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6. The Politics of the Ban

The Matt Forde Focus GroupSeries 2
Episode 6 of 6

Matt Forde is joined by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Clive Lewis MP and comedian Geoff Norcott to ask why British politics has become addicted to banning stuff.

Every Government promises to protect people. The question is always: from what, and at whose expense? Banning something is the bluntest instrument in politics - and the most revealing. It says: this thing is so dangerous, so wrong, or so offensive that the state must make it disappear.

Top political comedian Matt Forde convenes his Focus Group in front of a live theatre audience with a forensically matched panel — Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Clive Lewis MP, and comedian Geoff Norcott — to ask what the political ban actually is: a tool of principle, a gesture of power, or a way of avoiding the harder question.

Written and presented by Matt Forde
With additional Material from Karl Minns, Ruth Husko and Richard Garvin
Produced by Richard Garvin
Co-Producer Daisy Knight
Sound Design and Edit: David Thomas
Executive Producers: Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Thu 23 Apr 202622:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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5. The Politics of DenialSeries 2

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Broadcasts

  • Thu 16 Apr 202618:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 18 Apr 202623:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 23 Apr 202609:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 23 Apr 202622:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra