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1956: End of Illusion: 2. Oil

2 november 2026 · 15 min

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The American presidential election in November 1956 coincided with two of the greatest crises of the postwar era: Suez and Hungary. Lees meer

In July of that year, the Suez Canal had been nationalised by Egypt’s President Nasser. It provoked alarm and outrage in Britain and France, and it led to a joint Anglo-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt that in turn produced an international outcry.

Meanwhile, in October an uprising in Hungary against Soviet rule prompted an invasion by the Red Army and a brutal campaign of repression.

This series is about the interplay of these three overlapping dramas – the Suez crisis, the Hungarian revolution and the American presidential election – and their consequences for the world. Between them these events shattered the illusions of the postwar world: about British power, about Soviet tolerance of dissent, about American commitment to democracy, about European solidarity, about the future of the Middle East and about the power of international institutions.

Seventy years on David Runciman explores how these events in late 1956 represent a watershed in twentieth-century history.

Today: why the Suez Canal mattered and how President Nasser triggered British and French fears.

On 26th July 1956, almost four years to the day since he seized power in a military coup, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt, informed a crowd of 100,000 people in Cairo’s Liberation Square that he was nationalising the Suez Canal.

Nasser’s action prompted a diplomatic, political and ultimately military crisis that would cost a British prime minister his job and his reputation. It also exposed how, in an age increasingly hungry for the oil that was transported through the canal, the old European powers feared the waning of their authority and with it their prosperity. The Suez canal had been acquired by Britain in the course of building its global empire. Would its loss signal the end of Britain’s imperial illusions?

Producer: Martin Williams

1956: End of Illusion: 1. Election Day

2 november 2026 · 15 min

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The American presidential election in November 1956 coincided with two of the greatest crises of the postwar era: Suez and Hungary. Lees meer

In July of that year, the Suez Canal had been nationalised by Egypt’s President Nasser. It provoked alarm and outrage in Britain and France and it led to a joint Anglo-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt that in turn produced an international outcry. Meanwhile, in October an uprising in Hungary against Soviet rule prompted an invasion by the Red Army and a brutal campaign of repression.

This series is about the interplay of these three overlapping dramas – the Suez crisis, the Hungarian revolution and the American presidential election – and their consequences for the world. Between them these events shattered the illusions of the postwar world: about British power, about Soviet tolerance of dissent, about American commitment to democracy, about European solidarity, about the future of the Middle East and about the power of international institutions.

Seventy years on David Runciman explores how these events in late 1956 represent a watershed in twentieth-century history.

The US Presidential election took place on 6th November. The sitting president Dwight D Eisenhower was seeking re-election on a platform promising “peace and prosperity.” But he faced a dilemma.

At midnight, British and French paratroopers had landed at the Suez Canal and were engaged in hand-to-hand fighting with the local Egyptian population. At the same time Soviet tanks and soldiers were fighting pitched battles with Hungarian civilians on the streets of Budapest.

Britain was America’s closest ally. The USSR was America’s fiercest foe.

How could Eisenhower support a British invasion whilst condemning a Soviet one?

Producer: Martin Williams

1956: End of Illusion: Trailer

30 oktober 2026 · 1 min

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The American presidential election in November 1956 coincided with two of the greatest crises of the postwar era: Suez and Hungary. Lees meer

In July of that year, the Suez Canal had been nationalised by Egypt’s President Nasser. It provoked alarm and outrage in Britain and France and it led to a joint Anglo-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt that in turn produced an international outcry. Meanwhile, in October an uprising in Hungary against Soviet rule prompted an invasion by the Red Army and a brutal campaign of repression.

This series is about the interplay of these three overlapping dramas – the Suez crisis, the Hungarian revolution and the American presidential election – and their consequences for the world. Between them these events shattered the illusions of the postwar world: about British power, about Soviet tolerance of dissent, about American commitment to democracy, about European solidarity, about the future of the Middle East and about the power of international institutions.

Seventy years on David Runciman explores how these events in late 1956 represent a watershed in twentieth-century history.

Reflections: Series 4: Caroline Lucas

27 juli 2026 · 28 min

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The former Green Party leader speaks to James Naughtie about her years in Parliament, and how it feels to see her party thrive just as she stands down. Lees meer

In fourteen years, Caroline Lucas never held ministerial office and so had to find other ways to exercise power and influence. She discusses working with others, listening to people you disagree with, and getting arrested for your beliefs.

Producers: Giles Edwards and Najiba Feroz.

Reflections: Series 4: Jeremy Hunt

20 juli 2026 · 29 min

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The former Chancellor reflects with James Naughtie on tough choices and political resurrection. Lees meer

Jeremy Hunt held four Cabinet jobs - including almost six years as Health Secretary, and then Foreign Secretary under Theresa May. After he was defeated by Boris Johnson in their battle for the Conservative leadership, he thought his ministerial career was over, only to be called back by Liz Truss after her mini-budget.

In this episode of Reflections he discusses all that with James Naughtie, as well as a famous radio moment the two shared.

Producers: Giles Edwards and Joel Massey.

Reflections: Series 4: Jerry Brown

13 juli 2026 · 28 min

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The former Governor of California oversaw the world's fifth largest economy for sixteen years, ran three times for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, and over the course of his public life has known every president from John F. Kennedy to Donald Trump. Lees meer

In this interview with James Naughtie, Jerry Brown reflects on the importance of limits in the Jesuitical and Buddhist traditions, and how he took that idea into politics; on how his views on forgiveness informed his decisions to commute the sentences of people on California's Death Row; and on why if, in his words, you believe that inclination of the soul is to sin "you have to be somewhat sceptical about politics".

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Ten Years After Brexit: 10: Impact on Politics

6 juli 2026 · 15 min

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There’s no doubting just how divisive Brexit was. Whatever side of the debate you sat on, the strength of feeling ran high. It split opinion, ruptured political parties and toppled Prime Ministers. In the years after the referendum the country watched while Westminster was dominated by intense wrangling , and much of Whitehall’s bandwidth was focused on Brexit. New political identities emerged - leavers and remainers - and in 2019, an entire General Election was dominated by Brexit. Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Paula Surridge, Professor of Political Sociology at the University of Bristol and Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester, about the political climate pre and post-Brexit, and what we can learn about how it continues to shape our politics today.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 9: Impact on Europe

6 juli 2026 · 15 min

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In the decade since the Brexit referendum, much has been said about the effect the decision to leave had on the UK. But what is the view from Europe? What did the EU make of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, and how have they adapted in the years since? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group, and Jannike Wachowiak, a Research Assistant at UK in a Changing Europe, about the EU's relationship with Britain today and their appetite for reintegration.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 8: Fishing and Farming

29 juni 2026 · 15 min

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The UK's fishing and farming industries were at the core of Brexiteer's arguments for regaining British sovereignty over our land and produce. For many in the industries and the areas where they worked, the EU's fishing and farming frameworks had long been a source of frustration and a symbol of wider disillusions with the EU project. Why did the two industries resonate so deeply with voters? And how have they fared in the years since Brexit? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Jill Rutter, senior fellow at the Institute for Government, and Joel Reland, senior researcher at UK in a Changing Europe, about the impact Brexit had on UK fishing and farming.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 7: Science and Academia

29 juni 2026 · 14 min

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The UK's membership within the EU meant that when it came to science and academia, the UK and EU were close collaborators. In both sectors, close ties meant that countries could share funding, innovation, research and people without friction. But after Brexit, the UK was removed from many of the research and funding frameworks, and the end of freedom of movement restricted researchers and students from travelling to the EU for study. How did the changes imposed after Brexit impact research, innovation and study in the UK? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Dani Payne, head of education and social mobility at the independent think tank the Social Market Foundation, and Sarah Main, who was the executive director of the campaign for science and engineering during Brexit and in the years that followed, about what Brexit meant for UK science and academia.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 6: Regulatory Freedom

22 juni 2026 · 15 min

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Claims of a ban on bendy bananas came to symbolise what many Brexiteers saw as a fundamental problem with the EU - burdensome bureaucracy and onerous regulation that stifled UK business and innovation. The Brexit campaign leant heavily on the notion that reclaiming sovereignty, ditching so-called red-tape imposed by Brussels and setting its own rules would unleash the UK’s potential. So in reality, what’s happened so far? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, and Joel Reland, a senior researcher at UK in a Changing Europe to find out.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 5: The Union

22 juni 2026 · 14 min

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When Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016, politicians in Scotland and Wales hoped that the UK’s departure would mean more freedom for their governments over national matters. But in the decade since, uneasy constitutional questions have surfaced. Is devolution compatible with strengthened Westminster parliamentary sovereignty? And has Brexit deepened support for independence amongst the devolved nations? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to Nicola McEwen, Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Glasgow, and Richard Wyn-Jones, Professor of Welsh Politics at Cardiff University about how Wales and Scotland viewed the referendum, and the political ramifications that the Brexit vote continues to have today.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 4: Northern Ireland

15 juni 2026 · 15 min

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When the UK voted to leave the EU, Northern Ireland became one of the most contentious aspects of the Brexit negotiations. The prospect of a border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland threatened to undermine the Good Friday agreement, and resurfaced divisions about Irish reunification. Although the Windsor Framework was eventually introduced in 2023, the political and economic uncertainty of the negotiation years has had lasting implications. Lees meer

Alex Forsyth is joined by John Campbell, BBC Northern Ireland’s Business and Economics Editor, and Katy Hayward, Professor of Political Sociology at Queens’ University, Belfast, to look at how Brexit has shaped Northern Ireland in the decade since the referendum vote.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Sally Abrahams
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 3: Immigration

15 juni 2026 · 15 min

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The debate on immigration was at the heart of the Brexit referendum, and sparked strong emotions from both Leave and Remain voters. Those who voted for Brexit saw it as an opportunity to ‘take back control’ of the country’s borders and, by implication, lower immigration. But in the years immediately after Brexit, the country saw its highest ever levels of net migration. Did Brexit fail in its promise to voters on immigration? And why does the issue continue to be such a central concern in our politics today? Lees meer

Alex Forsyth speaks to James Bowes, a data analyst at the University of Warwick, and Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about how we should assess Brexit’s success in tackling immigration.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 2. Trade

8 juni 2026 · 15 min

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During the Brexit referendum, the Leave campaign argued that exiting the EU would allow the UK to sign more lucrative independent trade deals with other nations. Remainers warned that leaving the single market and customs union would increase friction with the EU, our nearest and largest trading partner. What can we say about Brexit's impact on UK trade, five years on from leaving the single market and customs union? Lees meer

In this episode Alex Forsyth speaks to Sam Lowe, head of Trade and Market Access at Flint Global, and Soumaya Keynes, economics columnist at the Financial Times and co-author of the book “How to Win a Trade War”, about whether the trade off has been worth it.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Ten Years After Brexit: 1. The Economy

8 juni 2026 · 15 min

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It is 10 years since the Brexit referendum. In this series Alex Forsyth, a BBC correspondent who’s covered Brexit from both Brussels and Westminster, looks at what impact the decision to leave the EU has had on various aspects of public and political life. Lees meer

The effect of leaving the EU on the economy has been one of the most contested aspects of Brexit . From dire warnings about multi-billion pound budgetary black holes ahead of the referendum to assertions that the UK would become “Singapore-on-Thames” if freed from the orbit of Brussels, there have been bold - and at times - unfounded claims.

To get a sense of the arguments around the economic consequences of Brexit, Alex Forsyth talks to Julian Jessop, an independent economist and Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs and David Smith, Economics editor at the Sunday Times.

Presenter: Alex Forsyth
Producers: Ben Carter and Mhairi MacKenzie
Editor: Richard Vadon
Studio engineer and sound mix: James Beard
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Reflections: Series 3: Steve Baker

31 juli 2025 · 29 min

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Steve Baker was a pivotal figure in the Brexit turmoil that engulfed the Conservatives. Becoming an MP in 2010 order to help achieve Britain's severance from the European Union, he came to prominence as chair of an influential group of Eurosceptic rebels who helped bring down the prime ministership of Theresa May. Lees meer

Having lost his seat in the general election of 2024, the former Royal Air Force engineer talks to James Naughtie about how to organise a rebellion, his Christian faith, the state of the Conservative party and the toll political life took on his mental health.

Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

Reflections: Series 3: Malcolm Rifkind

24 juli 2025 · 29 min

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Edinburgh-born former lawyer Sir Malcolm Rifkind was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1974. A former Defence and Foreign Secretary, he served continuously as a minister for 18 years under Margaret Thatcher and John Major. Lees meer

In conversation with James Naughtie, he looks back on his relationship with the 'Iron Lady', meeting Mikhail Gorbachev, the poll tax controversy, Tory Brexit wars and the personal side of political life.

Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

Reflections: Series 3: Diane Abbott

17 juli 2025 · 29 min

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Elected to parliament in 1987, Diane Abbott was the first black female MP and is known as the 'Mother of the House'. In a conversation with James Naughtie recorded in May 2025, the passionate left-winger reflects on rebellion, her relationship with Jeremy Corbyn, the 2023 controversy that led to her year-long suspension from the Labour party, her experience of sexism and racism and her political longevity. Lees meer

Producer: Leela Padmanabhan

Reflections: Series 3: John Kerry

10 juli 2025 · 38 min

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James Naughtie talks to former US Secretary of State John Kerry about his life and political career. Lees meer

At his home in Massachusetts, which he represented in the United States Senate for close to 30 years, Kerry discusses his experiences as a naval officer in Vietnam, how he felt the pull of politics, and what he attempted to achieve. Reflecting on the 2004 presidential election campaign, where he was the Democrat nominee against President George W. Bush, Kerry says it was the first 'fake news election'.

In four years as President Obama's Secretary of State, Kerry travelled more than a million miles around the world, and he discusses his experiences negotiating the Iran Nuclear Deal, the decision not to strike Syria, and his friendship with Benjamin Netanhayu.

And on domestic politics, Kerry has some striking advice for his party after losing the 2024 presidential election.

Producer: Giles Edwards

Postwar: 20. What if?

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

To end the series, a counter-factual: what would Britain have been like if, as almost everyone expected, Winston Churchill had won the 1945 general election?

Postwar: 19. Post-postwar

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

We can fix a start date on the postwar period, but what about an end date? Are we still living in the postwar period? And, if not, when did we leave it?

Featuring John Bew, Patricia Clavin, Lucy Delap, David Kynaston, David Reynolds and Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 18. Churchill: Lion in Winter

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. What happened to Winston Churchill in the years after the 1945 general election?

Featuring David Reynolds.

Postwar: 17. A New Jerusalem?

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

The Clement Attlee government's efforts to renew the nation after 1945 is sometimes referred to as a New Jerusalem. But that reference to William Blake's poem – with its vision of “pleasant pastures” – is also evidence of a certain nostalgia for an idea of Britain – of England – that’s rooted deep in the country’s past. And it gives voice to a central question faced by the Labour government in 1945: how much of Britain’s past were they willing to jettison in order to build Jerusalem in England’s – Britain’s – green and pleasant land.

Featuring David Kynaston and Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 16. The Result

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

Voting took place on Thursday 5th July 1945 – eight weeks after VE Day – and when the polls closed there were no overnight counts, no race to be the first to declare. All around the country ballot boxes were sealed, transported to police stations and town hall basements – and locked away until the votes of servicemen and women overseas were shipped back to their constituencies.

The immediate result of the general election, then, was silence: a three-week hiatus. But it was a natural assumption that Winston Churchill, the war hero, would emerge from that hiatus as the winner. Labour leader Clement Attlee certainly thought so. He had no idea what was coming when the ballot boxes were opened.

Featuring David Kynaston and Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 15. Debt to America

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

During the war, Britain had been bailed out by American largesse. Without America’s help, the nation would be on the brink of bankruptcy. No one’s plans for postwar reconstruction could avoid this fact. That meant, during and after the 1945 election, a great deal was going to depend on the attitude of, and to, the Americans.

Featuring John Bew and David Reynolds.

Postwar: 14. United Nations

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

Both main parties supported the United Nations, but they disagreed about what that meant.

Featuring Patricia Clavin.

Postwar: 13. From Yalta to Potsdam

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

One of the enduring images of 1945 is of Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Josef Stalin sat closely together at the Yalta conference: the three dominant warlords of the age meeting to decide the fate of the world. Five months later, when the Big Three gathered again for another photo call at the end of another conference – this time at Potsdam, near Berlin – everything had changed.

Featuring David Reynolds.

Postwar: 12. Art, War and Propaganda

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

In January 1940 an organisation called CEMA – the Council for the Encouragement of Music and Art – was founded, initially with money from a charitable trust – money that was soon matched by Treasury funds, at which point, as the economist John Maynard Keynes declared in a broadcast from July 1945, "state patronage of the arts crept in."

Featuring Christopher Frayling.

Postwar: 11. Homes for Heroes

23 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

The 1945 election was fought and lost over two inter-twined, domestic, concerns: demobilisation and housing. Who would get the troops home quickest -- and who would ensure they had homes to return to?

Featuring historians Lucy Delap, David Kynaston and David Reynolds.

Postwar: 10. India and Empire

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

From different perspectives, both Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee had a long-standing involvement in the question of greater self-government for India. In different ways, for both men it was a defining element of their political lives. And both knew that the issue would have to be confronted when the war was over. And yet India, and questions of Empire more generally, were largely absent from the 1945 election.

Featuring historian Wendy Webster.

Postwar: 9. Churchill's 'Gestapo' Broadcast

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

Winston Churchill’s sometimes florid rhetoric was well suited to the microphone age and his wartime radio broadcasts became a new political art form. His deputy within the wartime coalition government, Clement Attlee, couldn’t hope to match him as a broadcaster – and, usually, he didn’t. Except in the case of their first election broadcasts of 1945 which, in the case of Churchill, might be remembered as his greatest gaffe.

Featuring historian Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 8. Healthcare for All

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed, the postwar years, would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

The war changed many things, and access to healthcare was one of them. The Beveridge Report had proposed free healthcare for all in November 1942, and that vision informed the wartime coalition government’s White Paper of May 1944. Its title? ‘A national health service’. From that point on, the operative question was not whether there would be a future NHS, but what form it should take, its extent, and who should be in control.

Featuring historians Lucy Delap and David Kynaston.
With thanks to Joseph Foster.

Postwar: 7. The Labour Manifesto

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

Up to this point, manifestos had traditionally been the election address of the party leader. The Conservative leader in 1945 was the towering figure in the nation and it made sense to stick to that formula. In contrast, the Labour manifesto made no mention of the party leader Clement Attlee. It was a completely different kind of document. Largely the work of a young researcher named Michael Young, it moved far beyond the traditional election address towards offering a real prospectus for government. And, uniquely in modern British history, it was a best-seller.

Featuring historians David Kynaston and Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 6. Appealing to Women

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

After a war which dramatically changed the working lives of women, the 1945 election became, in some ways, the first modern election. Women represented a majority of the electorate and, as far as the party manifestos were concerned, did not form a separate constituency. Women campaigned alongside men on the airwaves and a record number of female MPs were elected.

Featuring historian Lucy Delap.

Postwar: 5. The Soldiers' Election

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

In 1945 there were almost five million servicemen and women. And some of them stood for election. The stage was set for another 'khaki election', overshadowed by war and the consequences of war. But it didn't turn out that way.

Featuring historian Robert Saunders.

Postwar: 4. Public Opinion

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

On the eve of polling day in 1945, Winston Churchill told a private gathering that he was certain his party would win. "I feel it in my bones," he said. Few would have disagreed. At that time the British public hadn't been asked for their opinion in a general election for nearly ten years. Opinion polls were in their infancy. How could political parties know what voters were thinking?

Featuring historian Lucy Delap.

Postwar: 3. The Beveridge Report

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

The Beveridge Report was a detailed plan for a universal social security system, intended to vanquish what its author William Beveridge envisioned as Five Evil Giants: Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness.

Published in November 1942, it became a huge popular success, representing a hope for when the war was over and also an answer to the question of what we were fighting for. Battling Beveridge's Five Giants underpinned plans for the postwar welfare state. But who could most be trusted to deliver those plans?

Featuring historian Lucy Delap.

Postwar: 2. Mr Churchill and Mr Attlee

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee had worked closely together for the entire duration of the wartime coalition government, as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. With the war in Europe at an end, these close colleagues became fierce election rivals.

Featuring historian John Bew, author of Citizen Clem: A Biography of Attlee.

Postwar: 1. The Rejection

9 juni 2025 · 15 min

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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Lees meer

The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong desire on the part of the British people for something new. But it was also a product of Britain's wartime experiences and revealed the many ways in which the country had already changed.

The years that followed -- the postwar years -- would bring about bold and radical reform, the building of a new nation, a 'New Jerusalem'. The Britain of the National Health Service and the welfare state, of nationalised industry and the so-called 'postwar consensus' -- all were ushered into place with this election. This is the Britain that most have us have grown up in and which still shapes an idea of who we think we are.

On 8th May 1945 -- VE Day -- Winston Churchill was triumphant and vindicated. Less than twelve weeks later he was thrown out of office in a crushing electoral defeat. Why did the man who won the war -- the hero of the hour and a hero for the ages -- find himself so decisively rejected by the electorate?

Featuring historian David Kynaston.

Postwar: Trailer

4 juni 2025 · 3 min

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David Runciman tells the story of one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. Listen on BBC Sounds from Monday 9 Jun 2025

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Humza Yousaf

21 oktober 2024 · 23 min

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Michael talks to Humza Yousaf about working out who you can trust and managing allies. Lees meer

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Arlene Foster

21 oktober 2024 · 23 min

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Michael Gove talks to Arlene Foster about the challenge of managing schisms in her party. Lees meer

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Amber Rudd

21 oktober 2024 · 30 min

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Michael Gove talks to Amber Rudd about how and why she chose to take stands of principle. Lees meer

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Peter Mandelson

21 oktober 2024 · 24 min

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Michael Gove talks to Peter Mandelson about the challenge of managing unpopularity. Lees meer

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Margaret Hodge

21 oktober 2024 · 25 min

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Michael Gove talks to Margaret Hodge about the importance of working with other parties. Lees meer

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Surviving Politics with Michael Gove: Trailer

17 oktober 2024 · 3 min

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19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough. Lees meer

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Listen to all episodes from Monday 21 October 2024 on BBC Sounds.

Reflections: Series 2: Mary Robinson

16 oktober 2024 · 28 min

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The former President of Ireland and UN human rights chief sits down with Jim Naughtie in Dublin to reflect on her career and why she remains a "prisoner of hope" Lees meer

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

Reflections: Series 2: Charles Clarke

16 oktober 2024 · 29 min

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The former Home Secretary reflects with Jim Naughtie on life at the heart of the Labour Party. Lees meer

What was it like to be at Neil Kinnock's side during Labour's wilderness years, running the Home Office on 7/7, and being sacked by Tony Blair?

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

Reflections: Series 2: Arlene Foster

16 oktober 2024 · 29 min

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Arlene Foster talks to James Naughtie about her career, which lead from a farm in Fermanagh to being First Minister of Northern Ireland, and holding the fate of Brexit in her hands. Lees meer

Producer: Daniel Kraemer.