Podcasts about uk news

Keir Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered, Labour MPs have warned, after a week of fury over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. While several MPs have said the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, should take responsibility and resign, the mood surrounding No 10 has seemed ‘terminal', said an MP from the 2024 intake. Lucy Hough talks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Peter Mandelson faces a criminal investigation over allegations he leaked Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to the child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2009. The Metropolitan police are investigating Mandelson, who was then business secretary, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Police are also reviewing fresh allegations about the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump claims that the release of millions more files related to Jeffrey Epstein ‘absolve' him of wrongdoing, even though his name appears hundreds of times. The latest documents also indicate high-profile figures, including the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Labour peer Peter Mandelson, continued friendships with the disgraced financier after his child sex abuse convictions. So what have we learned from the newly released files and what happens next? Lucy Hough speaks to columnist and host of Politics Weekly America Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Ten years after I first followed the proposed route, I retraced my steps to see what life was like along the world's most expensive, heavily delayed railway line By Patrick Barkham. Read by Dermot Daly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Miqdaad Versi, Shaista Aziz, Aamna Mohdin and Nosheen Iqbal on the rise of the far right and growing Islamophobia in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer held talks with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week and proclaimed Britain should have a more ‘sophisticated' relationship with China. Pippa Crerar, who was with the prime minister on the trip, tells Kiran Stacey what all this means. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Reform UK has announced Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the hotly anticipated Gorton and Denton byelection. John Harris and Kiran Stacey discuss his chances. Plus, John speaks to Esther Ghey about why the government should back a social media ban for under-16s. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The prime minister may have seen off the challenge for the moment – but what will be the cost to his leadership? Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Jeff Bezos's Amazon MGM Studios is due to release its feature-length documentary about Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner, a formerly exiled film-maker who was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. The documentary was screened at a promotional event inside the White House, attended by what the Hollywood Reporter describes as ‘70 assorted VIPs', including Amazon's Andy Jassy, Apple's Tim Cook and the former boxer Mike Tyson. Bezos bought the rights to the film for $40m (£30m) and spent a further $35m on a global marketing push – but so far, ticket sales are reportedly ‘soft' as it prepares to screen in more than 100 UK cinemas. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Labour party has once again been plunged into turmoil after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Will the row quickly fade, or does it risk piling further pressure on the prime minister? Meanwhile, Pippa Crerar will be joining Keir Starmer on his trip to China – but can he focus on diplomacy abroad, or will the Westminster psychodrama continue to overshadow the visit?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris is joined by Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey to discuss Donald Trump's climbdown on tariffs over his move to buy Greenland. Plus, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne is to stand down, which could open the way for Andy Burnham to take his seat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The Duke of Sussex has been giving evidence in the high court, accusing the publisher of the Daily Mail of ‘grave breaches of privacy' and unlawfully gathering information. The prince is joined in the legal action by a group of other notable figures including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Doreen Lawrence. Lucy Hough speaks to the senior national news editor Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Elle Hunt on the success of the BBC's hit show The Traitors. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: one of Britain's most influential scholars has spent a lifetime trying to convince people to take race and racism seriously. Are we finally ready to listen? By Yohann Koshy. Read by Dermot Daly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, has appeared to permanently cut ties with his family. In an explosive statement posted on Instagram, he claimed his parents had been controlling narratives in the press about his family, and had tried to ‘ruin' his relationship with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian columnist Marina Hyde – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer has held an emergency press conference in response to Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. Pippa and Kiran discuss what the UK prime minister said and how it may be received. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Robert Jenrick has been sensationally sacked from the shadow cabinet and suspended from the Conservative party after Kemi Badenoch said she was presented with ‘irrefutable evidence' that he was planning to defect. The shadow justice secretary was Badenoch's leadership rival and had long been said to have been prepared to do a deal with Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sacked, suspended and the whip removed – Kemi Badenoch announced in spectacular fashion that Robert Jenrick was booted out of the Tory party for plotting to defect. John Harris and Kiran talk about how this will play out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The UK government is threatening Elon Musk's X with the nuclear option: a ban. The social media platform is under pressure from ministers over the use of the Grok AI tool to manipulate images of women and children to remove their clothes. Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, has launched an investigation into X – and the government says it will support a ban if it decides to press ahead. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior national editor Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Ian Sample puts listeners' questions on sleep to Dr Allie Hare, consultant physician in respiratory and sleep medicine at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals and president of the British Sleep Society. They cover why women experience sleep disturbance during the menopause, why sleep paralysis affects some people more than others, and what scientists know about the link between sleep and dementia. Hare also gives her top tips for getting better sleep in 2026. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Ofcom has launched an investigation into X over its AI tool Grok – but what does it mean when the platform is widely used by the government? Plus, Pippa and Kiran discuss Nadhim Zahawi's defection to Reform UK, and why it could both help and hinder the party. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Ian and Alicia are talking about recent news happening at the Universal UK project as well as our thoughts on recent rumors and permit details for Orlando, including Pokemon in Lost Continent, Potter expansion at Epic Universe, and whether Creature from the Black Lagoon is happening or not!Related Links:Intamin Document Original Tweet: https://x.com/SaxOnTracks/status/2001830758940623236EYNTK Pokemon Theater Speculation: https://eyntk.info/speculation-universal-orlando-intamin-simulator/ Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

In just one week Venezuela's president was kidnapped by the US, Donald Trump talked of needing Greenland, the UK and France agreed to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal was reached, and two oil tankers were seized with help from the UK. Is this the new world order – or lack thereof? John Harris and Kiran Stacey are joined by the Guardian's defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh, to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Three activists awaiting trial are refusing food and their health is failing rapidly. Will the government intervene? Haroon Siddique reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

What is the UK government planning for young people? With Emma Warren. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Pippa and Kiran discuss the mounting pressure on Keir Starmer to condemn the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. The prime minister is keen to walk the diplomatic tightrope but at what cost to his reputation globally and within his own party?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Many of his supporters hoped the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet Labour's record over the past year has been curiously mixed By Daniel Trilling. Read by Simon Darwen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The Guardian's editor-in-chief Katharine Viner looks back on the biggest news stories of 2025. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look back at the biggest political moments of 2025, and discuss what 2026 might bring. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Resident doctors in England have begun five days of strike action after rejecting the government's latest offer to resolve a long-running dispute over pay and jobs. The health secretary, Wes Streeting, met the British Medical Association on Tuesday in a final attempt to reach an agreement, but they failed to agree a deal. It means that resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – will remain on strike until 7am on Monday. Lucy Hough talks to the Guardian's health policy editor, Denis Campbell – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The BBC has vowed to defend itself against the $10bn lawsuit that the US president, Donald Trump, filed against it. Trump alleges the broadcaster ‘intentionally, maliciously and deceptively' edited the speech he gave before the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On Tuesday, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings.' Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

When Reform took over 10 local councils in England this summer, it offered the first glimpse of how the party might govern if it were to get into No 10. Helen Pidd reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Pippa and Kiran speak to the Guardian's sketch writer, John Crace, about his latest book, The Bonfire of the Insanities: How Does This Government Thing Work Again?, which is a compilation of his daily work starting from Rishi Sunak's government to Keir Starmer's. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris speaks to Yinka Bankole about his treatment as a nine-year-old at Dulwich college when Nigel Farage was a prefect. Plus, Kiran Stacey and John discuss whether Reform UK supporters will start to feel uneasy about the allegations of racism against Farage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Keir Starmer has called on European leaders to urgently reform human rights laws so that member states can take tougher action to protect their borders and see off the rise of the populist right across the continent. But Labour has been condemned by campaigners and MPs who argue these proposals could lead to countries abandoning the world's most vulnerable people and further demonise refugees. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's political editor and host of Politics Weekly, Pippa Crerar – Watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As Keir Starmer hosts Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss what the ‘coalition of the willing' can achieve. Also in the spotlight is Labour's shifting position on the EU. Plus, with pressure mounting on Nigel Farage, can the Reform UK leader handle so much scrutiny?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice says allegations of racism from Nigel Farage's school days are ‘made-up twaddle'. Lucy Hough speaks to investigations correspondent Henry Dyer -- Watch Today in Focus: The Latest on YouTube --. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Three months into his leadership the Green party membership is surging. Randeep Ramesh explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Nigel Farage was handed a £9m donation this week, amid reports he said elsewhere that a deal with the Conservatives before the general election was ‘inevitable'. John Harris speaks to Kiran Stacey about what this means for Reform UK. They also discuss David Lammy's plan to scrap some jury trials, and answer questions from Politics Weekly UK listeners. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Criminal cases in England and Wales where a prison sentence is likely to be less than three years will be heard by a judge, not a jury, under plans from justice secretary David Lammy. Would it help reduce the backlog in courts? Or could it be purely to save money? Alexandra Topping joins Lucy Hough. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Geraldine McKelvie reports from the ground at the inaugural Your Party conference, while Peter Walker talks to a number of insiders about the divisions that have beset the party until now. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer has been pushed to defend his chancellor after she was accused of lying in the run-up to the autumn budget. Rachel Reeves is alleged to have misled the public by citing bleak economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility to justify tax rises, even though the figures were more positive than she suggested. Lucy Hough is joined by the head of national news, Archie Bland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After so much buildup, Rachel Reeves has finally unveiled her budget, but will it be enough to turn things around for the government? Our economics editor, Heather Stewart, reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Patrick Vallance, the minister for science, research and innovation, recently unveiled a plan to cut animal testing through greater use of AI and other technologies, with the eventual aim of phasing it out altogether. To understand how this will affect research and what could be used in place of animal models, Madeleine Finlay hears from science editor Ian Sample, Prof Hazel Screen of Queen Mary University London and Prof Kevin Harrington from the Institute of Cancer Research. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: as violence, drug use and suicide at HMP Nottingham reached shocking new levels, the prison became a symbol of a system crumbling into crisis By Isobel Thompson. Read by Simon Darwen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Nathan Gill was an MEP for the Brexit party and Ukip, and later became Reform UK's leader in Wales. Now he has been jailed for 10 years for taking bribes to make pro-Russia statements. Luke Harding reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Former pupils at Dulwich College have made shocking claims about the Reform leader's behaviour at school – which he denies. Daniel Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Shabana Mahmood's new immigration plans have been welcomed by Tommy Robinson. Jessica Elgot explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Danish journalist Nilas Heinskou and Syrian refugee Agob Yacoub discuss Denmark's harsh immigration and asylum policies – reportedly the inspiration for changes to be announced by the UK government this week. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The biggest survey of Reform voters to date reveals unexpected views. Aditya Chakrabortty reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus