Going Underground Episode Archive

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the UN Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer on the ongoing detention of Julian Assange. He says Julian’s detention has no legal basis, explains why the UK’s treatment of Julian is tantamount to torture, why Julian won’t face a fair trial in the US if he is extradited and more! Next we speak to former Ecuadorean Foreign Minister under Rafael Correa, Guillaume Long. He discusses the letter signed by 60 doctors raising the alarm that Julian Assange could die if his current treatment continues, the right wing coup that overthrew elected Bolivian President Evo Morales, the battle the left is facing in Latin America with US-backed right wing governments and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the Deputy Chair of the Republican People’s Party of Turkey and former Turkish Ambassador to the UK Ünal Çeviköz on the Saudi Aramco oil field bombing and the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the trilateral Iran-Turkey-Russia negotiations on Syria and their progress, Assad’s strength in Syria and more! Next we speak to former Liberal Democrat MP and ex-Minister of State at the Home Office Norman Baker on the week’s top stories including Sam Gyimah’s defection to the Liberal Democrats, David Cameron’s new book where he writes ‘to do nothing in Libya was to facilitate murder’ and the report that Assange will remain in prison after his sentence expires. Finally we speak to SNP MP Angus Macneil on Jo Swinson’s attempt to rebrand herself as ‘stop Brexit’ when her past shows she was in favor of a Brexit referendum, how the SNP will fight the Lib Dems and Tories at the next election, the Yellowhammer no-deal Brexit government reports and why this isn’t scaremongering and a very realistic scenario

On this special episode of Going Underground after the UK’s 2019 General Election, we firstly speak to Oxford University’s Danny Dorling and John McClure of Reverend and the Makers. They discuss what Boris Johnson could do to stop the threat of a Jeremy Corbyn-style Labour Party rising ever again, why traditional Labour heartlands in the north that experienced the miners’ strike voted Conservative, how the generational divide has become more important than class, the prospect of NHS privatisation at the hands of the Conservative-majority government, the prospect of strongman authoritarianism in Britain and more! Next, we speak to former Labour MP Kate Hoey on why Labour lost this general election. She discusses Jeremy Corbyn’s battle with the PLP and shadow cabinet over Brexit policy and why Labour’s Brexit position caused them to lose voters, media bias against Labour, whether racism and bigotry played a big role in consolidating the leave vote, why the Conservatives will need to truly end austerity to hold onto voters they have gained, the possible break-up of the United Kingdom and more! Finally, we speak to Chairman of the Conservative Lord Davies of Gower on Boris Johnson’s thumping election victory. He discusses the surprise results despite austerity and rising poverty, how the promise to delivering Brexit won over voters, whether Welsh voters are rejecting Welsh nationalism and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Carter Page, former Foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign on the collapse of the Trump-Russia scandal and the Mueller investigation, how Christopher Steele’s allegations led to the media buying his misinformation for years, how he has been personally affected by Russiagate and more. Next we speak to Dr. Jason Hickel on climate change, how cutting beef consumption will drastically help efforts in fighting climate change, a Green New Deal, why we must stop focusing on GDP as a measure of progress, why poverty is increasing, despite what Bill Gates says and more

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Afghan Presidential candidate Ahmad Wali Masoud on his vision for the country, how he will tackle terrorism and the radical theology of the Taliban, the failure of the War on Terror in Afghanistan and what new approaches must be taken to fight terror, whether he fears for his life as a Presidential candidate and more! Next we speak to DeAndre Carter, Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional district about progressives vs the DNC, why the DNC is out of touch with the people in terms of policies, why the impeachment inquiry launched against Trump is in his view a ploy to protect Joe Biden, whether the DNC will look to rig the primary against Bernie Sanders again and how progressives will win against the DNC and mainstream media machine!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo on the upcoming NATO summit in London. He is challenged by Afshin Rattansi on NATO nations’ wars on the Middle East, the claim NATO is a force for peace, why Macron called the NATO alliance brain dead, NATO’s response to the rise of a more powerful Russia and China and more! Next, we speak to Robert Bahar, director of the film Silence of Others, a film about atrocities in Spain during the Franco era. He discusses the continuities of Franco’s dictatorship in modern Spain, how Franco’s regime shaped the Spanish state, Franco’s involvement in fascist eugenics programs, why many people in Spain don’t know the extent of the atrocities and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Senior Palestinian Negotiator Nabil Shaath on the recent violence between Gaza and Israel and the deaths Israeli strikes have caused. Nabil Shaath discusses the targeting of Islamic Jihad facilities, why Palestine cannot be the aggressor as it is occupied, allegations the Palestinian leadership are weak in resistance and why Israeli strikes are murder and cold-blooded assassination. Next we speak to the former Minister of State at the Home Office Norman Baker on his new book ‘...And What Do You Do?’ which shows a side of the Royal Family the hit Netflix series The Crown would rather not show, including Nazi leanings in the Royal family and much more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Valeska Teixeira Martins, the defence lawyer for former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva where she discusses why his incarceration for 580 days was illegal, why there is still a long way to go for returning to the rule of law in Brazil, why Sérgio Moro waged ‘lawfare’ on Lula Da Silva and Bolsonaro’s complicity in imprisoning Lula Da Silva and more! Finally we speak to former Brazilian Finance Minister Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira about the BRICS summit being held in Brasilia, why Bolsonaro’s Presidency is antithetical to the BRICS project, the coup against Bolivia’s President Evo Morales, the release of Lula Da Silva and why Brazil is facing a moral and economic crisis! STATEMENT FROM THE BRAZILIAN EMBASSY: Our foreign policy defends the interests and values of Brazil, a country with productive relations both with countries from all quarters of the globe. A proof of our continued interest in the BRICS is the XI Summit we are holding in Brasília, this week, with the presence of President Putin, President Xi, President Ramaphosa and Prime-Minister Modi. Regarding climate change, Brazil is one of the few countries well on track to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The determination to fight the recent fires in the Amazon – which at the end of October were below the historical average of the past 20 years – is additional proof of the commitment to preserve the environment.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to legendary journalist and filmmaker John Pilger on Julian Assange’s latest extradition hearing this Monday, which he attended. He discusses how Julian appeared at the trial, the bias of the judge against Julian Assange, the lack of mainstream media coverage of Julian’s persecution, his health and conditions in Belmarsh prison, CIA spying on Julian Assange and more! Next, we speak to Chris Williamson MP on Assange’s extradition hearing, his motion in the House of Commons to condemn Julian Assange’s treatment, why Julian’s persecution is of international importance, the silence of mainstream media on Julian Assange, the lack of vocal outrage from Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour front bench over Assange’s treatment and more! Finally, Going Underground’s Deputy Editor Charlie Cooke discusses Boris Johnson’s plan to introduce mandatory voter ID at elections, which many accuse him of being a plot to suppress minority voters.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud about the on-going Lebanese protests which have taken over Lebanese politics.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to whistleblower Katharine Gun on the film depicting her attempts to stop the Iraq War ‘Official Secrets’, starring Keira Knightley. She discusses how the US tried to spy and blackmail countries in the UN to support the Iraq War, Britain’s role in the US’ methods, the aftermath of the leaks and more! Next, we speak to former SNP MP Paul Monaghan on the Catalonia unrest following the sentencing of Catalan independence leaders, the EU’s silence on the persecution of Catalan leaders and Catalonians, whether Spain is returning to the days of General Franco and more! Finally, we speak to the lawyer for exiled Catalonian minister Clara Ponsati, Aamer Anwar, where he says the EU cannot point at other countries for human rights abuses while ignoring Spain’s repression of Catalonia. He also discusses the likelihood of Catalonian independence, why the protests won’t stop, the history of Spanish repression of Catalonia and more! STATEMENT FROM THE BBC'S KAMAL AHMED: "The film is not a documentary and its portrayal of me is not fair or true - I don’t recognise any of what I am supposed to have said and done and no one checked anything with me" “I wasn’t involved in this story in the way portrayed, and the film’s characterisation of my role and opinions about the story are untrue, as the film makers know.”

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former Congressional candidate against Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Tim Canova where he discusses the democratic primaries and who the strongest contenders are. He highlights Tulsi Gabbard’s strengths and highlights some weaknesses in Bernie Sanders’ campaign, warns democrats of following the same polls that lead them to lose in 2016, alleged corruption by Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and her power in the DNC and the media. He also discusses the corporate media’s oligarchic structure in the US and whether more centrist candidates such as Kamala Harris are as bad a candidate as Hillary Clinton was. Next, we speak to the Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan David Shearer about the conflict mainstream media avoid talking about, South Sudan. He discusses the humanitarian crisis as over 2 million refugees have fled the country, whether the creation of South Sudan has only exacerbated the problems, endemic corruption and other problems facing South Sudan, whether a peace deal can hold and more! STATEMENT FROM TRAFIGURA: Like many oil companies, Trafigura has bought crude oil from the Government of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS). The crude oil was delivered to Port Sudan via export pipeline. Under a contractual agreement, Trafigura provided pre-payments to the RSS Government. All pre-payments were made into bank accounts of the Central Bank of South Sudan. Trafigura sought to follow UN guidelines regarding the remittance of the crude oil prepayments and has fully cooperated with the UN Panel of Experts.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former alleged MI6 spy in Al-Qaeda Aimen Dean about the Turkish invasion of Northern Syria controlled by Kurdish groups such as the YPG and SDF, why Turkey’s Erdogan has fallen for a trap, why Trump’s withdrawal from Northern Syria is to save NATO, how Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin are likely to respond to this development, what the future is for the Kurds in Syria, the Saudi Aramco oil facility attack and why he believes this to be a false flag perpetrated by the Saudis, nor Iran, the Iraq protests and why Western media isn’t covering them and more! Next we speak to Republican candidate for Florida’s 20th district Lateresa Jones where she discusses why Trump’s wall must be built, the Democrats’ campaign to impeach Donald Trump, unemployment issues in her own district and more! Finally we speak to progressive Democratic candidate and former staffer for Andrew Yang’s campaign Jonathon Herzog (running for New York’s 10th district) about the issues facing his district, why the US needs to pursue a more peaceful foreign policy, his ‘democracy dollars’ policy designed to combat the influence of big donors in politics and more! STATEMENT FROM THE TURKISH EMBASSY: Statement from the Turkish Embassy: Operation Peace Spring has been launched to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, and is conducted in accordance with the right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and resolutions of the UN Security Council on fight against terrorism. It aims to ensure the security of our border, to neutralize the terrorist threat adjacent to our border, and to save the Syrian people from the oppression of terrorists. The operation only targets PYD/YPG terrorist elements and their hideouts, shelters, weapons and vehicles. PYD/YPG is the Syrian offshoot of PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist organization also by the EU and NATO. PYD/YPG does not represent all Kurds in the region. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, PYD/YPG terrorist organization has oppressed and intimidated the local population, Syrian Kurds included, and forcibly displaced them. There are around 300.000 Syrian Kurds in Turkey who are not able to return to Syria. The crimes which PYD/YPG committed have been documented by independent international organizations. Therefore, the operation is also in the interest of the people of the region, including Syrian Kurds, Arabs and Christians. We underline once again that this operation is not against the Kurdish people, it is against terrorist organizations. Statement from the Turkish Embassy: Operation Peace Spring has been launched to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, and is conducted in accordance with the right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and resolutions of the UN Security Council on fight against terrorism. It aims to ensure the security of our border, to neutralize the terrorist threat adjacent to our border, and to save the Syrian people from the oppression of terrorists. The operation only targets PYD/YPG terrorist elements and their hideouts, shelters, weapons and vehicles. PYD/YPG is the Syrian offshoot of PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist organization also by the EU and NATO. PYD/YPG does not represent all Kurds in the region. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, PYD/YPG terrorist organization has oppressed and intimidated the local population, Syrian Kurds included, and forcibly displaced them. There are around 300.000 Syrian Kurds in Turkey who are not able to return to Syria. The crimes which PYD/YPG committed have been documented by independent international organizations. Therefore, the operation is also in the interest of the people of the region, including Syrian Kurds, Arabs and Christians. We underline once again that this operation is not against the Kurdish people, it is against terrorist organizations.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Deng Xiaoping’s former translator and Director of the China National Association of International Studies Victor Gao on the Hong Kong protests where he strongly warns against US efforts for regime change in Hong Kong, slams the US’ current efforts at regime change through the National Endowment for Democracy, whether China will directly intervene in Hong Kong, the current US-China trade war and China’s position on India revoking Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir. Next we speak to legendary polling expert Sir John Curtice about a likely general election this Autumn, he gives his thoughts on whether a general election could be before or after Brexit, why this will be the most unique election in British history, how the Conservatives will need to suppress the Brexit Party for even a small majority, Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour’s chances in an upcoming election and more! Finally we speak to Nasser Arrabyee on the recent developments in the Yemen War, where UAE-backed separatists captured Aden. He goes over an alleged split between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, whether Britain could get involved and how effective British troops would be on the ground and more! STATEMENT FROM THE INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION: The reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter concerning the territory of India. India does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise. So far as the India-China Boundary Question is concerned, the two sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question on the basis of the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of India-China Boundary Question. Pending such a settlement, both sides have agreed to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas on the basis of the relevant agreements.

. On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to UN Undersecretary General Sir Mark Lowcock on the Yemen crisis, he discusses the worsening humanitarian situation, the degradation of civilian infrastructure and the looming possibility of the world’s worst environmental crisis ever if the SAFER oil tanker facility explodes or collapses. Next we speak to former Minister of State at the Home Office Norman Baker for this week’s latest stories including the Tories’ by-election loss to the Lib Dems in the Brecon by-election and what this means for Boris Johnson, Tulsi Gabbard directly accusing Trump of supporting Al-Qaeda in Syria, corporate courts after Brexit and the Cameroon conflict turning climate-stressed farmers into ‘food beggars’. Finally we speak to Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD for Sinn Fein regarding the likelihood of a united Ireland after a no deal Brexit, whether the island of Ireland is prepared for a no-deal brexit, his thoughts on Boris Johnson’s cabinet appointments such as Home Secretary Priti Patel who famously threatened to starve Ireland and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Muammar Gaddafi's spokesperson during the Libyan civil war Moussa Ibrahim in part 2 of our interview with him. He discusses Gaddafi's life as a revolutionary and a leader, the economic, political and geopolitical mistakes made by Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan government which eventually led to the events of 2011 and Gaddafi's downfall, Gaddafi's attempts to create SATO (South Atlantic Treaty Organisation), Gaddafi's African unity projects such as the Gold Dinar and the African Union, the threat of capitalism to African independence, the prospect of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi becoming the leader of Libya, the West's role in the chaos of Libya and much more! STATEMENT FROM THE EU: The EU position on Libya is well known, the European Union and its Member States are united in demanding that all Libyan parties commit to a permanent ceasefire and return to a UN facilitated political process. In this regard, the EU reaffirms its full support for the work of the UN Special Representative Ghassan Salamé and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The EU expects all parties and all regional players to avoid further military escalation. All military activities should stop immediately. The EU continues to reach out to all relevant parties and regional players to help deliver on a peaceful transition responsibly and in the interest of all Libyans. The EU stands ready to support with all means available and help Libya return to peace and resume its political transition towards a stable, secure and prosperous country. We will also continue to engage with Libya's neighbors and regional partners including by coordinating efforts with the League of Arab States (LAS), the African Union (AU) and as said, the United Nations (UN). STATEMENT FROM THE EU: The EU position on Libya is well known, the European Union and its Member States are united in demanding that all Libyan parties commit to a permanent ceasefire and return to a UN facilitated political process. In this regard, the EU reaffirms its full support for the work of the UN Special Representative Ghassan Salamé and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The EU expects all parties and all regional players to avoid further military escalation. All military activities should stop immediately. The EU continues to reach out to all relevant parties and regional players to help deliver on a peaceful transition responsibly and in the interest of all Libyans. The EU stands ready to support with all means available and help Libya return to peace and resume its political transition towards a stable, secure and prosperous country. We will also continue to engage with Libya's neighbors and regional partners including by coordinating efforts with the League of Arab States (LAS), the African Union (AU) and as said, the United Nations (UN).

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the ex-Attorney General Lord Morris about the prorogation of Parliament and the challenges faced by those who wish to take prorogation of Parliament to the courts, the potential for Boris Johnson to break the law and continue with No-Deal Brexit despite Parliament mandating an extension, to which he says he would resign if he were a part of Boris Johnson’s government. Next we speak to Peter Kennard, one of the nation’s leading visual journalists about Arts Against the Arms Fair and his new book Visual Dissent. He discusses some of his most famous work, including his portrayal of Henry Kissinger as well as governments and elites gambling with children’s lives. He also discusses BAE Systems and the arms industry and how they work hand in hand with governments. STATEMENT FROM BAE SYSTEMS: We trade with legitimate governments and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment. We provide defence equipment, training and support under government to government agreements between the UK Government and Saudi Arabia".

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to legendary former BBC war correspondent Martin Bell and current UNICEF UK Ambassador on the Yemen War. He discusses the unimaginable suffering he’s seen, the lack of mainstream media coverage of the war which is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Finally, we speak to Andrew Lownie, author of ‘The Mountbattens’. He discusses mistakes made by Mountbatten during the partition of India, why Lord Mountbatten rushed the process of partition, the events leading up to his assassination by the IRA and more! STATEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON: The University of Southampton holds extensive collections of contemporary archives for the purposes of study and research, which are available to the public to use under the University's regulations for the use of archive collections. Like many repositories with archives covering periods of more recent history, it may be necessary on occasions for the University to withhold some material under exemptions set out in the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all of which seek to balance public rights of access to material with competing responsibilities and obligations. The University gave Mr Lownie access to all parts of the archive it was permitted to, for which he expressed thanks to the University in his book.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to a teacher who has joined Extinction Rebellion, Tim Jones about the Global Climate Strikes, what Extinction Rebellion’s demands are in fighting climate change, how democracy is central to the movement and the role of children and young people in the climate strikes. Next we speak to progressive Democratic candidate Lawrence Nathaniel, running in South Carolina’s SC-D2 district about a Green New Deal, the rise of AOC and the progressives in the party, how Alexandria Ocasio-Cotrez has changed the platform for a lot of young progressives, the DNC’s hostility towards progressivism and why he can no longer support Joe Biden. Finally we speak to Humphrey Milles, the founder of COPI and addresspollution.org about the true cost of Air Pollution on our NHS, its rising lethality, how Oxford Circus is one of the most dangerous places for air pollution and how it must be tackled. STATEMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY: “We share the passion young people and others have for tackling climate change. We are recognised at home and abroad for our world-leading action, as the first major economy to legislate for net zero emissions and as nominated hosts for next year’s crucial climate talks that will help us shape the climate agenda. And just today we have helped to secure enough clean energy to power seven million homes. “For the first time, young people are also shaping our future climate policy through the Government’s Youth Steering Group. We encourage constructive engagement on the issue of climate change which doesn’t come at the expense of our children’s education or excessive disruption.”

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the UK’s former ambassador to Libya Peter Millett where Afshin Rattansi challenges him on the points Moussa Ibrahim brought in his interview a short while ago. Millett discusses why this was not a solely NATO intervention, whether the West regrets the Libya intervention following the last 8 years of chaos, Gaddafi’s alleged misuse of oil wealth and poverty in the country leading up to the revolution, he answers allegations of NATO backing dictators and more! We speak to #MeToo whistleblower and actress Rose McGowan to uncover this week’s buried stories including Extinction Rebellion protests in London, the sentencing of Catalunya’s independence leaders in Spain, the persecution of Chelsea Manning, Ellen Degeneres' friendship with George W. Bush who she calls a war criminal for the Iraq War. She also blasts Barack Obama, Dick Cheney and Hillary Clinton for war crimes and more! Finally we speak to Margy Kinmonth, the director of Revolution: New Art for a New World, discussing the role of art in our understanding of the October Revolution led by Lenin in 1917, the demise of many famous Russian artists after the rise of Joseph Stalin, the opportunities granted to female artists following the revolution and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Labour Peer in the House of Lords Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe MP on Boris Johnson’s government heading towards a no deal Brexit, the impact it will have on the poorest in society, his thoughts on Boris Johnson’s new cabinet and aides and also why he isn’t optimistic of Labour winning a general election under Jeremy Corbyn. Next we speak to Going Underground’s Deputy Editor Charlie Cooke on Boris Johnson’s new cabinet and the controversies surrounding Home Secretary Priti Patel and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Finally, we speak to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Sajjadpour on the recent incidents involving tankers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, how Iran will deal with the UK holding Iran’s tanker, the lessons learned by Iranians over the US withdrawing from the JCPOA and why Iran does not accept Mike Pompeo’s and the US’ requests for negotiations! STATEMENT FROM VIASAT: Ms. Patel was advising Viasat on a matter with respect to India; it did not involve any UK work. From our understanding, Ms. Patel sought and obtained the requisite approvals as disclosed in the published letter from the Chair of the Office of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

Former President of Ecuador Rafael Correa discusses the persecution of Julian Assange, facilitated by Lenin Moreno

On this episode of Going Underground, we firstly speak to former Israeli Ambassador to the US and former deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon. He is challenged by host Afshin Rattansi on Israeli settlements which are illegal under international law and discusses the Trump Administration’s decision to no longer recognise Israeli settlements as illegal. Afshin also challenges him on Israel’s alleged possession of nuclear weapons, Israeli bombing of Syria and Iranian targets in Syria, alleged Israeli support for ISIS and Al-Qaeda during the Syrian Civil War against President Bashar al-Assad and more! Next, we speak to journalist and creator of the ‘Empire Files’ series Abby Martin on her new documentary ‘Gaza Fights For Freedom’. She discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent indictment and why this will change nothing for Palestinians since Netanyahu is not being indicted for war crimes. She then discusses her new documentary which features sections on Israel’s use of banned explosive rounds and use of tear gas and other chemical weapons on Gaza’s Palestinians, the continuously deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the history of Israel’s establishment and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian Arabs, war crimes committed by the IDF historically and recently during Gaza’s Great Return March protests and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Shahmir Sanni, the whistle-blower of the Vote Leave campaign on how involved Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s new top adviser, was in Vote Leave’s electoral law breaking, evidence he has provided to the Metropolitan Police about Vote Leave illegality, Boris Johnson’s claim that Vote Leave won legally and more! Next we speak to Karim Asad Ahmed Khan, the UNITAD Special Adviser on Iraq, ISIL survivors on the progress made to prosecute ISIS war criminals, the scale of the atrocities during ISIS’ rule, accusations of the UK funding ISIS and more. Finally we speak to actress and #MeToo whistle-blower Rose McGowan on her new album Planet 9, whether America has been broken in the Donald Trump era and more! STATEMENT FROM THE METROPOLITAN POLICE: On Tuesday, 18 June 2019, the Met received a letter requesting an update on the referrals by the Electoral Commission, and proposing a judicial review against the Met for suggested delays in the process. The Met responded strongly refuting the proposed grounds for a judicial review.Three referrals from the Electoral Commission were made in 2018, regarding potential criminal offences under section 123(4) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The first, received on 11 May, concerned Leave EU, the other two were received on 17 July and concerned Vote Leave and BeLeave. In relation to all three, an assessment of material began on 7 September 2018, when the Met received over 2,400 documents from the Electoral Commission. The Met identified additional material held by the Electoral Commission which may be relevant, and once received launched an investigation into the two referrals. As of today, Monday, 22 July , one investigation, whilst ongoing, is in advanced stages of the enquiry. The other investigation remains ongoing – we continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure all relevant material is with the investigation team, for us to progress our enquiries.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the Iranian Ambassador to the UN Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh. He discusses Hassan Rouhani and Javad Zarif’s trip to the UN General Assembly and whether US efforts of maximum pressure and isolation are succeeding, accusations that Iran was behind the Saudi Aramco oil field attack, why the attack was an act of defence by the Yemeni people, why Iran refuses a photo-op or negotiations with Trump, why Iran no longer trusts the US after the collapse of the Iran Deal (JCPOA), the Israel-Palestinian conflict and more! Next we speak to former Minister of State at the Home Office and former Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker on Jeremy Corbyn’s plan to scrap Universal Credit and the new revelations that a Twitter executive is a British Army information warfare unit reservist. Finally we speak to Dr. Shashi Tharoor of the Indian National Congress on Gandhi Jayanti, India’s national holiday marking the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. He discusses whether Gandhi’s secular vision for India still survives after the dominant victory of Modi and the Hindu nationalist BJP in 2014 and 2019, whether Savarkar’s and Golwalkar’s Hindutva will be shaping the Indian constitution and politics, the Kashmir crisis and Pakistan’s Imran Khan’s threat of nuclear war with India and more!