The Leader | Evening Standard daily

Lucy Tobin looks to the future of the River Thames. From climate change and population growth to water shortages, pollution and emerging contaminants, she explores the challenges facing one of Britain's most important waterways. Hearing from scientists, campaigners, politicians and water industry experts, Lucy asks what needs to happen next to protect the Thames for future generations — and whether the decisions being made today will be enough to secure the river's long-term health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Tobin investigates the challenges facing Thames Water as the company comes under increasing scrutiny from customers, politicians and campaigners. From flooding and compensation disputes to rising bills, debt and sewage pollution, she examines why public trust has been eroded and puts tough questions directly to one of Thames Water's most senior executives about the future of the company and the river it serves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. In the fourth episode of Thames Unfiltered, host Lucy Tobin investigates the Tideway Tunnel — the vast engineering project built beneath the River Thames to tackle London's sewage pollution problem.Following decades of sewage spills into the river, the £4.6 billion "super sewer" was designed to capture millions of tonnes of wastewater that would otherwise overflow into the Thames during heavy rainfall.But while the tunnel is reducing pollution, can it protect London from the increasing threat of flash flooding?This episode features interviews with Thames Water's Head of Waste Operations Tim Davies, catchment management expert Alex Nickson, seventh-generation waterman Chris Livett, and Sir Peter Bazalgette.Listen to Thames Unfiltered, brought to you by The Standard, in association with Thames Water. All content has been created under The Standard's editorial control.Next episode: Lucy puts Thames Water director, Cathryn Ross, in the hot seat. She asks the questions Londoners want answered: bills, bonuses, sewage, and the future ownership of the company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. In the third episode of Thames Unfiltered, host Lucy Tobin explores the engineering marvel that is London's sewer network.After the Great Stink of 1858 and cholera outbreaks that forced politicians to act, the Victorian system was designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette in the mid-20th century.That same Victorian system still serves London today.Lucy pays a visit to Abbey Mills Pumping Station, or “Poo Palace”, to find out what happens when a 150-year-old system is pushed beyond the limits its creator could have imagined.This episode features interviews with the “Queen of London's Poo”, Dina Gillespie, and Sir Peter Bazalgette, great-great-grandson of Joseph Bazalgette.Listen to Thames Unfiltered, brought to you by The Standard, in association with Thames Water. All content has been created under The Standard's editorial control.Next episode: We investigate whether the Tideway Tunnel — London's £5 billion "super sewer" — is delivering on its promise to reduce sewage pollution and relieve pressure on the Victorian network beneath the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. In the second episode of Thames Unfiltered, host Lucy Tobin asks the question:What does clean really mean?The River Thames is healthier than it was decades ago, with wildlife returning to parts of the river once declared biologically dead. But beneath the surface, the picture is far more complicated.In this episode, Lucy speaks to scientists, campaigners and conservationists about how river health is measured.From real-time sewage maps and wet wipe pollution to seahorses, porpoises and harbour seals, we discover that a healthy Thames isn't necessarily a pristine one — it's a living, thriving ecosystem.Listen to Thames Unfiltered, brought to you by The Standard, in association with Thames Water. All content has been created under The Standard's editorial control.Next episode: We go inside Abbey Mills pumping station — London's historic "Poo Palace" — to explore the Victorian engineering miracle that transformed the capital and still carries its waste more than 150 years later.We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. In the first episode of Thames Unfiltered, host Lucy Tobin asks the question:How healthy is the Thames today?Since being declared biologically dead in the mid-20th century, we explore the state of the Thames today, and who and what will impact its future.We examine the role of Thames Water, the impact of climate change and population growth, the importance of the river's tributaries and ecosystems, and whether major projects like London's £5 billion “super sewer” - the Tideway Tunnel - can help secure the river's future.As the debate over Britain's waterways intensifies, this episode sets the scene for a series exploring one of the country's most important rivers—and everything that depends on it.Listen to Thames Unfiltered, brought to you by The Standard, in association with Thames Water. All content has been created under The Standard's editorial control.Next episode: What exactly is in the Thames? We investigate the pollutants, runoff and hidden contaminants affecting river health, and ask what "clean water" really means.We hope you enjoy this new series from The Standard. To listen to more episodes now, check out Thames Unfiltered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is considering dropping juries for certain criminal cases in an attempt to reduce court backlogs. Will this move undermine British justice?In this bumper episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to a vocal opponent to the plans, Geoffrey Robertson KC, former judge and founder of Doughty Street Chambers, where Keir Starmer, David Lammy and Attorney General Richard Herman have all practised. She also hears from criminal barrister and Vice Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, Andrew Thomas KC, who both prosecutes and defends for the Crown, for his view on whether the British justice system needs as many juries.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners will head to the polls next week to choose their local councillors. Since 2021, Labour has held the majority across the capital, but new polling suggests that even Sir Keir Starmer's local borough of Camden may fall to the Greens.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Tony Travers, a professor in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics about the results of the latest London council election poll by JL Partners for LSE. They discuss possible outcomes for the upcoming elections, including which parties might join forces, and the messages Londoners may send to Westminster through the ballot box. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, many Londoners will gain new powers as the Renters' Rights Act comes into force. So what do tenants and landlords need to know?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's Homes & Property editor, Prudence Ivey, about the upcoming changes to rental agreements. The two discuss what renters should look out for in the small print, whether the new bill might inadvertently cause a housing shortage, as well as consider if the bill is enough to convince Londoners to vote for Labour in the upcoming council elections.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's wisteria season — and flower-filled streets in Notting Hill and Kensington have become littered with visitors keen to take a picture in front of pastel coloured houses, with the viral flowers in shot. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Niva Yadav, to discuss whether it is fair to take pictures of people's homes, and whether security measures will be taken to curb the anti-social behaviour of some wisteria enthusiasts in London.Clips: Universal Pictures, ITV News (Faye Barker) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The repeated attacks on Jewish infrastructure over the past few weeks has led to the opening of a Met police counter terrorism investigation into whether the events are linked. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Jonathan Hall KC, the senior barrister responsible for reviewing the UK government's terrorism and state threats legislation. The two discuss how the law distinguishes hate crimes from terrorist acts, why the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the military wing of the Iranian regime, is not currently proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government, and whether the normalising of extremism is more worrying than extremism itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 99.9% of the UK's 5.7 million new companies last year. So what does it really take to build a business from scratch today, and how easy is it to secure funding?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Raphael Sofoluke, the founder of the UK Black Business Show and UK Black Business Week, and Izzy Obeng, the founder and CEO of Foundervine. Both guests are on the judging panel for the AXA Startup Angel Competition from AXA Business Insurance - in partnership with the Standard - and in a couple of months they will select impressive entrepreneurs to win top prizes, including £25,000, expert mentoring, plus business insurance for a year. Together, they discuss what it takes to be a founder, including the most common mistakes, tips on how to impress investors, and how to build a supportive business network that pays dividends in the long run.Competition entries close on 21 June 2026. For more information and to enter this year's AXA startup Angel competition, visit https://axastartupangel.standard.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is about to be brought to a standstill as a result of planned tube strikes. So why have TFL and the RMT not reached a deal, and will the disruption change how Londoners vote in upcoming council elections?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist, Megan Howe, for a detailed breakdown of all how the strikes will affect Londoners, as well as the deal that sparked the tube strikes. Plus, Tamara also speaks to The Standard's political editor, Nic Cecil, for his insights on the position politicians across the party spectrum are taking on the tube worker's strikes, and to what extent the strikes will impact the upcoming local council election results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new social media phenomenon, Londonmaxxing, is growing in popularity. This 2026 viral trend is about experiencing the essence of the city, and packing in the best activities London has to offer. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the senior social features editor at the London Standard, Katrina Mirpuri, for a breakdown of this trend, plus her methods for exploring London like a curious local.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday, the Victoria and Albert museum will open its latest outpost, V&A East. So, what can London expect from its new museum?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Dr Madeleine Haddon, the senior curator of V&A East, for a sneak peek of the new museum. Together they discuss the opening exhibitions, the museum's connection to its home in East London, as well as the museum's inspired cafe offering.Image: V&A East Museum © Hufton+Crow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of Londoners are coming together in Soho this Saturday to call on the government to introduce rent controls. But, with the renters rights act about to come into force, would freezing rents send the private rental market into chaos?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Joe Beswick, a member of the London Renter's Union, about the upcoming protest. Tamara asks Joe about the feasibility of rent controls, how introducing this policy might interact with the Renters Rights Act, and whether housebuilding is the answer to London's affordability crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Currently, more than a third of children leave primary school overweight or obese. The government is about to start a consultation on reforming school meals. Will having salad bars in schools make a difference?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Nika Pajda, Head of Policy and Research at Bite Back. Together they discuss whether banning deep fried foods from school canteens will have a significant impact on children's health, as well as the lurking influence of Big Foods in schools.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán's leadership of Hungary has come to an end. But will a comfortable majority be enough for opposition leader Péter Magyar to bring inflation — and corruption — under control?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Miklós Hajnal, a sitting Member of Parliament for the Momentum party and an opposition figure in Hungary's National Assembly. Together, they discuss whether Hungary can truly move beyond Orbán's rule, and the geopolitical direction the country may take in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sickfluencers are everywhere right now — but what are they actually doing, and why has it turned into such a political flashpoint?In this episode, Martha Tipper digs into the row over social media creators who post tips on claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — from step-by-step guides to broader advice on navigating a system many people say is notoriously hard to “crack”.A new report from centre-right think tank Policy Exchange claims this kind of online coaching could fuel economic inactivity and put more pressure on the health and disability benefits system — and the report's sponsorship by Reform UK's Robert Jenrick has only cranked up the heat.But there's another side to it: plenty of people with genuine — and often invisible — disabilities say this content is a lifeline, especially when legal aid and specialist support are hard to access, and rejection rates are high. So is this really about fraud… or is it about a benefits system that's confusing by design?We also look at ideas being floated for reform — from means testing to more in-person assessments, and even vouchers or other targeted support — and why the practical reality may be messier than the headlines.Plus: what the DWP says about fraud levels, and why “people getting advice on the internet” might be the least shocking part of all this Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode Nine, Evgeny is joined by Michael Pollan, journalist, author, and one of the leading voices exploring the human mind. Drawing on his new book A World Appears, Pollan makes an impassioned case for consciousness as something precious, private, and increasingly under threat. Together, they explore how social media and AI are not just competing for our attention, but beginning to shape attachment, emotion, and even our sense of self.The conversation ranges from chatbots and “AI psychosis” to meditation, psychedelics, and the idea of “consciousness hygiene” - the habits and practices that might help us protect our inner lives. Pollan also reflects on why writing is a form of thinking, why boredom and mind-wandering matter, and how experiences of ego dissolution, art, and nature can deepen our understanding of consciousness. The episode ends on a wider question: whether the real challenge is not only understanding consciousness, but learning how to practise it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the recent closure of Corsica Studios, it felt like the right moment to revisit this episode — because the big question hasn't gone away: can London actually keep its nightlife alive, or are we slowly watching it get priced and policed out of existence?There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan's London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital's late-night scene?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce's latest report, the city's evolving club culture, and Cameron's outlook for London's night-time economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have a special treat for you in the form of an introduction to one of our other shows, Tech & Science Daily!Alan Leer is in with a proper commute-friendly sprint through today's tech and science. London researchers linked to UCL hit a bonkers fibre speed record — using existing installed cable — while the UK's Online Safety regime gets sharper as a key reporting duty kicks in today. Then we go brainy with a study teasing out a “neural fingerprint” for psychedelics, before switching to gaming where Starfield finally opens up on PS5 with a big update and fresh story content. Plus, a quick reality check on why your next phone might cost more than your last — and what to do about it. More at standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elephant and Castle, tucked beneath London's Southbank, is set for a major transformation. Long defined by its busy gyratory system and ageing brutalist buildings, the area is now at the centre of a £4 billion regeneration aiming to transform it into a desirable destination in its own right.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by The Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn to explore the development plans, the changes that are already in place, and whether this long-awaited “glow up” will be enough to attract visitors to the area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wireless has booked Kayne West (Ye) as a three-day headliner for their July festival. With Ye's controversial and anti-semitic history, what message does this send to Londoners?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Josh Rom, a culture journalist who has covered many of Kanye's infamous moments. Together, they explore the festival's rationale for handing the polarising rapper the entire weekend, despite intense backlash and condemnation from the Jewish Leadership Council over his past antisemitic remarks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's leading performing arts union, Equity, is raising concerns about the role of the London Nightlife Task Force, saying that workers' voices are being overlooked in decisions shaping the capital's night-time economy.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Megan Howe to unpack Equity's latest survey findings, before hearing from drag artist Le Fil, who shares their first-hand experience of working in London's late night economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Lords is considering a proposal to charge overseas visitors admission fees at museums and galleries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the free entry policy, but with some institutions now reporting deficits, government ministers are looking to tourists to prop up cultural institutionsIn this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Alison Cole, the director of the Cultural Policy Unit thinktank, who helped to devise the initial universal free admission policy instituted in 2001. Together, they discuss whether charging tourists could generate enough income to plug the gap in arts funding, and explore alternative ways to keep cultural institutions free for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Easter falling early this year, what should home cooks reconsider, and which restaurants are serving the best festive menus?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the London Standard's Going Out Editor and resident food critic, David Ellis, for tips on how to snag tables at great restaurants over the long weekend, plus festive recipes that you can prepare ahead of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, the London Marathon ballot box achieved a personal best. Over one million applicants signed up for April's upcoming event, and with only 10,000-15,000 places reserved for ballot entries, the competition for a spot is tougher than ever. Now, rumours are circulating that the Sunday event may become a two-day weekend as early as 2027 in order to accommodate the increased demand. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rick Pearson, the senior editor of Runner's World UK and co-host of the Runner's World podcast. The two discuss how a two-day event might unfold, tips for running novices, and also unpack the reasons why the London Marathon continues to hold its spot as the world's most popular running event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the release of Louis Theroux latest investigation, Inside The Manosphere, discourse has turned to a particular detail from the documentary — that the alpha male influencers had absent fathers. So, why has the focus shifted to single mothers?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rebecca Cox, author of How To Be a Happy Single Parent, who argues that single mothers are being unfairly labelled as ‘toxic' in the debate surrounding Louis Theroux's new documentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel disruptions are pushing British holidaymakers to divert their holiday plans away from the Middle East, and a lot of people have the same ideas. So which destinations will be crowd-free over Easter?In this episode, The Standard's lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale sits down with travel writer Alicia Miller to discuss holiday destinations that are unlikely to be rammed with tourists in a couple of weeks, as well as tips for finding a great last minute deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early hours of Monday morning, arsonists set fire to four ambulances run by a Jewish charity in a synagogue car park in North London. The attack has shaken British Jewry, amid growing concerns over the normalisation of antisemitism in the UK. In this episode, host Tamara speaks to the CEO of Campaign Against Antisemitism, Gideon Falter, about the attack and its lead up. She also speaks to Rabbi Sandor Milun, the managing director of a Jewish volunteering charity, Gift UK, about the attack that took place in the car park of his synagogue.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's Harley Street is best known as a centre of medical excellence. Are unqualified “tweakment” aestheticians threatening its reputation?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Niva Yadav, the Standard's trainee journalist, who has been investigating the world of rogue cosmetic practitioners in Harley Street. The two discuss the medical status of dermal filler, whether the government's attempts to regulate the industry go far enough, and tips on what to ask a cosmetic practitioner before undergoing a treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While London clubs increasingly face the risk of closure, ticketed events in multi-use spaces are becoming more popular. Even art galleries have started hosting after hours events. So, how different will clubbing look over the next few years?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rosalie Doubal, a senior curator of international art at Tate Modern, about the intersection of art, culture and clubbing, and whether she sees galleries becoming a vital part of late night infrastructure. Tamara also catches up with The Standard's features writer and nightlife expert, Maddy Mussen, for a vibe check on London's after-hours scene.Photograph: Tate (Ben Fisher) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 awards season delivered unforgettable fashion moments, from Jessie Buckley's sculptural pink and red Chanel gown to Timothée Chalamet's playful white Givenchy suit. Designers like Schiaparelli and Valentino dominated headlines, with the red carpet capturing the energy and creativity of major fashion weeks.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by business writer and branding specialist, John Arlidge, to discuss the changing landscape for legacy brands in a tougher environment. The two discuss the burgeoning second-hand market to the prevalence of high quality dupes, and ultimately, the downfall of the retail sector.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A student nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, is at the centre of a meningitis B outbreak that has so far caused over a dozen hospitalisations and two deaths.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to immunisation specialist Dr Helen Burford, who is a professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss the difference between meningitis strains, why this variant might have spread in a nightclub and whether Londoners need to take action to protect their health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a significant British presence at this year's Oscars, with UK film talent receiving 40 nominations and delivering several wins on the night.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance culture writer Laura Martin, who recently wrote for the Standard about why London could be the new ‘Lollywood'. They discuss whether that idea holds up after this year's Academy Awards, and break down some of the biggest British success stories from Sunday night.Tamara also speaks to Lisa Walters, a former Head of Production in TV, who is among the many film and television professionals who have left the industry over the past year due to an ongoing work drought in the UK.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As cocaine use continues to rise in the capital, we're revisiting this episode exploring why London has been dubbed the ‘cocaine capital' of Europe.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital's latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London's pub culture intersects with the city's cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From soaring costs to the future of the great British pub, we're revisiting our conversation with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge.Is the government doing enough to support the country's hospitality sector?In this episode, The Standard's Going Out editor David Ellis sits down with Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and publican Tom Kerridge to discuss the realities of running a hospitality business today. From soaring business rates to rising costs and shrinking margins, Kerridge explains why pubs are under unprecedented pressure and what the government could do to help the sector survive – and even grow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We revisit this bumper travel episode, The Standard's lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale joins travel journalist Alicia Miller to unpack the trendiest destinations for 2026. From meadows in Cantabria to the sandy beaches of the new Maldives, the two select options for different budgets and trip lengths – and break down our current sauna obsession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode Eight, Evgeny is joined by Carl Pei, founder and CEO of Nothing, the London-based consumer tech company trying to make devices feel fun. Carl explains how Nothing evolved from earbuds to smartphones, why he believes design and “focus-first” features can counter distraction, and what it means to build products with a distinct, instantly recognisable identity.Evgeny and Carl also explore the psychological cost of always-on devices, the battle for attention and consciousness, and what it might mean to build technology that helps people stay intentional. The episode ends on a wider view of the AI era: enormous promise for medicine and science, but serious unanswered questions about jobs, governance, and whether society is ready for what comes next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, Iran's near-closure of the Persian Gulf is rattling global markets. The disruption has sent oil prices soaring and sparked global concern over oil supply, which has had a spill-over effect on equity and gilt markets. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn, to discuss the impact of these events on markets – and our wallets. The two discuss how quickly bills will rise, how costly this could be for Brits, and which sectors will be rocked by the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's property market has come out of hibernation early and is experiencing one of its earliest “Spring surges”. Is now a good time to buy, and where can the best bargains be found? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Anna White, a freelance writer who covers homes and property for The Standard, who produced a bumper guide for first-time buyers for the paper. They discuss prime locations for bargains, new and accessible mortgage options, and whether the government will offer more help to first-time buyers in order to meet its house-building target. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has spent much of the week defending his decision not to join the US and Israel's offensive in Iran, saying that “any UK actions must always have a lawful basis'.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to international legal expert Marko Milanovic, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading. They discuss the legality of the US-Israeli intervention in Iran, if Starmer made the right call on behalf of Britain, and whether flouting international law can ever be justified on moral grounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Restaurateur Jeremy King's latest venture, a revamp of the 200 year old Simpson's in The Strand, speaks to London's latest trend – classic dining.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's Going Out Editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, about why diners are regaining an appetite for traditional fare. Plus, David shares his recommendations for London's most classic institutions, including newcomers who are embracing tried and tested dishes with a modern twist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubai, alongside its Middle Eastern neighbours, is being targeted by Iranian strikes that have so far caused damage to airports, hotels and ports. At least 94,000 stranded Brits have registered their location with the Foreign Office to prepare for evacuation, and airlines have, albeit slowly, begun to repatriate travellers.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance writer, Tom Place, who has been reporting on the repatriation story for The Standard. She also speaks to London expat Harley Mcgaughran, the CEO and founder of luxury shopping service, Trendsourcing, who does not regret his decision to ditch London for Dubai as of yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the US and Israel seized on an opportune moment to eliminate senior figures of the ruling militia in Iran, including the supreme leader Ayatollah Khemeni. The UK, however, has not been instrumental to the success of this mission so far. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, about Keir Starmer's decision to refuse to send British military support for the initial strikes. Plus, a conversation with Laila Jazayeri, the Director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, to discuss the reaction to Khemeni's death in Iran and the diaspora, and lay out alternative leadership paths for the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners may notice their outgoings increase, due to higher TFL fares that kicked in yesterday. The cost of pay as you go Tube, rail and DLR services are rising by an average of 6% but it's not all bad news, as bus fares and travel card fares have been frozen for now. To understand the latest changes to fares, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Ross Lydall, the Standard's City Hall and Transport correspondent, for a London travel update. They discuss why TFL made the decision to raise fares this spring, access to airports via public transport, and whether it is time to discontinue travel subsidies that older Londoners enjoy to fill in TFL's funding gap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan's London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital's late-night scene?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce's latest report, the city's evolving club culture, and Cameron's outlook for London's night-time economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by Dr Sabine Donnai, a physician specialising in precision medicine, preventive health, and is the founder of Viavi Healthcare. They explore brain health beyond standard scans, discussing how gut function, inflammation, environmental exposure, and stress interact over time. Drawing on Evgeny's own test results, Sabine explains why she believes long-term cognitive resilience starts not with extreme biohacks, but with fixing the basics - particularly the gut. The conversation concludes with practical takeaways: reduce inflammatory foods, increase dietary diversity and fermented foods, support cardiovascular health, and avoid turning longevity into another source of stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election is set to be another major test of Keir Starmer's authority as leader of the Labour party, following the arrest of his selected former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's political editor, Nicolas Cecil, alongside chief political correspondent Rachel Burford, to lay out the possible outcomes of the by-election, and weigh up how catastrophic losing could be for Labour — and for Keir Starmer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since January, there have been close to one hundred cases of measles reported In North London. The UK managed to eliminate measles via mass vaccination just under ten years ago. How did we get here, and how serious is this latest epidemic?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to child immunisation specialist Dr Helen Bedford, professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss how serious this latest epidemic is, the different factors that have led to the latest measles outbreak, as well as reality test potential solutions like keeping non-vaccinated children out of school. Plus, Tamara also speaks to the Standard's trainee journalist, Niva Yadav, about how parents in affected areas are coping with news of the outbreak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.