127. Movin' On Out

127. Movin' On Out

Author: Global May 22, 2026 Duration: 59:48

Iain and Tessa discuss net migration (and the history of people arriving in, and leaving, the UK) - and more!


Each week on Where Politics Meets History, broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop sit down to dissect current events with a much deeper perspective. They operate on a simple but powerful premise: to truly understand the news, you often have to look backwards. This podcast is built on the conversation between a seasoned political commentator and a dedicated historian, resulting in a dialogue that is both immediately relevant and richly contextual. You’ll hear them tackle the week’s biggest headlines, not in isolation, but by tracing their roots and finding those startling patterns where past and present collide. It’s this specific combination of skills that makes the analysis here so engaging; Iain brings the sharp political instinct while Tessa provides the archival depth, together unearthing stories and parallels that are frequently overlooked in the daily churn. Their chemistry is a key part of the appeal-discussions are insightful and witty, but they’re not afraid of a spirited, good-natured debate when their viewpoints diverge. Listening to this podcast feels like being a fly on the wall for a fascinating conversation between two experts who respect each other but are passionate about their fields. It moves beyond simple explanation to explore the rhythms and echoes of history within modern crises, scandals, and social shifts. For anyone tired of surface-level news takes, this show offers a substantive, long-view alternative that is as entertaining as it is informative, proving that contemporary politics and historical understanding are inseparable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Where Politics Meets History
Podcast Episodes
110. Hello, This Is Pope Joannie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
Iain and Tessa unpack Dame Sarah Mullally’s historic enthronement after 1,400 years of male predecessors, explore the legend of Pope Joan, examine the impact of the Iranian war on Asia, and answer your questions.
109. If You’re Lookin’ for a Way Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
Iain and Tessa explore whether the world may be edging towards WW3, examine the shocking antisemitic attack in London involving Jewish ambulances set on fire, and give their take on the debut of SNL UK, plus plenty more…
108. Strait from the Heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
Iain and Tessa speak about what the West should do about the Strait of Hormuz, why Trump official Joe Kent resigned, whether Brexit should be reversed, Tessa appearing on Romanian Hell's Kitchen and more!
107. Automatic, Systematic, Problematic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:35
Iain and Tessa talk the Strait of Hormuz and whether the UK Navy should get involved, whether Tom Bower is right or wrong about Harry and Meghan - they have a row about Lord Ashcroft and Iain name-drops like never before…
106. Every Hegseth You Take [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:50
Iain and Tessa talk strong men, the Mandelson files, whether Iain is right on Iran, Pete Hegseth and more!
105. Love Me Donut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
Iain and Tessa talk about the UK's naval forces and whether they're good enough, Cyprus and the UK's history with it (and Aggie reports after her recent visit!) - they also talk public distrust in politicians, donuts and…
104. Puff the Magic HMS Dragon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
Iain and Tessa joust over the UK's position on what's happening in Iran and historical parallels, failed asylum seekers being offered thousands to leave, where to cut spending and more!
103. I Fought the International Law [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
Iain and Tessa digest the events of the last few days -whether Starmer should have supported Trump's actions in Iran from the start, what could happen next and what we can learn from history!
102. In the Blair Tonight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:27
Iain and Tessa talk about the shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the latest Tony Blair documentary, the history of youths being out of work and more!
101. You SEND Me [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
Iain and Tessa talk Boris Johnson's comments on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, how to fix the student loan system and what should be done about special educational needs provision!