The importance of keeping a sustainable planet - Biodiversity day 2023

22 May 2023 is international Biodiversity day, and to mark the importance of this issue, Barry spoke to Meg Randles of Greenpeace on how to better sustain our planet, nation and local communities.

The two discuss the importance of getting public support to pressure politicians to act on climate, how biodiversity is crucial for not only the planet’s health but for mental health and why it is so crucial that the UK plays a major role in protecting nature across the globe.

The full interview was published to Chamber UK.

The Conservatives’ moral failing on immigration and climate change

Who should you take moral advice from, Suella Braverman or the Archbishop of Canterbury? Considering the Home Secretary’s abhorrent migration policies, “I think I’ll know where I’ll come down in the end”

On the 10 May 2023 Barry Gardiner went on GB news alongside the Conservative MP for South Thanet, Craig Mackinley, to analyse and discuss Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs).

Together they discussed the Illegal Migration Bill and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s description of it as “morally unacceptable”.

After this both MPs agreed that the Drax wood burning scandal is a “disgrace” - with Barry encouraging the government to take action.

Pharmacies are experiencing a "25% real terms cut in the value of their contracts".

Rishi Sunak claims they are “investing more in pharmacies” - no you’re not.

On 9 May 2023 Barry Gardiner went on Politics Live to discuss the government’s plans to increase the role of pharmacies in health, how close the UK’s relationship with China should be, whether the arrests of Coronation protestors were justified, and how Brexit has changed the Conservative Party.

Barry supported the increased powers to the pharmacies, with the acknowledgment that you can’t expect an improved service while pharmacies are experiencing a 25% real terms cut in the value of their contracts.


Barry defends the right of workers to withdraw their labour

“I would call on the Government to do the sensible and decent thing…and negotiate in good faith.”

On 18 December 2022, Barry appeared on Mark Dolan Tonight to discuss recent industrial action across the UK. Barry emphasized that the Government’s mismanagement of the economy created the difficult conditions which have compelled industrial action. He called on the Government to negotiate in good faith, arguing that refusing to do so is both callous and a disservice to the public.

Barry backs workers on the BBC

Barry appeared on the BBC’s Politics Live discussing the latest wave of industrial action by workers across the economy and why ministers must stop blocking a deal with the RMT union.

He also debated the Supreme Court ruling on the Scottish Government’s ‘IndyRef2’ case, calling it a distraction from the real, cost of living crisis issues facing the people of Scotland this winter.

The link between private bullying and public policy

Barry argued on GB News that he would always rather criticise a government minister for their policies rather than personality – but bullying is abhorant wherever it takes place. He said that the policies of this government are hurting working people and sometimes the way politicians behave in private indicates the way they regard people they consider their inferior and that may go to the heart of wider policy issues.

And he attacked the Tories for sending our economy into free fall, which the chancellor is now desperately trying to claw back.

Watch two clips of my interview 🔽

Winter of Solidarity

“You call it a winter of discontent, I think it’s a winter of solidarity, because many members of the public are themselves, in their own professions, having to consider withdrawing their labour.”

Barry reacts on GB News to the RMT union announcing that members have again voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action in their fight for fair pay and conditions.

Challenging Trussonomics on Politics Live

Barry appeared on the BBC’s Politics Live on 22 September, talking about the Truss government’s plans to cut part-time workers’ benefits while “incentivising” the rich with tax cuts and increased bankers’ bonuses.

And he warned that increasing numbers of desperate people being forced to turn to private healthcare insurance as a result of NHS waiting lists is the government’s strategy for our healthcare system.

Watch the clip 🔽

"Don't be fooled by sustainable biomass"

Amid the ongoing fight to protect British Columbia’s forests, The Fifth Estate investigates how the province has become a leading exporter of wood pellets that are burned to fuel energy needs in the UK, Japan and South Korea. The industry is billed as “green” and “renewable,” but many scientists disagree and activists say Canada has made a mistake in supporting the industry.

Barry was interviewed by the Fifth Estate team, after he spoke out in parliament about the burning of trees by the biomass power station Drax in North Yorkshire. Watch him at 21:35 minutes in.

Barry appears on Iain Dale's Cross Question

Barry was on Iain Dale’s LBC Show partaking in ‘Cross Question’ answering questions from listeners who call in. Barry tackled a variety of topical questions posed to him such as would he prefer Gareth Southgate or Boris Johnson to be Prime Minister, his views on England players taking the knee, the Irish border issue post Brexit and the lack of quarantining measures for the world leaders arriving in Cornwall for the G7.

His highlights from the appearance can be viewed below