Government changes course on digital identity cards

Goodbye to local policing?

Shabana Mahmood announced her police reform programme last week with plans for a “British FBI” and mergers to create mega forces. But the Home Secretary’s reform programme lacks key evidence - there is no proof bigger is better. Three PCCs discuss Home Secretary’s reform programme and what sits behind it. We also discuss the latest from Westminster with Sir Keir Starmer’s future in the balance and Kemi Badenoch’s performances improving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com [https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Government changes course on digital identity cards

On this week’s podcast we discuss Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s latest u-turn which was on digital ID cards. After making a big announcement on them, Keir Starmer’s scrapped the policy. How many u-turns has Keir Starmer done now, but has he done the right thing? We also have our weekly game, so play along if you think you know the answers! — During this episode we did discuss the possible resignation of Craig Guildford, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. We released it as a clip before he retired. You can still watch and listen on our feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com [https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Go now: West Midlands Police Chief must resign

In a special discussion, Matthew, Lisa and Matthew discuss the fiasco at West Midlands Police and the position of Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable. Should he resign, of must the PCC sack him? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com [https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

None for the road? The government’s new road strategy

Are Keir Starmer’s days numbered? Could the Labour Prime Minister be ousted in 2026 as a result of poor local election results and who will take his place. We go through the prospective runners and riders including Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting and whether Keir Starmer’s days are numbered. We also discuss the Government’s road safety strategy. Should older people be subject to eye tests, and the drinking limit reduced? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com [https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

What does police re-organisation mean?

In the first episode for a while - PCCs Matthew Scott, Matthew Barber and Lisa Townsend are back to discuss the various reform programmes being proposed from devolution, local government reorganisation, police governance and police force mergers. In addition we talk about the latest from Westminster, and play a new political game! You can also watch on YouTube: Is Keir Starmer doomed and how long does he have left? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com [https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]