In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed journalist and author Ross Clark to dissect one of the most consequential, yet under-debated, shifts in modern governance: the legally binding commitment to Net Zero. While public opinion often supports climate action in theory, Ross argues that the practical reality—legislation, regulation, and skyrocketing costs—is leading "Mr and Mrs John Public" toward a period of deep reservation and second thoughts.

Drawing from his provocative book, Not Zero: How an Irrational Target Will Impoverish You, Help China, and Not Even Save the Planet, Ross explores the "lunatic" nature of setting a 2050 deadline for technologies that don't yet exist. From the "offshoring" of European carbon emissions to China to the counter-intuitive suppression of air conditioning in the UK, this conversation challenges the mainstream narrative and offers a pragmatic look at how human civilisation can adapt and thrive without sacrificing economic growth.

• The Legacy Trap: Why the UK's Net Zero target was "nodded through" Parliament in just 90 minutes without a vote, and the long-term consequences of this "hostage to fortune."

• The 20% Problem: Why energy efficiency and low-hanging fruit aren't enough, and why we lack the commercial technology to decarbonise essential industries like steel, cement, and fertiliser.

• Offshoring Emissions: How the UK and Europe are "gaming the system" by exporting manufacturing to China—reducing territorial emissions while global output remains unchanged.

• The Adaptation Argument: Why historical data suggests humans are masters of survival, and why economic growth is the most important tool for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.

• The Heat Pump vs. Air Con Paradox: Why the UK government subsidises one-way heat pumps while discouraging reversible units that could protect the elderly during heatwaves.

• The Political Unravelling: Why Ross believes the 2050 target is destined to be dropped or revised as it inevitably "collides with reality" and public quality of life.

Ross Clark is a leading British journalist and social commentator who writes regularly for The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and The Spectator. Known for his independent thinking and rigorous research, he has authored several books tackling contemporary political and economic issues. His latest work, Not Zero, has become a central text for those questioning the speed and methodology of the global transition to a carbon-neutral economy. You can follow his latest insights on Substack at Ross on Why.

We are joined by Martin Pfister, a Swiss expatriate who has called Kyiv home for nearly two decades. While the world often views the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of geopolitical strategy and military maps, Martin provides a raw, "straight from the shoulder" account of the daily reality on the ground. Recorded in early 2026, this conversation marks the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion and 12 years since the occupation of Crimea.

From the eerie scream of incoming drones to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian youth, Martin explores the "unreal" dichotomy of living in a city where everything is controlled yet everything is possible. He offers a candid critique of Western rhetoric, the shifting perception of President Zelenskyy, and why, despite the constant threat of "10 Mach" ballistic missiles, he chooses to remain in his adopted homeland.

• The 12-Year War: Why Ukrainians view 2014, not 2022, as the true beginning of the conflict and the cost of the West "looking the other way."

• The "Body Shrink" Effect: Martin’s fascinating comparison between the hyper-regulated life in Switzerland and the grit and openness of Ukrainian society.

• Survival by App: How modern technology—from secret service warnings to drone-tracking apps—has become a fundamental part of daily life in Kyiv.

• The Betrayal Metric: A breakdown of international support on a per-capita basis and why many Ukrainians feel let down by the United States and the Budapest Memorandum.

• The Domestic Arsenal: How Ukraine has ramped up its own production of "pink" cruise missiles and high-tech weaponry to reach 45% self-sufficiency.

• The Corruption Fight: The internal struggle for transparency and why the youth are taking to the streets to protect the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

About the guest:

Martin Pfister is a former executive in the duty-free industry who moved from Geneva to Kyiv in 2008. After a decade of leading regional operations, he chose early retirement in Ukraine over a return to Western Europe, captivated by the country’s culture and people. Today, he remains a dedicated observer and resident of Kyiv, offering a unique bridge between Swiss precision and Ukrainian resilience.

In this episode, we are joined by the Right Honourable Diane Abbott MP, a titan of British politics and a history-maker whose legacy was forged in the landmark general election of 1987. As the first Black woman ever elected to the House of Commons, she has spent nearly four decades at the heart of Westminster, recently earning the title of Mother of the House. This episode was recorded on the 4th February 2026.

From her early days as a trailblazing outsider to her current role as the longest-serving female MP, Diane offers a "long view" on the shifting tides of the United Kingdom. We discuss the current state of the Labour Party, the "unusual" rise of Keir Starmer, and the growing public cynicism toward the political class. With her trademark "plain speaking," she also addresses the complexities of race in modern Britain, the "glass ceiling" of the Premiership, and the personal resilience required to survive the "punches" of the 24-hour news cycle.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Mother of the House: What it means to be the longest-serving woman in Parliament and the ceremonial role of the Privy Council.

• The Starmer Critique: Why Diane believes the current Prime Minister lacks the "base" and "charisma" of predecessors like Blair or Brown.

• Political Baggage: A candid discussion on the scandals currently embroiling Westminster and the "existential threat" of the Mandelson-Epstein files.

• The Race Metric: Why the rise of prominent Black politicians like Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly shows that the glass ceiling is "cracked," but not yet shattered.

• The Price of Pioneering: The private phone call that stopped Diane from quitting politics during her most difficult media "car crashes."

• The Trust Gap: Why only 9% of the public trusts politicians to tell the truth and how "online media" has fueled skepticism.

About the Guest:

In 1987 Diane Abbott made history by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament. She has since built a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster, and commentator. As of 4th July 2024, Diane Abbott as the longest serving woman MP is now the Mother Of The House.

From the outset of her career, Diane has championed global justice, human rights, and a peace-based foreign policy.

From 2015 to 2019 Diane Abbott was a prominent member of the Labour Party’s front bench, serving as the Shadow International Development Secretary, then Shadow Secretary of State for Health, and finally Shadow Home Secretary from 2016. In the last general election Diane was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington with a landslide majority.