All human life is here.

Dogma, closed minds, modern slavery, net zero and why Peter will never enter the House of Lords - though he will take tea there – and why you’ll never find letters after his name.

Sarah asks why Labour are pushing for a new deal with China at the risk of human rights violation and why did Margaret Thatcher think you could drive the 5 plus miles from Downing Street to Dulwich – turns out, outriders on motorbikes help.

And both wonder when did the honours system become such an ‘inverted pyramid of piffle’? Word for word.

On our reading list this week:

· HMS Ulysses – Alistair MacLean

· The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher: From Grocer’s Daughter to Iron Lady – John Campbell

· The People’s Trilogy - Frank Dikötter

To get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.

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Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter Hitchens

Producer: Philip Wilding

Editor: Chelsey Moore

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

Executive Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular

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