The Times Red Box Podcast

Tim Montgomerie is joined by Rachel Sylvester, Fay Schlesinger and Matthew Syed. Rachel Sylvester David Cameron is carrying out a reshuffle for women. How patronising. The truth is the Tories are struggling to get local associations to choose female candidates, and have failed to tackle the off-putting culture of the House of Commons. All the parties need more than tokenism to woo women voters. Fay Schlesinger In 1961, a new law challenged the so-called sanctity of life and raised fears of a 'slippery slope' and the untimely death of thousands. That law legalised suicide. This week Lords will debate assisted dying, which crosses another line by giving doctors a proactive hand in death. With the right controls, it makes compassionate and practical sense. In an ageing society, governments cannot shirk responsibility for helping people to die well. Matthew Syed There is a proposal to make “honesty lessons” for new MP’s compulsory. I think this is silly. The problem with trust in politics is much...