Podcasts about Westminster

This is the second part of Michael Gove's conversation with Munira Mirza. After reflecting in part one on multiculturalism and the fractures in modern Britain, this second instalment turns to the question of leadership, and the lessons both Boris and Starmer should learn.Munira reflects on Boris Johnson's premiership, describing him as ‘a better man than many of his detractors would admit' but acknowledging his foibles and lack of decisiveness at critical moments. Was he a good Prime Minister? They go on to debate whether the wiring of the British state – from the Human Rights Act to the Equality Act – has made effective government harder, and whether Reform are right to call for repeal of both of these pieces of legislation.Finally, Munira delivers a stark assessment of Britain's political class, questioning whether the calibre of MPs is good enough, criticising the culture of risk-aversion in Westminster, and making the case for ‘radical candour' in politics. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editorial En el Occidente secularizado está llamando la atención fenómenos como los que se están produciendo en Francia o Reino Unido, en donde diócesis como la de Westminster han reportado para este 2026 su grupo de catecúmenos más grande en 15 años: cerca de 800 personas y, en menor medida, en Bélgica, donde cada vez más jóvenes y adultos están pidiendo el Bautismo. Este año, el número de adultos inscritos para recibir el bautismo en la próxima Vigilia Pascual en Bélgica, asciende a cerca de 689 personas. Son ya miles los que van ingresando cada año en el catolicismo, lo que está llamando la atención de los medios.  Noticias internacionales EE. UU.: Matrimonios que dan importancia a la religión son los más felices Italia: Nuevo documental: La muerte de Jesús: una investigación médica India: Desentierran a cristianos fallecidos América: Película animada sobre el Rey David llega a los cines Noticias nacionales La identificación feminista se desploma entre los jóvenes El Papa León XIV visitará España del 6 al 12 de junio El Cristo que no quita el dolor, pero lo acompaña Noticias de la Santa Sede Un nuevo Vía Crucis por los 400 años de la Basílica de San Pedro El Papa León XIV nombra 4 obispos auxiliares para Roma El Vaticano confirma próximos viajes del Papa

In this edition Sheila Dillon explores the creativity of chefs, and asks how it's being affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis. For Sheila, creativity in cooking is one of the pleasures we often take for granted when we go out to eat, and marvels at the alchemy chefs work with raw ingredients. But the hospitality industry is grappling with very difficult economic conditions - increased national insurance, business rates, energy bills, rent, cost of ingredients coupled with fewer customers with less money to spend, all mean that many restaurants are struggling to survive. According to the latest data from the Hospitality Market Monitor by NIQ, restaurant closures accelerated in the last three months of 2025 to nearly 19 businesses a week. What happens to that creativity when the industry is under so much pressure?In the programme chefs talk to Sheila about what creativity looks like in their kitchens at the moment, as the cost crisis leads to more restrictions on how and what they cook. We also hear how chefs of the future are being trained to work creatively in this tough environment. We hear from: Sam Lomas, Head Chef at Briar in Somerset; Owen Morgan, co-founder and owner of Forty-Four group; Charlie Buchanan-Smith, co-founder of The Free Company near Edinburgh; Niall McKenna, owner of James St and Waterman House in Belfast; Frank Fiore, Catering Manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital; Chantal Symons, Lead Development Chef at LEON Restaurants; and chef-lecturers Steve Oram and Ian Sutton and students at Capital City College at Westminster.Presented by Sheila Dillon and produced by Sophie Anton for BBC Audio in Bristol.

Nick Clegg is the former UK Deputy Prime Minister and former President, Global Affairs at Meta. He has had a front seat to two of the biggest power structures globally: Westminster and Silicon Valley. At Meta, he became the company's chief policy decision-maker, meeting with world leaders, governments and policymakers around the globe. He has written two best-selling books, Politics: Between the Extremes and How To Stop Brexit (And Make Britain Great Again).His latest book: "How to Save the Internet” - posits that the global, open internet is fragmenting. The book outlines the global cooperation needed to reform Big Tech and preserve the internet as we know it: from where Big Tech has faltered to the necessary radical reforms ahead...In this conversation, Tommy sits down with Nick to ask whether tech is actually making us happier, if the evidence on social media and polarization follows the headlines, and why Nick is far more worried about AI and the breakup of the open internet.Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc.Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING. Please note: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald and political strategist Jo Tanner break down one of the most unpredictable by-elections in recent years — a potential three-way fight between Labour, Reform, and the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Calum and Jo are joined by Scarlett McGuire, founder of Merlin Strategy, to break down the political implications of the vote. They discuss the political make up of the constituency, how tactical voting could sway the vote and whether the first-past-the-post electoral system will be able to cope with up to 6 major parties in play in different parts of the UK. If you want to find out more about the candidates for the Gorton and Denton by-election, taking place on Thursday 26th February, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkrpgvkd0noCalum and Jo also discuss that Good Morning Britain spat between Martin Lewis and Kemi Badenoch and ask if the current student loan system is in fact a 'debt trap'. Connect with us:

Former British cabinet minister and former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, widely known as Lord Mandelson, was arrested on February 23, 2026, by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to revelations in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Authorities allege that while serving as a senior UK government minister in 2009–2010, Mandelson may have passed sensitive UK government information to Epstein and maintained a relationship with him even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The arrest follows searches of his homes in London and Wiltshire and emerged amid growing public and political scrutiny over Mandelson's ties to Epstein, which had already cost him his ambassadorial post and led to his resignation from the House of Lords and the Labour Party.After being taken into custody and questioned by police, Mandelson was released on bail pending further investigation, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that he must return for further enquiries as the case continues. Under UK law, misconduct in public office is a serious criminal offence, and Mandelson denies any wrongdoing. His arrest and bail come as the government faces intense pressure over its earlier decision to appoint him ambassador despite known concerns about his Epstein connections, and as lawmakers and critics demand further transparency and accountability in the unfolding investigation.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson released on bail | AP News

In the medieval scriptoria, amongst all the holy books, and the hagiographies, and the books of philosophy, and the legal charters, not to mention the beautiful illuminated manuscripts, there were often, we are sorry to tell you, forgeries being created. Sometimes monasteries needed to codify some history that hadn't gotten written down when it happened, or to provide documentation of some land sale that hadn't gotten written down, or to provide evidence for things that didn't happen at all, so that they could have more power or money -- that sort of thing. Some of those scriptoria were so good at producing forgeries that they made them for other monasteries, running forgery rings. The scriptorium at Westminster Abbey, for instance, had several master forgers -- one of them being Osbert of Clare, who produced several of the fake charters at not only Westminster Abbey, but also other abbeys, such as that at Ramsey, which didn't have the wherewithal to produce these things themselves. Anne explains medieval forgery in general, of which there was a whole lot, and Michelle, though very sad that no popular works about Westminster are out there, was gratified to find some excellent scholars, along with a medieval method for providing two factor identification. Also, nobody dies.

Au Salon international de l'Agriculture, à Paris, les professionnels du secteur n'ont pas seulement exposé leurs animaux, et leurs griefs, ils ont parlé solutions du futur, robotisation, permaculture, OGM, adaptation au changement climatique... Dans ce dernier domaine, l'Espagne a des projets bien avancés. Climat et alimentation En Espagne, pays qui se veut le potager de l'Europe, les agriculteurs subissent sécheresse, record de températures et incendies au point que les cultures s'en trouvent durablement altérées. En Catalogne, la production de pommes a baissé de 8% l'an dernier (2025). Pour enrayer la crise, les producteurs ont demandé l'aide des scientifiques. La première variété de pommiers qui résiste à de longs épisodes de grande chaleur sera bientôt commercialisée. Et ce n'est pas un organisme génétiquement modifié. Reportage d'Elise Gazengel.   Élections On reste en Espagne, pour parler politique : à chaque rendez-vous dans les urnes, l'extrême droite accumule les percées électorales et elle est devenue un allié incontournable pour le Parti populaire. Sans les voix du parti Vox, les conservateurs espagnols n'ont plus la majorité absolue et ne peuvent plus prétendre gouverner. Alors que plusieurs régions élisent leurs Parlement entre février et juin, le Parti populaire vient de présenter ses conditions à Vox avec l'idée de ne pas se faire dépasser sur sa droite. Les précisions de Diane Cambon. Élections également au Royaume-Uni, où le parti Vert espère envoyer un cinquième député au Parlement de Westminster, lors d'un scrutin partiel qui se tient demain 26 février 2026 près de Manchester. Face à une majorité travailliste en perte de vitesse, très fragilisé par de nombreux scandales, notamment - mais pas uniquement - liés au dossier Epstein, les écologistes se présentent comme la seule alternative à l'extrême-droite qui, là aussi, progresse. Reportage de Marie Billon.   La chronique musique de Vincent Théval  Gorillaz The Manifesto Pt.1  (UK)   Des bunkers privés ? Au début d'une 5è année de guerre en Ukraine et en l'absence de perspective de paix, l'Europe centrale s'inquiète toujours plus pour sa sécurité. Dans la région, les bunkers et abris souterrains longtemps laissés à l'abandon suscitent un regain d'intérêt. En Slovaquie, ces structures héritées de la guerre froide sont aujourd'hui rénovées. Mais des abris privés font leur apparition, et ils sont de plus en plus prisés. Les détails avec Alexis Rosenzweig.

With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer's government?Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

Former British cabinet minister and former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, widely known as Lord Mandelson, was arrested on February 23, 2026, by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to revelations in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Authorities allege that while serving as a senior UK government minister in 2009–2010, Mandelson may have passed sensitive UK government information to Epstein and maintained a relationship with him even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The arrest follows searches of his homes in London and Wiltshire and emerged amid growing public and political scrutiny over Mandelson's ties to Epstein, which had already cost him his ambassadorial post and led to his resignation from the House of Lords and the Labour Party.After being taken into custody and questioned by police, Mandelson was released on bail pending further investigation, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that he must return for further enquiries as the case continues. Under UK law, misconduct in public office is a serious criminal offence, and Mandelson denies any wrongdoing. His arrest and bail come as the government faces intense pressure over its earlier decision to appoint him ambassador despite known concerns about his Epstein connections, and as lawmakers and critics demand further transparency and accountability in the unfolding investigation.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson released on bail | AP NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Former British cabinet minister and former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, widely known as Lord Mandelson, was arrested on February 23, 2026, by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation linked to revelations in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Authorities allege that while serving as a senior UK government minister in 2009–2010, Mandelson may have passed sensitive UK government information to Epstein and maintained a relationship with him even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The arrest follows searches of his homes in London and Wiltshire and emerged amid growing public and political scrutiny over Mandelson's ties to Epstein, which had already cost him his ambassadorial post and led to his resignation from the House of Lords and the Labour Party.After being taken into custody and questioned by police, Mandelson was released on bail pending further investigation, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that he must return for further enquiries as the case continues. Under UK law, misconduct in public office is a serious criminal offence, and Mandelson denies any wrongdoing. His arrest and bail come as the government faces intense pressure over its earlier decision to appoint him ambassador despite known concerns about his Epstein connections, and as lawmakers and critics demand further transparency and accountability in the unfolding investigation.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson released on bail | AP NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Chuck is back from Oaxaca — and he brought receipts. This week, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid reunite to break down the elections and dynamics that will shape the Latino political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms. They open with tributes to Jesse Jackson and Chuck's former union president John Nash, reflecting on the multiracial coalitions that have always driven real change in America. Mike drops a history lesson on the 80th anniversary of Mendez v. Westminster, the landmark school desegregation case that predated Brown v. Board of Education by eight years.Then it's all strategy: the guys dig into the Texas special elections — including the Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico Senate race and the fascinating three-way dynamics of the Julie Johnson vs. Colin Allred primary — before pivoting to a district-by-district breakdown of key 2026 House battlegrounds across California, Colorado, and Arizona. Mike explains the "30% magic number" — the historical threshold at which Latino population share has flipped California seats from red to blue — and asks whether that rule still holds in today's rapidly shifting electorate.If you want to understand where the 2026 midterms will really be decided, this is your battlefield briefing.The numbers. The districts. The strategy. The Latino vote isn't an afterthought anymore. It's the front line.-Recorded February 18, 2026Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

As Lord Mandelson's arrest sends shock waves through Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer is set to face his biggest electoral test yet.It is not just a by-election; it is a referendum on the establishment. This week, all eyes are on Manchester as the Gorton and Denton by-election prepares to deliver a verdict that could redefine the UK's political map and stick another nail in Labour's coffin.Camilla and Tim are joined by Scarlett Maguire, pollster and founder of Merlin Strategies, to break down the numbers in what is traditionally a “red wall” fortress, discuss the extraordinary unpopularity of Sir Keir and the potential for a new coalition government.And they catch up with Matt Goodwin, Reform UK's controversial candidate. The academic-turned-politician discusses his belief that the party will win the seat, the “darker forces” and “sectarianism” he claims his opponents are enabling, his comments on the UK's fertility crisis and Reform's push to win over white working-class and minority voters.Producer: Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send a textIn our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers: Schools white paper in England and SEND provision- what we know so far.Scottish election manifesto asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-scotland-publishes-key-manifesto-asks-ahead-of-2026-elections/ UK wide report on DLD in exams: New report calls for exam reform to support students with Developmental Language Disorder | RCSLTVoicebox competition launches in Northern Ireland: VoiceBox competition launches across Northern Ireland | RCSLTSwallowing Awareness Day 18 March https://www.rcslt.org/news/get-involved-in-swallowing-awareness-day-2026/ Westminster event on Primary Progressive Aphasia: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invite-your-mp-to-attend-primary-progressive-aphasia-parliamentary-event/ Response to cancer strategy.Letter from AHPs to Wes Streeting: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-joins-professional-bodies-calling-for-government-action-on-ahps/RCSLT workforce survey – call for responses to help us build the evidence base on vacancies and retention: https://www.rcslt.org/news/complete-the-2026-workforce-survey/. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

As unemployment climbs and youth joblessness surges past 16%, ministers insist the labour market is merely adjusting. But in this essay, Andrew Griffith, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, argues the truth is far starker: Labour's higher payroll taxes, expanded union powers and sweeping employment regulations have made hiring more expensive, riskier and less attractive. The result, he says, is a steady erosion of Britain's once-flexible jobs market — with young people paying the highest price.Despatch brings you the best articles from CapX's unrivalled daily newsletter.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative MP for North West Essex and the Leader of the Opposition. Since winning her seat in 2017, she has held cabinet positions as Minister of State for Equalities under Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for International Trade under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. She became leader of the Conservative Party in 2024 after Rishi Sunak's resignation and is the first black person to lead a political party in Britain. Her Nigerian parents came to Britain for medical treatment and Kemi was born in a private hospital in Wimbledon in January 1980. Her parents returned with their newborn daughter, and she was brought up in Nigeria in an affluent suburb of Lagos. After a series of military coups and economic downturns, her family, along with many other middle-class families in Nigeria saw their wealth decline and Kemi was sent to London to study for her A levels.Instead of following her parents into medicine, she chose to pursue Computer Systems Engineering and went to Sussex University. A well-paid career in IT followed and she joined the Conservative Party aged twenty-five where she also met her husband, Hamish. Her first attempt at becoming an MP was in 2010 in Dame Tessa Jowell's former constituency of Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in London. She finished third behind the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates.In 2017, she was selected for the Saffron Walden seat and became an MP.She lives in London with her husband and three children and divides her time between Westminster and her constituency of North West Essex.DISC ONE: The Story of Tonight - Lin-Manuel Miranda, Okieriete Onaodowan, Daveed Diggs, Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton DISC TWO: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson DISC THREE: Wonderful World - Sam Cooke DISC FOUR: Be Still - Aled Jones and English Session Orchestra DISC FIVE: Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) - Baz Luhrmann DISC SIX: Love is All Around - Wet Wet Wet DISC SEVEN: Carry You Home – Alex Warren DISC EIGHT: Dear Theodosia - Leslie Odom Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda BOOK CHOICE: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray LUXURY ITEM: The Marvel Movie Collection with a solar-powered DVD player CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah TaylorDesert Island Discs has cast many politicians away to the island over the years including Sir Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Sir Vince Cable, Theresa May, Ed Miliband, Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher.

2-22-26 Sermon by Chad Overholt./Part x of our x series./Worship songs from this service:/Battle Belongs/Tremble/Great I Am/Here Again/Like what you hear? Join us this Sunday at 8:45am or 10:45am @ 6979 West Oak Highway, Westminster, SC. --- Come a few minutes early and grab some free coffee and snacks - we'd love to have you! ---You can also find all of our sermons on our website: www.lifelinecc.com/podcast

Young people's challenges with learning and work

A message from Nehemiah 6:1-19 by Pastor Jared Burke at Bethany Bible Fellowship, Westminster, California

Dan Gates - Executive Director of Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management ( C. R. W. M. ) Host of Though the Gates podcast joins Bobby Marshall in studio for a powerful, co-released episode focused on the future of wildlife management in Colorado. A lifelong sportsman and passionate conservation advocate, Dan has dedicated his career to protecting Colorado's wildlife through science-based policy, ethical hunting, and responsible stewardship. As a leader of CRWM and the Save the Hunt Colorado campaign, he works at the front lines of legislative battles, commission decisions, and public advocacy efforts that directly impact sportsmen, landowners, and outdoor communities across the state.In this episode, Bobby and Dan dive deep into:• Colorado wildlife policy and the statutory mission of Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CRS 33-1-101)• The growing political influence shaping conservation decisions• Senate Bill 62 and its potential impact on rodenticide access, pesticide application, and trapping methods• The proposed statewide fur-sale prohibition petition• Beaver management strategy and harvest data• Wolf policy discussions and livestock compensation• Firearms-related policy proposals tied to wildlife governance• The importance of public testimony and engagement at CPW Commission meetingsDan breaks down why wildlife policy should be driven by science, data, and expert guidance — not emotion or political agendas — and explains why Colorado is becoming a “test market” for sweeping wildlife legislation.He also issues a call to action for the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission meetings (March 4–5 in Westminster and May 6–7 in Grand Junction), encouraging citizens to attend, submit testimony, and stay informed.Beyond policy, this conversation explores conservation ethics, biology, hunting tradition, archery, outdoor culture, and what it truly means to preserve wildlife responsibly for future generations.If you care about conservation, hunting rights, wildlife biology, or the future of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation — this is a must-listen episode.www.themountainsidepodcast.comShow Linkswww.SaveTheHuntColorado.comwww.youtube.com/@ThroughTheGatesPodcastAffiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.ProTekt.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all ProTekt products! Use this link to receive discount code.www.SABObroadheads.comMountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!www.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!

Today Adam, Alex Forsyth, Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl look back at the week in Westminster; starting with Thursday morning's news that the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.Plus, they discuss the appointment of Antonia Romeo to the role of cabinet secretary and our first look at Reform UK's new economic policy. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Joe Wilkinson. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

In this episode we discuss the bad decisions made by officers that lead to major suspensions or firings. Our guests are retired LAPD IA Sergeant Marlon Marrache Show (formally The IA Guy) on youTube @ https://www.youtube.com/@themarracheshow, and Investigator Jesse Cohen, background investigator and recruiter for the Westminster, CO Police Department @ https://www.westminsterco.gov/582/Join-WPD. This information will save you the headache of being the subject of IA investigations._____________For those who aren't paid subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/kenroybal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/donovanheavener⁠⁠Bonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: ⁠https://policebackground.net/#book-podcast⁠Donovan's Book: ⁠https://prep4duty.com/oralboard⁠Contact us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.policebackground.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prep4duty.com⁠_____________For those who aren't paid subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/kenroybal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/donovanheavener⁠⁠Bonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: ⁠https://policebackground.net/#book-podcast⁠Donovan's Book: ⁠https://prep4duty.com/oralboard⁠Contact us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.policebackground.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠prep4duty.com⁠

Only days after the Church in the United States saw a changing of the guard in the archdiocese of New York, across the Atlantic, England welcomed a new archbishop of Westminster – the most important of the Catholic dioceses in the sceptered isle. What lies ahead for the Church in England? The Register's Senior Contributor and EWTN News Vatican Analyst Edward Pentin joins Register Radio. And then, Bishops and Catholics in the US and around the world continue to express shock and dismay at the University of Notre Dame's appointment of an ardent pro-abortion supporter to a prominent academic post in what is supposed to be a faithful Catholic university. Register staff reporter Matthew McDonald gives us the latest.

Keir Starmer may have survived a political near-death experience last week. But with a perilous by-election looming and punishing May elections on the horizon, few in Westminster think the prime minister is truly in the clear. With fresh jeopardy ahead, could Starmer become the fifth prime minister in a decade to fall short of a full term? This week on Westminster Insider, host Patrick Baker asks: why don't UK prime ministers last anymore? Political historian and host of the Past, Present, Future podcast David Runciman argues the revolving door at the top reflects a wider global surge in political instability — driven above all by economic turbulence. Former Downing Street communications directors Katie Perrior, Lee Cain and James Lyons lift the lid on how Britain's unforgiving 24/7 media machine is grinding down modern premiers. David Lammy's former adviser Ben Judah and the Institute for Government's Jill Rutter probe whether the civil service is helping — or hindering — an era of increasingly fragile premierships. And the author and historian Anthony Seldon says a “massive collapse” in prime ministerial experience means many new arrivals in Downing Street are stepping into the job unprepared for the demands of governing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debate recorded at the Battle of Ideas festival 2025 on Saturday 18 October at Church House, Westminster. This week, Reform's Suella Braverman declared that if the party were elected to government it would 'repeal the Equality Act, because we are going to work to build a country defined by meritocracy not tokenism, personal responsibility not victimhood, excellence not mediocrity, and unity not division'. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC that the Act represented 'basic values, one of which is should women be treated equally with men... I think it actually rips up something that goes to who we are as a country because I believe passionately that to be tolerant, compassionate and diverse is what it is to be British'. What has been the impact of the Equality Act on British workplaces? ORIGINAL FESTIVAL INTRODUCTION The British workplace is now too often a toxic environment, a hotbed of grievance culture, lawfare and an ever-expanding number of disciplinary codes unrelated to the nature of specific jobs. Over the past year, there's been a 23 per cent rise in cases at employment tribunals and a two-year waiting list, due to a growing backlog, with workplace conflicts estimated to now cost businesses £28.5 billion annually. How did this come about? The UK is a world leader in human relations (HR). With over half a million HR workers – almost double the number of 15 years ago – Britain stands second in the global league table for size of HR sector as a share of all occupations. Over seven in 10 FTSE 100 companies now boast a ‘chief HR officer' on their executive committee, reflecting the elevated status of this newfound ‘profession'. We might expect this might lead to happier more productive workers, fewer grievances and higher job retention. Yet the growth of the HR industrial complex doesn't appear to have led to better workplace outcomes or harmony. Arguably, HR is as much the problem as the solution. HR departments – until recently humdrum administrative hubs managing payrolls, processing sick notes and checking firms complied with employment law – have now morphed into real centres of power. They are the enforcers of workplace orthodoxies, controlling what workers can say or do, who keeps their job, and even shaping corporate missions. For example, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is charged with versing workers in new values, from DEI literacy to managing emotional security. What's more, the traditional defenders of workers' rights – trade unions – are increasingly acting in lockstep with HR managers' priorities. A recent paper by the Free Speech Union, Shopped Stewards, revealed the divisive nature of union bureaucrats' adherence to identity politics, which means they often side with the DEI initiatives of their employers, as opposed to defending their members' rights. For example, teacher Simon Pearson was fired by Preston College after a complaint from a Muslim representative of the National Education Union (NEU). Pearson was accused of being ‘Islamophobic' and ‘racially discriminatory' for social-media posts, such as saying Lucy Connolly ‘should not have been jailed'. Another report suggests that specific legislation has led to a deterioration in workplace relations. The Don't Divide Us report, The Equality Act Isn't Working, reveals the ‘expansionary logic' of the Equality Act 2010 has provided the legal scaffolding that supports a surge in (largely unsuccessful) workplace race–discrimination claims. This, DDU argues, contributes to a grievance culture where people resort to ‘lawfare' to resolve ‘petty disputes and imagined slights', while empowering thin-skinned employees to wilfully misinterpret perfectly innocent comments or interactions. Can the workplace be detoxified? How can we tame the HR monster? Can trade unions return to a ‘one for all, all for one' role of protecting workers' rights? Can laws that are divisive in workplaces be reined in? SPEAKERS Pamela Dow chief operating officer, Civic Future Paul Embery firefighter; trade unionist; author, Despised: why the modern Left loathes the working class; broadcaster Maya Forstater chief executive, Sex Matters Dr Anna Loutfi employment and human rights barrister; advisory council member, Don't Divide Us CHAIR Para Mullan former operations director, EY-Seren; fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

We just got back from Westminster and are recapping our experience.  First and foremost, we observed relationships between handlers and dogs.  Our first day we watched agility and were beyond impressed with both the handlers and the dogs.  The following days we attended the confirmation shows.  With Westminster being a bench show we were able to approach the dogs and handlers in the bench/prep area.  This provided a unique opportunity to talk with owners, handlers and breeders as well as meet a variety of the dogs.   Of course we can't resist talking about ethical breeding, health testing, and how it relates back to shelter dogs.  We even address dogs just being dogs and seeing a few naughty dogs in the show ring, as well as the handlers who so beautifully dealt with the dogs who weren't behaving perfectly.  We were also lucky enough to meet and observe some dogs in central park who we have to talk about as well.Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye/⁠⁠⁠

Brain Drain Episode 67 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfield

The Prime Minister says we are going to have to spend more, faster, on defence. But his government hasn't even decided how it will spend the money already in the budget, despite promising the plan months ago.Sitrep explains why the growing delays are a big problem for some defence firms, and therefore the Armed Forces they supply, as the ADS trade body tells us small business liquidations are at a 30-year high.Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne shares the Westminster whispers on when these vital decisions could finally be taken, and whether any more money could be found.And Mike explains what US Forces are being massed around Iran, plus what that tells us about any military action that might happen.

We talk worship with pastors Aaron De Boer and Dr. Sean Morris with special attention to liturgy and practicalities that promote reverence and awe with Westminster's Directory for Worship as our guide.  Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNxWFYs8QZk A portion of the text: Of the Assembling of the Congregation, and their Behaviour in the Publick Worship of God WHEN the congregation is to meet for publick worship, the people (having before prepared their hearts thereunto) ought all to come and join therein; not absenting themselves from the publick ordinance through negligence, or upon pretence of private meetings. Let all enter the assembly, not irreverently, but in a grave and seemly manner, taking their seats or places without adoration, or bowing themselves towards one place or other. The congregation being assembled, the minister, after solemn calling on them to the worshipping of the great name of God, is to begin with prayer. "In all reverence and humility acknowledging the incomprehensible greatness and majesty of the Lord, (in whose presence they do then in a special manner appear,) and their own vileness and unworthiness to approach so near him, with their utter inability of themselves to so great a work; and humbly beseeching him for pardon, assistance, and acceptance, in the whole service then to be performed; and for a blessing on that particular portion of his word then to be read: And all in the name and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ." The publick worship being begun, the people are wholly to attend upon it, forbearing to read any thing, except what the minister is then reading or citing; and abstaining much more from all private whisperings, conferences, salutations, or doing reverence to any person present, or coming in; as also from all gazing, sleeping, and other indecent behaviour, which may disturb the minister or people, or hinder themselves or others in the service of God. If any, through necessity, be hindered from being present at the beginning, they ought not, when they come into the congregation, to betake themselves to their private devotions, but reverently to compose themselves to join with the assembly in that ordinance of God which is then in hand.

SHOULD KING CHARLES ABDICATE? EPSTEIN, ANDREW, MANDELSON — MONARCHY UNDER SIEGE #KingCharles #Abdication #PrinceAndrew #Epstein #PeterMandelson #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV SHOULD KING CHARLES ABDICATE? I believe the time has come to ask the question the Establishment is desperate to shut down. King Charles III is a man under immense strain. He is visibly not recovering, not easing back, not growing stronger — and the relentless pressure of scandal, silence and institutional failure is bearing down on him. I believe that for the good of the Crown, abdication must now be on the table. This crisis has a name: Prince Andrew. His association with Jeffrey Epstein continues to rot the monarchy from the inside. The question is simple and unavoidable: why has Andrew still not gone to the United States to be formally questioned? What exactly is being protected — and who? And then there's the part Westminster really doesn't want discussed. While Andrew absorbs all the heat, Peter Mandelson — another man with documented Epstein links — was handed a top ambassadorial job. That wasn't an accident. That was a political decision taken by Keir Starmer — and it was a catastrophic misstep. So I'll say it plainly: Andrew should go to the United States and be questioned. Mandelson should go to the United States and be questioned. No hiding places. No double standards. If Starmer cannot or will not protect the monarchy from this level of damage, then he has no business lecturing anyone about standards in public life. The monarchy is entering dangerous territory — and I believe there is only one way to stabilise it. Prince William represents clarity, authority, and a line under years of scandal. This show doesn't whisper. It doesn't apologise. And it doesn't play palace games.

Mark Allan, CEO of FTSE 100 property giant Landsec, tells Will Bain that much of the narrative around the UK's commercial property market isn't quite right. Demand for office space is robust: businesses are signing 15 to 20 year leases, and firms that downsized after COVID are reversing course. Even the fear that artificial intelligence will trigger mass job losses isn't materialising just yet in leasing behaviour.He is bullish on the future of retail. Allan believes the shopping centre is firmly “back”, with sales and rents climbing again at major destinations such as Liverpool ONE and Bluewater. Retailers, he says, have become more selective - closing weaker sites while doubling down on the biggest and strongest locations. And with no new centres being built, the most successful ones are only becoming more valuable.But Allan is blunt about the challenges facing large scale development in the UK. The affordable housing market won't improve until private development becomes financially viable again. Rising construction costs, slow and unpredictable planning processes and persistently high interest rates are making major projects far harder to get off the ground. His sharpest criticism, though, is for Westminster. Allan argues that political instability is damaging investor confidence and making long term planning extremely difficult. Allan says the business rates system is "crazily out of date". He welcomes the government's ambition for planning reform, but says the UK keeps being dragged back into cycles of “permanent drama” that undermine efforts to fix the system.Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Jeevan Nerwan Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Sean and Will start pod 01:35 Mark Allan joins BBI 03:09 What does Landsec do? 04:56 Diversification into residential property 10:02 Gentrification 13:15 Investment outside of London and the South East 16:15 Affordable housing & planning 22:39 Demand for office space & AI 32:48 Shopping centres & the future of retail 39:43 Business rates 41:09: Government decision making & political instability 50:16 End of pod

In Round One, the team discuss Barack Obama ‘breaking the internet' by suggesting aliens are real, Liz Truss finally managing to snag a photo with Donald Trump, and Keir Starmer being accused of running a “zombie government” after yet more U-turns — from delaying local elections to the Palestine Action proscription row, plus some properly murky Westminster briefing wars.In Round 2, we dive into the Winter Olympics' lost property box (including a suspiciously fast condom shortage, sold-out Gen Z stoat mascots and a fugitive with a love of ice hockey) before meeting the Manchester United fan refusing to cut his hair until the club wins five games in a row – a vow that's somehow become a national sporting curse.In Round 3, the Missing Words Round, we hear what RFK Jr's nutrition chatbot thinks you should be inserting where, what wildlife enthusiasts spotted bobbing in the Thames and what's happened every single day in the UK so far in 2026…If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you're following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your host is Mike RaymentWith Jack HarrisQueenie Miller Emerald Paston The Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast

Youth unemployment in the UK has reached a decade high of 15.3%. With nearly one million young people now classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), the "Whitehall Sources" team dives deep into why the system is failing and how one entrepreneur turned the worst-performing school in Derbyshire into a blueprint for national success.In this episode, Calum Macdonald and Jo Tanner are joined by business journalist Ruth Sunderland and entrepreneur Christopher Nieper. They discuss the human cost of the NEET crisis, the "scandal" of forgotten towns, and why the UK education system needs to stop being an "exam factory" and start focusing on employability.In this episode, we explore:Why the number of NEETs has surged 50% in just five years.The incredible story of the David Nieper Academy and its "zero NEET" achievement.Why businesses are hesitant to hire young people (and the rising costs of doing so).The "Skills Tax Incentive": A solution that could gain the Treasury £23 billion.The impact of mobile phone bans and mental health resilience in schools.Connect with us:

Reform UK is no longer a one-man band. Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform's four spokesmen for the “great offices of state” at a press conference in Westminster. Recent Tory defector Robert Jenrick has been given the Chancellor brief, Zia Yusuf is in charge of home affairs, Suella Braverman is responsible for education and Richard Tice will look after business and energy. The format resembled a game show like the ‘Weakest Link' or ‘Take Me Out'. Each of the quartet was introduced, given a spotlight and then had it turned out when their time was up. Is this new 'shadow cabinet' ready for No. 10, or just Tory 2.0? Tim Shipman, James Heale, and Megan McElroy discuss.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the UK REALLY a democracy?  #CancelElections #UKPolitics #Starmer #LabourParty #ReformUK #NigelFarage #Brexit #BrexitBetrayal #PoliticalElite #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV If Keir Starmer can try to cancel elections without a mandate, what does your vote actually mean? Is the UK REALLY a democracy? Let's stop pretending. This week, Reform UK blocked a move that should have alarmed every voter in the country — Keir Starmer attempting to cancel local elections. Yes — cancel elections.  In a country that never stops lecturing the world about democracy. Starmer has no mandate to do this. No manifesto promise. No referendum. No public consent. And yet here we are — again.  We've seen this movie before. In 2016, the Brexit referendum delivered a result the political elite didn't like. What followed wasn't acceptance — it was years of obstruction, delay, re-runs, legal manoeuvres, and media pressure, all designed to wear the public down and soften the outcome. Voters spoke. Westminster panicked.  Now history looks like it's repeating itself — elections questioned, democratic processes treated as optional, and major national direction shifted without asking the people.  So let's ask the question politicians hate: If elections can be cancelled — is this still a democracy? If referendums are ignored — what's the point of voting? If governments only respect results they agree with — who is really in charge?  As the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band once joked: "There is no point in voting — the government always gets in." It was satire. But does it now sound uncomfortably accurate? Jon Gaunt takes this head-on: Are voters being sidelined? Is democracy being hollowed out by the political class? And if elections can be cancelled today — what gets cancelled tomorrow?

'Ash Wednesday, Lent begins and we think hard about our failings. Why do I keep going wrong? We think in fact about temptation and a pattern of failure. Why is it that I keep chasing after the wrong things?'Join us for a reflection on Ash Wednesday by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle. Each week during Lent, the lectionary explores the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth from the perspective of the Gospel of John. One of the ways that John's gospel identifies what Jesus is like is through his ‘I Am' statements. From ‘I am the bread of life' to ‘I am the Good Shepherd', these seven statements help us learn who Jesus is, and what it means to follow Him as disciples. Our reflections will explore these statements throughout the forty days of this season

Coming up in the news: A former Cayman Islands MP is to receive an official funeral, with flags lowered and a series of public ceremonies planned. Details coming up on the official funeral of Austin Harris. Visiting UK MPs say what they've seen in Cayman will change the way they speak up for about us in Westminster. And, new data shows a jump in job postings across the Cayman Islands, with more than 1,700 roles advertised in January. The breakdown is coming up. Kaibo Public Beach could soon see major improvements, as Government opens bidding for Phase One of its upgrade project. All that and more in our 6 PM News.

How did Deborah Wolfe sing on stage with Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl? The Church of the Blues is the answer! Deb keeps you up to date on the pets of the world with stories about Dogs at the Olympics, Catherine Ohara, Pretty Penny the Canadian Dobie that won Westminster, and the classic movie ‘Best In Show'. A must see!!!!Deb gives it 4 paws. A correction about iguanas and the PETA suggestion that ended up being contrary to Florida's best interests. What do you think about Sabrina Carpenter and the dove (white Pigeon) in her act at the Grammy's; cute or cruel? Deb Wolfe shares surprising facts about pigeons: did you know they see differently than we do and have a magnetic compass in their beaks? Sometimes dog owners speaking up loud and fast in response to proposed off-leash area changes works. Hooray & congrats to the Vancouver residents who fought to keep the UBC off leash forest dog trails. Well done! EPISODE NOTES: Bad Bunny, Blue Ribbons, Olympic Dogs & Brave Pigeons Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animal-party-dog-cat-news-animal-facts--6666735/support.

Mark is joined by Labour MP Dawn Butler as they discuss being thrown out of Parliament for calling Boris Johnson a liar, racism inside Westminster, the rise of the far right, the Epstein files and political accountability, Peter Mandelson and Labour's direction under Keir Starmer, wealth and power in British politics, trade union roots, growing up in East London, and why she refuses to walk on the other side of the road when something's wrong. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Dawn @dawnbutlerbrent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Westminster senior Andrew Ahlstrom wins the Copper Rock Am by one over Hayden Howell. Ahlstrom joins the pod. Sponsored by Goldenwest Credit Union. 

2-15-26 Sermon by Colson Eaton.-----Part 19 of our Made For More series.-----Worship songs from this service:-----I Thank God-----Holy Spirit-----What a Beautiful Name-----Here Again/Goodness Of God-----Like what you hear? Join us this Sunday at 8:45am or 10:45am @ 6979 West Oak Highway, Westminster, SC. --- Come a few minutes early and grab some free coffee and snacks - we'd love to have you! ---You can also find all of our sermons on our website: www.lifelinecc.com/podcast

Keir Starmer tells the UK “be ready to fight”

Journalist, author and historian Misha Glenny presents his first edition of In Our Time, succeeding Melvyn Bragg who retired from this role last summer. Misha and his guests discuss the landmark work On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859 and the increasing recognition for his wife Harriet Taylor Mill's contribution. The subject matter of the essay is ‘civil or social liberty: the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual' and it argues that the sole end for which mankind may interfere with the liberty of action of anyone is self-protection and even then only to prevent harm to others. This essay became enormously popular and a foundational text for liberalism.WithHelen McCabe Professor of Political Theory at the University of NottinghamMark Philp Emeritus Professor of History and Politics at the University of WarwickAndPiers Norris Turner Associate Professor of Philosophy at The Ohio State UniversityProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list: Jo Ellen Jacobs (ed.), Harriet Taylor Mill, Complete Works (Indiana University Press, 1998) Bruce L. Kinzer, Ann P. Robson and John M. Robson, A Moralist In and Out of Parliament: John Stuart Mill at Westminster, 1865-1868 (University of Toronto Press, 1992) Christopher Macleod and Dale Miller (eds.), A Companion to Mill (Wiley, 2016)Helen McCabe, John Stuart Mill, Socialist (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2021)Helen McCabe, Harriet Taylor Mill (Cambridge, 2023)Piers Norris Turner, ‘The Arguments of On Liberty: Mill's Institutional Designs' (Nineteenth-Century Prose 47 (1), 2020)Piers Norris Turner et al (eds.), John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor Mill, On Liberty with Related Writings (Hackett Publishing, forthcoming 2026)Mark Philp (ed.), John Stuart Mill: Autobiography (Oxford University Press, 2018)Mark Philp and Frederick Rosen (eds.), John Stuart Mill: On Liberty, Utilitarianism and other Essays (Oxford University Press, 2015)Frederick Rosen, Mill (Oxford University Press, 2013)Alan Ryan, The Philosophy of John Stuart Mill (Palgrave MacMillan, 1998)Ben Saunders, ‘Reformulating Mill's Harm Principle' (Mind 125/500, 2016)John Skorupski, Why Read Mill Today? (Routledge, 2006)William Stafford, John Stuart Mill (Red Globe Press, 1998)C. L. Ten (ed.), Mill: On Liberty: A Critical Guide (Cambridge University Press, 2008)Nadia Urbinati and Alex Zakaras (eds.), John Stuart Mill's Political Thought: A Bicentennial Reassessment (Cambridge University Press, 2007) In Our Time is a BBC Studios production

When a PM is in crisis, what do they do? Sack the head of the civil service. Having lost both his Chief of Staff and Director of Communications at the beginning of the week, Keir Starmer resolved to make it a hat-trick by dispensing with the services of his short-serving Cabinet Secretary. The favourite to replace him is Antonia Romeo – currently doing great work at the Home Office, but comes with a series of ‘caveats' concerning historic allegations of bullying and irregularities over expenses when she was in New York. She has been cleared of these and passed the civil service vetting process (with caveats) – although Simon McDonald, the former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office, has popped up in the news to warn No. 10 about plans to replace Wormald with Antonia Romeo without a new appointment process.All things considered, Romeo is ‘ballsy and brassy' and currently part of the most successful Secretary of State/mandarin pairing in Westminster, alongside Shabana Mahmood. Could she be exactly what the civil service needs? Would she be the one to drive through some serious ‘change'?James Heale speaks to Tom Shipman and Jill Rutter.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

STARMER SHOULD APOLOGISE — NOT SIR JIM RATCLIFFE  #Starmer #SirJimRatcliffe #IllegalMigration#Brexit #BorderChaos #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #Live #LiveShow #UKPolitics  Let's get this straight from the off. Keir Starmer has got some cheek. Some brass neck. The man who never apologises suddenly wants one from Jim Ratcliffe? You couldn't make it up. Starmer — Mr Flip-Flop, Mr U-Turn, Mr "I Didn't Really Mean That" — is now posing as the nation's moral referee. Fifteen U-turns. Fifteen. On policy, principle, and promises. Has he apologised once? Has he heck. Not to pensioners. Not to voters. Not to the people he's taken for mugs. And while he's busy wagging his finger at Sir Jim, let's talk about the apology Britain actually deserves. Because the entire political class — Labour, Tory, the lot of them — owe the British people a massive apology for the abject failure on illegal migration. Years of chaos. Billions wasted. Borders that exist in name only. And what do we get? Lectures. Excuses. And being told we're wrong for noticing. Sir Jim didn't say anything outrageous. He said what millions of people are thinking but Westminster is too frightened to admit. People are fed up. Fed up of being ignored. Fed up of being patronised. Fed up of being told to shut up and accept it. Immigration. Brexit. National sovereignty. These aren't fringe obsessions — they're the issues voters keep shouting about while politicians stick their fingers in their ears.  And here's the bit that really rattles them: the polls are coming. The next set will show it again. Ordinary Brits aren't buying the spin anymore. They don't want apologies demanded from businessmen who speak plainly — they want accountability from politicians who never do. So no, Sir Jim doesn't owe the country an apology. Keir Starmer does. And until he finds the courage to say sorry — properly, honestly, and without a lawyered-up script — he might want to stop lecturing the rest of us about decency. Because people are watching. People are angry. And this time, they're not being ignored.  Keir Starmer, Starmer apology, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, immigration crisis, UK illegal migration ,Labour u turns, political class failure, Brexit betrayal, border chaos, British voters ignored, Westminster elites, Jon Gaunt, Jon Gaunt TV, Live, UK politics, immigration, free speech UK, #KeirStarmer #Starmer #SirJimRatcliffe #ImmigrationCrisis #IllegalMigration #LabourUTurns #PoliticalClass #Brexit #BorderChaos #BritainIgnored #Westminster #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #JonGauntStyle #Live #LiveShow #UKPolitics #EnoughIsEnough  This is political blogging and hard-hitting social commentary from Triple Sony Gold Award-winning talk radio legend, Jon Gaunt — former host on BBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. On Jon Gaunt TV, we cut through the noise and say what others won't. No political correctness. No censorship. Just real conversations that matter. ]

Royal favourites, we want your voice notes in our new miniseries on historical failures. Look out for Producer Al's callout post on patreon.com/thisishistory   Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester — Henry V's last surviving brother — is lost in delusion. He still believes England can somehow hold its possessions in France, even as its soldiers are exhausted, its treasury is drained, and its enemies grow stronger by the day. Across the Channel, King Charles VII of France hardly needs to fight; he simply needs to wait for England to collapse under the weight of its own war. But in Westminster, reality is catching up. William de la Pole, Henry VI's most trusted advisor, summons a special parliament to confront the crisis head‑on — a moment designed to force the kingdom, and Humphrey himself, to face the truth. What happens next delivers the biggest shock of Humphrey's political life, sending ripples through the court and reshaping England's future. In this episode of This Is History: A Dynasty to Die For, historian Dan Jones unpacks a turning point where denial meets destiny — and a proud duke discovers the cost of refusing to see the world as it is. – And don't forget, you can now WATCH every This Is History episode on YouTube. Subscribe at youtube.com/@thisishistorypod  – A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices.  Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  – Written and presented by Dan Jones Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Simon Poole  Production Manager - Jen Mistri  Production coordinator - Eric Ryan  Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Keir Starmer says that he will "never walk away from the country that I love” after surviving a turbulent 24 hours that saw the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for him to step down. Speaking to the BBC, his energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour Party had "looked over the precipice” and decided to back their leader leading to a rallying of support from the cabinet and other senior party figures. So, the Prime Minister is in the clear for now, but is he truly safe? Alex and James break down another turbulent 24 hours in Westminster before catching up with Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent and Caitríona Perry, BBC News chief presenter in Washington to discuss the wider fallout from the Epstein files in the US and for the royal family. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

After a dramatic day in Westminster, the threat to Starmer appears to have receded – at least in the short term. But with the Gorton and Denton by-election less than three weeks away, (more) trouble could be on the horizon. Luke Tryl – from pollsters More in Common – and James Heale join Patrick Gibbons to discuss.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-seven years after a Colorado father, his young daughter, and a coworker vanished and were believed murdered, Westminster police are reexamining evidence and increasing the reward in hopes of finally closing the cold case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices