The Leader | Evening Standard daily

Today unemployment rates have risen to 4.7%, which is the highest rate since the second lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. But what's the truth behind the figures? Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at the Institute of Public Policy Research, is here to unpack the data. And in part two, The Standard's dance critic David Jay explores the uncertain landscape of youth dance, ahead of Sadler's Wells and Sadler's Wells East YFX festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK rate of inflation has increased to an 18-month high of 3.6% to the shock of economists - and households are facing a new squeeze, with accelerating food, drink and fuel prices. The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's comedy critic, Bruce Dessau is here with a preview of this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an unprecedented trial at The Old Bailey, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who went on the run with their newborn daughter, have been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest. And in part two, writer Charlotte Ambrose explores the enduring appeal of Carrie Bradshaw's Sex and the City fashion, which is now reaching new Gen Z audiences via social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treasury minister Darren Jones has left open the prospect of freezing the thresholds for paying income tax beyond 2028, as the government scrambles to balance the public finances. Pranesh Narayanan, a research fellow within the Institute for Public Policy Research, explains what the impact of this would be, and explores other ways to raise tax revenues. And in part two, lifestyle journalist Jessica Salter reveals why London gym Before the Lights has become a celebrity hangout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Standard's latest special report, reporter Jacob Phillip has been investigating the capital's vanishing schools, with more than 30 primaries in the capital set to shut or merge before the next academic year. He joins us to unpack the reasons behind this trend, which is also affecting other parts of the UK. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Justin Bieber's new surprise album, Swag - which the Canadian singer says is his most personal to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Today Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a policing blitz on London's 20 most blighted town centres for shoplifting, robbery, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. The Standard's Crime Editor Anthony Frances has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, gives his verdict on the latest Superman film which is out in cinemas on Friday 11 July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the first volume of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report delivered a devastating assessment of the damage done by the scandal, which is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. It focuses on the “disastrous” impact of false accusations made against at least 1000 postmasters. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest.And in part two, The Standard's Food and Drink writer Josh Barrie shares how NYC-style pizzas are taking centre stage in the capital, after more than a decade of floppy Neapolitan style pizzas - plus where to get a slice of the action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been 20 years since the 7/7 bomb attacks in the capital which killed 52 people and injured several hundred. The Standard is joined by Islamic scholar Thomas Small, and survivor Mustafa Kurtuldu, to discuss the aftermath. You can hear more from Thomas Small in Conflicted - 7/7 The Inside Story, produced by Message Heard for Wondery. And in part two, is Scandinavia the new Mediterranean? Travel writer Alicia Miller joins us to discuss where you might want to visit for a ‘coolcation' this summer to escape the European heatwave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks one year since Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer entered No. 10 Downing Street, but it's been a tricky start, as he faces plummeting polls, backbench rebels and sudden U-turns. The Standard's reporter Fred Hood takes to the street to ask the public how they feel about his policies, and Chief Correspondent Rachael Burford explains the challenges that lie ahead - plus the latest on the news that Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana will set up a new independent party with Jeremy Corbyn.And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reports from Cardiff where Liam and Noel Gallagher are reuniting for the first time since 2009, kickstarting their long-awaited worldwide Oasis tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Hunter, Alex's childhood friend, recounts the eerily similar death of another friend, Liam Anderson, in Sydney, Australia. Journalist Sacha Batthyany delves into the psychology of extreme wealth, exploring a self-help course designed for those born into unimaginable privilege. Then, a shocking revelation—a third death within this same social circle. We zoom out to examine the toxic mix of privilege, drugs, and the dangerous sense of invincibility that pervades this world of young, affluent men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, a new report from Britain's National Energy System Operator (NESO) has revealed that a power outage which shut Heathrow Airport earlier this year, causing travel chaos for more than 270,000 passengers, was caused by a ‘catastrophic failure' of equipment in a nearby substation. The Standard's Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest.And in part two, freelance journalist Edwina Langley shares what to eat, drink and wear if you're heading to SW19 for this year's Wimbledon tennis tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transport for London has missed passenger targets, delayed the new Piccadilly line trains and caused chaos on the Central line, but 2,200 Transport for London staff earn six-figure sums, according to exclusive reporting by The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall. And in part two, The Standard's sports writer Dom Smith explains why this year's opening day at Wimbledon has been record-breaking for British players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The problem of knife crime is usually viewed through the prism of tragedy. But after spending months reporting from inside the capital's youth courts, The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us to discuss his special report on the efforts being made to steer children away from crime before it's too late. And in part two, journalist Alice Cockerell ventures behind the scenes at Wimbledon tennis tournament, with ball boys and ball girls being put through their paces, and bad behaviour both on and off court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With this year's Wimbledon Championships starting on Monday, The Standard's live sports writer Matt Verri tells us about meeting Britain's no.1 tennis star Jack Draper - currently ranked fourth in the world - and whether he has it in him to win a grand slam tournament. Then, as part of The Standard's Hidden London series, John Darlington, Director of Projects for the World Monuments Fund, explains why he likens Sevendroog Castle in South London to India's Taj Mahal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katja Faber transforms from mother to defender as she gears up for the biggest legal fight of her lifetime – the appeal and ensuing retrial. We examine a Swiss legal loophole that Bennet's team exploits in an attempt to free him. And just when she least expects it, Katja receives a letter from Bennet himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a growing backlash to his proposed welfare reform bill, with 120 Labour MPs saying they will back an amendment that threatens the cuts. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer, Vicky Jessop, joins us as the Glastonbury Festival gates open to share her top tips and the best acts to see at the music extravaganza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK may be the start-up capital of Europe, but not when it comes to women. Currently, just 19.1% of active UK companies are female-led.Sharmadean Reid, an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of Stack World, and AXA Startup Angel judge, joins us to discuss the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in the UK.'Hustling and entrepreneurship come naturally to women'Sharmadean told us women don't have issues starting businesses; they have issues growing them, due to a lack of funding.Sharmadean shares insights on the importance of mentorship and advice for those starting and scaling businesses.Plus, she also discusses the current economic climate and how it's leaving business owners feeling "hopeless".For more information and to enter this year's AXA Startup Angel competition, visit standard.co.uk/axastartupangel.Entries close July 6th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The campaign group Palestine Action has been proscribed under anti-terror laws. Before the announcement was confirmed, Ruth Ehrlich, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the human rights organisations Liberty, explained what it could all mean. And in part two, The Standard's culture writer India Block tells us about Floweroverlove, the London-based singer-songwriter who is opening for Olivia Rodrigo at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The future of Notting Hill Carnival is in doubt after a review identified ‘critical public safety concerns' due to vast crowds. The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest.And in part two, to celebrate London's Pride month, Jack Guinness talks about his book ‘The Queer Bible', his love for London and the importance of sharing LGBTQ+ stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katja Faber steps into the courtroom to face her son's killer. Bennet's defence claims he suffered a drug-induced psychotic break and is therefore not responsible for his actions. Katja uncovers something she never could have predicted—Alex's homicide isn't the only crime Bennet is standing trial for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, US President Donald Trump is considering whether to join Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, as the conflict continues for a sixth day - but what does this mean for the UK? The Standard's news reporter Bill Bowkett has the latest.And in part two, The Standard's art critic Melanie McDonagh gives her verdict on The Royal Academy of Art's summer exhibition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London mayor Sadiq Khan will press ahead with the part-pedestrianisation of Oxford Street to the cost of £150 million. The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to explain why fans are divided over the musical Evita which is currently showing at London's Palladium theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week London is tipped to be hotter than Barcelona and the Algarve, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees, and climate scientist Dr Chloe Brimicombe from the Royal Meteorological Society joins us to discuss.And in part two, The Standard's commissioning editor and culture writer, Vicky Jessop, explains how TikTok influencer Addison Rae became the new cool girl of music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities, The Standard's Defence Editor Robert Fox joins us to explain the latest developments in the Middle East. And in part two, criminal investigative psychologist Professor Donna Youngs reveals why so many of us are drawn to true crime stories, as digital app Readly launches a true crime retro series with The Standard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 30, 2014, Katja Faber wakes from a horrific nightmare—Alex's face is twisted in pain, and something is terribly wrong. Hours later, at 2 a.m., her worst fears are realised when police arrive at her home in Spain to tell her that Alex has been killed. As the gruesome details of his final moments emerge, Katja struggles to process the unimaginable loss and the shocking reality of what happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled her spending review today, with budgets set out for all government departments over the next few years. The Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, as featured in The Standard's Hidden London series, we're joined by John Darlington, an archaeologist and director of projects for the World Monuments Fund, to explore Boston Manor House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 700 children, as young as 10, have been caught with knives and firearms in London schools, according to new figures obtained by The Standard. Crime correspondent Anthony France joins us to explain more. And in part two, food and drink writer Josh Barrie reveals the big winners from last night's National Restaurant Awards - with 56 restaurants in the capital making the top 100 list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A boat of 12 activists - including Greta Thunberg - headed for Gaza to deliver urgent aid has been diverted to Israel and those on board ‘kidnapped'. Asad Rehman, Executive Director of the UK based human rights organisation War on Want, explains the latest. And in part two, news reporter Megan Howe reveals The Standard's exclusive freedom of information data on how much the Met police spent managing two large protests against China's proposed mega embassy in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Labour's Davy Russell narrowly defeated the SNP to win the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, with Reform coming a close third. The Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, Rachelle Abbott meets the founder of hip hop band Cypress Hill, B-Real, to discuss the band's new album with the London Symphony Orchestra, which was recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall and was inspired by an episode of The Simpsons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katja Faber is a former barrister and journalist who has lived through every parent's worst nightmare—the death of her 23-year-old son, Alex Morgan. In our opening episode, Katja takes us back to 2014, introducing us to Alex and the glamorous, globetrotting world he was part of before his tragic killing later that year. We explore the circumstances surrounding his death and how he and his killer ended up taking drugs together in a Swiss villa on that fateful night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed what to expect in the upcoming spending review - including that winter fuel payments will be restored to some pensioners this year, in a government u-turn on the allowance cuts.To run us through the latest, we're joined by The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent, Rachael Burford.Plus, in part two, we'll be exploring whether monogamy is still a realistic, with culture writer Claudia Cockerell. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/pensioners-winter-fuel-payments-reeves-spending-review-b1231164.html https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-monogamy-modern-relationships-b1230343.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the New York private equity firm KKR dramatically pulled out of a financial rescue plan for the heavily indebted Thames Water. Eleanor Shearer, a senior research fellow at the Common Wealth think tank, joins us to ask what happens next. Plus, the Standard's showbiz correspondent Tina Campbell, is here to discuss the latest development in the continuing feud between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.https://www.standard.co.uk/business/new-york-private-equity-kkr-thames-water-rescue-ofwat-b1230923.htmlhttps://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-medical-records-b1230950.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The London Standard's defence editor Robert Fox joins us to discuss the government's newly released strategic defence review.And in part two, he explains the latest on peace talks in Istanbul following Ukraine's long-range drone attack on Russia on Sunday.https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/defence-review-keir-starmer-spending-donald-trump-b1230498.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is behind the red paint attacks both in and outside the capital? Journalist David James Smith reports on the latest, as Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, urges the Met Police to treat the repeated vandalism with the seriousness it deserves.And in part two, journalist Lucy Pavia shares how you can bring the cottagecore garden trend to your own urban outdoor space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashok Kumar, an American associate professor of political economy at Birkbeck University, shares how the action of the US federal court has scuppered Trump's tariff plans, and impacted global trade relations.The Court of International Trade found the president overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from US trading partners.And in part two, The Standard's review of Kylie Minogue at London's O2 with culture writer and commissioning editor Vicky Jessop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Mayor of London urges the government to consider decriminalising possession of small amounts of cannabis, Steve Rolles, a senior policy analyst for Transform Drugs Policy Foundation, unpacks the findings of the London Drugs Commission.And in part two, The Standard's culture writer Claudia Cockerell questions the power and popularity of the slogan t-shirt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is positioning his party against Labour, with policies that will allegedly be funded by axing net zero projects, saving up to £225 billion. The London Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford explains more.And in part two, news reporter Megan Howe tells us why one London borough is seeking independence to rejoin Essex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Ofgem announces the latest energy price cap, we're joined by Emily Seymour, from consumer champion Which? to unpack today's facts and figures.And in part two, The London Standard's lifestyle and culture writer India Block reveals the winning songwriters of the Ivor Novello awards - and the state of the music industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the day that a package of fundamental reforms to the justice system is announced, The London Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk reports on the action.And in part two, we explore why Clarkson's Farm has proved to be Prime Video's most successful original series of all time, with Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's been a bigger-than-expected inflation jump for households across Britain - and The London Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford unpacks the news, alongside Keir Starmer's surprise policy u-turn.And in part two, Tamara Davidson reports on the release of Final Destination Bloodlines, which is the cult franchise's sixth film after 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer claims Britain is back on the world stage after securing a new deal between Britain and the EU - but opposition leaders say he has surrendered on fishing rights. Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest.And in part two, The London Standard's business editor Jonathan Pyrnn reveals details of the Barbican Centre's ambitious renovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speaking from London's Old Bailey, we're joined by The London Standard's courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk, with the latest on the major hack of the UK's justice system by cyber criminals.And in part two, we learn about the new Guinness micro brewery which will be coming to London's Covent Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As excitement builds around the Eurovision Song Contest, The London Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop highlights the standout acts to watch — amid ongoing protests and controversy surrounding Israel's participation.And in part two, as part of this week's hidden London, world war two historian, Dr Helen Fry, is at Latimer House, where intelligence services extracted secrets from the Nazis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporter Megan Howe joins us from the High Court to explain the row over events such as Mighty Hoopla and Field Day, which are held in Brockwell Park - and how the verdict will impact London's festival scene.Plus, Claudia Cockerell shares the sour truth about London's sugar babies, who are dating older, wealthy men to fund their lives in a cost of living crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government has slashed Sir Sadiq Khan's affordable housing targets after the number of affordable homes being started in London last year was revealed to be the second lowest on record.Local democracy reporter Noah Vickers joins us to unpack the latest data from City Hall.And in part two, Chief Theatre Critic Nick Curtis tells us about the hottest theatre tickets in town this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to discuss the backlash against Prime Minister Keir Starmer's migration reforms, with his immigration speech likened by MPs to the rhetoric of Enoch Powell.And in part two, Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk brings us the latest from P Diddy's trial in New York, where the music mogul is accused of sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution charges Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to discuss the secret underground world propping up some of the capital's most-hyped restaurants, fuelled by illegal immigration.And in part two, Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop shares all the news, shocks and surprises from Sunday's BAFTA TV Awards ceremony. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between 2023 and 2024, police recorded a record high of 37,959 blackmail offences in England and Wales but what's behind the increase in this type of crime? Alexandra McCready is Head of Reputation and Privacy for law firm, Vardags, and joins us to reveal what really goes on behind closed doors when it comes to dealing with blackmail and sextortion. Plus, how and why the recent papal election process fuelled a new online obsession amongst Gen-Z. The London Standard's Features writer and columnist, Maddy Mussen is here with the lowdown on PopeCrave, fan-cams and the fan fiction inspired by Conclave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After several days of commemoration events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, culminating in a memorial service today at Westminster Abbey, we're joined by Laura Clouting, Senior Curator at the Imperial War Museum, to explore why the historic event still holds importance in today's society and what we can learn from those who endured the Second World War. Plus, as Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday, he releases a new film with possibly one of his most important messages to date. The London Standard's Culture writer, Vicky Jessop, joins us to tell us what we can expect from ‘Ocean'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions are rising between two nuclear powers after India launched missile strikes into Pakistan-controlled territory. Pakistan's calling it an “act of war”. The London Standard's reporter Jacob Phillips joins us to explain what's happened, why now, and what it means for the UK and wider world.Plus, we hear from James Ashton, co-founder of Oscar's Book Prize. He tells us about this year's winning picture book “Just The Two of Us” by Polly Noakes - and the moving legacy behind the award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.