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Austerity - Are Governments Getting it Wrong?
Is the British government right to apply austerity policies? What pre-conditions should be applied when governments make large cuts to public spending?

Many vocal protestors against austerity policies are Christians from the left of politics. Should religion and politics mix in this way? How do people from the conservative side of politics view austerity measures?

On a Sunday when up to 80,000 people are expected to march through Manchester, calling for an end to cuts, social futurist Mal Fletcher discussed these issues with BBC Manchester's Mike Shaft.

Added 04/10/2015

Should Sunday Trading Be Extended?

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce a proposal in this week’s Budget to allow large stores to open for extended periods on Sundays.

Is this a good move? What about the concerns about workers’ rights, the ethics of placing economics above social values and the importance of family time?

Mal Fletcher spoke to these and other questions in this interview with Mike Parr on BBC Radio, along with fellow guest Dia Chakravarty of the Tax Payers Alliance

Added 07/07/2015

Racism vs Racial Identity in Football
A British newspaper today featured a photo-story showing young black and white members of the England under-21 football squad forming naturally into separate groups during dinner and at play.

Is this an indication of racism at work, or is it something else altogether?

Mal Fletcher, social commentator, discussed this with LBC Radio's Ian Payne.

(Sadly, the last few sentences of the interview were cut off in our recording.)

Added 20/06/2015

Are Churches Playing Big Brother?
A report in The Times of London today suggests that churches are starting to use facial recognition technology, driven by CCTV cameras, as a means of tracking their members' attendance.

Is this an ethical thing for churches to be doing? What might be the possible outcomes?

Mal Fletcher, social futurist, discussed these and other questions in this interview for London's Premier Radio.

Read Mal Fletcher's short OpEd on this issue

Added 18/06/2015

Chips Under The Skin: Bio-Hacking, Digital Debt
A new study reveals that 25 percent of Australians are at least ‘slightly interested’ in having a commercial chip implanted in their skin.

But what would implanted, subcutaneous chips mean to the human experience?

Mal Fletcher discusses their potential impact on bio-hacking, digital dementia and increased debt, with ABC Australia's Steve Austin.

Added 27/05/2015

Too Much Bad Language, Explicit Material on TV?
A new report from OfCom, the British media regulator, reveals that many people in the UK believe there's too much bad language and too many sexually explicit scenes on TV.

Mal Fletcher was invited to discuss the study and its findings with Lisa McCormick on BBC Radio.

Added 26/05/2015

Is Not Voting A Wise Choice?
The 2015 British general election is a confusing mash-up of promises, personalities and hype for many people across the nation.

In the midst of all the claims and counter claims from politicos, more than a few people have already opted not to vote on May 7. But is that a responsible and constructive decision? How can we make the difficult decision for one candidate or party?

And what of those who don't vote on principle? Is that to confuse anarchism with activism?

Mal Fletcher answers these and other questions in this very insightful interview with BBC Radio host Mike Shaft.

Added 03/05/2015

Do Petitions Make A Difference?

Almost one million people have signed a petition asking the BBC to keep Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson on the programme. Yet many other petitions seem to garner little support.

Do petitions really achieve what they set out to do? What makes a successful petition and why would people support it?

Social commentator Mal Fletcher looks at the issue in this interview with BBC radio’s John Foster.

Added 17/03/2015

Is British Society Becoming More Racist?
News about a racially inspired incident involving Chelsea football fans in Paris has raised again the question of whether racism is endemic in British society.

Is it surprising to read stories like this about British people? Is British society becoming more racist?

Mal Fletcher answered these and other questions in this interview with BBC Radio's Mike Parr.

Added 19/02/2015

Should People Reproduce Charlie Hebdo Cover?
Today, Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris released images of its front cover, the first to be published since last week's tragic attacks in that city.

Some newspapers and media outlets are reproducing the cover, which features a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammed. Many people will reproduce the cover on the social media accounts.

Is this a good idea? Mal Fletcher speaks about this issue with the BBC's David Prever.

Added 13/01/2015