As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British economy, what he makes of some of the choices facing Starmer's Labour government (including the possibility of a change to property taxes), his views on some of the decisions they've made so far (including Chancellor Rachel Reeves's raising of employer National Insurance contributions), how much credibility he gives to fears of an IMF bailout, the levels of taxation in the country, the financial policies of Reform UK and the Greens, comparisons between the cost of borrowing under Reevs and Liz Truss, and what he'd do if he were a benign dictator.
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57:03
20 Questions With Freddie de Tommaso
Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his success, explains how he sprang to fame, speaks of his days playing rugby, explains why body-building helps his voice, reveals how much he can bench press, reflects on the role of looks in modern day productions and the greater power of the director, and remembers a childhood growing up in Tunbridge Wells where his late father ran a fine dining Italian restaurant.
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29:07
20 Questions With Tim Wigmore
Why is Test cricket loved so much? What makes it so special? Telegraph cricket writer, and author of 'Test Cricket A History', Tim Wigmore takes a deep dive into what many insist is the greatest game on earth. Whether you're a lifelong fan or merely tempted to dip your toes into a sport that grips hundreds of millions around the world, this is a passionate guide to the thrills and spills of an unique contest that began almost 150 years ago.
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46:57
20 Questions With Rachel Johnson
Author, writer, broadcaster and podcaster Rache Johnson talks about self-doubt, hard work, hustling, what it was like being the Prime Minister's sister, a challenging childhood, her love of learning new skills, juggling parenthood with her career, "difficult women", mortality, declining opportunities for younger generations, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the responsibility of owning a dog.
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32:58
20 Questions With Simon Calder
Simon Calder is a household name in Britain, popping up on our TV screens and radio stations when a big travel story hits the headlines. Here he tells us the story of how he fell in love with traveling, names some of his favourite destinations in the UK and beyond, explains why travel has become easier since he started out as a journalist, and gives his verdict on the ethical questions facing travellers.
I’m Matt Stadlen and for 20 years I’ve been talking to and interviewing public figures from around the world. In this series I’ll be interviewing famous names from every walk of life and with a broad range of views, politics and perspectives. Every guest will get 20 questions, and the plan is for you to have a better sense of each of them by the end of their interview.
UK