Podcasts about covid inquiry

"Damning” and “unforgivable failures” is how some papers headlines reacted to criticism of former UK prime minister Boris Johnson in the second of 10 reports from the UK Covid Inquiry. Under pressure, in 2001 Boris Johnson announced a covid inquiry led by a former judge, Baroness Hallett. Each report is examining a different area of the pandemic's impact, and module 2 is about decision making and political governance. The report describes inertia, toxic cultures, and an inability to learn lessons - disfunction that contributed to many extra deaths.  To dissect the report and discuss what needs to change, we're joined by; Rebecca Coombes - The BMJ's head of journalism Kevin Fong - anaesthetist and lead for major incident planning at University College Hospital Matthew Flinders - Professor of Politics and Public Policy at the University of Sheffield  

As the Courts Minister, Sarah Sackman, announces the Government's intention to enact most of the recommendations in Sir Brian Leveson's Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, including the abolition of the right to jury trial in cases of serious, complex fraud, Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC discuss the devastating attack on Leveson's justification for Judge alone fraud trials launched by the former Resident Judge at Southwark Crown Court, Geoffrey Rivlin KC, in an article on the Red Lion Chambers Substack – ⁠https://redlionchambers.substack.com/p/judge-alone-trials-in-serious-fraud⁠  Is retired Judge Rivlin right to argue that the Leveson proposals lack a solid evidential basis and “hang on the thread of Sir Brian's long-held belief that judges sitting alone can be relied upon to do a better and more efficient job than trials with juries”?  And is Rivlin right to echo Lord Devlin's warning that if the jury system is allowed to crumble, it can never be rebuilt?  Ken and Tim respond to listeners' questions.  What will the CCRC and/or the Court of Appeal make of the way in which retired neonatologist, Dr Shoo Lee, is alleged to have approached professional colleagues with a view to them providing fresh evidence for Lucy Letby's attempt to overturn her convictions for murder and attempted murder? Is Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins right to argue that an organised group of Peers are committing a democratic outrage in pursuing a filibuster campaign with the aim of blocking the Assisted Dying Bill?  Is the approach to oral argument in the US Supreme Court a better way to determine appeals than the way we do things in the UK?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1ExItQZSL0    Finally, the duo discuss Dominic Cummings's bizarre, almost certainly defamatory, Twitter attack on Lady Justice Hallett and Counsel to the Covid Inquiry, Hugo Keith KC, in the wake of the publication of the Inquiry's Second report examining “Core UK decision-making and political governance”.  ---  Covering the critical intersections of law and politics in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.   What happens when law and politics collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?   Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.   Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights. Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.   Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.    Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.   If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. 

The UK's Covid inquiry has made the audacious – and utterly misleading – claim that an earlier lockdown could have saved thousands of lives. Here, Michael Simmons – economics editor at the Spectator and host of the Reality Check podcast – exposes the dodgy data being peddled by the ‘experts', the groupthink that pushed us into lockdown, and the economic devastation that is still being felt today.  Read spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/     Support spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/support/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In spite of the bleak financial inheritance, Rachel Reeves should have some space with a landslide Commons for radical reforms in her budget. Did she partly choose to be trapped, without thinking through the consequences? Plus brilliant questions on how Britain is governed in relation to Covid Inquiry and Shabana Mahmood's plans for asylum seekers.  Rock & Roll Politics -The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 8th, days after the budget. Get your tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free.  Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The head of Phase Two of New Zealand's Covid Inquiry says turnover is 'perfectly natural' as it loses two of its high-ranking officials. Executive Director Andrew Sweet is stepping down just months before the second phase is due to end in February. His predecessor, Helen Potiki, similarly lasted five months before walking away. Inquiry Chair Grant Illingworth KC told Mike Hosking nobody has been dissatisfied with their experience in the inquiry. He says two people have been offered very good jobs and are leaving for that reason. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25th of November, the Government is introducing mandatory building warranties, and we have news on the job numbers from Seek. Covid Inquiry Chair Grant Illingworth KC attempts to explain why there's been multiple high-profile resignations from the Commission, and whether the inquiry is still on track. And we reveal that up-and-coming Kiwi motorsport driver Tom Bewley has recieved the Porsche scholarship and will be competing in next year's Carrera Cup. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 20 November 2025, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish its second report. This module focuses on political and administrative decision making during the pandemic, examining how key decisions were made across government, and civil service performance. This report will also include perspectives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In a rapid reaction webinar the following day, our expert IfG panel unpacked the report's findings and explored their implications for future governance: Tim Durrant, Programme Director for the IfG Ministers work programme Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the IfG Akash Paun, Programme Director for the IfG Devolution work programme Alex Thomas, Programme Director for the IfG Civil Service work programme The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Well... Sort Of/Welcome Back Woodo/Now Prize for Third/Old Fashioned Inquiry-Off/Time to Change PhonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith, mull the week's news. The second part of the Covid Inquiry issues its report on decision making and is scathing about the toxicity, chaos, and sheer incompetence at the centre of the Johnson administration. Should there be consequences? Trump tries to impose a surrender on Ukraine, in order to distract from the MAGA meltdown at home. How should Europe respond? And more questions than answers for Reform UK, after their former leader in Wales is jailed and Farage's alleged youthfull nazi-philia resurfaces. ***SPONSOR US AT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*** Head to ⁠nakedwines.co.uk/riot ⁠ to get a £30 voucher and six top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. CALLS TO ACTION Listen to Arthur Snell's latest ⁠⁠Behind The Lines⁠⁠ and SUBSCRIBE! Find out all about ⁠Season 2 of Alex Andreou's Podyssey⁠. • Buy something from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our bookshop here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. • Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quietriotpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. • Or visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.quietriotpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. ***SPONSOR US AT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, the former deputy cabinet secretary, Helen Macnamara, speaks to Newscast about the findings of the recent module of the covid inquiry which found that the UK did "too little, too late".Helen had a front seat for those momentous decisions that shaped the direction of the country during the pandemic, and has previously told the inquiry herself that a "toxic" environment affected decision-making during the crisis. She gives her reflections on life inside Downing Street at the time, the inquiry's findings, and how much has changed 5 years on.Warning: this podcast contains strong languageYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Rufus Gray. The social producers were Darren Dutton and Grace Braddoc. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Have your say on the issues raised on Any Questions?

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week…With over 19 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and we've won Gold at the Signal International Podcast awardsIf you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps... Today's episode includes the following:https://x.com/i/status/1991548034170130892 https://x.com/i/status/1991553808179032555 https://x.com/i/status/1990839006171472256 https://x.com/i/status/1991184412025790535https://x.com/i/status/1991494048457146695 https://x.com/i/status/1990000710298001673https://x.com/i/status/1990034680859824501 https://x.com/i/status/1990011527189987658https://x.com/i/status/1991100614319747114https://x.com/i/status/1991301840118399398https://x.com/i/status/1991513878107213924 https://x.com/i/status/199142681770667222https://x.com/i/status/1990328356110237735 https://x.com/i/status/1991119591955636687https://x.com/i/status/1990091420540022810 https://x.com/i/status/1990920200867246561 https://x.com/i/status/1990440493835022627Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.comVoiced by Ciara Revins, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just days to go to Rachel Reeves' Budget, George Parker speaks to her Conservative predecessor at the Treasury, Sir Jeremy Hunt MP. They discuss what it's like for Chancellors in the run-up to a fiscal event and the intense speculation around this Budget.Following the publication of the Covid Inquiry's second report George interviews former minister, Lord Frost, who resigned from the then Conservative government over pandemic policy, and Prof Stephen Reicher, who advised both the UK and Scottish governments during the pandemic.To discuss the Home Secretary's overhaul of the asylum system, and the divisions within her party, George speaks to Labour MPs Olivia Blake and Gareth Snell.And, as the London Aquarium responds to concerns raised by a number of MPs over the welfare of its penguins, George speaks to one of those MPs, Danny Chambers, and New Statesman journalist, Rachel Cunliffe.

In this episode we look at the latest Covid Inquiry report addressing the lack of parliamentary scrutiny during the pandemic and the need for a better system for emergency law-making. With the Budget approaching, we explore how the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, might discipline ministers who announce policies outside Parliament and why a little-known motion could restrict debate on the Finance Bill. Sir David Beamish assesses whether the flood of amendments to the assisted dying bill risks a filibuster and raises constitutional questions. Finally, we hear from Marsha de Cordova MP and Sandro Gozi MEP on their work to reset UK–EU relations through the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.___Please help us improve Parliament Matters by completing our Listener Survey. It will only take a few minutes.Go to: https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/QxigqshS___As the Covid Inquiry highlights how little parliamentary scrutiny many pandemic restrictions received, we look at the problems in the UK's emergency law-making process and urge parliamentarians to develop a better system for the next crisis.With the Budget looming, we explore how the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, could discipline ministers who announce major policies outside Parliament (for example, changes to income tax…). We explain why an obscure technical motion might limit debate on the Finance Bill – the legislation that will implement Rachel Reeves' tax plans – and why leading figures in the Government should steer well clear of using it.The assisted dying bill is inching through its House of Lords committee stage. Our Lords procedural guru Sir David Beamish joins us to consider whether the huge volume of amendments proposed by Peers could threaten the bill's progress. When does rigorous scrutiny become filibustering? And would it be unconstitutional for their Lordships to block the Bill?Finally, we meet Marsha de Cordova MP and Sandro Gozi MEP, the parliamentarians quietly working to de-frost the UK–EU relationship through the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly which monitors and reports on our Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Brussels.

Yesterday we had the publication of the second module of the Covid Inquiry on the decision-making at the heart of government. It confirmed a toxic and disorganised culture at the heart of No. 10 and the headline is that the government acted ‘too little, too late', costing as many as 23,000 lives in England.That figure is already disputed, not least by our economics editor Michael Simmons who argues on the podcast that the inquiry is a ‘disgrace' and demonstrates a lack of domain knowledge about the limitations of modelling. Where else does the inquiry fall short? What will be the political ramifications in Westminster?James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Covid Inquiry led by Baroness Hallett has concluded that the UK did too little too late in response to Covid-19, that the lockdown could have been avoided if steps such as social distancing and isolating had been introduced earlier. Joining Anita Rani to give their response to the findings and tell their stories of that time, are musical theatre actor Ruthie Henshall, whose mother died in a care home during Covid and Naomi Fulop, from Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, who also lost her mother during this time. Another chance to hear a shortened version of an interview Anita recorded last month with Melinda French Gates, the most well known and powerful woman in philanthropy. In 2000, Melinda co-founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has - to date - donated over one hundred billion dollars to charitable projects. She and Bill Gates married in 1994 and divorced in 2021, after 27 years of marriage. Melinda has since left their joint enterprise and set up her own, Pivotal Ventures, which has one purpose: to put power into the hands of women. In a new report 'Care, courage, change,' the World Health Organisation has conducted analysis of the various health and support policies for survivors of violence in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region. The report reveals that almost one in three women and girls aged 15-years and older, will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime - but countries' health sectors are failing nearly one in three survivors. Anita Rani talks to Melanie Hyde, WHO Europe's Gender, Equality and Human Rights Technical Officer, author of the report.Poetry, love and an incurable cancer diagnosis are the themes of a new film looking at the relationship between the acclaimed spoken word poet and activist Andrea Gibson and their wife, writer Megan Falley. Megan joins Anita along with the documentary's producer Jessica Hargrave to talk about the film and her late wife. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers gives his reaction to the UK's £200 million COVID inquiry and the official narrative. After 800 pages, the report reaches the conclusion that Britain's only mistake was not locking down sooner - but at what cost? From the missing chapter on Sweden's success to the ignored collateral damage inflicted on a generation of children, was the lockdown experiment actually a civilisational error that the state is now too afraid to admit? And is the inquiry an establishment whitewash that sets the stage for future authoritarianism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nolan talks to Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson and Ulster University's Prof Deirdre Heenan

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO, that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week…With over 19 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and we've won Gold at the Signal International Podcast awardsIf you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps... Today's episode includes the following: https://x.com/i/status/1991548034170130892 https://x.com/i/status/1991553808179032555 https://x.com/i/status/1991513878107213924 https://x.com/i/status/1991426817706672228 https://youtu.be/vvbNMBU4ds0 https://x.com/i/status/1991494048457146695 https://x.com/i/status/1991428436326219822 https://x.com/i/status/1991471584712737198 https://x.com/i/status/1991508100306899043 Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Voiced by Jamie East, using AI, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lessons are there to learn from the Covid-19 inquiry? How can bias in the media help us in church ministry? Is the UK becoming more secular?In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director), Adrian Reynolds (Associate National Director), and John Stevens (National Director), discuss stories in the news from the past few weeks.Show notesFIEC Leaders' Conference 2026 (fiec.org.uk)The Street Preacher's Charter (christian.org.uk)Rising Lights 2026 (fiec.org.uk)Journeys 2026 (fiec.org.uk)COVID-19 report goes a long way to answering inquiry's critics (news.sky.com)What to Know About the Turmoil at the BBC (nytimes.com)Supreme Court rules Christian-focused RE taught in NI schools is unlawful (bbc.co.uk)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC's official podcast, where you'll hear conversations on topics for church leaders.About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ.00:00 - FIEC Leaders' Conference07:32 - Lessons from the Covid-19 inquiry19:02 - BBC bias, media trust, and corporate responsibility27:56 - Religious education in Northern Ireland34:35 - An Ashes winter

On 20 November 2025, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish its second report. This module focuses on political and administrative decision making during the pandemic, examining how key decisions were made across government, and civil service performance. This report will also include perspectives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In a rapid reaction webinar the following day, our expert IfG panel unpacked the report's findings and explored their implications for future governance: Tim Durrant, Programme Director for the IfG Ministers work programme Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the IfG Akash Paun, Programme Director for the IfG Devolution work programme Alex Thomas, Programme Director for the IfG Civil Service work programme The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

Today, the latest report from the covid inquiry has found that the government did “too little, too late” to prevent deaths during the pandemic. Chair of the inquiry, Baroness Hallett acknowleged that Boris Johnson's government faced “unenviable choices” but said that 23 000 deaths could have been potentially avoided and added that regular rule breaking by officials undermined the public's trust.BBC health reporter Jim Reed and Dr Catherine Haddon programme, director at the Institue for Government, join Adam to unpick the report. Plus, Adam is joined by Rachel Kyte UK special representative for climate who's leading the UK's delegation in Brazil at COP 30. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

While we wait for the findings of the Covid Inquiry into the decision-making during the pandemic, Shabana Mahmood has given a statement in the Commons outlining further details of Labour's migration crackdown. The headline is that those who arrived during the so-called ‘Boriswave' will have to wait up to 20 years before achieving settled status.Figures within Reform are having fun with the suggestion that the Home Secretary is more aligned with them on migration, but it is perhaps fairer to say that Shabana is taking her cues from the Blue Labour movement. What is Blue Labour? And is Shabana Blue Labour?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Paul Embery.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A report by the Covid inquiry has concluded that lockdown could have been avoided entirely if other measures had been implemented urgently at the start of the pandemic. Also: Legal immigrants who claim benefits could be forced to wait 20 years before applying for the right to settle permanently. And Gary 'Mani' Mansfield, the Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, has died aged 63.

The UK response to Covid was "too little, too late" and led to thousands more deaths in the first wave, an inquiry into government decision-making has found. The report said lockdown may have been avoided if voluntary steps such as social distancing and isolating those with symptoms along with household members had been brought in earlier than 16 March 2020. A minister during the pandemic years tells us some of the criticism is "unfair".Also on the programme: as Spain marks 50 years since the death of dictator Francisco Franco, a leading historian of the country on why some young people are growing more favourable towards him.Broadcaster Terry Christian reflects on the passing of his friend, The Stone Roses bassist Gary "Mani" Mounfield, who has died aged 63.And turning a tennis match into opera. Shaun Ley visits the set of 'Balls', an musical rendition of the famous 1973 Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Ukraine Chernihiv in total blackout after massive Russian assault Boris Johnson left Covid Inquiry in a hurry he wont want to come back The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge Labour feel the heat in crucial by election test Dublin Police van set on fire at protest outside asylum seeker hotel Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel Cerys Lupton Jones Hospital neglect contributed to vulnerable womans death, coroner says Louvre heist Stolen jewellery worth 88m, prosecutor says No immediate plans for Trump Putin meeting, White House official says Paris Woman charged after 1.5m euros of gold stolen from museum

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO, that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week…With over 19 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and we've won Gold at the Signal International Podcast awardsIf you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps... Today's episode includes the following: https://x.com/i/status/1980568678849487216https://x.com/i/status/198061202137357117https://x.com/i/status/1980521325560004817https://x.com/i/status/1980507110879150291 https://x.com/i/status/1980585044587471210https://x.com/i/status/1980527045042917833 https://x.com/i/status/1980751499165667329 https://x.com/i/status/1980482073895866599 https://youtu.be/rtEy8GITGWQ Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Voiced by Jamie East, using AI, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Paris Woman charged after 1.5m euros of gold stolen from museum No immediate plans for Trump Putin meeting, White House official says Ukraine Chernihiv in total blackout after massive Russian assault Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel Cerys Lupton Jones Hospital neglect contributed to vulnerable womans death, coroner says Dublin Police van set on fire at protest outside asylum seeker hotel Labour feel the heat in crucial by election test Louvre heist Stolen jewellery worth 88m, prosecutor says The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge Boris Johnson left Covid Inquiry in a hurry he wont want to come back

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel Boris Johnson left Covid Inquiry in a hurry he wont want to come back Labour feel the heat in crucial by election test Paris Woman charged after 1.5m euros of gold stolen from museum The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge Cerys Lupton Jones Hospital neglect contributed to vulnerable womans death, coroner says Louvre heist Stolen jewellery worth 88m, prosecutor says Dublin Police van set on fire at protest outside asylum seeker hotel Ukraine Chernihiv in total blackout after massive Russian assault No immediate plans for Trump Putin meeting, White House official says

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Louvre heist Stolen jewellery worth 88m, prosecutor says Third survivor quits grooming gang inquiry panel Labour feel the heat in crucial by election test Dublin Police van set on fire at protest outside asylum seeker hotel The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge Ukraine Chernihiv in total blackout after massive Russian assault Paris Woman charged after 1.5m euros of gold stolen from museum Cerys Lupton Jones Hospital neglect contributed to vulnerable womans death, coroner says Boris Johnson left Covid Inquiry in a hurry he wont want to come back No immediate plans for Trump Putin meeting, White House official says

Today, details have emerged about how Prince Andrew can afford his Windsor mansion as pressure builds over whether he should be allowed to keep it. The new document reveals that instead of paying annual rent, Prince Andrew made large lump sum payments up-front, including for renovations. Adam is joined by politics and investigations correspondent Joe Pike to discuss whether political pressure is building for him to give up the property.And, Boris Johnson has been giving evidence at the Covid Inquiry about the impact of the pandemic on children and young people. He told the inquiry that he ‘probably did go too far' with lockdown rules for children, and that the rules were at times overly complicated.Adam speaks to BBC Education Editor Branwen Jeffries and BBC Verify's Ben Chu.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Former Prime Minister Borris Johnson told a Covid inquiry this morning that the Covid rules “probably did go too far" particularly when it came to the impact on children and young adults. Ciara Doherty was joined by TNT Presenter, Enda Brady to discuss.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and Senior PR Consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto, joined in on a discussion about the issues of the day - and more! Should the taxpayer be covering the Covid inquiry legal costs? It is usual for the crown to cover legal costs of ministers and previous ministers – but should we be covering these costs? And how do we get central Auckland as vibrant and exciting as Christchurch? Is the rest of the country moving ahead faster than Auckland? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor joins Francesca Rudkin to review this weeks' top local politics stories. Is it normal for the taxpayers to pay for the legal advice the government received during COVID? Will New Zealand follow suit with Australia and remove the Iranian ambassador following recent anti-semitic attacks? And what does the Government's new Business Investor Visa do for foreign investors? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) He's Been Acting for a While Now/Strike? What Strike?/Where's Winston?/Putting It Back Together Is the ChallengeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, the Covid Inquiry is still at the top of mind for many. Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall have declined to publicly answer questions for the Royal Commission's second Covid Inquiry. Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell delved into the situation, as well as touching on Trevor Mallard's ousting from the role of Ambassador to Ireland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of August, the Reserve Bank has a call to make today – they're expected to cut the OCR by 25 points, but what comes next? Trade Minister Todd McClay joins us out of Saudi Arabia before his flight to the US in which he'll continue to try lower our tariff rate. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the Covid Inquiry and Winston Peters' exclusion, and Trevor Mallard's ousting as the Ambassador to Ireland on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Robertson retired from politics in early 2024 to take up a new job as Otago University's Vice-Chancellor. He was back in the headlines this week after declining to show up to in-person hearings for the Covid-19 inquiry's second phase. The former Finance Minister spoke to Q+A about that decision and why he doesn't regret the Labour Government's spending decisions during the pandemic. Robertson, who is about to release his memoir Anything Could Happen, also reflects on the impact his sexuality had on his political career.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 16 August 2025, legendary guitar shredder Joey Santiago of Pixies joins Jack to discuss the unique format of the band's current tour, which is heading to New Zealand soon. Jack considers the levels of fairness and transparency in the latest Covid Inquiry. Haydn Jones joins Jack from the pitch to discuss the pros of volunteering for your local sporting clubs. Nici Wickes shares a delightful recipe for orange-caramel custard filled crepes. And Ed McKnight's finances have been inspired by a tennis great. Plus, Jack shares the breaking updates of Putin and Trump's press conference in Alaska, as it happens. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we are all served best by transparency in government. Leaders should be accountable for their decisions, and they should be willing to take our questions and answer them in a public format. But it's pretty clear to me the Covid Inquiry has fallen victim to bad and even cynical design, shaped by politics rather than a sincere desire to get a full accounting of our response. It's a shame, because it threatens to undermine some of the inquiry's more useful conclusions. It is a missed opportunity. In my view, there's plenty of blame to share. I think the first phase of the Covid Inquiry, introduced by the last government, missed some critical elements in its terms of reference. Worst of all was the decision not to include vaccine efficacy. For something so fundamental to the response, and so important to some New Zealanders that they were willing to lose relationships, jobs, and livelihoods over it, I think the effectiveness of vaccines and whatever slim risk they carried, should have been included. I think it's clear that different vaccines had different impacts on different variants. You can see how this might impact our procurement decisions in future. In principle, I supported expanding the inquiry until I saw the refreshed terms of reference. If it was to be a sincere effort to consider our Covid response, the good calls and the bad, in order to move forward and better prepare for the next pandemic shock, how could you leave out the first year of the response? Sure, much of the second phase of the Inquiry might have focused on vaccines, but it also focused on lockdowns and control measures. If you really cared about our Covid response, you'd start that line of inquiry with, you know, the start of the pandemic. To exclude the period when it wasn't just Labour in government and to exclude what have proved to be the more popular components of the government's response was disingenuous and cynical. The Covid-19 response was vast and complex. It's almost impossible to unpick every decision because you have to try and separate the information we have now from the information we had at the time. The virus has cast a long shadow in New Zealand. Our response undoubtedly saved a lot of lives, but it wasn't without costs. The pandemic might have been over ages ago, but the economic and social impacts endure. One thing I'd add to the Royal Commission's conclusions is that next time we need to find a better, respectful way to hear and consider dissenting views. Media obviously plays a critical role in this. But although I think we did a reasonable job last time, I reckon next time is going to be much more difficult. Depending on the circumstances, it may not massively change government policy or the public health response. Given the conspiratorial nature of the fringiest elements, it may be an impossible task. Nevertheless, I think one of the key lessons from the Covid years is that somehow making people feel heard and respected instead of ostracised is a vital part in preventing the worst of the societal division that still afflicts us, years on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Friday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Starting with a Cliffhanger/Water's Back/What Teachers Make/Mark the Week/Some RandoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A constitutional lawyer says the Royal Commission of Inquiry has the power to summons ex-ministers to front for its Covid enquiry. It's called off its second week of hearings after Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined to appear. It says it shouldn't diminish the inquiry - as all have privately given evidence. Lawyer Graeme Edgeler says the Commission just needs to consider if it'll miss out on key information without a summons. "If the answer to that was yes, then they should exercise it. They seem to think at the moment that they don't need need to have the summons, but it's something they have in their back pocket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability. Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors. Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: access to vaccines, lock downs, economic damage, and so on. I have argued since the start that we needed an advisorial approach. In other words, we do it like the Brits, who called people to a witness stand and held them accountable. We didn't do that and now we're paying the price. Ardern and Hipkins, along with Robertson, have declined to appear. No kidding. What a surprise. I wonder why? Grant Illingworth KC, who is in charge of the current work, has the power apparently to pull them in. He is choosing not to do so, hence my assumption of disappointment at political party level. The Illingworth justification is the aforementioned operators are cooperating with proceedings. That's not good enough in my book, or indeed anywhere close. Simple question: is there a broad expectation among ordinary, everyday New Zealanders that those who made life-changing calls in a life-changing period of New Zealand owe it to us all to front and be questioned under oath about why they did what they did? Another question: what does it say about the morals and characters of said people, who seek public mandate and public support and approval, that when things get a bit awkward they are nowhere to be seen? Where is the courage of their conviction? Where are their spines and gonads? Can a person like Hipkins, and indeed Verrall, who I also understand is refusing to front, possibly present themselves to the voting public next year with a straight face and ask once again for the power to run the land, having been the same people who in august of the year before ran for the hills when accountability came calling? The rules of engagement were lacking. We were let down. As the head of this with power to do better, Illingworth is letting us down. But nowhere near the level of Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson, and Verrall, who should be ashamed of themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Thursday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) The Mike Hosking Royal InquirySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Current and former Labour leaders and ministers deciding not to appear at the Royal Commission's Covid inquiry is being described as 'disgraceful'. Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall, who were all involved in Covid decisions - have declined invitations to appear. They say it would have been performative - not informative - and there's a risk livestream recordings could be manipulated and misused. National MP Chris Bishop says they should front up because New Zealanders deserve answers over the scale of Covid spending, which is still having impacts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson have all declined to be interviewed publicly by the Covid inquiry. Should they have fronted? Did Chlöe Swarbrick deserve to get booted out of Parliament today? Should she have apologised? What did we make of Debbie Ngarewa-Packer dropping the C-word in Parliament? The Education Minister is cutting Māori words from five-year-olds' school phonics books. Is this a bad look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury this week is joined by a HEAVYWEIGHT panel comprised of Simon Wilson, Claudette Hauiti, and Prof. Jane Kelsey. Together they tear into the brain fog of a recessionary Kiwi economy, David Seymour’s dodgy Regulatory Standards Bill, and Winston Peters' Covid Inquiry-for-clicks. With 30,000 New Zealanders fleeing and GDP flatlining, the crew ask - who exactly is “growth” growing for? Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins is this week's special guest, and of course we have the War on News. Powered by Waatea News.

The backers of the second official inquiry into the Covid response say it's crucial for preparing us for the next pandemic - but the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up. Also: TVNZ checking itself for bias, a fresh flurry of media French-ification; and do we need to brace for more ‘fiscal hole' fury in Election 2026? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:22 The backers of the second Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response said it was crucial to learning lessons for the future, as well as allowing people to have a say. But the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up at hearings that are still six weeks away.17:03 Remember in the campaign for the last election - and the one before that - how the big political parties made big claims in the media about billion dollar-deep holes in each others' policies? We might have to brace for more in 2026.32:50 TVNZ says it's planning to check itself for bias. But why - and why now?37:21 A fresh flurry of French-ification in our media inspired by Les Bleus on tour.Learn more:https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/566737/mediawatch-pandemic-probe-media-focus-flipped-to-politiciansGuests: Dan Brunskill, economics reporter for Interest.co.nzIf you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You'll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

An immunologist giving evidence at the inquiry into the government's Covid-19 response, has been questioned on claims the debate around mRNA vaccines was shut down during the pandemic. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

Māori, Pasifika and Asian community leaders have told the royal commission of inquiry into the Covid-19 response how hard it was to adapt to lockdown rules. Victor Waters reports.