As The Three Old Hacks gather for their latest episode, they dive into the state of UK politics and economic growth. David Smith offers a measured analysis of Britain’s growth prospects, suggesting that while some improvement is expected, it may fall short of historical averages. Mihir Bose expresses concern about the rising cost of living and its impact on British dining culture, while Nigel Dudley defends his wine collection and shares insights on changing restaurant habits. The conversation weaves through Brexit’s curious absence from political discourse, despite declining public support.

The trio then tackles the worrying decline in faith in mainstream political parties, with David highlighting the troubling shift away from centrist politics. They share their perspectives on recent political developments in both the UK and US, with particular attention to the challenges facing the Tory party and Labour. The conversation takes on a sombre tone as they discuss how the political system is increasingly perceived as being run by elites, disconnected from ordinary voters.

Former Sports editor of BBC News Mihir Bose, political analyst Nigel Dudley and Economics Editor of the Sunday Times David Smith share their decades of experience in this engaging discussion of current affairs.

Get in contact with the podcast by emailing threeoldhacks@outlook.com, we’d love to hear from you!

As the Three Old Hacks get ready to tuck into the turkey and mince pies they consider how we will rate 2024. Mihir Bose thinks this has been the worst of times with Trump back in the White House, right-wing parties gaining power in Europe and the flood of non-European migrants creating an existentialist crisis. David Smith disagrees with his old friend arguing that proportional representation means the right may not win power and Europe has in the past coped with migration from former colonies. Nigel Dudley, wearing his Hampshire cricket hat, thinks the Keir Starmer government should not be written off because of its bad start in the first innings. There is always a second innings and recalls how Mrs Thatcher turned things round in the second innings.

The three discuss the crisis in the Church of England. They are unanimous in their condemnation of the Church but disagree on whether the Church should be disestablished.

Nigel Dudley, a bon viveur of food, takes issue with Kemi Badenock’s comment that she is not a fan of lunch breaks and sandwiches. David Smith recalls sitting next to the former Governor, Eddie George, at a lunch where the Governor did not eat explaining that this was because he was going to speak. Mihir Bose narrates how he recently spoke at a cricket lunch after enjoying an excellent roast lamb.

Former Sports editor of BBC News Mihir Bose, political analyst Nigel Dudley and Economics Editor of the Sunday Times David Smith, aka the Three Old Hacks conclude their podcast with each of them making a choice of a song to bring us Christmas cheer.

Get in contact with the podcast by emailing threeoldhacks@outlook.com, we’d love to hear from you!

As the Prime Minister Keir Starmer tries to recover from the worst start by a new government in recent times, the Three Old Hacks discuss why the government needs a re-launch a mere six months after coming to office with a huge majority. “Does it mean” asks Mihir Bose that “Labour no longer has leaders with political nous”. What happened to the party of Clement Attlee and Tony Blair?

Nigel Dudley recalls how Tories under Thatcher in 1979 also had a rocky start and David Smith explains points about Rachel Reeves’s CV and controversial budget that were missed by the media. With the sale of the Observer, the oldest Sunday paper, to the Tortoise group, they also discuss whether the unique British phenomenon of Daily and Sunday papers may be changing and we are moving to seven day papers.

Former Sports editor of BBC News Mihir Bose discusses why the Keir Starmer government is showing such political ineptitude with political analyst Nigel Dudley and Economics Editor of the Sunday Times David Smith, aka the Three Old Hacks.

Get in contact with the podcast by emailing threeoldhacks@outlook.com, we’d love to hear from you!