The Capitalist podcast

#Government #UK Politics #News #Politics #Italy #CapX #Economics #Westminster #Conservative

32:09

Learn how to build a simple estate plan and lend or repay family money without hurting your relationships. What’s the first thing to do when creating an estate plan? What’s the smartest way to handle loans between friends or family? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down estate-planning basics like wills, revocable trusts, living wills/advance healthcare directives, and durable powers of attorney — tools that can ensure your wishes are carried out and help your loved ones avoid probate. They also share when to update your documents, how beneficiary designations can override your will, and three simple to-dos to get started without feeling overwhelmed. Then, mortgage and student loans writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a listener’s question about paying a loan back to her parents. They explore how family loans and lending circles work, why it’s important to put agreements in writing (and when notarizing helps), and the impact informal loans can have on your credit. They also weigh different ways to set money aside, comparing high-yield savings accounts with taxable brokerage accounts invested in ETFs and considering timelines, growth potential, and tax trade-offs. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: estate planning, will vs trust, revocable trust, living will, durable power of attorney, healthcare proxy, advance healthcare directive, probate explained, beneficiary designation vs will, update beneficiaries after marriage, how often to update a will, intestate meaning, avoid probate, family loan agreement, lend money to family safely, informal lending, lending circle, saving circle, notarized loan contract, pros and cons of family loans, protect relationships when lending money, credit score and informal loans, high-yield savings accounts, taxable brokerage accounts, ETF basics for beginners, repaying parents for college, fiduciary roles in estate planning, power dynamics of lending to friends, writing a repayment schedule, when to use a trust for minors, and retitling assets into a trust. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com . Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The Capitalist

maison des série•Feed

The Capitalist is the podcast that champions free markets, fresh ideas, and thoughtful solutions. Join sharp minds from business, politics, and beyond for intelligent debate and optimistic conversations about building a brighter, market-driven future for Britain. Brought to you by the team behind CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

266 episodes

The Capitalist

58 subscribers

updated il y a environ 4 jours

maison des série•Feed

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

266 episodes

#Government #UK Politics #News #Politics #Italy #CapX #Economics #Westminster #Conservative

Tous les épisodes

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: 21st century Thatcherism 6:54

il y a environ 4 jours6:54

6:54

Fifty years since Margaret Thatcher became leader of the Conservative Party, her face, and even some of her iconic outfits, were all over this year’s party conference. Not everyone was happy about that. Hot takes and tweets grumbled about it being time to move on, to pack away the old clothes and put out something a bit more 2025. At CapX, however, we’re proud to still fly the Thatcherite flag. Not just because, as part of the Centre for Policy Studies, the think tank she co-founded, Thatcher’s ideas are in our DNA. But, as Marc Sidwell argues, because Mrs Thatcher remains the woman for this moment, with the ideas that Britain still needs to get back on the right track. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Ofcom faces legal action over online safety 27:41

il y a environ 6 jours27:41

27:41

Can a British regulator really fine an overseas website under the banner of the Online Safety Act? In today’s edition of The Capitalist, host Marc Sidwell is joined by free speech lawyer Preston Byrne and journalist Harry Phibbs to discuss Ofcom’s £20,000 penalty against 4chan — and what it means for free expression in the digital age. The conversation then turns to calls for a one-off wealth raid to patch Britain’s public finances, and to Marc’s own argument that Margaret Thatcher’s unfinished revolution still offers Britain a blueprint for national renewal. From digital censorship to tax grabs and the battle for Britain’s economic soul, this is a sharp, timely look at what freedom really means in 2025. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Special: Does Britain need a chainsaw revolution? 1:00:38

il y a environ 11 jours1:00:38

1:00:38

Javier Milei’s Argentina has drawn the admiration of many British conservatives. But what would a “British Milei” really look like — and would the civil service, Parliament, or the public ever let one govern? That question animated a lively CapX panel at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, chaired by Joseph Dinnage, with Jack Rankin MP, Annunziata Rees-Mogg of Popular Conservatives, Tom Clougherty of the Institute of Economic Affairs, and Tom Harwood of GB News. The discussion drew heavily on Argentina’s libertarian experiment under President Javier Milei — his slash-and-burn of ministries, his rapid deficit elimination, and his flair for political theatre. Could such radicalism take root in Westminster’s rule-bound soil? The panel’s admiration was tempered by realism. Clougherty praised Milei’s fiscal discipline — cutting Argentina’s deficit from 5% of GDP to zero in a month — but warned that “chainsaws don’t travel well.” Rees-Mogg highlighted Milei’s “depth of conviction,” arguing Britain’s leaders have lost the courage to act decisively. Rankin cautioned that “the Overton window hasn’t yet moved on the economy,” though he expects a coming fiscal reckoning to force honesty about debt, welfare, and spending. Harwood, meanwhile, drew parallels with Liz Truss’s ill-fated mini-budget: “Markets thought we’d gone loopy,” he said, underscoring that radicalism without credibility is ruinous. Where Argentina acted from crisis, Britain’s crisis is one of confidence. The conversation returned again and again to communication — how to marry tough economics with moral clarity. “We need to explain the why,” Rees-Mogg insisted. The lesson from Buenos Aires, it seems, isn’t to imitate Milei’s chainsaw, but his conviction: to tell the truth early, show belief in reform, and build consent before crisis forces the issue. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Special: Live at the Conservative Party Conference 55:40

il y a environ 13 jours55:40

55:40

“The Tory Party isn’t dead... yet.” Live from the Conservative Party Conference 2025 in Manchester, The Capitalist tests that claim with a frank post-mortem and a blueprint for revival. Host Marc Sidwell grills Tom Harwood (Deputy Political Editor, GB News) and Lord Graham Brady (former MP and long-time chair of the 1922 Committee) on whether this bruised party can regain credibility — and how fast. From the mood on the conference floor to the hard maths of the public finances, they weigh the big gambles: leaving the ECHR to make border policy bite, putting spending cuts ahead of tax hikes, and shifting the national conversation back to growth, competitiveness and a simpler, flatter tax system. Expect sharp takes on the Reform Party squeeze, why messaging matters as much as manifestos, and what Thatcher-era discipline can still teach a fractious Right. With the autumn Budget looming and trust at a premium, our guests debate whether a “strong borders, strong economy” pivot can move votes — or if this is just the first step in a long road back. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Is Ed Miliband a threat to climate action? 6:26

il y a environ 18 jours6:26

6:26

Is Ed Miliband the greatest threat to climate action in Britain today? In this edition of Despatch, Sam Hall — Director of the Conservative Environment Network — delivers a clear critique of Labour’s energy agenda. While the left rails against climate sceptics like Nigel Farage, Hall argues it’s actually Ed Miliband’s heavy-handed, ideologically driven policies that risk turning the public against the green transition. From sky-high subsidies and rushed decarbonisation targets to politicised rhetoric tying climate change to broader progressive causes, Labour is making clean energy more expensive, less competitive, and dangerously partisan. The result? Higher bills, slower adoption of electric vehicles and heating, and growing resistance from voters who should be onside. With the Conservative Party Conference approaching, Hall makes the case for a pragmatic, pro-market approach to climate policy — and calls on the right to reclaim its environmental legacy from both denialists and dogmatists. Despatch is the sharp weekly briefing from the team behind The Capitalist, unpacking the political ideas shaping Britain's future. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Labour's immigration challenge 21:50

il y a environ 20 jours21:50

21:50

Labour is playing a dangerous game on immigration – edging closer to Reform’s hardline rhetoric but risking alienation from their own base, while never going far enough to satisfy Reform’s supporters. Against this backdrop, Rachel Reeves prepares the ground for potential tax rises. Can Labour raise revenue without choking off long-term growth? Marc Sidwell is joined by City AM’s Alys Denby and Dr Lawrence Newport of the Looking for Growth campaign. Also on the agenda: what the government’s new residency rules mean for Britain’s workforce, and whether cutting obscure planning red tape will really deliver the economic momentum Labour has promised. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Is Starmer on shaky ground? 7:54

il y a environ 25 jours7:54

7:54

With party conference season underway and Andy Burnham circling with a bolder agenda, former special adviser Callum Price asks the hard questions: Why is Labour so wary of defining its purpose? Why does Starmer still seem like a fox pretending to be a hedgehog — chasing contradictory goals without a guiding principle? And what happens when a party with power has no story to tell? Drawing on lessons from Isaiah Berlin and even Margaret Thatcher’s ideological clarity, this edition explores what happens when governments try to govern without vision — and why the vacuum is already being filled. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Is anyone being serious? 32:24

il y a environ 27 jours32:24

32:24

Nigel Farage and Sir Ed Davey may sit on opposite ends of the political spectrum, yet both share a flair for spectacle — deft at seizing headlines, even when the substance is thinner than the show. Reform UK’s proposal to scrap the route to permanent residency for migrants marks a striking departure from the policies of Britain’s main parties. But beyond all the talk, what would such a move really mean for the economy? CapX’s Marc Sidwell speaks with Daniel Freeman of the Institute of Economic Affairs and Maxwell Marlow of the Adam Smith Institute to separate fact from fiction. Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats are often cast as too staid to capture attention – yet their strong election performance suggests that there may, in fact, be an appetite for more measured politics. And across the Atlantic, freedom of speech is often celebrated as a cornerstone of American life. The recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel, however, underlines how contested the principle has become – in the US as much as in Europe. As the digital age reshapes debate, are our assumptions about liberty shifting too? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Steve Baker thinks a crash is coming 8:40

il y a 5 weeks8:40

8:40

What if the real revolution isn’t coming from the Left — but from the forgotten champions of free markets and personal freedom? In this special edition of Despatch, former Conservative MP Steve Baker lays out a bold and urgent case for a political reawakening. With the UK economy stumbling under the weight of high taxes, ballooning debt, and bureaucratic drift, Steve argues that the real danger isn’t populism — it’s the slow death of freedom under a stifling managerial consensus. Launching his new movement Fighting for a Free Future, Steve says we're facing a huge crisis and we need a paradigm shift: a return to the principles that once lifted billions out of poverty and could do so again — if only we had the courage to unleash them. Drawing inspiration from Leonard Read’s classic essay "I, Pencil" and Argentina’s dramatic turnaround under President Javier Milei, this episode is a passionate reminder that voluntary cooperation, not state coercion, lies at the heart of human progress. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Who speaks for Britain’s centre-right? 33:08

il y a 5 weeks33:08

33:08

Is the centre-right cracking? From Westminster defections to French fiscal chaos, this week has delivered a sharp shock to Europe’s conservative mainstream. In London, Tory MP Danny Kruger crossed the floor to join Reform UK, denouncing his former party as “over.” In Paris, a fresh downgrade to France’s credit rating has cast a long shadow over President Macron’s government as strikes loom and talk of wealth taxes rattles business leaders. In this timely edition of The Capitalist, host Marc Sidwell is joined by policy analyst François Valentin and Conservative Home deputy editor Henry Hill to explore what these moments reveal about the state of centre-right politics across the continent. Are voters turning away from moderation? Can mainstream parties adapt — or are they being outflanked on both sides? Sharp analysis, calm insight — and the questions every serious observer of European politics should be asking. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Britain is becoming France 7:46

il y a 6 weeks7:46

7:46

Is Britain sleepwalking into a very French crisis? In this Despatch, Joseph Dinnage argues that Westminster is starting to look uncomfortably like Paris: a revolving door at the top, a debt “swamp” that spooks markets, and electorates hooked on ever-costlier entitlements. After François Bayrou’s fall and Sébastien Lecornu’s rise, France’s soaring debt and pension politics serve as a cautionary tale—one Britain may be replaying with the triple lock, winter fuel U-turns and a ballooning interest bill. As Marine Le Pen and Nigel Farage reshape the conversation, Dinnage makes a brisk, unsentimental case for fiscal grit from Labour and a credible growth plan from the Tories—before voters decide the duopoly has had its day. Despatch features the best writing from CapX's daily newsletter, brought to you by the team behind The Capitalist. Don't miss our full show every Wednesday. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Special: Steve Baker on Britain's Milei moment 38:30

il y a 6 weeks38:30

38:30

Argentina's Javier Milei has defied critics by bringing sweeping economic reform to an economy many had written off. Former MP Steve Baker — the “hard man of Brexit” — says a similarly radical free-market reform can save Britain, too. In this special edition of The Capitalist, Steve joins Marc Sidwell to launch his new project, Fighting for a Free Future. From soaring house prices to the looming pensions crisis, Steve pulls no punches: the managerial state is broken, the emperor has no clothes, and unless Britain slashes spending, abandons failed orthodoxies, and embraces liberty, we face managed decline — or worse. Britain is running out of time. Debt is spiralling, taxes are at breaking point, and politicians refuse to face the truth. This is a conversation about courage, crisis, and the bold choices we must make before it’s too late. Discover more about Steve's new project: https://www.fightingforafreefuture.com/ Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Is Angela Rayner on the ropes? 5:51

il y a 7 weeks5:51

5:51

This week on Despatch , we ask whether Labour’s deputy leader is about to fall victim to her own class war. Once the scourge of Conservative ministers accused of impropriety, Rayner now faces her own reckoning over unpaid stamp duty. Yet her life story – from single mother at 16 to the country’s second-in-command – makes her both Labour’s populist powerhouse and a figure of fascination for some Tories. William Atkinson of The Spectator explores the political theatre, the stakes for Keir Starmer, and why Rayner’s survival could reshape Labour – and perhaps Britain’s future leadership. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Does migration hurt our economy? 26:09

il y a 7 weeks26:09

26:09

Britain’s migration debate has reached boiling point. With migrant hotels sparking legal battles, border policies under fire, and trust in government eroding, the question is no longer just about numbers – it’s about whether Britain can regain control of its borders and its future. In this edition of The Capitalist, Marc Sidwell is joined by City AM’s Alys Denby and economist Julian Jessop to unpack the UK’s immigration crisis, its decade of economic stagnation, and the explosive rise of Reform UK. From the economics of mass migration to the politics of the ECHR, the panel offers clear-eyed analysis on a nation at a crossroads. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The Online Safety Act is humiliating Britain 6:35

il y a 8 weeks6:35

6:35

Britain’s new Online Safety Act was meant to protect children — but it’s becoming an international embarrassment. Not only is it pushing young people towards darker corners of the web, it’s also turning the UK into a would-be global censor. This week on Despatch, legal scholar Andrew Tettenborn reveals how Ofcom is sending heavy-handed legal threats to US websites like 4chan, Gab, and KiwiFarms, demanding they obey UK law — only to be laughed off. The result? Britain now looks like a bully abroad, a censor at home, and a country at odds with its proud tradition of free speech. From VPN loopholes to threats of a “Great British Firewall”, this is a searing look at a law that’s doing far more harm than good — and why it’s time for a rethink. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The Chancellor won't survive this 8:13

il y a 16 weeks8:13

8:13

The markets have made their judgment—and it’s far from flattering. As gilt yields climb and confidence wanes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a fiscal storm of her own making. Economist Damian Pudner weighs in on Labour’s deepening credibility crisis, arguing that the era of cost-free politics is drawing to a close. With pressure mounting on both the Treasury and No. 10, the question is no longer whether taxes will rise, but how swiftly and by how much. The Chancellor is running out of road, the Prime Minister is newly vulnerable—and the world is watching. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Taxing the rich is not a quick fix 29:57

il y a 16 weeks29:57

29:57

Does Zohran Mamdani’s shock rise in New York politics suggest that wealth taxes are back on the agenda? Plus: what does Labour’s welfare cuts u-turn say about the government’s economic credibility? And why economic arguments keep falling flat with voters—and how we can change the conversation. Marc Sidwell is joined by Reem Ibrahim from the Institute of Economic Affairs and Henry Hill of Conservative Home for a fast-paced look at the shifting political landscape. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: How to sell difficult economic truths 6:51

il y a 17 weeks6:51

6:51

Marc Sidwell dissects the Reform's shaky new tax proposal, the backlash against expert critique, and what it all says about the state of political debate. From Britain’s fragile finances to America’s protectionist turn, CapX's editor makes the case for returning to a more grounded, common-sense approach to economics — one that recognises trade-offs, not magical solutions. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
How to reduce energy prices 22:13

il y a 17 weeks22:13

22:13

Oil prices are on the rise following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites — with fears mounting over how Tehran might retaliate. Marc Sidwell is joined by Daniel Freeman of the Institute of Economic Affairs to assess the economic fallout. Plus: the government makes lower energy costs the centrepiece of its new industrial strategy, but will it be enough to spark real growth? And with inflation easing and confidence wavering, is it finally time to cut interest rates? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: On Track in Coventry 4:31

il y a 18 weeks4:31

4:31

Coventry’s sleek new very-light-rail system is now in test mode, with 2,000 residents invited aboard. In this special Despatch, policy thinker Samuel Hughes explores how the project could offer a smarter, faster — and much cheaper — way to deliver public transport in Britain. Could this be the blueprint for the future of urban mobility? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
How tax really affects growth 30:21

il y a 18 weeks30:21

30:21

CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by economist Andrew Lilico and political strategist John Oxley to unpack a volatile moment in the global economy. From the fallout of Israel’s escalating conflict with Iran to the knock-on effects of surging oil prices, we take stock of the risks facing markets—and what they could mean for Britain. Closer to home, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presses ahead with a £113bn infrastructure plan, even as welfare cuts spark unease within Labour ranks. Plus: Britain’s productivity problem is back in the spotlight. Are we too squeamish about automation—and is now the moment for a bold leap into the robot age? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Is Rachel Reeves ready for the coming crisis? 5:59

il y a 19 weeks5:59

5:59

Economist Andrew Lilico casts a sharp eye over the Chancellor’s first Spending Review — and finds it lacking. Beyond the rhetoric, the message is sobering: health spending is set to surge while almost every other department faces quiet, compounding cuts. The NHS will grow to dominate Britain’s public finances — even as Rachel Reeves eyes new tax rises to make the numbers add up. So, what happens when the backlash begins? Tune in for a clear-eyed take on the week’s most important speech. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Spending Review: Health, Policing, and Reform’s Rise 32:07

il y a 19 weeks32:07

32:07

With the Chancellor’s spending review looming, ministers are jostling for funds. But with public services under pressure and growth still sluggish, is the government backing the right bets? Plus: what’s really behind Reform UK’s rise in the polls? As support swells in areas hit hardest by poverty, our guests unpack the party’s shifting economic message — and what it reveals about voter discontent in Labour heartlands. CapX’s Marc Sidwell is joined by Maxwell Marlow of the Adam Smith Institute and Alys Denby from City AM for a brisk tour through the week’s economic flashpoints — and what they mean for Britain’s political future. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Jeremy Hunt on Free Trade 6:30

il y a 20 weeks6:30

6:30

Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt offers a spirited defence of Britain’s open-market tradition — and a sharp rebuke of Trump’s tariff tactics. As the world shrugs off ‘Liberation Day’, Hunt argues it’s not America but open economies like Britain that are poised to thrive. With historical perspective and policy punch, he lays out why trade still matters, how globalisation lifted billions out of poverty, and why the UK can lead again — if it chooses to stay open. Despatch is our weekly highlight of the best writing from CapX's daily briefings, brought to you by the team behind The Capitalist. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
UK-US Trade: The Real Story 34:02

il y a 20 weeks34:02

34:02

President Trump’s tariff blitz hits a legal snag — but he's showing no signs of backing down. Marc Sidwell is joined by National Review Institute’s Dominic Pino and the journalist Harry Phibbs to assess what comes next for transatlantic trade. Plus: can Britain turn Washington’s assault on academia into an opportunity? And as China races ahead in the humanoid AI stakes, could Britain still take a seat at the table? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Cheese 6:08

il y a 21 weeks6:08

6:08

What does chasing a wheel of cheese down a dangerously steep hill say about Britain — and the state? In this Despatch, James Price of the Adam Smith Institute finds wisdom in one of our most eccentric traditions: Gloucestershire’s infamous cheese rolling. What begins as a bruising ritual becomes a spirited case for liberty, localism, and limited government. A celebration of chaos, cheese, and the virtues of keeping Westminster well out of it. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Special Edition: Reviving the High Street with Samuel Hughes 18:47

il y a 21 weeks18:47

18:47

A special edition on the future of Britain’s high streets. As department stores disappear and civic spaces fall silent, we ask: what’s next for the beating heart of our towns? Samuel Hughes, an editor at Works in Progress and fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, joins us to explore practical ways to revive our high streets. From imaginative public services to smarter regeneration strategies, we consider whether it’s time to think beyond retail — and reimagine what town centres can truly be. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Copying Reform Is a Trap 9:19

il y a 22 weeks9:19

9:19

This week's Despatch offers a sharp warning to the Conservative Party from inside the tent. Former Tory candidate William Wellesley argues that the answer to Reform UK’s rise isn’t mimicry — it’s honesty. In a measured but damning critique, Wellesley calls out decades of spin, soundbites and shallow promises from across the political spectrum — and urges the Tories to break the cycle. Only by confronting hard truths, he argues, can the party survive and serve. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Border Lines: Can Labour’s Migration Gamble Pay Off? 30:06

il y a 22 weeks30:06

30:06

Karl Williams of the Centre for Policy Studies and economist Julian Jessop take a clear-eyed look at the politics and economics of migration. Two decades ago, the UK opened its doors to eastern Europe. A modest prediction of 13,000 arrivals became 1.5 million — a shift that continues to shape British politics. Now, with Reform UK on the rise, Labour is gambling that stricter immigration controls will steady the ship. But is it a calculated correction — or a political trap? Meanwhile, as Keir Starmer welcomes EU leaders to London, Downing Street promises a deal for growth, jobs and border security. But beyond the soundbites, what does a post-Brexit success story really look like? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Bordering on Failure – Is Labour Serious About Reform? 8:37

il y a 23 weeks8:37

8:37

In this week’s Despatch, Karl Williams of the Centre for Policy Studies unpacks Labour’s long-awaited immigration white paper — and asks whether anything’s really changed. From sky-high net migration targets to fudged visa reforms and a rebrand of the widely abused ‘shortage occupation’ list, Labour’s plans are long on rhetoric but risk being short on action. Worse still, the numbers show that even now, the UK’s immigration model remains historically unprecedented, economically unsustainable, and politically combustible. Will Labour’s technocratic tinkering bring about genuine reform — or is it just more of the same? This is a clear-eyed look at the promises, the policy and the political price of failure. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Fix this tax mess 21:17

il y a 8 weeks21:17

21:17

Britain’s tax system is overly complex and destroys our growth prospects. Should Labour follow Australia’s lead and convene a roundtable of business leaders and experts to really overhaul the system? CapX’s deputy editor Joseph Dinnage is joined by Dr Lawrence Newport from Looking for Growth and the political strategist John Oxley for a clear-eyed look at how to cut the fat and get Britain moving again. Plus: the Tories say they’ll introduce fines for noisy phones on the tube. But who’s going to enforce the rule? And why is the Notting Hill Carnival still so dangerous? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Just start building 7:18

il y a 9 weeks7:18

7:18

Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly becoming more and more frustrated at the sluggish reality of government within the current system. Who can blame him? Government is beset by a sclerotic Civil Service and continuous legal battles. But, as Looking for Growth's Lawrence Newport explains, a renewed sense of urgency might be just what Labour needs. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Trump, Putin and the price of peace 28:13

il y a 9 weeks28:13

28:13

Donald Trump’s encounter with Vladimir Putin has raised fresh doubts over the prospects for peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Argentina’s dramatic economic turnaround offers lessons that Britain’s Conservatives may find hard to ignore. And with whispers of sweeping reform to the UK’s property taxes, what might this mean for growth and political credibility? CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by economist Cornelia Meyer and National Review columnist Dominic Pino to unpack the forces now reshaping markets and strategy across the West. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: How Labour took your job 8:41

il y a 10 weeks8:41

8:41

Labour’s economic policies are hitting Britain’s job market hard — from higher National Insurance and rising minimum wages to new employment regulations that make hiring riskier and more expensive. Joseph Dinnage, deputy editor of CapX, examines the latest data on job losses, recruitment slumps, and the growing costs facing small businesses, and warns of the impact on graduates, hospitality, and the wider economy. Despatch highlights the best writing from CapX, read by an automated voice, and is produced by the team behind The Capitalist. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Online Safety Row: Wikipedia Vs. the Government 21:00

il y a 10 weeks21:00

21:00

Wikipedia’s bruising encounter with the UK’s Online Safety Act has exposed why rules aimed at Big Tech are already having unintended consequences. Now, Silicon Valley heavyweight Marc Andreessen is taking his objections straight to Downing Street, joining a global chorus of free-speech advocates warning the law is muzzling expression online. Also on the show: the tangled web of Britain’s tax code. With frozen thresholds, stealth tax rises and shrinking reliefs, is it any wonder high earners are looking to Dubai and Riyadh? Henry Hill of Conservative Home and Maxwell Marlow from the Adam Smith Institute join CapX’s Marc Sidwell for a tour through three flashpoints in Britain’s policy landscape. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The Conservative comeback begins 5:05

il y a 11 weeks5:05

5:05

Is the Conservative comeback already underway? In this week’s Despatch , James Cowling from Next Gen Tories argues the vibe shift is real — and it’s arriving faster than expected. With Labour stumbling and Reform flailing, the opportunity is ripe for a bold, pro-growth Tory revival. Cowling outlines the two major pivots required: redefining the party against both Labour and Reform, and proving the Conservatives have learned hard lessons that others haven’t. From fiscal responsibility and planning reform to energy abundance and urban relevance, this episode makes the case for Conservatives 2.0 — a leaner, smarter, and more serious force for Britain’s future. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Will the UK be sued over the Online Safety Act? 29:33

il y a 11 weeks29:33

29:33

Virtual private networks are often associated with dodging censorship in far-flung authoritarian states. But now, VPN downloads are surging in Britain — a response to new age-verification rules designed to make the internet safer. Are the measures simply too blunt to be effective? And could the public backlash undermine Labour’s ambition to position the UK as a global tech leader? Tom Ough, author of The Anti-Catastrophe League, is joined by technology lawyer Preston Byrne and CapX editor Marc Sidwell to explore the implications. Plus: Lord Kinnock’s call to extend VAT to private healthcare. A revenue-raising move for the NHS — or a policy that risks deepening the pressure on a system already struggling to cope? Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The Online Safety Act stands against Britain’s liberal tradition 6:59

il y a 12 weeks6:59

6:59

Economic journalist Mani Basharzad reflects on Britain’s Online Safety Act — and what it reveals about the rise of managerialism in public life. What begins as a discussion of misinformation soon unfolds into something broader: a quiet shift away from the liberal tradition of debate and dissent, toward a more technocratic instinct to manage, correct, and control. With nods to James Burnham, James Buchanan, and John Stuart Mill, this is a calm but pointed meditation on the value of open inquiry — and a reminder that freedom isn’t always lost through loud confrontation, but through quiet consensus. Despatch features the best writing from CapX's daily newsletter – narrated by an automated voice. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
EU's tariff 'humiliation' & doctors' dodgy pay metrics 27:07

il y a 12 weeks27:07

27:07

Are Britain’s doctors striking based on a broken metric? Economist Andrew Lilico says RPI—the measure unions love—is complete NONSENSE compared to CPI. Policy analyst Francois Valentin agrees, claiming you’d be hard-pressed to find ANY profession with real wage growth since 2008 using that number. Then we turn to the EU’s silent acceptance of Trump’s tariffs. Lilico calls it a political HUMILIATION. Valentin says it shatters the Brexit-era myth that being part of a big bloc makes you stronger. Finally, we dive into a bold new idea: could Britain bring back global wealth with laser-focused tax breaks? It’s controversial, it’s strategic — and it might just work. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: Private equity didn’t ruin Britain – it’s helping rebuild it 6:42

il y a 12 weeks6:42

6:42

Michael Moore, chief executive of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, takes aim at the lazy caricatures and media misfires that still dominate public perceptions of private equity. Far from asset-stripping villains, today’s private capital investors are quietly powering British enterprise — backing thousands of SMEs, creating jobs, driving productivity, and helping build a more resilient, innovative economy. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
The return of James Cleverly, broke retirees, and bans on air conditioning 23:25

il y a 12 weeks23:25

23:25

As Sir James Cleverly returns to the front bench, Marc Sidwell is joined by City AM’s Alys Denby and writer and academic Andrew Tettenborn to assess what the move signals for the opposition—and whether it can sharpen its message ahead of the next election. Also on the agenda: why the government is reviving the pensions commission, and what it means for the millions quietly undersaving for retirement. And why did green groups turn on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill? Plus: as the mercury rises, we ask whether Britain’s aversion to air conditioning is a principled stand—or simply a failure of political imagination. From the machinery of Westminster to the cool comforts of modern living, tune in for a clear-eyed look at how policy impacts the real world. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The fiscal fantasy is over 7:36

il y a 14 weeks7:36

7:36

Independent economist Damian Pudner offers a crisp, clear-eyed warning from the heart of Britain’s fiscal landscape. As Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out her vision for a re-energised economy, the real question remains: how will we pay for the modern British state? Pudner traces the quiet stirrings of market unease—from rising gilt yields to the spectre of fiscal dominance—and explains why Britain’s debt trajectory is sounding alarms. With the tax burden at a 70-year high and productivity stagnating, he makes a practical case for sharper, leaner government over ever-higher spending. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Is America breaking the world’s economy? 34:43

il y a 14 weeks34:43

34:43

With Donald Trump threatening sweeping new tariffs on the EU, the European Commission warns that transatlantic trade could become “almost impossible” — a shock that would rattle supply chains and plunge business leaders into uncertainty. As economic forecasters grapple with volatility in Washington, we ask: is America heading for Reagan-style renewal or Carter-era stagflation? Back in Britain, Kemi Badenoch has sounded the alarm over spiralling welfare costs, warning that the UK is turning into a “welfare state with an economy attached.” Can the system be reformed to encourage work and protect the public finances? CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by Dominic Pino of the National Review Institute and CapX contributor Harry Phibbs for a deep dive into the mounting risks facing the global economy. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Despatch: The greatest prime minister we never had 7:51

il y a 15 weeks7:51

7:51

Karl Williams reflects on the life and legacy of Norman Tebbit — the Conservative bruiser, RAF veteran, and Thatcherite stalwart who helped reshape Britain in the 1980s. Often caricatured as the hardman of the Tory right, Tebbit was also a principled, articulate statesman with a surprising hinterland. From his famed “on yer bike” quip to his decision to give up power for love, this is a personal and political tribute to one of the greatest prime ministers Britain never had. Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Capitalist

1
Is socialism on the rise in Britain? 27:37

il y a 15 weeks27:37