The News Agents

Ken Clarke is perhaps the archetypal political Big Beast. Elected to parliament 55 years ago, he held cabinet roles under Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron - tipped many times for No 10, and yet never quite hardline enough on Europe to convince his Tory peers that he should be their leader. Ahead of what looks certain to be an existential Budget for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer, Lewis went to Lord Clarke's Nottingham home - to discuss the hard choices ahead, the future of this Government, Brexit, populism, and much else besidesThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Only three days after launching, Sky had to take down its TikTok channel for female sports fans. Branded as the "lil-sis" of Sky Sports, it was complete with pink hearts and Barbies. But were they on to something? How do we get more young women hooked on sport? The person who figures that out has hit a goldmine. To try to strike gold, Gabby chats to Chris Paouros, Vice-Chair of the Football Supporters Association, and Ceylon Andi Hickman, Deputy Chief Executive of Football Beyond Borders.Plus we look back at this week on The Sports Agents, from illegal streaming wars to The Ashes.

The Prime Minister has called on Nigel Farage to explain the reports of racist comments the reform leader allegedly made as a school boy. Farage has denied making the comments and called the allegations “without foundation“. The Guardian reported this week that he had picked on Jewish boys at Dulwich college when he was there at school and had sung offensive racist songs. Much of their reporting had been aired a decade earlier by Michael Crick - broadcaster and Farage biographer. We invited him onto the Newsagents studio to ask if he thought Farage was racist then, and now?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Backbench Labour MP Clive Lewis took to a TV studio to offer up his own Norwich seat to allow Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham a path back into Parliament and make a bid for No 10. He said his party felt "in checkmate" and that it was time to put "country before party, party before personal ambition".Is a change of leadership now a “when not if “question? Is Lewis a lone wolf? Or are the vultures now circling? Has the Labour Party started to imagine life beyond Starmer? Later, what is the corruption scandal now engulfing Ukraine - and can Zelenskyy survive it? His moves to curb the powers of the anti-corruption agency have worried EU powers. Where does the hundred million dollar scandal leave the war effort against Russia?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Parliament is not usually the place where you hear racist language. But yesterday, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood repeated a racist slur that she has often been subjected to. Was she right to use this language to illustrate her point? And was she using it to justify her latest asylum policies?Later, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins us to talk about the Epstein files and the mounting pressure on President Trump.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The Home Secretary is putting her new hardline immigration plans before parliament - saying if Labour doesn't do something drastic then worse will come. The new policy includes returning asylum seekers to their home country once it's deemed safe. And quadrupling the amount of time they will have to spend in the UK before earning indefinite leave to remain. Some Labour MPs are already queuing up to call it "performative cruelty" and unworkable - but she's found a fan in one Tommy Robinson who hailed the shifting of the Overton window in an unlikely weekend Tweet. Will that cheering send shivers down the spines of Labour MPs? And is the policy workable? Jon and Emily speak to the senior backbencher Stella Creasy about her concerns.Later, Trump has had a change of heart on releasing those potentially incriminating Epstein files - why?!The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

It's been a chaotic week for Labour, with rumours of internal plots and Downing Street briefing wars.As questions swirl around Keir Starmer's leadership, and with Rachel Reeves facing mounting pressure to steady the party's economic footing, Labour's internal tensions are threatening to boil over.Lord Blunkett joins Jon in the studio to dissect what is going on inside Labour, how Starmer might get a handle on the situation, and ultimately save his premiership.This episode was recorded before reports of a Labour tax u-turn.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Never write off a born racer: Sir Mark Cavendish had won 30 stages of the world's biggest cycling race, The Tour de France (even winning one makes a riders career) but he'd been out of the game for 5 years - so no one would give him a job. What happened next was one of the biggest comebacks of all time to put him among the sporting greats. Sir Mark Cavendish joins us on today's show - how did it feel to be written off? Was it fair to call him a “dickhead” as a racer? And after childhood success in ballroom dancing - is Strictly next? Plus the best bits from The Sports Agents this week - is ChatGPT running your team? And why risk staging Eubank v Benn 2?

23,000 pages of documents from the “Epstein files” have been released by Congress. They reveal damning details, and suggest that Epstein and Trump were in contact long after the President has previously said. In the emails Epstein said of Trump: "I am the one able to take him down".So are Trump's connections to Epstein finally catching up to him? And do these emails really have the power to take down the President of the United States? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Late last night came a crisis response from Downing Street responding to a story no one had even heard. The suggestion was a plot - to unseat the prime minister - supposedly by the Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Streeting vehemently denied the plot. But a briefing went out from Downing Street suggesting Starmer was ready for the fight. What on earth is going on?Later, Jon speaks to Christine Flack - Caroline Flack's mother - about her meetings with culture secretary Lisa Nandy to push for the second part of the cancelled Leveson Inquiry, and her new documentary into her daughter's trial by media.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The BBC has been set a deadline of Friday by Donald Trump's lawyer to apologise and "appropriately compensate" the US President for a Panorama edit of his January 6th speech. If the broadcaster doesn't respond, the threat of a $1bn lawsuit looms. The outgoing head of the BBC Tim Davie today told staff to "fight for our journalism" - but it's not yet clear how it will respond to the unprecedented threat from Trump. Should it have the courage to face down the threat and to challenge him in court? Many experts believe Trump's legal case is thin. So why are so many on the Right cheering on his campaign against the BBC? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Over the last 48 hours, The News Agents have spoken to more than 30 people - insiders at the BBC - to try and work out the facts of what actually happened inside the corporation, and when. Both the Director General and the CEO of News resigned over the weekend, so why are some talking about a “right wing coup“? Why did the apology take so long to arrive? And why is Trump now threatening the state broadcaster with legal action?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

This is the final episode of Coining It. If you'd like to catch up from the beginning, head to Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts and search for 'Coining It'. Or, if you've enjoyed the series, head to the Coining It feed where you can leave a rating and a review. In this episode... Who was the real James Parker? Lewis pieces together the truth behind the would-be Robin Hood, as his friends face jail for their actions. Penniless and abandoned, James is still holding one last twist - while the police close in on his missing millions.From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

Is it time to rethink the British monarchy? Why has “Your Party” been such a spectacular flop? Is Starmer the biggest obstacle to a Labour second term? And what IS the Overton window?This Friday, Jon, Lewis and Emily answer your questions. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

We've been Traitors mad so Claire Balding joined Gabby and Mark for a slightly different episode of The Sports Agents. Don't worry there's no spoilers from the final! Is she bitter no one listened to her about Alan? Why did everyone underestimate Joe Marler? What did Claire tell the producers they should change about the game? And how did Claire know Celia was going to fart? Plus we look back at two huge interviews on the podcast this week with former England manager Gareth Southgate and Euros winner Mary Earps.

13 years ago, a teenage education activist in Pakistan was attacked by the Taliban — catapulting her onto the global stage. Malala Yousafzai went on to become a global icon and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.This week, she joined Jon and Emily to discuss her powerful new book, reflecting on the journey from her early activism in Pakistan to becoming one of the world's most influential advocates for girls' education. She shares what has changed — and what hasn't — for young women seeking their right to learn, the personal stories behind her latest writing, and why she believes global politics is failing the next generation. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Overnight, progressives in New York witnessed a political earthquake. A resounding win on a high turnout for the city's first Muslim mayor - a democratic socialist with robust ideas about capitalism. Was it his youth? His clear cut policies? Or was it his authenticity that energised the city's voters? And are there lessons to be learned for how politics should be done here in 2025?Health Minister, Wes Streeting, joins us to talk about personality in politics, and what Labour could learn from Mamdani's example. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

At 8:10 this morning the Chancellor made a speech in Westminster. 45 minutes later no one was any the wiser. She promised to be honest with the public but refused to confirm tax rises or a commitment to her manifesto pledge and rule them out. So what was it all for?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The appalling train stabbing on Saturday night has sent politicians scurrying to find the right policy response. The shadow Home Secretary is calling for a dramatic increase in stop and search. Would this yield more arrests? Create a deterrent? Or just create tension and division amongst communities? We talk to Neil Basu, former head of counter terrorism and frequent target of Stop and Search himself. Later, why is Elon Musk conflating hobbits and rapists in rural England?You can listen to The Crime Agents special episode on the train stabbings here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7Drv3Y1/ And Sir Gareth Southgate's interview with The Sports Agents is here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7Drv3Wz/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

We're back with the penultimate episode of Coining It. Thank you for the brilliant response to the series so far. If you don't want to wait for the last episode on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.In this episode... The party's over. When one of James' friends goes to the police, detectives finally connect the dots. James is hauled in for questioning - but doesn't give a monkeys. As greed and paranoia take hold, his last friendships fracture beyond repair.

It's a 2025 royal knockout. After sustained and mounting pressure, the King took drastic action last night, stripping his brother of his prince title and turfing him out of Royal Lodge. Prince Andrew becomes Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Why has King Charles moved so decisively against his brother now? And will this draw a line under the Epstein scandal that has dogged the Palace - or are there still questions that remain unresolved?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Did you know the government doesn't fund deaf athletes, because they aren't allowed to compete at the Paralympics? For 100 years now they've been holding their own competition - the Deaflympics - where referee whistles are replaced by flag signals, and starting guns by flashing lights. But no Paralympics means no funding. All because they were born with the so-called “wrong” disability. Team GB medal hopefuls Charlotte Gower and Nathan Young join Gabby. Plus we look back at the best bits from this week on The Sports Agents from the NBA gambling scandal featuring the mafia and x-ray glasses with Andy Hughes (Co-Host of The Crime Agents podcast) and The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov; to a love letter to the Ashes with some hilarious stories from Phil Tufnell. You can watch the Deaflympics live on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TOKYO2025DEAFLYMPICS And find out more information about DeaflympicsGB here: https://www.deaflympicsgb2025.co.uk/

Why are British-made military items being found on the killing fields of Sudan? It's a question that the government has been asked in parliament today, amid escalating reports of the most brutal mass killings of civilians. The Guardian revealed this week that UK-manufactured military equipment is being used by the RSF militia in Sudan - who are accused of committing genocide in the country by the USA. So what's going on? And could it prompt a rethink of where we sell our military equipment?Later - is Geert Wilders returning to the wilderness? The Dutch electorate seem to have dealt him a blow with a centrist candidate now the favourite to become the country's next PM. Are there lessons for the PM here in the fight against populism?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

With the budget looming next month, Keir Starmer has refused to stand by his manifesto commitments not to raise income tax. It comes as Labour's poll rating hits an all time low - so will this be the final blow for voters? Later, after admitting he won't (probably) won't be seeking another term, was Trump ever serious about a third run at President? And what is the future for MAGA when he leaves office? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Donald Trump is declaring his actions in the Caribbean a war on drugs. Democrats are calling it "state-sanctioned murder". What is Trump's game plan for Venezuela? Is it about fentanyl? Oil? Or regime change? Later - the latest YouGov poll has put four major parties all within two points of each other. What does it tell us about the state of UK politics? And what can we learn from Plaid Cymru's success in last week's Caerphilly by-election ?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Why was the king heckled outside Litchfield Cathedral? Will Andrew vacate Royal Lodge for two other royal homes? And when will the public appetite be satisfied that the palace has done enough? We take you behind the curtain to the events at the end of last week and the key conversation that never happened. Later, was Reform MP Sarah Pochin racist in her comments about TV adverts? And is she a danger to Reform, or an asset?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Thank you for all the positive reactions to Global's latest unmissable podcast series, Coining It. This is episode 4. If you don't want to wait for episode 5 on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.In this episode... James Parker's secret has been rumbled. But he's not about to give up his millionaire spending. And instead of handing back all his glitched bitcoin, he and his financial advisor have come up with a deal to broker. Meanwhile, James' friends realise the depth of the trouble they're all in... James wants his Bitcoin back.

As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds on and populist politics shake Western democracies, NATO is facing one of the most turbulent moments in its 75-year history. This Friday the former NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, joins Lewis to talk about the war in Ukraine, the rise of populism in the West, and how to deal with Trump. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Formula One might be about to witness a comeback worthy of a Drive to Survive Hollywood film. With five races to go, the McLaren driver win that seemed as certain as death and taxes, has suddenly been put in jeopardy by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Could they pull off the impossible? Gabby and Mark are joined by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, who has history with both teams as a world championship runner-up with McLaren, who became the highest scoring British driver of all time while at Red Bull. Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Andy Cole, the Premier League's fifth top goalscorer of all time, revealed what it was like being one of four top strikers at Man United, and his reaction to the managerial merry-go-round at Nottingham Forest. And as basketball finds itself in big trouble with the GB men's team banned from international competition, we spoke to the first Brit to play in the NBA, Professor John Amaechi, as well as the leaders of the two warring sides, Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of Super League Basketball, and Chris Grant, who recently stepped down as Chair of the British Basketball Federation.

Keir Starmer came to power vowing to smash the gangs and stop the boats. He believes in the power of returns agreements to solve the problem - and established the 'one in - one out' system with France. An irregular migrant is returned for each refugee who has gone through the process properly. But, in a moment of low farce and high tragedy, an Iranian man - one of the very first to be sent back to France - turned back up on these shores on a small boat for a second time. So much for a deterrent, it would seem. So is the system broken? And could Labour now be thinking the unthinkable about the cancelled Rwanda plan? Later, Wikipedia is reaching its 25th anniversary. The total sum of human knowledge freely available online - and powered by volunteers. How did such a vast, ambitious and optimistic idea ever come off? We speak to founder Jimmy Wales about tech billionaires, trust and human nature.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The pressure is mounting on Parliament to scrutinise the housing arrangements of our Royal family after the times revealed this week Prince Andrew pays a mere peppercorn rent on Royal Lodge. Could he be called before MPs to explain his finances? Does the tax payer still fund this disgraced Royal? And what is the nature of the relationship between Parliament and palace that makes them so unwilling to ask?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Amy Wallace, the co author of Virginia Giuffre‘ s memoir - which is published today - has told Emily it's possible more women will now come forward to reveal what they know about Prince Andrew's actions on Epstein's island. She calls on Andrew to “name names” of other abusers around Epstein. And she speaks for the first time about what Virginia believed happened on the night Epstein died.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Virginia Giuffre is speaking to us from beyond the grave - with her memoir about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Epstein and - she claims - Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew continues to deny those allegations.The book is a harrowing account of abuse, pain and control. Does it change how we see Andrew? Should he now stand trial? And what does it tell us more widely about complicity and power?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

You've loved Coining It, so it's back for episode 3. Thank you for the brilliant response to the first two episodes. If you don't want to wait for episode 4 on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.In this episode... Destination: Dubai. James Parker and his newly hired financial advisor are on the trip of a lifetime - to meet a man who can turn their glitched Bitcoin into gold and cash. But just as they're about to board the plane, James gets a call. It's the owner of the trading platform… and he wants his money back. Now.From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

It's just six weeks since Zack Polanski became leader of the Green party. He's not even an MP. And yet, in that short space of time, he's become something of a political rockstar for those on the left of British politics. His party is shooting up in the polls, he's attracted a devout and growing following on social media, and his modern style of communication is marking him out against what can at times feel like a rather stale political establishment in Westminster. In this extended interview, Lewis speaks to Polanski about his political journey and about his radical vision. Why does he support the break up of the United Kingdom? Does he recognise his stance on NATO sets him at odds with the public? And could Labour MPs be about to join him?Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

British Gymnastics has been on a journey of root and branch reform since the damning 2022 ‘Whyte Review' exposed systemic abuse and cultural failings.We are now three years into its "Reform 25" plan, which was designed to "create safe, positive and fair experiences for all in gymnastics by 2025" by implementing the Whyte Review recommendations. So as the World Artistic Gymnastic Championships starts, has enough progress been made? Gabby and Mark are joined by Joseph Carr, Senior Associate in the Abuse Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, who has acted for around 40 clients bringing abuse cases in gymnastics. British Gymnastics have yet to respond to The Sports Agents' request for comment. Their latest progress report can be found here: https://a.storyblok.com/f/83342/x/f0b8c9f937/british-gymnastics-reform-25-final-progress-report-v4.pdf If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at charities such as Gymnasts for Change (https://www.gymnastsforchange.com/)

Zack Polanski is riding high right now. The polls have buoyed since he became leader of the greens. And membership has significantly increased too. Today he suggested to Lewis that Labour MPs might defect to his party. Is that going to happen? And what does it tell us about the way left wing populism is mimicking the style of right wing populists in 2025? Later, France's new prime minister looks ravishingly similar to France's new prime minister. Because it's the same man. Will he stay in the job longer than a month? And what is the structural problem France is battling right now which make its politics so febrile?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

JD Vance has had his sights on the UK since becoming vice president - fixating on our free speech laws, criticising Britain in strong terms.But is that part of a wider movement? There is evidence of a growing concerted effort, by rich and organised American advocacy groups, setting their sights on the UK, trying to influence public mood and indeed politics itself.Tommy Robinson is claiming that his legal bills are being funded by Elon Musk, and a new report from the New York Times suggests that one American organisation is set on shifting opinions here on abortion. We speak to the investigative reporter Jane Bradley.Lewis and Emily dissect a combative PMQs over the China spying row - is this now a he said-she said row or is there more serious jeopardy for Keir Starmer?And lastly, Emily asks why the toilets are being reinforced at The Royal Albert Hall...The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The Conservatives have accused Keir Starmer and those around him of wilfully forcing the collapse of a trial involving two young British men accused of spying for the Chinese government - allegations they deny. Security minister Dan Jarvis got to his feet in the Commons last night to angrily deny Kemi Badenoch's attacks - it's all the fault of the last Conservative government was his counter charge. So why exactly did the case collapse? Did those in government really choose to protect economic interests over national security? Or could this be a case of cock up rather than conspiracy?Later, which party leader emerged best from the conference season. And what might this tell us about the public hunger for change?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The 20 living hostages, taken captive on October 7th two years ago, have been freed from Gaza and now begin to try and piece together shattered lives. In Gaza, Palestinians are returning to homes of rubble - free of gunfire - but displaced and dispossessed. The politicians are telling a different story today, full of victory laps and self praise. In Israel's Knesset, Donald Trump spoke of a "new dawn of the Middle East", and even "peace for all eternity". Are leaders really committed to the long haul of peace? And what part did the UK play in bring the plan about? Later, why was Prince Andrew still writing emails to Epstein after he promised he'd broken off communication for good? And why was he reportedly signing them off with the phrase promising to "play some more soon"?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

After the brilliant response to episode 1 of Coining It, here's episode 2. If you don't want to wait for episode 3 on this feed, all episodes are available now, on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.James Parker has turned a digital glitch into a fortune. Most would keep it quiet - but not James. The newly minted millionaire flaunts his wealth across Blackpool, playing Robin Hood to a tight-knit circle who share his secret. But his spending spree hasn't gone unnoticed. One cop is watching, puzzled by the sudden riches of a man who, until recently, had nothing.From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.You can listen, for free, to all episodes of Coining It with Lewis Goodall on Global Player.

As this year's party conference season draws to a close, Lewis sits down with Neil Kinnock to reflect on his iconic 1985 Labour Conference speech. They discuss leadership, the power of political courage, and what the future holds for the Labour Party.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Gabby and Mark answer all of your questions from building their 'dream athlete' and their favourite Match of The Day moment so far, to England winning a home Rugby World Cup and the Ryder Cup crowds.Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas joined us in the studio to talk about how recent pro-Palestinan protests might change the future of cycling. Former Bournemouth Chairman, Jeff Mostyn, discussed saving the club and whether Eddie Howe is England manager material. And after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody announced his motor neurone disease diagnosis Professor Dame Pamela Shaw explained whether or not there is a link between exercise and MND.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza.Donald Trump announced the agreement saying all hostages would be released, and Israel would withdraw troops.There have been celebrations on the streets in Gaza and Israel, but is the peace plan going to last? And does the President now have an outside chance of securing the Nobel Peace Prize?Later in the show we speak with Lucy Powell, one of the two contenders for the Labour deputy leadership, who struggles to tell us what she really thinks of Keir Starmer.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

To rapturous applause and a full throated national anthem, Kemi Badenoch delivered the speech that may just have saved her job. She promised to end stamp duty, abolish VAT on private schools and scrap farmers inheritance tax. She will also ban doctors from striking, cancel university courses she doesn't rate, and dismantle the structure of Britains human rights protection. Will this move the dial for a party struggling to make its voice heard? Emily, Lewis and Jon discuss from inside and outside the conference hall. And we talk to John Glen - Kemi's right hand man in parliament.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Robert Jenrick has doubled down on remarks - from a speech he made in March - just leaked to The Guardian. In it he rued the 90 minutes he spent in Handsworth saying it was “like a slum” and wondering “where all the white faces were”. He insists he's talking about the need for integration and community cohesion. So how's that working out? Later we report live from Manchester on the new Conservative policy to remove judges. What are they lining up next for the rule of law? And does anyone mind that it's straight from the Trump playbook? Emily caught up with Robert Jenrick to ask him.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

This week at a depleted Tory conference Kemi Badenoch must try and convince her party of its need to exist and of her own place at the top of it. The problem, though, is many voters simply haven't heard of her. Is anonymity worse than unpopularity? And how does she make new policy announcements without sounding like Reform-lite? We talk to Luke Tryl from More in Common. Later, what does the ECHR really do, and what would happen to Britain if we left it? Joshua Rozenberg gives us the lawyers lowdown.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Here's a new podcast you might like - this is episode 1 of Coining It. All episodes are available now, on Global Player or search for 'Coining It' wherever you get your podcasts. In a damp Blackpool flat, James Parker is broke, restless, and stuck in a life going nowhere - until he discovers a glitch in a Bitcoin trading platform that begins pouring millions into his account.Most people would keep it quiet. James doesn't.He starts handing out money, buying cars for mates, throwing lavish parties in a town where fortunes are rare. To some he's a hero, a modern-day Robin Hood. But as the spending spirals and the police start asking questions, cracks begin to show. Deals get darker, loyalties shift, and James is left chasing the very people he once made rich.How far would you go if the money felt endless?And what would it cost when it finally ran out?From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

Should pro-Palestine protests be going ahead in the immediate aftermath of the attack on a north Manchester synagogue? Could Keir Starmer's days be numbered? Is Nigel Farage a snowflake for his response to claims that his deportations policy is racist? And has the Tory party ever felt this irrelevant? Lewis and Jon answer your questions in this Q&A episode.Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker joins Gabby and Mark on The Sports Agents to talk about his time in prison. The former world number one was sentenced to over two years in jail after going bankrupt. So how did he go from tennis glory to prison? What was it like living with murderers and drug dealers? And how did he feel watching Wimbledon from a jail cell? Plus, we look back at the best bits from this week's shows about England winning the Rugby World Cup, Europe storming to Ryder Cup glory and the fight to become one of football's top managers. Boris Becker's memoir, “Inside: Winning, Losing & Starting Again” is out now . If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at Samaritans (call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org), Prison Reform Trust (https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk) and other charities.

A terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester has left two people dead and several others fighting for their lives on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.The prime minister has cut short his trip to Denmark to chair Cobra - as police investigate whether the perpetrator was known to security. Manchester is sadly once again coming together to reject hatred in the aftermath of appalling violence.Andy Hughes, presenter of The Crime Agents podcast, talks through the police response and the changing nature of terrorism in the UK.Later, David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, speaks to Jon and Emily about why some instinctively leap to sowing divisiveness in the aftermath of these events and how to confront it. We discuss the political - and personal significance - of a terror attack on Yom Kippur.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee