Episodes

TitleFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
New Bonds20181210

What are the new bonds of belonging that are affecting our political debate today? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander, explores the durability of local ties and national identities. In Cardiff he meets members of one of this country's most long established African communities - Somalis who first came here as seamen hauling Welsh coal across the Empire. What gives them a sense of security and a sense of place? And he looks at how referendums shake up a sense of who we are and who we belong to.
Producer: Rosamund Jones

What are the new bonds of belonging that are affecting our political debate today?

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?

New Bonds2018121020181212 (R4)

What are the new bonds of belonging that are affecting our political debate today? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander, explores the durability of local ties and national identities. In Cardiff he meets members of one of this country's most long established African communities - Somalis who first came here as seamen hauling Welsh coal across the Empire. What gives them a sense of security and a sense of place? And he looks at how referendums shake up a sense of who we are and who we belong to.
Producer: Rosamund Jones

What are the new bonds of belonging that are affecting our political debate today?

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?

Old Ties20181203

Why have the ties that gave so many of us a shared sense of belonging weakened? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander explores the erosion of class, religion and security and asks why the future he expected to see - of greater togetherness - has not emerged. The programme starts in the place he considers his "true north", the village of his childhood in West Central Scotland. He assesses the role that technology, migration and a now discredited story of progress have all played in creating a sense of "us" and "them".
Producer: Rosamund Jones

Why have the ties that gave so many of us a shared sense of belonging weakened?

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?

Old Ties2018120320181205 (R4)

Why have the ties that gave so many of us a shared sense of belonging weakened? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander explores the erosion of class, religion and security and asks why the future he expected to see - of greater togetherness - has not emerged. The programme starts in the place he considers his "true north", the village of his childhood in West Central Scotland. He assesses the role that technology, migration and a now discredited story of progress have all played in creating a sense of "us" and "them".
Producer: Rosamund Jones

Why have the ties that gave so many of us a shared sense of belonging weakened?

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?

Tomorrow's Stories2018121720181219 (R4)What is required to create a society based on a shared sense of belonging? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander explores the power of stories - in politics and in fiction - to bind diverse communities together. He asks what a new national story might look like and what might stand in the way of its telling. Does the huge array of media outlets mean a shared story is difficult to hear? Are our politicians up for the task? And if we don't reduce inequality will any story - no matter how compelling - fall on deaf ears?

Producer: Rosamund Jones

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?

What is required to create a society based on a shared sense of belonging? Former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander explores the power of stories - in politics and in fiction - to bind diverse communities together. He asks what a new national story might look like and what might stand in the way of its telling. Does the huge array of media outlets mean a shared story is difficult to hear? Are our politicians up for the task? And if we don't reduce inequality will any story - no matter how compelling - fall on deaf ears?

Producer: Rosamund Jones

Douglas Alexander asks what gives us a sense of affinity and belonging in today's world?