Babelfish News Launches Third Edition in London with Dale Vince and June Sarpong Leading Debate on Money in Politics

Babelfish News Launches Third Edition in London bringing together activists, creators, and changemakers for crucial conversation on money in politics

A packed room in London marked the launch of Babelfish News Issue 3 on 20th May, with the independent publication turning its investigative lens on one of democracy's most contentious issues: political donations.

The evening centred on a headline conversation between Dale Vince, the green energy entrepreneur and outspoken political donor, and June Sarpong OBE, broadcaster and diversity advocate. The pairing brought together two voices known for challenging establishment thinking, a fitting choice for a publication that bills itself as an antidote to mainstream media narratives.

Following the Money

The third edition of Babelfish News digs into the murky waters of political funding, who gives, who benefits, and what the public rarely sees. It's a topic that has gained renewed urgency amid ongoing debates about transparency, lobbying influence and the outsized role of wealthy donors in shaping policy.

The key takeaway from the event was that, for the price of a packet of crisps, we could clean up politics by removing all private funding of political parties.

Dale Vince, who has been vocal about his own donations to progressive causes and the Labour Party, offered a rare insider perspective on why individuals choose to put their money behind political movements and the scrutiny that follows.

A Room Full of Changemakers

The launch drew an eclectic crowd from both new and traditional media, including journalists, podcasters, writers, activists and organisers, reflecting the grassroots energy that Babelfish News cultivates.

Among those in attendance:

• Paul Goodenough

• Andy Twelves

• Tilly Middlehurst

• Jimmy the Giant

• Words by Curtis

• Wild Politics

• Goatmeal

• Sarat Sawo

• What's Left? Podcast

• Yisrael Arthur (Novo Org)

• Jack Dart

• Dr Phoebe O'Brien

• Cody Dahler

Also attending were:

• Claire O'Neill (AGF / Grid Faeries)

• Susan Hawley (Spotlight on Corruption)

• Kevin Maguire (Daily Mirror)

• Olly Buston (Clean Up Westminster)

• Jon Narcross (Transparency International)

• Eir Nolsoe (The Telegraph)

• Will Stronge (Autonomy Institute)

• Cosimo Campani (Autonomy Institute)

• Max Kendix (The Times)

• Steph Spyro (The Express)

• Emma Burnell (LabourList)

• Claire Reynolds (Labour HQ)

• Lucas Amin (Democracy for Sale)

• Martin Welsh (Martin Welsh London)

Why It Matters

At a time when trust in institutions continues to erode, projects like Babelfish News are carving out space for the kind of accountability journalism that asks uncomfortable questions. By putting political donations under the microscope, Issue 3 invites readers to consider not just what politicians do, but who is funding the decisions that shape public life.

The third edition is available now: https://www.babelfish.news/