Strong Message Here - Fanning the Flames (with Hugo Rifkind)

Download Fanning the Flames (with Hugo Rifkind)

Hugo Rifkind joins Armando, fresh from interviewing a highland cow, to discuss the phrase 'fanning the flames'.

Can a politician ever avoid politicising an issue? How is that different from weaponising? And does journalism have a role in fanning the flames, and prolonging political arguments?

Elsewhere, Armando explains the power of the power nap, Pete Hegseth conflates D-Day with immigration, and we ask if Keir's curse is having an eminently rhyme-able name?

Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk

Sound editing: Rich Evans
Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Recorded at the Sound Company

Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Published on Wednesday, 10th June 2026.

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