Podcasts about uk ambassador

My guest today is someone whose life reads like a series of things most of us would consider utterly impossible. Vicki Anstey is a world record holder, a human performance coach, an entrepreneur and an adventurer — and that only scratches the surface. She was one of the first women to reach the final stages of SAS Who Dares Wins, rowed the mid-Pacific unaided, and in 2024 cycled 3,000 miles across America in one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. She has raced 250 kilometres across the Arctic in minus 35 degrees and across the Savannahs of Kenya in 50 degree heat. Vicki is also a passionate advocate for girls and young women through her role as UK Ambassador for Inspiring Girls International. She is a perfect Midpoint guest because at the heart of everything she does is a belief that we are all capable of so much more than we think — and her own life is the proof. Her brilliant new book, Other People Are Like The Weather, is published by Northside House and is out on the 17th of June in hardback from Waterstones and Amazon. You can also pre-order a signed and dedicated copy —https://vickianstey.co.uk/product/other-people-are-like-the-weather/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer breaks down what hundreds of bombshell texts, WhatsApps, and emails are expected to reveal about Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as UK Ambassador to the United States. Also under discussion is Nicola Sturgeon's BBC interview in which she claims to be serving a sentence for a crime she did not commit. Julia and former Conservative government adviser Claire Pearsall question the idea that Sturgeon knew nothing about her husband Peter Murrell embezzling £400,000 from the SNP — including an £80,000 Jaguar, a £125,000 camper van, and 108 loo rolls bought the day before Sturgeon told the nation not to stockpile.Plus: the Hague rules the UK does NOT have to pay Rwanda £100 million. Was the £700 million Rwanda scheme a catastrophic waste of your money?And Tory plans for benefit ration cards for criminals — sensible policy or political fantasy?Then, political commentator James Mathewson joins for a fiery on-air clash over trans rights, Donald Trump, Reform UK, and whether James Murray is a coward for finally admitting that trans women are not women.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beat the system with TallyMoney. Gold you can spend. Discover more here: https://click.tallymoney.com/A64P/df08xa5e #adNigel Farage has signalled that he wants to stay in frontline politics into his 70s, as he disclosed that Donald Trump wanted him to be British ambassador to Washington nearly a decade ago.The leader of Reform UK also spoke publicly for the first time about his decision to accept a £5million pre-election donation from businessman Christopher Harborne, insisting that it was "a personal gift" to keep me safe "for the rest of my life".Mr Farage, 62, will be 65 if he leads Reform into the next general election if it is called by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in 2029.It has been widely expected that Mr Farage will bow out of frontline politics if he does not win the election. Reform has led in the polls for over a year.However in an interview with GB News' Chopper's Political Podcast, Mr Farage signalled for the first time that he wanted to keep going in frontline politics.Asked if the general election would be Mr Farage's "last hurrah", he said: "I've been told that for years. There's no denying that the years are going by. But then, if I was a French or American politician - [look at] Trump and Biden, and Chirac and many, others..."Jacques Chirac was 62 years old when he first became French President in 1995 and was 74 when he completed his second term in 2007. Joe Biden was 82 years old when he stood down as President in late 2024. Donald Trump is presently 79 years old.But he added: "All I'm thinking about after eight weeks on the road, I'm thinking about Thursday, 7 May. What happens in these elections? And next Thursday for us is like Becher's Brook. If we clear Becher's Brook and we land unharmed, we've got a very good path to the next election."Mr Farage also disclosed that President Donald Trump had asked for me to be British ambassador to Washington at the start of his first term in the White House in 2017.Addressing the disparaging remarks about the special relationship by the current UK ambassador, he said: "There's only one man who should be ambassador, it is perfectly obvious, you would have had none of this nonsense."Trump actually asked for it in 2017; Trump actually said 'make Nigel the ambassador, it woud be great for relationships'. And I could have walked into the Oval Office and spoke to him on even terms. He loves the UK. For him the King is brilliant."The purchase of gold and investment in bullion is not FCA regulated nor do they benefit from the protections of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service. The value of your investment can go down as well as up. Consider the risks involved before choosing to invest. This card is issued by Transact Payments Limited pursuant to licence by Mastercard International Incorporated Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon's live breaking news update on an extraordinary scoop about new UK Ambassador Sir Christian Turner, published by the Financial Times just one hour before King Charles was due at the White House for the official ceremony marking the start of his State Visit to the United States.

AI slop brought to you by Gemini 3 (flash - thinking) and it thinks I am Jack because of the transcript. Whatever. Enjoy the show! There's a TCRP coming soon I promise! Episode SummaryIn episode 154 of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack dive deep into the complexities of Australian identity. From the controversial booing of the "Welcome to Country" at Anzac Day ceremonies to the historical economic hangover of the White Australia Policy, the duo explores what it actually means to hold "Australian values". They also tackle the latest in UK political scandals, the AFL's handling of player mental health, and why the Scottish football league might finally see a break in its 40-year duopoly. Show Notes & Timestamps00:00:25 – Hong Kong's Economic MorassHong Kong Jack reports on the quiet but steady economic decline in the territory as the Iran war impacts fuel and food costs. With almost no local agriculture, Hong Kong citizens are feeling the pinch as airlines cut back on flights and shipping costs rise. A look ahead to next week's discussion on global food security and the impact of fertilizer shortages on the world's "food bowls". 00:04:14 – Statins and Political Party NamesAddressing listener feedback regarding the use of statins and the regulation of supplements versus prescribed drugs. The hunt for a new right-wing political party name: Why all the "good ones" are already taken or deregistered. 00:06:25 – The Anzac Day "Welcome to Country" ControversyDiscussion on the organised campaign to boo "Welcome to Country" ceremonies during Anzac Day. A debate on the ubiquity of these acknowledgments in corporate and social settings versus their place in national commemorations. Jack the Insider addresses the xenophobic undercurrents appearing in modern political discourse. 00:16:00 – Deep Dive: Australian Values & MigrationThe Values Test: Hong Kong Jack shares his experience taking the Australian values test, describing it as "bizarre" and "a waste of time". Electoral Fairness: Jack the Insider argues that Australia's true values are embedded in its robust, independent electoral system and compulsory voting. Historical Hangover: A look at George Megalogenes' theories on how the White Australia Policy consigned Australia to decades of cultural isolation and economic underperformance. Integration Success: Lessons from the Snowy River Scheme and how Australia's "integrative multiculturalism" differs from the failed European models. 01:07:27 – UK Politics: Process & ScandalThe pair discusses Keir Starmer's obsession with "process" and the controversial potential appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US. 01:09:47 – Footy & SportElijah Hollands: A sensitive discussion on the mental health episode experienced by the Carlton player during the Collingwood game and the subsequent media fallout. Professional Umpiring: Why the AFL needs to move away from "weekend warrior" umpires and towards a fully professional panel to handle increasingly complex rules. Global Scores: The EPL title race heats up between Arsenal and Man City, while Hearts looks to break the Celtic/Rangers duopoly in Scotland. 01:33:42 – Closing Thoughts: Germany's 2039 GoalA brief look at Germany's stated aim to have Europe's strongest conventional fighting force by 2039—a date that raises more than a few historical eyebrows. Contact the ShowEmail: conditionalreleaseprogram@gmail.com X (formerly Twitter): Reach out to Jack the Insider or find Hong Kong Jack for tips on the HK racing scene. Substack: Check out Jack's latest writings.

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week's biggest media stories: QVC is restructuring its business in the US while remaining popular in the UK, with analysis from Katie Linsell, UK retail reporter at Bloomberg News, alongside Rob Locke, presenter for ITV's ShopOnTV, and consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, author of The Science of Shopping. We also examine the Guardian investigation into the vetting of Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK Ambassador to Washington, with Paul Lewis, Head of Investigations at the Guardian, discussing national security, leaks and public trust. AsHungary elects a new prime minister after sixteen years of Viktor Orbán, we ask what the change could mean for press freedom, with Professor Amrit Singh of NYU School of Law and Hungarian political journalist Iván Nagy. Plus, Danny Robins, creator of Uncanny, joins us live to talk about turning a Radio 4 podcast into a television series, live stage show and fan phenomenon.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

The appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States is a moment Keir Starmer will rue.On Monday, he faced MPs in the UK Parliament to explain what he knew about the vetting process, which it has been revealed Mandelson failed.Starmer says he knew nothing about it and has sacked the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office over what he says was the failure to inform him.Mandelson resigned as Ambassador following revelations about his links to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and allegations he had shared sensitive documents with the billionaire.If he wasn't told, how could Starmer have failed to check Mandelson's vetting properly? And as many politicians in Britain are demanding to know, why didn't he ask?Irish Times London Correspondent Mark Paul explains.Presented by Mark Hennessy. Produced by Declan Conlon and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sacked radio host Kyle Sandilands claimed an executive of the ARN radio network would be, quote, “gone in eight months” in an explosive on-air rant. Plus, Sir Keir Starmers MPs distance themselves over Mandelson scandal. Read more: Shock jock Kyle Sandilands launched explosive spray at boss Allies distance themselves from Starmer as scandal grows NDIS overhaul: All NDIS participants to be reassessed with Labor to slash scheme by 160,000 peopleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Parker, Financial Times Political Editor, on the latest into the former UK Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about how it's been revealed the former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson failed vetting but was given the job anyway and how Britain is preparing for a worst case scenario should the Iran war continue. She also spoke about how passengers on an EasyJet flight from London thought the pilot was joking when he asked for volunteers to disembark before take-off, but he wasn't.

Myanmar remains one of the world's most repressive states. Political prisoners fill its jails, civil freedoms are crushed, and the military junta presses ahead with sham elections while defending itself at the International Court of Justice. What responsibilities do foreign governments and businesses realistically pursue in such a context? Who is tasked with upholding international human rights standards, and what happens when those individuals themselves become targets?Join us for a compelling conversation with Vicky Bowman, former UK Ambassador to Myanmar and Director of the now closed Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business. Drawing on her experience as a diplomat, business adviser, and former political prisoner of the junta, Bowman offers rare, firsthand insight into the real cost of defending human rights under authoritarian rule.As Myanmar faces an uncertain future with no clear path to democracy or peace, this is a timely and urgent discussion on power, accountability, and the consequences of resistance.

PREVIEW FOR LATER: Former UKAmbassador Edmond Fitton-Brownlabels Iran's interference in the Strait of Hormuz as piracy. He discusses the global economic threat and the challenges of involving allies like Korea and Japan in maritime security,. (1)1907 PERSIA

Mandelson, Epstein & A £75K Exit Deal – What Was Starmer Thinking? #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #Starmer #PeterMandelson #Epstein #UKPolitics#Live Tonight at 6pm Jon Gaunt goes LIVE on YouTube to dissect the latest revelations surrounding Peter Mandelson and the continuing fallout from the Epstein scandal.  The big question is simple: why on earth did Keir Starmer appoint Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States when the warning signs were already flashing red? Mandelson's past links to Jeffrey Epstein were hardly a secret. We already knew he had maintained contact with Epstein even after Epstein had been convicted, something that should have set alarm bells ringing in any Prime Minister's office. Yet despite those risks, Starmer pushed ahead with the appointment anyway.  Now the story gets even murkier. When Mandelson was eventually removed from the role, He reportedly demanded a staggering £547,000 payout. In the end he walked away with £75,000 – not a bad result for a controversy that should arguably never have happened in the first place. Nice work if you can get it.  For Jon Gaunt, this whole sorry saga speaks to a much bigger problem: Keir Starmer's chronic lack of judgement. If a Prime Minister cannot properly assess the reputational risks of appointing someone with such well-known associations, what does that say about their ability to lead the country?  Tonight Jon asks the tough questions the establishment would rather avoid.

What does diplomacy look like in an era defined by conflict, mistrust and geopolitical rivalry? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, Russia and Azerbaijan, about the evolving role of diplomacy in a more volatile and transactional world. Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of British foreign and national security policy, Laurie reflects on the end of the Cold War, the invasion of Iraq, the fall of Kabul in 2021, and what these moments reveal about power, perception and policy. From ‘cognitive warfare' and disinformation, to the limits of military intervention, he examines how misunderstanding, resentment and short-term thinking can shape global events, exploring how diplomacy must adapt in response.We also hear a personal perspective from Noor Al-Naser, Iraqi peacebuilding specialist and Scottish Peace Platform Manager at Beyond Borders. Noor shares how a bombing in Baghdad during her teenage years led her into diplomacy and UN work in mine action, counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. Her experience bridges frontline humanitarian efforts and grassroots peacebuilding, highlighting the importance of trust, cultural understanding and sustained local engagement in building more stable societies.This episode asks what responsible international engagement means today, and whether diplomacy still has the patience and imagination to shape a more peaceful future.Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lord Mandelson was released in the early hours of Tuesday morning - and tonight lawyers for the former UK Ambassador and Labour minister have said he'd been arrested on "a baseless suggestion" that he was planning to leave the country.Also on the programme: As the government prepares to introduce its criminal justice reforms, a justice minister insists they won't back down on plans to reduce the number of jury trials. As the latest retail crime figures are released, the view from the frontline: our presenter visits Northampton to see how police are tackling shoplifting.And there has been a dog among the swans tonight - but a friendly one: the co-owner of Swansea City Football Club - the American rapper Snoop Dogg - attends a home game for the first time.

Legal cases against Lord Mandelson and former Prince Andrew are in the works as officials tread carefully to avoid prejudicing the proceedings. The UK Government is hoping to release files on why former UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were appointed to their high-profile roles despite ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Royal Correspondent Robert Hardman told Mike Hosking because of the ongoing legal case, no one wants to prejudice it. He says generally the view is, regardless of the outcome of the legal process, Andrew has behaved so appallingly they don't want him anywhere near the throne. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War Room Another Epstein Arrest — In The UK — As Ex-UK Ambassador To US Lord Mandelson Perp Walked! PLUS, State Dept. Orders Diplomats in Lebanon To Leave As Trump Mulls Iran Strikes

Former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday. Mandelson, 72, was fired from the most prestigious posting in Britain's diplomatic service in September, when the depth of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein started to become clear.A powerful blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow across parts of the U.S. Northeast on Monday, bringing travel to a near standstill for millions of residents as the treacherous conditions closed roads, shut down train service and forced the cancellation of over 5,000 flights.

Shownotes are AI slop as usual. It's a week late cause nobody bothered to tell me it was recorded. Apologies for lack of freshness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 144, recorded on 12 February. It's Liberal Party leadership spill eve and the boys break down whether Angus Taylor has the numbers to end Susan Ley's tenure — and what sort of baggage he'll carry into the job. From there: a landmark High Court ruling on the Catholic Church's duty of care for survivors of clergy abuse; the protests surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia; the widening Epstein-Mandelson catastrophe engulfing Keir Starmer; the slow collapse of the Washington Post; Japan's election result and its implications for China; and a packed sports segment covering the T20 World Cup, AFL State of Origin, the Rugby World Cup opener, and the Winter Olympics.Show Notes & Timestamps

PREVIEW: John Batchelor speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies regarding the ongoing tragedy in Iran. Fitton-Brown, a former UK ambassador to Yemen, discusses the regime's brutality and reports of hundreds of thousands dead or missing. The conversation critiques the US administration's approach, noting that while the president encouraged protesters with promises of support, that "rescue has been fatally delayed."1955

Prince William is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to celebrate “growing trade, energy and investment ties” between the kingdom and the UK. But with a number of sensitive issues on the table – from defence and intelligence sharing to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record – how will the prince walk the diplomatic tightrope? Should the UK be pursuing a closer relationship with the kingdom at all? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor, The Sunday Times. Sir William Patey, former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Julia Webster, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Prince William to visit Saudi Arabia as diplomatic ‘secret weapon'Further listening: Travelling with the Duchess in a war zoneClips: NBC, BBC, HM Treasury.Photo: Dana Chan, Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new UK Ambassador to Slovakia, Bilal Zahid, has Pakistani roots, has lived in Northern Ireland, and studied in Scotland. He explains why he chose a diplomatic career and why he focuses on the Central and Eastern European region. Most recently, he served as Minister-Counsellor at the UK Embassy in Kyiv, where he was also responsible for the embassy's security and safety. How does he assess the situation in Ukraine, and what does he hope to achieve in Slovakia? Listen to our conversation. And if you enjoy what I do, please support me on Ko-fi! Thank you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/amatisak

Following President Trump's pressure on European allies over the future of Greenland, Ben analyses whether there has been a fundamental shift in the Transatlantic alliance with Lord Darroch, former UK Ambassador to the USA, and Sarah Elliott, director of the US-UK Special Relationship Unit at the Prosperity Institute.As the government approves plans for a new Chinese embassy in London ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to China, Ben brings together Lord Beamish, chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, and Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who previously chaired the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.After the House of Lords voted in favour of a ban on social media for children under 16, Ben speaks to Professor Amy Orben of Cambridge University who co-led a government study to understand the impact of social media on young people.And, is centrism dead? Times columnist Matthew Parris does not think so and argues that Conservative defections to Reform give Kemi Badenoch an opportunity to pivot her party to the centre. He debates that with non-affiliated peer, Claire Fox, a former Brexit Party MEP, a forerunner to Reform UK.

‘The embassies in our two countries really are the main remaining thread on which our relationship hangs'Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor, speaks to Nigel Casey, the UK's ambassador to Russia, about the challenges of working in Moscow on behalf of a government that views President Putin's Russia as a threat to Britain. He believes this job is one of the most challenging - and important - of his career. In a wide ranging conversation, the ambassador describes his life in Moscow over the last two years: a period of heightened tensions between the UK and Russia after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.The number of diplomats in the city has been drastically reduced and, for a British ambassador in Moscow, there are daily challenges to deal with. You're going to hear his experience of being followed wherever he goes in Russia and how, on occasions, his staff face harassment. He sees a key part of his job - defusing potentially dangerous diplomatic misunderstanding with the Russian government. He also reveals the gap between the anti-British rhetoric heard in the country's state media and the genuine curiosity of ordinary Russians towards the UK. 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 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Steve Rosenberg Producers: Ben Tavener, Clare Williamson and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Nigel Casey. Credit: UK Gov)

Former UK ambassador Laurie Bristow speaks to Roland and delivers a blunt and unsettling warning about the state of the world and Britain's place in it. Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of the Foreign Office, including some of the most dangerous postings of modern times, he argues we are living through the most volatile and complex global moment of our lifetimes.From war returning to Europe and the rise of China, to artificial intelligence, pandemics and the collapse of old assumptions about power, nothing is stable and nothing is simple. Speaking candidly about Vladimir Putin, he explains why the west misread Moscow for years and why there are no easy deals or quick endings ahead.This is a forensic, unsparing account of a world in turmoil and a challenge to Britain to wake up before it is too late.Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump wants an end to the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainians want peace too - but not at any cost. The past week saw the emergence of a leaked US 28 - point- plan which was wholly unacceptable to President Zelensky and European leaders. But how it originated and why it looked like a Russian wish list has led to intense debate. ( It included Ukraine giving up territory it still holds in the east, as well as the area already occupied by Russia, a cap on the Ukrainian army of 600 thousand, a permanent ban on NATO membership for Ukraine and an amnesty on all war crimes. ) Talks hastily took place in Europe and Abu Dhabi and there's now a revised version still to be agreed with Russia. President Zelensky wants to meet President Trump to agree the most sensitive issues.. So why did this latest attempt at peace in Ukraine emerge through a leaked document which many assumed had come straight from Russia? How has Europe and Ukraine responded and could it really mean an end to nearly four years of war?Guests: Angela Stent, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia. Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College, London Christopher Miller, Financial Times' Chief Ukraine Correspondent Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Russia and President of Hughes Hall, Cambridge.Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Caroline Bayley, Cordelia Hemming, Kirsteen Knight Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein maintained what appears to have been a close, personal friendship spanning at least from the early 2000s into the late 2010s. Mandelson — a high-profile British politician who served under multiple governments and later was named UK Ambassador to the United States — was linked to Epstein via numerous communications, personal visits, and favors. In a “birthday book” compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday (2003), Mandelson reportedly described Epstein as “my best pal.” Over the years, it's now documented that Epstein paid for some of Mandelson's travel, and the two flew on Epstein's private plane. In internal documents from a major bank, Epstein's relationship with Mandelson is described as “particularly close.” At times when Epstein was under legal pressure — including after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor — Mandelson wrote to him with warm, supportive words, encouraged Epstein to “fight for early release,” and expressed belief in him.The deep intimacy of their connection — especially given Epstein's crimes — has triggered intense scrutiny and major consequences. In 2025, as newly released emails and letters exposed the extent of their correspondence and the warmth of Mandelson's support, his government role became untenable: he was swiftly dismissed from his post as ambassador. Mandelson has since expressed “deep regret” for having maintained the association and called Epstein a “charismatic criminal liar,” stating that he “fell for his lies.” Nevertheless, critics argue that the volume and nature of the contact — including intervention attempts on Epstein's behalf — raise serious ethical and moral questions. The revelation forces a reckoning: how many key global-power figures maintained — and possibly enabled — ties to a known predator, and why did they continue long after his crimes became public?to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former UK Ambassador to Yemen and current FDD Senior Fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE UNITED NATIONS? HEADLINE 1: U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Egypt soon.HEADLINE 2: The mayor of Gaza City reportedly sent a letter to President Trump.HEADLINE 3: Another Houthi missile fired at Israel out of Yemen. Another Israeli interception.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former UK Ambassador to Yemen and current FDD Senior Fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces: "5 Recent Instances of Foreign Malign Influence Threatening U.S. National Security" - Mark Montgomery and Max Lesser, FDD"When Erdoğan Shifted Focus to the Kurds in Syria" - Sinan Ciddi and Ahmad Sharawi, The Jerusalam Strategic Tribune "Qatar Is Knocking on Canada's Door" - Natalie Ecanow, FDD

Today, a United Nations commission of inquiry has said that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. A new report says there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war with Hamas in 2023. Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false". Adam is joined by John Simpson - BBC World Affairs Editor and Presenter of Unspun World. And, an emergency debate has been held in the House of Commons into the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the US. Adam, Chris and Alex discuss that and whether we are about to see a change of messaging from number 10 to ahead of the party conference. You can take part in the Newscast census here - http://bit.ly/4mfhIgbYou 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/newscastcommunityhereGet 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://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 Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Many critics inside and outside Parliament argue that Starmer showed poor political judgment by appointing Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US despite known associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Leaked emails revealed Mandelson had defended or supported Epstein after his 2008 conviction, and expressed views questioning that conviction. Although some of these connections had long been reported, additional content and its extent were only fully disclosed after Mandelson's appointment. Opponents say Starmer should have immediately known that such red flags made the appointment untenable. The delay in reacting — first defending Mandelson, then firing him once the media published further revelations — has amplified the accusations of weak oversight and lack of risk assessment.Within the Labour Party, there's growing frustration over what many see as Starmer's misreading of both optics and substance. Backbenchers and senior MPs have called for full transparency about the vetting process: what he was told, when, and by whom. Opposing parties are demanding apologies to Epstein's victims, and some suggest that if Starmer cannot adequately account for these failures, his position could become unsustainable — especially if the controversy damages Labour's standing in upcoming local elections. The controversy feeds into a broader narrative among critics that Starmer has repeatedly made questionable appointments, and lacks decisiveness and political sharpness when warning signs emerge.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Keir Starmer breaks silence over Mandelson sacking: ‘Had I known then what I know now, I'd have never appointed him' | The Independent

Many critics inside and outside Parliament argue that Starmer showed poor political judgment by appointing Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US despite known associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Leaked emails revealed Mandelson had defended or supported Epstein after his 2008 conviction, and expressed views questioning that conviction. Although some of these connections had long been reported, additional content and its extent were only fully disclosed after Mandelson's appointment. Opponents say Starmer should have immediately known that such red flags made the appointment untenable. The delay in reacting — first defending Mandelson, then firing him once the media published further revelations — has amplified the accusations of weak oversight and lack of risk assessment.Within the Labour Party, there's growing frustration over what many see as Starmer's misreading of both optics and substance. Backbenchers and senior MPs have called for full transparency about the vetting process: what he was told, when, and by whom. Opposing parties are demanding apologies to Epstein's victims, and some suggest that if Starmer cannot adequately account for these failures, his position could become unsustainable — especially if the controversy damages Labour's standing in upcoming local elections. The controversy feeds into a broader narrative among critics that Starmer has repeatedly made questionable appointments, and lacks decisiveness and political sharpness when warning signs emerge.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Keir Starmer breaks silence over Mandelson sacking: ‘Had I known then what I know now, I'd have never appointed him' | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

In this week's One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove assess the stakes behind President Donald Trump's historic second state visit to the United Kingdom amid a political storm that is testing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. They weigh in on the cultural politics surrounding free speech and faith that are resurfacing in Britain, the UK's division between U.S. and EU perspectives on AI regulation, and NATO unity on Ukraine. Plus, Sir Richard discusses the vetting process for former UK Ambassador to the U.S., Lord Peter Mandelson, and whether Number 10 was aware of his closer ties to Jeffrey Epstein than previously thought. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

Many critics inside and outside Parliament argue that Starmer showed poor political judgment by appointing Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US despite known associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Leaked emails revealed Mandelson had defended or supported Epstein after his 2008 conviction, and expressed views questioning that conviction. Although some of these connections had long been reported, additional content and its extent were only fully disclosed after Mandelson's appointment. Opponents say Starmer should have immediately known that such red flags made the appointment untenable. The delay in reacting — first defending Mandelson, then firing him once the media published further revelations — has amplified the accusations of weak oversight and lack of risk assessment.Within the Labour Party, there's growing frustration over what many see as Starmer's misreading of both optics and substance. Backbenchers and senior MPs have called for full transparency about the vetting process: what he was told, when, and by whom. Opposing parties are demanding apologies to Epstein's victims, and some suggest that if Starmer cannot adequately account for these failures, his position could become unsustainable — especially if the controversy damages Labour's standing in upcoming local elections. The controversy feeds into a broader narrative among critics that Starmer has repeatedly made questionable appointments, and lacks decisiveness and political sharpness when warning signs emerge.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Keir Starmer breaks silence over Mandelson sacking: ‘Had I known then what I know now, I'd have never appointed him' | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The manhunt is on for Charlie Kirk's killer, as investigators release new clues about the suspect behind the attack. The UN Security Council is set to meet after Poland says Russian drones violated its airspace, sparking fresh fears of escalation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sacks his ambassador to Washington after newly uncovered emails reveal ties to Jeffrey Epstein. And in today's Back of the Brief—an update on the Hyundai raid in Georgia, where President Trump floated an unusual plan for the detained South Korean workers. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code PDB for 25% off your entire order!BRUNT Workwear: Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code PDB at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/PDB #BruntpodLean: Visit https://TakeLean.com & use code PDB for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lord Peter Mandelson has been removed as UK ambassador to the US over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. BBC's Rob Watson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Henry Riley, reporter with LBC in London

Israel’s strike on Hamas targets in Doha has drawn international criticism, including from U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas said five members were killed, though its negotiators survived. European leaders warned the attack could derail Qatar’s efforts to end the Gaza war and free hostages. Former British Ambassador to Qatar, Libya and Iran Nicholas Hopton joined Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden on Bloomberg Radio to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The international community reacts to Russia’s latest assault on Kyiv as Putin rejects the idea of European troops in Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode #381: Vicky Bowman, the former UK Ambassador to Myanmar and past director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), explains what sanctions are meant to do - prevent harm and promote reform, rather than punish - and how Myanmar's “opaque information ecosystem” makes this challenging.She recalls that in the early 2000s, compiling sanctions lists was difficult, with EU diplomats sometimes relying on public donation plaques or even the Yellow Pages to identify names of people and companies. While noting that identification and evidence have improved since then, and that stronger coordination now exists among allies in shaping their sanctions policies, she emphasizes the continued importance of due process for those targetted, including to petition for their removal. Concerning the recent delistings that stirred public outrage, she notes that the original reasoning that put three of the delisted subjects on the U.S. list had not been considered equally compelling by the U.K. or E.U.Sanctions, she says, take different forms: there are targetted measures such as arms embargoes and “dual-use” controls on goods with civilian and military uses, as well as measures against individuals like asset freezes and visa bans. There are also more general sanctions and measures impacting the wider economy, such as removal of tariff preferences and suspension of development aid.Bowman also details the possible “spillover” harms of sanctions. At the macro level, sanctions can lead companies to exit, and impact jobs and the wider economy. At the micro level, they can impact jobs in, and services provided by, sanctioned firms. Sanctions on named individuals can also cause collateral damage to completely unrelated individuals due to confusion about Myanmar's naming culture.Concerning the practice of sanctioning family members of regime figures, especially adult children, and the desire for punishment, rather than prevention, Bowman reflects that it could be considered to resemble the collective punishment practices used by the Nazis, known as Sippenhaft. She questions whether Western democracies should “sink to the same level” or take the “when they go low, we go high” approach of Michelle Obama.Bowman also reflects on the future for responsible business in Myanmar. She notes that the desire for ‘bottom-up federalism' should avoid fragmenting the laws and institutions needed to drive responsible business practices including well-enforced human rights based laws, transparent procurement processes, functioning courts, and effective anti-corruption bodies.

Today, all eyes are on Alaska where American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet.Face-to-face for the first time in six years and joined only by their translators, President Trump says he'll know within minutes if there is a deal to be done to end the war in Ukraine. Adam is joined by Lord Kim Darroch, the former UK Ambassador to the United States and former National Security Advisor, and Catherine Belton, Russia reporter for the Washington Post and author of Putin's People. They discuss who's in each president's delegation, how the summit is being discussed in Russia and what the most likely outcomes could be. 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/newscastcommunityhereGet 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://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 Miranda Slade with Shiler Mahmoudi and Gabriel May. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Leigh Turner, former UK Ambassador to Ukraine and author of "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties"

11 Jul 2025. We’re joined by UK Ambassador to the UAE Edward Hobart to talk industrial strategy and growing UK-UAE trade ties. Plus we speak to strawberry farmer Sky Kurtz about his foray into the frosty treat market. And does Bitcoin’s record rally have further to run, or a bubble waiting to burst? Market analyst Monte Saffediene of Capital.com joins us live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Fletcher heads the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and has been at the forefront of recent efforts to deliver aid into Gaza. Last week, he was criticised for making inaccurate claims about the impact of the Israeli blockade. No stranger to tough jobs, he was previously a foreign policy advisor to three British Prime Ministers and the UK Ambassador to Lebanon as the country dealt with the civil war in neighbouring Syria. He once fought the mayor of Nairobi in a boxing match and had a mortar round land in his swimming pool at the British embassy in Beirut. One of four siblings, he was born in Folkestone, where he attended the Harvey Grammar School before studying at Oxford University. Prior to his UN role he was Principal of Hertford College and has written books on diplomacy as well as novels.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Tom Gillett, Lucy Pawle and Jo Casserly Editor: Nick Holland Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Sabine Schereck

Today, we ask what a peace deal for Ukraine might look like, as European leaders gather in Paris for an emergency summit.Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was "ready and willing to put troops on the ground", while President Trump is expected to be meeting President Putin in Saudi Arabia “very soon”. Adam is joined by our Europe editor, Katya Adler and Lord Kim Darroch, former UK Ambassador to Washington. We also speak to Joe Pike, political investigations correspondent and James Landale, diplomatic correspondent.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://discord.gg/NbuxWnmY Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.