US relations, party defections, and why no-deal may be unstoppable

On the menu this week: the Telegraph’s Senior Foreign Correspondent, Roland Oliphant, talks us through a recent meeting with Donald Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton -- who is seen by many Brexiteers as a key ally in future trade talks.   And - in an interview that contains some unsettling language - the former Brexit Party leader, Catherine Blaiklock, explains why she recently joined the Conservative Party, and answers questions about a series of racist tweets that she is known to have posted. (Update: shortly after this podcast was recorded, the Conservatives expelled Blaiklock from the party). Also on the episode: Professor Tim Bale discusses his new book about modern political party membership, and Maddy Thimont-Jack from the Institute for Government tells us why, according to her research, it’s going to be nigh on impossible for Parliament to stop a no-deal exit.    Further reading:   Tom Harris on “Silly Season” - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/14/brexit-looming-years-silly-season-serious-one-yet/   Asa Bennett on no-deal https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/08/14/hating-no-deal-brexit-wont-stop-philip-hammond-ready-do-whatever/ Get 30 days free access to The Telegraph online: www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper Sign up to free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings - http://bit.ly/2XJU05f Email: choppersbrexitpodcast@telegraph.co.uk Twitter: @brexitbroadcast