In this episode, Penny is joined by writer, broadcaster and commentator Ada Akpala for a fearless conversation about British culture, multiculturalism, integration and identity.

Having moved to Britain from Nigeria as a child, Ada brings the perspective of both an immigrant and an astute observer of British life. She argues that Britain is increasingly becoming a country of parallel societies, with different communities living by different cultural expectations. The question is not whether people of different ethnicities can live together. It is whether a society can thrive without a shared culture, common standards and a sense of national belonging.

Penny and Ada also explore DEI, positive discrimination and the danger of treating people as identity groups rather than individuals. They ask whether class and socioeconomic disadvantage have been pushed aside in favour of skin-deep diversity, and whether equality of opportunity has been confused with equality of outcome.

The conversation moves into free speech, the backlash faced by women who challenge fashionable orthodoxies, and Ada's refreshingly simple explanation of why criticism does not frighten her.

They discuss:
What British culture actually means
The difference between a multi-ethnic society and multiculturalism
Integration, ghettoisation and parallel communities
Why a shared culture matters for social cohesion
DEI, quotas and the loss of individuality
Why class belongs at the centre of the equality debate
Merit, opportunity and cultural fit
The demonisation of straight white men and the bullying of women
How to challenge ideas without being consumed by the culture war
Finding a community that gives you the courage to speak

Ada Akpala creates conversations about Britain, politics and culture. Find her work on YouTube at @adaakpala, on Instagram and X at @ada_akpala.

NOTE this episode was recorded on 5 May 2026

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