Podcasts about defence secretary

Less than 24 hours after the Defence Secretary stood up in the Commons to unveil the government's strategic defence review, months in the making, and it looks like NATO are forcing the MOD to go back to the drawing board.The PM couldn't completely commit to 3% of GDP going on defence spending, despite that being an essential part of the review. And now, according to briefings in the newspapers, NATO is forcing Britain (and all members) to commit to a new 3.5% target within a decade. The aim? Convince Trump that NATO is worth standing by - with Russia feeling emboldened, there are heightened warnings that a NATO country could be his next target. But the timing could hardly be more awkward for the Labour government. Just a week out from what could be a brutal spending review, the additional demands on defence will force tens of billions of more to be found to fund our army. Are taxes rises and harsh spending cuts now inevitable to placate the US president?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has warned that the threat from China to Taiwan could be imminent at a major security gathering in Singapore. Mr Hegseth has called on US regional allies to help increase defence spending as he believes Beijing is seeking regional domination.Also in the programme: We discuss the latest on the humanitarian situation in Gaza as the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA says 2 million Palestinians are being left to either starve or be killed by Israel.(Photo: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during Shangri-la Dialogue Defence Summit in Singapore, 31 May 2025. CREDIT: Photo by HOW HWEE YOUNG/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Asserting that no place in Pakistan remained safe for terrorists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told soldiers at the Adampur air base in Punjab that India's drones, and missiles gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. His speech came a day after his first public address since India launched Operation Sindoor. PM Modi also reiterated the new 3-point doctrine he had unveiled a day earlier, including that New Delhi will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail. During his early morning visit to Adampur, the Prime Minister hailed the Indian Air Force personnel, saying that they made every Indian proud, and had created history. Modi got briefed by the Air Force personnel on the situation, and also interacted with jawans. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a key briefing with military chiefs on Tuesday, with the CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, Vice Air Chief and Defence Secretary in attendance.India's Operation Sindoor precision strikes destroyed nearly 20% of Pakistan Air Force infrastructure and multiple fighter jets, official sources said Tuesday. The strikes targeted key bases like Sargodha and Bholari, which housed F-16s and JF-17s, in retaliation to Pakistani drone and missile attacks. Over 50 people, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were killed in Bholari. India also hit ammunition depots and several other airbases across Pakistan. Satellite imagery confirmed major damage. The strikes mark a significant strategic and psychological blow to Pakistan's military capabilities.In a verdict six years in the making, the Mahila Court in Coimbatore on Tuesday convicted all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case and awarded them life imprisonment. The nine men were found guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gangrape, and extortion. The incident, which came out just weeks before the 2019 general elections, led to Tamil Nadu's then ruling AIADMK getting politically cornered with allegations of inaction and links to the accused. President Droupadi Murmu has sought the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 143(1) on whether timelines can be legally imposed on the President and Governors for acting on state Bills. This comes after the Court, in April, set a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills referred by Governors, despite no such timeline existing in Article 201 of the Constitution. The Court stated that delays beyond this period must be explained to the concerned state. The President now seeks clarity on whether these directives are justiciable.Following India's move to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has shown willingness for talks for the first time. Pakistan's Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza has reportedly responded to India's notification and offered to discuss New Delhi's specific objections. India's decision came in response to the attack, which heightened diplomatic tensions. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs water sharing between the two nations. Pakistan's response marks a rare shift, potentially opening the door to dialogue amid ongoing hostilities.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 13th of May and here are the headlines.Asserting that no place in Pakistan remained safe for terrorists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told soldiers at the Adampur air base in Punjab that India's drones, and missiles gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. His speech came a day after his first public address since India launched Operation Sindoor. PM Modi also reiterated the new 3-point doctrine he had unveiled a day earlier, including that New Delhi will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail. During his early morning visit to Adampur, the Prime Minister hailed the Indian Air Force personnel, saying that they made every Indian proud, and had created history. Modi got briefed by the Air Force personnel on the situation, and also interacted with jawans. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a key briefing with military chiefs on Tuesday, with the CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, Vice Air Chief and Defence Secretary in attendance.At least three militants have been killed in the ongoing encounter in the upper reaches of Shopian in South Kashmir. Gunshots were heard Tuesday morning after which senior police officials confirmed the presence of militants in the area. In the contact, there was an exchange of fire between security forces and militants. However, with the operation ongoing, officials have refrained from divulging further details at this point.In a verdict six years in the making, the Mahila Court in Coimbatore on Tuesday convicted all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case and awarded them life imprisonment. The nine men were found guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gangrape, and extortion. The incident, which came out just weeks before the 2019 general elections, led to Tamil Nadu's then ruling AIADMK getting politically cornered with allegations of inaction and links to the accused. Judge R Nandhini Devi pronounced the sentence Tuesday afternoon, following arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Class 12 results 2025 today (May 13). The result of Class 10 will also be announced soon. In Class 12, there is a minor increase in pass percentage as compared to the previous year. In the CBSE Class 12 examinations, a total of 17,04,367 students were registered. Out of these, 16,92,794 students appeared, and 14,96,307 students passed the exam. Students can check their results on the official websites — cbse.gov.in, cbseresults.nic.in, and results.cbse.nic.in. The CBSE Class 10 board exams were conducted by the board from February 15 to March 18, 2025, in a pen and paper format. This year, 24.12 lakh CBSE Class 10 students appeared for the exams in 84 subjects.US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, has greeted Trump upon arrival in Riyadh. US President Donald Trump was greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the sounds of a 21-gun salute and trumpets. The two leaders then headed to the Royal Court where a lengthy procession of dignitaries, officials, business figures waited their turn to shake hands with them. The Saudi-US Investment Forum has also begun, with the two leaders expected to take part later today. Saudi Arabia is the first leg of Trump's regional tour that also includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

US President Donald Trump is backing his Defence Secretary despite him being embroiled in yet another group chat scandal. Washington DC correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

How should the UK engage with China? In this week's episode, journalist Kate McCann and co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Grant Shapps, former Defence Secretary for the United Kingdom. During his tenure, Shapps was an advocate for building European defense in the wake of the war in Ukraine. He gives insight into what it was like to work with China and explains why the United Kingdom should engage financially and commercially with the nation. He also shares his thoughts on President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy approaches and why he's disappointed in Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Plus, Shapps shares his thoughts on fortifying an AI defense strategy and offers predictions for the future of foreign policy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

An MP for 35 years, Michael Heseltine served as Environment Secretary and then Defence Secretary in Margaret Thatcher's government. Following his well-publicised resignation in 1986, he returned to government under John Major and was Deputy Prime Minister for the last two years of Major's premiership. Once seen as a potential successor to Thatcher and Major, he has sat in the Lords since stepping down as an MP in 2001, and in recent years has been an outspoken critic of Brexit. Lord Heseltine sits down with James Heale to discuss his thoughts on the current Labour government, how to fix Britain's broken economy and why devolution should go further. ‘Deeply depressed' by attacks on the civil service – Britain's ‘rolls royce' – he provides his thoughts on various political leaders: Starmer is handling Trump well, Reeves is handling the economy badly, Badenoch is being overshadowed by foreign affairs, and Boris Johnson demonstrated he has ‘no integrity'. And on Thatcher, he says new information has vindicated him over the Westland affair and demonstrated her ‘complicity'. His new book, From Acorns to Oaks: An Urgent Agenda to Rebuild Britain, is out now. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

An MP for 35 years, Michael Heseltine served as Environment Secretary and then Defence Secretary in Margaret Thatcher's government. Following his well-publicised resignation in 1986, he returned to government under John Major and was Deputy Prime Minister for the last two years of Major's premiership. Once seen as a potential successor to Thatcher and Major, he has sat in the Lords since stepping down as an MP in 2001, and in recent years has been an outspoken critic of Brexit. Lord Heseltine sits down with James Heale to discuss his thoughts on the current Labour government, how to fix Britain's broken economy and why devolution should go further. ‘Deeply depressed' by attacks on the civil service – Britain's ‘rolls royce' – he provides his thoughts on various political leaders: Starmer is handling Trump well, Reeves is handling the economy badly, Badenoch is being overshadowed by foreign affairs, and Boris Johnson demonstrated he has ‘no integrity'. And on Thatcher, he says new information has vindicated him over the Westland affair and demonstrated her ‘complicity'. His new book, From Acorns to Oaks: An Urgent Agenda to Rebuild Britain, is out now. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Kia ora,Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand.I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.And today we lead with news behind the tariff headlines that shows impacts of recent policy changes are starting to show up in some places, but not everywhere yet.US jobless claims fell slightly last week and about at the level seasonal factors would have expected. There are now 2.08 mln people on these benefits, about the same level as a year ago.That was the first of some marginally better data out overnight. The US merchandise trade balance pulled back in February from its record January deficit but it still came in far higher than what was expected. US exports stagnated but imports were +19% higher than year-ago levels.US wholesale and retail inventories rose with wholesale inventories up +1.2% from a year ago, and retail inventories up +4.6% on the same basis. Supply chain inefficiencies from the new tariff policies are starting to show up nowUS pending home sales came in -3.6% lower in February than year-ago levels, although the industry emphasised the +2% rise from January.The Kansas City Fed factory survey was a touch more positive than expected and better than in some other regions. But they too had lower new order levels, so this positivity probably won't last.In the Washington swamp, overshadowed perhaps by obvious lying by their unqualified Defence Secretary, the Administration has hit carmakers with new 25% tariffs. This will likely have a significant global impact on manufacturing as well as destabilising local supply chains. It is a move that may not play out as they want and will almost certainly mean US-produced cars will cost a lot more. GM's share price is down -7% today which accounts for most of the YTD drop. Ford is down -3.2%. Stellantis is down -4.3% today. The big local producers are expected by investors to do well out of this change.And they are not the only ones being hit. The recoiling of international tourists going to the US has seen substantial drops in the values of major US airlines. Delta is down -21% so far this year, United is down -22%. And American Airlines is down -35%. The whole industry is down -16% since the start of the year with those with extensive international routes worst hit. And this is despite global air travel being up about +10%.The final review of the Q4-2024 economic growth rate came in at +2.4%, which means that for all of 2024 they recorded an economic expansion of +2.5%. Both outcomes were marginally better than expected. 2025 has gotten off to a rocky start for them.In China, after the January -3.3% retreat, industrial profits were expected to be reported up +4.0% in February. But in fact they came in -0.3% lower again, so a market surprise. The SOE group saw profits rise +2.1%, public listed companies saw their profits down -2.0%, Hong Kong/Macao companies reported a +4.9% rise, and other private enterprises suffered a -9.0% drop.In Europe, the Norwegian central bank kept its key policy rate unchanged at 4.5% for the tenth consecutive meeting in its overnight March review, as widely expected.In Australia, household wealth was up +0.9% or +AU$144 bln in the December quarter, the lowest growth since September quarter of 2022. Year-on-year this was up +6.6% at a time inflation accounted for +2.4%. On that annual before-inflation basis their dwelling values only rose +4.4%. Their Super was up +9.3% however, and the value of their bank accounts were up +8.5%.Post their 2025/26 Budget, the Australian Treasury (AOFM) said it has raised its target bond fundraising from AU$100 bln in the coming year to AU$150 bln. Swap spreads then dived, indicating that demand for this debt paper could be hard to find. Expect Aussie Govt bond yields to rise sharply. It is widely expected that there will be an election date announcement later this morning, and most are expecting May 3 to be when the Aussies next go to the polls. Their recent Budget seems to have gone down well with the electorate so they want to capitalise on that.Globally, container freight rates fell -4% last week and are now -31% lower than year ago levels but +53% above pre-pandemic levels. Freight rates for bulk cargoes were essentially unchanged last week from the prior one, to be -19% lower than year-ago levels.The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.36%, up +2 bps from yesterday at this time.The price of gold will start today at just on US$3049/oz and up a net +US$32 from yesterday.Oil prices are down -50 USc from yesterday at just over US$69.50/bbl in the US and the international Brent price is now just over US$73.50/bbl.The Kiwi dollar is now at 57.3 USc and down -10 bps from this time yesterday. Against the Aussie we are also down -10 bps at 91.1 AUc. Against the euro we are up +10 bps at just on 53.3 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today just on 66.9, and down -10 bps.The bitcoin price starts today at US$86,905 very little-changed (+US$39) from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has again been modest at +/- 1.0%.You can find links to the articles mentioned today in our show notes.You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz.Kia ora. I'm David Chaston. And we will do this again on Monday.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says the Defence Secretary should be fired over texting war plans in a group chat. Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Pete Hegseth posted plans for attacks in Yemen - two hours beforehand. Jeffries says that threatened national security, and likely violated the law. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Trump has attempted to downplay the incident. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, received an invitation to the chat on the Signal app by the National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. In the chat, the vice-president JD Vance seemingly said he hates "bailing Europe out again". The defence secretary Pete Hegseth apparently replied to Vance with: "I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC". We hear from the Democratic Congressman Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Also in the programme: an air strike on a market in Sudan is believed to have killed hundreds of people in western Darfur; and another piece of evidence showing there could have been life on Mars. (Photo: US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Credit: Photo by Ludovic Marin/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock. Washington, DC, USA, 24 February 2025)

Jeffrey Goldberg's story in the Atlantic is so mind-blowing it's hard to know what to say in response. It defies belief that Donald Trump's National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, appears to have accidentally added a top journalist to a Signal messaging group with senior government officials – including the Vice President, Secretary of State, Defence Secretary and the Director of National Intelligence – to discuss top-secret military action. It boggles the brain that the people running the most powerful country on the planet, the Principals Committee of US national security no less, use childish emojis to discuss a bombing campaign which they helped co-ordinate in order to kill 53 people. It's another painful reminder that, whether Trump or Biden is in the White House, the free world is not being led by serious people. Deputy and US editor Freddy Gray is joined by Ben Domenech, editor-at-large of Spectator World, to discuss. You can watch this episode on YouTube! Click here.

Jeffrey Goldberg's story in the Atlantic is so mind-blowing it's hard to know what to say in response. It defies belief that Donald Trump's National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, appears to have accidentally added a top journalist to a Signal messaging group with senior government officials – including the Vice President, Secretary of State, Defence Secretary and the Director of National Intelligence – to discuss top-secret military action. It boggles the brain that the people running the most powerful country on the planet, the Principals Committee of US national security no less, use childish emojis to discuss a bombing campaign which they helped co-ordinate in order to kill 53 people. It's another painful reminder that, whether Trump or Biden is in the White House, the free world is not being led by serious people. Deputy and US editor Freddy Gray is joined by Ben Domenech, editor at large of Spectator World, to discuss. You can watch this episode on YouTube! Click here.

Family fights for change ahead of prison death inquest, Sports coach Lilie James brutal murder reveals new digital danger, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth accidentally added a journalist to a group chat discussing war; Noughties pop star Anastacia announces Aussie tour The Quicky is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day. And it’s delivered straight to your ears in a daily podcast so you can listen whenever you want, wherever you want...at the gym, on the train, in the playground or at night while you're making dinner. Support independent women's media CREDITS Host/Producer: Nicole Madigan Audio Producer: Lu Hill Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After just eight months in his role, Defence Secretary John Healey is dealing with one of the most challenging in-trays in the cabinet. He is meeting US counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington on Thursday, as he works to bridge the gap on how to reach a Ukraine peace deal. On today's podcast, Niall Paterson talks to ex-armed forces minister James Heappey who worked with Healey when he was in opposition, and to Malcolm Chalmers who focuses on UK defence and security at the think-tank RUSI about the challenges the defence secretary faces. Producer: Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Millie Gibson Editor: Wendy Parker    

We now have a deadline for the UK to spend 2.5% of national income on defence and it's much sooner than anyone expected. But cash doesn't just turn into military might.There are many things you could spend it on. People? Hardware? Training? The real question is what you should spend it on, for the right capabilities at the right times.There are urgent priorities to rapidly improve defence of our own doorstep as the US pulls back, but we still need to plan for long term battle-winning edge.Professor Michael Clarke explains why ‘invisible' capabilities will be favoured over heavy metal, while Matthew Savill from RUSI assesses how hard it will be to deliver the Defence Secretary's priority of “arresting the long-term fall in numbers of service personnel”.

Despite the many uncertainties about a possible peace-deal for Ukraine, Britain's Defence Secretary says the detail is being developed for a European led security guarantee.Former head of the Army General Lord Dannatt warns that while the Prime Minister is ready and willing to commit British troops, the Army is willing but not ready.Sitrep assesses how many people and what equipment it might be required, exactly what the role of such a force could be, how long it might be needed for, and what alternatives there are to international ground troops.Plus Professor Michael Clarke explains how the Sir Keir Starmer will try to persuade President Trump to commit a US backstop that would support Ukraine's security from outside its territory.

Donald Trump's tried to take Ukraine's future out of its own hands by opening negotiations with Russia, and telling Kyiv that NATO membership and getting all of its land back are hopeless ambitions.So what should Ukraine do now? Could focussing on the fight still improve its negotiating position, or has it reached its high watermark in the war? Professor Michael Clarke and retired General Sir Richard Shirreff assess the battlefield balance of power.America's Defence Secretary says “stark strategic realities prevent the United States from being primarily focused on Europe”. The UK's stepping up as the US steps back, but how much more will we do to lead from the front? And as some of the world's most powerful defence and security figures gather at the Munich Security Conference Sitrep explains why this private talking shop has become a marketplace for some of the world's most consequential decisions.

Keir Starmer wants a post-brexit reset with the EU, and he thinks it should start with “an ambitious partnership” on defence and security. But would it help our Armed Forces when we already have NATO? Former Army officer Ed Arnold explains how both the EU and NATO could give us more bang-for-our-buck, as well as the potential pitfalls. British troops are showing partnership in action in Estonia on NATO's biggest cold weather exercise, Winter Camp. Sitrep hears from some of those taking part and BFBS reporter David Sivills-McCann explains what it's all about. And 25 years since the ban on gay and bisexual people serving in the Armed Forces was lifted, the Defence Secretary who made the change talks in detail for the first time about whether the government was forced to do it, or really believed it was the right thing.

Former Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary, faced four hours of grilling by the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was challenged over previous comments made about women in the military; elsewhere he vowed to restore a "warrior ethos" to the Pentagon.Also on the programme: how Russians have been trying to get Ukrainians to sabotage their military, to secure the release of a loved one; and a Canadian pilot, whose skill has impressed the world in scooping up seawater to put out the LA fires.(Picture: US Secretary of Defence nominee Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington DC. Credit: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defence secretary, is fighting for his political future as he tries to hold on following allegations of sexual assault. And why Joe Biden's pardoning of his son Hunter might backfire spectacularly. Tom Bradby is joined by journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower and our US Correspondent Dan Rivers.

US President-elect Donald Trump tapped Pam Bondi, a staunch ally who helped defend the ex-leader against impeachment, as US Attorney-General following firebrand Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from the running. Gaetz's retreat amid sexual misconduct allegations signalled limits to Trump's power, even as the President-elect prepares to retake the White House with his Republican Party also in control of both chambers of Congress. The nomination of Bondi, a former Florida Attorney-General who served as a surrogate during the 2024 campaign and pushed to delegitimise vote counting in swing state Pennsylvania in 2020, could be seen as a useful tool for Trump in his attempt to settle personal grievances. “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponised against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network in announcing Bondi's nomination. Bondi, 59, was a member of Trump's legal team during his first Senate impeachment trial, in which he was alleged to have pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, using aid as leverage, to hand over political dirt on Biden. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again,” Trump wrote, adding that she is “smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter”. Trump has made several eye-catching selections for top roles, including Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defence Secretary, vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy jnr as Health Secretary and billionaire Elon Musk to head a government cost-cutting unit. The exit of Gaetz, 42, was the first setback for Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance in placing key allies in top positions, but his confirmation by the Senate was widely seen as doomed because of lack of support from fellow Republicans. A congressional panel has been investigating alleged illegal activity by Gaetz, including sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl – which he denies – as well as drug use and misappropriating campaign funds. “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Gaetz said on X. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” Gaetz was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and won reelection recently, but he resigned as a congressman shortly after Trump picked him to be Attorney-General. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” Trump said in response to his withdrawal. The ethics probe into Gaetz, a deeply polarising Florida congressman, was effectively ended after he resigned from the House. Gaetz is known as a political disruptor who earned the enmity of some House colleagues, including by engineering the ouster of fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker last year. The latest transition upheaval ahead of Trump's inauguration on January 20 came as new lurid details emerged about Defence Secretary nominee Hegseth. He was investigated for sexual assault after a complaint from an unnamed woman at a 2017 conference in California. The New York Times reported details from the police investigation, which was closed without Hegseth being charged. The married woman told officers that her memory of the episode was hazy and thought her drink might have been spiked, while Hegseth said the encounter was consensual. - Agence France-Presse LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Secretary has announced that more than 30 helicopters will be retired early, along with 5 ships, and 46 drones, all of them he calls ‘outdated capabilities'.Most significant, after years of ‘will they, won't they', the Royal Marines amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, get the axe. Critics call it a black day for the Marines but the Defence Secretary insists they have a bright future.So which is it? Professor Michael Clarke explains how each of the cuts will, or won't, affect our military capabilities. He also analyses the shake-up at the very top of the forces giving the Chief of Defence Staff more power over all the services.And why is all this being announced with months of work still to do on the Defence Review, with more big change ahead?

Matthew Bannister on the versatile actor Timothy West whose roles ranged from Shakespeare to soap operas. Sir Ian McKellen pays tribute.Sir John Nott, the Conservative politician who was Defence Secretary at the time of the Falklands War.June Spencer who played the matriarch of Ambridge, Peggy Wooley. She was the last original cast member.Nadia Cattouse, who was born in what is now Belize. She signed up to serve Britain during the second world war and became a singer and advocate for the Windrush generation. Interviewee: Sir Ian McKellen Interviewee: Jeremy Howe Interviewee: Sunny Ormonde Interviewee: Sir Michael Heseltine Interviewee: Sir Hugo Swire Interviewee: Mike LindupProducer: Catherine PowellArchive used: Arena “ Theatre The Prospect Before Us” BBC Two 20th April 1977; “The Tragedy of King Richard II” 30th July 1970; “Great Canal Journeys, Bristol and North Devon” Channel 4 Director Mike Taylor October 23rd 2016; “EastEnders” BBC One 17th November 2014; “Churchill & The General” BBC Two 23rd September 1979; The Archers BBC Radio 4 3rd November 2008/ 31st July 2022; Desert Island Discs 28th February 2022; Pick of the Week 14th August 2022; American Masters Digital Archive: “Nadia Cattouse Paul Robeson Here I stand”. 27th July 1998. American Archive of Public Broadcasting; BBC Radio: “Two of a Kind: Amid The Alien Corn. “ 26th November 1963; “Angels” BBC TV 24th November 1975

Donald Trump has named a Fox News anchor as his pick for Defence Secretary. And the former governor of South Dakota, known better in this country as the woman who shot her own dog, is set to be his head of Homeland Security. What do his picks tell us about the direction of travel of the incoming administration? And why has he had to appoint not one, but two heads to run the Department of Government Efficiency?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie Indge Digital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob PaulYou can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFEDon't forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below: https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usaYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, November 13: We look at reactions to Donald Trump's shock Pentagon pick, as well as unchecked methane emissions by the oil and gas industries and tributes to Azzedine Hedna – a devoted craftsman of the Notre Dame restoration who has sadly passed away a month before the cathedral's reopening.

US exit polls show state of the democracy and the economy are the most important issues. Also Israel's Prime Minister fires his Defence Secretary and a piece of 77 year-old cake goes for a princely sum.

Continuously a minister for the 18 years of Tory rule that stretched from 1979 to 1997, Sir Malcolm Rifkind offers insights from his time in and out of power. What was it like being the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary? As a former Defence Secretary, does he think Britain needs to spend more on defence? How should political leaders do business with despots or those they may otherwise hold in contempt? At a time of crisis for the Conservative Party, what really is Conservatism? And what are his top tips for public speaking? A rare insight into the life of one of the UK's leading political figures. 

In this week's episode, One Decision's Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Sir Michael Fallon, the former United Kingdom Defence Minister. They discuss how today's global conflicts mirror those from ten years ago when Sir Fallon oversaw British defense during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Russia's invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea. Sir Michael, who served under Prime Minister Theresa May, told One Decision that it is not "morally right" for Russian tourists to travel across Europe and supports a travel ban so the middle class can feel the impact of Vladimir Putin's war. They also talk about the dangers of military underspending and the growing threat of social media disinformation.

The Defence Secretary has said “we will do our part” as the government prepares us for a “difficult” budget, fuelling speculation that some big defence projects, like new planes or ships, could be axed.Sitrep's Professor Michael Clarke explains why the Chancellor won't be making any such announcements, but that that everything is up for consideration, and how difficult choices will have to be made early next year.Also on Sitrep why the Armed Forces are pushing big into e-sports. We talk to the Army team manager from international Call of Duty tournament Code Bowl.And the recently retired Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts, talks to us about soldiering, saving lives and how writing war poems helped him with both. 

This week on The Core Report: Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary of India and a seasoned expert in the defence industry. They discuss the landscape of defence technology in India. Dr. Ajay Kumar, the driving force behind the MTEC Growth Fund, shares insights on the transformative role of technology in modern warfare. From the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles and space-based systems to the potential of directed energy weapons, Kumar paints a vivid picture of the evolving battlefield. He also discusses the important role of venture capital in innovation and the opportunities for Indian startups to become global leaders in defence technology.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in--Support the Core Report--Join and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

Listen to the June 2nd, 2024 daily headline round-up and find all the top news that you need to know.

Day 805. Today, we discuss the fast-moving situation on the front line as Russia continues its assault near Kharkiv. Plus, we analyse the controversies stoked by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Kyiv, and sit down for an exclusive interview with the British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor) @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Nate Ostiller (News Editor at the Kyiv Independent). @NateOstiller on X.Michael Bohnert (RAND Corporation). @mbohnert on X.Articles / New Podcast Referenced:David Knowles Interviewed on The Telegraph's New Podcast, 'The Daily T':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/14/daily-t-podcast-fat-skinny-jabs-ukraine-trigger-warning/'Here's what Ukraine needs in missiles, shells and troops to win' (Michael Bohnert for The Telegraph)https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/comment/2024/05/02/ukraine-war-russian-invasion-missile-army-navy-us-aid/ Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.ukHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emergency calls from any vessel under attack in the Red Sea are handled thousands of miles away, in Portsmouth, by a Royal Navy supported control centre.Sitrep's Tim Cooper is one of the first ever journalists to visit the UKMTO, where calls have soared by 475% as missile and drone attacks from Yemen are launched on average once every two days.Also on Sitrep, after the Defence Secretary's plane had its navigation system jammed by Russia, we explain the risks from electronic warfare and what we can do about them.And the Army's teamed up with McLaren to learn from Formula 1 electric vehicle technology. We ask former Defence Sustainability adviser Lieutenant General Richard Nugee whether electric vehicles really could rule the battlefield.

Russia jammed GPS of Defence Secretary's aircraft on trip to PolandNearly a million HMRC calls left unansweredRachel Reeves accused of not knowing how state pension worksRead all these articles and stay expertly informed anywhere, anytime with a digital subscription. Start your free one-month trial today to gain unlimited website and app access. Cancel anytime. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/2WRuvh9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Government "appalled" by claims that UN staff were involved in Hamas' attack on Israel. Defence Secretary condemns the latest Houthi attack on ships sailing through the Red Sea.

Benjamin Netanyahu's hold on power has been tenuous at best for the past year, but even more so after the past few days.  There's a sense that the prime ministership of Israel may be slipping away from him.  Dr. Janice Stein has her weekly Monday take on the Middle East story, the Ukraine-Russia war, and a very bleak outlook from the new Defence Secretary in the United Kingdom.

First, the political landscape starts to heat up as candidates make their final pitches before the Iowa Caucuses. But with just 1 week before Iowa, does Trump's opposition have any hope? 3 years after the Capitol attack, President Biden tries to re-frame the race as Trump defends the rioters. Next, why did it take days for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to tell President Biden and the public that he was in the Hospital? Mike Pence has called this a dereliction of duty as he criticized the Defence Secretary earlier this morning. Then, the border crisis is holding up Congress and threatening a shutdown, but could this be a unifier for the GOP? Join Manu Raju for exclusive new details on GOP plans to impeach Secretary Mayorkas. Plus, our panel discusses the tangled web of Trump's legal woes. The Former President faces numerous court trials in the next few weeks. Will these trials provide an opening for the other candidates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lloyd Austin is expected to press for a reduction in the intensity of the offensive in Gaza. Also: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi wins a third term in office, and record rainfall causes flooding in the northern Australian state of Queensland.

The Defence Secretary says he'll move 'heaven and earth' to secure the release of British hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The former Defence Secretary opens up about the impact of high-pressure government jobs on family relations and tells the behind-the-scenes story of the lead-up to the Ukraine War and his take on the “poison” in British politics.

Day 585. Today, we discuss reports of Ukraine's new drone army, hear exclusively from Britain's new Defence Secretary, and evaluate the political crisis in the Balkans, and what it tells us about Putin's strategy to undermine NATO.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor; Host). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on Twitter.With thanks to Dr. Ivana Stradner, The Foundation for Defense of Democracies. @Ivanastradner on Twitter.Read:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/09/30/putin-is-opening-up-a-new-front-against-the-west/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/02/britain-run-out-of-arms-send-to-ukraine-says-military-chief/Find out more: Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rishi Sunak may have shelved his plan for a big reshuffle but we have had some cabinet changes today. Grant Shapps has taken his fifth cabinet position in one year, replacing Ben Wallace as Defence Secretary, and Sunak loyalist Claire Coutinho will take over as Energy Secretary. What does Coutinho's appointment reveal?  James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973

Iain and Jacqui discuss the new Defence Secretary, Nadine Dorries' resignation letter, cleaning up the police, competing with other podcasts, Jacqui's biceps and plenty more besides. Smut quota: Middling.

Following the resignation of Ben Wallace, Grant Shapps has been appointed as defence secretary. Plus: the telegraph and daily mail flip out at Macron's surcharge on Brits with second homes in France; and an ex-Tory MP threatens an academic with legal action for stating her ancestral links to slavery. With Ash Sarkar and Sam Bright.

We examine Ukraine's long-range drone war penetrating deep inside Russian territory - both in the air and underwater.But first, there's more on Rishi Sunak's mini cabinet reshuffle and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps being parachuted into the Ministry of Defence.The former six-day Home Secretary replaces Ben Wallace, who was the longest serving defence chief of this latest Conservative government, having worked under three prime ministers.The Leader podcast's joined by Professor Tim Willasey-Wilsey, visiting professor of war studies at King's College London to discuss what the appointment means for British defence strategy.In part two, Professor Willasey-Wilsey tells us about his research trip to Ukraine where he met commanders in charge of the programme for building vast squadrons of drones to bomb Russian targets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former transport and energy secretary Grant Shapps has been named as the new head of the Ministry of Defence after Ben Wallace stood down from the role on Thursday morning. Mr Wallace had overseen one of the biggest international responses to the war in Ukraine - with the UK behind only the US in terms of support since the war began, having committed £4.6bn in military assistance. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to discuss the significance of Mr Shapps' new role given the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as turning their attention to the use of drone technology on the battlefield. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Joe Biden meets Rishi Sunak in London before flying out to Vilnius to a NATO summit in which he's set to snub the UK government's attempts to have Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary, become the next Secretary General of NATO. The famous 'special relationship' doesn't feel so special any more. Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker joins Emily and Jon in News Agents USA HQ.This, all while US news outlets report that the President is a lot less mild-mannered in private than he appears in public. We ask Washington Post National Politics Reporter Olivier Knox, who's spent decades with US Presidents and in the White House, if that's really the case. And then, we turn to Trump and DeSantis, the two main candidates in the race to win the Republican candidacy for the 2024 election. Trump battles against court dates; DeSantis battles his lack of personality. And, an ode to Marjorie Taylor-Greene, the Republican congresswoman who, despite believing that Jewish people and their space lasers are to blame for Californian wildfires, is deemed too moderate for the right-wing Freedom Caucus in Congress. Another normal week on The Hill.

Washington pledges another $700 million in military aid to Ukraine, as US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin says Moscow should not be left with the capability to launch another invasion. Also: panic buying in Beijing, as the Chinese capital braces for another potential Covid lockdown; and the Ethiopian town of Lalibela — once a major tourist site — struggles to regain its footing in the midst of a pandemic and a war.