Northern Ireland Protocol, Wagatha Christie trial & Partygate fines

A ROUND-UP AND REVIEW OF THE WEEK’S BIGGEST NEWS STORIES

In this week’s News Roundtable episode, Chris joins journalist Nicole Lampert, writer and Diplomatic Scholar at Oxford University, Dr Jennifer Cassidy, and campaigns and public policy professional Emma Burnell.

The episode begins with the panellists sharing their reactions to the Downing Street investigation into lockdown parties that has come to a close, with 126 fines confirmed to have been issued by the Met police. They explore how the headlines around Partygate have impacted Boris Johnson’s leadership bid and question the values of those in power following shocking reports of criminal behaviour and sexual abuse scandals. How can we improve the vetting process for prospective MPs and those representing us?

The conversation moves on to unpack why Britain wants to change the Northern Ireland protocol, following demands from Liz Truss for the treaty to be rewritten. Together they chew over how this will impact the Good Friday Agreement, whether this is breaking international law, and if this could lead to the EU and UK facing a trade war. They consider if the government is being “held hostage by DUP” and debate whether the Conservatives have become overly focused on campaigns rather than consequences.

The guests then give their takes on the libel trial between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, which has enthralled the nation. What do the details of this trial tell us about celebrity culture? Chris and the guests highlight how this high profile trial and the Amber Heard vs Johnny Depp court case are being viewed as entertainment.

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