Snowcast

Mick Lynch is the General Secretary of Britain's largest specialist transport trade union, the RMT.

In May 2022, the RMT announced that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes, in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

At the time, they said it was the biggest endorsement of industrial action, by railway workers, since privatisation. But the dispute remains unresolved. And 20,000 railway workers will now walk out over three more days, on the 20th, 22nd and the 29th of July.

All this is set against a cost of living crisis, and a wave of industrial action that has included teachers, nurses, junior doctors, and university staff. And while the government has just made a pay offer to millions of public sector workers, they are also looking to curb strike disruption with a new bill.

In this interview, recorded on Monday 17th July, Mick reflects on a year of industrial action, the campaign to save ticket offices, the Strikes Bill, Labour policy, rail nationalisation and Brexit.

Related links:

The Rail Delivery Group's response to the latest RMT strike dates

The Department for Transport's dispute handling guide for train operating companies (& rail passenger contracts)

Have your say on proposals to change the way ticket offices are staffed

The Strikes Bill and the impact assessment

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The Nottingham-born comedian Matt Forde has been fascinated by politics ever since he was 9 years old. Raised by his mum, without much money, Matt experienced life: “at the sharp end of every political decision taken by the government.”

He studied politics at university and, after working for a few MPs, he became a regional organiser for the Labour Party. But by 2010, Matt had left party politics behind and, when he moved to London, he began to pursue a career in stand-up. A job at TalkSPORT followed and he also wrote for shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg.

In 2013, Matt launched The Political Party Podcast, which combines topical comedy and a light-hearted interview - with a big political name. He also hosts the award-winning British Scandal podcast, with Alice Levine. And, in 2020, he revived Spitting Image, which is currently enjoying a run in London’s West End.

This interview was recorded on Monday 24th July, hot on the heels of three by-elections, and just before Matt headed off to Edinburgh - with a brand new stand-up show, titled Inside No. 10, and three Political Party specials.

Related links:

Matt's website

Matt's interview with Tessa Jowell

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Richard Curtis is an award-winning writer and director, who spends a great deal of his time trying to change the world.

He's best-known for his work with Comic Relief but Richard campaigns on many issues. In 2020 he launched Make My Money Matter to raise awareness that our money is a major contributor - but also a solution - to the climate crisis. The decision-makers need to step up, yes. But the individual has power too. And, with that in mind, Richard has launched a new short film (starring Rose Leslie and, that other Jon Snow, Kit Harrington) to help raise awareness of the hidden relationship between oil companies and high street banks. His message: help break them up.

In this conversation, Richard reflects on the influence of his upbringing and the visit to Ethiopia that gave him a profound sense of the simultaneity of human suffering. As well as his own education in the climate crisis, and the UN's Global Goals, which have led to a shift in his work.

After decades of fundraising and campaigning, Richard thinks his time is now better spent addressing poverty and climate change (sorry, there's not good news re. Blackadder either). Fortunately, for all of us, he remains an active optimist, who wants to continue inspiring the next generation of campaigners and creators.

To watch Richard's short film just head to makemymoneymatter.co.uk/openletter where you’ll also find information, campaign research and you can contact the Big Five UK high street banks - and ask them to stop financing fossil fuel expansion, in just two clicks.

Related links:

The UN's Global Goals (The SDGs)

Bronwyn King's TED Talk: You may be accidentally investing in cigarette companies

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Jess McDonald was one of the first recruits on The Metropolitan Police’s Direct Entry Detective Scheme. Launched in 2017, to address a shortage of detectives, this scheme was not without its critics. Successful applicants had a direct route into a career as a detective, without first undertaking a role in uniform policing.

When Jess first pitched an idea for a book, she wanted to bridge the gap between people’s fascination with true crime and the reality of what it is to be a detective. But she ended up leaving the job she loved and writing about the challenges she found - both in The Met and the justice system.

Jess believes that transparency can only be bracingly positive. A sentiment that was shared by Baroness Casey, when she conducted a year-long review of The Met, following the murder of Sarah Everard, by a serving officer.

Given that Jess worked on cases of domestic abuse, this interview may include content that some may find triggering. But it’s a fascinating insight into the life, and work, of a Met detective.

Related links:

Jess's book: No Comment: What I Wish I'd Known About Becoming A Detective

Baroness Casey's Report

Domestic abuse - how to get help

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In November 2019, Steve Gallant was serving a life sentence for murder when he confronted the terrorist Usman Khan.

Steve had been allowed out on day release, to attend a Learning Together event, near London Bridge. Learning Together was an initiative that brought students and prisoners together - and helped change many lives for the better. But on this dreadful day, two young graduates were fatally stabbed. Saskia Jones, and Steve’s own mentor, Jack Merrit.

After his brave actions, Steve was granted a royal pardon. And in August 2021, after 16 years in prison, he was released on parole. When he received the Queen's Gallantry Medal last month, Steve said that his award symbolised change. That you can make great mistakes, but still work hard, and do something useful with your life.

After studying diligently in prison, Steve’s now written a book, titled The Road To London Bridge. He's said that he wants to contribute something constructive to a public debate that seems stuck in its approach, to keeping people safe and dealing with those who commit crime.

Related links:

Steve's website

Own Merit

Jack Merritt & Saskia Jones remembered

London Bridge: Facing Terror (Channel 4 documentary)

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