What a great interview. I had the pleasure to meet Douglas Alexander as a constituent when I lived in Paisley in 2006-2008. I was an Army HR officer at the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow. My issue was immensely frustrating and he fully understood my concerns and issues and promised me he would peruse the issue and get back to me, which he did within a few weeks. I have nothing but respect for him and he came across as a caring and very honest guy. I’m so pleased he’s back in the mix at government even if it is a government that promised very little at all in their manifesto. He will be in the cabinet in the future I’m sure and they will make better decisions due to his experience and fortitude. He really is a class act and I’m not a labour voter. Great insightful interview guys, thank you so much.
Something that Douglas Alexander forgets is that Labour won the election with less votes than Jeremy Corbin got. And that a great number of people voted tactically - me included. But the disappointment of Starmer's "not in my lifetime" rhetoric re the common market and customs union has alienated me already, and I can't see me voting Labour again. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
I like Rory, but i do find that when he does a interview he keeps asking a question, wanting it to be answered in a certain way and he keeps asking it till he gets it answered the way he wants, and then gets almost annoyed when it doesnt happen that way.
A great interview but very disappointed in his comment re Corbanism. Jeremy got 40% in 2017. He was defeated by one of British politics most infamous charlatans. The claim that Corban was anti Semitic and that the party was riddled with that sentiment has been shown to be totally scurrilous. I listened to a recent podcast which made the point that 1% of the British population owns 50% of the land and wealth. Unless wealth is restributed fairly embedded social issues will persist.
@@davidparish2343 You're quoting a Novara Media podcast; I listened to the same one, it's drivel. 'Most land is owned by 1% of the population' is just another way of saying 'most people don't own a farm anymore, given it's the 21st century'. It has literally nothing to do with inequality
Something that's said a lot, particularly by Starmer/Blair-ites, as well as tories and again there with DA, is that Corbynism was a disaster. However, there's never been a deep-dive or analysis beyond a personal dislike for JC or whatever he stands for. On your next Q&A or even next podcast or Leading interview is this something that you guys could go into? Loved the show as always
@@JK192837 It is yes. But why then did Labour go on to receive even fewer votes four and a half years later. I think all fair minded people believe that the CPS should have presented the evidence including names and messages etc regarding the anti-Semitic allegations. These were never forthcoming, which gives credence to the argument that it was personal dislike. After all, there have been anti-Semitic marches each Saturday in London for the past year, and nobody seems to care. The inconsistency is another point in Corbyn's corner.
I’m no Corbynite, never was. But he was probably more of a true Socialist than the present leaders, and he was certainly experienced in the ways of government. But he was naive and, not the best person to lead the party. But it’s easy to exaggerate the negative effect he had on Labour. The schism started long before he became leader.
@@buzzukfiftythree How was he experienced in the ways of government? He never held a government position. Indeed, he had never even held a commitee chair position before. Corbyn was always on the sidelines which I think is where he preferred to be IMO
Just remember that Alexander also voted to go to war with Iraq without the UN mandate. He's as Blairite as they come hence the reason why he was given a safe seat to contest in the recent election.
@@DavidWatson-w7x By voting with the government he enabled Blair and Alastair Campbell to engage in an illegal war with disastrous consequences. He had the chance to do the right thing, and chose not to. I hope he loses his seat at the next election.
I’m privileged to have seen Douglas profess at NYUAD during our J-Term. Glad to see a man of his intellectual caliber back in the commons. You should have seen the looks on my colleague’s faces when they tried the Tunnocks Teacakes he gave us for the first time. It was a combination of confusion and delight.
Great conversation and i agree with them about BREXIT but i am genuinely shocked by the naivety of Alistair and Rory in relation to the challenges ahead in forging ahead in repairing the European relationship, Especially with their experiences in government. It will be a long and slow process to repair the damage that has been caused!
I totally agree. I am as strong a Remainer as the next. However, Starmer does not want a divisive re-run of the past 8 years. We have to work with the hand we're given, as ridiculous as Brexit was, and build a better UK/EU relationship. It can be done with the will.
I don’t think it’s as bad as it seems on the surface. The EU is facing a lot of internal issues and relationship struggles; the direct relations between the UK and Germany/France/Italy are still strong. If we were rejoin the single market and a form of free movement, it would be very beneficial to both sides and there’s no reason why that can’t happen. We don’t necessarily need total integration to see the economic benefits of EU membership
Mr Alexander appears to be honest, respectful, principled and a really good public servant…I admire him greatly and politics is better for his involvement IMO…
If nothing else Mhairi Black ensured Douglas Alexander is guaranteed to be remembered in the history books - Even as a Unionist I was saddened by her decision to stand down after 9 years representing Paisley, because She'd grown from a young ned who resembled a student union politician; to a very effective orator, who would likely have been snp party leader within a decade - I suspect she could've beaten Swinney easily, and probably stood a good chance against Humza Yousaff & kate forbes
@@123bwlch Nothing whatsoever to do with the fact you did not spell it correctly. Understand the difference and stop making excuses. English is taught in Welsh schools. You meant to say either 'apart from' or 'except for'. The sentence you wrote made no sense. Hope this helps.
If he loses heart we really need this sort of energy, passion and intellect in Canada. Mark Carney needs help. This interview fills me with vicarious Scots hubris.
As a Texan American. I truly appreciate the candor, insight. & humility that this man offers- even as Rory pokes at him incessantly! Wonderful guest, TRIP crew!
Enjoyed listening to this interview, a very sensible and reasonable politician (and lawyer). As a “natural” conservative I am heartened that there are grown ups back in the cabinet.
Eurozone in 2007 included the UK and now it doesn't. Also fun fact Douglas Alexander nearly landed on my bonnet (his fault) when he was crossing a filter lane in Manchester city centre during a Labour party conference.
Great interview! It would be great to see you guys cover how UK foreign policy strategy towards the Global South has shifted overtime in light of the rise of South-South cooperation symbolised best by groups such as Brics and Arab league. For example if you think about the influence UK has in Africa in 1997 when New Labour came into power versus now, UK seems to be second tier power rivalled by China, the US, the EU (mainly Germany, France and the Netherlands)and even countries such as UAE.
I like Rorys line of questioning in general but it's nice to hear an upbringing question that isn't him raising his hands behind his head and saying 'let's take things back', rolls his hands around 'what was it like growing up x y z'
@FireflyOnTheMoon he words it almost identically every time and it just sounds a bit odd. All his other questions are great but that one always seems weird whereas the way Alistair asked the same kinda thing in this episode was better
@@boringjonny I think that as one does these interviews more and more, one establishes a pattern of questions and terms. It's normal. I've much respect for him, but I think the bigger issue is that he consistently reveals his political antenna to be off whenever he starts engaging in a conversation about strategy. He's just not a political animal.
Less people vote in a landslide election, it's not rocket science. If it's basically guaranteed who will win, most people won't go out and vote. It's not really proving much.
And John Major got more votes in 1991 than Blair in 1997, Thatcher in 1987, Attlee in 1945 etc etc. Raw vote tallies are a stupid way of juding a leaders competence.
@@Bobisalive Why turning off the phone or to making unfair comments? A&R both constantly look at their phones while recording and are clearly not listening to each other or following the conversation. It should be no blasted hardship to turn off or put away their phones for an hour. I think it's uncharitable to someone trying to speak honestly and straight forwardly to call them "earnest". It's one of those words, like "worthy" that says more about the speaker than the target.
Another good interview - Alexander was very interesting on the historical questions, not so good on the live issues of Europe and the bind they've got themselves into by promising not to raise taxes. His dodge of Rory's question on tax was actually quite unkind.
I like him and I dont always agree with Rory's questions but actually the tax and custom union questions were perfectly fair points and he did the annoying political thing of answering the question he wanted to answer. My guess is that its cos they plan to make moves on those two points but dont want to announce it. But who knows.
Also, since it is the UNGA this week, any thoughts on role the UN in Global peace and security and how a renewed push for greater representation of the Global South in the UNSC is being pushed. What are thoughts on agenda to reform global governance system?
To be honest, I am rapidly becoming sick to death with politics and politicians (especially the male variety and, before you ask, I am male). Self-important, self-opinionated, arrogant, narcissistic, over-confident and, all too frequently downright dishonest). Douglas Alexander seems to be the exception. I’ve supported Labour all my life and could never vote Tory. But I am feeling frustrated at the moment with the present government and the mixed messages we’re getting from them. I hope I’m proved wrong; the thought of more upheaval in the country (or even worse another Tory government) is just about more than I can bear. However, they have been in power less than 4 months - it is far too early to make judgements on the effectiveness of the Labour government as some are doing.
@@stuartg380 Just because you do not agree it does not make it trolling. By this definition anything you post in response to someone else that disagrees with them must be trolling. Do you regard yourself as a troll? No, I thought not.
It seems Rory and Alastair do not respect the British people's decision on Brexit. Economically, it may have been the greatest single act of self-harm since WW2. Still, it was a decision made by a nation whose population was in thrall to a jingoistic idea of a historical Britain led by bulldog Churchilian figures who lead the world from the standpoint of glorious isolation. The nation needs time to come to reality, to find, by a series of hard knocks, its place in the world. Brexit, from that point of view, is a period of introspection for our country, we can no longer blame everything on the EU, we have to own our country's failings and slowly come 'round from the hangover of 300 years of empire, exceptionalism and entitlement. It's a process that will span many years, perhaps decades, rushing back to embrace the customs union or the single market, as Rory and Alastair are gagging to do, seems disrespectful, it doesn't give the country the time it needs to separate from the fantasies of the past.
Enormously.presumptive.for RS to assume a loss of faith as the going in position. Why might one assume so? A more neutral question would be a better interviewing technique.
What a great interview. I had the pleasure to meet Douglas Alexander as a constituent when I lived in Paisley in 2006-2008. I was an Army HR officer at the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow.
My issue was immensely frustrating and he fully understood my concerns and issues and promised me he would peruse the issue and get back to me, which he did within a few weeks.
I have nothing but respect for him and he came across as a caring and very honest guy. I’m so pleased he’s back in the mix at government even if it is a government that promised very little at all in their manifesto.
He will be in the cabinet in the future I’m sure and they will make better decisions due to his experience and fortitude. He really is a class act and I’m not a labour voter.
Great insightful interview guys, thank you so much.
Its a joy to listen to educated, pleasant intelligent people
Can you share a link?
@@donrayjaythat cracked me up
Shame whenever alastair opens his mouth
Something that Douglas Alexander forgets is that Labour won the election with less votes than Jeremy Corbin got. And that a great number of people voted tactically - me included. But the disappointment of Starmer's "not in my lifetime" rhetoric re the common market and customs union has alienated me already, and I can't see me voting Labour again. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
I like Rory, but i do find that when he does a interview he keeps asking a question, wanting it to be answered in a certain way and he keeps asking it till he gets it answered the way he wants, and then gets almost annoyed when it doesnt happen that way.
A great interview but very disappointed in his comment re Corbanism. Jeremy got 40% in 2017. He was defeated by one of British politics most infamous charlatans. The claim that Corban was anti Semitic and that the party was riddled with that sentiment has been shown to be totally scurrilous. I listened to a recent podcast which made the point that 1% of the British population owns 50% of the land and wealth. Unless wealth is restributed fairly embedded social issues will persist.
@@davidparish2343 Corban is anti-semitic or pretending to be, apart from that I agree with the other things you said
Rory gets flack for not pushing hard and for pushing too hard.
@@FireflyOnTheMoon ....that's not what I said... but maybe english isn't your first language.
@@davidparish2343 You're quoting a Novara Media podcast; I listened to the same one, it's drivel. 'Most land is owned by 1% of the population' is just another way of saying 'most people don't own a farm anymore, given it's the 21st century'. It has literally nothing to do with inequality
Something that's said a lot, particularly by Starmer/Blair-ites, as well as tories and again there with DA, is that Corbynism was a disaster. However, there's never been a deep-dive or analysis beyond a personal dislike for JC or whatever he stands for. On your next Q&A or even next podcast or Leading interview is this something that you guys could go into? Loved the show as always
Is the worst Labour defeat in nearly 100 years not a disaster? (For a Labour leader at least)
@@JK192837 It is yes. But why then did Labour go on to receive even fewer votes four and a half years later.
I think all fair minded people believe that the CPS should have presented the evidence including names and messages etc regarding the anti-Semitic allegations. These were never forthcoming, which gives credence to the argument that it was personal dislike.
After all, there have been anti-Semitic marches each Saturday in London for the past year, and nobody seems to care. The inconsistency is another point in Corbyn's corner.
I’m no Corbynite, never was. But he was probably more of a true Socialist than the present leaders, and he was certainly experienced in the ways of government. But he was naive and, not the best person to lead the party. But it’s easy to exaggerate the negative effect he had on Labour. The schism started long before he became leader.
@@buzzukfiftythree How was he experienced in the ways of government? He never held a government position. Indeed, he had never even held a commitee chair position before. Corbyn was always on the sidelines which I think is where he preferred to be IMO
Just remember that Alexander also voted to go to war with Iraq without the UN mandate. He's as Blairite as they come hence the reason why he was given a safe seat to contest in the recent election.
Yes but he did indicate some regrets about not speaking up louder on those issues to his credit.
@@DavidWatson-w7x By voting with the government he enabled Blair and Alastair Campbell to engage in an illegal war with disastrous consequences. He had the chance to do the right thing, and chose not to. I hope he loses his seat at the next election.
I’m privileged to have seen Douglas profess at NYUAD during our J-Term. Glad to see a man of his intellectual caliber back in the commons.
You should have seen the looks on my colleague’s faces when they tried the Tunnocks Teacakes he gave us for the first time. It was a combination of confusion and delight.
Can you list his achievments as a MP ?
Haha Tunnocks tea cakes! Sure he’s complicit in the deaths of thousands, but he does some stuff that twee people find funny!
Well done boys, great interview. You do make me smile Rory, cheers.
Douglas is the type of person who should be in parliament
Great conversation and i agree with them about BREXIT but i am genuinely shocked by the naivety of Alistair and Rory in relation to the challenges ahead in forging ahead in repairing the European relationship, Especially with their experiences in government. It will be a long and slow process to repair the damage that has been caused!
I totally agree. I am as strong a Remainer as the next. However, Starmer does not want a divisive re-run of the past 8 years. We have to work with the hand we're given, as ridiculous as Brexit was, and build a better UK/EU relationship. It can be done with the will.
I don’t think it’s as bad as it seems on the surface. The EU is facing a lot of internal issues and relationship struggles; the direct relations between the UK and Germany/France/Italy are still strong. If we were rejoin the single market and a form of free movement, it would be very beneficial to both sides and there’s no reason why that can’t happen. We don’t necessarily need total integration to see the economic benefits of EU membership
And I don’t think it’s necessary for us to concede on regulation/legislation for economic gain. Join the single market and bosh
Mr Alexander appears to be honest, respectful, principled and a really good public servant…I admire him greatly and politics is better for his involvement IMO…
If nothing else Mhairi Black ensured Douglas Alexander is guaranteed to be remembered in the history books - Even as a Unionist I was saddened by her decision to stand down after 9 years representing Paisley, because She'd grown from a young ned who resembled a student union politician; to a very effective orator, who would likely have been snp party leader within a decade - I suspect she could've beaten Swinney easily, and probably stood a good chance against Humza Yousaff & kate forbes
Great respect for Douglas - huge strategic mind. Really like him.
The reference to "politics on both sides of the Channel" is one of the most astute remarks made by a British observer of Brexit in a long time.
This man is far too decent to be a politician.
A fine example of a useless Labour MP in Scotland who lost because he was useless, accept from climbing the greases pole.
@@123bwlch Accept or except? Make your mind up time.
@@eightiesmusic1984 Did you understand the point ? English my second language.
@@123bwlch Nothing whatsoever to do with the fact you did not spell it correctly. Understand the difference and stop making excuses. English is taught in Welsh schools. You meant to say either 'apart from' or 'except for'. The sentence you wrote made no sense. Hope this helps.
@@eightiesmusic1984 Did i say i spelt it incorrectly ?
If he loses heart we really need this sort of energy, passion and intellect in Canada. Mark Carney needs help. This interview fills me with vicarious Scots hubris.
As a Texan American. I truly appreciate the candor, insight. & humility that this man offers- even as Rory pokes at him incessantly! Wonderful guest, TRIP crew!
get Corbyn on!
😂
sorry - 16 years, the other 6 I served as a councillor on Greenock Corporation
Enjoyed listening to this interview, a very sensible and reasonable politician (and lawyer).
As a “natural” conservative I am heartened that there are grown ups back in the cabinet.
Eurozone in 2007 included the UK and now it doesn't. Also fun fact Douglas Alexander nearly landed on my bonnet (his fault) when he was crossing a filter lane in Manchester city centre during a Labour party conference.
Best ever!
What a great man. I wish he was PM.
Dougie is on cracking form..we've missed you..
Eh?
Great interview! It would be great to see you guys cover how UK foreign policy strategy towards the Global South has shifted overtime in light of the rise of South-South cooperation symbolised best by groups such as Brics and Arab league. For example if you think about the influence UK has in Africa in 1997 when New Labour came into power versus now, UK seems to be second tier power rivalled by China, the US, the EU (mainly Germany, France and the Netherlands)and even countries such as UAE.
I guess ex-politicians would make good dodgy car sales men...
Funny how Alistair always says "when we were in power", when he's never been elected in his life.
he was a central part of the team
But he was a member of the Labour Party at the time and involved in decision making. So seems reasonable to me that he talks about it as 'we'.
@@buzzukfiftythree I non-elected, making the decisions. Sounds about right!
I like Rorys line of questioning in general but it's nice to hear an upbringing question that isn't him raising his hands behind his head and saying 'let's take things back', rolls his hands around 'what was it like growing up x y z'
why?
@FireflyOnTheMoon he words it almost identically every time and it just sounds a bit odd. All his other questions are great but that one always seems weird whereas the way Alistair asked the same kinda thing in this episode was better
@@boringjonny I think that as one does these interviews more and more, one establishes a pattern of questions and terms. It's normal. I've much respect for him, but I think the bigger issue is that he consistently reveals his political antenna to be off whenever he starts engaging in a conversation about strategy. He's just not a political animal.
Weekly reminder that Jeremy Corbyn got more votes in 2017 and 2019 than Kier Starmer did in 2024. 40:03
I agree, nobody would talk about Corbyn in this way under a fairer electoral system
Yeah, but our voting system doesn’t work this way. This is actually exactly the problem with Corbyn - all dreams, no reality.
Corbyn was good at piling up the votes in safe Labour seats. That strategy does not win elections.
Less people vote in a landslide election, it's not rocket science.
If it's basically guaranteed who will win, most people won't go out and vote.
It's not really proving much.
And John Major got more votes in 1991 than Blair in 1997, Thatcher in 1987, Attlee in 1945 etc etc. Raw vote tallies are a stupid way of juding a leaders competence.
Fell out. ? They were never friends
Not really fair to call a straight forward bloke "earnest". Rory, turn off your bloody phone
@@FireflyOnTheMoon why?
@@Bobisalive Why turning off the phone or to making unfair comments? A&R both constantly look at their phones while recording and are clearly not listening to each other or following the conversation. It should be no blasted hardship to turn off or put away their phones for an hour.
I think it's uncharitable to someone trying to speak honestly and straight forwardly to call them "earnest". It's one of those words, like "worthy" that says more about the speaker than the target.
Interesting interview. Glad Douglas has decided to come back into politics. Sounds like the sort of MP we need.
Wow that was pretty bad i felt, the only vesion is be in government......profit
Another good interview - Alexander was very interesting on the historical questions, not so good on the live issues of Europe and the bind they've got themselves into by promising not to raise taxes. His dodge of Rory's question on tax was actually quite unkind.
I like him and I dont always agree with Rory's questions but actually the tax and custom union questions were perfectly fair points and he did the annoying political thing of answering the question he wanted to answer. My guess is that its cos they plan to make moves on those two points but dont want to announce it. But who knows.
Rory's right but he also seems naive to the fact that all politics is short-term politics
Also, since it is the UNGA this week, any thoughts on role the UN in Global peace and security and how a renewed push for greater representation of the Global South in the UNSC is being pushed. What are thoughts on agenda to reform global governance system?
To be honest, I am rapidly becoming sick to death with politics and politicians (especially the male variety and, before you ask, I am male). Self-important, self-opinionated, arrogant, narcissistic, over-confident and, all too frequently downright dishonest). Douglas Alexander seems to be the exception. I’ve supported Labour all my life and could never vote Tory. But I am feeling frustrated at the moment with the present government and the mixed messages we’re getting from them. I hope I’m proved wrong; the thought of more upheaval in the country (or even worse another Tory government) is just about more than I can bear. However, they have been in power less than 4 months - it is far too early to make judgements on the effectiveness of the Labour government as some are doing.
These politicians are like turds that wont flush. Do nothing but make out they've changed the world. They're all in the club. It's pathetic.
Yeah, thanks for everything you have done for our country. What we need is more trolling on TH-cam and you are making a start here.
@@stuartg380 Just because you do not agree it does not make it trolling. By this definition anything you post in response to someone else that disagrees with them must be trolling. Do you regard yourself as a troll? No, I thought not.
52:07 "Thanks for watching" the editor clearly wasn't. 🤣
He has such plastic, manufactured talking points. He didn't seem genuine for a moment despite trying so hard to
It seems Rory and Alastair do not respect the British people's decision on Brexit. Economically, it may have been the greatest single act of self-harm since WW2. Still, it was a decision made by a nation whose population was in thrall to a jingoistic idea of a historical Britain led by bulldog Churchilian figures who lead the world from the standpoint of glorious isolation. The nation needs time to come to reality, to find, by a series of hard knocks, its place in the world. Brexit, from that point of view, is a period of introspection for our country, we can no longer blame everything on the EU, we have to own our country's failings and slowly come 'round from the hangover of 300 years of empire, exceptionalism and entitlement. It's a process that will span many years, perhaps decades, rushing back to embrace the customs union or the single market, as Rory and Alastair are gagging to do, seems disrespectful, it doesn't give the country the time it needs to separate from the fantasies of the past.
Douglas who?
Probably the first episode in which the title of the video ends up not being discussed. Clickbait?!
So everything he ever achieved was because of nepotism. That's the most tory backstory I have ever heard!
Yuk, a one hour audition for a ministerial role filled with a self serving account of history filled with name dropping.
rory telling the labour party that they cant raise wealth....they could normalise you and people like you...
Enormously.presumptive.for RS to assume a loss of faith as the going in position. Why might one assume so? A more neutral question would be a better interviewing technique.