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Cross Question with Iain Dale

LBC
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Keir Starmer
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Iain Dale is joined by a panel of senior politicians and commentators to answer listener questions on the biggest stories of the week. Debate, in-depth discussion and laughs all guaranteed!

PublishesDailyEpisodes803Founded8 years ago
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Artwork for Cross Question with Iain Dale

Latest Episodes

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question for a Scottish Parliamentary elections special edition are the SNP's Stephen Flynn, Labour's Melanie Ward, the Conservatives' Andrew Bowie, plus stand-up comedian Susie McCabe.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are Labour MP Luke Akehurst, the Conservatives' Shadow Housing Minister David Simmonds, TV personality Colin Seymour (a.k.a. 'Crystal'), plus the Daily Telegraph's Poppy Coburn.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the former UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea, PR expert and candidate on 'The Apprentice' Lawrence Rosenberg, LabourList editor Emma Burnell, plus journalist and author Dr Tim Hames.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the International Chamber of Commerce UK chair Lord Karan Bilimoria, Labour London Assembly member Leonie Cooper, former British diplomat Ameer Kotecha, plus the Centre for London think-tank director Antonia Je... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Michelle Donelan
Former Conservative Cabinet Minister
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Zoe Williams
columnist for The Guardian
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Albie Amankona
Political Commentator and Vice Chair of the LGBT Conservative Campaign Group
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Will Forster
Liberal Democrat MP for Woking
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Spencer Owen
YouTuber and entrepreneur; founder of Hashtag United
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Lucy Reade
Columnist for The New World
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Neil Breakwell
Filmmaker, former deputy editor of BBC Newsnight
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Zach Polanski
Green Party activist and political candidate
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Nickie Aiken
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Host

Iain Dale
Host of Cross Question on LBC; widely recognized for leading policy-focused debates with prominent politicians and commentators.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 319 ratings
  • Best debate show

    I love this show, apart from the wasted fun question at the end, it’s a really good debate and Iain controls and is fair with the chance to answer questions for each panelist.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pepsifarr
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Latest episode

    Absolutely shambolic episode. Poorly managed and out of control. Just a shouting match.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Canuck Bob
    Canada2 years ago
  • Too much of same

    Rarely enough balance in this . Where are business people or commentators to inform or challenge to orthodoxy ? Same bland “rent a panel” of commentators often ill informed on key issues of day and second rate MPs too often with occasional interesting voice but all too rare

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Regular VT traveller
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • irish prime ministers

    Ian there is only an introduction on irish pm?? when will it start

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fyanstown3
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • For an American, a great way to keep up

    Love the guests and the style of the podcast. Iain Dale is fair, but he doesn't let guests spin, he checks them as they are talking.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews highlight the quality of discussion and the host's ability to keep debates civil and informative.
Some episodes are criticized for being tightly script or ideologically skewed, with calls for more balance.
Positive remarks often mention the depth of policy analysis and the diversity of guests.
Negative feedback tends to focus on pacing or perceived bias during controversial topics.
Listeners praise the show for calm, fair moderation and strong questioning of guests.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sir Rocco Forte, Dr Jeevun Sandher, Baroness Kate Fall & Carl Cashman
Q: A follow-up about PMQs: is it time to dispense with PMQs given concerns over answering questions and accountability?
The panel largely defends PMQs as a needed accountability moment, though some participants suggest reforms or questions about its effectiveness may be warranted.
Sir Rocco Forte, Dr Jeevun Sandher, Baroness Kate Fall & Carl Cashman
Q: Sam in Surrey asks whether Trump's approach is a sensible strategy or risks escalating the war and drawing the UK in.
Jeevun argues that the approach has not worked so far, highlighting the need for a coherent defence policy and steps to make life affordable while keeping the country safe.
Ros Morgan, Callum Anderson, Tom Morrison & Baroness Kate Hoey
Q: Should Kemi Badenoch have apologized for her remarks about Labour?
Yes, she should have because it was a disrespectful way to approach a serious issue.
Ros Morgan, Callum Anderson, Tom Morrison & Baroness Kate Hoey
Q: How do you make the student loans system fairer?
We need to bring back maintenance grants and unfreeze the threshold for repayment.
Rachel Cunliffe, Keith Prince, Caroline Russell & Nathaniel Ogunniyi
Q: How is the political landscape evolving in the UK with the rise of parties like the Greens and Reform?
The discussion highlighted a shift in voter sentiment away from the traditional parties, with an apparent desire for change and new political alternatives, suggesting tactical voting may emerge among left-leaning constituents.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Question with Iain Dale

What is Cross Question with Iain Dale about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, interview-driven political discussion that brings together senior politicians and commentators to tackle the week's biggest stories. Episodes typically center on governance, policy debates, and international affairs, with a steady focus on how different parties approach UK politics, public spending, and security. The format blends principled argument, calm moderation, and occasional humor, producing a thoughtful but accessible take on current events. Notable strengths include a credible panel lineup, strong host facilitation, and a reputation for balanced questioning that pushes guests to justify their positions. This show is likely to appeal to listeners who want in-depth analysis, cross-partisan dialogue, and practical viewpoints... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Cross Question with Iain Dale?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cross Question with Iain Dale:

1. Where Politics Meets History
2. Iain Dale All Talk
3. Matt Forde's Political Party
4. Political Currency
5. Electoral Dysfunction

How many episodes of Cross Question with Iain Dale are there?

Cross Question with Iain Dale launched 8 years ago and published 803 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Cross Question with Iain Dale?

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What guests have appeared on Cross Question with Iain Dale?

Recent guests on Cross Question with Iain Dale include:

1. Michelle Donelan
2. Zoe Williams
3. Albie Amankona
4. Will Forster
5. Spencer Owen
6. Lucy Reade
7. Neil Breakwell
8. Zach Polanski

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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