Shows
It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #259 Guess Who's Back! Back Again!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return after two months off from podcasting for a freewheeling discussion even by our standards. We begin with Will and Luke bemoaning the mess that Sir Keir Starmer is making off being Prime Minister before we veer off into talking about the SEVENTIES! Then Simon joins us and we quickly pivot to talking about Canadian and Australian politics. 2025-06-032h 16It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #246 Rage, Rage Against The Dying Of The Light...Until We Have To PodcastSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Middup talk what may be the craziest week in American political history. Joe Biden becomes the first president of the modern era to not seek the renomination, and drops out in a uniquely public and late moment. Before that we've had his predecessor and would be successor narrowly dodge an assassin's bullet, name his vice-presidential nominee and deliver his acceptance speech. This is a week that will on for decades. We also talk Euro 2024.2024-07-222h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #243 What Are The Odds of That Happening!?!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to cover the latest goings on in the election including the Tory betting scandal, latest polling, lacklusture manifestos, Nigel Farage on Ukraine, environmentalism run amok, and whether Simon is a Urban Progressive2024-06-242h 44It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #241 On All Farage's Eve, The Podcast Did RecordSimon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the first full week of the election campaign. Recorded before Nigel Farage's return to frontline politics on Monday, we look at the arguments over Diane Abbott, the Tory's new pensions policy, Will's article on Tory polling, and what is going on in America. 2024-06-041h 59It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #234 We Be Canadian/Caledonian DreamingSimon Alvey and Will Cooling return to talk about the utter destruction that is predicted for the Tories in the latest MRP modelling, and to what extent we should take the prospect of a Tory wipeout. We then get Will's updates on the latest developments in Northern Ireland before Simon gives his thoughts on Matthew Parris's advocacy for euthanasia as a means to place social pressure on disabled and elderly people to end their lives prematurely. They then talk about their sides battling for promotion from the Football League and what their respective clubs mean for the local area, b...2024-04-022h 33It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #227 Don't Ask Suella, Assume She's UselessSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the Department of Work and Pensions latest attempts to promote disability inclusion and Suella Braverman's recent comments about immigration and multiculturalism. They then close with thoughts on classical music, comic books, and controvesial referee decisions in football. 2023-10-022h 15It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #226 Sunak Over There, Sunak Over Here, Sunak EverywhereSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to recap a crazy week in British politics as they touch upon the beginning of the Lib Dem Conference, Liz Truss's latest comeback, Rishi Sunak trying to prove himself an Action Man by explaining why we can't do things, whether he actually is Scrooge McDuck and what the future holds for Sir Keir Starmer2023-09-251h 50It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #225 And Now We Turn To The Mitterrand PositionWe're back from our summer holidays as Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup do a tour of various news stories including the mini-reshuffle, the state of Britain's schools, whether the death penalty should be brought back, what the future holds for Nadine Dorries, and why Labour are destined to disappoint us. 2023-09-042h 19It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #224 FOOTBALL'S BACK! MORALITY ISN'T!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup surpass themselves by not getting past the introductions in this 90minute podcast! After looking forward to Notts County, Ipswich Town and Leicester City's new season we discuss Tottenham Hotspur trying to sell a player to a Russian player and whether we're all being too quick to condemn players for going to Saudi Arabia. We then close with looking at the future of the Commonwealth Games after another host has dropped out. 2023-08-051h 33It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #223 NHS & UKRAINE WINNING HERE!!!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup talk about the NHS, Ukraine, Ben Wallace, University Admissions, and By-Elections and at no point do they say Keir Starmer is a wrong-un for his pro-child poverty policy. Well he is you know, and the mainstream media, such as It Could Be Media, won't tell you. So make sure you don't listen to these corporate sellouts, and oppose *Sir* Keir Starmer's attempt to make a Labour Government increase child poverty. But don't let tory bastards like Simon, Will and Luke hear you fight for the ordinary man. They kept t...2023-07-182h 31It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #221 Another Promise Bites The Dust! And Another Promise Gone and...Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are somehow able to still podcast after the shocking revelation that Boris Johnson lied to someone. They look at his bizarre resignation, the brual condemnation delivered to him by the House of Commons Priviledges Committee, and what the future holds for him. They also talk Nadine Dorries's non-resignation and Caroline Lucas planning to stand-down at the next election. The podcast does start on a sombre note, as the three of us, all of who graduated from the University of Nottingham, reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday morning. 2023-06-161h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #219 So Are You A Protestant A.I, or a Catholic A.I?Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup emerge blinking from their silo to discuss things that may go mad without enough sunlight. We look at the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and what it might me for the future of war, politics and pop culture. We then look at the Northern Ireland Local Elections where nationalists became the largest designation for the first time in the province's history, and what that might mean for the province's future. Finally we look at the latest arguments between Taleban and Iran. 2023-06-022h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #218 Zodak The Priest Has Been Arrested By The MetSimon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the coronation of Notts County as a football league club once again, the impending coronation of Leicester City as a football league club once again, the coronation of environmentalist protestors as silly boys, the coronation of everyone other than the Tories as the winners of the local council elections, and the likely coronation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in the next eighteen months. Oh and also King Charles had a big party in London. 2023-05-212h 42It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #217 Maybe Nicola Won Bully's Special PrizeSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return from their holidays to discuss politicians behaving badly. We look at the crisis that has engulfed the Scottish National Policy with several senior officials arrested as the police investigate their expenses and the party scrambles for a new auditor. We then turn to Dominc Raab being forced to resign after being identified as having bullied several civil servants, and Diane Abbot having the whip withdrawn after sending an anti-semitic letter to The Observer2023-04-281h 40It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #216 Trump's Going To NYC & All He'll Get Is This Lousy IndictmentSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about Humza Yousaf's new Scottish Cabinet, when the next election will be, the future of Jeremy Corbyn as a MP, and whether Donald Trump is going to prison. We will also talk the Tetris movie, old politics documentaries, and Alan Clark being a terrible human being. 2023-04-012h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #216 Trump's Going To NYC & All He'll Get Was This Lousy IndictmentSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about all the latest goings on in politics. They talk Humza Yousaf's new Scottish Cabinet including his brutal treament of Kate Forbes and his allies, Jeremy Corbyn being banished from the Parliamentary Labour Party, Will's article on when the next election might be, and what is going on in the world of Donald Trump. They also talk documentaries about 1970s politics, the new Tetris movie, and Alan Clarke being a despicable human being. 2023-04-012h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #214 OF COURSE!?! WE SHOULD RUN A BAR!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the newly reformed and rebranded Northern Ireland Protocol. They cover what it means for both Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including whether this is proof that Rishi Sunak is on the comeback trail. We then talk who Isabel Oakeshott shivved harder by taking Matt Hancock's WhatsApp Messages to The Daily Telegraph; Hancock himself or News International. They then finish by talking about Sue Gray joining the Labour Party as Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff. 2023-03-061h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #213 SASSENACHS ASSEMBLEWill Cooling, Simon Alvey and Dr Luke Middup assemble to discuss the latest goings on in Scotch politics. They consider whether it was problems within or outwith the SNP that prompted Nicola Sturgeon's shock resignation, and what the future holds for Scotland and the cause of Scottish Independence. 2023-02-202h 28It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #210 Is There Anything To Be Said For Another Vote for SpeakerSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Will's surprisingly controvesial article on Northern Irish politics, Rishi Sunak's uninspiring pledges on public services and Kevin McCarthy long, dark (repeated fourteen times) night of the soul2023-01-081h 35It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #209 Can't Catch An Infectious Disease Through PodcastingSimon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup ring in the New Year by looking back at their christmas and the big British political stories of the year. 2022-12-311h 35It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #208 Ronaldo Didn't Get Selected For This EitherSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup decide not to talk politics but instead discuss the football as they prepare for the big England game. They discuss Notts County, Football Manager, big England matches and much more!2022-12-111h 11It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #206 Who's Afraid Of Talking About Rishi Sunak?Like guests at a dinner party with an argumentive couple, the podcast keeps trying to change the subject. Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup explore why they feel so unenthused about the change of Prime Minister and its efforts to repair the damage caused by Liz Truss. After tangents that included Barrack Obama, Alec Douglas-Home and Lincoln's steep hill they officially change the topic with looks at the recent problems facing Twitter, Sam Bankman-Fried and FIFA. 2022-11-222h 47It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #205 Future of Yimbyism, Fall of Truss, Farce of JohnsonSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about how Will correctly predicting that Liz Truss would have resigned by the next podcast. Well done Will. They also touch upon how Simon was very early to highlight George Canning's record as shortest reigning Prime Minister. Bravo Simon. Luke then talks about what he got wrong about Liz Truss. Very of honest of you Luke. We also discuss how to get more houses built in Britain, the last days of Liz Truss's premiership, and the opening stages of the Tory Leadership election. 2022-10-232h 39It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #204 Fuck Off LizLook...what do you want us to say? She's shit, she's not going to do anything of any use, she can't smile convincingly let alone string a sentence together, she should have the self-awareness and common decency to resign. Before Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup state the obvious to everyone accept the Libyan lobbyist in Number 10 they talk the scandal that has engulfed Sir Nick Clegg and fun facts about Prime Ministerial history. Then we all talk about the grotesque freak that is the Tory Party as if its humane and intelligent. Mo...2022-10-172h 29It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #203 Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad TrussThe It Could Be Said chapter of the Anti-Growth Coalition meets in their virtual townhouse to pour over a grizzly conference for Liz Truss. Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup discuss why the new government is struggling so badly and what might happen next. 2022-10-101h 55It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #202 Truss Ain't Seen Nothing YetLiz Truss's terrible, no good, awful week provokes Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup to alternate between righteous indignation and hysterical laughter for two hours 2022-10-012h 08It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #201 Pardon My Mini-BudgetSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to finall talk the arrival of our new Trussian overlord! We look at the formation of her new Cabinet and her initial appearances. We then move to the courageous mini-budget of her new Chancellor that seems to have backfired spectacular. 2022-09-272h 27It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #200 Three Men Walk Into A PodcastSimon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return for their 200th episode spectacular. After manipulating the episode schedule all summer to celebrate 200 episodes with breaking down the election of a new Prime Minister...we don't talk about that. Instead we look back on five years of podcasts, complete a quiz, and look back on the week of national mourning for The Queen. Thank you to everyone who has listened over the years and here's to many more fun if meandering conversations about politics. 2022-09-211h 57It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #199 The Truss Is Out ThereSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the ongoing energy crisis and even more volatile tory leadership election. In between those discussions, Will half-argues with everyone about Ukraine and Covid. 2022-08-281h 47It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #197 Down & Out in Westminster, Barcelona & ChinaSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the latest infighting within both major political parties, the scary winter that may be coming for the UK, the chaos in Barcelona FC and the warning signs from China2022-08-091h 39It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #195 It Ain't Half Hot LukeSimon Alvey and Will Cooling return to talk the latest in the Tory Leadership Election plus tangents on climate change, the Forde Inquiry, Sir Alex Douglas Home, Bangladesh, and much more.2022-07-191h 40It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #192 Was That The Week That Was?Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the implosion of Boris Johnson's Government in the craziest week in British political history. We look ahead to the Tory Leadership election before ending on Elon Musk and Shinzo Abe.2022-07-092h 38It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #189 It's Just A Flesh Wound, He's Just A Cun....Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup to run the rule over the second half of the Platinum Jubliee weekend including Will's thoughts on Paddington, Luke's love of the Coronation Ceremony and Simon's contemporary music knowledge. Then they look at Boris Johnson suriviving a snap Vote of No Confidence and what the future holds for him and his government. 2022-06-071h 31It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #188 Simon Says Platty JoobsSimon Alvey, Dr Luke Middup and Will Cooling return to talk the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the worth and future of the monarchy. Before that they take a detour into discussing the media landscape in Britain and afterwards the look at what the future holds for Boris Johnson. 2022-06-042h 34It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #187 Just This Once Everyone AgreesWill Cooling and Dr Luke Middup have the house to themselves this podcast, with Simon Alvey not there to keep them in check. So begins a rather agreeable yet frenzied look at Sue Gray's report and Rishi Sunak's mini-budget, with more references to the 70s than BBC4. 2022-05-281h 49It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #186 Guess Who's Back? Simon's Back! Back Again!Simon Alvey returns from holiday to discuss with Statler and Waldorf the results of Thursday's elections, the looming changes to Senedd elections, the surprise/disappointing escalation of The Durham Dinner Affair, and why Waldorf hates Lisa Nandy. 2022-05-111h 55It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #183 We Rosbifs Of Domicile NonSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the rematch of the century as Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen enter the second round of the French Election. Brave Luke's disinterest and Will's shaky French to hear our discussion about how the French far-right secured its highest ever vote share in the first round and whether it has a real shot of taking the Presidency. We then talk Rishi Sunak's awful week and the continuing war in Ukraine. 2022-04-122h 00It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #182 Gettin' Slappy With ItSimon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about so many things including Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, Joe Root and the Royal Family refusing to quit after loses in the West Indies, the poor reception to Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement and what it means for the fight against inflation, and the latest developments in the War in Ukraine. 2022-03-292h 11It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #181 Who Do You Think You're Kidding Mr Putin?Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the second week of the war in Ukraine, which has not gone as well as expected for the Russian invaders. We look at the latest military developments, the impact of sanctions on Russia and the wider world, what the war means for London and the EU, and why a No Fly Zone would be insanity. 2022-03-061h 44It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #180 The Great Shameful WarDr Luke Middup, Simon Alvey, and Will Cooling return to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and Russia resisting Putin's aggressive war of choice. 2022-02-262h 51It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #179 Putin The Boot Into Talkative WillSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about lots and lots of things, including the latest developments in Partygate, Cressida Dick's shock resignation as Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive, the SNP getting itself into a mess on pensions, and the looming crisis in Ukraine. 2022-02-142h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #178 Who Let The Sue Out!?! Sue Him!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Luke Cooling return to talk Sue Gray, the *pending police investigations* whole Sue Gray and nothing but the Sue Gray. 2022-02-022h 02It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #177 Is Our Johnson Out?Simon Alvey, Dr Luke Middup and Will Cooling return to talk the chaos that has ingulfed the Conservative Party. We talk the wine fridges, Dominic Cummings, bad interviews, bad PMQs, defections to the Labour Party, and much more! 2022-01-211h 46It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #176 The Boozy of TenSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss so much messy drama. Boris Johnson and boozy parties in Downing Street, Jacob Rees Mogg trashing unionism, Prince Andrew being stripped of his titles, and a Chinese spy ring in Westminster. Plus a film recommendation from Will and a book recommendation from Luke. 2022-01-131h 28It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #175 Merry Christmas and A New CoronavirusSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the meaning of Christmas and then look at what the year in coronavirus meant. 2021-12-311h 34It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #174 Boris's Nightmare Before ChristmasSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the mess that the Tory Party has gotten itself into. They breakdown the stunning LibDem victory in North Shropshire, the ongoing scandal surrounding Christmas parties and just how close Johnson is to being removed as PM2021-12-181h 13It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #173 From Paris To Berlin....Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the joys of Berlin, Football Managers and Sofas. They then talk the migrant crisis across the channel and Nicola Sturgeon's mid-life crisis 2021-11-291h 55It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #171 Arguing Like It's 1999Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the deaths of Colin Powell and David Amass, before giving their thoughts on the BBC's documentary on New Labour 2021-10-222h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #170 Party Conferences? What Party Conferences!?!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Notts County's very own Dr Luke Middup return to not talk about the party conferences. They talk about Newcastle United, ethics of international trade, when Gordon Brown was at his hottest, the supply chain crisis, the ideal brexiter immigration policy, and whether the British Greens should be doing better. But they do not talk about the party conferences....except for the brief moments that they do. 2021-10-112h 38It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #169 Will's Back From Canada Catch-Up Pt. 1Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup reunite after a month away to begin their catch up on the news now that Will has returned from Canada. They talk the National Insurance increase, Cabinet Reshuffle, GB News's implosion, AUKUS military alliance and the fallout from the conviction of Sarah Everad's murderer. 2021-10-042h 40It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #168 I Would Do Anything To Save Social Care...But I Won't Tax AssetsSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the implications of the new SNP-Green pseudo-coalition in Scotland and the Government proposing to increase National Insurance to fund social care. It gets spicy towards the end as Will and Simon discuss whether the key dividing line in British politics is between the generations. 2021-09-061h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #167 It's Saving Cats and Dogs!?!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup for show so good, it would definitely be worshipped as a god by ancient Egyptians. They discuss who was first Early Modern English Monarch before discussing the furry fiasco in Afghanistan before looking at the broader situation there. They end by discussing the paralympics and where disability equality is in 20212021-08-302h 21It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #166 A Week Is A Long Time In Radical IslamSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup reunite to discuss the staggeringly quick takeover of Afghanistan by th Taliban. We discuss how the takeover happened so quickly and what it means for Afghanistan, whether President Joe Biden was right to withdraw American fores, and what this says about the role of Britain in the world. We finish by looking at the imminent deal between the SNP and Greens, which will see Green MSPs enter government for the first time. 2021-08-161h 57It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #165 We're All Going On A Summer Holiday...Will Cooling and Simon Alvey return to discuss coronavirus AGAIN! But after beig weirdly positive about the current situation with the delta variant they do something else unusual and talk about Simon's recently holidaying around England. We talk the strengths and weaknesses of various English cities, whilst trying to identify what makes a city work. We talk the importance of transport links and pedestrianisation, the quality of British museuems, what makes for a good selection of bars and restaurants, and much more. 2021-08-021h 49It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #164 The Dom VariantSimon Alvey is on the train somewhere so Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are left to fend themselves. They discuss a troubled Freedom Day before looking at what Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer are up to. 2021-07-261h 42It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #163 Hancock in MotionSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss what should be England's national anthem, the resignation of Matt Hancock as Health Secretary, the future of the DUP and George Galloway's latest tilt at by-election success 2021-06-272h 12It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #162 But Does Boris Johnson Shit In The Woods?Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Boris Johnson being a Catholic, Dominic Cummings being a vindictive prat, Tories being culture warriors and much more!2021-06-101h 44It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #161 A Very Eurovision Lightning RoundSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss a wide range of topics. We cover Eurovision, UK-Australia trade deal, the crisis of Northern Irish Unionism, Israel-Palestine and the delayed reckoning over Princess Diana's 19952021-05-232h 25It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #160 Hammer of His Own FootSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk in detail about the Super Thursday and what on earth Keir Starmer is playing at2021-05-102h 58It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #159 Happy Birthday Northern Ireland & Elections PreviewSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to wish Happy Birthday to Northern Ireland, and provide non-expert analysis of the troubles facing the DUP. They then look ahead to a double round of local elections on Thursday. 2021-05-033h 08It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #158 Now That's What I Call NinetiesSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup wallow in nineties nostaglia. Tory Sleaze! 9/11! European Surper League! It's all here baby!2021-04-242h 19It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #157 Knowing Neale, Knowing Irn-Bru...AHA!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Alex Salmond's latest attempt to secure revenge on Nicola Sturgeon and/or return to the frontline of Scottish politics, with the launch of the new Alba Party. They also talk the rise in support for Welsh Independence, the problems with Liverpool City Council and their favourite micro-parties. 2021-04-021h 38It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #156 The Problem with MenSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss...a lot. The main topic is an hour long discussion about the issues raised by the murder of Sarah Everard, and how to improve the police and society's handling of violence against women. We also discuss Zack Synder's Justice League, Hartlepool's forthcoming by-election, latest UK-EU squabbles, and the CENSUS!2021-03-222h 37It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #155 These Things Are Small, But Those Things Are Far AwaySimon Alvey , Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to celebrate Rangers winning the Scottish Premiership, discuss how the latest episode in the argument between Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond has impacted the SNP, and what to make of Rishi Sunak's perfectly sized budget. 2021-03-081h 23It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #154 Keir Starmer, Scotland, Wales and GreenIn a fiesty podcast; Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup set out to talk about Keir Starmer but instead discuss coronavirus, Scottish Nationalism, Welsh devolution and the future of the Green Party. He has a nice chin though2021-02-132h 32It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #153 Coronavirus Potpourri & It's A SinSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the newest news in coronavirus including what's going on with the National Football League, Labour's new vaccination programme and the European Union's no good, terrible week. They then discuss Russel T Davies new series - It's A Sin. 2021-02-011h 51It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #152 2020, The Neverending YearSimon Alvey. Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look back at 2020 and then review the breaking news in a month that felt more like a continuation of The Worst Year Ever than the hoped for fresh break. We talk Coronavirus, American Politics and much, much more. 2021-01-192h 13It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #151 It's Brex-Mas!!!They've checked the text, they've checked it twice, Michel Barnier and David Frost have agreed a deal! Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup are here to talk about the Brexit deal - how we got to this point, how the political parties are responding to the deal, and what is actually in the deal. 2020-12-302h 40It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #150 THERE ARE FOUR TIERS!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for our 150th Episode! Sadly David Frost and Michel Barnier were late delivering the cake, so instead we gather round to talk about the Honey Monster who stole Chrismtas. We hope you all our listeners have a Merry Christmas!2020-12-221h 34It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #149 Who Drank More? Maradona or Will!?!Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for a podcast that features a long talk about what made Diego Maradona an exceptional footballer, what's going on with coronavirus and who the best sportsmen are. 2020-12-032h 23It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #148 Cummings Is GoingsSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the fallout from the election of Joe Biden as the next President of the United States of America, including what it means for Britain. Then they talk a crazy week in British politics, with the Prime Minister's most senior advisor finally leaving Downing Street. 2020-11-141h 42It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #147 An US Elections Deep Dive w/ Rich Fann & JPSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are joined by Will's wrestling podcast buddies Rich Fann and JP to discuss the American elections. We look at the likely election of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America, how his position has strengthened since election night, the deplorable behaviour of President Trump, what the stronger than expected hispanic vote for Trump tells us, how President Biden will deal with a finely-balanced Congress and whether Chris Jericho is an arsehole!2020-11-062h 47It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #146 We're Doomed, DoomedSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the fallout from the Equality and Human Rights Commission's report on Labour Anti-Semitism, how worried we should be for the forthcoming US Elections and what to make of the new national lockdown. 2020-11-022h 09It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #145 Ten Days Is A Long Time In American HistorySimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk ALL THE CRAZINESS going on in America. We talk the infamous first debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Trump falling ill with coronavirus, the second debate being cancelled and THE FLY. 2020-10-101h 37It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #144 On The Basis of Deja VuSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the death of American democracy AGAIN as a Supreme Court justice dies in an election year AGAIN. They then discuss the British Government being caught out by a surge in coronavirus cases AGAIN. Coronavirus even causes the rare occurence of Will and Luke to shout at each other AGAIN. 2020-09-211h 36It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #143 Let's Party Like It's 2019 (In A Limited and Specific Way)Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are back to look at the Brexit eruption caused by the Government bringing forward legislation to unpick the Withdrawal Agreement they signed only nine months ago. We then talk Left Out, the new book about Corbyn's period in charge of the Labour Party. 2020-09-101h 59It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #142 We Three Irish Agriculture Ministers AreSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup return to talk the latest resignation of an Irish Agriculture Minister before breaking down the debacle that was the Government's handling of GCSE/A-Level exams and the triumph that was the Democratic National Convention. 2020-08-222h 09It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #141 Coronavirus Latest, Scottish Tories, American Deputies, and an Irish HeroSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the latest developments about Coronavirus in the UK, the change in leadership for the Scottish Tories, who Joe Biden will pick as his nominee for Vice-President, and the life of John Hume. 2020-08-083h 27It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #140 When a Cooling Owes a Middup a CokeSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to eventually dissect why Dr Middup was right. What was he right about? You'll have to wait until near the very end of the episode as before we discuss *deep breath* Notts County, Huawei, YouTube, Tick Tock, how Will and Luke met each other, Jeremy Corbyn and Labour's legal difficulties, Arlene Foster's latest mistake, Fianna Fial running into difficulties already, Chris Grayling vs Julian Lewis and SNP lies about the UK Internal Market. After all that, and Luke Middup's victory lap, we answer a question TOO HOT for George Galloway. 2020-07-251h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #139 Lightening Round; Bars Reopening, LibDems, Sinn Fein, David Starkey, John Bolton, Hong Kong, Question 33Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for a lightening round where we cover the bars reopening, the Liberal Democrat leadership election, Sinn Fein's recent troubles, David Starkey not so recent troubles, John Bolton's hawking his conscience round for profit, and the latest developments in Hong Kong. We then end by answering the most important question of all....2020-07-061h 40It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #138 Rebecca Long Bailey, New Irish Government & When Does Contemporary Politics BeginSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about why Keir Starmer was right to fire Rebecca Long Bailey (note that this was recorded just before Starmer appointed the new Education Secretary), formation of a new Irish Government and when contemporary politics begins 2020-06-292h 23It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #137 Statues in the UKSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the week of protests that have engulfed the UK following the murder of George Floyd in America the week before. They talk the Britain First/EDL protest in London on Saturday 13th June, before looking back to the Black Lives Matter protests across the country the weekend before. They talk Edward Colston's statue being brought down in Bristol, and also debate Winston Churchill, Joe Chamberlain, Cecil Rhodes and James II. They also look at the wider issues this moment raises, including the legacy of the British Empire...2020-06-151h 22It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #135 Dominic Cummings, Coronavirus Chaos and This HouseSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup for another bumper podcast. We talk briefly about the situation in America before we look at the latest chaos surrounding Coronavirus and review The National Theatre's presentation of This House. 2020-06-022h 06It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #134 Dom, You're A See You Next TuesdaySimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk Dominc Cummings for over an hour before talking Keir Starmer, Brexit, Happiest Political Moments and Scotland's lockdown before Will starts effing and jeffing about Boris Johnson's press conference 2020-05-252h 31It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #133 2010 General Election FlashbackIt's not flash its Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup looking back at the 2010 General Election. We talk through the three big parties performance plus The Notorious D.U.F.F.Y. We also talk VE Day and the importance of STAYING ALERT!2020-05-112h 31It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #132 Review of Normal People & Key Themes, Plus What We're WatchingSimon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about why Simon loves Normal People so much, the themes that it raises about Ireland, Mental Health and Sexual Consent and then what other things we're watching during lockdown. 2020-05-052h 32It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #131 North Korea, Keir Starmer and PMQsWill Cooling, Simon Alvey and Dr Luke Middup once again converge on the podcast sphere to talk the latest craziness in North Korea, Keir Starmer having his first proper week as Leader of the Oppposition and our memories of Prime Minister Questions. 2020-04-262h 12It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #130 Vince McMahon, Wisconsin, Keir Starmer and Anti-SemitismWill Cooling, Simon Alvey and HRH Dr Luke Middup talk about Vince McMahon's wild week, Wisconsin's strange week in the centre stage, Keir Starmer's debut as labour leader and handling of coronavirus and the weird document about labour's approach to anti-semitism. 2020-04-172h 38It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #128 The Neverending Coronavirus Part 3Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk the Coronavirus. Again. 2020-03-211h 23It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #127 Coronavirus vs The PeopleWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to sing the Coronavirus blues. They breakdown the latest news before sharing things to make quarantine more bearable. 2020-03-151h 20It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #126 Flybe, Saudi Arabia, Super Tuesday, Coronavirus, BudgetWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk so many topics. We talk the collapse of Flybe, MBS tightening his grip over Saudi Arabia, the latest from the Democrats' Super Tuesday and the Rishi Sunak's Budget. 2020-03-121h 51It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #124 Democrat Primary Contest, Priti Patel and SNPWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk the Nevada Caucus and Bernie Sanders ongoing march to the Democratic Party nomination, Priti Patel's week in the Home Office, arguments over the future of SNP and EU budget. 2020-02-231h 54It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #123 Three Englishmen Talk Ireland, Scotland and AmericaWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to success other people's politics! We talk the recent Irish elections, a scandal in Scotland and the latest Democratic fiasco in America. There's also the uneventful reshuffle to talk about too.2020-02-172h 01It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #122 The Night Before BrexitWill Cooling, Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return the night before Brexit Day to discuss our impending exit from the European, chickens coming home to roost for John Bercow, insight into Rebecca Long Bailey's lack of insight and much more2020-02-031h 46It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #121 Iran To Luke, He TalkedWill Cooling, Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk about the Iran Crisis, Labour Leadership and the Royal Irish Constabulary 2020-01-102h 05It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #120 Year in Review 2019, KindaWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey meant to revivew 2019 and the DECADE. But instead they rambled a lot about Brexit and the Labour Leadership. Which when you think about it, is an apt reflection of 20192020-01-022h 42It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #118 The Final ReckoningWill Cooling, Luke Middup and Simon Alvey talk the election results. 2019-12-131h 48It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #116 We Let The Nerd Hang OutWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk EVERYTHING! We break down the manifestos, Andrew Neil, BBC and YouGov. 2019-11-302h 42It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #114 General Election Week TwoWill Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to discuss the second week of the General Election campaign. We talk how the parties are doing, the forthcoming debates, pacts between parties and the situation in Wales and Scotland.2019-11-152h 04It Could Be SaidIt Could Be Said #112 Northern Ireland, Tom Watson and Ian AustinWill Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are a long-running cartoon which is sagging in the ratings. They did a contest to.find a voice for the present character and our friend Simon Alvey won. He's hoping his wicked and righteous attitude doesn't grate, otherwise he'll have to go back to his home planet. 2019-11-082h 06