July 2019 Around The World Today Series 2 Episode 9 By Terry D
In Series 2, Episode 9 of Around the World Today, titled Goodbye May!, Terry Davies takes a deep dive into the legacy of former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, examining her time in office, her handling of Brexit, and the broader social impact of her policies, particularly on poverty and inequality. With a change in leadership looming, Terry asks the critical question: how will history judge Theresa May’s premiership?
Ways To Listen
Terry opens the episode by setting the stage—July 2016, when Theresa May assumed leadership following the political earthquake of the Brexit referendum. She entered Downing Street as a leader tasked with one of the most complex political challenges in modern British history: overseeing the UK’s departure from the European Union. May’s early rhetoric promised stability and pragmatism, but as Terry points out, her time in office was anything but stable.
The episode then delves into the defining struggle of May’s leadership: Brexit. Terry recounts her attempts to broker a deal with the EU that would satisfy both Leave and Remain factions, a near-impossible task. Despite numerous efforts and several versions of the Withdrawal Agreement, she repeatedly failed to secure enough support from Parliament. As a result, her tenure became synonymous with gridlock and political deadlock, culminating in her emotional resignation in May 2019. Terry explores whether May’s commitment to finding compromise, though ultimately unsuccessful, may be viewed more favorably in hindsight, compared to the more confrontational strategies that followed.
Terry goes on to examine May’s domestic policies, particularly in relation to poverty and inequality. He critically assesses the continuation of austerity policies that began under her predecessor, David Cameron. While May promised to address the “burning injustices” in British society, Terry highlights that under her leadership, poverty levels remained alarmingly high, with little meaningful change in tackling issues like child poverty, homelessness, and cuts to social services.
Terry cites data and reports from various organizations, pointing to the increasing numbers of people relying on food banks, rising levels of homelessness, and the struggles of working-class families under continued austerity measures. Despite May’s stated intention to fight these problems, Terry argues that her government’s policies only deepened the economic divide in the UK, further alienating many of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The episode also touches on May’s controversial immigration policies, particularly the “hostile environment” policy, which sought to crack down on illegal immigration but also had a significant impact on lawful immigrants. Terry discusses the lasting implications of this approach, including the infamous Windrush scandal, which saw long-term British residents wrongfully detained, denied legal rights, or even deported. This policy, initially implemented during her time as Home Secretary, casts a long shadow over her tenure as Prime Minister.
In Goodbye May!, Terry explores not just the failures of May’s time in office, but also the human side of her leadership. He reflects on the resilience she showed in the face of unrelenting criticism and political turmoil, particularly from her own party. Terry considers whether May’s calm, if sometimes stubborn, approach to governance will eventually be viewed more sympathetically by historians who recognize the near-impossible situation she inherited with Brexit.
Ultimately, Terry concludes that Theresa May’s legacy is complex. While her premiership will likely be remembered for the failures of her Brexit negotiations, her policies on poverty, and the mishandling of immigration, she also demonstrated a resilience that kept her in office longer than many expected. The episode leaves listeners with the question of whether future generations will view her as a tragic figure caught in the crossfire of an era-defining political conflict or simply as a leader who failed to rise to the occasion.
In signing off, Terry acknowledges that while Theresa May may no longer be at the helm, the issues she grappled with—Brexit, inequality, and a divided nation—continue to shape the UK. Goodbye May! is a thoughtful reflection on a premiership that, for better or worse, will have a lasting impact on the country.
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