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At the end of a three day state visit, the French President and Sir Keir Starmer have announced details of what has been described as a "groundbreaking" plan to deter migrants from crossing the Channel. Also: four people are arrested in connection with cyber attacks which wrought chaos at Marks and Spencer and the Co-op. And the owner of a pet supplies store in Liverpool celebrates settling a dispute with one of the world's best known fashion brands.
Hundreds of migrants have crossed the Channel this morning, far outnumbering the handful who could be returned to France under Sir Keir Starmer's new “one in, one out” migrant deal with Emmanuel Macron. As the French president arrived at No 10 for last-minute talks, The Telegraph watched boats packed with young men leaving Gravelines beach at dawn while French police stood by. Later, 74 men, a woman and three children were handed over to Border Force by the French Navy, who even asked for the migrants' life jackets back.Critics warn that returning around 50 migrants a week will do little to reduce crossings, raising questions over Labour's Channel crisis strategy. Camilla and Gordon are joined by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp to discuss why the deal is a disaster for Britain and how Starmer has lost control of the border. Meanwhile, Reform UK is shaking up Westminster again. Nigel Farage was heckled at PMQs while raising concerns about illegal migration and ex-Tory MP Jake Berry has become the latest to defect to Reform. Our political correspondent Dom Penna joins us after speaking with Reform MP Lee Anderson on what the party's rise means for the Conservatives.Producer: Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's been a year since Sir Keir Starmer took over the Prime Minister's Office in Britain. Although he won the largest majority in a quarter of a century, it came with its fair share of challenges.
The UK needs strong international relationships Nick Robinson, presenter of the BBC Today programme and Political Thinking podcast, speaks to Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, about the importance of maintaining strong international relationships.In an interview recorded to mark Sir Keir's first year in office, he defends the time he's spent developing alliances with other world leaders. His critics claim he's neglected domestic politics, and point to a series of policy u-turns. But Sir Keir tells Nick Robinson that building these relationships is essential to protect the UK's national interest, particularly in a time of global conflict and instability.Challenged over his domestic performance, he concedes he has changed position on some policy decisions but describes himself as a pragmatist who takes a common sense view in the light of changing circumstances.In this conversation, Sir Keir also reflects on the impact on his family of his role as prime minister, and how he likes to relax by playing football.Sir Keir Starmer was elected in 2024 on a substantial majority, returning the Labour party to power after fourteen years. Twelve months on, his party's approval rating has gone down in the polls as it has run into a series of political difficulties. Thank you to the Political Thinking team for helping to produce this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Nick Robinson Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Nick HollandGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Keir Starmer. Credit: Reuters)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chatted to us about his first year in office and took part in Kids Prime Minister's Questions.McClaren Racing CEO Zak Brown revs us up for the British Grand Prix this Sunday and gave us all the gossip behind F1 Drive to Survive.Will and Grace star Sean Hayes pops by for a chat, before his Tony award-winning play, Good Night, Oscar, opens at the Barbican Centre in London on Thursday 31st July.Join Chris, Vassos and the Class Behind The Glass every morning from 6.30am for laughs with the listeners and the greatest guests. Listen on your smart speaker, just say: "Play Virgin Radio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Prime Minister has given the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who was tearful in the Commons, his full backing. Also: the rapper, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, is found guilty of prostitution charges, but cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking. And: the Princess of Wales calls her experience of cancer treatment a 'rollercoaster'.
Susan Hulme reports from Westminster as Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash over welfare at this week's Prime Minister's Questions.
Sir Keir Starmer pulled Labour's flagship welfare reform plans at the last minute - a humiliating U-turn after days of rebellion, confusion and rising anger across his own party.The government narrowly avoided defeat in the vote last night, but the cost may be far greater than any lost vote. Dozens of MPs defied the whip, disability campaigners condemned the reforms, and what was once a central policy platform now lies in ruins. Critics say Starmer has looked weak, indecisive - even irrelevant - in the face of pressure from within.In this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei speaks to our social affairs editor Jackie Long and Channel 4 News' Senior Political Correspondent Paul McNamara about the significance of what has just happened and what comes next. Has this bruising vote done lasting damage to Starmer's premiership? and what will Rachel Reeves do now as another last minute U-turn has blown an even bigger black hole into the government's finances?
Sir Keir Starmer says Rachel Reeves will remain Chancellor of the Exchequer "for a very long time to come" after she could be seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions earlier. Speaking to Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking podcast, the Prime Minister backed the Chancellor and said Reeves' tears were to do with a personal issue and not a result of politics. The government is struggling to maintain its authority after a bruising week in which it climbed down on major welfare reforms.The Pentagon has halted weapons shipments to Ukraine including artillery shells and Patriot air defence missiles. We ask what it'll mean for Ukaine's defences.And as a French astronaut hires a Michelin-starred chef to prepare her meals before she blasts off to the International Space Station, we look at the challenges of eating well in outer space.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Phage therapy I found a bacteria eating virus in my loo Sir Keir Starmer says fixing welfare system is a moral imperative Prime ministers benefit cuts U turn leaves backbenchers feeling bruised M and S strawberries and cream sandwich Japanese fruit sando hits high streets London Gateway cocaine worth 96m seized in one of largest busts Trump says he is cutting off trade talks with Canada In Pictures Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice Hundreds of NHS quangos to be scrapped in 10 year health strategy Glastonbury 2025 Full line up, stage times and secret sets Carrie Johnson warns mums over dehydration after hospital visit
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Glastonbury 2025 Full line up, stage times and secret sets Prime ministers benefit cuts U turn leaves backbenchers feeling bruised Trump says he is cutting off trade talks with Canada Carrie Johnson warns mums over dehydration after hospital visit In Pictures Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice M and S strawberries and cream sandwich Japanese fruit sando hits high streets Hundreds of NHS quangos to be scrapped in 10 year health strategy Sir Keir Starmer says fixing welfare system is a moral imperative London Gateway cocaine worth 96m seized in one of largest busts Phage therapy I found a bacteria eating virus in my loo
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv London Gateway cocaine worth 96m seized in one of largest busts Hundreds of NHS quangos to be scrapped in 10 year health strategy M and S strawberries and cream sandwich Japanese fruit sando hits high streets Glastonbury 2025 Full line up, stage times and secret sets Trump says he is cutting off trade talks with Canada Prime ministers benefit cuts U turn leaves backbenchers feeling bruised Phage therapy I found a bacteria eating virus in my loo In Pictures Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice Carrie Johnson warns mums over dehydration after hospital visit Sir Keir Starmer says fixing welfare system is a moral imperative
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Phage therapy I found a bacteria eating virus in my loo London Gateway cocaine worth 96m seized in one of largest busts In Pictures Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice Carrie Johnson warns mums over dehydration after hospital visit Sir Keir Starmer says fixing welfare system is a moral imperative M and S strawberries and cream sandwich Japanese fruit sando hits high streets Trump says he is cutting off trade talks with Canada Glastonbury 2025 Full line up, stage times and secret sets Hundreds of NHS quangos to be scrapped in 10 year health strategy Prime ministers benefit cuts U turn leaves backbenchers feeling bruised
Ben Riley-Smith of The Daily Telegraph assesses the latest developments at Westminster.He discusses the government's u-turn on its cuts to disability benefits with Anna Dixon, one of the 127 Labour MPs who had threatened to rebel and Jonathan Ashworth, Sir Keir Starmer's shadow work and pensions secretary who now runs the Labour Together think tank. Cathy Ashton, Labour peer and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Sir Mark Lyall Grant, former British Ambassador to the UN and former National Security Adviser discuss this week's NATO summit and the Iran-Israel conflict. Sir Dieter Helm, Professor of Economic Policy at Oxford University and an expert on climate and the environment looks at the Climate Change Committee's annual review on progress towards net zero. And, Angela Rayner stood in for Keir Starmer at PMQs for the second week in a row. To discuss what it is like to stand in at PMQs, Ben spoke to Sir Oliver Dowden, who as Rishi Sunak's deputy often faced Angela Rayer across the despatch box and Dame Emily Thornberry, who stood in for Jeremy Corbyn when he was Opposition leader.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return in a surprisingly good mood considering much of the episode is given over to war in the middle east & Starmer's planned disability cuts. They also talk the race to be NYC Mayor, England vs India in the cricket, and much more!
Sir Keir Starmer describes his U-turn on welfare reforms as "striking the right balance".
Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister's concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer's leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown. Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer's performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty. Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: How Starmer averted ‘civil war' with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour's playbookMorgan McSweeney: Labour's election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion loomsA defeat Keir Starmer cannot affordThe latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?' To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer has been personally calling MPs this afternoon as he attempts to curb a growing rebellion against proposed welfare reforms. 126 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment opposing the plan to cut some disability and sickness-related payments. Also: Iran's Supreme Leader says US strikes on the country's nuclear sites were little more than showmanship from President Trump. And, there's a new director for the Bond franchise.
Today, President Trump arrives in Europe for what is being called “the most significant Nato summit since the cold war”?Adam, Chris and Katya are re-united as President Trump lands in Europe for his first Nato summit since winning the White House for the second time. Meanwhile, back at home the Prime Minister faces growing rebellion from Labour backbench MPs over welfare changes. Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to "press ahead” with the changes, ahead of a vote in parliament next week. Also, the BBC's social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring joins Adam to discuss the new season of her podcast Marianna in Conspiracyland, which investigates what happened to Paloma Shemirani—a young girl who died of cancer after rejecting chemotherapy—and what her story reveals about the mainstreaming of anti-medicine ideas.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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew 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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Sean speaks to the Prime Minister after the government unveils its industrial strategy and we get the latest from the Middle East. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.
A NATO summit will be held in The Hague today, hours after Donald Trump announced Israel and Iran had agreed to a "complete and total" ceasefire. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, more than 100 Labour MPs have shown their hand and vowed to defeat Sir Keir Starmer's disability cuts.On this episode, Sam and Anne discuss what to expect from the NATO summit where defence spending will be top of the agenda - and while the prime minister tries to justify his sums to NATO leaders, at home the biggest rebellion of his premiership goes public. What options does the government have?
Nick Cohen talks to Lowdown regular and Guardian columnist Rafael Behr about Labour's struggle with the new international Trump disorder, its communications crisis, perceived serial bungling by Sir Keir Starmer and the party's perceived drift.Starmer struggling with Trump's betrayal of the WestIn anticipation of a possible US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, Rafael & Nick discuss the growing decay of the so-called US-UK "special relationship". Rafael does not believe that Sir Keir Starmer grasps "the sheer enormity of what is happening." He adds "I think he's ultimately a very small "c" conservative person who thinks you can just fix things by sort of just getting through, making do mending sort of DIY around the status quo and hoping that that process will just see you through."Trump's Putin fanboys are nothing newRafael reminds Nick that the American First tradition was "very sympathetic of Hitler or, wanted to keep out of the second World War." He adds, They developed conspiracy theories that Roosevelt was really responsible for Pearl Harbour and all that kind of underworld, which never went away in America, is, is now back, is now back with Trump." Like America First, Trump's MAGA are in a world of where Putin apologists & conspiracy crackpots are now right at the heart of power in Washington.Clueless Kemi & her hapless party are all at sea Rafael has completely lost her bearings of where votable right ring thinking is current/y, and even Trump was "...not so stupid as to do the sort of Kemi Badenoch trying to out Reform Reform by being in the sort of mad slightly conspiracy theory, tinge, racist, digital silos that reform paddle around in."Keir Starmer is an analog prime minister in a digital ageRafael is convinced that Starmer doesn't have a fully worked out concept of the British economy. Labour has major communications problems and Raf is picking up murmurings among Party figures of possibly replacing him. "he would've been a great Prime minister in 1968 or 1949, " says Rafael, adding, "he's a fantastically well qualified analog prime minister!"Read all about it!Rafael's recent book Politics: A Survivor's Guide: How to stay engaged without getting enraged is published by W.F.Howes Ltd and available at Amazon and in all good bookshops.Support the show You can also read his wonderful columns in the Guardian. His X handle is @rafaelbehrNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump about the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table after Tehran's warning of "everlasting consequences" for the US bombing raid on their nuclear sites.On this episode, Sam and Anne discuss the key questions facing the UK government after the military action, including what escalation could look like and whether Britain is ready for the economic blowback.Plus, they also discuss the government's new industrial strategy, with eight industries singled out for support and a promise to help lower energy prices from 2027 for certain companies, though not for others. Sam and Anne discuss how it will be paid for.
Will he? Won't he? President Donald Trump has given little indication as to whether America will join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. So where does this leave the UK and its assets in the region? How does the prime minister play his hand with the president, and what does that mean for his relationship with his own party, especially given Labour's track record? Host George Parker is joined by the FT's Middle East editor Andrew England, alongside regular guests Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's options. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.socialWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Starmer puts UK cabinet on alert for potential US attack on IranThe implosion of Iran's ‘no peace, no war' strategy Europe set for Iran talks as Trump signals 2-week window to decide on attackTrump says he ‘may or may not' strike IranTo mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering reader questions about what's coming next on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer has put his cabinet on alert for a possible US attack on Iran. Just 24 hours after insisting Donald Trump had given no indication he was about to “get involved” in the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Prime Minister called a COBRA meeting to review how Britain might respond to a major escalation. Would Starmer be able to say no to Trump? What might Trump ask us to do? And how did we get here in under a week?Later, we are joined by the Hungarian deputy foreign minister to discuss their welcome of Netanyahu, NATO, Ukraine and whether Hungarians are falling out of love with Viktor Orban.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Following Keir Starmer's decision to call for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke in the Commons today about the 'collective failure' to address questions about groomings gangs' ethnicity in the Casey report. Elsewhere this week, Welfare reform legislation is being tabled, with a vote expected before the end of the month. Sir Keir Starmer has signalled his willingness to confront dissent within his own ranks. Meanwhile, the assisted dying debate is once again gaining momentum in Westminster, with MPs preparing for a free vote on one of the most ethically charged issues in British politics. Natasha Feroze, is joined by James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
United Kingdom correspondent Edward O'Driscoll spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK moving jets to the Middle East amid the Iran-Israel conflict, all while Sir Keir Starmer attends the G7 meeting
Blaise Metreweli will take over from Sir Richard Moore as “C”.To walk us through her role, why she got the job, and how important her job is in current times, we're joined by the Standard's political editor, Nicholas Cecil.The UK prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said Blaise joins at a time when Britain is facing “unprecedented threats”Also in this episode:Signing up for clinical trials to be a new feature on NHS AppBlood test for early signs of pancreatic cancer trialled by UK doctorsNew GPS tracking of Australian birds reveals a remarkable 38-hour journeyYoung homeowners turn to TikTok for design inspo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, we look at the announcement that there will be full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.Sir Keir Starmer said he had accepted the recommendations of an audit by Baroness Louise Casey into the data and evidence on the nature and scale of group-based child sexual abuse.And as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, Laura, Paddy and Henry Zeffman, look at what the UK is doing in response. 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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew 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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UK sends more RAF jets to Middle East as PM urges de escalation Was Iran months away from producing a nuclear bomb Israel Iran strikes What are the worst case scenarios Newspaper headlines Best of Britain and the country on a war footing Sleep Token The man who makes Download headliners masks Sir Keir Starmer announces national inquiry into grooming gangs Italian museums plea after couple break crystal covered chair Its heavy on the heart Israelis survey damage after Iran missile strike UK festivals that still have tickets left Pair killed in skydiving incident at Devon airfield
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UK sends more RAF jets to Middle East as PM urges de escalation UK festivals that still have tickets left Was Iran months away from producing a nuclear bomb Israel Iran strikes What are the worst case scenarios Pair killed in skydiving incident at Devon airfield Its heavy on the heart Israelis survey damage after Iran missile strike Newspaper headlines Best of Britain and the country on a war footing Italian museums plea after couple break crystal covered chair Sleep Token The man who makes Download headliners masks Sir Keir Starmer announces national inquiry into grooming gangs
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Sleep Token The man who makes Download headliners masks UK festivals that still have tickets left Pair killed in skydiving incident at Devon airfield Its heavy on the heart Israelis survey damage after Iran missile strike Israel Iran strikes What are the worst case scenarios UK sends more RAF jets to Middle East as PM urges de escalation Sir Keir Starmer announces national inquiry into grooming gangs Newspaper headlines Best of Britain and the country on a war footing Italian museums plea after couple break crystal covered chair Was Iran months away from producing a nuclear bomb
This episode of 'The Two Jacks' features Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack discussing a range of topics. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the story of former Victoria Police detective Denis Ryan and his fight for justice against clerical abuse, detailed in the book Unholy Trinity. They also touch upon Australian and international politics, including sectarianism, the current state of the Labor and Green parties, the situation in Tasmania, and US and UK politics with commentary on Elon Musk, the Democrats, and Sir Keir Starmer. The episode concludes with a discussion on sports, specifically AFL, NRL, and cricket.PS - THESE SHOWNOTES ARE AI GENERATED(0:00:33) - Discussion of the life and fight for justice of former Vic Boll police detective Denis Ryan, who sought to prosecute Monsignor John Day for child sex offenses in Mildura in 1972, referencing the book Unholy Trinity.(0:09:31) - The police force's reaction to Denis Ryan's investigation, the "Catholic mafia" stymying the investigation, and Denis being ostracized.(0:17:43) - Joel Hill's encounter with then Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton, and asking him when he would apologize to Denis Ryan, which eventually led to formal apologies and compensation.(0:30:09) - Discussion of Dorinda Cox, former WA Green senator, joining the Labor Party and the political implications.(0:41:03) - Moving on from Australian politics to Elon Musk's unhappiness with a congressional spending bill and related gossip.(0:50:30) - Moving on to Ukraine and their significant win with drones taking out a substantial number of Russia's bomber fleet and the wider implications for the war.(0:55:09) - Moving on to the UK and Sir Keir Starmer's woes, including attacks from within his party and being spooked by the Reform party, and a discussion on immigration issues.(1:07:03) - Moving on to sport, mentioning the Tasmanian Devils AFL team and their reliance on political results in Tasmania, leading into a wider discussion on AFL governance and umpiring issues.(1:20:56) - Moving on to NRL, discussing State of Origin and a listener's lament about the South Sydney Rabbitohs.(1:23:46) - Discussion of PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan and related events.(1:25:38) - Looking ahead to next week, mentioning the Test Championship at Lord's and Virat Kohli's IPL win, and discussing Australian cricket.
Police in India say at least 260 people have been killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. We're live in the city of Ahmedabad where an investigation is underway tonight - and we've been meet people in the UK who've been affected.Also tonight:The prime minister of Bangladesh tells us he's disappointed Sir Keir Starmer hasn't taken up his request to meet him on a visit to London. And as the high street chain is sold for £1 and now faces hundreds of store closures - we have a ode to Poundland from the Poet Laureate.
Today, the clash between Governor Newsom and President Trump escalates as LA protests enter day four. A defence official has told the BBC's US partner CBS that approximately 2,100 members of the California National Guard are now on location in the greater Los Angeles area, with 700 Marines also in and around the city. Newsom called it “the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president,” while Trump claimed LA “would be burning to the ground” without his intervention. Adam is joined by chief anchor for BBC News Sumi Somaskanda, and host of the Coming Storm Gabriel Gatehouse.And, The prime minister has said he is "not writing a blank cheque" to pay for a new UK nuclear power plant, after the government announced it would commit £14.2bn to the project. Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC the development of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coastline would create 10,000 jobs over the next decade, and provide energy security and independence for the country. Adam is joined by Adam Bell, the former head of energy strategy at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew 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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Adam Chowdhury and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
As Rachel Reeves prepares for next week's spending review, Beth explains why it could be a defining moment for the government and the chancellor is faced with difficult choices. Harriet talks about the two-child benefit cap and whether the government can afford to scrap it. And as Sir Keir Starmer puts the country on a war footing, Sky's defence correspondent Deborah Haynes joins Beth, Ruth and Harriet to talk about the strategic defence review and why there's no argument across parliament about defence spending. Deborah also talks about her own podcast The Wargame, which is out next week and simulates an attack on the UK. Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics. More details of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' spending squeeze next week are trickling out - including a U-turn on the winter fuel allowance which we now know is happening in the spending review.The political implications of the U-turn, rather than the broader spending review itself, threatens to dominate the political narrative for the next week and more. How much pressure will that pile on Sir Keir Starmer and his chancellor?
Rachel Reeves has said that changes will be made to ensure more pensioners receive the winter fuel allowance this year. A fortnight ago, Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to allow more people to get the payment, but no time-scale was given. Also: The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross says people living in Gaza are being entirely stripped of their human dignity. And the National Trust has removed a work of art featuring the name of the Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, from one of its country houses.
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics. The UK steel industry – which was on the verge of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face the heaviest of Donald Trump's tariffs, the US announced overnight. We're the only country spared the doubling of tariffs on steel imports to the US to 50% – ours instead capped at 25%.This sounds great – until you remember last month's UK-US agreement – when the PM negotiated President Trump's 25% tariff down to zero – a deal that is yet to come into force.What's happened? And how big a win is this for Sir Keir Starmer and for Labour in any case? Is this ensuring the revival of British steel, or merely another stay of execution?
Britain to boost its nuclear submarine fleet as Sir Keir Starmer says the nation must be prepared for war with Russia.
Britain to boost its nuclear submarine fleet as Sir Keir Starmer says the nation must be prepared for war with Russia.
The prime minister has launched a 10-year Strategic Defence Review setting out how Britain will operate in an ever-more worrying geopolitical environment. Sir Keir Starmer says "every citizen has a role to play" in "defence of the realm", but do we know what kind of war we're preparing for? On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's defence editor Deborah Haynes and military analyst Michael Clarke to discuss whether the defence review meets the mark. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics. This time last year, Labour and the Conservatives were in the throes of an era-defining election campaign that would end in Sir Keir Starmer winning an extraordinarily large majority. The Reform Party was little more than a buzzing bee amid the backdrop of the UK political landscape. Spin forward 12 months, and how much things have changed. June 2025 marks the start of a crucial month for Sir Keir's Labour Party, with decisions due across a number of departments that will shape the course of this political era. In the coming weeks, we'll see a security strategy, a 10-year NHS strategy, an industrial strategy, and much more – all tied to next week's spending review. Today, it's the turn of military spending, as Defence Secretary John Healey reveals his 'first of a kind' Strategic Defence Review. But does it live up to the billing?
Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Nigel Farage - making a speech warning that Farage's "fantasy" economics will lead to a Liz Truss-style economic meltdown. So would Reform UK's policies crash the economy? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nigel Farage Just Won Election? Reform UK Poll Surge –Starmer Slumps Farage #ReformUK #Starmer #UKPolitics
Nigel Farage says he's coming for Labour voters, and he's bringing a bold new benefits policy with him. The Reform UK leader is promising to lift the two-child benefit cap and offer bigger tax breaks for married couples, in a direct pitch to working-class families.Speaking in central London, Farage claimed support for Labour is “collapsing” and challenged Sir Keir Starmer to a head-to-head debate in a northern working men's club. Kamal and Cleo were at the event to bring us the mood in the room and dissect what Farage's game play means for both Labour and the Tories.Plus, we're joined in the studio by shadow chancellor Mel Stride who says Farage's plans are “fantasy economics” that could put our economy at risk.We want to hear from you! Email us at TheDailyT@telegraph.co.uk or find @DailyTpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTok.Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsVideo Editor: Andy MackenzieStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to ease cuts to winter fuel payments in a U-turn following mounting political pressure. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, he said the change would allow "more pensioners" to receive the benefit. Also: A White House meeting between South Africa's president and Donald Trump in front of the world's media descended into an awkward confrontation. And the Supreme Court rules in favour of wild camping on Dartmoor.
Britain and the European Union have signed what Sir Keir Starmer has described as a "landmark" deal that takes in trade, security, fishing, and travel arrangements. Speaking at the first summit between UK and EU leaders since Brexit, the prime minister said the arrangement was good for both sides. Also: Israel says five aid trucks carrying baby food, medicines and flour have entered Gaza after an eleven-week blockade. And Gary Lineker has apologised for the "hurt" caused by sharing a social media post with anti-semitic connotations and confirmed that he will step down from his role as the BBC's main football presenter earlier than expected.
Second man arrested over fires on properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer.Three Iranians appear in court on espionage charges.
What does Keir Starmer think is his most important duty as Prime Minister? Why should we remember VE Day? What is Britain's role in WW2, and NATO, for international peace? Join Al Murray and James Holland as they interview the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, in a wide-ranging chat overlooking the Rose Garden, for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at 10 Downing Street. And find out the most important question of all - what is Keir Starmer's favourite war movie? Watch the full video ad-free on Patreon - sign up at patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices