<![CDATA[The Beacon Podcast]]>
www.readthebeacon.org]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/s/podcastSubstackTue, 11 Aug 2026 22:15:21 GMThttps://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/7472315/s/382346.rssWith Harry AdamsThe Beacon Podcast is where we interview experts and discuss out content in a more freeform format. episodicWith Harry Adamsbeaconmedia@substack.comNo<![CDATA[How football said 'no' to Infantino's World Cup greed]]>Two weeks after Spain lifted the World Cup in New Jersey, FIFA's President decided it would be a good idea to try and 'sell the World Cup'. In what has turned out to be a disastrous move, Gianni Infantino, who has spent large swathes of the last few years ensuring his bromance with Donald Trump is never far from the forefront of people's minds, tried to sell of 20% of FIFA's commercial rights.The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, was a success but it felt like a showcase for how football could be further americanised and sliced up for external actors to make more money.We spoke to Kieran Maguire, football finance expert, host of The Price of Football podcast and Professor of Football Finance and Liverpool University, to break down the deal and explain how Infantino's latest idea eventually fell flat.Thumbnail credit:FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a Press conference in Doha. Doha Stadium Plus/Vinod DivakaranDate 16 February 2017, 13:13Source Gianni InfantinoAuthor Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, QatarWC Trophy:Photo by Djuradj Vujcic, CC BY 2.0.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/how-football-said-no-to-infantinos-a7fsubstack:post:210058289Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:30:06 GMTHarry AdamsNo1808<![CDATA[UK 'only Nato member' making decisions based on US being reliable ally ]]>The UK is the only member of Nato still making foreign and defence policy decisions based on the assumption that the US is a reliable ally.

That is the opinion of Ed Morello, the Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset. He also sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the National Security Strategy (Joint Committee).

In an interview with The Beacon, we discussed the UK-US relationship and how, despite Brexit promising a land of free trade deals across the Atlantic, that has not materialised.

He argues that, yes, this US Administration, which he described as “belligerent” is not a reliable ally.

The UK should be building closer ties to the EU and Japan, for example, when it comes to defence procurement and national security, he suggested.

Morello also said, “as a Liberal”, he believes in international trade and international collaboration, with both leading to less conflict.

The Foreign Affairs Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the UK’s use of soft power. This is in stark contrast to the US’ hard power only approach under Trump, with Morello pointing out that we would “condemn” the US’ behaviour if it was China or the US.

It comes after the US has, so far this year, started a war in Iran, causing the Strait of Hormuz to shut and financial reprecussions to be felt across the world.

Morello said the US administration does not care about the cost crisis its hard power approach has taken and that the behaviour of the Trump administration is shocking.

But, he added, we are not as “cognisant as we should be” of the impact of US actions around the globe.

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/uk-only-nato-member-making-decisionssubstack:post:201113272Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:26:56 GMTHarry AdamsNo1437<![CDATA[Can we impose social media ban and who can we trust to regulate?]]>The former health secretary and Labour leader hopeful Wes Streeting has called for a partial social media ban for under 16’s accessing certain platforms.But is this really a solution? Experts have argued similar bans in Australia, who recently imposed a landmark ban shadowing Streeting’s calls, have shown mixed results.Not only have teens found ways around restrictions, but it has also been shown to open them up to other online risks when found online.It is also not just the consideration of children online, but also raises issues around the regulation of social media, how we want this to be carried out, what we want this to look like and, maybe most importantly of them all, who do we trust to regulate the platforms themselves.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/can-we-impose-social-media-ban-andsubstack:post:200522872Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:23:58 GMTWith Harry AdamsNo1518<![CDATA[Tony Blair kicks off Hot Essay Summer for Labour Party, but what did he say?]]>The Labour Party is playing with fire with its future, according to Tony Blair. This was the headline of a 5,000 word essay he published earlier this week.He called for policy first, but his was thin, with his foreign policy stuck in 2003 and relying on the US as a dependable ally, while his domestic policy was boring and obvious - all while betting hugely on AI.In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting all took to Substack, The Times and The Guardian to publish their response.The PM defending his government, Burnham pushed his potential agenda of Manchesterism and the fall of living standards while Streeting also doubled down on AI but also spoke to inequality.We took a closer look at all three and if anyone has actually said anything new.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/tony-blair-kicks-off-hot-essay-summersubstack:post:199845875Sat, 30 May 2026 09:04:02 GMTAlexander ConnorNo1373<![CDATA[Reform's rise poses real world threat to equality]]>Ellie Jones from Liberate has joined The Beacon podcast to discuss how Reform's attitude, language and treatment of equality poses a threat to LGBTQ rights.She also discussed diversity policy and the tactics used to sow societal division.Liberate is an equality and diversity charity based in the Channel Islands, with branches in both Jersey and Guernsey.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/reforms-rise-poses-real-world-threatsubstack:post:199653071Thu, 28 May 2026 20:24:32 GMTHarry AdamsNo1515<![CDATA[Immigration Statistics Expose Reform's Consistent Lie]]>The latest net migration figures are out and it shows that the number dell to 171,000 in the last year.Despite Reform, and now Restore Britain, existing almost solely on the premise of reducing migration, we looked at just what this means and migration as a wider issue for the UK Government.We also took a look at the Makerfield by-election and the latest developments in what could determine the future of the Labour Party and the British Government.With Andy Burnham talking of how the UK is beholden to the bond market, before explaining he did not, in fact, mean you can ignore them, we try to explain what the bond market actually is and how Burnham's seeming change in stance may signal more than a change in opinion.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/immigration-statistics-expose-reformssubstack:post:199231192Mon, 25 May 2026 19:38:36 GMTHarry AdamsNo2411<![CDATA[Brits faced with Burnham, Rayner or Streeting for Labour leader?]]>Over the last week, Westminster has been fizzing with the prospect of a Labour leadership contest following the party's abyssal showing in the local elections.

Suddenly, Angela Rayner steps in from the cold, Wes Streeting sharpens his blade and Andy Burnham is looking for a seat which he can win and stand for Labour leader.We discussed what all this means in practice, how the leadership race could play out and what policies each candidate represents.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/brits-faced-with-burnham-rayner-orsubstack:post:198134857Sun, 17 May 2026 15:53:53 GMTHarry AdamsNo2682<![CDATA[Local Election Turmoil for Labour as Reform Makes Huge Gains]]>Nigel Farage's Reform party celebrated a resounding success after winning 939 council seats, while it was disaster for Labour as they lost 667 councillors.Also discussed in this episode is the decline of the traditional two party system, the impact of social media and identity politics on modern politics electoral trends, party dynamics and the potential future political landscapes as each party works out where it wants to go next.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/local-election-turmoil-for-laboursubstack:post:197078441Sun, 10 May 2026 08:31:34 GMTHarry AdamsNo3599<![CDATA[Reform UK vs DEI: Will Local Elections 2026 Send Us Back Decades?]]>In this interview, our correspondent, Nitasha Ramparsad and legal expert Charles Boyle breaks down what DEI actually does in practice, how it affects workers, public services, and why it matters ahead of the upcoming local elections. With Reform UK openly challenging the Equality Act, this conversation looks at what that could mean for ordinary people across the UK.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/reform-uk-vs-dei-will-local-electionssubstack:post:196706424Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:38:00 GMTAlexander ConnorNo897<![CDATA[Trumps Blockade Could Spike Oil Prices AGAIN! (With Commodore Simon Kelly)]]>In this podcast, filmed on the 13th of April, The Beacon speaks to Commodore Simon Kelly, a former Royal Navy mine warfare expert, to break down the reality behind the headlines. From boarding oil tankers at sea to the legal grey areas of “blockade”, we explore how the US might try to choke off Iranian oil exports — and the risks of escalation that come with it.We also dig into:How modern naval blockades are enforcedWhy mines (even rumours of them) can shut down global tradeThe role of Gulf states and why they may refuse involvementWhether this is an off-ramp… or a path to wider conflictWho actually benefits if the crisis drags onWith global oil markets, shipping routes, and geopolitical stability all at stake, this is one of the most consequential flashpoints in the world right now.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/trumps-blockade-could-spike-oil-pricessubstack:post:196706451Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:38:00 GMTHarry AdamsNo2332<![CDATA[Would Seizing Greenland Trigger a NATO War? (With Peter Viggo Jacobsen)]]>In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, we speak to Danish defence expert and Associate Professor at the Danish Defence College, Peter Viggo Jacobsen about the extraordinary reports that Denmark sent blood packs and military supplies to Greenland amid fears of a potential US move under Donald Trump.We explore:Why Denmark took the threat seriouslyThe reaction inside the Danish military and civilian populationWhat this reveals about shifting trust within NATOGreenland’s strategic importance in global securityWhether Trump’s pressure is reshaping European defence spendingPeter offers a rare insider perspective on a moment that many in Europe found “unreal” — preparing, even symbolically, for conflict with a long-standing ally.

Photo Credit: Defense.gov



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/would-seizing-greenland-trigger-asubstack:post:196705580Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:26:00 GMTHarry AdamsNo843<![CDATA[Why Banning Social Media for Under 16s Won’t Protect Kids (With Andy Burrows)]]>What responsibility do social media platforms bear for real-world harm?In this interview, Miles Bennington speaks with Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, about the fight to make the online world safer.They explore the tragic case that changed the debate, how algorithms can drive harm, and why 2026 may mark a turning point in regulating Big Tech. From youth social media bans to AI-generated abuse, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually works.Topics covered:The story behind the Molly Rose FoundationThe impact of algorithmic recommendation systemsWhy social media bans for under-16s may failThe rise of AI harms, including “nudification” toolsWhether governments are finally ready to take on Big TechPractical advice for parents navigating online safetyIf you care about the future of the internet, democracy, and the safety of children online, this is for you.Mark Zuckerberg Photo Credit: Anthony Quintano



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/why-banning-social-media-for-undersubstack:post:196704316Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:17:00 GMTMiles BenningtonNo2849<![CDATA[Could the US Actually Seize the Strait of Hormuz?]]>

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This was recorded on April 2nd 2026.Trump Photo Credit: Gage Skidmor



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readthebeacon.org/subscribe]]>https://www.readthebeacon.org/p/could-the-us-actually-seize-the-strait-84fsubstack:post:196700749Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:53:00 GMTHarry AdamsNo3223