CakeWatch

Steve is back, but as a guest, and joined by Ian Dunt to reflect on what makes a liberal, how to win the culture war, and whether we remember anything from our undergraduate days. Swearing. Buy Ian Dunt's new book, How To Be A Liberal, from Canbury Press. Audio clips from Patrick Tull's reading of Treason's Harbour by Patrick O'BrianSpecial Guests: Ian Dunt and Steve Bullock.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2020

Chris and Garvan Walshe catch up on how they handled lockdown, what to expect next, and what has changed since they last recorded the podcast together, in November 2018. Just as it did two years ago, the Northern Ireland backstop features heavily in Lie of the Week. Also, will the Conservative Party have the good sense to ditch its current leader?Special Guest: Garvan Walshe.

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2020

Alviina Alametsä is a Green Party MEP from Finland. She took up her seat only in February 2020, after it was vacated by a departing UK MEP. Cakewatch likes to think that she took one previously occupied by a Faragist. Alviina's particular policy interests are public mental health and conflict resolution, so who better to talk about tackling the Brexit aftermath? Alviina draws on her own experience as a survivor of a school shooting to inform her campaigning work to improve access to mental healthcare for young people in particular. In a world facing climate emergency and coronavirus, not to mention Brexit and populism, we look at how policy generally fails to factor in the mental health impact, and what can be done at EU level to address this. Mind, the mental health charity, offering help and advice to you if you are suffering from depression or if you are looking for advice on how to help someone who you think might be depressed.Special Guest: Alviina Alametsä.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2020

Trade expert David Henig joins the podcast again for our first survey of the post B-day wreckage. With the EU and the UK apparently offering different visions of their future relationship, which one is the more realistic? Hahaha no seriously, which?Special Guest: David Henig.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2020

For our final podcast before Brexit, we're joined again by Tanja Bueltmann to talk about coping strategies, Steve's album of ambient prozac, and the ongoing work to support EU citizens in the UK as they face mounting hostility and an unforgiving bureaucracy. You can get Steve's album here, and become an EU Citizens' Champion. We're dedicating this episode to the memory of our friend and colleague Andy Barnard.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2020

The aftermath. Rather than wallow in despair we look back on a fight well fought, and the friends that have joined us on the podcast. We also reflect a little bit on what the future will bring. It's not pretty, so we need to find strategies to help us through the dark times ahead. Thank you to all our guests who have helped us out on the podcast over the last 67 episodes: Alyn Smith Andy of Remainer Now Axel Antoni David Henig Dmitry Grozoubinski Garvan Walshe Ian Bond Jason Knoll Jim Cornelius Jon Worth Julie Girling Katie Low Laura Shields Molly Scott Cato Nick Crosby Nicky James Peter Wilding Seb Dance Steve Analyst Tanja Bueltmann Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas Download Steve's new album One Thousand Days and please give generously to EU Citizens Champion!

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2019

We cut to the chase. Nothing is more important than this. On Thursday, vote for the candidate most likely to beat Boris Johnson. Because if you don't, if he wins, our country will become unrecognisable. This will be the defining battle of our culture war.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2019

Brexit flowchart hero and EU Twitter legend Jon Worth joins Chris this week to take a deeper dive into tactical voting in the UK's general election - where is a tactical vote needed, how to work out where a tactical vote should go, and what might happen? All in the service of depriving Boris Johnson of a working majority and so keeping our hopes of remaining in the EU alive. Jon and Chris also reflect on their experiences of living and working in the EU and observing the way other EU countries do politics differently, and ask how the UK might do things better, why its EU membership seems to have had so little impact, and yes the 'f' word crops up. Federalism, that is. If you want to take Jon up on his offer of a personalised tactical voting recommendation, please get in touch with him via his blog jonworth.eu or on Twitter where he is @jonworth. Jon's tactical voting guide can be found here.Special Guest: Jon Worth.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2019

Steve studied moral philosophy. (So did Chris but he doesn't get a word in edgeways.) We look at the ethics of tactical voting in the 2019 general election, and why you should hold your nose and vote for a candidate from a party you might not endorse as a party of government. Not just because you want to Remain in the EU, but also because you want to avert a catastrophic Johnson majority and engineer a situation where your first and second order goals might, just might, see the light of day. Network Vote want your help to get the "unheard third" of the vote out. Today we launch our website https://t.co/MghOAJAWaE - a tool to help our communtities across the UK boost voter turnout. Ours is a simple, unique idea: we don't want you to sign up to a mailing list or get your details. The materials are free, open-source and for everybody /1— network.vote (@NetworkVote) November 10, 2019 Jon Worth's blog is your one-stop-shop to help you decide how to use your precious vote. You can find out where you are voting, whether you should vote tactically, and what the key tactical voting sites are recommending you should do with your vote. Jon Worth's practical guide to tactical voting

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2019

Laura's kitchen table is once again the scene of a cosy chat about our favourite things: Brexit, Boris Johnson, his so-called new deal, and the wholesale attack on citizens' rights. For light relief we join four Remainers Now standing in the rain outside the European Commission's headquarters and hear from them why they've made the journey to Brussels and what they want to achieve here. This podcast was brought to you by a large gin and tonic. Jamie Susskind, author of Future Politics On The House podcast with guest Alastair CampbellSpecial Guest: Laura Shields.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2019

Chris is back from Tashkent with a head full of musings. How badly does the EU want the UK to leave? Quite badly, he thinks. Steve sort of agrees. But this week's unicorn chaser is the imminent collapse of the Bannonite populist project on both sides of the Atlantic. Steve sort of disagrees. Rafael Behr's excellent analysis piece in the Guardian Rally 4 Our Rights

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2019

Johnson says he has a deal that might fly but he won't show it to anyone yet, because it's too soon isn't it? [turns head, stares at camera] Is the EU losing patience? Xavier Bettel looks as if he has. What are the implications for Remainers? Plus we have a half-hearted go at a making verbal Jon Worth flowchart on the fly - what are the scenarios from here on out? And - we can dream - what happens the morning after revocation? Don't forget the Rally 4 Our Rights on 12 October!

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2019

After a long absence, Steve is back co-hosting the podcast and here we all are again: parliament versus executive. Does Cummings have a grand strategy? Or is Johnson flying by the seat of his pants and about to crash? After a long evening watching Parliament TV, we catch up with each other and wonder where this shaggy dog story will go next. Our rights are under immediate and serious threat from Brexit and Boris Johnson: join us on 12 October and Rally 4 Our Rights! Also, please consider donating to cover costs.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2019

Chris is joined by Jason Knoll who teaches high school students in Verona, Wisconsin. His particular interest is the European Union, and he brings his particular point of view to the podcast in a discussion about Trump, Johnson, populism, and grassroots politics. Cakewatch will be back in September.Special Guest: Jason Knoll.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2019

Former Tory Party insider Peter Wilding is back on an historic day for his old party and for the UK. We reflect on the realisation of Boris Johnson's ambition and how he'll handle his poisoned chalice; the Jacobins are now in charge and the next hundred days will be... eventful. Plus a few reflections on the European election and on the EU top jobs.Special Guest: Peter Wilding.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2019

Chris and Steve Analyst discuss 'montagegate', in which Steve documents selective editing of news footage by the BBC to give the false impression that Leavers and Remainers alike said ahead of the referendum that voting to leave the EU would mean voting to leave the Single Market. This is not true. Montagegate Part 1 Montagegate Part 2

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2019

Ancient historian Katie Low joins Chris to talk about why ancient history has so much to teach us about modern Brexit. Will Brexit be the UK's Sicilian Expedition? (Yes.) Is Boris Johnson the modern Alcibiades? (Sort of.) Is Jacob Rees Mogg a modern Cicero? (No.) Is Jeremy Corbyn the modern Julius Caesar? (No but Seumas Milne might be.) With a side order of griping at British educational elitism. Katie's guest post on Chris' blog Timothy Snyder's speech for Europe Day 2019 - "we are more than our myths" #ThucydidesKlaxonSpecial Guest: Katie Low.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2019

Chris, Tanja, and Axel Antoni offer a first take on last week's European election and its aftermath before examining in a bit more detail what led to the disenfranchisement of many EU citizens who were denied their vote, and what can be done about it. Now updated with new and improved sound thanks to post-production by heroic listener Charlie Elwess! Join The 3 Million's case against the government by sharing your story. You can also support The 3 Million! (Please!) And if you haven't done so yet (or even if you have), please also consider becoming an EU Citizens' Champion. Here is our episode on mental health issues. Mind, the mental health charity, offer help and advice to you if you are suffering from depression or if you are looking for advice on how to help someone who you think might be depressed.Special Guest: Axel Antoni.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2019

Andy voted Remain but was not particularly engaged in politics. But something prompted him to become an activist and launch a huge and growing grassroots campaign providing a platform for people who voted Leave, but regret it, to challenge the Westminster orthodoxy that "the people have spoken". It's OK to change your mind, and Andy wants to make sure that regretful Leavers understand that. We talk to Andy about his activism, and we also continue where we left off last week on party politics, party loyalties, and the European elections. Plus Chris finally does his homework on the Spitzenkandidat procedure. The article in PMP magazine referred to by Andy, in which former eurosceptic Andy (different Andy) explains his Damascene conversion, as heard on James O'Brien's radio show.Special Guest: Andy of Remainer Now.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2019

Now the parties have published their manifestos, how should Remainers plan to use their votes in the European election on 23 May? We talk about the tribal nature of party politics and why good people stay loyal to bad parties. Intro music this week by Ludwig van Beethoven arranged & performed by Mr Steve Bullock.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2019

Steve is off sick this week with a tummy bug so Chris is flying solo as host with guest Peter Wilding, aka @eurorealist, long-time Tory party insider, former head of the British Influence think tank, inventor of the dread word Brexit, and now a European Parliament candidate for Change UK. As we work our way through various beverages, we discuss the state of the Tory party and British politics, contemplate what might happen between now and the end of the Brexit Hextension, and whether Change UK really stands any chance of, well, changing the UK. Peter's book, What Next?Special Guest: Peter Wilding.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2019

We D'hondt tell you how to vote in the European elections, but we hope our prolix chat about infighting and outfighting and tactics and principles and manifestos and candidates and choices and dilemmas has given you a helping, er, hondt. Steve's article for politics.co.uk

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2019

So we got another extension, to Halloween - did the threat of no-deal actually work? Are there divisions appearing among the EU27? What happens between now and October? Also, how should we be approaching the European elections? Should we vote tactically? To what extent should we treat it as a proxy referendum for Remain v. Leave? How would this sit with our democratic responsibility as EU citizens to vote on a European platform? Not A level politics exam questions in 2029 but an hour and a half of chatter with Steve and Chris. Plus, we forgot to ask you to vote for us in the British Podcast Awards Postscript: we got d'Hondt wrong - d'oh! So we've edited the podcast to reflect this (edited version posted 0800 BST 17 April 2019)

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2019

Recorded on the evening of Wednesday 3 April, Steve and Chris discuss the failure of Meaningful Vote 3.0, Indicative Votes 2.0, and Theresa May's Road to Damascus moment (spoiler: it's not). How will the EU27 respond to her plan for a further short extension?

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2019

With only two days to go until UnBrexit Day, we try to survey the rapidly shifting landscape and chart a course for where we head next. It's an exciting and unexpected place to be with only two days to go until 29 March, but we are by no means out of the woods. Listen while our takes still have some residual warmth left.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2019

In the second episode of the week, we visit Alyn Smith MEP in his offices, surrounded by boxes, for what might be a farewell chat, and reflect on another absolutely hatstand day in Brexit's endgame. Theresa May has written a letter to the European Council asking for a short extension and managing to annoy everybody on all sides; and (at time of recording) we're hiding behind the sofa waiting for her latest excruciatingly awful podium address to the nation.Special Guest: Alyn Smith.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2019

Chris, Steve, and a gurgling kitchen sink discuss extensions and whether the neighbours might lodge an objection with the council.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2019

So the government has lost the meaningful vote on the Withdrawal Agreement by a massive margin - AGAIN - and now what? Should we celebrate? How will Brussels react? What are the options for and chances of extending the Article 50 two year deadline? Steve and Chris bravely combat man flu to bring you their thoughts. Listen all the way to the end for a treat and, er, brillax! (Episode title shamelessly stolen from Remainiacs' Twitter feed)

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2019

Coffee tariffs and orange tariffs and zero tariffs oh my! Chris in conversation with Twitter trade legend and man of mystery, Jim Cornelius, self-made walking encyclopedia of all things tariff-related, and scourge of so-called liberal leavers everywhere. Heads up: there are a couple of audio glitches that might make you jump if you're listening over headphones, for which we apologise in advance.Special Guest: Jim Cornelius.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2019

A podcast of two halves this week. The first half is a look at the day's news from Westminster, where Corbyn now says he backs a referendum with Remain on the ballot, and where May now says she will call for a vote on whether to leave with no deal, or extend Article 50. Plus, more importantly, how the EU might feel about this. Then, in the second half, an extended discussion on Steve's personal Twexit - why he has taken the decision to step back from Twitter activism.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2019

Navel-gazing post-Remainiacs self-congratulation cut with road trip excerpts all amount to another week in the podcast that isn't about cake. We also reflect on the futility of TIG-related hope and the futility of unicorn-related Brussels tourism.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2019

We donned safety helmets and ventured forth into the archives to seek out our very first podcast, recorded one year ago on wax cylinder, and listen back to it to see whether anything has changed in the world of Brexit. Spoiler: it hasn't. The Brexit database from Twitter user @brexology_uk

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2019

Dmitry Grozoubinski is our guest this week to talk about what the hell a "WTO terms deal" is(n't), and we weigh up the risks and chances of a disorderly Brexit. Plus easily the sexiest Lie of the Week ever. Dmitry's trade explainer blog, Trade ExplainedSpecial Guest: Dmitry Grozoubinski.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2019

Chris and Tanja have no confidence in this government and reject its withdrawal agreement but more specifically talk about Brexit British attitudes towards Germany, where things stand for EU citizens as B-day approaches, and Brecht. Become an EU Citizens Champion EU citizens are your colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. Your doctors, builders, teachers and hairdressers. As the UK descends further and further into chaos, we need you to stand with EU citizens. We need you to say: #HandsOff and support us to #RescueOurRights. 1/ pic.twitter.com/5MFNGTOPFi— Prof Tanja Bueltmann (@cliodiaspora) January 16, 2019

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2019

January can be a difficult month, and Brexit is not helping. Many of us find ourselves struggling to cope with the insecurity that Brexit is causing. In this episode, we look at how Brexit is making us feel and how we're dealing with those feelings. We also look ahead to The Convention, an event taking place in London on 11 January to prepare for a potential new referendum. Mind, the mental health charity, offering help and advice to you if you are suffering from depression or if you are looking for advice on how to help someone who you think might be depressed. The ConventionSpecial Guest: Laura Shields.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2019

Theresa May's shocker at the European Council, and why it happened. Plus: Tony Blair, huh, what he isn't good for. And some home truths on what the Article 50 ruling means and what it doesn't mean. Finally, a few cracking Lies of the Week, and an absolute zinger as Tweet of the Year. Chris' tweet about the Economist's Bagehot column Ivan Rogers' speech JC Piris' tweet of the century

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2018

A throwback to the early days of the podcast in which Steve and Chris wind each other up into a state of high-pitched sweary indignation as they survey the carnage wrought by Brexit. Specifically, the importance of accuracy and honesty on the Remain side, negative and exceptionalist framing, government dishonesty and delusion, and car doors.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2018

The unorthodox structure of this week's podcast is not so much down to avant garde editing as technical snafu, but we start at the beginning with Chris and Laura putting the world to rights over kebabs and prosecco, and end in the middle of things as we join Steve, Steve, and Chris half way through a discussion of Tuesday's events in Westminster, where this leaves Brexit, and was the UK really such an obstacle anyway?Special Guest: Laura Shields.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2018

The Centre for European Reform is the UK's foremost think tank on matters European, and Ian Bond is its Director of Foreign Policy, so Chris is in his element this week discussing how Brexit might affect both UK and EU foreign policy. Featuring not one, not two, but three baskets.Special Guest: Ian Bond.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2018

Nick Crosby joins Chris to wonder whether and how the House of Commons might yet find a way to reject the Withdrawal Agreement and #StopBrexit. Also Hostile Environment Lady jumps the Lie of the Week queue.Special Guest: Nick Crosby.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2018

Steve is back and vaping hard (sorry for the background noises) while he outlines options for amending the bill to pass the Withdrawal Agreement and Chris listens in increasing bewilderment. We also discuss whether the UK has really been the disruptive force within EU structures that it's been made out to be in some quarters (OK these quarters).

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2018

Alas poor Steve, he's still poorly, so Chris is hosting solo this week and joined by special guest Garvan Walshe (yes we know he was already on Remainiacs grrr) for a chat about the so-called Irish backstop, Jeremy Hunt's brass-necked cakeism, and whether Anna Soubry is a Leninist. Plus: would Remaining really be a good thing? No I mean really?? Also: Thucydides! Jon Lis' opinion piece in the Guardian: "Britain’s arrogant attempts to hoodwink the EU have sacrificed all trust"Special Guest: Garvan Walshe.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2018

Steve Analyst is back and promoted to stand-in co-host covering for Steve B. What do Chris and Steve A do while Steve B is away? Get stuck in to some proper trade nerdery, that's what. We discuss how the UK can realise its global trade ambitions, whether EU trade deals can be rolled over, and what a unilateral zero tariff regime would do to the country's bank balance. Rock & roll! Also: a controversial lie of the week and a discussion of how to herd Remainer cats. (No intro/outro music or lie of the week music this week because our sound engineer is in bed with the flu.)

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2018

We leave the podcast dungeon and lug our recording equipment to a meeting room in the European Parliament where we chat with not one, not two, not three, but four MEPs about the Brexit endgame! This was a cracking conversation with political heavyweights so do not miss this one Remain nerds! Our guests are, in no particular order: Julie Girling MEP (EPP/independent - Julie was a Conservative MEP until the party withdrew the whip from her for her stance on Brexit) Alyn Smith MEP (Greens/EFA/SNP) Seb Dance MEP (S&D/Labour) Molly Scott Cato MEP (Greens/EFA/Green Party) Huge thanks to Molly, Seb, Alyn, and Julie for sparing the time to come and talk to us, we hope you find this as rewarding to listen to as we did to record. Don't forget the People's Vote March in London this Saturday, 20 October - do whatever you need to do to be there! And keep writing to your MPs to press for a Peoples Vote and a Final Say (For All!) because we NEED to Stop Brexit! Also: please be sure to check out the new podcast from our friends at Remainer Now!Special Guests: Alyn Smith, Julie Girling, Molly Scott Cato, and Seb Dance.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2018

Our friends at the Nottingham European Movement asked us if they could use our podcast to share a recording of their 'Brexit: What Next?' event with our listeners, and we bit their arm off! Enjoy this hour and a half panel discussion with these stone-cold Remain legends: Ken Clarke QC MP, Conservative Chris Leslie MP, Labour Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat Natalie Bennett, Green Party (leader of the Green Party 2012-16, and currently prospective parliamentary candidate for Sheffield) Femi Oluwole, co-founder of Our Future, Our Choice! Eloise Todd, chief executive, Best for Britain Moderated by John Hess, former BBC political editor for the East Midlands (Apologies to Chris for omitting to include him in my spoken intro!)

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2018

We were going to have a theme this week but we ran out of time before we could start on one. Plenty of follow-up, looking ahead to next week's European Council showdown, wondering where it's all heading, and looking at the In Limbo book that was launched this week. Oh and Lie of the Week, of course. Sponsored by Wandsworth European Movement who are launching their Four Freedoms Pale Ale on 19 October - sign up for the launch event here!

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2018

Warning: this episode includes very strong language (I mean, read the title) - listener discretion is advised (not one for teatime with the kids) Awesome citizen rights campaigner Tanja Bueltmann co-hosts this week's episode as we talk about her work on behalf of EU27 citizens in the UK, what it's like being a constant target of online and offline harrassment, why we should reclaim the c-word, and what we think of the Tory party conference. Christopher Kissane's article for the Irish Times on how historical nonsense underpins the UK's Brexit floundering. Tanja tells her story in this Twitter thread Tanja came onto the podcast to talk about the abuse she receives constantly simply for being who she is and for asserting her right to be who she is. And this is what happens. If you are reading this and you think stories of abuse are exaggerated, because you don't get much, walk a mile in Tanja's shoes. Please support EU Citizens Champion. We don't make any money at all from this podcast, and we never will, but if you feel you want to give something back, please give generously to Tanja's work here. Thank you.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2018

A bit of follow-up on Armenian regulatory competences trade nerds, then it's straight into Salzburg OMG she didn't did she she did! and then Labour Conference and the thrill we felt when Starmer said what he said and the Conference did what it did. Closing out with Silver Jubilee Cake(ism) and one of the all time great Lies of the Week. Jim Cornelius we salute you.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2018

A bit of a long one this week, in which we explore how a Peoples Vote might happen, and ask what a successful campaign might look like. And we take Cakewatch to a sunny Place Lux for lunch with David Henig, he of #TwitterTrade fame. Lie of the Week featuring the Raabinator.Special Guest: David Henig.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2018

We talk about the European Research Group and its unpublished policy proposals which, apparently, have significant flaws and, so we hear, may be widely mocked. Keep listening for an Easter Egg including a contribution from a very special guest. https://finalsayforall.eu/

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2018