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As we settle into the festive season, it's time for a round-up of all the best TV from 2025.It's been a jam-packed one, as ever, serving up lashings of humour, tragedy and a whole lot of sequels. Severance has returned for the first time in years, as has Stranger Things, and the Alien franchise has gotten its own TV spinoff for the first time ever.The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop is here to discuss the highlights - and lowlights - of the year, plus what to look forward to in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's well-documented that our courts system is in crisis but following an investigation, The Standard can reveal that magistrates are sitting in secret to allow utility companies to break into people's homes, granting warrants based on applications they have never seen.Back in late 2022, energy firms and courts were rocked by scandal when it was revealed that hundreds of thousands of warrants – including for the homes of some of Britain's poorest people – were being “waved through” by magistrates.The government promised a clean-up and new court process, but a year-long probe by The Standard has uncovered disturbing practices - and the Chief Magistrate is investigating the concerns. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might be the festive season, but there's fury in the corridors of power following a row which broke out regarding proposals that would see local elections delayed for a second year in a row for millions of voters. It comes as the government plans to abolish the two-tier system of district and county councils, creating a swathe of new local authorities that will be responsible for delivering services in their areas from 2028. In total, ministers have written to a total of 63 councils scheduled to hold elections in May 2026, although we won't know for sure if they're postponed until January.The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British Library is one of the UK's greatest cultural institutions. However, behind the scenes, the staff who make it function are working longer hours for less pay, in worsening conditions. Now, with help from the PCS union, they've decided to fight back.But what does this means more broadly in terms of who is able to access and benefit from our cultural institutions? The Standard's Culture Writer Claudia Cockerell is here with the findings of her special report on the subject - alongside footage of the strikers in action, from London tour guide Jenny Draper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special preview from our sister podcast Brave New World, featuring a new episode from its latest series.Host Evgeny Lebedev sits down with Professor Tim Spector and Dr Federica Amati — the leading scientific minds behind personalised nutrition company ZOE — to rethink everything we've been told about food. They challenge myths around fats and calorie counting, unpack the damage caused by ultra-processed foods, and explain why eating for your gut microbes could be the key to better health.Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 More than 17 million people arrive in the capital each year to celebrate one of London's most beloved cultural gemstones - theatre. But seeing a central London play can set you back hundreds of pounds, and the costs are only going up. Audiences are now being priced out with the average price of a top ticket rising by 50% between 2023 and 2024 to 146 pounds and 61 pence a seat.So who or what is to blame for the situation? Is this just a callous cash grab, and what does it all mean for the future of London's West End? We're joined by The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop, who has been investigating the issue for the latest special report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least 15 people including a London-born rabbi have died and dozens more remain in hospital following a shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The attack was declared a terrorist incident, and targeted a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights.It comes as Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones has said that Britain is being blighted by an “abhorrent” rise in anti-Semitism. We're joined by Emily Hilton, who grew up around Bondi beach in Sydney and is the international policy director at Diaspora Alliance, a Jewish-led organisation that works to oppose antisemitism and its politicisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners will have to pay more in transport costs from March 2026, as mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has revealed that tube fares are set to rise.The cost of a single tube journey in zone 1, central London will be hiked by up to 7.1 per cent, which is about double the current rate of inflation. According to details published by City Hall, most Tube and train fares – for TfL services such as the Elizabeth line and London Overground – will increase by a maximum of 20p, although many fares will only increase by 10p.For the first time in years, bus fares will also be increased, although not until July. The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest - and also shares what action he'd take if he were London mayor for the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners are being urged to get the flu vaccine in the next few days to get maximum protection by Christmas Day, as the capital experiences a tidal wave of contagious super flu.Cases are rising sharply in the capital, new figures revealed, as health chiefs warned the NHS was facing a “worst-case scenario” with the doctors' strike set to start next week.Those with flu-like symptoms are being urged to stay at home rather than risk spreading the virus on the Tube, trains, buses and in the workplace.The Standard's Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A “world-leading” social media ban has been enforced by the Australian government, to prevent under-16s from accessing social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Platforms that do not comply risk fines of up to $49.5m.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as "the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies". The ban has garnered worldwide attention, with several nations indicating they will adopt a ban of their own, including Malaysia, Denmark and Norway.But could similar legislation be introduced in the UK? We're joined by Daisy Greenwell - founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, a movement of families standing together to delay smartphones and social media - to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Oliver is to relaunch his Italian restaurants in 2026 - seven years after the chain went out of business - having reached a deal with Brava Hospitality Group, the owners of Prezzo.At its peak, there were more than 40 Jamie's Italian sites across the UK, but after rapid expansion and a changing market, the company ran into trouble.Now the first UK branch in six years is set to open in Leicester Square next year, at a time when UK hospitality bosses have complained of a tough trading environment, increased costs and changes to business rates. So can the celebrity chef pull off this comeback - and does the capital need another Italian chain restaurant? The Standard's Food & Drink Writer Josh Barrie is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nominations for the Golden Globe Awards 2026 are in - effectively kicking off a film awards season that will last until the Oscars in March. Leonardo DiCaprio film One Battle After Another has swept up with nine nominations, whilst Netflix drama series Adolescence and Hamnet actor Paul Mescal are among the other nominees.Other Hollywood heavyweights recognised for their work include Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Emma Stone for Bugonia, and George Clooney for Jay Kelly. But there was shock, as Wicked: For Good was snubbed from the category of Best Picture - Musical or Comedy - though leads Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo made history by being the first two actors from the same film to be consecutively nominated for their respective roles as Glinda and Elphaba.The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might not have heard of the Hinduja family, but with a net worth of over £35 billion, they topped the Sunday Times Rich List for six of the past 10 years.The eldest two of four sons, Srichand and Gopichand, were co-chairmen of the Hinduja Group - which always prided itself on being a family business. They brought billions to London and built the capital's grandest hotel - the Owo - and their private home round the corner from Buckingham Palace is estimated to be worth over £300 million.But after the death of the family patriarch, what will happen to their empire?The Standard's Feature Writer Claudia Cockerell joins us to discuss this Succession-style battle in the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the blink of an eye, the year is almost over - and that means only one thing: Christmas is upon us once more. Alongside all the playing of board games, eating of turkey and unwrapping of presents, there's one other thing that remains a mainstay in most British festive households: the telly. Nothing quite beats the feeling of sitting in front of the TV, sliding into a post-feast food coma and drowsily watching the year's collection of festive specials.And this year, there's plenty to look forward to on TV over Christmas, from Will Sharpe donning a white wig to Walton Goggins and Ella Purnell reuniting. The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to discuss the best Christmas TV to watch this festive season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special preview from our sister podcast Brave New World, which has just launched Season 4. Host Evgeny Lebedev sits down with Steven Bartlett to talk ambition, mindset, burnout, and the lessons failure can teach us — including one learned on a padel court. Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A damning inquiry into sex crimes against women and girls in public places has been published, concluding that too many perpetrators are slipping through the cracks and that prevention schemes are often “just words”.Four years after the murder of Sarah Everard in Clapham by a Metropolitan police officer, the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry found that there is a “critical failure” to answer basic questions about sexual violence, including how many women are raped by strangers each year. It said that urgent action is now needed to prevent further violent, sexual attacks against women and girls, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would carefully consider the recommendations. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paddington the Musical has opened at London's Savoy Theatre in time for the festive season - and has already proven to be a resounding hit in the capital. Inspired by the beloved children's books by Michael Bond, as well as the films, it's directed by Luke Sheppard, the man behind hits such as the Starlight Express, with a music score written by McFly's Tom Fletcher. So is this the West End's hottest ever family show? We're joined by actors Amy Ellen Richardson and Adrian Der Gregorian, who play Mr and Mrs Brown. Plus, theatre critic Tim Bano is here to share his 5-star review of the production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High street pubs, hotels and shops face “catastrophic” hikes in business rate bills that will force widespread closures and job losses, the Government has been warned. Less than a week after Rachel Reeves's Budget speech, thousands of business owners in the retail and hospitality sector have learned their bills will rise by tens of thousands of pounds from April next year as a result of a “broken business rate system". The damage is being done by a combination of huge increases in rateable values, and the end of 40% relief for the sectors most harmed by the pandemic lockdowns. The Standard's Business Correspondent Jonathan Prynn is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government could soon come close to scrapping the right to trial by jury, it's been revealed, with Justice Secretary David Lammy proposing to massively restrict this ancient right, as the criminal justice system is on the verge of collapse. There are plans to create a new tier of courts in England and Wales, removing guarantees to a jury trial for all except those accused of the most serious crimes. But could this still result in a fair trial? The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us to discuss why the jury system is a treasured and historic commodity that fosters a level of trust in our courts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a Budget that will hike taxes by £26 billion and bring a huge change to personal finances up and down the country.More than 1.7 million people will face paying more income tax after the Chancellor froze thresholds, meaning people will be dragged into paying the tax for the first time or shifted into higher bands as earnings increase. While there is a new “mansion tax” on £2 million homes and above, a pay-per mile charge for electric vehicles, a new national insurance tax on salary sacrifice pension contributions above £2,000 and changes to ISA rules.Some levies placed on energy bills will go - lowering bills for millions of households by £150 a year, the Chancellor said. While the two-child benefit cap has been scrapped. Increased tax rates on dividends, property and savings income by two percentage points will all be introduced.We're joined by The Standard's Political Editor Nic Cecil with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the autumn budget, support for Labour in London is at a record low, according to a new poll, as Rachel Reeves is set to clobber the capital with a wave of tax rises. Nigel Farage's Reform UK has surged to 23 per cent in the capital, ahead of the Tories on 20 per cent, with Labour on 32 per cent. The Chancellor faces a backlash from voters, particularly those on high and middle incomes, ahead of London local elections next May. London has for many years been a Labour stronghold but the party's support has plunged since the general election last July, according to the latest Savanta poll for Centre for London. The Standard's Political Editor Nic Cecil is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're tackling one of the capital's talking points - should kids be allowed in pubs? The William the Fourth pub in Leyton, East London, announced a policy change on social media, barring children from 7pm, saying that the move was necessary to maintain a “comfortable and enjoyable environment” for everyone as it had recently come to “resemble a creche”. The new rules mean the pub will be an “adults-only space” from 7pm onwards.The move has proved somewhat controversial, with comments on the pub's social media announcement switched off.Whether pubs should ban children has been a long-running debate, and we're joined by The Standard's News Reporter Megan Howe, and The Standard's Food & Drink writer Josh Barrie, to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Mandelson recently made headlines after being caught urinating against a wall, having spent the evening at George Osborne's Notting Hill home. But is it any wonder, when so many public loos are being sold off for profit, for example in West Norwood and the Isle of Dogs?Last year, Age UK's Lifting the Lid report found that in the last decade at least 97 council-run toilets have shut across the capital, and closures outnumber openings three to one. Seven London councils now manage fewer than ten public toilets in their entire borough. With the public loo under threat, John Darlington, Director of Projects for the World Monuments Fund, joins us to discuss the origins and history of the toilet - and argues that unlike other infrastructure, it still serves a much-needed and essential purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give the go-ahead for an extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead in her Budget next week.London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has described the news as a “win-win” as it will improve transport links in a poorly connected part of south-east London and should “unlock” thousands of new homes and jobs.But what does it mean in practice? Where will the new stations be built, what difference will it make to commutes – and does it mean that other London transport schemes such as the Bakerloo line extension will be less likely to happen? The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Darfur, at least twice as many people have been killed than in Gaza since 2023. As the crisis looks likely to worsen, one nation has questions to answer over its links to the atrocities. In this week's special report, The Standard's Defence Editor Robert Fox shines a light on the situation in Sudan - and specifically how the United Arab Emirates is involved in its war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's predicted to be the movie event of the year, and this Friday 21 November, Wicked: For Good is finally released in cinemas - the follow-up to last year's Oscar-nominated first film, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. We're joined by The Standard's Culture Writer India Block, who gave the sequel a five star rating, and said if it doesn't get more Oscar nominations, she'll eat her witch's hat! Plus, India is joined by Paul Tazewell, the costume designer behind the epic outfits of the show, who offers a glimpse inside the visual world of Oz…and have you spotted the London destination that has been given a Wicked makeover? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has launched a crackdown on illegal migration, with new reforms aimed at stopping the UK being seen as a ‘golden ticket' for asylum seekers. They include fast-tracking the deportation of illegal migrants, an overhaul of human rights law and changes to refugee status. The Home Secretary's proposals are based on those adopted by Denmark, which has seen the number of illegal arrivals in the country plummet in ten years. The plans have been billed as the most radical since World War II, but have proven controversial, especially with backbench Labour MPs. As ministers face a growing revolt over the sweeping immigration changes, The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been confirmed that the long-awaited Renter's Rights Act will come into force next year on May 1, with the government setting out a staggered timeline for sweeping renters' reforms. As the biggest shake-up to private renting in a generation, the lobbying organisation Generation Rent described it as a “vital first step in righting the power imbalance between landlords and tenants”. But critics are concerned it will prompt more landlords to sell up. We're joined by Matt Hutchinson, Communications Director of flat-sharing site SpareRoom, who shares his perspective on the capital's housing market, whether landlords will be deterred by the new housing regulations, and what further action the government should take. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 5th November, Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani secured an astounding, against-the-odds victory in the New York mayoral election, becoming the youngest person in over a century to lead the largest city in the US. It was Mamdani's message about affordability and the high cost of living that resonated with voters in the Bronx and other underserved areas of New York, but now he has to actually deliver on this mandate for change. But can he actually run New York successfully, and how might the capital be impacted by his election win? We're joined by Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting, in New York City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refugees and people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity are London's most disadvantaged groups. To support them, The Standard is launching our Winter Appeal with the backing of Rita Ora - and in collaboration with Comic Relief, who have pledged £500,000 to get us underway. We're joined by The Standard's Campaigns Editor David Cohen, and CEO of Comic Relief, Samir Patel, to discuss how you can help the most vulnerable people in society - those who are homeless, struggling with food insecurity or who have been forced to flee their homes and are seeking asylum in the UK.Click here to make a donation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's jobless rate has surged to its highest level for more than four-and-a-half years, as the labour market continues to weaken. London had the highest unemployment rate of any region in the UK at 6.5%, up 0.5% since the previous quarter, the Office for National Statistics reports. Hikes to employer national insurance contributions have been largely blamed for the trend. But the grim jobless figures make a December interest rate cut from the Bank of England a near certainty. The capital has been hit particularly hard because of its large numbers of relatively low paid workers in hospitality and retail. It comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' autumn budget later in the month, when it's widely expected that she will break Labour's manifesto pledge and increase taxes in an attempt to kickstart the UK's sluggish economy. The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who is in charge of local government, has said he is “appalled” that serving London councillors are campaigning to become MPs in another country. He wrote to Tower Hamlets Council after it was revealed by The Standard that at least two of the borough's elected representatives had launched campaigns to stand in upcoming elections in Bangladesh. Residents in Mile End have called on Sabina Khan to resign after she announced she was standing for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) in polls in February. Independent councillor Ohid Ahmed, who represents Lansbury ward in Poplar, is also campaigning to become a BNP candidate. It comes as government envoys were sent into Tower Hamlets Council last year, over concerns about the party's leadership, governance and culture. But are these councillors breaking the law by running for office abroad? The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the world's richest man about to become even richer? Tesla CEO Elon Musk is now in with a shot of becoming a trillionaire, after a record-breaking pay deal was approved by 75 per cent of his company's shareholders. It would give him stock worth one trillion dollars, if he hits certain performance targets over the next decade, including delivering 20 million Tesla vehicles and one million robots. Ann Lipton, a law professor at the University of Colorado who specialises in corporate governance and securities regulation is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to review last night's finale of the hugely popular Celebrity Traitors TV show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know Britain's courts are in crisis? After years of cuts by politicians, pandemic disruption and operational failures, The Standard's special report explores the spiralling backlog of court cases that define our broken justice system. Defendants and victims talk about the impact of being trapped, waiting years - sometimes until 2029 or 2030 - for their cases to even come to court. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk reports on this shameful decline, and how jury trials could be axed as a possible solution. It comes as Justice Secretary David Lammy is under fire, as two criminals were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth by mistake - with prison governors called in for crisis talks. He went on to admit that the government has a "mountain to climb" in tackling the prisons crisis, as it emerged that 40 more inmates may be wrongly freed before Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it's been revealed that “human errors” led to some grooming gang police investigations being dropped, in the first stage of a massive review of cases involving child sexual abuse. The development came after a Standard investigation uncovered cases of vulnerable young girls from across London who reported allegations of rape from multiple men but saw inadequate police action. Thousands of cases of rape and sexual assault are being reviewed as part of the National Crime Agency's Operation Beaconport, which has been designed to rectify police failures to tackle grooming gangs. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Chief Theatre Critic and host of the London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to review the new production of Othello at the capital's Theatre Royal Haymarket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given the clearest sign yet that she will break Labour's manifesto promise not to raise taxes on workers, after delivering an unusual pre-Budget speech at Downing Street this morning. She said that after years of so-called economic mismanagement, the budget will focus on “getting inflation falling” and “creating the conditions for interest rate cuts”. But she hasn't ruled out raising income tax. Stephanie Brobbey, a former private wealth lawyer and founder and CEO of the Good Ancestor Movement, shares her perspective. And in part two, the build-up to the festive season is here. The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to discuss this year's John Lewis Christmas advert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard's latest special report reveals the dark truth behind Dubai, as thousands of Londoners are flocking to the Middle East city each year. Ninety per cent of its residents are from elsewhere, and the Gulf expert Christopher Davidson referred to it as the “ultimate liberal economic city state”, which offers the allure of low taxation and cheap labour. But what lies beneath the wealth and glamour? Mustafa Qadri, founder and chief executive of the human and labour rights organisation Equidem, investigates modern slavery in a global economy. He joins us to discuss the human rights violations that underpin this polyglot city. Podcast image by HIT&RUN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Andrew will be stripped of all his titles, Buckingham Palace has confirmed, and will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. King Charles made the unprecedented statement last night, that he will no longer be able to live on the crown estate, and instead will move to a property on the Sandringham Estate. It follows mounting pressure over a string of scandals, the most damaging being Andrew's relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sexual abuse of Virginia Giuffre. Freelance journalist Alice Cockerell is here to discuss the fallout. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to review Florence & The Machine's new album Everybody Scream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for an investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after it emerged she did not obtain the required “selective” rental licence for her £3,200-a-month Dulwich home when she moved into No 11 Downing Street following the election. In a letter to the prime minister, Reeves “sincerely” apologised for her “inadvertent error”, but the Tories have said she should be sacked. They cited Starmer's argument after Boris Johnson's fine for breaching Covid rules that “lawbreakers cannot be lawmakers”. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two The Standard's Chief Theatre Critic and host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, is here to review Ella Hickson's adaptation of Peter Pan, from the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is showing at The Barbican Centre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted Britain can “defy” economic forecasts as she prepares to deliver another tough budget next month. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is expected to deal the Chancellor a further blow in November by downgrading its productivity forecasts for the British economy, leaving her trying to fill a gap in her plans of more than £20 billion. Some top economists have warned Reeves that increasing income tax or reducing public spending is her only option for balancing the books. We're joined by Chaitanya Kumar, Head of Economy and Environment at the New Economics Foundation.And in part two, The Good Food Guide has named the Pelican as London's best pub. The Standard's Restaurant Critic and Going Out Editor David Ellis is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it's been announced that hundreds of asylum seekers are to be moved to military sites as the Government aims to end the use of hotels to house small boat migrants. However, defence minister Luke Pollard admitted that using military sites could cost the taxpayer more than asylum hotels. Yesterday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “frustrated and angry” about the soaring cost of the asylum system, after a damning inquiry by the home affairs committee found that Home Office mismanagement had “squandered” billions on housing migrants in hotels. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Food & Drink Writer Josh Barrie joins us to discuss London's best old school Italian restaurants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today a parliamentary report has sharply criticised the Home Office's management of the asylum system that has led to "billions" of pounds being wasted. It said the government has repeatedly cut corners and wasted taxpayers' money with its “failed, chaotic and expensive” system. It comes as the Housing Secretary has said that progress on ending the use of hotels for asylum accommodation will be announced “within weeks”. Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and protection, and the director of human rights organisation Stand For All, is here to discuss the news. And in part two, The Standard's Entertainment Editor Lisa McLoughlin joins us as it's been revealed that Hollywood A-list couple Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have moved to the leafy north London suburb of Hampstead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today The Standard can reveal a new interactive map that pinpoints London's violent crime hotspots, as latest figures show the capital still accounts for almost a third of knife offences in England and Wales. Billy Gazard, of the ONS, said the data for police-recorded crime “paints a mixed picture”, adding: “Homicide and offences involving knives and guns have all fallen in the past year. While shoplifting continues to rise year on year, there are signs the rate of increase in reporting of these offences is slowing.” The Standard's Crime Correspondent Anthony France is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Culture Writer India Block joins us to discuss Lily Allen's new album, West End Girl. It's the pop star's first album in seven years and offers a lyrical takedown of her ex, David Harbour, that does not pull any punches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storm Benjamin hit the UK with gale force winds causing travel disruption, and serious flooding feared. Yellow weather warnings were put in place for London, the south of England, and the east Midlands, Yorkshire and parts of Wales. The Met Office said flooding, damage to buildings and travel disruption was likely throughout the day. It comes as a new report has revealed the London boroughs most likely to be impacted by flood damage. Louis Ramirez, Managing Director and Co-founder of Flooded People is here to discuss how these weather events are becoming more common and what action should be taken to mitigate the risks. And in part two, freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to discuss what the 6-7 meme is and why teachers are fed up of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard's exclusive investigation on London's harrowing grooming gang epidemic uncovers the repeated story of vulnerable youngsters let down by the authorities there to protect them. The Standard has spoken to social workers, charities, experts and survivors who all say sexual abuse by gangs is ubiquitous across the capital. Previously, London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan was accused of “stonewalling” questions about whether London has a problem with so-called “grooming gangs” - whilst today Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government's grooming inquiry.From police failure to institutional cover-up and establishment silence, The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachelle Abbott is joined by Writer at Large, Melanie McDonagh, who has reviewed Virginia Giuffre's memoir, Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice.Giuffre's book gives an account of her two-year ordeal as a sexual victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.Melanie walks us through the memoir and reveals whether it shares new revelations on Epstein and Ghislaine's case, and what specific claims Virginia makes about her alleged encounters with Prince Andrew.To read Melanie's full review, click here.In part two, is £3.95 pasta worth twirling your fork for?Pastino is expanding with a new venue opening next month, offering some eye-catching prices. But does the quality match the price? We find out more from The Standard's food and drink journalist, Josh Barrie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Chagos Islands deal returns to the Commons, the Standard's Chief Political Correspondent, Rachael Burford, joins us to explain how the influx of islanders from the remote archipelago has left Hillingdon council in crisis. The Chagos Islands have been the subject of a long-running legal dispute between the UK and Mauritius. This week's special report explains how in 2022, those born on Chagos and their children were offered full British citizenship, as a small gesture towards acknowledging historical wrongs. But with more families expected to arrive in the capital, the financial strain is forcing difficult choices. And in part two, The Standard's Chief Restaurant Critic and Going Out Editor David Ellis is here to reveal this week's Hidden London destination - the cigar merchant JJ Fox, which for more than 240 years has drawn the great and the good, from Winston Churchill to Oscar Wilde. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners have been told for years to go electric – and many listened. Families swapped their cars for EVs on the school run. Small businesses invested in electric vans. Thousands of Uber drivers made the switch to cut emissions and costs.But with the Cleaner Vehicle Discount ending this Christmas, those same drivers and households will soon face new daily charges of up to £13.50 to enter central London. For many, that feels less like progress and more like punishment.The Electric London coalition, following The Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to reverse the decision to scrap EVs' exemption from the congestion charge.In this final episode, The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn speaks with Andrew Brem, UK General Manager at Uber, and Steve Garelick from the GMB Union, to hear how professional drivers, small businesses and ordinary Londoners will be affected – and what this policy shift means for trust, fairness, and the future of London's clean air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today discussions to resolve the ban on fans of an Israeli football club attending a match against Aston Villa are happening “at pace, across government”, Downing Street has insisted. Sir Keir Starmer was “angered by the decision” to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from next month's Europa League game in Birmingham amid public safety fears, and linked it to antisemitism. But West Midlands Police said it supported the decision, saying it had classified the fixture as “high-risk”. Emily Hilton, International Policy Director for the Jewish led organisation Diaspora Alliance, joins us to discuss. And in part two, The Standard's Nick Kimberley is here to review the English National Opera's Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten, which is the first show to be staged since the company's new ‘twin city' existence between London and Manchester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.