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Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh questions over the China spying case after several newly released key witness statements raised further concerns about national security. The case in question relates to Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, two suspected spies accused of allegedly passing sensitive data to Chinese intelligence. Meanwhile, the MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned that ‘Chinese state actors' present a national security threat to the UK every day. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn is here to discuss the return of carvery trolleys to London's fine dining scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tube drivers have been offered an enhanced pay deal that could take their salaries to around £80,000 a year, The Standard can reveal. The proposal, which TfL describes as a “full and final offer”, will be available to all 16,500 London Underground staff, and would mean their wages will rise faster than the cost of living. The Standard's City Hall Editor and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Food & Drink Writer Josh Barrie joins us to taste test Subway's new “breakwich” jacket potato, which combines two classic British dishes - a full english breakfast, and jacket potato with beans and cheese. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest unemployment figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the jobless rate has risen to its highest level since the pandemic in 2021 - but analysts also say the jobs market is stabilising after a year of volatility. Meanwhile, wage growth in the UK cooled slightly over the summer, from 4.8 per cent to 4.7 per cent. Does this mean that getting a job is becoming harder? And how do these statistics play out in the capital? Joe Evans, a researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank, is here to help us unpack the figures. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to review Guillermo del Toro's new Frankenstein film, which is in cinemas from October and on Netflix from November 7. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Israeli families are welcoming home hostages as hundreds of Palestinian detainees are freed, following Friday's ceasefire agreement in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump addressed Israel's parliament, the Knesset, and said that the “the war is over”, with today marking “a new beginning”. He then headed to Egypt for a peace summit with world leaders. Meanwhile, Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the horrors, genocide and famine in Gaza cannot be forgotten, as he announced an additional five million pounds for aid organisations in Gaza. Palestinian political commentator and writer Ahmed Najar, who has family in Gaza, is here with his reaction to the news.And in part two, The Standard's Food & Drink writer Josh Barrie joins us to discuss how AI is being used in the ancient craft of beer brewing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On World Homeless Day, the government has announced a new £36.5 million funding package to help Londoners facing homelessness this winter. The money will be directed towards supporting families in temporary accommodation, and comes after London boroughs revealed they were collectively spending a staggering £5.5 million a day to tackle homelessness. The New Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern is here to discuss today's announcement. And in part two, John Darlington, Director of Projects at the World Monuments Fund, joins us to talk about this week's Hidden London destination, St Dunstan in the East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, a story of murder, fraud and a fugitive on the run. This week's special report explores the fascinating tale of city poster boy Anthony Constantinou, who became known as London's Wolf of Wall Street. Despite amassing a huge fortune with all the trappings of success, he was charged with financial malpractice and sexual misconduct - a spectacular fall from grace. He appeared in the dock for the start of his trial, but then suddenly disappeared. Now he's at the centre of a worldwide manhunt, and is attempting to evade a 28-year prison sentence in the UK. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has promised to abolish stamp duty tax if the Tories form the next government, which will be welcomed by many London buyers. Speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, the embattled Tory leader thanked party members for ‘standing by' her amid dire poll ratings, and announced a host of new proposed policies. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to discuss the first episode of tonight's Celebrity Traitors on BBC One. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is the second anniversary of Hamas' deadly attacks on Israel, which took place on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, with a further 251 others taken hostage. We're joined by Maoz Inon, an award-winning Israeli peace activist and co-author of the forthcoming book The future is peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land, who lost both his parents in the Hamas attack. It comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned pro-Palestine student protests taking place today as unpatriotic. Meanwhile, indirect talks are taking place in Egypt between delegations from Hamas and Israel, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, as part of Donald Trump's Peace Plan. And in part two, The Standard's Food and Drink Writer Josh Barrie is here to discuss Nathaniel Morley - aka Natty Can Cook - and his soon-to-open pan-Carribean restaurant in Herne Hill, 2210. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has promised that the Conservatives would slash £47 billion from public spending as the party continues to battle dire poll ratings, with some surveys putting them in fourth place. Speaking at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, he outlined a “radical plan to rebuild our economy”. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to discuss the 40th anniversary of Les Miserables - the world's longest running musical - which is on stage at London's Sondheim theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, with over 21,000 charging points across the city – nearly a third of the UK's total. But to meet its 2030 net zero targets, London will need tens of thousands more, with significant investment required across all boroughs. Upcoming changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which would end EVs' exemption from the congestion charge, risk slowing that progress.The Electric London coalition, following The Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to protect London's EV uptake and ongoing infrastructure growth.In this second special episode focusing on investment and infrastructure, The Standard's Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Matt Croucher, Chief Commercial Officer at ChargePoint operator Believ, and Judy O'Keefe, Director of Fleet at Openreach, who is overseeing one of the UK's largest commercial EV transitions. They explore what it takes to electrify London at scale, the challenges facing fleet operators and charging providers, and what needs to happen to keep the city on track for a cleaner, electric future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're following the attack on worshippers at a Manchester synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Amos Schonfield, British Jewish Community activist and leader, joins us to share the devastation it's caused in the Jewish community. And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to review the much-anticipated 12th album from pop megastar Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl, which is expected to top charts around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley has apologised after serving officers called for immigrants to be shot, revelled in the use of force and were dismissive of rape claims in an undercover BBC documentary, which was aired on Wednesday night. Sir Mark Rowley said the behaviour of some at Charing Cross Police exposed by Panorama is “reprehensible and completely unacceptable” - but he denied that the Met Police is institutionally racist. Dr Aaron Winter, a senior lecturer in sociology at Lancaster University, responds to the news. And in part two, The Standard's Theatre Critic and Host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to review a new rendition of Oscar Wilde's famous play The Importance of Being Earnest, from director Max Webster, which is showing at London's Noel Coward Theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, on the final day of the Labour Party Conference, Sir Keir Starmer has signalled that his government is planning to change the way human rights laws are applied to tackle the challenge of “mass migration”. The Prime Minister says he won't ‘tear down' international laws but says a rethink is needed on how they are applied. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's News Reporter Megan Howe joins us to discuss the latest celebrity split between Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, and the ‘cocaine clause' designed for Keith Urban to earn $600,000 for every year they were married, if he remained sober. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Donald Trump's newly unveiled peace plan for Gaza has already been hailed by some world leaders as the best chance to end Israel's war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threw his support behind it at a joint press conference with the US President - and it has been backed by a number of Arab nations including Qatar and Egypt. But is it a viable solution to ending the conflict? David Wearing, an Assistant Professor in International Relations at the University of Sussex, and expert on UK foreign relations in the Middle East, joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn is here to discuss the revival of London's fine dining scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has branded Nigel Farage's agenda the “single greatest threat” to British people's livelihoods at her Labour Party Conference speech in Liverpool. She vowed to stand by Labour's manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people - but has left the door open to changing VAT rules. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, author and podcast host Jack Guinness reflects on his family history after watching Netflix's House of Guinness, which tells the story of Sir Benjamin Guinness and his four children, to whom he leaves a vast empire in nineteenth century Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said plans for a new digital ID held on people's phones will be an “enormous opportunity” for the UK and make working illegally tougher. Digital ID will become mandatory as a means of proving the right to work under the plans, which will come into place within the next few years. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block is here to discuss whether Strictly Come Dancing can survive the latest scandals and what needs to improve, as the much-loved show returns for its 23rd series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's special report, in the first of an exclusive three-part series, Noureddin Bongo tells The Standard's Claudia Cockerell about his hell after his family were ousted in a coup in Gabon, Central Africa. And in part two, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is back with a period drama that applies his tried and tested formula to 19th-century Ireland. The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to review Netflix's new show House of Guinness, which has been likened to familial saga Succession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his speech to the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump has made a fresh attack on Sir Sadiq Khan, and claimed London wants to “go to Sharia law”. A spokesperson for Sadiq, London's first Muslim mayor said: “We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response." The US president also appeared to change his stance on Ukraine, speculating that Kyiv could win back its land due to Russia's economic troubles.For analysis, we join The Standard's defence editor Robert Fox, who also tells us what he thinks Russia's plans are next.In part two, do you remember the Blitz Club?Forty years after its closure it's now being celebrated at the Design Museum.The Standard's head of culture, Martin Robinson, reveals everything you need to know, and why this exhibition will attract a large audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economists are warning that the UK could face one of the highest inflation rates of any major economy this year.New data from the OECD predicts Britain will see the sharpest price rises among G7 nations - a huge blow to the cost of living and a key challenge ahead of the Government's autumn budget in November.In today's episode, Rachelle Abbott is joined by the Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford to discuss how the UK compares with other G7 nations, and how Chancellor Rachel Reeves might balance the books.Plus, the Standard's TV and gaming editor Vicky Jessop on what TV shows should we be curling up in front of this Autumn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved Gatwick's plans for a second runway. UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the privately financed £2.2 bn project will create thousands more jobs.To find out everything, we're joined by the Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn.What are the plans, and is this a win-win for the government in the long-run?Plus, fancy eating like a mobster? Despite its price-tag, The Standard's Josh Barrie tells us all about the latest New York import to open in London, Italian-American restaurant Carbone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London has made huge strides in cleaning up its air – with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels dropping sharply thanks to bold policies, investment in public transport, and the rise of electric vehicles. But proposed changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount could see EV drivers paying the congestion charge from Christmas Day, raising questions about the city's next steps.It's why the Electric London coalition, following The Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to reverse the decision to scrap EVs' exemption.In this 'Clean Air' episode, The Standard's Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Georgina McGivern and Valeria Pensabene from the London Clean Air Initiative, and Nick Smith from the Clean Air Fund, to explore what this shift could mean for businesses, residents, and the future of London's air quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second deportation under the government's ‘one in, one out' deal with France took place early this morning, as hundreds more migrants risked their lives trying to reach the UK. An Eritrean man, who arrived in the UK on a small boat last month, was on an Air France flight to Paris, which left London Heathrow at 6.15 am. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump suggested Sir Keir Starmer should use the military to tackle the small boats crisis. The Standard's News Editor Michael Howie is here with the latest.And in part two, journalist John Arlidge joins us to discuss what's next for Vogue, as the longstanding editor Dame Anna Wintour steps down after 37 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ABC has pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely over comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. US President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, whilst media figures, unions and free speech organisations have expressed anger and alarm. The entertainer, drag artist and commentator Colin Seymour, who recently won a libel battle against the rightwing activist Laurence Fox, joins us to share his perspective. And in part two, The Standard's Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell is here to discuss the new Netflix documentary on Victoria Beckham, and what viewers can expect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food and drink prices are rising at their fastest rate since January last year, whilst the overall headline rate of inflation remains unchanged at 3.8 per cent. Food prices are expected to peak in December as hot weather has led to a poor harvest and higher industry costs. According to ONS figures, the biggest price rises in food and drink include beef and veal, butter, coffee, chocolate and milk. Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and an arable farmer in Cambridgeshire, joins us to discuss how the current challenges mean consumers are paying more for everyday essentials. And in part two, The Standard's Chief Theatre Critic, and host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to discuss his five star review of The Producers musical at the Garrick Theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the UK for his unprecedented second state visit to the country. The trip has sparked controversy and thousands are expected to take part in a series of anti-Trump protests. He will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for talks on trade, investment, Ukraine and Gaza. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now and spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition is here to discuss what's at stake for the UK.And in part two, Transport for London (TfL) is celebrating 125 years of the Central line with a treasure hunt open to all on Saturday, at this year's Open House Festival. We're joined by Ann Gavaghan, Customer Experience Manager at Transport for London, to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he will be ousted unless he changes course. Labour MPs are reeling over high-profile sackings and resignations in recent weeks, including Angela Rayner who quit as Deputy Prime Minister following a tax scandal and Peter Mandelson being fired a British Ambassador to the US over his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. It comes as Labour is trailing behind Nigel Farage's Reform UK in opinion polls. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to review the Tate Modern's new exhibition, Theatre Picasso, which sheds new light on the artist's work and his fascination with performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Peter Mandelson has been sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US.Mandelson was sacked on Thursday after emails emerged showing he offered support to Jeffrey Epstein even as the financier faced jail for sex offences against minors.Why was he seen as important for UK relations — and who will replace him?To walk us through the fallout, we're joined by the Standard's chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford.In part two, the Standard's chief theatre critic Nick Curtis reviews Cow/Deer at London's Royal Court. With no speech or sound effects, is it a bold hit — or a quiet miss? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's special report, journalist and editor Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff reports on the IUIC religious organisation, thought to be the the largest Hebrew Israelite group in the world. Despite being described as a cult, the group still operates as a church in Ilford, east London. In 2019, an innocent black woman named Joy Morgan was murdered by a fellow member of this radical religious group, at the age of just 20 - and Joy's story is the subject of The Missing Sister, a new six-part investigative podcast. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to discuss the new David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse, where 90,000 objects from the late singer's archive are on display for the public to peruse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland is the closest to open conflict it has been since World War Two, the country's Prime Minister has warned after the country shot down drones that entered its airspace during a widespread Russian attack in western Ukraine. Defence Secretary John Healey accused President Vladimir Putin of ‘testing' Western allies with the attack, and said UK Armed Forces are looking at options to bolster NATO's air defence over Poland. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent is here with the latest. And in part two The Standard's restaurant critic and Going Out Editor, David Ellis, joins us to discuss some of the best restaurants in London's galleries, which are fine dining destinations in their own right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

League tables of the best and worst-performing NHS trusts in England have been published by the Department of Health and Social Care for the first time. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the tables would help inform the public and allow them to exercise choice, but critics are less certain. Sebastian Reese, Head of Health at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank, is here to discuss the pros and cons. And in part two, as Prince Harry visits the UK, speculation mounts over whether he will reconcile with the estranged royal family, particularly King Charles. Freelance journalist Alice Cockerell has spoken to insiders and joins us with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today London's tube workers are on strike. Thousands of commuters in the capital have experienced nightmarish journeys during rush hour, in the first of four days of staff walkouts, with hardly any London Underground trains operating. The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest from the RMT Union picket line.And in part two, The Standard's Food and Drink Writer Josh Barrie joins us to discuss the opening of the new restaurant Liverpool Street Chop House & Tavern, which will serve recipes from the 1600s in celebration of East London's meat and fish traders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the Reform Party Conference kicked off in Birmingham, just as Angela Rayner quit as Deputy Prime Minister following an investigation into tax dealings surrounding the purchase of her new home. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us from the conference itself to discuss Nigel Farage's speech. And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block is here to analyse the new trailer from Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights film, which is released on Valentines Day next year. The movie stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Owen Cooper, but has proved controversial with die-hard Emily Bronte fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard's Campaigns Editor David Cohen joins us on the launch of Destination Unknown, a new campaign in partnership with The King's Trust to tackle London's youth unemployment crisis. With one in six young Londoners unemployed, The Standard wants to get young London working again - and CEO of The King's Trust, Jonathan Townsend, is here with the latest. Click here to donate. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to discuss the return of Radiohead, who have announced their first live shows in seven years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As PMQs kick off today after the summer recess, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has admitted that she did not pay enough tax when buying her new flat and has referred herself for investigation. She said she received incorrect legal advice that led to her paying less stamp duty. In other news, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced when this year's autumn budget will happen - and is under pressure to improve public finances. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Theatre Critic Nick Curtis reviews Born with Teeth, a sizzling new chamber play from the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is currently showing at London's Wyndham Theatre, featuring Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemal, as Elizabethan playwrights Kit Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commuters in the capital face a four-day Tube shutdown next week and disruption from Sunday until Friday if a union presses ahead with threatened strike action, Transport for London has warned. Talks held between TfL and the RMT union today have attempted to avert what will be one of the worst strikes in years - but no resolution has been found. The Standard's City Hall & Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest. And in part two, as second-hand September kicks off, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to discuss the best places for vintage shopping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner continues to face criticism regarding the purchase of an £800,000 flat in Hove. She has been accused of ‘hypocrisy' for avoiding tax on her new seaside home, as she allegedly saved £40,000 in stamp duty, by declaring that it was the only property she owns. The Conservatives are calling for her to face an ethics inquiry, and The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, food and drink writer Amira Arasteh joins us to discuss whether the era of the Mayfair ‘clubstaurant' is really over in the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An NHS vaccine for chickenpox will be rolled out in England from January, in the biggest expansion of the childhood immunisation programme for a decade. It will be offered as part of a new combined MMRV vaccine, for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, by GPs. Professor Helen Bedford, from the UCL Institute of Child Health joins us with the latest.And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to discuss pop star Sabrina Carpenter's new album, Man's Best Friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been accused of running “the economy like Baldrick”, from the Blackadder sitcom, and risking rising rents, amid reports that the Treasury is considering hiking tax for landlords. Ahead of this autumn's budget, Reeves is desperately trying to find ways to raise revenue and improve the UK's public finances. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, freelance writer Kyle MacNeill joins us to discuss the growing popularity of sumo wrestling in the capital, ahead of The Grand Sumo Tournament being hosted at London's Royal Albert Hall this October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaigners are calling for free public transport in London, as travel fares are set to rise above inflation until 2030 - but is it feasible? The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall joins us to discuss the issue, alongside his latest reporting on the worrying rise of fare evasion across London's transport network. And in part two, why the Bifana, a traditional Portuguese sandwich, is proving popular with diners in the capital. Sandwich aficionado and food writer Sam Wilson offers a tantalising glimpse into the latest food trend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, a record 6.5 million Britons are claiming out of work benefits - a jump of 500,000 since Labour came to power. It comes despite Sir Keir Starmer's election campaign promise to “get Britain working” and achieve the highest employment rate in the G7. In some parts of the UK, like Blackpool, Liverpool and Glasgow, more than a quarter of working-age adults are now on out-of-work benefits. The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, freelance entertainment editor Lisa McLoughlin joins us to discuss the key takeaways from series two of With Love, Megan which is streaming now on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A wave of protests outside hotels used as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers is set to take place over the weekend. It comes as the latest figures showed there were more than 32,000 asylum seekers in hotels, marking a rise of 8 per cent during Labour's first year in office. Kolbassia Haoussou, Director of Survivor Empowerment at Freedom from Torture shares his own experience of fleeing from Chad to the UK as a refugee. And in part two, Londoners are welcoming the 58th edition of Notting Hill Carnival this bank holiday weekend. Ahead of the celebrations, we hear from CEO of Notting Hill Carnival, Matthew Phillip, founders of food truck Sun Valley Jerk, Michelle and Omar, and regular carnival attendee Soleil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's GCSE Results day - and London is further ahead of any other region in the country, when it comes to students achieving at least a 7 or an A grade. We're joined by Efua Poku Amanfo, a researcher at The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) to discuss.And in part two, freelance writer and editor Olive Pometsey joins after interviewing the South African pop superstar Tyla, who is performing at this weekend's All Points East festival in the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK inflation has risen more than expected to 3.8 per cent today, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. It's the highest since January 2024, and when Labour came to power last summer, inflation was just 2.2 per cent. We're joined by Jaya Sood, a senior economist at the New Economics Foundation to discuss. And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to talk about the frenzy caused by Labubu collectibles - and the growing backlash against blind box toys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Treasury is considering a new tax on the sale of homes worth more than £500,000 as a step towards a radical overhaul of stamp duty and council tax - although no final decision has been made. With half of all home sales over £500,000 in London, it would have a disproportionate impact on the capital. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, male-scepticism is rife among straight female daters, with many women giving up on relationships entirely. But do they really have the worse end of the stick, or is it just as hard for guys? Freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to share her findings after interviewing some of London's bachelors about the state of modern dating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government is working “at pace” to bring sick and injured children from Gaza to the UK for urgent medical treatment, Downing Street has said. We're joined by Dr James Smith, a British emergency physician and expert in humanitarian studies based at University College London. He worked in Gaza for 2.5 months, and assisted with the medical transfer and evacuation of patients.And in part two, author Julia Smith joins us to share her favourite walks which are close to the capital, from her book ‘Walks for each season: 26 great days out in the countryside near London'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Later today US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska for a highly anticipated summit on the Ukraine war. Ahead of the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was "counting on America” and Trump has called the summit “high stakes”. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to explain more. And in part two, The Standard's Comedy Critic Bruce Dessau shares his top recommendations so far from this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today A-Level results have reached record highs since the Covid pandemic, with London students achieving the best grades in the country. However, experts say the gap between the best and worst performing regions appears to be widening, with the North-South divide becoming further entrenched. Efua Poku-Amanfo, a researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), joins us to discuss. And in part two, John Darlington, director at the World Monuments Fund, joins us to explore the history of Kirkaldy's Testing Works museum in Southwark, which features as this week's Hidden London destination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Donald Trump that "Putin is bluffing” as he discussed the obstacles to ending the war in Ukraine with the US President and other world leaders in a phone call. It comes ahead of this Friday's Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Before the world leaders met, Dr Svitlana Romanko, the Ukrainian Executive Director of Razom We Stand, a climate campaign fighting to cut off the money fuelling Russia's war, shared her thoughts about what lies ahead. And in part two, freelance journalist Sophie Peachey joins us to discuss why Gen Z are so lonely and how to overcome social anxiety to make new connections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The capital is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the summer, with amber warnings in place for parts of England until Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to hit 34 degrees. But housing in the UK isn't designed for such heat, and residents of tower blocks are at particular risk. Experts say that many new homes being built in the UK are not designed to withstand extreme summer temperatures. To find out more, architecture writer Phin Harper joins us alongside Joshua Emden, a senior research fellow at The Institute for Public Policy Research think tank. And in part two, author Amber Medland discusses her latest book Attention Seeker, about life with ADHD and how the neurodevelopment disorder affects dating and relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's disgusting Wet Wipe Island is finally set to be removed from the Thames, with work under way to excavate the estimated 180 tonnes of congealed waste near Hammersmith Bridge. We hear from John Sullivan, Thames Water's Head of Tideway Integration Group, and Emily Carr, policy adviser at the independent think tank and charity Green Alliance, about how to prevent more waste from accumulating in the capital's waterways.And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to discuss FX's's Alien:Earth series, which is released tomorrow, and the accompanying alien egg on display at London's Natural History Museum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's homelessness minister, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from government after it emerged she evicted four tenants from a property she owns - before re-letting it just weeks later and hiking the rent by £700 a month. The move would likely be prohibited under Labour's Renters' Rights Bill, which introduces new protections for tenants. When Labour's Renters' Rights Bill comes into force, this action will be illegal. We hear from The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford, and Anny Cullum, political officer with the community and renters union ACORN. And in part two, journalist Arielle Domb investigates why people are administering their own botox cosmetic treatments. What's behind the DIY movement, and what are the risks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.