PODCAST:Past Present Future
TITLE:Rory Stewart: What Does it Mean to be a 21st-Century Tory?
DATE:2024-01-18 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the "Past Present Future" podcast episode titled "Rory Stewart: What Does It Mean to Be a 21st-Century Tory?" released on January 18, 2024, host David Ransman engages in a deep conversation with Rory Stewart, a politician and podcaster. They explore Stewart's political philosophy and experiences, focusing on his identification as a Tory rather than a conservative. The episode is presented in partnership with the London Review of Books.
Key Points from the Podcast:
Tory vs. Conservative Identity:
- Stewart reflects on being identified as a Tory rather than a conservative. He agrees with this characterization, citing his skepticism of technocratic ambitions and indifference to local traditions, especially in foreign policy. He feels more aligned with Labour on issues like immigration, criminal justice, the civil service, and poverty but is distant from their big-state solutions.
Stewart's Political Journey:
- Entering politics mid-life, Stewart acknowledges his initial naivety about parliamentary workings. He observed a significant gap between external perceptions of Parliament and its actual operations, including limited freedom for MPs in voting and the unexpected nature of promotions.
Views on Big Society and Local Democracy:
- Stewart supports the concept of "big society," emphasizing the importance of prudence, restraint, local democracy, and extreme devolution. He advocates for more power and resources at the local level, criticizing centralized power for its inefficiencies and disconnection from local communities.
Constitutional Reform and Local Governance:
- On constitutional reform, Stewart favors a more formalized process, similar to other democracies, and expresses discomfort with the UK's flexible constitution. He suggests the idea of a standing citizens' assembly as a third chamber of Parliament to enhance local governance and accountability.
Skepticism Towards Progress and Modern Governance:
- Stewart expresses skepticism towards the concept of progress, especially as it relates to modern governance. He criticizes the "high modernist" view prevalent in interventions like Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for attention to local nuances and realities.
Critique of Party Politics and the Need for Independent Candidates:
- Stewart criticizes the current party politics system, noting its tendency to produce cynical, career-driven politicians. He sees a need for more independent candidates and a more proportional electoral system to accommodate a wider range of political opinions.
Reflections on the Future of British Politics:
- Looking ahead, Stewart expresses concern about the potential for political extremes to gain ground in Britain. He foresees challenges for both the Conservative and Labour parties and hopes for a brief window of radical thinking and courage in a new Labour government.
Stewart's Political Memoir:
- The episode also mentions Rory Stewart's memoir, "Politics on the Edge," which provides further insights into his political journey and experiences.
This episode offers a nuanced and thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of modern British politics, Stewart's personal political philosophy, and the challenges facing the current political landscape in the UK.
