Theresa May and Cate Blanchett to Guest Edit BBC’s Today Programme

Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May will guest edit the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on New Year’s Eve, focusing on the declining trust in politics. May, who stepped down from her position in 2019, will use the platform to delve into significant societal issues such as domestic violence, modern slavery, and the integrity of democratic institutions.

In her memoirs, May highlighted how the abuse of power has contributed to a loss of faith in political systems, referencing tragedies like the Hillsborough disaster and the Grenfell Tower fire. While her analysis received praise, she faced criticism for not adequately addressing her own political shortcomings. Aside from her political insights, May is also expected to share her passion for cricket during the broadcast. She previously faced backlash for knighted cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott, who has a history of domestic abuse.

In addition to May, Cate Blanchett, the acclaimed Australian actress and double Oscar winner, will guest edit the programme on December 27. Blanchett plans to explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on women in the film industry. Last year, she expressed her concerns about AI technology, questioning its benefits for society. “I’m looking at these robots and driverless cars and I don’t really know what that’s bringing anybody,” she stated in an interview with the BBC.

Blanchett’s segment will also examine sustainability in fashion, responses to the refugee crisis by nation-states, and the therapeutic benefits of gardening. In contrast to her skepticism regarding AI, Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent AI entrepreneur, will take on the role of guest editor on December 29. Suleyman’s programme will address the potential challenges of superintelligence and the necessary steps to ensure that AI benefits humanity.

The guest editor lineup also includes notable figures such as veteran broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who recently retired from his long-standing role on the programme In Our Time, historian and podcaster Tom Holland, and inventor and businessman Sir James Dyson.

Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s guest editors, stating, “Every Christmas on Today, a new set of guest editors take up residence and bring with them a wonderful range of new stories, fresh ideas and, hopefully, a sprinkling of joy. This year is no exception.” Griffiths emphasized the importance of these discussions in a rapidly evolving world, highlighting their role in fostering understanding and illumination.

As the year draws to a close, these special editions of Today promise to engage audiences with pressing issues while offering fresh perspectives from influential figures in politics, entertainment, and technology.