UK Riots, Immigration, and Climate Change with Lord Meghnad Desai
When riots erupted in Southport, UK, following a mass stabbing, it was quickly labeled the worst disorder since the 2011 riots. But beneath the chaos lies something far more unsettling—xenophobia, nationalism, and a growing sense of betrayal from communities who feel abandoned by those in power. These events reflect deeper societal tensions, sparking urgent questions about inequality, injustice, and the frayed relationship between communities and law enforcement.
In this week’s “Topical” episode, we sit down with Lord Meghnad Desai, who sheds light on the underlying causes of the UK’s economic stagnation and the existential crisis looming not just over the UK but the world. Beyond policy failures and government rhetoric, Lord Desai dives into the unseen forces at play—climate change, mass immigration, and the fragile construct of national identity.
With his expert analysis, Lord Desai unravels the complexities behind the UK riots and their chilling implications for global affairs. He challenges us to reconsider the ideal of a multicultural society and the cautious steps needed to navigate its inherent challenges.
Are we merely spectators to these unfolding crises, or are we ready to take action? Join us for an eye-opening discussion and become part of the solution.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)
About Lord Meghnad Desai
Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai, Baron Desai, is an Indian-born distinguished economist and former Labour politician in the United Kingdom. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Bombay and earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. Desai has had a significant academic career, serving as a Professor Emeritus at the London School of Economics (LSE) from 1965 until his retirement in 2003. He has published extensively on topics ranging from Marxian economics to globalization.
In 1991, he was appointed a life peer in the House of Lords as Baron Desai of St Clement Danes. Desai has been actively involved in the Labour Party, serving as its chairman from 1986 to 1992 and later as Honorary Lifetime President of the Islington South and Finsbury Constituency Labour Party. He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2008, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Currently, he is the founder chairman of the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics in Mumbai, which emphasizes applied learning in economics.
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