With several countries around the world enacting bans on smartphones in schools, and on social media access for children, we ask - Is their pervasive use having an detrimental impact on learning, concentration, mental health? Should the UK also instigate a ban? What’s happening in today’s classrooms, and what might the solutions be? We’re joined by…

This week saw Portsmouth City Council’s Mayor Making ceremony and Annual General Meeting. We interviewed CLLRS Graham Heaney (Deputy Leader Labour group on PCC) & George Madgwick (Leader of Portsmouth Independents Party on PCC) to hear what happens when two parties can both lay claim to the number two spot on the council. How do you decide when the…

Solent WASPI talk to us about their campaign for fair treatment and justice. -What do they want the campaign to achieve? -What next after the government’s rejection that compensation is owed to women born in the 1950s? WASPI web address: www.waspi.co.uk WASPI Crowdjustice page, which includes the most recent legal updates: https://www.crowdjustice.…

We welcome the Isle of Wight’s Councillor Andrew Garratt 🟧 & Meon Valley’s Councillor Malcolm Wallace 🟩 to talk to us about their hopes and fears for devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR). What could this mean for the voters they represent and the services they depend on? For links to our social media accounts and to sign up for our …

Fratton is an urban area of Portsmouth and one of its 14 City Council Wards. Jacob Short has stood for election in Fratton twice as a Candidate for Portsmouth Independents Party. We ask Jacob to tell us, What is it about Fratton?, What are the problems faced by its residents? What are Jacob’s views on student housing, parking, HMOs, fly tipping, em…

We take a look at the Spring Statement made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves this week in Parliament - -What were the key policies? -What difference will this make and to whom? -How did the other parties respond? Tell us what you think. Give us a review. If you'd like more on local and national politics from us, don't forget to subscrib…

From this side of the Atlantic it’s hard to understand some of the policies and statements of Trump’s 2nd administration. We’re delighted to welcome Jamie Miller to the show. Jamie’s political pedigree as a former exec director of Republican Party Florida, campaign manager, director of field operations & author of “American Speeches That Changed Th…

We welcome Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt onto the show to talk us through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) & Devolution. -Glorious future or shut-gun wedding? -What’s new since the government’s white paper just before Christmas? -Who’s deciding what? -What is changing & when? -What price could Portsmouth residents be left …

Portsmouth City Council Meeting 25/02/25 - Budget for 2025/26 & beyond -What is the ·Lib Dem administration saying about the city·s finances for 25/26 and beyond? -What amendments were put forward by the other parties (PIP, Labour, Conservative)? -Which were struck down or accepted by the council? Original meeting details: https://democracy.portsmo…

February 14th was valentines day. February 11th while not being valentines day was an expression of emotions other than love - to call it hate would be strong, but we'll let you decide.. The Cabinet Meeting of Portsmouth City Council met to review certain proposals ahead of the Council's Full Budget Meeting February 25th. Full meeting details avail…

As we mark the fifth anniversary of the UK leaving the EU, we celebrate that day and what’s happened since. Tell us what you're celebrating from that night or since. ADVISORY: There is some conversational swearing in this episode.By Simon Sansbury and Ian 'Tiny' Morris

What if the future of the UK wasn't just decided in Westminster? In this week's episode, we dive into the government's green paper on devolution — a proposal that could decentralise power, reshape how we govern, and even change the UK's political map. What does this mean for you, and where could it lead? We’re joined by Cllr Graham Heaney, lecturer…

We welcome back Dr Lee Sartain, senior lecturer in American History at Portsmouth University to talk us through it and help us & our audience form a Brit’s view of proceedings. Inauguration 2025 - The Brits' view How does it all work? What does it mean for the US & the rest of the world? What are the opening hours of Trump’s second administration l…

We take a little peek at the Full Council Agenda for Tuesday December 17th. Key things on the list (and we’re checking it twice):- 📮Post Office Closures - can we stop them? 🥣Breakfast clubs - can we promote them? 🏘️🏠HMOs - are we under counting them? 📈National Insurance increases - who can afford them? Links to PCC Agenda on our website www.pppodca…

We invite back some Havant Borough Councillors to share the news from their rainbow coalition (Green, Lib Dem & Labour) since they took over running the council in May. We're joined by:- Cllr Philippa Gray, (Lib Dem. Bedhampton) Deputy Leader of Havant Borough Council & Cabinet Lead for Finance Cllr Grainne Rason Bradley, (Green. Emsworth) Cabinet …

Ahead of world world AIDS day we interview CP from Portsmouth Pride to talk to us about what it signifies and why it’s so important as well as what’s changed in since those Iceberg & monolithic tombstone informercials from the UK government in 1987. all year Portsmouth https://queerallyear.co.uk/ Terrance Higgins Trust https://www.tht.org.uk Terran…

We welcome two of Portsmouth’s producers of goods & services onto the show to hear about their businesses and the challenges they face. Gary Fyles of Think Bigger Ltd, publisher & Growth Mindset coach & David Mugridge from Yarty Cordials Ltd, producing cordials inspired by family recipes. We’re also joined by Cllr Ben Swann to help us understand a …

In a meeting where who wrote what, to whom, and when became much more contentious than you’d normally think, we take a look at Tuesday's Full Council meeting. Where was there consensus, where was there robust debate, and where was there political point scoring? Items on the agenda were:- • Definitions of sexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia…

How easy is Portsmouth as a city for disabled people to get around for work, study or leisure? What barriers to their freedom are disabled people encountering in Portsmouth? What can be done to remove or reduce the barriers? We welcome Georgina Fry from Portsmouth’s Disability Advisory Group to hear what the challenges are, and what is being done t…

Ahead of the US Presidential elections November 5th we take a look at a most pivotal of elections in a year of key ballots across the globe. Why is the 2024 Presidential election so important? How does it all work? How are US elections different to those in the UK? We·re joined by Lee Sartain, Senior Lecturer in American History to help us Brits tr…

With Labour's first budget for 14 years freshly released & out in the open we take a look at the key policies. Now we've finally heard what was, and wasn't in it. What sticks out? Who are the winners & losers? How will it affect you? Where there any surprised? Photo credit: Lauren HurleyBy Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

We take a look at Tuesday's (15th October 2024) Full Council meeting of Portsmouth City Council. Should the council call on the government to think again about the Winter Fuel Allowance cuts? Should the council call on the government to prevent NHS dentists just shutting up shop leaving their patients without dental health care? Should the council …

Returning from our extended summer break, we’ll take a look at political events of note since our last show. Has anything of note happened in local & national politics since the heady early morning hours of July 5th? Please leave a review, rating & follow wherever you get your podcasts.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

39 days into the election campaign, 4 left before voters in the UK go to the polls. Ian & Simon take a trip back over the events of the last 39 days and discuss what the next 4 might be like.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

As part of a string of interviews about each party manifesto Portsmouth South Reform candidate Mark Zimmer shared with us what he feels are the key policies from the Reform UK 'Contract'. We'll be sharing our interviews with each of the five larger parties as well as including them in our episode 23rd June.…

As part of a string of interviews about each party manifesto Havant Labour candidate Stefanie Harvey shares with us what she feels are the key policies from the Labour Party Manifesto. We'll be sharing our interviews with each of the five larger parties as well as including them in Sunday's show.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

As part of a string of interviews about each party manifesto Fareham & Waterlooville Liberal Democrat candidate Bella Hewitt shares with us what she feels are the key policies from the Lib Dem Manifesto. We'll be sharing our interviews with each of the five larger parties as well as including them in Sunday's show.…

Each of the larger parties standing in our area gives us their favourite policies of their manifesto Interviews with Conservative: Penny Mordaunt. Labour: Stefanie Harvey. Liberal Democrat: Bella Hewitt. Green: Elliot Lee. Reform: Mark Zimmer. 12 days to go before the UK heads to the polls. Have our listeners heard anything that changes their minds…

As part of a string of interviews about each party manifesto Portsmouth South Green candidate Elliot Lee shared with us what they feel are the key policies from the Green Party Manifesto. We'll be sharing our interviews with each of the five larger parties as well as including them in Sunday's show.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

As part of a string of interviews about each party manifesto Portsmouth North Conservative candidate Penny Mordaunt shared with us what she feels are the key policies it contains. We'll be sharing the interviews with someone from each of the five larger parties as well as including them in Sunday's show.…

In a week that's seen Nigel Farage take over Reform and decide to stand, 80th D-Day commemorations Rishi Sunak left early - can this election get any stranger? Candidates are now confirmed for the General Election. Who's standing in Portsmouth North, Portsmouth South, Havant, Gosport, Fareham & Waterlooville? ········ If you want to take part in ou…

May 28th 2024 saw a full meeting of Portsmouth City Council to consider the pre-submission of Portsmouth's local plan. We take a look at the contributions, and hear where there was disagreement & debate, and where there was consensus. What impact would the plan have on the number of new homes in the city ? On loss of open spaces? On the number of H…

So, the General Election is ON! Why call it now? What difference will this make in Portsmouth? We share our views in full expectation that views shared on day two of a general election campaign will roundly be disproven by the end of it.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

Looking at the results from Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham & Gosport we're joined live by Cllr Steve Pitt - Lib Dem Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllrs Paul Gray (Lib Dem), Mark Coates (Labour), Sharon Collings (Reform), Grainne Rason (Green) with recorded interviews from Cllr Charlotte Gerada (Labour group Leader on Portsmouth City Council), Cll…

We make our (usually wrong) predictions as to how the votes will go in tomorrow's local elections. Last year we both got 9 wards right and 5 wrong (but different wards). This year, how wrong will we be? Share your predictions: https://forms.gle/qHuLUh5yaTFa8n9c7 (open until ballots close 02/05/24) View the voting history for each of the 14 wards in…

We're joined by two of the candidates standing in St Thomas ward in this year's local elections - Elliot Lee (Greens) & Mark Zimmer (Reform). Unfortunately Ian Holder (Lib Dem) was unable to make the hustings due to prior work commitments. At time of recording we had not heard from the other candidates: Julian Lewis (Labour), David Chandler (Conser…

Our 2024 local election ward hustings for St Jude ward in Portsmouth. We're joined by candidates: Hugh Mason (Lib Dems), Josh Allen (Labour) & John Hill (Portsmouth Independents Party). Although invites were sent we did not receive a response from Lee Kewell (Conservative) or Harry Mallinder (Greens)…

In a change to our planned hustings, unfortunately the Green candidate Ian McCulloch was taken ill and not able to attend. We'd not heard from the Labour, Liberal Democrat or Conservative candidate so put our questions to George Madgwick standing in Paulsgrove for the Portsmouth Independents Party. 1. Tell us about yourself, your history, why you'r…

Ian & Simon take a look at the 7 hour, full council meeting Tuesday March 19th - the last before the 2024 local elections in May. We take a look at the last PCC Full Council Meeting ahead of May's local elections with a packed agenda of no less than eleven notices of motion, five deputations & two questions from the public. Was Lord Mayor Tom Coles…

We welcome to the show the Reform Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) for Portsmouth North & Portsmouth South - Mark Zimmer & Mel Todd. Will their current poll numbers translate into MPs come election time? From where are Reform getting their support? What are their key policies?By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

Ian & Simon take a look at Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's 2024 budget statement. Who are the winners & losers? Did it excite or alarm? Does it fix the problems facing tax payers? Will it help the economy? What could it mean for the timing of the General Election?By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

This week we take a look at some recent political events: Rochdale by-election result where three of the candidates were ex-members of the Labour party. Suspended Conservative MP Lee Anderson's words on GB News and the response to them. Ex Prime Minister Liz Truss' words at CPAC to Steve Bannon attributing her ousting as PM to the efforts of 'the b…

We bring you the news from Tuesday's Full Council meeting at which Portsmouth City Council's budget was focus of the agenda. Was it all plain sailing or was there drama and disagreement? Tell us what you think about Portsmouth City Council's budget, the fight to protect services and the planned increase in Council Tax? Full Documents available on P…

Cllr Dan Wemyss joins us to share the campaign to save a local Pharmacy in Hilsea as well as the controversial redevelopment of the form News Centre. Simon & Ian then take a look at the agenda for Tuesday's Full Council meeting which focuses on Portsmouth City Council's budget for 2024, 25 - Which we'll also cover in full next week.…

We take a look at Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Why are there so many in Portsmouth? What need are they filling? What problems do they cause? Who's winning? We interview Cabinet Member for Planning Policy Cllr Hugh Mason & Cllr Ben Swann. Portsmouth City Council's planning page. See new applications here and make comments: https://www.portsm…

We invite Paulsgrove Councillor George Madgwick to talk to us about the recent theft from a local small business and how his comments on social media became the story. Then, we'll have a look at the Government's battle to gain votes and pass this week's Rwanda bill. Can it ever work? We'll finally take a look at UK expats regaining eligibility to v…

Ward Report: Charles Dickens We're joined by two of the three ward Councillors in a ward at the very heart of Portsmouth with a strong place in the city's history, what is there for the ward's future? We ask Cllrs Cal Corkery & Yinka Adeniran what the issues are that residents are bringing to them, has the clean-air-zone that covers most of the war…

Rounding off their 2023, Ian & Simon take a look at their highs and lows of past (2019-2022), present (2023) and hopes for 2024 before making their guesses for when the General Election will be. Let us know when you think it will be in the comments or on our two question survey - https://forms.gle/tWypVyRZTPLtcc3G6…

We invite Clls Matthew Atkins, Asghar Shah & Mary Vallely to use the episode to update their residents on what's happening in Cosham Ward.AI transcript available on our website www.pppodcast.ukPlease remember to like / follow / subscribe and leave a review wherever you enjoy our podcasts.By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris

We welcome Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Social Care Cllr Matthew Winnington onto the show to talk about this week's Pharmacy Summit in Portsmouth. Is this the right prescription or just a sticking plaster on a more serious ailment?By Simon Sansbury and Ian Morris