Send us a text

Summary

Possibly the most chaotic episode of The Black Paper yet.

We get into why UK visa applications have fallen off a cliff (and what that actually means for public services), unpack the West Midlands police chief’s AI-fuelled resignation, and chew over the latest political musical chairs as Conservatives defect to Reform.

Facts were presented. Opinions were exchanged. Nobody fully agreed.

If you enjoy Nigerian-style argumentative non-argument where everyone is right, wrong, and loudly convinced at the same time, this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Topics

01:15 Reflections on AvCon and Football Politics

08:10 Political Realignment in the UK

24:48 Visa Applications and Public Services Impact

29:30 AI in Policing and Future Implications

31:17 The Aging Population and the Welfare State

34:18 Demographic Challenges in Europe vs. Nigeria

36:00 Political Discourse and Leadership Legacies

43:23 Debating the Impact of Nigerian Politicians

01:01:43 Debating Leadership and Historical Context

01:10:47 The Role of AI in Policing

01:21:45 Community Advocacy and Accountability

01:32:28 The Black Paper.mp3

Send us a text

Summary

In this conversation, we focus on two major policy debates shaping everyday life in the UK: the proposed ban on social media for under-16s and the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act.

We unpack what youth protection should look like in the digital age, weighing safeguarding, mental health and responsibility against questions of access and enforcement.

We then turn to housing, exploring how the Renters’ Rights Act could bring greater security and stability for renters, strengthen community cohesion, and begin to tackle long-standing discriminatory practices in the private rental sector.

Set against wider reflections on identity, sport and belonging, the conversation connects policy to lived experience and the realities facing our communities.

Chapters

00:00 Football and National Identity

09:23 Social Media and Youth Protection

30:41 The Intersection of Tech and Governance

35:41 Renter's Rights Act: A New Era for Tenants

40:18 Community Cohesion and Housing Crisis

48:59 The Role of Technology in Housing Solutions

58:31 The Black Paper.mp3

Send us a text

Summary

In our first episode of the year, we cast our minds back to what stood out for us in 2025, and what we look forward to in 2026.

We also talk Trump, language in politics, and the importance of lobbying for change.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Unplugging

03:12 Geopolitical Implications of Language

06:07 Cynicism in Immigration Policies

09:05 The Nature of Political Interests

12:06 Reflections on 2025 and Predictions for 2026

29:13 Introduction and Recap of Previous Discussion

30:10 The Rise of Eco-Populism in Politics

32:27 The Labour Party's Identity Crisis

34:17 Youth Voting and Political Awareness

36:21 The Challenges of Democracy

38:30 Immigration and Political Dynamics

40:20 The Future of Political Parties in the UK

42:13 The Americanization of UK Politics

50:23 Emerging Trends in Tech and Community Solutions

54:30 The Black Paper.mp3