The News Agents

This week started like so many others - with a brand new British Prime Minister. At least Andy Burnham had the grace to acknowledge the speed with which this keeps happening, as he promised to end the circus (ie. stay longer in the job).As the afternoon drew to a close we still had no clear idea of the shape of his cabinet - only those being sacked from it. It could signal a leak-proof government - or does it speak to difficulties in getting the right people to accept their new roles? All should be revealed shortly. One thing is for sure, Labour is praying that Burnham gets this right. There is a general consensus that the party can't roll the dice again.And what of Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street with what he insisted was a smile on his face? Does every political career end in failure and tears - or does real political legacy begin twenty years after the event?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

On the day that Keir Starmer prepares to hand over the reins to the King of the North, Westminster is still reeling from the murder of Ann Widdecombe. This Friday, Jon sits down with Labour MP Sarah Sackman, a close friend and ally of Starmer, to reflect on his legacy and the mistakes that defined his premiership.What does Andy Burnham need to do to get Labour back on track? And has politics in Britain become too dangerous for those who serve in public life?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

With Gabby & Mark being shuttled around the USA (first class), Nedum Onuoha takes the reins of today's show alongside football writer Julien Laurens and it's explosive!The boys pull no punches after England's abject surrender against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Julien's explains why he thinks England have a "loser's generation” and Nedum reveals why head coach Thomas Tuchel is to blame for their collapse after going 1-0 up.Elsewhere there's a World Cup Final to look forward to and Spanish author Guillem Balague joins the boys to discuss where it all went right for Spain ahead of their dream match up with Leo Messi's Argentina in Sunday's final.

The last minute defeat by Argentina was a hard cross to bear if you're an England fan. But what happened afterwards propelled the game into a whole different sphere. Argentine players paraded a banner that fans threw onto the pitch calling for Las Malvinas to be returned to Argentina.It is a highly political message. The kind FIFA is normally quick to ban. But at the time of writing FIFA has said nothing. Why? And what happens when politicians get in on the act too?Later, Keir Starmer flies into Kyiv as protests break out on the streets of Ukraine. Zelenskyy has just fired a highly popular defence minister who's credited with propelling Ukraine into 21st century drone technology. Why did he get the boot?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There were tears, there was gags, there were plenty of World Cup references. Keir Starmer's final PMQs had something of the last day of school about it as he and Kemi Badenoch shared some rare bonhomie and Starmer reflected on his time in No 10.Tributes to Ann Widdecombe were paid at the start of Starmer's last trip to the Chamber, and there was a rare friendly atmosphere in parliament with MPs clearly keen to show that there is common ground despite the weekly mudslinging.Will some Labour MPs be wondering why they've just sacked the man they stood to applause? Will normal service resume at the next PMQs? And why don't we know almost anything about what Andy Burnham's plan for government is?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Maradonna's 'Hand of God'. The Falklands war. The Beckham hissy fit. The religion of Messi. The backdrop to tomorrow's World Cup semi-final is steeped in intensity and passion - so much so that the FBI has judged it to be the highest risk match of the tournament. Just how much is riding on tomorrow's game - and how do the geopolitics of our two nations affect what happens on the pitch? We speak to Gary Lineker who was playing for England against Maradonna in that game, Peter Frankopan - just back from the Falklands - who takes us through the historic rivalries of our countries, and Andy Mitten - on the veterans of both war and football. And we cross to Buenos Aires to find out how Argentinian fans are gearing up for the game.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The murder of Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through Westminster and beyond. News came today that counter terror police have now taken over the investigation following "new information and evidence". So what has changed? What have detectives found? And how do police steer the fine line between informing the public and telling us too much too soon? We talk to the host of the Crime Agents podcast, Andy Hughes.Later, how does this feel if you're a highly visible MP? Does the relationship between the public and our politicians have to change? And what part, if any, should political donations play in public life? We talk to Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Recently, the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, has seemed particularly exercised by one woman on Labour's front bench. Yes, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and one of Keir Starmer's closest allies, has become something of an obsession for the Leader of the Opposition. Interviews come and interviews go, yet somehow Badenoch always seems to find a way to bring Phillipson into the conversation.Much of the hostility stems from Phillipson's determination to impose VAT on private school fees, a policy she has defended without apology. For that, Badenoch has branded her a "spiteful class warrior."So we thought this might be the perfect moment to get Bridget Phillipson into The News Agents studio. Is she really the "spiteful class warrior" her critics claim? And if she is, does she wear the label with pride?The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Can Gianni Infantino survive his friendship with Donald Trump?The presidents of both FIFA and the USA have been busy this week ensuring that USA could field top scorer Folarin Balogun in their Quarter-final match against Belgium.Trump's incredible intervention into football has rocked the sport and left FIFA's credibility in tatters - particularly after England defender Jarell Quansah's own red card ban is extended - is it one rule for Trump's team and another for the everyone else?As FIFA stands accused of losing control of their own World Cup, and world leaders begin to ask questions, how does Trump's close friend, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, survive this one?Elsewhere as England prepare to face Norway in their quarter-final match, two of the best strikers in the business take to the field in Harry Kane & Erling Haaland - but how do you stop Haaland and Kane from scoring? Nedum has a plan and it doesn't involve a shotgun…

The bad news isn't stopping for Reform and Nigel Farage. He's facing fresh questions about the timeline surrounding the £5m gift from a crypto billionaire. The police are investigating a separate donation made to Robert Jenrick (who has described the claims as a politically motivated smear). The party has urged volunteers to divert from the Greater Manchester mayoral contest - in an effort to shore up Nigel Farage in a contest against a bin that he himself has triggered.Just a few days ago, Farage thought his by-election gamble would put the focus squarely on him and pit his as a champion of the people wrestling against the establishment? Has that backfired in the most almighty way? And his the entire Farage project imploding?It was Rupert Lowe - and not Farage - who became the first UK politician to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast yesterday. Over two hours he said stuff that was weird, inaccurate and inflammatory - but will his comments about the Dunblane massacre come back to haunt him?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Within hours of the Farage resignation statement all the main parties made it clear they would not be fighting his by-election and called the whole attempt a gimmick. Unity amongst the parties is a rare beast indeed - but they've all found their common enemy in a man who appears to resist transparency or accountability. What happens to the Clacton circus now? And more pressingly, what is the process for parliamentary scrutiny if the enquiry is temporarily suspended for a campaign? We ask anti-corruption campaigner and Kensington MP Joe Powell to explain the charges and the investigations now.The News Agent is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Nigel Farage says he's "never been angrier in his life". He's accusing the media of intimidating his family. He's claimed standards are being weaponised to go after him. And for that, he's asking the people of Clacton to stomach a by-election and re-elect him as their MP. Farage is framing it as a 'People vs The Establishment' contest - but is it more of a smokescreen to move the conversation away from the growing questions around his finances?Will the gamble work? And will it actually solve anything for Farage - or is this a Trumpian tactic taken from a point of weakness?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Jon has woken up in Mexico City with a fever dream about an epic England win and a football shirt covered in beer and tequila. Elsewhere the game doesn't feel quite so beautiful - after it emerged that Trump's political meddling got a red card overturned for US player, Folarin Balogun.Why did the FIFA president cave to Trump's swagger and pressure? How has it left the players feeling as they head into the next stages? And what does it tell us about Trumps tendency towards tyranny as America celebrates its 250 years of independence?Later, why is Nigel Farage called “daddy“ by a convicted criminal who appears to be bankrolling him? The Sunday Times Insight Editor and host of 'Posh George: The Criminal Behind Farage', Gabriel Pogrund joins us in the studio.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

It feels different this time around. Donald Trump's second term is more ferocious, more feral, more imperial. There are two chroniclers of the Court of Trump who know this better than anyone. And they have just published 'Regime Change' - the authoritative account of the White House under Trump 2.0.Their access is remarkable. Inside accounts of the discussions, arguments, and fawning taking place inside the incredibly small circle of people truly in Trump's orbit. Trump has slated the book as a "Fake News...Con Job!". Its contents have led to calls for inquiries and subpoenas.As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Lewis spoke to Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan about their reporting revelations, about a truly unprecedented President, and what comes next.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

After Harry Kane got them out of jail against DR Congo, Nedum believes this is the start of a glorious run for England at the FIFA World Cup.It's Mexico next at the iconic Azteca stadium, altitude, pollution, and an army of noisy fans await. Nedum & Gabby discuss performing at altitude, Mexican welcoming committees and what makes this the “hardest game that can be played at this tournament”Elsewhere the guys reveal new Man City manager Enzo Maresca's coaching philosophy - with insights from Guillem Balague - and they talk Nottingham Forest too, who have just sacked their 4th manager in a year - this time by email!

Nigel Farage has become the face of Direct Bullion. Not a surprise to those of you buying gold, perhaps, but it probably is to those who don't. And it earned him £270,000 in the process.He's also amassed a five-house property portfolio (three undeclared) and then there's the small matter of the 5 million crypto donation. Again undeclared.How is this sitting with a man who voted against the Employment Rights Act and wants to scrap the current minimum wage? Is it hurting Reform UK? Or is it just confirming he's as a maverick politician who can get away with stuff that others can't?Later, Luke Tryl from the polling organisation More in Common on the realignment of British political parties, just as Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister.And - where exactly is Jon Sopel?The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Everyone understands the need to leave on a high - whether it's Prime Ministerial legacy or a sense of completing the job.But the new defence investment plan that Starmer's signed off leaves Burnham with an unexploded bomb in the shape of a five billion pound debt.Does Burnham stick to the plan? Or does he rip it up? And how does he fill the hole if he goes along with it?We ask TUC secretary general Paul Nowak what unions want from a Burnham premiership.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How do you interview someone who's been gagged? That's the task we set ourselves on today's episode. Sarah Wynn-Williams - a former Facebook executive turned whistleblower author - is not allowed to talk about Facebook, or her book, Careless People. She's not allowed to.She's not even allowed to discuss the lawsuit that's been slapped on her. Or how she's finally responded with one of her own.This is her story - told by another woman who knows how silence can be used to control and intimidate - Amy Wallace.A spokesperson for Meta has said, "This former employee is trying to use the legal process to sell books, which an arbitrator already ruled broke the agreement she signed with the company when she accepted a large severance payment years ago. Her book is divorced from reality, disparaging and riddled with false claims."The full arbitration can be read here:https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Arbitration-Interim-Award.pdfThe News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Andy Burnham has made his first prime ministerial speech to the nation, even though he's not yet PM. He spoke of the need for a "circuit break". Handing power back to people locally. Taking it away from Westminster. It was dynamic, bold and it was energising. But is Britain ready for electric shock therapy? And how does devolution not end up with badly run parts of the country becoming even worse off?Later, what state is the Reform party in? Could they survive without Farage if he went? And would any of this hasten a general election?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

On the week of Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister, Jon and Lewis host a special Q&A edition of The News Agents, answering the questions you have about the future of the country.How will Andy Burnham's cabinet take shape? What will his policies look like? And is he surrounded by "duplicitous" colleagues?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

After Scotland's humbling at the hands of Brazil, Mark has his say on FIFA's “crap way to qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup”...Former USMNT, Spurs & Aston Villa Goalkeeper Brad Friedel joins Gabby & Mark to talk about the sporting miracle which is inspiring Mauricio Pochettino and his USA team's belief that they can go all the way at their home world cup.And with qualifiers set to end today, we meet Wimbledon wildcard Marcus Willis to talk about the gruelling realities of qualifying for the big slams if you're a player outside the top 50.

Overnight, President Trump offered his first slither of a thought on the incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, calling him “extremely liberal" and a mayor of a "town” - which - arguably could have been much worse.Does Burnham need to put his relationship with Trump centre stage? Or just ignore him? Will Trump be as relevant to Burnham as he was to Starmer?Later, has the water closed over the Starmer premiership without a ripple? Why have we moved on so quickly? Are we in danger of turning the office of prime minister into a pop up shop?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Kemi Badenoch looked like - not for the first time - she was going to make the Chancellor cry in the Commons today. She accused her of treachery and betrayal in her behaviour towards the PM. Badenoch then turned her sights on Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, and accused her of being a spiteful class warrior. Why was the Tory leader so vicious in her seeing off of Keir Starmer and his team? Is this the result of being terminally online? Is it a reflection of a more authentic politics? And if the public disapprove of this discourse why has her popularity seemingly improved?Later, ten years to the day since the Brexit result - what are the places that voted leave feeling?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You're going to hear from a staunch Burnham ally today - a blunt speaking man at the heart of his last leadership campaign - and an MP who recently lost the whip from Keir Starmer.Can Karl Turner tell us what Andy Burnham thinks? And what he wants to do? And isn't there hypocrisy in anointing another leader without going to the country first?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And just like that, Keir Starmer became the sixth British prime minister to resign in ten years - triggering a leadership contest it's increasingly likely no one will enter. Wes Streeting has pulled out of the race. Andy Burnham is arriving at Parliament where he will be sworn in as MP. If there is no challenger, he could be PM in just over two weeks' time. Is this the most perfect heist in political history? Does Starmer have a right to feel aggrieved? And does Burnham have an actual plan?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Overnight in Makerfield, Andy Burnham showed how to win more than fifty percent of the vote on the Labour ticket. It was political smack for his party. A reminder that they still have the electoral chemistry to win decisively in tight races where Reform has stormed in the past.Keir Starmer is pretending nothing big has happened - and said Reform were already on the wane. He is refusing to make way for Burnham - who is rather hoping for a coronation rather than a bloody contest. So who will fire the first shot'? And when? Is it just a matter of choreography? Or are things about to get messy?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Once you've listened to Trumps friends slag off his deal with Iran , you can't help wondering what his critics will say. In one fell swoop, Trump has lifted sanctions on Iran, invited investment into the country to help the same old regime recover, agreed to a sixty day trial period on the reopened Strait of Hormuz, and "moved on" from his wish to help the Iranian people escape their tyrants. What has he achieved in this war? Precisely nothing. Who knows that? Practically everyone.Later, we speak to Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minster Radek Sikorski about diplomacy in the age of Trump, the "madman with a gun" in Moscow, and ten years of Brexit.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

England are used to a winning start in tournaments... but are we used to it being this... FUN?The 3 Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener and Thomas Tuchel's 'entertainers' have seemingly already captured the nation.A now famous half-time team talk is said to have inspired the players. Is Tuchel's emotional and tactical management style what England need to get over the line?And on the players themselves, are we going to witness a tournament where Harry Kane has his name up with Messi, Mbappe and Haaland?Journalist and co-host of The Football Boardroom Henry Winter joins Gabby and Mark for all that and more.

Whatever happens in Makerfield in the next 24 hours, the outcome will be momentous. If Andy Burnham wins, we could see him challenge Keir Starmer for Prime Minister by the end of the week. If Burnham loses, then Labour are plunged into a whole new level of existential crisis. Either way, this will be one of the most significant by-elections in British electoral history - the stakes could hardly be higher.Jon, Emily and Lewis have this special report from the constituency. What do the people of Makerfield want to see change in Westminster? Are voters happy with the prospect of potentially electing the next Prime Minister? And why are the Burnham team feeling nervy just hours out from polling opening?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

10 years on from the murder of MP Jo Cox, there is a grim warning from her sister Kim Leadbeater: the atmosphere in politics now is "probably worse".Leadbeater warns of people trying to "sow division" in our country - and that's a division that Russia is seeking to exploit. One of the arsonists convicted of trying to firebomb Keir Starmer's house had also been tasked by Kremlin-linked actors with putting up far-right posters, seeking to stoke community tensions.How can it be that, after the tragic murders of Jo Cox and David Amess, our politics continues to slide towards polarisation, anger, and conspiracy?Later, Jake Richards - justice minister and lead on the government's men and boys strategy - on the crisis facing young men and the crisis facing Keir Starmer and his party.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

In what feels like one of the few genuinely radical decisions of his premiership, Keir Starmer has announced an almost complete ban on social media for the under 16s, starting next spring. Messaging apps will not be included, but YouTube (ie “television”) will.Does the ban make sense? Will it actually happen? And is Starmer now thinking about legacy projects at this febrile moment of his leadership? We speak to the AI minister Kanishka Narayan.Later Jess Asato MP found herself undressed by Grok - along with around 3 million others. She's now suing Elon Musk to make sure X takes responsibility for sexualised image creation - including an estimated 23,000 of children.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Armed Forces minister Al Carns and a couple of junior frontbenchers followed the Defence Secretary John Healey in resigning from government last night.Healey's accusation was a stinging one - that Keir Starmer is failing to commit to keeping the nation safe from attack. That, after Starmer pledged only a few months ago to put "petty politics" to one side and be bold on British defence.He now faces a testing week like no other. His Defence Investment Plan, long delayed. is due to be launched on Monday. Can that go ahead? If the PM gets through that, he faces the prospect of Andy Burnham returning to the Commons on Friday - who could instantly make a move for the top job.How damaging have the resignations of the past 24 hours been for Starmer's already dwindling prospects of staying in the job? And how on earth does the PM navigate the next week?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Around lunch time today, as The News Agents were battling their own excitement in the shape of a fire drill, the Defence Secretary suddenly resigned without warning. He left with a devastating critique of the Starmer government failures in his wake. The loyal and highly regarded Healey resigned out of frustration that promises made on defence spending weren't being kept. And that the Prime Minister wouldn't even set a date for the increases to happen. Has Starmer “failed to keep the country safe"? And a week out from the Makerfield by-election, is this the nail in the coffin for Starmer's leadership?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Nedum touches down in USA and joins Gabby & Mark to discuss the opening game of the World Cup 2026; How excited are the locals, dark horses for the tournament & more...But with such a constant stream of controversy in the days leading up to the first match - fans fleeced for tickets, a Somali referee banned from entering US, national teams greeted by ICE on arrival and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's call for everyone to just "chill out" - has a World Cup ever been harder to love?The Athletic's Adam Crafton also joins to debate whether the questions will actually stop, once the football starts?

Belfast was ablaze last night, 24 hours after the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie. Houses, cars and buses were set on fire during riots across the city. It has since been announced that Ogilvie has lost an eye in the attack and 30-year-old Hadi Alodid has been charged with his attempted murder.The British government are laying at least some of the blame at the door of X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of whipping up tensions online ahead of the disorder.Lewis is on the ground in Belfast with Andy Hughes from The Crime Agents with a special report on the events that unfolded last night.Later, Jon and Emily speak with journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan, who discusses how Musk and the far right have whipped up rioters and encouraged violence on the streets of Northern Ireland.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

This morning Kemi Badenoch put equality laws at the centre of a new political dividing line, pledging that a future Conservative government would scrap the Public Sector Equality Duty. She says that “modern Britain is the least racist country on earth” and warned that fears of being accused of racism are leading authorities to not intervene to prevent crime.What is Badenoch's evidence that equalities duties are pushing “divisive” agendas? When did ‘common sense' become satisfactory guidance? And why are some parts of the Right now suggesting that white people are the most discriminated against group in Britain?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

President Trump told the FTs' Edward Luce that he "called all the shots" over the Iran ceasefire. Shortly before he spoke, Iran had launched missiles at Israel."He [Netanyahu] won't have any choice... He doesn't call the shots", the President insisted. He told Fox that he was going to instruct Israel's PM not to retaliate. Netanyahu pointedly ignored those comments and started bombing Iran back. So is Trump becoming increasingly impotent in the Middle East crisis? And what part does the upcoming Israeli election play in Netanyahu's plans for war?And Later, we talk to Edward Luce about when the best time is to pick up the phone to Trump - and what happens when you do...The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

It is now hard to imagine that just three weeks ago, Wes Streeting was still serving in Keir Starmer's cabinet. As Health Secretary, Streeting gave the PM one of his biggest success stories from Labour's so far deeply troubled time in government - getting waiting lists down, and dragging the NHS into the 21st century.In the short time since he left role, he has become one of Starmer's biggest problems. His criticism of the PM is blistering, his analysis of where Labour has gone wrong is compelling, and his finger is twitching over the leadership contest trigger, waiting - so he says - for Andy Burnham to get into the arena.Streeting has long been talked up as a future Labour Prime Minister, but bruising recent membership polling shows the Labour party faithful are still far from convinced by his pitch. So why is he so convinced that this is a fight worth having?In this extended interview with Lewis, he explains why he fears that Keir Starmer, a man he respects, will become the "midwife" for a dangerous new kind of politics if he doesn't step aside - regardless of who replaces him.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Two police officers - both nominated for bravery awards - have been doxxed on the internet through a Musk disinformation campaign, where he called one a "scumbag" who should be in prison. One former officer is now in hiding, fearing for her safety after death threats. Neither was anywhere near Henry Nowak on the night he died.Musk famously supports Rupert Lowe over Nigel Farage. Is the Right of British politics now tearing itself apart over who gets to sound more extreme? Is any of this helping British citizens solve a knife crime epidemic? We ask Lord Blunkett, former Home Secretary, whether there is any evidence that DEI has got in the way of good policing.And, as we mourn the tragically early death of one of Britain's best spooks, we celebrate the life of Alex Younger with his friend - another former MI6 chief - Richard Moore.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

On Sunday the first contested Presidential elections at Real Madrid for 20 years will take place, so Gabby, Mark & Nedum are joined by Spanish football writer Guillem Balague to discuss some of the false promises being made on the campaign trail...Will any of Erling Haaland, Rodri, Jose Mourinho or Jurgen Klopp head to the Bernabeu this summer?And as Liverpool edge closer to appointing Andoni Iraola - four of the biggest clubs in the Premier League will be managed by coaches from the Basque country - what's so unique about football culture there and how did such a tiny region of Northern Spain produce so many top coaches?Plus, the guys answer some of your World Cup questions - including which presenter is most likely to get arrested in US?

Nigel Farage was accused by many in the Commons today of inciting violence with his call for people to respond to a young man's murder with "pure cold rage". The Reform UK leader explicitly ignored the wishes of Henry Nowak's family - who had urged politicians not to use Henry's death to ramp up tensions - to suggest that the anger seen in Southampton last night could even get worse. As he spoke, he was jeered and accused of hijacking a personal tragedy for political gain. The question perhaps is whether Farage's rhetoric on race has hardened - and if so why? Is it the spectre of the Makerfield by-election where Reform has another hard right party snapping at their heels?Later, Jeremy Hunt is with us to discuss why those in power know what to do - but not how to get reelected afterwards. Is this a fatal flaw with our system?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The footage is almost unbearable to watch. 18 year old Henry Nowak, stabbed and bleeding to death on the floor - telling officers he couldn't breathe - being handcuffed by police responders rather than treated. Bodycam footage, released with the consent of Henry's family, shows that as Henry shouts out that he has been stabbed, one officer responds: "You've been stabbed? I don't think you have, mate." The killer, Vickrum Digwa, had lied and claimed that Henry had racially attacked him. How did the police get their response wrong?The Home Secretary has called the footage "disturbing and tragic", and insisted that Henry's family deserve answers. Nigel Farage is claiming that the murder is proof we are "living in a two-tier culture in this country where the rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities." Andy Hughes, co-host of The Crime Agents, explains why that is nonsense.Later, Belarus's President in exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, on how Lukashenko is running the country like a gulag - and why he must be stopped.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

America is the only major country where visitor numbers fell last year. In fact it had its worst year for international tourism since 2008- barring the pandemic. Are tourists scared? Or has Trump put them off? Is this why Trump's Ambassador for Tourism is on a whistle stop tour of Europe drumming up business before the World Cup? We speak to the US Special Envoy.Later why was a Facebook whistleblower silenced on stage at Hay Festival? We bring you Sarah Wynn-Williams - full throated and in vision - discussing her book Careless People in her first and last interview.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

In his essay this week on the way forward for Britain, Tony Blair posits that "governing in the age of AI will be the principal challenge. And opportunity" for our political class.Karen Hao certainly agrees that it will be one of the defining challenges of our lives. An MIT grad, she started off in Silicon Valley, before turning to journalism and becoming one of the most authoritative reporters on the new world of AI. She is deeply alarmed by the AI race, and by the companies - and men - leading the pursuit.Her book, 'Empire of AI', contends that these new giants of industry have weaponised the sales pitch around AI to extract immense resources to swell their bottom line, and erode democracies around the world in the process.Lewis sat down with her to discuss the acutely political nature of AI, the new, uniquely powerful empires being built, and how - and if - democracies can wrestle back control.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The day after Tony Blair spoke to The News Agents we ask whether his comments have started a healthy debate, changed the leadership race, or galvanised the whole party against him. The only man to win three elections for Labour speaks from experience and confidence. But is his diagnosis right for today? Will he ever be trusted on foreign affairs? And is efficacy more important than Democracy in 2026?Later, we talk to Alan Milburn who's basically diagnosed that Britain is pretty f****d for young people. What's the answer?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Mark & Nedum are joined by West Ham's all-time Premier League goalscorer Michail Antonio, days after the club's relegation - ending a 14-year stay in the top flight.Michail lifts the lid on major decisions which he feels contributed to the club's decline in recent years; the controversial move to the London stadium, club training facilities, the appointment of Graham Potter as manager and how the club handled his exit last year following a very public car accident.Plus, Jarrod Bowen's West Ham future & World Cup squad omission, Declan Rice's Champions League chance and more.Michail Antonio's new book, ‘Humans not Robots: when elite sport and real life collide' is out on June 4th.

Since Keir Starmer took office almost two years ago - the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years - Tony Blair has been holding his tongue.But that has all changed in a dramatic fashion. Blair is profoundly concerned, about the UK's future, the leadership of his party, and of the wider political conversation taking place.In a 5,700 word essay, he lays out a brutal assessment of the lack of serious policy thinking going on in government, warns of a "slide towards relegation from the Premier League of nations", and pens what is effectively his own manifesto to try and turn the country's fortunes around.Today on The News Agents - an in depth interview with the former PM. Why has he broken his silence now? What does he make of the leadership conversation taking place in Labour? And how does he believe Britain can halt its slide into irrelevance?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Robert Kenyon, Reform's candidate in Makerfield, was a week on from defending his Facebook Nazi friend when things got ugly. Over the sunny bank holiday weekend old tweets resurfaced showing not only his utterly creepy views about women but also his original anti-Brexit stance. And yes, you can guess which one is the real headache for Reform. Polls suggest they are currently in second place behind Andy Burnham, with the even harder right Restore party snapping at their heels and threatening to eat into the vote. So is it time to take action? Or just dig in behind their candidate?A Reform UK spokesman said: “We fully back Cllr Kenyon. He is an excellent, local candidate who we are confident will be a superb MP for Makerfield."Later, questions for Nicola Sturgeon resurface over her “lack of curiosity“ surrounding her convicted ex husbands ten year spending spree of stolen funds. Is First Minister, John Swinney, in the firing line too?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

As billionaire wealth soars to unprecedented heights, calls to “tax the rich” are getting louder across the world. But while politicians on the left often champion wealth taxes, governments have repeatedly struggled to make them work in practice. So why have they failed? And could that finally be changing?This Friday, Lewis is joined by French economist Gabriel Zucman, the architect of the so-called “Zucman Tax” and one of the most influential voices in the global debate on inequality. Drawing on his new book We Need to Tax Billionaires, Zucman explains how extreme wealth has created what some see as two separate economic realities: ordinary citizens on one side, and a billionaire class operating on an entirely different political and financial plane on the other.From private jets to ballooning fortunes, why have traditional tax systems have struggled to keep up? And could a coordinated global approach to taxing billionaires reshape democracy itself?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Before he was ever taken seriously as a politician, Donald Trump was very much taken seriously in the world of wrestling.His relationship with WWE stretches back as far as the 1980s - he went on to headline Wrestlemania and even challenged founder Vince McMahon to a match during a running feud.But what if wrestling was where Trump learned how to win the White House? Reality-defying performances, smack talk, and stunts are, after all, quintessentially Trumpian techniques.Munya Chawawa thinks that Trump's origin story in politics might start in the ring - and came into the studio to discuss why.Later, it was announced today that net migration has fallen by almost half, to its lowest level since the Covid pandemic. But will Keir Starmer be able to claim any credit for it?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Southampton's failed attempt to appeal their expulsion from the final for spying means that it will be Middlesbrough heading to Wembley to take on Hull in football's richest game.Espionage that could ‘cost' upwards of £200 million… normally a story for Ian Fleming but in an end of the season that keeps on giving, this is the tale of the Championship play offs.But what is the legality surrounding the decision? Is Tonda Eckart's sacking inevitable? and is there a case for the final to be voided and Hull to go up automatically?Gabby is joined by Former Saints midfielder & EFL TV presenter David Prutton and top sports lawyer Tom Murray to debate the ramifications.