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Centre Think Tank in conversation

Centre Think Tank in conversation

Written by: Centre Think Tank
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Centre Think Tank in Conversation is hosted by Torrin Wilkins and Centre Think Tank. It includes interviews with a wide variety of politicians, academics, and activists.

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

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Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Michael Ignatieff interview
    Dec 12 2025

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Michael Ignatieff, who is the former Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and a professor of history at Central European University.


    Their discussion covered his leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada as a centrist and moderate, the nature of centrism, and the challenges facing modern liberal democracy. They looked at the future of centrist and liberal politics in Canada, the UK, and across liberal democracies.


    Michael reflected on his 2011 election defeat, the pressures of campaigning from the political centre, and the difficulty of campaigning in an election with two strong contenders on the left and right of politics. The conversation also looked at how figures such as Rob Jetten and Mark Carney have been successful in creating bold proposals whilst standing on a centrist platform.


    They also look at the deeper structural problems affecting liberal democracy, including the rise of populism and the failures of over-centralisation. Michael argues that centrists must confront bureaucratic inefficiencies and address legitimacy deficits caused by rapid social change.

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

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    39 mins
  • Sonia Kumar MP interview
    Mar 27 2025

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Sonia Kumar, the Member of Parliament for Dudley since 2024, who previously worked within the NHS.


    Their discussion covered how we can fix the NHS, moving the NHS further towards the use of AI and digital, the vital role of physiotherapists in tackling musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, and the need for increased investment in this area, the assisted dying bill, protecting our economy, and supporting small businesses.

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

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    25 mins
  • Baroness Ritchie interview
    Mar 17 2025

    In this episode, Torrin Wilkins speaks to Baroness Ritchie, the former Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and a Labour Member of the House of Lords. She is also the Chair of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, a former Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Minister for Social Development, and a former Member of Parliament for South Down.


    Their discussion covered the future of peace in Northern Ireland and the future of devolution. They also spoke about the education system in Northern Ireland, the impact of Brexit, the veto within the Assembly, and replacing the role of First Minister.

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

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    18 mins
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