The Annual Sir Thomas Gresham Lecture 2023 the Lecture by Rory Stewart OBE

What an impressive speaker. No notes and not a single 'um' or 'er'!

There's a lot to think about in there but his analysis of the move from consensus to populism chimes with what has worried many people over the past few years and I think he was absolutely right to pin the blame for initiating it on Thatcher.

I'm so glad you spotted the post Maizie. So interesting, I have to go back and listen again. Even the answers to the questions were fascinating, incredibly thought through and all direct from his thinking without a single note.

The main talk, about the different phases and them being so worldwide, which I think we knew, was taken so much greater depth. That certainly needs a second listen.

Hes a very impressive young man. Wish he was still at Westminster.

It was interesting to hear what he said about returning to politics, Aveline

I read this earlier on, and listened this morning before I took the dog out.

I have been an admirer of Stewart since I started listening to TRIP, I think there is a couple of things on which I disagree but have decided to give those subjects greater thought to see if I am satisfied with my opinion.

But my goodness what an impressive speaker. I’m going to listen again and possibly again to make sure I missed nothing.

We weren’t wrong re Thatcher - he confirmed what I thought about that.

I also think that we’ve identified populism and pathos (but not using the Aristotle concept) on GN and in particular in relation to Brexit, but also I think it can well be described how the Tories are using it in the asylum issue. Now to give more thought to logos, ethos and kairos. That will give me more than enough!

What I want to know is what happens after this pessimistic age of populism as opposed to the optimistic age of liberal democracy. Stewart mention war!😮. I need to revisit that.

What I had never done was connect populism with pessimism, but I can absolutely see Stewart’s description of the populists outlook as being pessimistic, it is so accurate if you think in terms of “the people” v “the elite” nationalism and sovereignty.

And yes clearly the Liberal Democrat’s were too optimistic with regard to the idea that liberal democracy would save the world.

Thanks for posting the link, I'm a huge fan of TRIP and of Rory Stewart. This will be my afternoon listening.

I’m talking to myself here!😄😄

But thinking about Stewart’s belief that there was no alternative to austerity, I would like to hear further what mitigation he would put into place regarding the severe poverty we are now seeing in the U.K. where people and in particular children are suffering from rickets and scurvy. I think he mentioned tax policy?

You just can't take it all in in one sitting can you. I am making myself wait until later to watch again or I'll get nothing else done!

I listen every week to the Podcast he does with Alistair Campbell. They a cover very interesting topics and i really like Rory. I also listen to The News Agent s Podcasts with Jon Sopel Emily Maitlis and Lewis somebody. Newscast is another one on BBC

Do, if you can, listen to this Oldbat. I think you would find it interesting.

What a fascinating listen, and how thought-provoking his lecture was. I do hope that he returns to politics soon, where someone of his calibre is so sorely needed.

Whitewavemark2

I’m talking to myself here!😄😄

But thinking about Stewart’s belief that there was no alternative to austerity, I would like to hear further what mitigation he would put into place regarding the severe poverty we are now seeing in the U.K. where people and in particular children are suffering from rickets and scurvy. I think he mentioned tax policy?

Like most people, Stewart follows the 'taxation funds spending line, and, having been an MP during the tory austerity period, he holds to the insane belief that cutting state funding somehow promotes more business activity and job creation.

Politicians really ought to have a course in basic macroeconomics which covers not just the neoliberal, monetarist 'ruling theory', but alternative Keynesian based theory, too. And they should understand how money is created and circulates in the economy. A bit of basic logic wouldn't come amiss..

At heart he is still Rory the Tory

Just think, the Conservatives could have had him as their leader instead of Johnson, Truss or Sunak…even if we disagree with some of his ideas regarding the economy he’s still in a different league to what they (and we) ended up with.

Excellent lecture. Hits the nail on the head. Unsurprisingly the Tory Party failed to elect him as leader (too intelligent) and BoJo gave him the push (too intelligent). What a waste but he may do some good as a public academic.

Thanks for the link, DAR. I'm listening now. Have to cover the screen of my macbook because his hand movements do my head in, but by golly he's a good apeaker. Never liked him as a politician but the lecture is very interesting.

An excellent way to spend an hour or so, he's very easy to follow but if you can't spend an hour, just listen to the questions at the end. No easy answers to our world/country's problems but at least a lot to think about and a rational explanation of how we got where we are. WWM I didn't hear him say there was no alternative to "austerity" but when talking about pay in the public sector he did say it needed to be paid for. Was this what you meant or did I miss it entirely?

No I’m sure that’s what he said - although I did then listen to a trip podcast - oh yes maybe it was on there that he said it. Well - he did say it somewhere😄😄

Honestly I listen to do much I get muddled.

Whitewavemark2

No I’m sure that’s what he said - although I did then listen to a trip podcast - oh yes maybe it was on there that he said it. Well - he did say it somewhere😄😄

Honestly I listen to do much I get muddled.

That's why I much prefer to read something.

I steer clear of podcasts and videos because it feels as though it's in at one ear and out of the other. Plus it's harder to refer back to a particular point.

There must be a transcript somewhere, surely?

MaizieD

Whitewavemark2

I’m talking to myself here!😄😄

But thinking about Stewart’s belief that there was no alternative to austerity, I would like to hear further what mitigation he would put into place regarding the severe poverty we are now seeing in the U.K. where people and in particular children are suffering from rickets and scurvy. I think he mentioned tax policy?

Like most people, Stewart follows the 'taxation funds spending line, and, having been an MP during the tory austerity period, he holds to the insane belief that cutting state funding somehow promotes more business activity and job creation.

Politicians really ought to have a course in basic macroeconomics which covers not just the neoliberal, monetarist 'ruling theory', but alternative Keynesian based theory, too. And they should understand how money is created and circulates in the economy. A bit of basic logic wouldn't come amiss..

At heart he is still Rory the Tory

Yes I suspect he does, but he was talking about taxation and the wealthy. Perhaps redistribution? I wouldn’t be surprised if that is something he would support as he is ?founder? Of a charity that believes that the poor make very rational choices if you give them the cash rather than practical help and I have always believed that to be the case, particularly the women.

Transcript here.

But only the talk, not the questions, which was when he talked about 'short of money'...

www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/thomas-gresham-23

Of course he's a Tory but he's also very intelligent, humane, knowledgeable, very experienced, can laugh at himself and although he's privileged he's doesn't think he's entitled. The country would be a much kinder place if more Tories were like him and I think it's good to hear opinions that we might disagree with, especially if they are well constructed and thoughtful and his analysis of the move from consensus to populism is spot on.

Thank you DaisyAnneReturns for this reference.

I agree that Rory Stewart's lecture and response to questions was absolutely brilliant and I was heartened by his response to a questioner that he would never re-enter politics as a Conservative.