A politics podcast from three Police and Crime Commissioners - Matthew Barber, Lisa Townsend and Matthew Scott. News and comment on national issues, not just policing.
matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Shabana Mahmood announced her police reform programme last week with plans for a “British FBI” and mergers to create mega forces.
But the Home Secretary’s reform programme lacks key evidence - there is no proof bigger is better.
Three PCCs discuss Home Secretary’s reform programme and what sits behind it.
We also discuss the latest from Westminster with Sir Keir Starmer’s future in the balance and Kemi Badenoch’s performances improving.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
17 Jan 2026
Government changes course on digital identity cards
The podcast analyzes Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reversal on digital identity cards, exploring the implications of this policy shift and questioning whether it is the right decision.
14 Jan 2026
Go now: West Midlands Police Chief must resign
In a special discussion, Matthew, Lisa and Matthew discuss the fiasco at West Midlands Police and the position of Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable. Should he resign, of must the PCC sack him?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
9 Jan 2026
None for the road? The government’s new road strategy
Industry experts analyze Keir Starmer's political future and the government's new road safety strategy, including potential leadership challenges and debates around eye tests for older drivers.
11 Dec 2025
What does police re-organisation mean?
Police and Crime Commissioners Matthew Scott, Matthew Barber, and Lisa Townsend analyze proposed reform programs like devolution and police force mergers, also discussing Westminster updates in this interview episode.
7 Oct 2025
Is live facial recognition and AI used ethically in policing?
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and PCCs Matthew Scott, Lisa Townsend, Festus Akinbusoye, and Simon Clifford discuss the ethical implications of AI and live facial recognition in policing at the Conservative Party Conference.
25 Sept 2025
Should a defection force a by-election?
Matthew Scott, Lisa Townsend, and Matthew Barber, three PCCs, examine the ethical dilemma of elected officials switching parties and debate whether they should seek constituent approval.
18 Sept 2025
Resignations, defections and police carrying firearms
Police and Crime Commissioners Matthew Scott, Lisa Townsend, and Matthew Barber examine recent UK political resignations, debate arming police officers, and consider by-elections following defections.
6 Apr 2025
PCCs discuss smartphone free policies
This is from ReBuild, a podcast from four Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners. Matthew Scott, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.
In this video, Matthew S, Matthew B and Lisa discuss smartphone free schools. Also available to listen to here: Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/police-and-crime-podcast/id1782560492).
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
4 Apr 2025
PCCs discuss smartphone free schools
Police and Crime Commissioners Lisa Townsend, Matthew Scott and Matthew Barber discuss smartphone free schools, online safety and social media.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
20 Aug 2024
eScooters and protecting pedestrians
Whatever your view is of eScooters, they are not legal on Kent’s roads. The public trial scheme has ended, so there should not be any usage on public roads or pavements.
On Thursday, I will be meeting with a representative from Guide Dogs to discuss their campaign on this issue. I have been contacted by many individuals who have raised their concerns about the impact of eScooter use and the risk to people who are blind or visually impaired.
I have been clear on my position with regards to eScooters for some time - seize them and crush them.
I have supported Kent Police operations to address eScooter usage, including in Canterbury, Medway and Maidstone. I have held the Chief Constable to account at my Performance and Delivery Board meetings to ensure that he is aware of public concerns.
I wrote to Ministers in the last Government to raise concerns about the proliferation of eScooters.
There are several problems that I believe need to be addressed still. Mixed messages mean that too many still believe they are legal (and, yes, some who don’t care). There is no proper roads infrastructure for their usage. Safety standards are not available. And too many catch fire.
I am looking forward to my meeting with Guide Dogs and how I can support the blind and visually impaired community in the future.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewscottuk.substack.com (https://matthewscottuk.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Who has been a guest on Police and Crime Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Matthew Scott
Matthew Barber
Lisa Townsend
Chris Philp
Festus Akinbusoye
Podcast Authority Score: 1 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
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YouTube
0
Engagement
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