In this episode Sam and Gareth chat with Billy Hutchinson, former UVF prisoner and former leader of the Progressive Unionist Party. The discussion covers a range of topics including the implications of Brexit on Northern Ireland, the need for unity within unionist parties, the challenges facing unionism today, and the intersection of social issues with political identity. Hutchinson emphasises the importance of addressing poverty and the necessity for a cohesive approach among political parties to tackle these pressing issues. The conversation also explores the complexities of loyalism and socialism, and how these ideologies can coexist in the current political landscape. Sam and Billy discuss the complex interplay between loyalty and socialism, emphasising the importance of community support and resilience. They highlight the systemic inequalities in education and the need for a unified approach to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the political climate's impact on youth radicalisation and the necessity for a review of the political process to ensure it serves the community effectively. The lads also address the sensitive topic of legacy and truth recovery, advocating for a careful and responsible approach to healing within the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Billy Hutchinson 01:36 Brexit and Its Impact on Northern Ireland 04:29 Unionist Unity and Political Dynamics 07:48 Challenges Facing Unionism 11:14 Social Issues and Unionism's Image Problem 14:14 The Intersection of Religion and Politics 18:07 Loyalism and Left-Wing Ideologies 30:12 Reconciling Loyalism and Socialism 33:05 The Intersection of Loyalty and Socialism 36:23 Community Resilience and Support 39:40 Education and Inequality 42:49 The Need for Systemic Change 48:32 Political Climate and Youth Radicalisation 54:00 Legacy, Truth Recovery, and Community Healing

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