The Leader | Evening Standard daily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Millions of homeowners were handed a boost today when the Bank of England cut its interest rate from 4.25% to 4%. The reduction is the fifth over the past year, and brings borrowing costs down to their lowest since March 2023. Theo Harris, an economist at the New Economics Foundation joins us to discuss the news. And in part two, Nick Curtis, The Standard's Theatre Critic and co-host of The London Theatre Review Podcast, reviews broadway show Good Night, Oscar, which features Will & Grace star Sean Hayes as troubled pianist Oscar Levant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Metropolitan Police plans to close half of its front desk to save money. In a list published overnight, Scotland Yard confirmed it will break its pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day, in each of the 32 boroughs. It comes amid an epidemic of knife crime, mobile phone snatches, shoplifting and bike theft across the capital. The Standard's Crime Correspondent Anthony France reacts to the news.And in part two, features journalist Katie Strick delves into the grim reality of modern dating, after the women's safety app Tea was targeted in a revenge attack by the right-wing anti-women group 4Chan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron's migrant deal comes into force today, with detentions set to begin from tomorrow. The ‘one in, one out' pilot scheme allows the UK to send some people who have crossed the Channel back to France, in exchange for asylum seekers with ties to Britain. Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and protection, and the director of human rights organisation Stand For All, joins us to discuss whether it will deter people from crossing the Channel. And in part two, The National Gallery has announced that a citizens' assembly will help shape its future. The Standard's columnist and arts critic, Melanie McDonagh shares her thoughts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Met Police could be “tested to the limit” as hundreds have been urged to declare support for Palestine Action in central London this weekend. Protesters are being urged to turn up en masse to test whether the state can respond to such a big endorsement for the recently proscribed terror group, with organisers saying “there is safety in numbers”. Tim Crossland, a former government lawyer, who now campaigns with the civil liberties movement Defend Our Juries, has the latest. And in part two, freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to discuss the demise of late night dining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today US President Donald Trump has slapped steep tariffs on exports from dozens of trading partners around the world. At 10 per cent, the UK has been promised the lowest US tariff rate so far. But what does this all mean? Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now - an organisation that campaigns for a fairer global economy - is here to unpack the news. And in part two The Standard's Going Out Editor and Restaurant Critic David Ellis explains why so many New Yorkers are swapping the Big Apple for the Big Smoke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard's special report this week examines a worrying pattern of crime taking place in the capital. Shops across London are repeatedly having their windows smashed - yet nothing is stolen. Is it just broken glass, or a shattering conspiracy? The Standard's Claudia Cockerell has the latest. And in part two, if you're still craving a summer holiday, freelance travel writer Alicia Miller is here with a roundup of some of the best trips to take before the season ends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knife crime has soared by 86% in London in a decade, according to a report from the Policy Exchange think tank. Just 20 streets around Oxford Circus and Regent Street accounted for one in every 15 knife attacks across the capital, it found. Former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector David Spencer shares the findings and explains what needs to happen to tackle the capital's crime epidemic. And in part two, The Standard's Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop shares her thoughts on the Channel 4 documentary about adult content creator and controversial figure Bonnie Blue - 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired an emergency cabinet meeting and announced that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza. Before the announcement, Dr David Wearing, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sussex and an expert on UK foreign relations in the Middle East explained what needs to happen to resolve the conflict. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson shares the wild true story behind the new musical Brixton Calling, which is on at Southwark Playhouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Donald Trump at his golf course in Scotland, Turnberry for talks.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was top of the agenda, but the US President also doubled down on his controversial comments that an “invasion” of migrants is “ruining” Europe. And in part two, The Standard's Football Writer Simon Collings shares what's next for The Lionesses after the team won the Women's Euro 2025 championship yesterday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today new measures as part of the Online Safety Act mean people will need to verify that they are over 18 to access harmful and toxic content online - with the intention of restricting children from accessing material such as pornography, and content referencing self-harm, suicide, hate speech and violence. Cyber security expert Chelsea Jarvie explores whether these ‘age gate' measures go far enough. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, joins us ahead of tonight's Oasis gig, as the band return to the capital's Wembley Stadium for the first time since 2009. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-migrant protests have continued to erupt this week. The Met Police have responded to a second consecutive night of anti-migrant protests outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, following confirmation that asylum seekers will be accommodated there. Meanwhile, Epping Forest District Council has asked for the immediate and permanent closure of two local asylum hotels, citing a series of “serious incidents” in the area. To unpack these protests and how authorities are reacting, we speak to The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent, Rachael Burford.In part two, we reflect on the life and legacy of a rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family at home. The Standard's celebrity correspondent, Lisa McLoughlin, joins us to look back at the remarkable career of the Prince of Darkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Lionesses have clinched their place in the Euro 2025 final, after winning yesterday's semi-final match against Italy. Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang scored in the 96th minute, to take the game to extra time, before Chloe Kelly sealed the victory by driving home the rebound from her saved penalty. The Standard's Sports Writer Dom Smith has the latest. And in part two, Will Hosie, Lifestyle Editor of Country Life magazine, and a contributor to The Standard, shares his experience of meeting the ‘hot vicar of Notting Hill', Pat Allerton, who is part of a growing number of clergymen making Christianity ‘cool'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has stepped up its crackdown on anyone involved in assisting illegal migration in the UK. Foreign secretary David Lammy described the new sanctions, which will be implemented tomorrow, as ‘world first' measures to tackle people smuggling. The Standard's Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, John Darlington, director of the World Monuments Fund, explores the history of the Ragged School Museum in the capital's East End, which is this week's Hidden London feature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ofwat is to be scrapped as part of a radical overhaul of a “broken” water regulatory system Environment Secretary Steve Reed confirmed today, following the publication of a major report from the Independent Water Commission. Giles Bristow, CEO of the campaign group Surfers against Sewage, responds to the news - and Paul Powlesland, Barrister at Lawyers for Nature, explains why he decided to become a guardian of the River Roding in East London, to spot illegal sewage leaks. And in part two, Sadiq Khan has called London ‘the undisputed capital of music”, but are this summer's huge gigs the full story? The Standard's Head of Culture Martin Robinson questions whether it's good for the music industry. *This episode contains one example of mild explicit language Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major data breach which led to thousands of Afghans being secretly relocated to the UK became public knowledge for the first time this week. The Standard's Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard's Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Apple TV's The Studio, the must-watch, Emmy-nominated satirical show from Seth Rogen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.