Across The Red Line

Series

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

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20240822

[LISTEN NOW]"

Can Going On Strike Any Longer Be Justified?

20220816

Anne McElvoy returns with a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other.

The cost of living is rising. There is talk of a summer of industrial discontent. But in an economy that has radically changed since the trade unions' 1970s heyday, can going on strike still be justified? Are there better ways to resolve disputes, or does the right to strike remain crucial?

Ex-trade union leader and former Labour home secretary Alan Johnson meets economist Andrew Lilico to debate - and then conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped their opponent's worldview and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of the other's position.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.

Immigration Is Good For British Society

20230711

Anne McElvoy returns with a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other.

Immigration, whether legal or illegal has been a contentious issue in Britain for the last half century. Many would argue the debate goes back far further than that. In today's programme the author of 'How to be a Patriot', Sunder Katwala puts forward the contention that immigration is good for British Society. The counter argument is made by the Daily Telegraph columnist Sherelle Jacobs.

Anne invites them to make their case before inviting them, with the help of the resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind, to find out a little more about their opponent's background and how it has come to frame their views on this contentious topic. The ambition is to see if, while not abandoning their positions, they can accommodate some of the arguments confronting them.

Producer: Tom Alban

Is Having A Public Profile Rewarding?

20220830

Anne McElvoy presents the new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other.

Is having a public profile, and the success that comes with it, rewarding? Or - in an ever-more pressured media economy, with online aggression a perennial problem - is it no longer worth the emotional impact?

Vicky Ward has built a successful career as a journalist, first in the UK and then in the US, in print, on TV and in podcasting. Lucy Cavendish built a thriving career as a journalist for UK newspapers too - but then chose to leave it behind, to retrain as a therapist and counsellor. Vicky and Lucy meet to debate the relative merits of their choices - and then conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped the other's world view and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of each other's position.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.

Is Private Education Divisive?

20220823

Anne McElvoy presents a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other.

Is private education divisive - or is this criticism a dangerous distraction? Fiona Millar, who has long campaigned to improve state education, meets Dr David James, deputy headteacher of an independent school, to debate.

Then conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped their opponent's worldview and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of the other's position.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.

It Can Be Necessary To Be A Public Nuisance In Pursuit Of A Higher Cause

20230725

A steady flow of demonstrations over climate change inaction and continued dependence on fossil fuels have resulted in public nuisance offences. Demonstrations that cause public nuisance are nothing new. But do they work, and can they ever be justified in the name of a higher cause? , Anne brings two powerful debaters together from either side of the red line. On one hand Peter Tatchell, while no advocate of causing nuisance for nuisance sake, argues that history is littered with demonstrations that disrupted, and with that were effective in forcing attention on a cause. By contrast writer Bruce Anderson, who has youthful experience of confrontational demonstration is adamant that they invariably damage the cause they espouse and at worse can destabilise democratic systems.

With the help of conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind, Anne invites both men to try and explore their differences by listening carefully to the arguments and personal origins of those arguments.

Producer: Hatty Nash

The Boomers Have Had It Too Good

20230718

The Baby Boomer generation, in the UK those born between 1946 and 1964, have had a profound impact on British society, not least because they represent a surge in population growth. Thanks to policies enacted by various governments over the last half century they have been able to benefit from an economic situation that allowed and encouraged home ownership and those that have reached pensionable age are now protected against wage and interest growth. By contrast, generations that followed have found it increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder and find themselves taking the brunt of the current cost of living crisis.

Henry Hill of the website Conservative Home argues for the contention that Baby Boomers have had it too good, and that legislation is required to change the economic dynamics in favour of the generations that are following. Putting the case against him is Jackie Weaver Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, although perhaps better known as the woman who chaired a zoom Parish Council meeting in 2020 that went viral during lockdown. Jackie argues that not only is it unfair to treat Baby Boomers as a generic group, but that they themselves faced hardships and economic pressures, and in many cases, particularly outside London still do.

Anne McElvoy then invites Louisa Weinstein, founder of the Conflict Resolution Centre, to help Jackie and Henry explore their respective Boomer and Millenial backgrounds and ask each other what it is that shapes and governs their world view and their attitude to the generational divide implied in the contention. The ambition is to see if there is any way of exploring, and even occupying the fertile ground that lies a little closer to their respective Red Lines.

Is It Ok To Be Wary Of Those From Other Backgrounds?

20180103

20180106 (R4)

Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question.

Anne is joined by conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to lead the two guests through a series of structured conversations to encourage them to air the personal experiences, instincts and feelings that underpin their public positions. Together Anne and Gabrielle invite guests to do something that doesn't often feature in debates: really listen to each other.

Joining the discussion this week are Charles Moore, former editor and now columnist at the Daily Telegraph and Hugh Muir, Associate Editor for the Guardian's Opinion pages.

Producer: Sarah Shebbeare.

Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Charles Moore and Hugh Muir.

Is Equality A Good Thing In Itself?

20180110

20180113 (R4)

Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question.

Joining the discussion this week are Fraser Nelson, editor of the Spectator and Zoe Williams, author and columnist for the Guardian.

Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Fraser Nelson and Zoe Williams.

Should We All Be Feminists?

20180117

20180120 (R4)

Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a principle.

Joining the discussion this week to discuss whether 'we should all be feminists' are author, journalist and human rights activist Joan Smith, and former barrister and now co-editor of The Conservative Woman, Laura Perrins.

Anne McElvoy is joined by Joan Smith and Laura Perrins.

Can Physical Force And Violence Be Politically Justified?

20180124

20180127 (R4)

Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question.

Joining Anne and Gabrielle this week, to discuss whether direct action, physical force and even violence can be politically justified are Timothy Stanley, author and columnist for the Daily Telegraph, and Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Producer: Phil Tinline.

Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Timothy Stanley and Mark Serwotka.

Is English Nationalism Toxic?

20180801

20180804 (R4)

Anne McElvoy returns with the series that asks figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other, and explore the roots of each other's beliefs, with the help of conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind.

In this first edition of the new series, Anne brings together Nick Cohen, columnist for the Observer and Simon Heffer, columnist for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, to debate the question 'Is English Nationalism Toxic?

Producer: Phil Tinline.

Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.

Is 'victim Culture' An Obstacle To Justice?

20180808

20180811 (R4)

In this edition, Anne brings together Joanna Williams, Associate Editor of Spiked, and Sophie Walker, leader of the Women's Equality Party, to debate the question: 'Is 'Victim Culture' an Obstacle to Justice?

Producer: Phil Tinline.

Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.

Is Assisted Dying Morally Wrong?

20180815

20180818 (R4)

In this edition, Anne brings together Polly Toynbee, columnist for the Guardian, and Melanie McDonagh, writer for the London Evening Standard and the Spectator, to discuss the question: 'Is Assisted Dying Morally Wrong?

Producer: Phil Tinline.

Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.

Is Tax A Burden?

20180822

20180825 (R4)

In this edition, Anne brings together Kerry-Anne Mendoza, Editor-in-Chief of The Canary, and Juliet Samuel, columnist for the Daily Telegraph, to discuss the question: 'Is Tax a Burden?

Producer: Phil Tinline.

Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.

Should Cultural Artefacts Be Returned To Their Country Of Origin?

20190501

20190504 (R4)

Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other - and to come to an understanding of the beliefs, aims and experiences that inform their position.

In the first episode, historian Dr Zareer Masani and the Guardian columnist and former chair of the National Trust Sir Simon Jenkins discuss the principles underlying the question of whether objects of cultural or artistic significance should be returned to the places from whence they came?

Producer: Phil Tinline

The return of the series that invites two opposed public figures to listen to each other.

Is The Mainstream Media A Force For Good In Society?

20190508

20190511 (R4)

Anne McElvoy invites Times Deputy Editor Emma Tucker and Richard Seymour, author of Corbyn: The Strange Rebirth of Radical Politics, to debate whether the mainstream media is a force for social good or a source of bias and misreporting.

And conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein then invites Richard and Emma to engage in an exercise to explore each other's perspective - through open questioning, listening and reflecting back what they hear.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites Emma Tucker and Richard Seymour to explore each other's perspective.

Are Referendums Good For Democracy?

20190515

20190518 (R4)

Anne McElvoy invites the author and political journalist Isabel Oakeshott and Times columnist Matthew Parris to debate whether referendums are good for democracy.

And conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein then invites Isabel and Matthew to engage in an exercise to explore each other's perspective - through open questioning, listening and reflecting back what they hear.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites Isabel Oakeshott and Matthew Parris to explore each other's views.

Is Individualism A Virtue?

20190522

Anne McElvoy invites the critic and writer Sarah Ditum and Kate Andrews, Associate Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, to explore each other's perspectives on individualism.

And conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind invites Sarah and Kate to engage in an exercise to explore the roots of each other's beliefs, and then to articulate each other's views.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites Sarah Ditum and Kate Andrews to explore each other's perspective.

Does Profit Corrupt?

20190904

20190907 (R4)

Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In the first edition of the new series, Anne brings together Blue Labour founder Lord Glasman and Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, to debate whether profit corrupts.

And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs.

Producer: Phil Tinline

FT editor Lionel Barber and Blue Labour founder Lord Glasman debate profit and corruption.

Is Discipline The Enemy Of Learning?

20190911

20190914 (R4)

Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In this edition, Anne brings together author and educator Dr Debra Kidd with Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress of Michael Community School, to debate whether discipline is the enemy of learning.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Katharine Birbalsingh and Dr Debra Kidd debate whether discipline is the enemy of learning

Does Identity Politics Cause More Problems Than It Solves?

20190918

20190921 (R4)

Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind examine what leads their two guests to disagree on a major issue of the day.

In today's edition, the writers Douglas Murray, author of The Madness of Crowds, and Nesrine Malik, author of We Need New Stories, meet to discuss 'identity politics'. Is this a problematic and divisive development, or a necessary means to correct injustice?

And, after the opening discussion, Anne and Gabrielle invite their guests to explore the roots of each other's beliefs.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Douglas Murray and Nesrine Malik debate, and ask each other about what drives their views.

Should Politicians Stop Worrying About 'hard-working Families'?

20201014

20201019 (R4)

Anne McElvoy returns with the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In this first edition of the new series, Anne is joined via Zoom by the former Conservative minister Rory Stewart and the former Labour minister Caroline Flint to debate whether politicians should stop worrying about 'hard-working families', and turn their attention more exclusively to the very poor.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Ex-ministers Caroline Flint and Rory Stewart debate the focus on 'hard-working families'.

Does Impartiality Impede Good Journalism?

20201021

20201026 (R4)

Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In this edition, Anne is joined by James O'Brien, LBC presenter and author of 'How Not to Be Wrong', and Roger Mosey, former Head of BBC Television News, to debate whether impartiality impedes good journalism.

Producer: Phil Tinline

LBC presenter James O'Brien and ex-Head of BBC TV News Roger Mosey debate impartiality.

Do We Need To Learn To Live With More Risk?

20201028

20201102 (R4)

Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In this edition, Anne is joined by Claire Fox of the Institute of Ideas and ex-Justice Secretary David Gauke, to debate whether we need to learn to live with more risk.

And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites those on opposing sides of political issues to listen to each other.

Are American Approaches To Combating Racism Worth Trying In Britain?

20201104

20201109 (R4)

Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two people who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In this edition, policy researcher Kimberly McIntosh and journalist Tom Owolade discuss whether US approaches to combating racism are worth trying in Britain.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Are The BBC's Flaws A Price Worth Paying?

20210722

Jonathan Dimbleby, who has presented many political and current affairs programmes for ITV and the BBC, and Dorothy Byrne, former Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4, debate whether the BBC's flaws are a price worth paying.

Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy invites two guests, opposed on a major issue, to explore each other's views.

Can We Trust The Police?

20210715

Ex-policeman turned writer John Sutherland and academic researcher Dr. Adam Elliott-Cooper debate the issue of trust in the police. And then presenters Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Does Consumerism Rot The Soul?

20210805

Consumer journalist Harry Wallop debates the personal impact of consumerism with writer and YouTuber Cinzia DuBois.

Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.

Does Society Need Elites?

20210812

Aditya Chakrabortty, columnist and Senior Economics Commentator at the Guardian, and Professor Niall Ferguson, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, debate whether society needs elites.

Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.

When The Queen's Reign Ends, Should We Abolish The Monarchy?

20210729

Daily Mail journalist and author Robert Hardman debates the future role of the monarchy with columnist and historian Kate Maltby.

Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.

Has Centrist Dad Had His Day?

20210701

Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two people who disagree on an issue to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them.

In each edition, Anne works with one of our two regular conflict resolution specialists, Gabrielle Rifkind and Louisa Weinstein, to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs.

In the first edition of the new series, the journalists Daniel Finkelstein (the Times) and Mary Harrington (Unherd) debate whether, in an age of upheaval, political centrism is obsolete - or more vital than ever. And then Anne and Gabrielle invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Should national service be reintroduced? - with former defence minister Tobias Ellwood and president of the NUS Amira Campbell

20240822

[LISTEN NOW]

Should National Service Be Reintroduced?, With Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood And President Of The Nus Amira Campbell

20240822

20240912 (R4)

Anne McElvoy and the conflict mediator Gabrielle Rifkind facilitate this edition's debate about calls to reintroduce National Service. It's an idea many in the military say is essential in the new world order. In January the outgoing head of the Armed Forces General Sir Patrick Saunders said the creation of a citizens army was essential and only last month the new head of the British Army General Sir Roly Walker said Britain's army must be ready in three years to fight a war against what he described as an 'axis of upheaval' - Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

In the run up to the recent general election the conservatives pledged to introduce national service if they were re-elected. Support for the idea appeared to split along generational lines with many older people appearing to back it with young people against.

The idea was the brainchild of the former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood who served in the armed forces before becoming an MP. He lost his seat last month but he remains convinced that such service must happen. He argues that the peace of the post cold war era is over, that appeasement doesn't work and that everyone needs to lean in and take their share of the security burden. Alongside him in the studio but on the opposite side of the debate is the president of the National Union of Students Amira Campbell . The NUS which represents more than 7 million students described the proposal as “regressive ? and “ridiculous ?

Presenter: Anne McElvoy

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood & NUS president Amira Campbell on national service.

Anne McElvoy and a conflict mediator discuss calls for the reintroduction of national service with former defence minister Tobias Ellwood and NUS president Amira Campbell.

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Should Obesity Be Classed As A Disease? With Oncologist Karol Sikora And Obesity Campaigner Sarah Le Brocq

20240808

20240829 (R4)

Is obesity a lifestyle choice or a disease ? Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein work with oncologist Karol Sikora and campaigner Sarah Le Brocq to discuss their different ideas about obesity and how we view and treat it.

Across the UK, the numbers of those seriously overweight been steadily increasing, with the latest Health Survey for England reporting that 60% of the working age population (16-64-years-old) are now classed as overweight or obese.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are being used to help people lose weight but are they too expensive to fund on the NHS for something which many see as a self inflicted problem. At the same time new research show some people are genetically predisposed to gaining weight which leads others to say that the matter should be seen as a disease.

Sarah Le Brocq who founded the organisation All About Obesity is campaigning for this classification but Professor Professor Karol Sikora an oncologist who has been director of the World health organisation cancer programme thinks this would be a mistake.

Presenter: Anne McElvoy

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Karol Sikora and Sarah Le Brocq negotiate their red lines on whether obesity is a disease.

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein talk to oncologist Karol Sikora and campaigner Sarah Le Brocq about whether obesity should be classed as a disease.

Transgender Athletes In Sport With Olympian Sharron Davies And Racing Driver And Trans Activist Charlie Martin

20240815

20240905 (R4)

Would having 'open categories' make sport more welcome and fair for all competitors? Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein talk to Sharron Davies & Charlie Martin about their 'red lines' on the issue of trans athletes in sport.

Arguments about gender identity - and which rights and restrictions should flow from that - garner strong reaction in public debate. One area which has been particularly contentious is in sport – how to ensure fairness and also allow clear criteria for competition?

World Athletics and British Cycling joined the sporting bodies for swimming, triathlon and rugby in banning transgender athletes from competing in elite women's sport and the Swimming body - World Aquatics - established an 'open' category at competitions, for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their sex observed at birth but some critics say such a category is itself discriminatory.

Sharron Davies, the former competitive swimmer who represented Great Britain in the European, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, winning a silver at the Moscow Games in 1980 and she recently published her book 'Unfair Play: The Battle For Women's Sport' .

Charlie Martin is a British racing car driver and transgender rights activist, who competes in the male dominated field of motorsport and endurance racing. She started her career as a male competitor and transitioned in 2012 at the age of 30. She competed in the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2019, was the first out trans person to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring event in 2020 and has her sights on competing at 24 hours of Le Mans in the future.

Presenter: Anne McElvoy

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Sharron Davies and Charlie Martin discuss their red lines on trans athletes in sport

Anne McElvoy and a conflict resolution expert explore the issues around trans athletes in sport with swimmer Sharron Davies and motorsport racer and trans activist Charlie Martin.

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Anne Mcelvoy Explores Rising Uk Defence Spending With Military And Anti-nuclear Voices In Sharp Disagreement

20250821

Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the programme where opposing voices meet, not just to debate, but to interrogate assumptions and listen across the divide. This episode tackles one of the biggest recent shifts in UK policy: defence spending.

The Starmer government has announced an £8 billion increase in the military budget over two years, the largest in a generation. Defence is now set to become one of the fastest-growing areas of public spending, rivaling core services and outpacing inflation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the move as essential for national resilience, economic growth, and global stability.

But is this surge in spending a necessary response to global threats, or a dangerous prioritisation of militarism over social investment?

Joining Anne are Major General Jonathan Shaw former Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, who supports the increase, and Sophie Bolt, General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, who strongly opposes it. Together, they explore the values, risks, and realities behind Britain's new defence strategy.

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Do rising defence costs secure Britain's future or threaten its values?

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Anne McElvoy on Britain's defence budget hike. Major General Jonathan Shaw and CND's Sophie Bolt explore whether this spending secures Britain or threatens its values.

[LISTEN NOW]

Anne Mcelvoy Hosts A Debate On Chemical Castration: Justice Reform Or Ethical Overreach For Offenders

20250814

Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the programme where people with opposing views come together to listen, reflect, and explore difficult questions. This episode asks: Should the state be allowed to alter the biology of someone convicted of a serious sexual offence?

In the UK, a pilot scheme is offering chemical castration to certain offenders. The treatment uses medication to suppress sexual drive, and some research suggests it can reduce the risk of reoffending. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced plans for a national rollout, raising questions about consent, ethics, and effectiveness.

Joining Anne are Dr Alexis Paton, medical ethicist and Chair of the Committee on Ethical Issues in Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians, and Professor Thomas Douglas, senior researcher in practical ethics at the University of Oxford. Rather than trying to win the argument, both guests are invited to listen deeply and risk being changed by what they hear.

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Anne McElvoy explores chemical castration for sex offenders. Is it ethical or necessary?

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Anne McElvoy explores chemical castration for sex offenders. Is it ethical or necessary? Guests Dr Alexis Paton and Professor Thomas Douglas debate this controversial policy.

[LISTEN NOW]

Cousin Marriage: Tradition Or Risk? Anne Mcelvoy Explores This Divisive Issue With Two Expert Guests

20250807

Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the show that tackles divisive issues with thoughtful debate. This episode explores cousin marriage - legally permitted in the UK and practiced in some South Asian communities, where it's seen as a bond of trust and kinship. Historically common among British elites, cousin marriage has come under scrutiny due to medical risks, including increased chances of recessive genetic disorders.

The debate has intensified: Norway has banned the practice, Sweden is set to follow, and UK MP Richard Holden has proposed legislation to outlaw it. A recent YouGov poll shows 77% of the public supports a ban, but enforcing it in communities where it's culturally embedded remains complex.

Joining Anne are journalist Matthew Syed, a vocal critic of cousin marriage, and Dr Maleeha Mansur, an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar who defends the practice and recently challenged Syed's views in The Times.

Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Cousin Marriage - its cultural roots, medical risks and legal future with Anne McElvoy.

Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other

Anne McElvoy discusses the cultural roots, medical risks, and legal future of cousin marriage with Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar Dr Maleeha Mansur and journalist Matthew Syed.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
			20240822		[LISTEN NOW]"
		Can Going On Strike Any Longer Be Justified?	20220816		Anne McElvoy returns with a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other. The cost of living is rising. There is talk of a summer of industrial discontent. But in an economy that has radically changed since the trade unions' 1970s heyday, can going on strike still be justified? Are there better ways to resolve disputes, or does the right to strike remain crucial? Ex-trade union leader and former Labour home secretary Alan Johnson meets economist Andrew Lilico to debate - and then conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped their opponent's worldview and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of the other's position. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.
		Immigration Is Good For British Society	20230711		Anne McElvoy returns with a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other. Immigration, whether legal or illegal has been a contentious issue in Britain for the last half century. Many would argue the debate goes back far further than that. In today's programme the author of 'How to be a Patriot', Sunder Katwala puts forward the contention that immigration is good for British Society. The counter argument is made by the Daily Telegraph columnist Sherelle Jacobs. Anne invites them to make their case before inviting them, with the help of the resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind, to find out a little more about their opponent's background and how it has come to frame their views on this contentious topic. The ambition is to see if, while not abandoning their positions, they can accommodate some of the arguments confronting them. Producer: Tom Alban
		Is Having A Public Profile Rewarding?	20220830		Anne McElvoy presents the new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other. Is having a public profile, and the success that comes with it, rewarding? Or - in an ever-more pressured media economy, with online aggression a perennial problem - is it no longer worth the emotional impact? Vicky Ward has built a successful career as a journalist, first in the UK and then in the US, in print, on TV and in podcasting. Lucy Cavendish built a thriving career as a journalist for UK newspapers too - but then chose to leave it behind, to retrain as a therapist and counsellor. Vicky and Lucy meet to debate the relative merits of their choices - and then conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped the other's world view and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of each other's position. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.
		Is Private Education Divisive?	20220823		Anne McElvoy presents a new series of the show that invites people who disagree on an issue to debate - and then to listen to each other. Is private education divisive - or is this criticism a dangerous distraction? Fiona Millar, who has long campaigned to improve state education, meets Dr David James, deputy headteacher of an independent school, to debate. Then conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein invites each of them to find out more about what has shaped their opponent's worldview and beliefs, to see if they can reach a deeper understanding of the other's position. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of an issue to listen to each other.
		It Can Be Necessary To Be A Public Nuisance In Pursuit Of A Higher Cause	20230725		A steady flow of demonstrations over climate change inaction and continued dependence on fossil fuels have resulted in public nuisance offences. Demonstrations that cause public nuisance are nothing new. But do they work, and can they ever be justified in the name of a higher cause? , Anne brings two powerful debaters together from either side of the red line. On one hand Peter Tatchell, while no advocate of causing nuisance for nuisance sake, argues that history is littered with demonstrations that disrupted, and with that were effective in forcing attention on a cause. By contrast writer Bruce Anderson, who has youthful experience of confrontational demonstration is adamant that they invariably damage the cause they espouse and at worse can destabilise democratic systems. With the help of conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind, Anne invites both men to try and explore their differences by listening carefully to the arguments and personal origins of those arguments. Producer: Hatty Nash
		The Boomers Have Had It Too Good	20230718		The Baby Boomer generation, in the UK those born between 1946 and 1964, have had a profound impact on British society, not least because they represent a surge in population growth. Thanks to policies enacted by various governments over the last half century they have been able to benefit from an economic situation that allowed and encouraged home ownership and those that have reached pensionable age are now protected against wage and interest growth. By contrast, generations that followed have found it increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder and find themselves taking the brunt of the current cost of living crisis. Henry Hill of the website Conservative Home argues for the contention that Baby Boomers have had it too good, and that legislation is required to change the economic dynamics in favour of the generations that are following. Putting the case against him is Jackie Weaver Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, although perhaps better known as the woman who chaired a zoom Parish Council meeting in 2020 that went viral during lockdown. Jackie argues that not only is it unfair to treat Baby Boomers as a generic group, but that they themselves faced hardships and economic pressures, and in many cases, particularly outside London still do. Anne McElvoy then invites Louisa Weinstein, founder of the Conflict Resolution Centre, to help Jackie and Henry explore their respective Boomer and Millenial backgrounds and ask each other what it is that shapes and governs their world view and their attitude to the generational divide implied in the contention. The ambition is to see if there is any way of exploring, and even occupying the fertile ground that lies a little closer to their respective Red Lines.
01	01	Is It Ok To Be Wary Of Those From Other Backgrounds?	20180103	20180106 (R4)	Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question. Anne is joined by conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to lead the two guests through a series of structured conversations to encourage them to air the personal experiences, instincts and feelings that underpin their public positions. Together Anne and Gabrielle invite guests to do something that doesn't often feature in debates: really listen to each other. Joining the discussion this week are Charles Moore, former editor and now columnist at the Daily Telegraph and Hugh Muir, Associate Editor for the Guardian's Opinion pages. Producer: Sarah Shebbeare. Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Charles Moore and Hugh Muir.
01	02	Is Equality A Good Thing In Itself?	20180110	20180113 (R4)	Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question. Anne is joined by conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to lead the two guests through a series of structured conversations to encourage them to air the personal experiences, instincts and feelings that underpin their public positions. Together Anne and Gabrielle invite guests to do something that doesn't often feature in debates: really listen to each other. Joining the discussion this week are Fraser Nelson, editor of the Spectator and Zoe Williams, author and columnist for the Guardian. Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Fraser Nelson and Zoe Williams.
01	03	Should We All Be Feminists?	20180117	20180120 (R4)	Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a principle. Anne is joined by conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to lead the two guests through a series of structured conversations to encourage them to air the personal experiences, instincts and feelings that underpin their public positions. Together Anne and Gabrielle invite guests to do something that doesn't often feature in debates: really listen to each other. Joining the discussion this week to discuss whether 'we should all be feminists' are author, journalist and human rights activist Joan Smith, and former barrister and now co-editor of The Conservative Woman, Laura Perrins. Anne McElvoy is joined by Joan Smith and Laura Perrins.
01	04	Can Physical Force And Violence Be Politically Justified?	20180124	20180127 (R4)	Anne McElvoy takes guests and listeners alike to the edges of their certainties. She brings together two figures who are active in the public debate on opposed sides of a political question. Anne is joined by conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to lead the two guests through a series of structured conversations to encourage them to air the personal experiences, instincts and feelings that underpin their public positions. Together Anne and Gabrielle invite guests to do something that doesn't often feature in debates: really listen to each other. Joining Anne and Gabrielle this week, to discuss whether direct action, physical force and even violence can be politically justified are Timothy Stanley, author and columnist for the Daily Telegraph, and Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union. Producer: Phil Tinline. Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind are joined by Timothy Stanley and Mark Serwotka.
02	01	Is English Nationalism Toxic?	20180801	20180804 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that asks figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other, and explore the roots of each other's beliefs, with the help of conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind. In this first edition of the new series, Anne brings together Nick Cohen, columnist for the Observer and Simon Heffer, columnist for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, to debate the question 'Is English Nationalism Toxic? Producer: Phil Tinline. Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.
02	02	Is 'victim Culture' An Obstacle To Justice?	20180808	20180811 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that asks figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other, and explore the roots of each other's beliefs, with the help of conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind. In this edition, Anne brings together Joanna Williams, Associate Editor of Spiked, and Sophie Walker, leader of the Women's Equality Party, to debate the question: 'Is 'Victim Culture' an Obstacle to Justice? Producer: Phil Tinline. Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.
02	03	Is Assisted Dying Morally Wrong?	20180815	20180818 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that asks figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other, and explore the roots of each other's beliefs, with the help of conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind. In this edition, Anne brings together Polly Toynbee, columnist for the Guardian, and Melanie McDonagh, writer for the London Evening Standard and the Spectator, to discuss the question: 'Is Assisted Dying Morally Wrong? Producer: Phil Tinline. Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.
02	04	Is Tax A Burden?	20180822	20180825 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that asks figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other, and explore the roots of each other's beliefs, with the help of conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind. In this edition, Anne brings together Kerry-Anne Mendoza, Editor-in-Chief of The Canary, and Juliet Samuel, columnist for the Daily Telegraph, to discuss the question: 'Is Tax a Burden? Producer: Phil Tinline. Anne McElvoy, with Gabrielle Rifkind, invites two opposed figures to listen to each other.
03	01	Should Cultural Artefacts Be Returned To Their Country Of Origin?	20190501	20190504 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites figures from opposing sides of a political issue to listen to each other - and to come to an understanding of the beliefs, aims and experiences that inform their position. In the first episode, historian Dr Zareer Masani and the Guardian columnist and former chair of the National Trust Sir Simon Jenkins discuss the principles underlying the question of whether objects of cultural or artistic significance should be returned to the places from whence they came? Producer: Phil Tinline The return of the series that invites two opposed public figures to listen to each other.
03	02	Is The Mainstream Media A Force For Good In Society?	20190508	20190511 (R4)	Anne McElvoy invites Times Deputy Editor Emma Tucker and Richard Seymour, author of Corbyn: The Strange Rebirth of Radical Politics, to debate whether the mainstream media is a force for social good or a source of bias and misreporting. And conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein then invites Richard and Emma to engage in an exercise to explore each other's perspective - through open questioning, listening and reflecting back what they hear. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites Emma Tucker and Richard Seymour to explore each other's perspective.
03	03	Are Referendums Good For Democracy?	20190515	20190518 (R4)	Anne McElvoy invites the author and political journalist Isabel Oakeshott and Times columnist Matthew Parris to debate whether referendums are good for democracy. And conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein then invites Isabel and Matthew to engage in an exercise to explore each other's perspective - through open questioning, listening and reflecting back what they hear. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites Isabel Oakeshott and Matthew Parris to explore each other's views.
03	04	Is Individualism A Virtue?	20190522		Anne McElvoy invites the critic and writer Sarah Ditum and Kate Andrews, Associate Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, to explore each other's perspectives on individualism. And conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind invites Sarah and Kate to engage in an exercise to explore the roots of each other's beliefs, and then to articulate each other's views. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites Sarah Ditum and Kate Andrews to explore each other's perspective.
04	01	Does Profit Corrupt?	20190904	20190907 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In the first edition of the new series, Anne brings together Blue Labour founder Lord Glasman and Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, to debate whether profit corrupts. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline FT editor Lionel Barber and Blue Labour founder Lord Glasman debate profit and corruption.
04	02	Is Discipline The Enemy Of Learning?	20190911	20190914 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the series that invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In this edition, Anne brings together author and educator Dr Debra Kidd with Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress of Michael Community School, to debate whether discipline is the enemy of learning. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline Katharine Birbalsingh and Dr Debra Kidd debate whether discipline is the enemy of learning
04	03	Does Identity Politics Cause More Problems Than It Solves?	20190918	20190921 (R4)	Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind examine what leads their two guests to disagree on a major issue of the day. In today's edition, the writers Douglas Murray, author of The Madness of Crowds, and Nesrine Malik, author of We Need New Stories, meet to discuss 'identity politics'. Is this a problematic and divisive development, or a necessary means to correct injustice? And, after the opening discussion, Anne and Gabrielle invite their guests to explore the roots of each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline Douglas Murray and Nesrine Malik debate, and ask each other about what drives their views.
05	01	Should Politicians Stop Worrying About 'hard-working Families'?	20201014	20201019 (R4)	Anne McElvoy returns with the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In this first edition of the new series, Anne is joined via Zoom by the former Conservative minister Rory Stewart and the former Labour minister Caroline Flint to debate whether politicians should stop worrying about 'hard-working families', and turn their attention more exclusively to the very poor. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline Ex-ministers Caroline Flint and Rory Stewart debate the focus on 'hard-working families'.
05	02	Does Impartiality Impede Good Journalism?	20201021	20201026 (R4)	Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In this edition, Anne is joined by James O'Brien, LBC presenter and author of 'How Not to Be Wrong', and Roger Mosey, former Head of BBC Television News, to debate whether impartiality impedes good journalism. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Louisa Weinstein to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline LBC presenter James O'Brien and ex-Head of BBC TV News Roger Mosey debate impartiality.
05	03	Do We Need To Learn To Live With More Risk?	20201028	20201102 (R4)	Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two public figures who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In this edition, Anne is joined by Claire Fox of the Institute of Ideas and ex-Justice Secretary David Gauke, to debate whether we need to learn to live with more risk. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites those on opposing sides of political issues to listen to each other.
05	04	Are American Approaches To Combating Racism Worth Trying In Britain?	20201104	20201109 (R4)	Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two people who disagree on an issue of principle to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In this edition, policy researcher Kimberly McIntosh and journalist Tom Owolade discuss whether US approaches to combating racism are worth trying in Britain. And Anne works with conflict resolution specialist Gabrielle Rifkind to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. Producer: Phil Tinline
06		Are The BBC's Flaws A Price Worth Paying?	20210722		Jonathan Dimbleby, who has presented many political and current affairs programmes for ITV and the BBC, and Dorothy Byrne, former Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4, debate whether the BBC's flaws are a price worth paying. Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Gabrielle Rifkind invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy invites two guests, opposed on a major issue, to explore each other's views.
06		Can We Trust The Police?	20210715		Ex-policeman turned writer John Sutherland and academic researcher Dr. Adam Elliott-Cooper debate the issue of trust in the police. And then presenters Anne McElvoy and Gabrielle Rifkind invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline
06		Does Consumerism Rot The Soul?	20210805		Consumer journalist Harry Wallop debates the personal impact of consumerism with writer and YouTuber Cinzia DuBois. Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.
06		Does Society Need Elites?	20210812		Aditya Chakrabortty, columnist and Senior Economics Commentator at the Guardian, and Professor Niall Ferguson, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, debate whether society needs elites. Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.
06		When The Queen's Reign Ends, Should We Abolish The Monarchy?	20210729		Daily Mail journalist and author Robert Hardman debates the future role of the monarchy with columnist and historian Kate Maltby. Then presenter Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline Anne McElvoy and two guests, opposed on a major issue, explore each other's perspective.
06	01	Has Centrist Dad Had His Day?	20210701		Anne McElvoy presents the debate programme which invites two people who disagree on an issue to listen closely to each other's arguments - and then to find out what drives them. In each edition, Anne works with one of our two regular conflict resolution specialists, Gabrielle Rifkind and Louisa Weinstein, to foster a more exploratory conversation, to encourage both speakers to probe the values and experiences that underpin each other's beliefs. In the first edition of the new series, the journalists Daniel Finkelstein (the Times) and Mary Harrington (Unherd) debate whether, in an age of upheaval, political centrism is obsolete - or more vital than ever. And then Anne and Gabrielle invite each guest in turn to try to discover what drives the other's viewpoint - and to articulate it back to its holder. Producer: Phil Tinline
07		Should national service be reintroduced? - with former defence minister Tobias Ellwood and president of the NUS Amira Campbell	20240822		[LISTEN NOW] "
07		Should National Service Be Reintroduced?, With Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood And President Of The Nus Amira Campbell	20240822	20240912 (R4)	Anne McElvoy and the conflict mediator Gabrielle Rifkind facilitate this edition's debate about calls to reintroduce National Service. It's an idea many in the military say is essential in the new world order. In January the outgoing head of the Armed Forces General Sir Patrick Saunders said the creation of a citizens army was essential and only last month the new head of the British Army General Sir Roly Walker said Britain's army must be ready in three years to fight a war against what he described as an 'axis of upheaval' - Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. In the run up to the recent general election the conservatives pledged to introduce national service if they were re-elected. Support for the idea appeared to split along generational lines with many older people appearing to back it with young people against. The idea was the brainchild of the former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood who served in the armed forces before becoming an MP. He lost his seat last month but he remains convinced that such service must happen. He argues that the peace of the post cold war era is over, that appeasement doesn't work and that everyone needs to lean in and take their share of the security burden. Alongside him in the studio but on the opposite side of the debate is the president of the National Union of Students Amira Campbell . The NUS which represents more than 7 million students described the proposal as “regressive ? and “ridiculous ? Presenter: Anne McElvoy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood & NUS president Amira Campbell on national service. Anne McElvoy and a conflict mediator discuss calls for the reintroduction of national service with former defence minister Tobias Ellwood and NUS president Amira Campbell. Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other
07		Should Obesity Be Classed As A Disease? With Oncologist Karol Sikora And Obesity Campaigner Sarah Le Brocq	20240808	20240829 (R4)	Is obesity a lifestyle choice or a disease ? Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein work with oncologist Karol Sikora and campaigner Sarah Le Brocq to discuss their different ideas about obesity and how we view and treat it. Across the UK, the numbers of those seriously overweight been steadily increasing, with the latest Health Survey for England reporting that 60% of the working age population (16-64-years-old) are now classed as overweight or obese. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are being used to help people lose weight but are they too expensive to fund on the NHS for something which many see as a self inflicted problem. At the same time new research show some people are genetically predisposed to gaining weight which leads others to say that the matter should be seen as a disease. Sarah Le Brocq who founded the organisation All About Obesity is campaigning for this classification but Professor Professor Karol Sikora an oncologist who has been director of the World health organisation cancer programme thinks this would be a mistake. Presenter: Anne McElvoy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Karol Sikora and Sarah Le Brocq negotiate their red lines on whether obesity is a disease. Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein talk to oncologist Karol Sikora and campaigner Sarah Le Brocq about whether obesity should be classed as a disease.
07		Transgender Athletes In Sport With Olympian Sharron Davies And Racing Driver And Trans Activist Charlie Martin	20240815	20240905 (R4)	Would having 'open categories' make sport more welcome and fair for all competitors? Anne McElvoy and conflict resolution expert Louisa Weinstein talk to Sharron Davies & Charlie Martin about their 'red lines' on the issue of trans athletes in sport. Arguments about gender identity - and which rights and restrictions should flow from that - garner strong reaction in public debate. One area which has been particularly contentious is in sport – how to ensure fairness and also allow clear criteria for competition? World Athletics and British Cycling joined the sporting bodies for swimming, triathlon and rugby in banning transgender athletes from competing in elite women's sport and the Swimming body - World Aquatics - established an 'open' category at competitions, for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their sex observed at birth but some critics say such a category is itself discriminatory. Sharron Davies, the former competitive swimmer who represented Great Britain in the European, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, winning a silver at the Moscow Games in 1980 and she recently published her book 'Unfair Play: The Battle For Women's Sport' . Charlie Martin is a British racing car driver and transgender rights activist, who competes in the male dominated field of motorsport and endurance racing. She started her career as a male competitor and transitioned in 2012 at the age of 30. She competed in the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2019, was the first out trans person to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring event in 2020 and has her sights on competing at 24 hours of Le Mans in the future. Presenter: Anne McElvoy Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Sharron Davies and Charlie Martin discuss their red lines on trans athletes in sport Anne McElvoy and a conflict resolution expert explore the issues around trans athletes in sport with swimmer Sharron Davies and motorsport racer and trans activist Charlie Martin. Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other
08		Anne Mcelvoy Explores Rising Uk Defence Spending With Military And Anti-nuclear Voices In Sharp Disagreement	20250821		Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the programme where opposing voices meet, not just to debate, but to interrogate assumptions and listen across the divide. This episode tackles one of the biggest recent shifts in UK policy: defence spending. The Starmer government has announced an £8 billion increase in the military budget over two years, the largest in a generation. Defence is now set to become one of the fastest-growing areas of public spending, rivaling core services and outpacing inflation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the move as essential for national resilience, economic growth, and global stability. But is this surge in spending a necessary response to global threats, or a dangerous prioritisation of militarism over social investment? Joining Anne are Major General Jonathan Shaw former Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, who supports the increase, and Sophie Bolt, General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, who strongly opposes it. Together, they explore the values, risks, and realities behind Britain's new defence strategy. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Do rising defence costs secure Britain's future or threaten its values? Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other Anne McElvoy on Britain's defence budget hike. Major General Jonathan Shaw and CND's Sophie Bolt explore whether this spending secures Britain or threatens its values. [LISTEN NOW]
08		Anne Mcelvoy Hosts A Debate On Chemical Castration: Justice Reform Or Ethical Overreach For Offenders	20250814		Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the programme where people with opposing views come together to listen, reflect, and explore difficult questions. This episode asks: Should the state be allowed to alter the biology of someone convicted of a serious sexual offence? In the UK, a pilot scheme is offering chemical castration to certain offenders. The treatment uses medication to suppress sexual drive, and some research suggests it can reduce the risk of reoffending. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced plans for a national rollout, raising questions about consent, ethics, and effectiveness. Joining Anne are Dr Alexis Paton, medical ethicist and Chair of the Committee on Ethical Issues in Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians, and Professor Thomas Douglas, senior researcher in practical ethics at the University of Oxford. Rather than trying to win the argument, both guests are invited to listen deeply and risk being changed by what they hear. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Anne McElvoy explores chemical castration for sex offenders. Is it ethical or necessary? Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other Anne McElvoy explores chemical castration for sex offenders. Is it ethical or necessary? Guests Dr Alexis Paton and Professor Thomas Douglas debate this controversial policy. [LISTEN NOW]
08		Cousin Marriage: Tradition Or Risk? Anne Mcelvoy Explores This Divisive Issue With Two Expert Guests	20250807		Anne McElvoy presents Across the Red Line, the show that tackles divisive issues with thoughtful debate. This episode explores cousin marriage - legally permitted in the UK and practiced in some South Asian communities, where it's seen as a bond of trust and kinship. Historically common among British elites, cousin marriage has come under scrutiny due to medical risks, including increased chances of recessive genetic disorders. The debate has intensified: Norway has banned the practice, Sweden is set to follow, and UK MP Richard Holden has proposed legislation to outlaw it. A recent YouGov poll shows 77% of the public supports a ban, but enforcing it in communities where it's culturally embedded remains complex. Joining Anne are journalist Matthew Syed, a vocal critic of cousin marriage, and Dr Maleeha Mansur, an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar who defends the practice and recently challenged Syed's views in The Times. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Cousin Marriage - its cultural roots, medical risks and legal future with Anne McElvoy. Anne McElvoy invites figures on opposed sides of a political issue to listen to each other Anne McElvoy discusses the cultural roots, medical risks, and legal future of cousin marriage with Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar Dr Maleeha Mansur and journalist Matthew Syed. [LISTEN NOW]