rwanda safe, despite the court ruling.

      The Rwanda asylum plan proposed by the UK government is facing significant opposition and legal challenges, both internally and externally. The Supreme Court has ruled that Rwanda is not a safe country for returned asylum seekers, and the government's response has been to propose a new treaty to address the concerns. However, there is a growing divide within the Conservative Party over how to proceed, with some advocating for adhering to international and common law, and others pushing for more aggressive action to get the planes in the air. Additionally, the government is considering passing primary legislation declaring Rwanda a safe country, despite the Supreme Court's ruling. The debate continues, with tensions running high and the future of the Rwanda plan uncertain.

    • Balancing new policies with international lawPolicymakers face challenges in implementing new immigration policies while respecting international obligations and maintaining the UK's reputation.

      The ongoing debate around immigration policy in the UK involves a tension between those who want to make significant changes to current laws and frameworks, and those who prioritize respecting international obligations and maintaining the UK's reputation. Some argue that the asylum conventions established after World War II are no longer relevant and that new approaches are needed to address modern migration patterns. However, there are significant challenges to implementing such changes, including resistance from various political factions and the House of Lords. Rishi Sunak and other policymakers must navigate these complexities and find a way to address the Rwanda crisis while also considering potential modifications to existing immigration frameworks. Ultimately, the success of any proposed changes will depend on the ability to balance the need for new policies with respect for international law and the UK's obligations.

    • Conservative Party Debate on Direction: Immigration, Europe, and RwandaThe Conservative Party grapples with its direction on immigration, Europe, and Rwanda as some voices from the center try to regain influence after Suella Braverman's fall from grace. The government faces legal challenges in implementing its Rwanda asylum plan, emphasizing the importance of addressing the details carefully.

      The ongoing debate within the Conservative Party regarding its direction, particularly on immigration and Europe, has reached a critical point, with some voices from the center trying to regain influence. Suella Braverman's hardline stance and subsequent fall from grace may have opened the door for these voices to resurface. However, the question remains whether this is a temporary reaction to Braverman's actions or a more permanent shift. Meanwhile, the government faces legal challenges in implementing its plans for sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, making it an important test for the government to get the details right. Sir Robert Butland, a former law chancellor and Conservative MP, emphasizes the need for a different scheme from Rwanda mark 1 and the potential for similar deals with other countries. The debate on the correct approach to getting the planes taking off to Rwanda is ongoing, and it's crucial for the government to address the legalities and details carefully.

    • Debating withdrawal from international human rights treatiesWithdrawing from international human rights treaties to address small boats crisis may lead to legal challenges, conflict, and damage to UK's reputation. Collaboration and careful consideration with stakeholders is recommended.

      The current debate around withdrawing from international human rights treaties, such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), to address the small boats crisis in the UK, may not be the most effective or advisable solution. This approach could lead to legal challenges, conflict between domestic and international law, and potential damage to the UK's reputation as a stable and rule-of-law-abiding country. Instead, careful consideration and collaboration with Rwanda and other stakeholders are recommended to find speedy and respectable solutions. Furthermore, the potential impact on Northern Ireland, which relies on the ECHR to underpin the Good Friday Agreement, should not be overlooked.

    • Exploring solutions to send asylum seekers to RwandaAdvocate a new treaty with Rwanda, deal with all UK appeals first, and consider Rwanda changing laws to ensure scheme's integrity. However, these changes might not happen soon, so it's important to balance due process and political imperative.

      Finding practical solutions is key to addressing the issue of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Sir Robert Neill suggested advocating a new treaty with Rwanda, but the contents of the treaty would be crucial. He also proposed dealing with all appeals in the UK before sending people to Rwanda and suggested Rwanda could change its domestic laws to underpin the scheme's integrity. However, these changes might not happen within the given timeline. The institutionalist approach is to do things the right way, but there's also a political imperative to address the problem. The British people value due process and the rule of law, and it's important to be honest with them about the challenges. The prime minister's approach to reducing the number of people coming via small boats involves a bigger approach that includes Rwanda, but it's essential not to sacrifice the country's values and standards in the process.

    • The Rwanda asylum plan: From extreme to mainstreamPublic perception of the Rwanda asylum plan has shifted from skepticism to acceptance, focusing on practical implementation rather than ethics and legality.

      The Rwanda asylum plan, which was once met with shock and skepticism by many, including within the Conservative Party, has shifted in public perception to be seen as a practical solution to deal with asylum seekers, despite concerns over ethics and legality. The debate now focuses on how to implement the scheme rather than whether it's morally acceptable or constitutional. This shift in public opinion, known as the Overton window, shows how ideas and policies can move from being considered extreme to becoming mainstream. It's important to note that the legality and ethics of the Rwanda plan are still being debated, and the Labour Party has criticized it for potentially abandoning international law obligations. However, the fact that the debate has shifted to focus on practical solutions demonstrates how the perception of the Rwanda plan has changed within the Conservative Party.

    • UK's Rwanda immigration policy: A divisive issue within the Conservative PartyThe UK's proposed Rwanda immigration policy is a contentious issue within the Conservative Party, with some advocating for tough measures and others expressing concerns over legal and moral implications. The policy's effectiveness and potential outcomes are uncertain due to past failures in Israel and Denmark, as well as the UK Supreme Court's ruling.

      The UK's proposed Rwanda immigration policy, aimed at deterring illegal immigration, has sparked intense debate within the Conservative Party. While some support the policy and want to see it implemented effectively, others, including moderate voices, are concerned about potential legal and moral implications. The failure of similar efforts in Israel and the ongoing process in Denmark, along with the UK Supreme Court's ruling, have added to the complexity of the issue. The conservative right, traditionally more vocal, is pushing for tougher measures, while centrists like Robert Buckland and Damien Greene are advocating for a muscular centrist position. The debate is ongoing within cabinet, and the stance of new Foreign Secretary David Cameron remains unclear. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing the need for immigration control with respect for the rule of law and conservative values.

    • UK govt's proposed withdrawal from human rights conventions faces oppositionThe UK government's plan to leave international human rights agreements and domestic courts may encounter resistance, while disagreements within OpenAI about AI development could impact its progress.

      The UK government's proposed withdrawal from international human rights conventions and domestic court protections, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), goes against conservative principles and may face significant opposition in parliament. The wider the proposed solution, the less likely it is to be implemented in a timely manner. Meanwhile, in the tech world, the sudden departure of Sam Altman from OpenAI, the leading AI research laboratory, has left many puzzled. The reasons for his departure remain unclear, but it may be related to disagreements between those who see AI as a business opportunity and those who view it as a potential threat to humanity. Altman, a venture capitalist, reportedly pushed for faster development, while scientists like Ilya Sutskever advocated for caution. The outcome of these disagreements remains to be seen, but it highlights the need for thoughtful, measured approaches to the implementation of advanced technologies.

    • Microsoft's acquisition of OpenAI and its implicationsMicrosoft's acquisition of OpenAI brings AI development under one roof, raising concerns about control and regulation while offering potential financial opportunities.

      The merger of OpenAI and Microsoft marks a significant push forward in AI technology, potentially evading regulatory oversight in the process. Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, is now leading AI development within Microsoft, bringing a large pool of talent and resources under one roof. This move raises questions about control and regulation of AI, as some worry about its impact on jobs and even existential risks, while others see financial opportunities. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is seen as having made a successful move in acquiring this talent, despite concerns about the future of OpenAI. The event also highlights the tension between near-term economic gains and long-term risks associated with AI.

    • The tension between innovation and ethical considerations in AI developmentThe focus on profit and staying ahead in the tech race may overshadow the original mission of using AI for the greater good, raising questions about the balance between decelerationists and corporations in AI development.

      The contrast between the development of advanced AI technology like OpenAI and more commercialized applications like Laundry Buddy raises questions about the balance between innovation and ethical considerations. The fear is that the focus on profit and staying ahead in the tech race may overshadow the original mission of using AI for the greater good. This tension between decelerationists and corporations is not new and has been a topic of debate in the AI community. While some believe in the philanthropic potential of AI, others see it as a valuable and potentially dangerous tool that should be controlled by a select few. The recent announcement of OpenAI's new corporate structure may be seen as a step backwards for those who want AI to be developed in the open for the public good. However, it remains to be seen how this will impact the development and use of AI in the future.

    • Argentina's New President Millett's Radical Economic and Social Changes Draw Comparisons to 1970s British ComedianNew Argentine President Millett promises radical economic and social changes, including replacing peso with US dollar, closing ministries, and socially conservative policies, drawing comparisons to 1970s British comedian Bernard Manning due to appearance and aggressive rhetoric.

      Javier Millett, the new president of Argentina, is making bold and radical changes to the country's economy and social policies, drawing comparisons to 1970s British comedian Bernard Manning due to his appearance and aggressive rhetoric. With Argentina experiencing high inflation and a struggling economy, Millett has promised to replace the peso with the US dollar as currency, close down government ministries, and implement socially conservative policies, including making abortion difficult. His approach is a stark contrast to the more moderate and gradualist approach of his Peronista opponent. The world is watching as Argentina embarks on this radical transformation, with some hailing it as a much-needed revolution and others expressing concerns. The contrasting political paths in South America, with Brazil's Lula Silva embracing a more moderate approach, add to the intrigue. The question of whether the world is becoming more or less populist remains debatable, but Argentina's Millett is certainly making a bold statement on the global stage.

    • Rumors of Liz Truss's potential role in UK governmentLiz Truss, known for aggressive economic policies, could impact UK economy significantly if appointed to a key position

      There's speculation that Liz Truss, known for her aggressive economic policies, could be given a role in the UK government. The hosts of "The News Agents" expressed this possibility in a lighthearted manner, comparing her approach to using a chainsaw to tackle economic issues. This is just a rumor at this point, but it highlights the potential impact that Truss could have on the UK economy if she is appointed to a key position. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of economic leadership and the potential consequences of different policy approaches. We'll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow.

    Recent Episodes from The News Agents

    Biden's TV debate disaster - will he now be replaced? - The News Agents - USA

    Biden's TV debate disaster - will he now be replaced? - The News Agents - USA

    This was a TV debate unlike any other. Excruciating doesn’t even cover it.

    Whilst Trump confidently lied his way through the facts, Biden barely reached the end of his sentences without meandering off into a far distant phrase.

    It was painful to watch and it will raise serious questions now amongst senior Democrats. Can they, must they replace Joe Biden as their presidential candidate?

    And if so who will be the first top figure to say it out loud?

    We take you through the most painful moments of the night and the conversations after the debate and ask if the voters will forgive this more easily - or if it’s time to take drastic action to save the Democratic Party from disaster in November.

    Editor: Gabriel Radus

    Video Production: Shane Fennelly

    The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents USA"

    Find our store here: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 28, 2024

    Starmer vs. Sunak vs. Trump vs. Biden- two TV debates, a world apart

    Starmer vs. Sunak vs. Trump vs. Biden- two TV debates, a world apart

    A week today your Twitter feed will be filing up with dogs at polling station memes.

    Yes dear listeners the marathon is almost done.

    On today's episode we will be looking at two TV debates - last night we saw the prime ministerial candidates on stage for the last time.

    Tonight it’s the turn of the US presidential candidates in Atlanta, Georgia. Do these debates ever change minds or just let audiences get things off their chest?

    We will hear from the Trump campaign team and ask if the stakes are higher for Biden or Trump, or Sunak or Starmer?

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

    Social Media: Jacob Paul

    Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 27, 2024

    Is Farage's Reform bounce over?

    Is Farage's Reform bounce over?

    The latest numbers from More in Common suggest that Nigel Farage may come to regret his comments over Putin and the Ukraine war.

    Reform has slipped back in the polls - and one in four voters believe that Farage is sympathetic to Putin.

    How will any of this play into the way people vote for his party next week?

    But we start with the gambling scandal.

    Keir Starmer has become the latest party leader to dispatch a candidate for betting - after Ipswich candidate Kevin Craig was found to have placed a bet on himself losing. North of the border, the Conservatives Scottish Secretary has come under fire for his own political flutter - even though it was not done with any inside knowledge. Are we in danger of descending into moral panic over any gambling?

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 26, 2024

    Why did it take Rishi Sunak so long to suspend the gambling Tories?

    Why did it take Rishi Sunak so long to suspend the gambling Tories?

    We will be telling the extraordinary story of Julian Assange in this episode - how he gained such legendary status - and whether he was more saint or sinner - as he leaves Belmarsh prison and heads to his new life in Australia.

    But we have to start with the latest twist in the gambleshambles as, you’ve guessed it, Rishi Sunak has now bowed to the inevitable pressure and pulled his support from two candidates who admitted to making an ill advised bet on the date of the election.

    Why could the whole country see this coming except the PM?

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 25, 2024

    Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and the Daily Mail

    Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and the Daily Mail

    Why is the Mail having a go at Nigel Farage and why is Nigel Farage having a go at Boris Johnson? These three are now firm 'frenemies' - calling each other 'morally repugnant' and calling in the lawyers...

    What does it tell us about the power on the right of British politics? And is Farage now regretting his 'Putin friendly' comments?

    Later, the Gambleshambles has reached the dizzy heights of second most damaging gaff for the election campaign amongst members of the public.

    Why has the cut through been so strong?

    And why hasn't anyone in Tory HQ managed this scandal better?

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 24, 2024

    How high in the Tory party does 'Gamblegate' go?

    How high in the Tory party does 'Gamblegate' go?

    The Sunday Times report that Nick Mason, the party's chief data officer, is the fourth Conservative being looked into over bets allegedly placed on the date of the general election. But still, no one has been suspended by Rishi Sunak. Why not? And, how far and how high does Gamblegate go? Could even someone as high up as a cabinet member be allegedly implicated?

    And later, we talk Brexit 8 years on and Lewis is at a focus group in the crucial voting area and demographic of Whitby.

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 23, 2024

    Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

    Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

    This week on The Sports Agents,

    After Rory McIlroy's dramatic decision to take a break from Golf, following his collapse at the US Open, Gabby & Mark were joined by 2010 Ryder Cup winning captain and five-time major runner up Colin Montgomerie, to debate whether golf is the most mentally-challenging sport out there and to re-live the US Open he himself 'threw away' back in 2006. 

    Later in the week, as Scotland kept their hopes a place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2024 alive, David Moyes joined Gabby for a morning coffee in Berlin, to discuss Tartan Army spirit, his own managerial future and player welfare as the number of games they're expected to play each season, continues to grow.

    Plus, with the new season's Premier League fixtures announced, we explored how the televised calendar really comes together with Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes

    Don't forget to rate, follow or subscribe so you never miss a show.

    Send your questions (or voicenotes) for our upcoming Euro 2024 Q&A to us at thesportsagents@global.com or via our socials.

    New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

    The News Agents
    enJune 23, 2024

    The Tory betting scandal, and 'venal' campaigners

    The Tory betting scandal, and 'venal' campaigners

    In a move that I think we can safely say no-one saw coming , the Conservative campaign director has announced his own leave of absence two weeks out from polling day.

    His wife is a candidate. They are both being investigated for allegedly placing a bet on the date of the election before it was publicly announced.

    Another close protection officer has been arrested for misconduct. What is happening at the heart of his campaign and what is this doing to the state of the race.

    Later we see in a key Lab/Tory marginal talking to former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith who’s been the MP here for 32 years … - and to his newly selected Labour opponent Shama Tatler.

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

    The News Agents
    enJune 20, 2024

    Related Episodes

    So, one person has gone to Rwanda...

    So, one person has gone to Rwanda...

    As of this week, Rishi Sunak can boast he has sent asylum seekers to Rwanda.

    Admittedly, it was just one guy. Admittedly he was paid £3k to go. Admittedly he'd already failed the asylum test to remain in Britain and admittedly - crucially - he went voluntarily. This is NOT the same forced deportation plan that Rishi promised would "stop the boats".

    But don't let pesky details get you down. The headline - conveniently dropping before tomorrow's local elections - make it sound like the Rwanda plan is flying.

    Later - what should you be looking out for in the Glastonbury weekend of fun that is the local elections.

    And what's going on with the protests on US college campuses - are we next?

    Editor: Tom Hughes

    Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

    Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

    Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

    Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

    You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

    LCIL Friday Lecture: 'The Christian origins of European human rights law, 1899-1950' by Dr Marco Duranti

    LCIL Friday Lecture: 'The Christian origins of European human rights law, 1899-1950' by Dr Marco Duranti
    The Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL), University of Cambridge hosts a regular Friday lunchtime lecture series on key areas of International Law. Previous subjects have included UN peacekeeping operations, the advisory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, the crime of aggression, whaling, children and military tribunals, and theories and practices for proving individual criminal responsibility for genocide and crimes against humanity. This lecture, entitled 'The Christian origins of European human rights law, 1899-1950', was delivered at the Lauterpacht Centre on Friday 27th November 2017 by Marco Duranti, Lecturer in Modern European and International History at the University of Sydney, Australia.

    'The True Nature of International Law' by Professor Philip Allott

    'The True Nature of International Law' by Professor Philip Allott
    The Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL), University of Cambridge hosts a regular Friday lunchtime lecture series on key areas of International Law. Previous subjects have included UN peacekeeping operations, the advisory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, the crime of aggression, whaling, children and military tribunals, and theories and practices for proving individual responsibility criminal responsibility for genocide and crimes against humanity. This lecture, entitled 'The True Nature of International Law', was delivered at the Lauterpacht Centre on Friday 8 March 2013 by Professor Philip Allott, Emeritus Professor of International Public Law, University of Cambridge and chaired by Dr Sarah Nouwen. Unusually for LCIL lectures, the question and answer section of this lecture has been retained. For more information about the series, please see the Lauterpacht Centre website at http://www.lcil.cam.ac.uk This entry provides an audio source for iTunesU.

    Taster: Best of Paper Cuts!

    Taster: Best of Paper Cuts!
    While you wait for the next episode of Oh God, What Now? Why don't you give our sister podcast PAPER CUTS a try? PAPER CUTS is the modern press review. We're out Monday to Friday, Miranda Sawyer and guests look at what’s behind the biggest stories, and bring you the weirdest headlines, the biggest scoops and the most astonishing manifestations of mass newspaper neurosis. Guests include Marcus Brigstocke, Rosie Holt, Jon Ellege, Scottee, Jason Hazeley, Daniel Foxx and the BAFTA nominated Gráinne Maguire. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite app. PAPER CUTS. We read the papers so you don't have to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices