Julia Hartley-Brewer

Keir Starmer is under fierce pressure after explosive claims surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment and the handling of his security vetting – as reports emerge that Mandelson FAILED the vetting. Keir Starmer says (implausibly) that the Foreign Office failed to tell cabinet that he had failed. On Talk today, Ben Habib and former Sun political editor Trevor Kavanagh tear into the Prime Minister's defence, asking the question at the heart of the scandal: if serious concerns were raised about Mandelson, who knew what — and when? Was Downing Street genuinely kept in the dark, or is this another carefully lawyered denial from a government already accused of saying only what it thinks it can get away with?They examine reports that officials pushed ahead with Mandelson's appointment despite failing security vetting, and why Starmer appears to have spent so much political capital backing one of Labour's most controversial operators. From Mandelson's long history of resignations and comebacks to renewed scrutiny of his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the conversation turns to the wider culture of protection, secrecy and entitlement at the top of British politics.Plus: Ben Habib argues this is bigger than one man — it is a symptom of a rotten Westminster system that rewards insiders, shuts out voters and closes ranks when challenged. Trevor Kavanagh says the official story simply does not add up, pointing to senior aides, missing phones, wiped messages and the growing belief that the establishment still thinks the rules are for everybody else.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public anger erupted into protests after Surrey Police refused to release meaningful descriptions of the men suspected of a shocking alleged gang rape in Epsom — while deploying riot police to the peaceful demonstration by local residents demanding answers. The response begs the question: are authorities more interested in managing public reaction than protecting the public?Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram warns that withholding basic information creates a dangerous vacuum, fuels mistrust and risks even greater unrest. Brendan O'Neill says the scenes in Epsom are yet more evidence of “two-tier policing” — with ordinary, law-abiding Britons treated more harshly than violent mobs on the streets. Note: the police were seemingly unable to prevent feral teenagers from rampading through Clapham. Also: Shabana Mahmood vows action against lawyers accused of helping migrants game the asylum system with false claims about sexuality, religion and domestic abuse. But journalists have exposed this taxpayer-funded racket for years - so it is surprising the BBC has finally decided to pick up the story. Despite Mahmood's statement, public trust in the Labour government's ability to address our border crisis is at record lows. And one year after the Supreme Court ruled that biological sex defines whether someone is a man or a woman in law, why are government departments, councils and NHS bodies still refusing to fully protect women-only spaces? Julia and her guests take aim at Labour's weakness, the collapse of common sense in public institutions, rising anti-Semitic violence, and the wider sense that Britain's leaders no longer put citizens first.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves blames Donald Trump for the fallout from the Iran conflict just as the IMF warns Britain could suffer the biggest economic shock among developed nations. Julia Hartley-Brewer asks if this is really Trump's fault, or whether Labour's high-tax, net zero agenda left the UK dangerously exposed to soaring energy prices, weak growth and another brutal hit to living standards.Also in this episode, Labour claims success after moving 10,000 migrants out of asylum hotels. But is this really a win for the country, or simply a cynical accounting trick designed to hide the cost from the public? Julia is joined by former Conservative adviser Claire Pearsall to debate asylum hotels, shared accommodation, the ballooning welfare bill and why so many voters feel they are footing the bill for a system that no longer works.Julia also tears into Wes Streeting's claims about sexism in the NHS, asking why ministers seem more interested in grievance politics than fixing the real failures in healthcare and protecting women's dignity.And: Falklands veteran Simon Weston issues a chilling warning over Britain's military weakness. With fresh alarm over defence cuts, troop numbers, energy insecurity and the growing threats from Russia and the Middle East, this is a blunt look at how vulnerable Britain has become.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three little girls — Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine — are dead. Eight more children carry life-changing injuries. And a devastating Phase One inquiry report has confirmed what many of us already feared: this was a preventable catastrophe, ignored because of incompetent parenting, a failure to take responsibility, and squeamishness about AR's race and autism. Julia Hartley-Brewer and Tom Slater of Spiked tear apart the Southport Inquiry's findings — a report so damning it indicts virtually every agency meant to protect us. Police who found Axel Rudakubana on a bus with a knife and simply took him home. Teachers silenced for daring to call him sinister, accused of racial stereotyping. Mental health workers too frightened to enter his home without police escort. And parents who knew about the ricin, the Al-Qaeda manual, and the machete — but said nothing.This is the story of a country where woke cowardice has become more dangerous than the killers it refuses to confront. Where political correctness has cost lives — in Southport, in Nottingham, in Manchester. Where no single person is ever held responsible, because committees make decisions and individuals escape accountability.Lord Walney, former government adviser on political violence and extremism, joins the debate — on whether Rudakubana's parents should face criminal prosecution under Section 38B of the Terrorism Act, on the chronic failure of the Prevent strategy, and on whether AI surveillance could be our last line of defence.And with Lord Robertson warning that Britain's security is now "in peril," Julia addresses our country's calamitous defence strategy. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Parry and Julia discuss the Southport Inquiry - which found major failings among government agencies who failed to take responsibility for Axel Rudacabana - despite warning signals that he was a threat. The report also blamed his parents for their failure to prevent Mr Rudacabana's attack. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer is facing fury over plans critics say would tie Britain back to Brussels by the back door, with ministers seeking sweeping powers to align UK food and agriculture rules with future EU law without full parliamentary scrutiny. Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Conservative commentator Benedict Spence to ask whether Labour is quietly unpicking Brexit, and why voters are still being told that every economic woe, from stagnation to inflation, is somehow Brexit's fault.They also react to Reform UK's latest intervention on immigration, as Nigel Farage lays out the claimed cost of the “Boris wave” of legal migration under Boris Johnson. With warnings that 1.6 million arrivals between 2021 and 2024 could leave British households facing a £20,000 bill through pressure on welfare, the NHS and infrastructure, Julia asks whether Westminster is finally being forced to confront the true cost of mass migration. The debate also turns to indefinite leave to remain, welfare for foreign nationals and what a serious border policy would actually look like.Also: Rear Admiral Chris Parry joins Julia on the Iran crisis, Donald Trump's bid to choke Tehran's exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and the looming threat of an oil shock that could hammer family finances and send inflation soaring. Can the US force the Iranian regime to blink, or is the world drifting towards a much wider conflict?And Julia reacts to growing backlash over the Chagos Islands as more questions are asked about Keir Starmer's judgement on sovereignty, security and Britain's shrinking military clout.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Iran ceasefire descends into confusion and fresh strikes raise fears of a wider regional war, Julia Hartley-Brewer asks the question many Britons will be thinking: why is Keir Starmer posing as a global statesman abroad when he cannot even control the English Channel at home?Brendan O'Neill, Chief Political Writer at spiked, joins Julia to tear into the misinformation surrounding Israel, Hezbollah and the wider Middle East crisis. He argues that much of the media coverage deliberately ignores the scale of the missile threat Israel has faced, slams those in Britain who excuse or glorify Hezbollah, and warns that anti-Israel activism on the streets has exposed a deeply worrying moral collapse on the Left.He also lays into Starmer's Gulf trip, saying it is laughable for a Prime Minister who has failed to stop the small boats to pretend he can help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Julia and Brendan also discuss Britain's vulnerability to rising oil, gas and fuel prices, and why decades of net zero dogma and political cowardice have left the country dangerously weak, over-dependent and exposed to global shocks.Also: retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army in Europe, gives Julia his blunt assessment of the so-called ceasefire, Donald Trump's bombastic rhetoric, and whether America has really stepped back from the brink.And: Ben explains why mixed messages from Washington are fuelling instability, why NATO has been damaged but not broken, and why Britain and its allies must get tougher on Russian aggression, shadow fleet tankers and Moscow's testing of Western resolve.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has declared a “big day for world peace” after brokering a two-week ceasefire with Iran — but has the world really stepped back from the brink, or has Tehran emerged stronger than ever? Julia Hartley-Brewer unpicks the fallout from six weeks of conflict, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the growing fear that the West has once again failed to finish what it started.With Iran reportedly demanding sanctions relief, compensation and control over key shipping routes, Julia asks whether this was a decisive act of strength, or a humiliating climbdown dressed up as victory? As oil prices, global markets and the cost of living hang in the balance, she examines what this means for Britain, for Israel and for the wider West.Also: Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf claiming Britain can help secure peace, despite the UK looking increasingly irrelevant on the world stage. The embarrassment deepens with fresh scrutiny of Britain's military decline after HMS Dragon, sent to protect British interests, suffered technical problems and had to turn back.Julia is joined by Claire Pearsall and Jake Wallis Simons to debate whether Iran has been destroyed or emboldened, why Britain is no longer taken seriously in global defence, and whether Western leaders still understand what it means to confront an enemy.Plus: why was Kanye West granted a visa in the first place before being barred from the UK over anti-Semitism concerns? And should doctors be banned from striking, just like the police, prison officers and armed forces?Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell joins Julia Hartley-Brewer for his verdict on the latest junior doctors' strike — and why Wes Streeting must not give in again. After last year's 29% pay deal, the BMA is now demanding another 26%, with strike action already costing the NHS an estimated £3 billion since 2023. Dorrell warns that every Health Secretary eventually learns the same lesson about the BMA, and says ministers must stand firm on what is rational, affordable and fair. Julia also takes aim at the absurdity of using 2008 as the benchmark for “full pay restoration”, arguing public service pay contributed to the unsustainable economic environment that contributed to the 2008 financial crash.Also: Tom Slater joins Julia to take on a wider story of national decline — from a student loan system that traps young people in spiralling debt, to a university conveyor belt producing too many costly degrees and too few British-trained doctors. Why are bright young people being locked out of medical school while the political class pretends immigration is the only answer?And then there's the collapse of law and order. Julia reacts to the case of a Waitrose worker sacked for confronting a shoplifter, and asks why decent employees are punished while thieves are effectively given free rein. Plus: should Kanye West be banned from performing at Wireless after his antisemitic outbursts, or is Britain once again applying totally inconsistent rules depending on who says what? And finally, a rare note of optimism as Julia and Tom celebrate the Artemis 2 mission and the spirit of exploration that still lifts humanity above the daily grind of broken Britain.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Brendan O'Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked, to react to Trump's latest Iran address to the nation, a row over Nato after he threatened to leave it, and the claim from much of the Left that this is an “unprovoked war”. They argue that Iran's regime has already destabilised the region, that Britain cannot pretend the crisis has nothing to do with us, and that UK households will feel the pain through rising oil prices, market shocks and higher bills.They also take aim at Starmer's instinct to answer every crisis with warmer ties to Brussels, asking whether Labour is using global instability to push Britain back towards the EU by the back door. And as Rachel Reeves reportedly rethinks North Sea drilling, Julia and Brendan expose how Net Zero dogma has left Britain dangerously vulnerable, less energy secure and more exposed to global shocks.Also: fury over an ITV drama about Elizabeth I reportedly seeking a trans actor for the lead role, sparking a row about woke revisionism, women's erasure and the rewriting of British history. And after two nights of chaos in Clapham, they ask how Sadiq Khan can still claim London is safe. From weak policing and disappearing discipline to absent fathers, failing schools and a justice system too timid to punish bad behaviour, Julia and Brendan debate what is driving Britain's growing sense of disorder.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says Britain is “ahead of the game” on the cost of living — while families face rising fuel, energy, rent and tax bills.In this episode, Julia Hartley-Brewer dissects the Prime Minister's latest press conference, his vague five-point plan, and Labour's failure to explain how ordinary working people are meant to cope with the economic shock caused by the Iran conflict and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. As Donald Trump sends mixed messages on oil, NATO and America's role in the region, Julia asks the key question: is Starmer showing strength, or simply drift?Julia is joined by Claire Pearsall to discuss soaring household costs, Ed Miliband's energy promises, tax on fuel, and why so much of Labour's “help” seems designed for Westminster talking points rather than real life in Britain.And former detective and Rochdale whistleblower Maggie Oliver gives her verdict on the long-awaited grooming gangs inquiry. She warns that survivors are still being failed, accountability is still missing, and the authorities responsible for years of cover-ups may once again escape justice. If this inquiry does not lead to prosecutions, reform and the truth about ethnicity, culture and institutional failure, what exactly is the point?Also: Julia reacts to the BBC's handling of serious allegations surrounding star presenter Scott Mills, questions elite double standards after Tiger Woods' latest car crash scandal, and dismisses the anti-space hysteria around Artemis II and the mission to the moon.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is under pressure over the long-delayed national grooming gangs inquiry, after years of dismissing calls for a full investigation as “far right”. Now, with Baroness Anne Longfield's terms of reference finally published, serious questions remain over whether the inquiry will truly uncover the full scale of one of Britain's darkest scandals.In this episode, Julia Hartley-Brewer speaks to former Sun political editor Trevor Kavanagh and Rotherham grooming gang survivor and campaigner Sammy Woodhouse, who gives a harrowing first-hand account of the abuse she suffered, the institutional failures that let it happen, and the political class's refusal to face the truth.Sammy warns that the scandal is not confined to a handful of northern towns, but is happening across the UK, with children still being failed by police, councils, social workers and politicians. She and Trevor both argue that unless the inquiry squarely addresses the role of ethnicity, culture and religion — and the fear of being called racist or Islamophobic — it will fail victims yet again.Julia also tackles the wider establishment crisis: from Labour's handling of NHS strike threats to the continuing failure to scrap non-crime hate incidents and rein in Britain's “thought police”.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As oil and gas prices jump following the Iran crisis, Julia Hartley-Brewer why it feels like Labour is rewarding dependents while punishing the people who get up early, go to work and pay the bills. Sir Iain Duncan Smith joins Julia to tear into the row over MPs receiving a £3,300 ‘cost-of-living payment', a 6.2% increase in benefits and the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap. He argues ministers could give immediate relief by cutting fuel duty and energy taxes, and says Britain is mad to sit on North Sea oil and gas while importing more expensive energy from abroad. IDS also takes aim at Ed Miliband's net zero agenda, calls out the “medicalising” of anxiety and depression, and warns the welfare bill is spiralling as more adults and children are classed as disabled. He also backs a ban on first-cousin marriage, saying the health risks are too serious to ignore.Then Baroness Kate Hoey says Labour is losing touch with the strivers who keep the country going. With pump prices rising, fears of fuel rationing growing and family budgets already stretched, she says ministers are making life harder for workers while chasing green fantasies. Hoey also warns that Keir Starmer's EU reset is a Brexit betrayal in slow motion, with the proposed youth mobility scheme amounting to free movement by the back door.Also: Hoey questions the unanswered issues surrounding Morgan McSweeney's missing phone, says Starmer's judgement over Peter Mandelson raises serious concerns, and argues Red Wall voters will not forgive a government that hikes costs, weakens borders and edges Britain back towards Brussels.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show with Alex Phillips: the extraordinary row over Morgan McSweeney's allegedly stolen phone, the missing messages linked to Peter Mandelson, and the growing suspicion that Labour's version of events simply does not stack up. Former Conservative adviser James Price joins Alex to ask: why were conflicting details reportedly given to police, why was such a sensitive device seemingly treated so casually, and why does every new Labour scandal come wrapped in yet another convenient explanation?Also: fury over reports that Sir Sadiq Khan could be heading to the House of Lords. After years of criticism over knife crime, policing, transport and London's wider decline, Alex asks whether a peerage would be a reward for failure, or a tactical move to shore up support in a fracturing Labour party. With politics shifting to populist parties and Labour facing pressure on multiple fronts, can the government do anything to prevent voters flocking to other parties?And former Sun political editor Trevor Cavanagh joins the show for a hard-hitting discussion on illegal migration, small boats, border control and the public anger over crimes committed by people who should never have been allowed into the country in the first place. They discuss why Britain still seems unable — or unwilling — to defend its borders, protect its streets and tell the truth about the consequences. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove joins Philip Ingram on Talk War for a hard-hitting conversation on the global security crises reshaping the world.From the escalating confrontation with Iran and Donald Trump's response, to growing pressure on NATO, the threat from Russia and China, and serious questions over whether Britain is prepared for modern conflict, this episode tackles the biggest defence and intelligence issues facing the UK and the West.Philip Ingram, former senior British military intelligence officer, and Sir Richard Dearlove dig into:the latest tensions involving Iran, the US and the Strait of Hormuzwhether further American military action is likelythe reality of the UK's military readinessdefence spending, missile defence and Britain's vulnerabilitiesthe intelligence relationship between the UK and the USthe threat posed by the IRGCpolitical leadership, national resilience and the future of British securityIf you want sharp analysis on war, geopolitics, intelligence, defence policy and national security, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now to Talk War with Philip Ingram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour MP Karl Turner tells Julia Hartley-Brewer he simply does not believe Morgan McSweeney's missing phone story adds up. Turner says the explanation “won't wash”, compares it to the worst Westminster excuses of recent years, and admits the entire saga reflects badly on the Prime Minister's judgement.Former senior military intelligence officer Philip Ingram also warns that any loss of a device used by the Prime Minister's chief of staff raises serious national security questions. If sensitive contacts, messages or political discussions were on that phone, he says, investigators should already have carried out a full risk assessment and mitigation exercise.McSweeney reported a phone theft to police. Downing Street says any suggestion the incident was linked to the humble address over Peter Mandelson is “categorically untrue”, and insists the government will comply in full.Also: "Will the real Prime Minister please stand up?" Julia asks whether Ed Miliband is undermining the PM's authority as Labour refuses to back more North Sea oil and gas licences, even with conflict in the Middle East placing pressure on prices. Turner says we should be using Britain's natural resources.And on migration and asylum, Turner concedes the system is failing, deportations are not happening, and taxpayers are still footing the bill for soaring numbers of asylum seekers in hotels and other accommodation. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by former Conservative government adviser Claire Pearsall for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest political stories of the day.In this episode, Julia and Claire debate:whether working families could end up subsidising another energy bailoutthe impact of the Iran crisis on oil prices, gas supplies and household billswarnings that the British Army is now too small to defend UK interests effectivelyconcerns over Britain's defence spending, recruitment and military readinessthe latest on the Golders Green ambulance arson attack and the arrests madecriticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan for failing to visit the scenequestions around social media restrictions and device limits for teenagersWes Streeting's latest NHS reform plans and falling public confidence in the health serviceanger over failures in handling a meningitis outbreakA sharp, outspoken look at energy policy, national security, law and order, and the state of Britain's public services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Donald Trump been talking to Iran to end the war? Or are his announcements intended to calm the markets? Julia Hartley-Brewer discusses the confusion over Washington's shifting messages, the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, and what a longer Iran conflict could mean for Britain's safety, energy prices and economic stability.With Keir Starmer refusing to give a clear timetable for lifting defence spending to 3%, Julia asks whether Britain is already dangerously exposed in a world growing more unstable by the day. From the risk posed by Iran's missile capability to questions over Diego Garcia and the UK-US alliance, this is a hard look at whether Britain is prepared for the threats it now faces.Also in this episode: why soaring energy bills are the result of political choices, and not just global crises. Julia tears into the Net Zero consensus, green levies and Britain's dependence on costly energy as Rachel Reeves prepares yet more “help” for households already squeezed to the limit.Plus, why white working-class boys are still among the most failed groups in Britain, and why identity politics continues to block an honest conversation about class, culture and opportunity. And the growing anger over sky-high vet bills, as the Competition and Markets Authority takes aim at a sector dominated by a handful of giant firms.Julia also speaks to Republican strategist Matt Terrill, former chief of staff to Marco Rubio, on Trump's Iran strategy, the nuclear threat, and whether Starmer has weakened the special relationship.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says the antisemitic arson attack on four Jewish ambulances in Golders Green is "deeply shocking".Julia Hartley-Brewer asks the question many will be asking: do Britain's leaders really think these violent, antisemitic acts come out of nowhere?In this episode, Julia is joined live from the scene by Gideon Falter of the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, who explains how the Hatzalah emergency service is funded by the Jewish community, staffed by volunteers, and serves people of all faiths and backgrounds in North London. After ambulances were torched outside a synagogue, he warns that Britain has spent years tolerating intimidation, conspiracy theories and open hatred.Julia also speaks to Lord Walney, former government adviser on political violence and extremism, who says this kind of attack is the predictable result of weakness, double standards and a refusal to confront antisemitism before it spirals into outright violence.Also: Julia and Benedict Spence discuss the growing threat from Iran, Donald Trump's ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz, fears over soaring energy prices, and what an attempted missile strike on the Diego Garcia base says about Britain's vulnerability in an increasingly dangerous world.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major political fault line has opened up in Britain over mass public prayer, integration, immigration and Labour's growing fear of losing ground to both the Greens and Reform UK.In this episode, Trevor Kavanagh, former political editor of The Sun, joins Talk to give his blunt verdict on the Trafalgar Square Muslim prayer event. Was it a harmless act of faith or a political show of strength in the heart of London? Trevor argues Britain's leaders are too frightened to confront the rise of Islamist influence, while free speech is being steadily eroded by accusations of “Islamophobia” whenever anyone dares to speak out.He also warns that Labour's reliance on bloc votes, the growth of the Green Party, and the political establishment's refusal to deal with illegal migration and cultural division are pushing Britain into dangerous territory.Then Karl Turner, Labour MP for Hull East, joins the show for an interview on the crisis inside Keir Starmer's party. He admits Labour is in serious trouble ahead of the local elections, warns the party could be heading for a catastrophic backlash, and says Starmer must urgently change direction or face a challenge. Turner also opens up on Angela Rayner's role, Ed Miliband's net zero agenda, North Sea oil and gas, jury trial reform, and whether Labour is drifting back towards Brussels.Alex Phillips broadcasts on on Talk from Friday to Sunday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is in fresh turmoil over immigration, as Angela Rayner attacks plans to make migrants wait longer for permanent settlement, and Downing Street refuses to say whether the reforms will survive.Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Brendan O'Neill, chief political writer at spiked, for a furious takedown of Labour's latest wobble on borders, benefits and British sovereignty. As ministers flirt with watering down Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms, Brendan asks the question millions of voters are already asking: whose side is Labour actually on?He slams the political class for treating basic border control as somehow “un-British”, and warns that both Labour and the establishment still refuse to grasp the scale of the Boris-era migration ‘betrayal'. With public trust shattered and working-class communities among the hardest hit by the impacts of mass migration, is this exactly why more voters are turning to Reform UK?Also in this episode: Brendan reacts to the row over mass Islamic prayer in Trafalgar Square, the furious backlash against Nick Timothy, and the wider crisis of free speech when any criticism of Islam is instantly branded “racist” or “Islamophobic”.And Julia speaks to Tony Smith, former head of the UK Border Force, on why Britain remains powerless to remove illegal migrants and foreign criminals. He explains how the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 8 “family life” claims and weak political leadership have turned deportation into a farce — even for offenders who should plainly be removed.From small boats to soft-touch courts, this is a devastating look at why Britain still cannot defend its own borders.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Tom Slater, editor of spiked, for a fearless look at the stories Britain's political class would rather avoid.They begin with the growing backlash against assisted dying, after Scotland votes down plans to legalise it. Julia and Tom ask whether so-called safeguards ever really hold, and whether Britain is being pushed towards a moral and medical disaster seen elsewhere in the West.Also in this episode: the Kent meningitis outbreak and the astonishingly slow response from public health officials, raising fresh questions about whether Britain's bureaucracies have learned anything at all.Then to leadership maneuvers in the Labour Party, as Angela Rayner warns Keir Starmer's government is already running out of time. Is Labour collapsing under the weight of its own incompetence? And with voters losing faith in both main parties, is this exactly why more people are turning to Reform UK for answers?Julia and Tom also tackle the escalating Iran conflict, Donald Trump's attacks on Starmer, and the West's growing inability to face down serious geopolitical threats.And then the big row over mass Islamic prayer in Trafalgar Square. Is this harmless religious expression or a visible sign that Britain's leaders are too weak to defend the country's identity, public space and traditions?Plus, former British diplomat Edmund Fitton-Brown joins Julia to warn that Islamist entryism inside the civil service, academia and the BBC is now impossible to ignore. He explains how fear of being labelled “Islamophobic” is silencing debate, distorting policy and leaving Britain dangerously exposed.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer speaks to Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch about Donald Trump's criticism of Keir Starmer, the importance of preserving the UK–US “special relationship”, and whether Britain should have taken a different stance on US operations and access to Diego Garcia. Badenoch argues Labour has failed to plan ahead on defence, calls for greater North Sea oil and gas extraction, and attacks a potential fuel duty rise, while dismissing talk of “closer ties” with the EU as a slogan rather than a growth strategy. Later, former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe OBE assesses escalating risks around the Strait of Hormuz, the operational impact of decades-long cuts, and why the UK's mixed messaging means it is involved but not commanding events.Also: a Gail's Bakery row after a Guardian column called one bakery's location near a Palestinian-owned business as an "act of heavy-handed aggression". Discussion includes the extent of intimidation of Jewish-linked businesses and warnings about antisemitism in public life.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's The Julia Hartley-Brewer Podcast, Julia and Benedict Spence examine Donald Trump's threats towards NATO allies and the UK's position on the Iran conflict. She asks whether Britain should deploy the navy to help protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and what the closure of one of the world's most important shipping lanes means for oil prices, energy bills and the British cost of living. Plus: the £53m support package for families hit by soaring heating oil costs, pressure on Ed Miliband's Net Zero policies, and the latest fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein revelations and questions around the vetting of Lord Mandelson.Then, Julia is joined by Matt Goodwin, author of Suicide of a Nation: Immigration, Islam and Identity, for a conversation on mass immigration, integration vs multiculturalism, British identity, free speech, and the long-term political impact of demographic change. They discuss Britain's approach to Islam and Islamist ideology - pertinent following the Al Quds protest in London supporting the hardline Islamic regime in Iran.Matt Goodwin was the losing candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, representing Reform UK. He blamed the Muslim vote for his loss to the Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer, who appealed to Muslims in the constituency using messaging in Urdu, praising diversity, and taking a staunchly pro-Gaza stance. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Trevor Kavanagh to dissect the latest “Mandelson files” and what they suggest about the Prime Minister's judgment, the ambassadorial appointment process, and whether Parliament was misled by Keir Starmer during his extended defence of his appointment and then sacking in September 2025. They question the £75,000 pay-out given to Lord Peter Mandelson, which the government has defended by pointing out it is much lower than the £547,000 he requested. The government were also worried about an expensive tribunal. Then Labour peer Lord Foulkes pushes back in a combative exchange over integrity, accountability and the fallout from Mandelson's departure — including the controversial £75,000 settlement. Remarkably, Lord Foulkes struggles to answer whether he thinks Donald Trump is better than the Ayatollahs in Iran, and also seems to struggle to say if Donald Trump is better than Vladimir Putin. Eventually he says Putin is more dangerous and Trump is better than the Ayatollahs. Finally, defence analyst Philip Ingram responds to the arguments on Iran, UK involvement, basing and how diplomacy and force intersect in real-world conflict.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Brendan O'Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to discuss the Home Secretary's decision to ban the pro-Iran Al-Quds March — and whether restricting a march can ever be justified without trampling on free speech. Brendan argues the event has become a “hate march”, raises concerns about radical Islamism in Britain, and questions why groups who openly despise Western values are able to organise on UK streets.They also examine the proposed new definition of “anti-Muslim hostility” and whether it risks becoming a blasphemy law by the back door, with a chilling effect on speech and criticism of religion. Plus: the controversial guidance issued to schools around religious sensitivities — and what it could mean for art, music, dance, and classroom freedoms.Later, Labour MP for Hull East Karl Turner returns to explain the tactics behind efforts to stop Labour's Criminal Justice Bill restricting jury trials for many offences. Julia and Karl debate the courts backlog, the impact on defendants' rights, and whether removing jury trials would make any meaningful difference. They also discuss delays for victims (including rape and serious sexual offences), why Turner believes the government can be forced into changes, and whether the Treasury is driving policy more than justice.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by journalist and political commentator Henry Hill and author Jake Wallace-Simons to take on the government's controversial new definition of anti-Muslim hostility and the appointment of Britain's first anti-Muslim hostility czar.Is this a genuine attempt to protect the Muslim community from Islamophobia — or a politically motivated move that threatens free speech and shuts down vital conversations? With concerns raised about links between consulted organisations and extremism, the chilling effect on broadcasters and employers, and the risk of silencing legitimate debate about Islamism, grooming gangs, and community integration, the trio discuss the future of open debate in Britain.Also: they discuss the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz, and the global oil price crisis; Britain's depleted Royal Navy - and how France have embarrassed our military capability; Iran's nuclear ambitions and the existential threat to Israel and the West; North Sea energy, fracking, and Britain's self-inflicted energy crisis. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump dismisses soaring energy costs as a “very small price to pay”, the West is bracing for surging oil prices — and UK households are in the firing line, with higher prices for electricity, heating, petrol, airfare, and more.With disruption in the Strait of Hormuz (a critical route for roughly a fifth of the world's oil), some analysts warn crude could surge towards $150 a barrel, with extreme scenarios even higher if disruption is prolonged.Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Conservative MP and former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who argues all Keir Starmer has done is leave Britain less popular with our allies— while reports of a “humbling” call with Trump raise fresh questions about Labour's standing with Britain's biggest security partner. Tugendhat also warns the UK's hollowed-out military capability is now impossible to ignore, as questions swirl around the protection of the Cyprus base, the lack of a Royal Navy presence in the region, and the reality that moving even a single ship has become a Prime Minister-level decision because of our scarce resources.Plus, Julia speaks to Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israeli Foreign Ministry Special Envoy, on Iran's leadership, the threat posed by the regime and its proxies, and why she believes the West cannot treat this as “someone else's problem” even as families at home face higher bills.Also: the King's planned visit to the US, the fraying Trump–Starmer dynamic, and calls to ban a pro-Iran march in the UK amid renewed scrutiny of the IRGC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day seven of the Middle East conflict raises fresh questions about UK readiness at home and abroad. From Dubai, Isabel Oakeshott describes daily life under periodic alerts, assesses Iran's degraded drone/missile capability, and warns of potential IRGC-linked reprisals — as counter-terror police arrest four suspects over alleged links to Iranian intelligence and surveillance of London's Jewish community. Back in Westminster, Keir Starmer faces criticism over Britain's posture, the strained Atlantic relationship, and mixed messaging to allies in the Gulf. Former Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt sets out how decades of underinvestment have hollowed out UK capability — from warship readiness to the protection of our bases in Cyprus and Bahrain. He also argues deterrence that against Russia, and support for Ukraine, remains a central priority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips, sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, discusses reports that Middle East allies are angry about the Labour government's handling of the conflict in Iran. Questions continue over the UK's military posture, the security of British bases overseas, and reports that cabinet minister Ed Miliband advised Keir Starmer against allowing the US to use UK bases, leading to Keir Starmer's initial refusal to allow the US to use them to launch strikes on Iran. On this episode, Brendan O'Neill argues the UK should stand “shoulder to shoulder” with our allies and confront the Iranian regime's role in the conflict. Rear Admiral Chris Parry assesses the state of UK defence capability, including the readiness of our Type 45 destroyers, threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and the wider global implications for energy security and deterrence. Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox then discusses the UK's role in the world, the Chagos/Diego Garcia issue, and concerns raised by allies in Washington and the Gulf.Also: UK's rules of engagement, RAF Akrotiri and RAF Fairford, IRGC proscription, regional energy risk, and whether Britain is becoming “irrelevant and invisible” on the international stage. Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips, sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, is joined by former senior military intelligence officer Philip Ingram to assess the UK Government's handling of the US/Israeli strikes on Iran, and what he calls an incoherent, domestically driven approach that risks weakening UK leverage with Washington. The pair unpick reports that HMS Dragon's deployment towards Cyprus has been delayed, what that implies about our military's readiness, and the exposure of British bases including Akrotiri as regional tensions escalate. Then, Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson sets out why he believes the Government's legal posture is strategically inconsistent and is being used as political cover - giving detail on Starmer's “international law” defence. And former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe argues decades of defence neglect are now playing out in real time — with the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important transit routes for energy supplies, and maritime security once again at the centre of the crisis.Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer faces fierce criticism after refusing to back US action against Iran — and then allowing limited “defensive” use of UK-US bases. As Donald Trump accuses the Prime Minister of weakness and political pandering to the Muslim vote, Alex Phillips' considers whether Keir Starmer is dithering and hiding behind international law. Mark Littlewood (Director of Popular Conservatism) weighs in on UK military capability, the threat from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and whether Britain can afford to sit on the fence. Military analyst Elliot Wilson examines what the US and Israel can realistically achieve in Iran — from dismantling its nuclear capability to the risks and unknowns of regime change. And Peter Hitchens issues a stark warning about another Middle East war and the economic damage a wider conflict could inflict.Also: what this crisis could mean for oil and gas prices, Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, and the growing backlash against Ed Miliband's energy policy as he is urged to scrap a fuel duty hike amid spiking oil and gas prices.Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips sits in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, speaking to former Parachute Regiment major Andrew Fox about why No10 initially resisted US use of UK military bases to attack Iran. Celebrations erupted in Iran and across the world after Ayatollah Khameini and a host of significant Iranian regime officials were killed by strikes on Saturday morning. The regime has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens and maintained brutal, theocratic rule over Iran since a 1979 revolution brought them to power. American-Israeli military action has sparked debate about US intervention in the Middle East, whether this is ultimately in Western interests, the escalation risk, a power vacuum in Iran, and potential terror attacks by Shiite Muslims.Four US servicemen have been killed so far, and three American jets have been shot down by friendly fire.Donald Trump wanted to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the Chagos Islands' Diego Garcia to affect regime change and dismantle its nuclear and missile facilities. Having made it clear they would deny the president's request, the Labour government eventually shifted position as UK assets and personnel came under threat - but emphasised that any UK involvement would be "defensive".Andrew and Alex assess how this decision reflects on the UK prime minister. They also discuss Iran's missile capabilities, interception rates across the Gulf, resupply pressures, and how long the current tempo of operations can be sustained — as well as the likelihood of Russia or China escalating support for their ally in the region. Later, barrister Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, responds to arguments that Donald Trump's strikes violated international law.She weighs Lord Wolfson's critique of the Attorney General Lord Hermer's approach, examining how self-defence and the wider regional conflict framework are being interpreted by "the West's detractors". She ultimately justifies the strikes. Also: whether the UN is playing a credible role, and what the conflagration means for the UK–US "special relationship" and Britain's national security.Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Green Party claims its first ever Westminster by-election win, in Labour's 38th safest seat: Gorton & Denton. Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by journalist and commentator Henry Hill to break down the political aftershocks: Labour pushed into third, Reform in second, the Conservatives losing their deposit, and what this says about Keir Starmer's strategy and the future of two-party politics.Talk reporter Samara Gill brings on-the-ground reporting from Manchester as Green figures celebrate, detailing the mood on the ground — from younger, left-leaning voters to a significant Muslim vote — and the arguments now swirling around community politics and campaign tactics, that included a Green party video in Urdu. Then Green Party activist and Birkbeck University academic Dr Ashok Kumar goes head-to-head with Julia on why the Greens won, whether “bread-and-butter” policies mattered more than foreign policy - the Greens made their policy on Gaza central - and how the party responds to allegations about sectarian campaigning, Urdu-language materials, and claims of “family voting” and electoral integrity raised by observers. Also: the latest on the defacing of Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square, after a man spray painted "zionist war criminal" on it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Kavanagh, former political editor of The Sun, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to dissect the latest immigration and asylum figures — and the continued public anger at the gap between political spin and what people can see happening on Britain's borders.Ministers may point to a fall in work, study and family visas, a small dip in asylum claims, and fewer asylum seekers in hotels — but Julia and Trevor ask the blunt question: what does “control” look like when illegal migrants are still arriving in large numbers, with small boats surging as soon as the weather improves? Trevor argues that a government's first duty is to defend the country — and that Britain has become a destination of choice, with taxpayers left funding accommodation, food and healthcare for people who entered unlawfully.Trevor also gives his take on two other flashpoints driving distrust in politics: the murky fallout from the Mandelson arrest story, and the uncertainty around the Chagos Islands deal — including whether Britain really will hand over sovereign territory and then pay to lease back a strategic military base.Then Jamie Jenkins, former ONS statistician, explains what the data actually shows behind the headlines: year-to-date increases in Channel crossings, the scale of asylum claims, how many are granted at first decision versus on appeal, and why “fewer hotel rooms” doesn't necessarily mean fewer claimants — with many simply moved into other accommodation that is still funded by the state.Finally, Julia and Jamie turn to the other crisis hiding in plain sight: the NHS. With spending having doubled over recent years, why aren't outcomes improving? Jamie lays out the real pressure points — an ageing population (including a projected surge in over-75s), inefficiency, broken processes, and why digitisation and better productivity may matter as much as extra funding.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Slater, editor of spiked, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to slam the Green Party's policy programme — and why it's the ultimate “gift” to anyone arguing Britain needs common sense back in politics.Julia and Tom break down proposals that would effectively wipe out the idea of “illegal migrants” — including instant access to public services, the right to work with no restrictions, and, most controversially, the promise of a free house (or private room) and a taxpayer-funded basic living wage with no requirement to work or even look for work. Julia brands it “sixth-form politics” dressed up as compassion — warning it would supercharge pull factors while Britons already struggle with housing, jobs, school places and falling living standards.They also tackle the bigger picture: the political double standard where mainstream views on borders and safety are smeared as “extreme” — while genuinely radical ideas are waved through.Then Julia is joined by Karl Turner MP (Labour, Hull East) for an equally blunt conversation about accountability and the justice system. Karl Turner reacts to the extraordinary developments around Lord Mandelson's arrest connected to allegations relating to Jeffrey Epstein (Mandelson denies wrongdoing and has not been charged), and questions the secrecy around what the public is allowed to know.And on Labour's plan to curb jury trials for most offences, Turner calls it “outrageous”, says it won't fix court delays, and warns it risks ripping up a hard-won safeguard dating back to Magna Carta — with a serious Commons rebellion brewing.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show, Julia is joined by Lord Foulkes (Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair) and Brendan O'Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to unpack the growing political storm around Peter Mandelson's arrest last night in connection with the wider Jeffrey Epstein fallout. He was released on bail in the early hours of the morning. With Mandelson denying wrongdoing and there being no confirmed charges, the focus turns to Keir Starmer's political judgement in appointing Mandelson in the first place. Does Britain operate with one rule for the powerful and another for everyone else? Julia argues the story now lands squarely on Keir Starmer, because it raises questions about why someone with controversial associations was elevated to a senior diplomatic role — and what ministers and security vetting may have known.The episode also ranges across Reform UK's immigration and ECHR stance, proposals to restrict the Burka and other face coverings, and the Gorton & Denton by-election, including controversy over campaigning in languages other than English - namely Urdu, appealing to British-Pakistani voters - and the rise of sectarian-style politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by conservative commentator Benedict Spence and The New Statesman's Oli Dugmore for a no-holds-barred deep dive into the stories dominating Britain. First: the latest Prince Andrew fallout — the scandal, the whispers inside royal circles, and what it means for the monarchy's judgement and future.Then: Reform UK's hardline border proposals, including an ICE-style enforcement unit, mass deportations, visa bans for countries that won't take people back, and the row over “restoring Britain's Christian heritage”. Plus: the Whitechapel flashpoint that's gone viral — a Christian preacher, angry complaints outside a mosque, and a police officer's blunt reminder: “This is Britain” and free speech cuts both ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Andrew's arrest sends shockwaves through the Royal Family — and raises urgent questions about what happened, who knew, and what comes next. Host Peter Cardwell is joined by The Sun's Thomas Godfrey from Sandringham and former Head of Royal Protection Dai Davies to unpack the police investigation, what “misconduct in public office” really means, and whether royal protection officers could face scrutiny too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick MP, Reform UK's shadow chancellor, and Dai Davies, former head of Royal protection, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss remarkable breaking news at the start of Julia's broadcast - that Andrew had been arrested at the Sandringham Estate for misconduct in public office. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not yet been charged - as of the time of publishing. King Charles has released a statement saying ‘the law must take its course'.The continued release of the Epstein files have unveiled the extent of his relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. E-mail exchanges between the pair reveal that Andrew handed over sensitive documents to Mr Epstein in his role as trade envoy to the British government. He is currently being investigated by NINE separate police forces throughout the country. Also: Robert Jenrick reacts to a Talk exclusive - the news that various British Chaggossians have been served an eviction notice after landing on the island in protest at Britain's deal. Keir Starmer had agreed to give away the islands and lease back the Diego Garcia military base. American president Donald Trump has flip-flopped on his support for the deal. And Robert Jenrick reacts to a BBC investigation into rape gangs in London. Sadiq Khan has previously denied any awareness of systemic grooming in the capital, despite their prevalence in other parts of the country such as Rotherham. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Conservative government minister, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss why he agrees with Reform MP Robert Jenrick's economic plan to cut welfare to get the economy back on track. Their conversation comes on a day when inflation fell to 3% and unemployment for 16-24 year olds rose to 16.1%. The youth unemployment rate is the highest since 2020 and worse than the EU average - precipitating a crisis that could have ramifications for decades, as unemployment when you're young makes future work less likely. Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick MP, newly announced Treasury spokesman for Reform, made a major speech to the city. He confirmed Reform would maintain Bank of England independence, maintain the Office for Budget Responsibility and would crackdown on wasteful spending. He vowed to “defuse the benefits bomb”, including by reinstating the two child benefit cap and mandating in-person assessment for sickness or disability payments.The speech came hot on the heels of the announcement that inflation had dropped to 3% - a rare piece of good news for the shambolic chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves. Shortly after Robert Jenrick's speech, it appeared there was disagreement between Mr Jenrick and Nigel Farage. Robert Jenrick vowed to maintain the triple lock on state pensions, whereas Nigel Farage said it was "open to debate".Also: How Sir Jacob would promote family-living, including by instating transferable tax allowances, and why it is a "tragedy" that 300,000 people were aborted last year.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Neill, author and writer for Spiked Online, and Suella Braverman, Reform spokeswoman for education, skills and equalities, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss the war on woke and Reform UK's new ‘shadow cabinet'. Reform UK announced the first four members of their ‘shadow cabinet': the spokespeople for various ministerial roles that would make up Reform's cabinet if they get into power. Zia Yusuf was announced as ‘shadow home secretary',Richard Tice was announced as business, trade and energy spokesman and would be deputy PM, Robert Jenrick was announced as ‘shadow chancellor of the exchequer', And Suella Braverman was announced as education, skills and equalities spokeswoman. She vowed to repeal the Equality Act and stop schools from creating the ‘next generation of eco-zealots'. Brendan O'Neill has just written a book - Vibe Shift - that outlines how ordinary, working class people have fought against the out-of-touch political, media and business classes to rally against woke-ism on climate, Brexit, and transgenderism. Also: Labour's U-turn on council elections, as they announced 30 council elections would go ahead in May. Steve Reed, minister for local government, had previously sought to delay them as authorities were reorganised. But there was public outcry, as democracy would have been denied for over four million people. Reform were polling well in many of the districts that were going to have their vote denied. And how the ECHR could be used to enable family members of Gazan refugees to come to Britain. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benedict Spence, conservative commentator, and Baroness Claire Fox, independent peer and director of the Academy of Ideas, discuss how the ECHR is causing more illegal migrant hand-outs in court. High court judges ruled that the police seizure of asylum seekers' phones amounted to a violation of European Human Rights Law, in contravention of article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights. Article eight outlines the right to a private and family life. The phones were seized as the migrants came to the country, enabling the police to gather evidence about any contact between them and people smuggling gangs. So far, an average of £6,500 per person has been paid to compensate migrants. 70 migrants have been paid. It is feared the total bill could run into the millions, as more migrants who have had phones seized make claims. Reform MP Robert Jenrick called the decision to compensate boat migrants a ‘farce'. Also: proposals to ban social media for U16s - including a potential ban on virtual private networks, used to circumvent the Online Safety Act. The news that the Home Office doesn't know how many migrants are pretending to be children, The case of a Filipino migrant who was funded to change sex by the NHS - before being given the right to stay in the UK,And the think tank that has propelled Keir Starmer's rise to power - Labour Together - using a PR firm to smear journalists investigating their funding. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Maurice Glasman, Labour peer and founder of the Blue Labour group, and James Matthewson, former Labour party spokesman, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments on migration and benefits - that since prompted Keir Starmer to request an apology and legislation to give 16 year olds the vote. Also: James Matthewson on the trans issue, after it was revealed that the school shooter in British Columbia, Canada, was a trans woman. Why James thinks Julia says ‘racist things'. And Lord Maurice Glasman on the Labour government's approach to immigration - including why Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is doing ‘a good job'. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, and Debbie Hayton, journalist and author, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss two tragedies - a stabbing in London and a school shooting in Canada.Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been left seriously injured after the attack in Brent, London. It is currently being investigated by a counter-terrorism unit. Chris Phillips discusses how to reduce knife crime, how to keep children safe, and how to improve policing to prevent incidents like this occurring again. Debbie Hayton discusses the Canadian school shooting, after the killer was described as a “gunperson” and an active shooter alert was described as a “female in a dress”. Nine people have died and twenty-five have been injured in the attack in a small village in British Columbia. The shooter was found dead with self-inflicted wounds. Rumours swirled about the perpetrator's sexual identity - which at the time of publishing was yet to be confirmed. Also: Chris Phillips on how pro-palestine protests are inhibiting officers from doing their job - as a report reveals that they are only on the beat for three days a week because of the demands of managing regular demonstrations. And Debbie Hayton on the Scottish National Party spending £1m on legal fees to defend gender self-identification in Scotland. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karl Turner, Labour MP for Hull East, and Dan Hodges, commentator for the Mail on Sunday, discuss the latest Westminster psycho-drama as Sir Keir Starmer maintains his control of his job - for now. Morgan McSweeney, Downing Street Chief of Staff, resigned on Sunday - triggering speculation that the PM could either resign or face an imminent leadership challenge. But on Monday, his cabinet team unanimously expressed their continued support for Keir Starmer. That included both Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, who are both widely tipped as potential usurpers. Also: Karl Turner MP on what happened at a meeting between Keir Starmer and the Parliamentary Labour Party last night, Whether Keir Starmer is motivated by public service, If there should be a general election if we change leader, Dan Hodges on what we might see from the continued release of texts between Mandelson and government ministers, And whether potential leadership challengers - Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham - are ready for any leadership challenge. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Foulkes, Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss Keir Starmer's chances of survival after Morgan McSweeney, No 10's chief of staff, resigned. Morgan McSweeney and Sir Keir Starmer were previously inseparable. Morgan McSweeney followed Starmer's rise to PM, after deciding that Starmer was the man to win power back for Labour during the Jeremy Corbyn years. When Sir Keir became Labour leader, he advised the PM on electoral strategy, which contributed to a resounding Labour victory in the 2024 general election. But he has been criticised for a failure to adequately prepare for governing - as the government quickly descended into chaos. He resigned following heavy pressure on Downing Street for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. Details continue to emerge revealing the depth of Lord Mandelson's relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Also: Lord Foulkes defends Keir Starmer's record in office, Darren Grimes on Reform's plans for a shadow cabinet, And the whether Reform are being hypocritical about the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson to his role as US ambassador, given the Russian bribery scandal that engulfed Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform in Wales. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Claire Fox, independent peer and director of The Academy of Ideas, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss the political fall-out from Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. At PMQs this week, Keir Starmer admitted to knowing Mandelson sustained a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein despite Epstein's conviction for soliciting minors for prostitution.And Keir Starmer made a speech earlier in the day responding to a backbench furore that followed the release of exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and Lord Mandelson in the latest set of Epstein files. Also: Baroness Fox describes Peter Mandelson's actions as traitorous - but is frustrated by the possibility that this could bring Keir Starmer. She would have preferred him to go over his ‘betrayal' of British communities. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Boulton, journalist and broadcaster, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States. He and Julia argue over Keir Starmer's judgment - as Adam argues it was a risk worth taking to get Lord Mandelson into the role. He and Julia also discuss: Gordon Brown's criticism of Peter Mandelson, Whether Peter Mandelson is a serial liar, And whether he should have taken the job, knowing his past. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Sweeney, journalist and author of ‘Hunting Ghislaine: Epstein, the Prince and the Presidents' comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer show to discuss Peter Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, government leaks, and whether Peter Mandelson can expect a criminal investigation. He and Julia also discuss: Jeffrey Epstein's ability to manipulate, Whether Peter Mandelson is a ‘traitor', How damaging this is for Keir Starmer, And why it seems to be one rule for elites and another for everyone else. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dai Davis, former head of Royal protection, and Benedict Spence, Conservative commentator, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer to discuss:New revelations about the links between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein, after a new tranche of files were released.The files allege Jeffrey Epstein made substantial payments to both Lord Mandelson and his partner at the time - £55,000 to Peter Mandelson, and £10,000 to his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.A photograph of Lord Mandelson in his underwear speaking to a woman also emerged. Dai questions whether the security service should have known better - and discusses who in the Royals might have known what was going on. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Lai is a British citizen and media billionaire who used his newspaper Apple Daily to promote democracy in Hong Kong. He was arrested in 2020 for sedition under new national security laws, and still awaits sentencing. Sebastien said he expects his father to see out the rest of his life in prison, unless there is diplomatic intervention. His son, Sebastien Lai, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss: His father's detainment. Keir Starmer's visit to China, and whether the UK is right to pursue closer economic ties with the Chinese. And whether the UK should pursue more concessions from trade talks, after approving the super-embassy in London and the first prime ministerial visit to Beijing in eight years. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.