Advertise on podcast: Harry Cole Saves The West

Donald Trump says he’s ready to strike a deal with Iran. But ex-US National Security Advisor John Bolton isn’t buying it, “it’s a waste of oxygen,” Bolton says. As Iran’s nuclear ambitions creep back into the headlines, the former White House hawk tells Harry Cole that it’s time to stop talking and start striking. Is there any deal with Iran that would satisfy Bolton? In a word: no. “This regime’s word means nothing,” he says, pointing to years of nuclear deception, regional meddling, and support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. “The only deal is regime change.” Bolton also criticises the UK's much maligned Chagos Islands deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The British monarchy has faced its fair share of scandals, but nothing quite compares to the current meltdown. Ex-Prince Andrew, once known as 'Randy Andy', now finds himself stripped of titles, exiled from the Royal family, and at the centre of an international media frenzy. If you thought the House of Windsor had reached rock bottom, think again. The castle walls are shaking, and the stain, it seems, just keeps spreading. YouTuber Shaun Attwood calls Andrew and Fergie “low IQ idiots” who tried to monetise their royal connections. Andrew’s alleged behaviour with Epstein is described as “despicable”—with survivors’ accounts painting a picture of entitlement and predatory behaviour. The infamous Newsnight interview? “A disaster.” Attwood says Andrew lied to his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the public, and anyone else who would listen. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is probably “glad the heat is off him for a change.” But as Cole points out, once you’ve shown you can strip a Duke of his titles, who’s safe? So, grab your popcorn. This royal drama is far from over—and there are still plenty of twists to come. Including Attwood revealing how he thinks Epstein was killed by cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bombshell from Washington DC has exploded right in the middle of the UK government, dragging PM Keir Starmer and his team into a political maelstrom. The appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US is now the focus of a firestorm (and a police investigation), after allegations relating to Jeffrey Epstein, that were so toxic, even the Cops have asked Parliament to keep some evidence under wraps. Conservative Alex Burghart (Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), questions whether Keir Starmer's judgement is worth anything, and former Labour advisor Luke Sullivan, says Keir Starmer is under pressure after one of the most extraordinary days in British politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain’s plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is causing a diplomatic stink that’s reached the White House, with Donald Trump branding Brit PM Keir Starmer's deal “a great stupidity” and former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has jetted to Washington to try and torpedo the deal. With the islands hosting Diego Garcia, one of the world’s most important military bases, critics fear the move would hand China a strategic gift, threaten nuclear secrets, and leave the UK looking like a nation desperate to pay someone to take its own territory. The government’s been accused of hiding the truth from both Parliament and the Americans. Harry Cole speaks to Sir Iain Duncan Smith, for UK Conservative Party leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you thought the Epstein saga died with the man himself, think again. The ghosts of his emails, photos, and eyebrow-raising guest lists are still haunting the corridors of British power, and the fallout is proving fatal for some of the UK's most illustrious (and, frankly, clueless) public figures. From Prince Andrew’s catastrophic royal tumble to Peter Mandelson’s reputation now resembling burnt toast, it’s clear: Epstein knew how to ensnare people via their weaknesses. Was it just greed? Bower thinks not. Epstein was the ultimate puppet master, spotting weaknesses, trading favours, and offering “entertainment” that you wouldn’t find on Netflix. Mandelson, for all his political savvy, was bedazzled. Prince Andrew, meanwhile, gets less sympathy: “Andrew’s an idiot,” says investigative biographer Tom Bower, who joins Harry Cole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former US President Donald Trump has unveiled a “Board for Peace” at Davos, promising to rebuild Gaza. But with Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and even Putin rumoured to have a seat at the table, comedian and activist Amer Zahr says the only thing being built right now is confusion. Trump, with his trademark hubris, now “owns” the plan. Could his ego force progress? “Maybe,” Zahr suggests, “if he realises he needs pro-Palestinian voices like Turkey or Qatar.” But as long as Israel controls the water, electricity, and borders, it’s still occupation he says. Zahr says support for Hamas in Palestine is waning, but insists the rebuilding of Gaza should be up to Palestinians, not foreign overlords. Trump’s plan might be the talk of Davos, but Gaza’s become a litmus test in US politics. Zahr notes that support for Israel isn’t the sure-fire vote winner it used to be, even on the American right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Cole blasts British PM Keir Starmer's visit to China, highlighting the lack of tangible outcomes and the risks to UK security and alliances. Harry highlights how China has targeted British Members of Parliament, journalists, and institutions, and Starmer's approval of a large new Chinese embassy in London despite security concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the wild world of American politics, where the only thing more confusing than the border is why Minnesota is suddenly the hottest spot for immigration busts. On Harry Cole Saves the West, YouTuber and political commentator Destiny (Stephen Bonnell) joins Harry Cole for a fiery exchange about ICE agents, Trump’s border bravado, and why “the sausage doesn’t have to be made this way.” The left, the right, and the “pretty” mayor all get a roasting. Destiny dismisses claims that left-wing rhetoric is as inflammatory as Trump’s, pointing out that when the left acts up, their politicians at least pretend to be upset about it. How will Trump will be remembered? Meanwhile, Trump’s coalition is looking frayed. Destiny calls it a “cult of personality,” predicting that once Trump’s gone, Republicans will develop collective amnesia about ever supporting him—just like the Iraq war. As for the future? “Nobody likes J.D. Vance,” Destiny shrugs. What is next for America? The US is at a “boiling point,” with political violence, conspiracy theories, and politicians who’d rather play to the cameras than actually fix anything. Will Trump still be president next year? Destiny’s not sure Trump will even be alive—“those bruises are getting big, man.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of America’s most senior diplomats has accused Sir Keir Starmer's government of “authoritarian intentions” and warned they will legislate against British regulators' attempts to police the internet. US Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers also cautioned against an expansion of facial recognition technology and AI policing in the UK in light of clampdowns on free speech. The top Trump administration official hit out: “The Labour Party has not distinguished itself with advocacy for free speech or sanity on migration.” In an astonishing slapdown she claimed the government “with respect to speech has telegraphed authoritarian intentions”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Klacik, GOP commentator and former Congressional candidate, explains the chaos in Minnesota: Republican states work with ICE, blue states don’t. In places like Minneapolis, ICE are having to hunt down suspects in the streets with Klacik saying left-leaning officials are “deliberately causing chaos” by refusing to cooperate, while Harry Cole questions if ICE is being “deliberately antagonistic.” But forget TikTok teens—this round of protestors is apparently “a bunch of boomers out there,” as Klacik puts it. Less “uprising of the youth”, more “Antifa wannabe dads and blue-haired, older female protestors.” The street action is fierce, but the social media game? Not so much. This comes as President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Alex Pretti, the man fatally shot by a federal agent during a confrontation in Minneapolis, should not have been carrying a gun or fully loaded magazines, comments that put him at odds with gun rights groups and some Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, joins Harry Cole to analyse the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the evolving positions of President Trump, and the prospects for a ceasefire. The discussion covers Western strategies, internal Ukrainian politics, and the economic and diplomatic pressures shaping the potential for peace. Can Trump strong-arm Putin into peace? Former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, says Trump has both the muscle and the motivation to end the war—but only if he wants the glory enough. In a frank chat with journalist Harry Cole, Taylor lifts the lid on backroom deals, sanctions, and just how close we might be to a ceasefire. As long as Ukraine, Russia, and a room full of billionaires can swallow a very unpalatable “sh*t sandwich”, says Harry Cole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Cole is joined by pollster James Johnson to discuss the political implications of Robert Jenrick's defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK. Nigel Farage’s Reform Party is now the political Marmite: love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. With a string of Tory defectors, they’re now the “sensible minds” for disaffected Conservatives. Johnson makes it clear that Keir Starmer will not be Prime Minister or Labour leader after the next election, yet suggests the real drama will be Kemi Badenoch's Conservative Party 'staring at electoral oblivion', while Nigel Farage waits in the wings with a pint in hand. While Kemi Badenoch has improved personal ratings, Johnson warns against complacency. He predicts Reform UK will perform well in upcoming local and parliamentary elections, potentially overtaking the Conservatives. But it’s not all plain sailing for Reform. The spectre of tactical voting looms large. Greens, Lib Dems, and Labour could unite in an “anyone but Nigel” coalition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hilton, ex-adviser to the UK's David Cameron and Fox News’s favourite Brexiteer-in-exile, is now topping the polls as the Republican frontrunner for Governor of California. His mission? “Make California golden again”—preferably before it’s completely bankrupt at the hands of Democrat elites. Hilton’s campaign is all about “Cal-affordability”—his catchy new slogan. The plan? Axe the Democrats’ “climate crusade” to slash gas prices, end subsidies for wind and solar, and tap into California’s own oil and gas reserves. Much of Hilton’s fire is aimed at current Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he accuses of “prancing around” Davos while ordinary Californians suffer. Hilton also reflects on his time battling British bureaucracy, saying it’s “just as impossible to get anything done in the UK as it is in California.” His solution? Appoint aggressive reformers to the state’s endless agencies and cut through the red tape. Plus, find out whether Steve thinks President Trump will be a help or a hindrance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has rowed back on his threat to slap tariffs on the UK and NATO allies who opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland, after he and the alliance’s chief “formed the framework of a future deal” for the Arctic region. Following a “very productive meeting” with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Trump suggested he had now reconsidered. Harry Cole is joined by former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, as they try to figure out whether there was more method or madness in Trump's desire to take Greenland, and find out what NATO offered the President in order to agree to a deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you ever thought Britain’s armed forces were ready for anything, think again. According to Robert Clark, the MOD needs another £400bn ($537bn) between now and 2040. With Putin's Russian subs lurking off UK shores, and Keir Starmer writing cheques the military can’t cash, it’s a wonder Britain still has an armed force. “It’s bordering on professional negligence,” Robert Clark says. Promises of peacekeepers in Ukraine, more boots in Estonia, and even Royal Marines in Greenland sound great, until people realise the UK is haemorrhaging troops and can’t even recruit enough to fill the ranks. “We simply don’t have the capability or the manpower,” admits Clark. A brigade to Ukraine? In theory, yes. In reality, the UK would last last 18 months before running out of people.Harry and Robert also talk about President Trump's intervention in the Chagos Islands deal, criticizing Britain's strategic decision-making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices