Best Jake Thatcher Podcasts (2025)

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The UK TV industry is "in dire straits" - Peter Kosminsky interview 50:41

Play Pause

19m ago50:41

50:41

Director, writer and producer Peter Kosminsky, who directed of the BBC's adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, has worked in the television industry for 45 years. The BAFTA and Golden Globe winner is one of the most respected voices in the industry. Kosminsky spoke to the New Statesman's Hannah Barnes in a wide ranging discussion about the state…

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If you care about Gaza, why vote Labour? - Listener questions episode 38:25

21m ago38:25

38:25

Our Listeners ask: With Keir Starmer and his government under fire over their approach to Gaza, and the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's new party, why vote Labour? And with infrastructure and public services in such a terrible state, and the prospect of taxes and bills rising, what are we paying for? Tom McTague is joined by Megan Ke…

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The fraying of the social fabric | Politics with Rachel Cunliffe 19:37

14h ago19:37

19:37

This week - Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has identified immigration, economic insecurity and time spent online as key causes of unrest and rioting in the UK following last year's Southport attacks. Also, Can Rachel Reeves avoid another fiscal crisis? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss. READ Can Rachel Reeves…

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Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague 40:50

1d ago40:50

40:50

She was the Tory saviour. Now, by November, she could be gone. Where did it all go wrong for Kemi Badenoch? -- For this week's New Statesman magazine, Will Lloyd has written a powerful and revealing profile of the Nigerian immigrant who rose to lead the Conservative Party. Will joins Tom McTague to discuss what he discovered in the course of his re…

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The Trump, Epstein and MAGA saga 39:49

3d ago39:49

39:49

Could Donald Trump’s plea to his support base to “not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein” finally drive a wedge between the US president and his MAGA faithful? And what are Trump and Vice President JD Vance doing in the UK this summer? Katie Stallard is joined by the New Statesman’s US correspondent Freddie Hayward to discuss. READ A conspira…

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Now, re-nationalise water | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian 21:03

4d ago21:03

21:03

Water regulator Ofwat is to be abolished - but Labour should go further. *** On Monday the results of an independent review of the water industry were published. The results were damning for the regulator, Ofwat, which will be abolished in response to the report. Megan Kenyon attended the announcement for the New Statesman and joins Anoosh Chakelia…

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What does "Blue Labour" really mean? - Morgan Jones interview 26:47

5d ago26:47

26:47

As Keir Starmer's government appears to be buffeted by internal storms, multiple factions are influencing the flow of power. Not least, the oxymoronically-named 'Blue Labour'. But what is Blue Labour? And what do those in the movement actually want? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe are joined by the author Morgan Jones, who spe…

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Is AI coming for our jobs? - Listener questions episode 23:51

7d ago23:51

23:51

The government are pursuing AI developments, but at what cost? Why aren't Labour rebels protesting about stealth taxes? And will Jeremy Corbyn join the Green Party? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Will Dunn and Andrew Marr to answer your questions. READ Magic and divination in the age of AI - Will Dunn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i…

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Is Keir Starmer "bold and brave" to suspend rebels? 29:01

8d ago29:01

29:01

On Wednesday, the prime minister removed the whip from the group of MPs for breaches of discipline. The group of MPs have persistently rebelled against the Labour leader. The government are also reckoning with a revelation that leaked information compromised the safety of Afghans who supported the British military, and inflation has risen higher th…

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Israel is committing war crimes - former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption exclusive interview 38:41

9d ago38:41

38:41

Jonathan Sumption, Lord Sumption, served on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018. He has written a powerful and sobering essay for the New Statesman in which he argues that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. In this exclusive interview, Tom McTague meets Jonathan Sumption to discuss why he has come to this conclusion …

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Is English literature dying - and does it matter? 36:57

10d ago36:57

36:57

English literature no longer makes the top ten of A-level subject choices. English departments at universities are regularly closing. Studies show dramatic drops in literacy and reading, particularly amongst teenagers. Today we’re asking: is English literature dying? The New Statesman’s deputy editor Will Lloyd is joined by the New Statesman’s new …

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🚨 How to defeat Reform - Exclusive with political polling analyst Steve Akehurst 22:21

11d ago22:21

22:21

Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike. We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would be likely to form the next government if an election was held tomorrow. But one political polling analyst has been exploring where the Reform brand is most vulnerable to attack - and he reveal…

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Exclusive Green Party leadership debate 49:56

12d ago49:56

49:56

In a New Statesman exclusive, two of the Green Party's leadership candidates, Zack Polanski and Adrian Ramsey, present their visions for the party to host Anoosh Chakelian. READ Can the Green Party ever work with Jeremy Corbyn? - Megan Kenyon Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

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How can the UK take the lead in the skills revolution? | Sponsored 23:34

13d ago23:34

23:34

As the UK faces economic and technological change, building a skilled workforce is critical - but what should that workforce look like? And how can employers, educators and policymakers align to prepare people for what’s next? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Pearson’s UK Lead Sharon Hague and Vice Chair of Skills England Sir David Bell, to explore …

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How is Sultana's new party ever going to work? - Listeners questions episode 24:36

14d ago24:36

24:36

Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved? Also in the show, listeners ask how well, or badly, have Labour been dealing with the media and whether Reform will now pull their support for voting reform. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Ke…

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Large parts of the State a 'complete car crash' 28:01

15d ago28:01

28:01

With resident doctors set to strike yet again, the courts log jammed and the OBR sounding the alarm over Britain's financial trajectory, what can and should be done to arrest the decline? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues George Eaton, Rachel Cunliffe and Will Dunn to unpack the latest symptoms of the British State's interminable malaise. RE…

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Robert Jenrick: Genuine PM potential or just foreshadowing Farage? 31:36

16d ago31:36

31:36

'Some of his views are pretty extreme... I found it pretty sinister' - Harry Lambert, contributing writer to the New Statesman, talks to Anoosh Chakelian and Will Lloyd about his cover story profiling the Conservative MP and leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick. Can he really become PM, why is he so popular online and how did his politics get so radic…

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Are Oasis in fact the greatest Irish band ever? 18:35

17d ago18:35

18:35

With the biggest reunion tour in years kicking off in Cardiff last weekend, the culture show asks if Oasis were just too Irish to be the best Britpop band in the first place? The New Statesman's commissioning editor Finn McRedmond sits down with colleagues George Eaton, Nick Harris and Faye Curran to discuss the Gallagher brothers real allegiances.…

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SEND: Labour's next backbench battle 18:53

18d ago18:53

18:53

After the bruising passage of the government's welfare reform bill, attention on the backbenches is now turning to another lightning rod issue - the potential overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Anoosh Chakelian discusses the battles looming with colleagues Hannah Barnes, Will Dunn and Pippa Bailey. READ Starme…

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Jake Richards MP on the welfare bill and ECHR reform 21:21

19d ago21:21

21:21

Labour MP Jake Richards sits down with Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the drama over the government's welfare reform bill and why he thinks the European Convention on Human Rights needs a desperate overhaul. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See ac…

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Was exorcising "the ghost of Jeremy Corbyn" a fatal mistake for Labour? - Listeners questions episode 22:28

21d ago22:28

22:28

Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. This episode was recorded before MP Zarah Sultana announced she is launching a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politi…

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One year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better? 40:38

22d ago40:38

40:38

'We've not been here since the 70s' As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss Keir Starmer's highs, lows and the many, many challenges that lie ahead. READ We must prepare for Prime Minister Farage - Andrew Marr LISTEN JUST RAISE TAX Sign up to the New Statesm…

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JUST RAISE TAX 34:03

23d ago34:03

34:03

'You walk around the country and you know something's off' - After a bruising passage of the government's heavily altered welfare reform bill, for the sake of just a few billion pounds, many are left wondering where does the government and the country go now? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues Tom McTague, Will Dunn and Megan…

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Glastonbury's political hangover rages on 34:18

24d ago34:18

34:18

With some calling for the Director-General of the BBC to resign, Somerset police launching a criminal investigation and the US Deputy Secretary of State revoking visas, the political fireworks at this year's Glastonbury were even more sensational than the pyramid stage's. But what was it like on the ground? In this edition of the New Statesman cult…

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Welfare warfare just the start of Starmer's problems 34:08

26d ago34:08

34:08

With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Editor-in-Chief Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the potential consequences of defeat in Tuesday night's vote, Rachel Reeves‘ precarious position and how we got here in…

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Iain Dale on debunking the myths around Margaret Thatcher 32:47

27d ago32:47

32:47

Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely? Broadcaster and author Iain Dale talks to Rachel Cunliffe about his new book, Margaret Thatcher, and why he wanted to dispel some of the myths and mistruths about the Iron Lady. READ Inside the false economy of Rachel R…

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Addressing the dementia diagnosis waiting game | Sponsored 24:23

28d ago24:23

24:23

Too many people in the UK are stuck anxiously waiting up to a year for a dementia diagnosis — and even longer in more deprived areas. In this episode, we explore why early and accurate diagnosis matters, and what must change to fix the system. Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK; Chr…

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"Why won't Keir Starmer stand up to Israel?" - Listener questions episode 25:49

29d ago25:49

25:49

Our listeners ask: How long will the government continue to support Israel after its actions in Gaza? Also in the show, one listener asks why longstanding issues like council tax reform are perennially ignored, another whether there could ever be a true 'red tory' faction in the Conservative party. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rach…

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“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms 17:28

1M ago17:28

17:28

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss the the growing rebellion among Labour MPs over the government's welfare reform bill, and how many government figures may go in the fallout. READ: Keir Starmer faces war on all fronts - Andrew Marr Labour is locked in a vicious blame game - George Eaton SIGN UP: For a dose of pol…

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Welcome to the new nuclear age 32:03

1M ago32:03

32:03

“The proliferation toothpaste does not go back in the tube” - Ankit Panda - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs - With events in Iran bringing the question of nuclear weapons back to the forefront of international news, where does the world go next? In this episode senior editor Katie Stallard speaks to Ankit Panda, au…

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Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs 19:33

1M ago19:33

19:33

Publicly at least, most American Presidents have "held their tongue" over their disputes with Israel - Trump is a "different kettle of fish." - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Iran War: "Our economy will be smashed" - The Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran has gotten off to a shaky start. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement…

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Iran War: "Our economy will be smashed" 32:31

1M ago32:31

32:31

Diplomacy has been "pushed aside" after Donald Trump bombed Iran - leaving Britain "weak". - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump bombs Iran - Donald Trump has hinted in a social media that he would be in favour of regime change in Iran. His government have said otherwise. Elsewhere, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has so far refused to say whether the US bomb…

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Emergency podcast: Trump bombs Iran 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

“American citizens will die” - Lee Siegel — YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? — Donald Trump announced on Sunday that US forces have bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. The attack comes after weeks of speculation about whether the US will follow Israel into war with Iran, after claims that Iran has enriched enough material to fuel …

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Can Labour win the next election? 17:10

1M ago17:10

17:10

Our listeners ask: Do Labour have a realistic chance of winning the next election, and can Reform become a party for all regions of the UK? Also in the show, another listener asks how much is being done, or ever really has been, over the issue of class in British society and politics? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. …

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Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? 26:06

1M ago26:06

26:06

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton, Freddie Hayward and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the fast moving situation in the Middle East, how the UK Government is wrangling with an unpredictable US President and also unpick the news of a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. SIGN UP: For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for ou…

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Is Sabrina Carpenter setting women back? | Talk Nasty to Me - Ep 40 1:28:09

1M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

Today we discuss Sabrina Carpenter's new album, Man's Best Friend, Iceland, Addison Rae, large men, vidcon, and bisexuals. xoxo hope u enjoy Join us in donating to PCRF! https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general?_gl=1*1hma8f6*_gcl_au*MTQ2MjcxODEzMS4xNzQ0MDY3MjYz*_ga*MTQ4Njg4MTY0Ni4xNzQ0MDY3MjYz*_ga_1DBT989QE4*MTc0NDA2NzI2Mi4xLjEuMTc0NDA2NzQyMi4wL…

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Israel vs. Iran: what next? | Professor of War Studies, Lawrence Freedman, on the Isreal-Iran conflict. 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

Is there a route to de-escalation between Israel and Iran? -- YOUR NEXT LISTEN: As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Isreal? -- On Friday, the 13th of June, Israel launched a surprise attack on multiple targets across Iran. Israel strikes hit missile sites and nuclear facilities, and more recently also targeted Iranian state tv. The two…

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Spending review: NHS wins - but tax rises are coming 17:56

2M ago17:56

17:56

Andrew Marr, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe review Rachel Reeves's latest financial statement. LISTEN NEXT: What Keir Starmer can't say - NS editor Tom McTague on his profile of the Prime Minister https://pod.fo/e/2e40f0 -- Rachel Reeves unveiled her latest spending review this week. Andrew, Anoosh and Rachel unpack the winners and losers, an…

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What Keir Starmer can't say - New Statesman editor Tom McTague on his new profile of the Prime Minister 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

Keir Starmer had tears in his eyes as he spoke of the death of his brother. The Prime Minister was talking with the New Statesman's new editor, Tom McTague, about how his personal life informs how he runs the country. Tom has spent weeks accompanying and interviewing Keir Starmer for an extensive profile published in the latest issue of the New Sta…

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Jeremy Hunt: Reform's mission is to destroy the Tories 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Jeremy Hunt held an extensive number of briefs in successive Conservative cabinets; culture secretary, health secretary, foreign secretary, and chancellor. He's now back on the back benches after just holding onto his seat, focusing his time on "reading and writing". Last week he published a new book "Can We Be Great Again? - looking at Britain’s g…

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Britain is trapped in a new build nightmare 28:51

2M ago28:51

28:51

If you live in a new build, or know someone who does, who might already be all too familiar with the fact that Britain has a housing problem. Yes we have a severe shortage of housing, and the government has promised to build 1.5million new homes by the end of parliament - but something which is affecting many people but remains underreported is the…

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Does Andy Burnham want to be prime minister? 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it! Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss Andy Burnham's leadership pitch, Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza inquiry, dysfunction in no 10, and what the hell Robert Jenrick is doing on the internet. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newslet…

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Why is Trump shilling crypto? 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

If there's one thing that the president loves, it's money. Recently, Trump has turned his attention to crypto - going into business with his sons and also launching $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins. But while this is one of Donald Trump’s latest passion projects, it joins a long, long list of business ventures over his lengthy career. A story that in …

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Who can fill the left-wing gap? 15:59

2M ago15:59

15:59

With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks. And another listener, Damon, writes in to ask, Why are fishing rights on the agenda with regards to this latest EU deal? Do you agree that France has a disproportionate influence on the EU? Anoos…

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Labour are U-turning it up 18:23

2M ago18:23

18:23

Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner? The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the coming weeks and months, and where Nigel Farage is lurking to capitalise on Labour and Tory struggles. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Stat…

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Justin Bieber's mental health is not tea. 1:23:36

2M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

This is an audio exclusive episode because the video got corrupted!!!!! So sorry, hope u enjoy xoxoxo Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Nicole Rafiee, Jake Thatcher

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As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Israel? 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

Last week, the Israeli military launched a major new ground assault on Gaza. The aim, according to Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to force the surrender of Hamas, free the remaining Israeli hostages, and bring the entire territory under Israel’s control. The UK, France and Canada have demanded Israel halt "its military operations" a…

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Gordon Brown on the “cruel” two-child benefit cap 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

The former Labour prime minister speaks to the New Statesman Podcast about how the government can reduce levels of child poverty. Read: Gordon Brown: the moral economist Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Brentrance 25:38

2M ago25:38

25:38

Starmer has sealed the deal with the EU, U-turned on winter fuel, and made a marked departure on the UK's stance on Israel. This has been a big week for Labour, but how will it wash with the public? Anoosh Chakelian is drawn by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, senior editor George Eaton, and senior data journalist Ben Walker. Sign …

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This house believes private schools should be abolished 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

Seven per cent of British children attend private school – a tiny minority – and yet they retain a grip on our elite institutions. The latest figures show that 65% of judges, 44% of newspaper columnists and 23% of MPs were independently educated. Fee-paying schools, however, do not merely cater for the privileged few, but hard-working aspirational …