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Reality Check

Reality Check

By: The Spectator
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Summary

Reality Check cuts through the spin and explains the numbers behind the noise. In each episode, The Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons and in-the-know guests will make a data-driven case on a story hogging the headlines.

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Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How to revive industrial Britain: SDP leader on British steel, the entitlement state & a Farage pact
    May 14 2026

    As Keir Starmer's government implodes, the Prime Minister has outlined his vision to regain support – one of which is to nationalise British steel. Michael Simmons is joined by SDP leader William Clouston to discuss the case for nationalisation, how Britain has become the entitlement state and how the SDP can cut through to the public.

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

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    29 mins
  • Council budgets are financial black holes – what's the point in voting?
    May 7 2026

    May local elections have finally arrived. As 5,066 seats are contested in local councils many are wondering whether there is any point in voting at all. These councils manage budgets worth hundreds of millions of pounds – budgets decided by national government. Given the amount of statutory spending on areas like SEND and care homes, there is very little room for change inside local government. Michael Simmons has the data.


    This episode is brought to you by Artemis Fund Managers, for more information on our fund range please click here https://www.artemisfunds.com/ .

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Polanski slams the 'war on drugs' – here's why he's wrong about legalisation
    Apr 29 2026

    Britain has recorded the highest drug deaths in Europe. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has declared that this means the so called 'war on drugs' is not working, and favours a more liberal approach of legalisation. Michael Simmons is joined by John Power to look at the numbers and show why Polanski would likely make drug deaths rise under his policy.


    This episode is brought to you by Artemis Fund Managers, for more information on our fund range please click here https://www.artemisfunds.com/ .

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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