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Across the UK, online and on DAB, the Independent Republic of Mike Graham on Talk Radio.

The Big Chief with a badge, a cattle prod and a head on a stick.

Dangerous mid-morning debate with the great dictator.

The Independent Republic of Mike Graham on Talk Radio.

You're listening to the Independent Republic and Santa Claus.

That's right.

Mike Graham couldn't be here today as he's doing a special cameo appearance as the Grinch in pantomime at the Quemmes Theatre in Tamworth.

But I'm here instead to present some of my favourite moments from Mike's show from the past year.

So let's delve into my sack and see what treats I have for you now.

The Independent Republic of Mike Graham on Talk Radio.

Richard Murphy's political economist and director of tax research UK.

I'm just puzzled as to why austerity was brought in,

and if it was brought in the way that people describe,

did it really work and why can we now give it up?

Richard, a very good morning to you. Welcome.

Good morning.

I'm not trying to be deliberately obtuse here.

I honestly genuinely don't understand what austerity was.

I don't really understand what it's achieved.

And if it did achieve something, what is it exactly that it did achieve?

...