Mark And Pete

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the complex issue of knife possession laws in London amidst rising knife-related incidents. We explore the legal, social, and ethical ramifications of criminalizing knife carrying. Hear from law enforcement officials, legal experts, community activists, and those personally affected by knife violence. Join us as we dissect whether stricter laws could be the antidote to London's knife crime epidemic, or if other preventive measures should be prioritized. This is a crucial conversation for understanding the balance between safety and civil liberties in urban environments.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

In today’s episode, we're diving into the surprising outcome of the recent local elections—a significant debacle for the Conservatives. We’ll analyze what went wrong, the implications for the party’s future, and how this unexpected turn of events could reshape the political landscape. Stay tuned as we unpack the details and reactions from across the spectrumBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

In the recent 2024 London Marathon, a remarkable story unfolded, one that perfectly embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination. Seventy-five-year-old Fred Tomlinson wasn't the fastest runner on the course, but his journey and finish might just be the most inspiring of all. Long after the front runners had crossed the finish line and the crowds had begun to disperse, Fred was still out there, each step a testament to his commitment not just to the race, but to a greater cause.So today, we dive into what it means to finish last but not least, and how such moments can be just as triumphant as winning.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

In this provocative episode we into the heated discussion surrounding the economic impact of progressive policies in Britain under the title "Britain is Broke from Going Woke: Can It Be Repaired?" The episode kicks off with a poem illustrating  the central argument: that Britain's embrace of "woke" principles, such as extensive diversity and inclusion initiatives and environmentally focused economic reforms, has led to significant financial strain on the nation's economy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

In this episode , we delve into the controversial changes to one of the world's most beloved word games, Scrabble. Recent updates aimed at making Scrabble more accessible have sparked a heated debate among enthusiasts who fear these changes might dilute the game's intellectual challenge. We'll explore what this means for the future of Scrabble. Join us as we unpack whether Scrabble is truly being "dumbed down" or if these changes are a smart move to broaden its appeal. Tune in to dissect the evolution of this classic game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

A bill in the Commons could criminalise rough sleepers if they cause a nuisance, including "excessive" smells. More than 10 Conservative MPs are backing changes to ensure action is only taken against people who are begging and not just sleeping rough.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

The cross of St George should not be messed with, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says, weighing in on a row over the colours of England's football team kit.Earlier, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer joined the chorus of prominent voices taking issue with Nike's design for the new kit.The design takes creative licence with the cross by adding navy, light blue and purple to the traditional red.But there are no plans to change or recall the shirt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

In this episode, we delve into the growing concern of too many lawsuits inundating our legal system. We explore the complexities and consequences of the litigious culturea and shed light on the strain of these lawsuits. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.This was a Budget where the chancellor attempted to portray himself as a careful, cautious custodian of the economy.The National Insurance fall, alongside the same cut a few months back, amounts to a big tax cut.But there was nothing wildly surprising in what Jeremy Hunt had to say, no fireworks that are likely to instantly transform the Conservatives' prospects.

A couple unable to stream films or video call in their small village say they have been quoted more than £100,000 to upgrade their broadband.Kevin and Lynda Mortimer said their current 1Mb/s connection was "rubbish".It also falls well below the 10Mb/s set out in legislation, which everyone in the UK has the right to request.Is there such a thing as a human right to internet? Currently, the answer to both of these questions is 'no'. Recently introduced laws, however, mean that homeowners and tenants in the UK do now have greater rights in relation to internet access. How is Britain doing?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.Lee Anderson has been suspended from the Conservative party following comments he made about Sadiq Khan. The former deputy party chairman used an appearance on GB News on Friday to claim the London mayor had ‘given our capital away’ to Islamists, who he referred to as Khan’s ‘mates’. What do we make of all this?

People spending less, doctors' strikes and a fall in school attendance dragged the UK into recession at the end of last year, official figures show.The economy shrank by a larger than expected 0.3% between October and December, after it had already contracted between July and September.The UK is in recession if it fails to grow for two successive quarters.The figures raise questions over whether Rishi Sunak has met his pledge made last January to grow the economy.What is happening, what's to be done, and what of the future?

Facebook's 20th anniversary: ​​3 billion people connected around the world. A lot has changed since Facebook emerged 20 years ago, in 2004. From a modest social network created by students in a Harvard dorm, it has transformed into a gigantic platform for global connection between billions of people. We celebrate and analyse how it has changed the world.

On social media this week, Elmo – yes, the red fuzzy Sesame Street character – posed a question to his followers, with nothing but good intent. "Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?" the X page for Elmo posted. A barrage of responses – tens of thousands of them – were brutally honest and downright cynical about the dread people are feeling. What does this say about politics and society today? Mark and Pete have the answers.

The “Doomsday Clock” of The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was kept at 90 seconds to midnight this week—the closest to midnight that the clock has been set since it was created in 1947. Midnight is defined by The Bulletin as “nuclear annihilation.” Is this the right approach? Mark and Pete have the answers.

Tata Steel will close its two blast furnaces in Britain by the end of this year, with the loss of up to 2,800 jobs at its Port Talbot steelworks in Wales. The closures are part of India-owned Tata Steel's plan to turn around its loss-making UK steelmaking business by switching to lower carbon electric arc furnaces. What should be done? Mark and Pete have the answers.

This scandal is hard to believe, it is that bad. Those in charge of the Post Office wanted to protect their bonuses, they didn’t want to make their own jobs a little more difficult, or admit that they might have made some errors. More junior staff just didn’t want to make a fuss, I suspect. Frankly, if they had come clean and said “look, the Fujitsu system is flawed, so maybe it is not the sub-postmasters fault”, then it would not really have been that big a deal. But out of greed, laziness and apathy, they were happy to see other lives destroyed.They should be ashamed of themselves. Mark and Pete have the answers.

It is now the case, as of 1 January 2024, that it is possible for individuals and companies to rework and use the earliest version of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This is because the US copyright has expired in the earliest versions of the cartoon characters which were shown in the Steamboat Willie film. What does the mean for the future of Disney and its beloved characters?

On Sunday (31st Dec 23), London’s Big Ben commemorated the 100th anniversary of its New Year’s “bongs” being broadcast worldwide. Also the New Years honours list of knighthoods and the like was announced. Mark and Pete comment with a mix of jollity and abject horror.

Peering into our crystal ball for 2024, we predict that businesses will keep churning out AI tools, and that this will effect everything from wars to elections to religion to business opportunities. As ever Mark and Pete have the answers.