Phase 2 (with Ria Lina)
The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria Lina look at the language that defined recent months.
In the first episode of the new series, Armando Iannucci and guest co-host, Ria Lina look at the use and abuse of political language.
The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria look at the language that defined recent months including Keir Starmer's "Phase 2" and the word "plastic".
Armando’s erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis is away working in the United States in the Autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts.
Got a question for Armando? Email us at [email protected]
Listen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4 at 9:45, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.
Recorded at The Sound Company
Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound editing by Chris Maclean
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
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Broadcasts
- Thu 18 Sep 202509:45BBC Radio 4
- Thu 18 Sep 202521:45BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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Strong Message Here
Armando Iannucci and guests decode the utterly baffling world of political language.

