Podcasts about Whitehall

Couch And Coffee Table present an episode of Whitehall 1212 called The Murder Of Duncan Fraser. This episode aired on December 9, 1951.

Couch And Coffee Table present an episode of Whitehall 1212. This episode is called The Man Who Murdered His Wife and it aired on December 16, 1951.

Have you checked out the FULL VIDEO EPISODES of The Wittering Whitehalls yet? Why not!? Go and have a look on Global Player & YouTube! So... A huge story this week from Mr Whitehall and what could have been in 1969. Plus, a (not-quite) bucket list wish for Mrs Whitehall and a Canadian who couldn't believe her eyes on the London Underground!JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.

 In this sharp, witty episode of Mark and Pete, the duo tackle three headline-grabbing stories from a Christian and cultural perspective — each punctuated with a specially written satirical poem and a relevant Bible verse.Young Voting: Should 16-year-olds really get the vote? Mark and Pete explore the implications of extending democracy to teenagers barely out of their school uniforms. With humour and insight, they ask: is emotional maturity keeping pace with political power? National Security: MI6 is reportedly underfunded while enemy spies multiply like bad ideas in Whitehall. The chaps delve into Britain's declining intelligence prowess, asking whether our spiritual defences are just as under-resourced. Reformulating Coca-Cola: Under pressure from Donald Trump and RFK Jr, Coca-Cola may change its formula. But is the battle for our tastebuds a metaphor for something deeper — a loss of authenticity in the modern West? Each topic is framed by a bespoke poem (crafted with Mark's usual dry wit) and a pointed Bible verse chosen by Pete, adding moral depth and spiritual reflection to the cultural satire. Perfect for fans of Christian commentary, British humour, and smart takes on news and society. Subscribe now and sip the truth, straight from the bottle. Would you like a Tweet-sized teaser to match?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

Couch And Coffee Table presents an episode of the radio series Whitehall 1212. The episode is called The Fournier Case and it aired on December 2, 1951.

Whitehall 1212 51-12-16 (05) The Man Who Murdered His Wife

DL Kody describes some previous advice from Mrs Whitehall as "wading in, handbag first" in this episode. What a delightful turn of phrase! Plus, a lovely idea for childhood keepsakes and can Mr Whitehall possibly recommend just ONE book about Sir Winston Churchill?JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.

Is climate politics full of hot air? What's next for the government's Prevent scheme? What's behind falling vaccine rates in some parts of the country? Rebecca Moore is joined by a trio of Observer reporters: Whitehall editor Cat Neilan, Senior Audio Producer Katie Gunning and Senior Writer Francisco Garcia.You can read Rebecca's Must Read HEREAnd you can read Francisco's Must Read HERE**Join us at the News Meeting Live: LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White.Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive ProducerProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of AudioTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No violence, please. We're all better than that. This week, a DL posits a theory that Mr Whitehall might be all together more gentle than the image he likes to portray...JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.

Ex-Conservative chairman and friend of Boris Johnson - Sir Jake Berry – is defecting to Reform UK, causing more problems for Kemi Badenoch.  On today's episode, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy discuss if his defection will divide parts of Reform policy.  Elsewhere, the Anglo-French summit gets underway, as the Prime Minister hopes to announce a migration deal with the French President to deter small boat crossings.  Plus, chatter around Whitehall that No10 are considering a pre-summer reshuffle, but will it have any value? 

Well, if that title doesn't cover everything you need it to, frankly, what have we become? The Whitehalls are on hand this week to help a DL who is buried in online product reviews and can't come to a conclusion... Plus, the pro's and con's of a subscription to Country Life magazine and whether or not Mr Whitehall would EVER sashay, in any circumstances.JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.

The Heathrow Affair

What happens when two thrill-seeking teens hack a new dirt-bike trail deep into the Hudson Valley woods—and the night suddenly goes dead silent? In this adrenaline-spiking episode, Jeremiah Byron talks with Scott, a lifelong outdoorsman from Red Hook, New York, who still remembers the crunch-crunch-crunch of something massive descending an embankment toward his bright-orange pup tent in the summer of 1976. No flashlight. No breath. Just unstoppable footsteps.Scott walks us through blazing their secret trail, the gas-soaked smell of two-strokes cooling in the dark, and the moment he realized whatever was outside could see without light. We also dive into Hudson Valley hot-spots—Kinderhook, Whitehall, the Catskills—and explore the theory of a migratory Bigfoot route stretching from the Green Mountains to the Poconos.

We turn to the politics in Europe. Whitehall changes leadership while the French court negotiates a treaty of economic friendship with the colonies 

Couch And Coffee Table present an episode of Whitehall 1212. This is the first time that Couch And Coffee Table have presented this series and they begin with the premiere episode. This episode is called The Blitz Murder Case and it aired on November 18, 1951.

Mr & Mrs Whitehall had a wedding to go to this week, so how did they get that wrong? Suffice to say that they did! Plus, an update from DL Claire about those blasted pigeons and on that subject... Is that impulse buy owl working out for Mr Whitehall?JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

A version of this essay was published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-west-asia-hostilities-will-resume-again-only-question-is-when-13903341.html West Asia is again on the boil. Well, to be precise, it has been on the boil for a very long time, but we have the additional spectacle of the Iran-Israel war. Despite the ceasefire, which I hope does hold, there is a lot here that should concern all of us based on the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout.There are at least three issues of interest: the geopolitics, the war tactics, and the impact on the rest of the world. GeopoliticsIt would be fair to say that much of the turmoil in the region dates back to British (and to a lesser extent French) meddling in the 20th century, for instance the Sykes-Picot Act, or the antics of TE Lawrence. Britain's broader actions—contradictory promises (Balfour), repressive mandates, oil-driven interference, and botched withdrawals—sowed division, resentment, and conflict that shaped the region's 20th-century chaos. Many of these issues, like sectarianism in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, persist today.The nations Britain created with arbitrary lines marked on a map made no sense because they ignored ethnic, tribal, and religious realities, sowing seeds for future conflicts. Indians know all about this: the same sort of random map-making in the Indian subcontinent led to extraordinary misery (the Radcliffe Line, created in just five weeks, created East and West Pakistan with little attention paid to ground realities, using outdated maps and census data).The British Deep State (let us call it Whitehall for short) has lost much of its clout, but it has been leading the American Deep State by the nose in what I referred to as a “master-blaster” relationship. And the latter has a rather clear SoP: there needs to be constant wars to feed the Military Industrial Complex, and so they will arrange for wars, which will lead to a complex money-laundering operation, with petrodollars being whitewashed through the IMF etc and ending up in the coffers of Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and friends. It is notable that one of President Trump's main claims to fame in his first Presidency was that he scrupulously avoided going to war, in sharp contrast with his predecessors over the last several decades, all of whom had started or indulged in one war or the other. It appears that this time, though, the US Deep State has managed to co-opt Trump into its warmaking agenda, which, incidentally does not disqualify him for a Nobel Peace Prize: see Kissinger or Obama.What has happened in this 12-day war is that it became a stalemate, for all practical purposes. Neither Israel nor Iran can fully defeat the other, as neither has the resources to continue. A good metaphor is a boxing match, where evenly matched pugilists are both exhausted, covered and blinded with blood, and can hardly stand on their feet. The referee calling a halt is a blessing for both of them.Iran has, for years, shouted hair-raising slogans about obliterating Israel, although it is not clear how much of this was rhetoric, considering Uncle Sam's support for the latter makes the latter quite powerful. This sloganeering was supplemented by proxy allies, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, all of whom have been capable of mischief. Plus there is the nuclear bomb.Israel set out to tame Iran on all these fronts. Their goals were to deprecate, if not destroy, Iran's nuclear capability, defang the proxies, and impose a regime-change on the country. Let us remember the Stuxnet incident of 2010 when a computer virus was introduced into the Iranian centrifuges that are used for uranium enrichment, causing many of them to disintegrate. The assaults on Nataz, Fordow and Ispahan (much like Israel's raid on Iraq's Osiraq reactor long ago) were intended to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program altogether.With the US' help, it appears as though there has been serious damage to Iran's weapons capabilities, although there are rumors that 400 kg of highly enriched uranium was smuggled out just before the bunker-buster strikes via B-2 bombers on the fortified, underground sites. Among Iranian proxies or force-multipliers, its so-called Axis of Resistance, Hamas has been severely degraded, with top commanders eliminated (notably Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh) and its tunnel network in Gaza largely inoperable. Hezbollah leader Hasan Nazrallah and several key aides have been targeted and killed. The Houthis have escaped relatively unscathed, although the Americans were bombing them.On the other hand, it may not be possible to effect regime change in Iran. There seems to be a standard playbook of so-called ‘Color Revolutions', wherein a ruler is replaced by someone close to the West through what is portrayed as a “popular uprising”. The Ukraine Maidan Revolution that placed Zelenksy in power, the Bangladeshi coup that brought Yunus to power, and the “Velvet Revolution” are examples.But one of the earliest examples was the CIA/MI6 coup in Iran that overthrew Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953 and brought Shah Reza Pahlavi back to monarchical power. And the reason: Mossadegh had nationalized the Iranian oil industry, and freed it from the clutches of British Petroleum. The 1979 coup by the mullahs succeeded because the Shah was unpopular by then. Iranians, despite widespread opposition to Khameini, probably don't want the Shah dynasty back, or for that matter someone else chosen to rule them by outsiders.There was also a fairly strange set of events: just as it is said the Iranians were allowed to spirit their uranium away, the Iranians seem to have given notice of their attacks on US bases in Qatar etc. (allowing the US to move their aircraft and personnel), and, strangest of all, a social media post by Trump that appeared to approve sanctions-free Iranian supply of oil to China!Thus there are some pantomime/shadow-boxing elements to the war as well, and some choreography that is baffling to the impartial observer. Geopolitics is a complex dance.War tacticsThe Israeli assault on Iran started with shock and awe. In the first phase, There was a massive aerial bombing campaign, including on Natanz. But more interestingly, there was a Mossad operation that had smuggled kamikaze drones into a covert base near Teheran, and they, as well as anti-tank missiles degraded Iranian air defenses. Mossad also enabled successful decapitation strikes, with several top commanders and nuclear scientists assassinated.This phase was a big win for Israel, and reminded one of the continuing importance of human intelligence in a technological age. Patiently locating and mapping enemy commanders' movements, managing supply chains and using psychological tactics were reminiscent of how Mossad was able to introduce the Stuxnet worm, and use pagers as remote explosive devices. In the second phase, the two were more evenly matched. Israel's Iron Dome was unable to deal with sustained barrages of Iranian missiles, as no anti-missile system can be more than 90% effective. Both began to suffer from depleted stocks of arms and ammunition. Thus the metaphor of two grievously wounded boxers struggling to stay on their feet in the ring. It took the bunker-busting US B-2 bombers in the third phase to penetrate deep underground to the centrifuges, but there is still the possibility that Iran managed to ship out its fissile material.We are now in a fourth phase: both parties are preparing for the next round of kinetic warfare.The lessons here were once again the remarkable rise of UCAVs or drones as weapons of war, and the continued usage of high-quality human intelligence. It is rumored that Israeli agents had penetrated to high levels in the Iranian military hierarchy, and there was allegedly a high-level mole who was spirited away safely out of Iran.Both of these are important takeaways for India. The success of India's decoy drones in the suppression of Pakistani air defenses will be hard to repeat; the Ukrainian drone strike against Russia's strategic TU-44 and other strategic bombers, which were sitting ducks on the ground, shows us what drones can do: India has to substantially advance its drone capability. India's counterintelligence and human intelligence suffered grievous blows when various personalities, including a Prime Minister, a Vice President, and the head of RA&W all turned hostile, with the result that India's covert presence in Pakistan will have to painfully recreated again. Perhaps India also does not have a policy of decapitation strikes. Should it?Impact on the rest of the world, especially IndiaIn general terms, it's hard to declare an outright non-loser in this war, except possibly China, because it is the one player that seems to be quite unaffected: its saber-rattling on Taiwan continues unabated. Russia lost, because it had been viewed as being an ally of Iran; it was unable to do much, enmeshed as it is in the Ukraine mess. Israel and Iran both came out, in the end, looking weakened, as neither could deliver a fatal blow.The US got kudos for the B-2 bombers and the bunker-busters, but it is not entirely clear if there was some kind of ‘understanding' which meant that Iran is still not that far away from being able to build its nuclear bomb. Indians will remember how President Reagan winked at Pakistan's efforts to nuclearize with Chinese help, and issued certificates of innocence.Pakistan in particular, and the Islamic Ummah in general, took a beating. Instead of expressing Islamic solidarity with Iran, it turns out Pakistan was quite likely opening up its air bases for possible US strikes on Iran. That would explain why Indian strikes on Pakistan's Nur Khan air base alarmed the Americans, who may have been bulking up their presence there partly as a way of opening a new front against Iran.None of the other Islamic powers, with the possible exception of Turkey, paid more than lip service to Iran's troubles, which was interesting to note. The Sunni-Shia schism holds. The worst outcomes were averted: the nightmare scenarios, in order of seriousness, would have been a) World War 3, b) nuclear bombs being dropped on one or more of the belligerents, c) a broad war in West Asia, c) the closing of the Straits of Hormuz and a serious spike in energy prices.From the point of view of a nation like India, it demonstrated, yet again, that superpowers have their own rationale of amoral transactional relationships with other countries. India, as an aspiring superpower needs to internalize the fact that foreign policy is the pursuit of war by other means, and there are only permanent interests, not permanent friends. Instead of the highfalutin' moralizing of the Krishna Menon and Jawaharlal Nehru days, what India needs is the pursuit of its own national interests all the time.In this context, both Israel and Iran are useful to India. There is a billion-dollar arms trade between Israel and India (and Israel long ago offered to destroy Pakistan's Kahuta nuclear reactor with India's help, but shrinking-violet India refused). Today India is Israel's biggest arms buyer, with products ranging from Phalcon AWACS to Barak missiles to Harop and other drones, with Hermes 900 drones co-produced in India and exported to Israel.As for Iran, India's investment in Chabahar port is a strategic counter to China's CPEC and Gwadar port in Pakistan. It enables India to avoid Pakistan in its trade to Afghanistan and Central Asia. It is also a node on the International North South Transport Corridor, using which India can connect to Russia and Europe. It cuts time and cost of shipping to Europe by 30% as compared to the Suez Canal. India has invested more than a billion dollars in Chabahar.Besides, India used to be a big customer for Iranian oil, but that has been cut to near-zero from 20+ million tons a year because of US sanctions on Iran. If and when sanctions are lifted, India will have an interest in buying Iranian oil again. India has interests in both Israel and Iran, and it should continue to maintain its good relations with both. Nevertheless, West Asia remains a tinderbox. Hostilities will resume again, the only question is when. Iran will not give up on its nuclear ambitions, and as with Pakistan, some nuclear power will proliferate to it sooner or later, quite possibly China. The grand ambition to topple Iran's mullahs is not likely to come to fruition. Israel will continue to be beleaguered. Status quo ante, after the current round of noise dies down.2075 words, 1 Jul 2025The AI-generated podcast in Malayalam from notebookLM.google.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

If you're throwing a dinner party, you're more than welcome to entertain your guests however you like, but if Mr & Mrs Whitehall are in attendance, don't expect them to be joining in with any games at the table... That is all.JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

A letter arrives for Scotland Yard inspectors to read. Ramsey enters, coincidentally with information on that same crime. The 2-hour interview turns up plenty of things about a bride who…

A letter arrives for Scotland Yard inspectors to read. Ramsey enters, coincidentally with information on that same crime. The 2-hour interview turns up plenty of things about a bride who…

How is the UK's Labour government approaching European security, and how does this compare to the Conservatives? In this episode of Global Security Briefing, host Neil Melvin is joined by Professor Richard Whitman to examine how much has changed since Labour came to power. The UK is currently setting a path to navigate an uncertain world in a series of major reviews - the Security and Defence Review has just been published, a new National Security Strategy was release, and a Defence Industry Strategy is due later in the year. But amid the flurry of Whitehall documents, Labour is under pressure to deliver on its promises and, crucially, match the resources to fund a major increase in defence spending. Discussants assess the British government's readiness to find the financial resources that will be necessary to match the political commitments it is making. What should be the UK priorities as European security looks likely to undergo significant changes in the coming decades?

Hello, London obsessives and armchair adventurers! I'm Sascha, your certified London geek, and guess what? Season 2 of London Asked & Answered is stomping down the cobblestones straight into your ears—only on See you in London!Think you know London? We're about to flip that notion upside-down, shake out the souvenir keychains, and refill the world-class tea. We're delving deep through subterranean graffiti tunnels at Waterloo We're scaling secret Shoreditch rooftops for skyline selfies that'll make your followers green with envy. We're sneaking into late-night Tate Modern raves -- just try not to spill your Pimm's on the Picasso.Forget the usual tourist checklist. Season 2 is your VIP pass to hidden pop up food carnivals in Trafalgar Square—think dumplings doing the tango with tacos — and smoke-and-mirror speakeasies so undercover even your GPS throws up its hands. We'll teach you the Oyster Card ninja flick: one swift tap and you're through the turnstile before Mum's the word. And when that 3 a.m. snack craving hits? We'll point you to the best late-night street-food stalls and kebab joints that never close—because midnight munchies should never go unsatisfied. Every episode is packed with cheeky tips and untold tales. We'll wander the cold, echoing corridors of Whitehall's secret bunkers, and chase spectral whispers beneath Tower Bridge . Art fans, prepare for off-the-grid masterpieces: century-old Shoreditch murals that have more stories than your uncle's holiday slideshow.Seasons change, and so do we. Catch spring's cherry blossom rain in Hyde Park, summer's kaleidoscopic Notting Hill Carnival, autumn's Borough Market spice-dusted leaves, and winter's Winter Wonderland—warts-and-all Christmas magic without that freezing queue for a mulled wine.You'll hear bite-sized segments like Hidden Gems and Curious Finds your weekly compass to cloak and dagger courtyards and clandestine bookshops — and “Events & Excitement”, your insider's ticket to everything from midnight films in abandoned tube tunnels to secret salsa nights behind neon locked doors.Don't worry, we still tip our bowler hats to the icons: we'll salute Buckingham Palace in all its glory, strut across Tower Bridge, and decode Westminster Abbey's coolest stained glass. But we'll also reveal the hush hush garden gates at Buckingham and the engineers' secret tea route under the bridge, history with a wink!Season 2 is for everyone: the whirlwind weekender, penny-pinching backpacker, and the bona fide London lifer who swears “I've seen it all” (spoiler: you haven't). We're dishing out mini-series like “London on a Shoestring” (budget thrills guaranteed) and “Luxury London” (when your bank account is feeling *fancy*).So, what are you waiting for? Jab that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Then dash over to Seeyouin.London and sign up for our newsletter—it comes with bonus walking tour maps, weather-proof packing lists, and a lot more. Bookmark this show—Season 2 explodes onto the airwaves faster than a double-decker hurtling through Oxford Circus. London never sleeps, and neither do we. Grab your headphones, lace up those trainers, and prepare to rediscover the city in all its glorious madness. Adventure—and a bit of mischief—awaits… are you in? Then lets'go - See you in London!Website: seeyouin.london Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Le Carre's son, Nick Harkaway, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new Circus novel. They discuss the challenges (and joys) of taking on the mantel of such an iconic character (George Smiley) and writing in his father's footsteps, as well as the research it takes to get the technology of the time right. As well as lots of espionage stories, they chat about John Le Carre, his voice, his style - and why Nick decided to write this novel in the first place. The book is Karla's Choice - and you can read more about it here: It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West's spy war with the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only on a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumour in Whitehall – unconfirmed and a little scandalous – that George Smiley might almost be happy.But Control has other plans. A Russian agent has defected in the most unusual of circumstances, and the man he was sent to kill in London is nowhere to be found. Smiley reluctantly agrees to one last simple task: interview Susanna, a Hungarian émigré and employee of the missing man, and sniff out a lead. But in his absence the shadows of Moscow have lengthened. Smiley will soon find himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come, and strike at the heart of his greatest enemy… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitehall officials tried to convince Michael Gove to go to court to cover up the grooming scandal in 2011. That's according to Dominic Cummings, who was working for Mr Gove at the time.  In an interview with Sky's political correspondent Liz Bates, Mr Cummings has revealed how officials in the Department for Education wanted to help efforts by Rotherham Council to stop a national newspaper from exposing the scandal.  On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin speaks to Liz Bates about the scandal and what Mr Cummings told her. Podcast producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Philly Beaumont

One Girl In A Million 36-11-12 011 Mitzy is Spy, Hired by Mrs. Whitehall. Meeting Family Friends 

There's a lovely voice note from Jacqui this week, sharing the wisdom of her lovely Grandmother. Plus, what was all the drama on Mrs Whitehall's birthday and why did she end up 'going nuclear'?JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

A case from 35 years earlier is reviewed. The remains of a lady, missing head and hands, is found, and an investigation begins. Blood-stained sheets, a laundry mark, and an…

A case from 35 years earlier is reviewed. The remains of a lady, missing head and hands, is found, and an investigation begins. Blood-stained sheets, a laundry mark, and an…

‘I thought, okay, well it worked for Lady Godiva, didn't it? This whole naked stuff? So let me give that a try. I felt like it was the only option.'Just as it worked for Lady Godiva, so it has for Hannah Bourne-Taylor, the campaigner, naturalist and writer who has spent years fighting for change to help Britain's bird population — and particularly the swift.• Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts• Listen to Country Life podcast on Spotify• Listen to Country Life podcast on Audible After spending years overseas in places where she was surrounded by birds and nature, Hannah was dismayed on her return to see how little is being done to help preserve wildlife — and particularly with regard to her favourite bird, the swift. And after deciding to do something about it, she launched the campaign which has now taken years of her life — and which, as she tells James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast, has seen her enjoy a blaze of publicity by marching up and down Whitehall without a stitch on, in a desperate, yet wildly successful, publicity stunt.She tells James about the swift, their plight, and how the simple introduction of one or two ‘swift bricks' added to each new build house could have an enormous impact at negligible cost, by providing safe nesting for birds whose former favourite spots have increasingly disappeared due to modern construction techniques.Hannah also talks about her love of nature in general and the struggles she's faced, from battling apathy and indifference to hastily adjusting a stick-on G-string in the House of Lords toilets. She also tells a tale from an earlier time in her life, when a tiny lost fledgling nested in her hair as it recuperated before rejoining its family.It's a fascinating glimpse in to the mind of a woman who is in equal measure strong, brave, eccentric and passionate. Once you've listened, we'd highly recommend Hannah's books for more: her latest, Nature Needs You, about her battle to save the swift, and Fledgling, her story that rewrites ‘the conventional boundaries of the relationships people have with animals'.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Hannah Bourne-TaylorEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Rachel Reeves still finalising her comprehensive spending review next Wednesday, this week we're looking at how the process works, going inside the battles between the Treasury and Whitehall departments on spending plans for the coming years, with John Glen, conservative MP and a former Treasury minister, Sonia Khan, a special adviser to Philip Hammond during his time as Chancellor, join host Alain Tolhurst alongside Bee Boileau, research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Tom Pope, deputy chief economist at the Institute for Government.They reflect on how useful spending reviews are for creating economic policy, take a look back at previous reviews and see what can be learned ahead of the Chancellor's big speech, and what it will say about this government's priorities over the course of the Parliament, while later in the episode Brandon Lewis, who was a minister in multiple departments under four different prime ministers, describes his experience of the spending review process.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

When it comes to collections, we all know Mr Whitehall is right up there... But is there a system? Does he consult Mrs Whitehall before making an addition to his various collections? That's what DL Antoni is asking this week!JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

You can spend your life trying to change those around you, but sometimes it's ok not to bother... So says Mrs Whitehall! JOIN THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS FOR THEIR BARELY (A)LIVE TOUR: https://thewitteringwhitehalls.co.uk/You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

Can you believe it!? Nearly 3 years since it all began; Mr & Mrs Whitehall are back for SERIES 9!!!! There's an awful lot to catch up on, in terms of general family Whitehall updates and that's before we even arrive at the emails and Whatsapps... Get ready for pigeons (as promised, but not delivered at the end of Series 8!), AI art and a grumpy DL who has no time for small talk after his knee operation...You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

Authenticity wins — but only if you know how to share your story. In this episode, Shaquille Alexander reveals the power of authentic storytelling in leadership, sharing how his journey from adversity to public service became his greatest asset. As a first-time candidate running for City Treasurer in Whitehall, Ohio, Shaq opens up about his upbringing, his commitment to the community that raised him, and how he transformed personal struggles into a narrative that connects with voters. But this conversation goes beyond politics. You'll discover how to craft a compelling story that inspires trust, motivates supporters, and even raises money — without ever feeling like you're “selling.” Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to persuade others, this episode will show you how to lead with integrity and impact. Connect with Shaquille Alexander Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shaqdeez27/?hl=en⁠ LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquilledalexander/⁠ X ⁠https://x.com/shaqdeez27?s=11&t=qqhIBC0srJUv2PauEhIQG

Authenticity wins — but only if you know how to share your story. In this episode, Shaquille Alexander reveals the power of authentic storytelling in leadership, sharing how his journey from adversity to public service became his greatest asset. As a first-time candidate running for City Treasurer in Whitehall, Ohio, Shaq opens up about his upbringing, his commitment to the community that raised him, and how he transformed personal struggles into a narrative that connects with voters. But this conversation goes beyond politics. You'll discover how to craft a compelling story that inspires trust, motivates supporters, and even raises money — without ever feeling like you're “selling.” Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to persuade others, this episode will show you how to lead with integrity and impact. Connect with Shaquille Alexander Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shaqdeez27/?hl=en⁠ LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquilledalexander/⁠ X ⁠https://x.com/shaqdeez27?s=11&t=qqhIBC0srJUv2PauEhIQG

Please note: I wrote this on April 28th, and then was traveling abroad for the last few weeks, so I had no opportunity to post this until now, sorry about that: but nothing I have said here has been rendered wrong by Operation Sindoor and the near-war that happened after I wrote this. Deccan Herald ran a slightly edited version as my regular column on May 4th at https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/on-pahalgam-imperial-fortresses-and-kashmir-s-settler-colonialism-3523731 With good reason, India has focused on Pakistan as the culprit behind the Pahalgam atrocity. It is telling that their army chief declared to Pakistanis that Hindus and Muslims are two different nations and that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein. He implied that Pakistan is the ideal Islamic state as in Venkat Dhulipala's “Creating a New Medina: State Power, Islam, and the Quest for Pakistan in Late Colonial North India”. This could have been a signal to the terrorists to create maximum offence while massacring Hindus.Given Kargil, IC 814, Bombay 26/11, Uri, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam, India is justified in cutting ties to Pakistan, including trade, sports, the cringe Attari circus, even diplomatic relations. India did once mass its forces at the Line of Control in Operation Parakram, but honoring the Shimla Agreement, did not cross. Now that Pakistan has canceled the Agreement, there is no legal reason for restraint, especially since the nuclear bogey is no longer credible.But there is more. The Pakistani defense minister said that his country had been doing the dirty work for the US and the West for decades. Maybe he meant the Afghan war against the Soviets and post-9/11 somersaults by Pakistan. But that's only scratching the surface.Britain explicitly created Pakistan as a Great Game weapon against Russia/Soviet Union, and when that collapsed, against india. Britain has been using Pakistan as an “imperial fortress”, as I pointed out in “Britain's outsized, malign role in global chaos”. Whitehall tilts strongly towards Pakistani interests, even in the case of widespread gang-rapes of minor white girls, not to mention their antics against Hindus in Leicester.Official mouthpiece BBC never speaks of Pakistani terrorists, only ‘gunmen'; it's always “Indian-controlled Kashmir”; and an extraordinary headline recently said: “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists”. These are not accidents.Britain and the US Deep State (eg. Madeleine Albright and other Atlanticists) worry about the waning influence of Europe (or “northwest Asia” as I wrote in “The End of the European Century”). Naturally, incumbent powers go to war with a rising power (Thucydides Trap: Graham Allison's thesis). This has been the rationale for containing Russia, now it is being turned to Asia. China is rather inscrutable and impregnable, so they attack India, which is easier prey.Then there is the Otherization of Hindus and thus Indians. Even as staunch an atheist as Richard Dawkins (“The Blind Watchmaker”) admits Judeo-Christian cultural biases. Only Christopher Hitchens among modern atheists was self-reflective enough to avoid this. Abrahamics would like to make us disappear, and so engendered great famines in India (“Late Victorian Holocausts”). Now this is reprising through climatism (at an Alexandra Ocasio Cortez rally there was a woman earnestly saying “we have to eat babies” to reduce emissions). Covid was possibly another attempt at depopulating ‘deplorables', that is black and brown people.Let's not forget China, also unhappy about India's possible economic rise; so it dutifully regurgitated “all-weather” support for Pakistan. They have used Pakistan to keep India down, as a force multiplier for violence and trouble. Then China can market itself as a safe investment destination compared to a dangerous India where FDI may be risky. I suspect this is part of their siren-song to big firms (eg. Apple) now.Finally, and most importantly, there is the settler-colonial complex of Muslim Kashmiris. They trot out South Africa, other European conquests and Gaza as examples of colonialists violating natives' rights and imply the same in Kashmir. The bitter irony of course is that it is the Muslims who are the colonialists wiping out Kashmir's indigenous Hindus who have a 5000 year history there. They have turned the logic on its head: see the Harvard Law Review paper “From Domicile to Dominion, India's Settler Colonial Agenda in Kashmir”.There have been seven tragic exoduses of Hindus from Kashmir: 1. 1389–1413 (Sultan Sikandar Shah), 2. 1505–1514 (Fateh Shah II), 3. 16th–17th Century (Timurid Period), 4. 1752–1819 (Durrani Rule), 5. 1931 (Anti-Dogra Riots), 6. 1986 (Anantnag Riots), 7. 1989–1990 (Militancy-Driven Exodus). Most Hindu Kashmiris now rot in refugee camps.I wrote long ago in “India, the Kashmiri colony” about Muslim Kashmiris extracting tribute from the Indian/Hindu taxpayer. Worse, there is evidence emerging that local overground workers (eg. mule handlers) arranged the logistics for the Pahalgam massacre. Acts of terror need local support, possibly including from local politicians (a former CM referred to terrorists as “the boys with guns from the mountains”).Yes, it's good to punish Pakistan (eg. Indus Water Treaty), but terror will persist until Muslim Kashmiris realize their future lies with rising, multi-religious India, not jihadi failed-state Pakistan; and the Deep State desists from further mischief.798 words, Apr 28, 2025 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

After Keir Starmer made headlines with his warnings of an “island of strangers”, British Future's Sunder Katwala joins the podcast team to dig into the detail of the government's new immigration policy. Farewell to 102 Petty France - and a few other Whitehall buildings too. The government is dispersing civil servants to new locations around the country. Will the plan work? Plus: Why the government needs to fundamentally shift its strategy for tackling homelessness. Presented by Hannah White. With Hannah Keenan, Sachin Savur and Amber Dellar. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The end of the Second World War in Europe came on 8 May 1945, after more than five years of conflict.British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that people could allow themselves "a brief period of rejoicing". Crowds in their thousands gathered outside Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.BBC correspondents, including Richard Dimbleby, capture the scenes of joy across the city - from the East End to Piccadilly Circus.This programme was produced by Simon Watts using material from the BBC Archives recorded on VE Day in 1945.It was first broadcast in 2020.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: VE Day in London. Credit: Getty Images)

Keir Starmer has said that “nothing less than the complete re-wiring of the British state” is needed for the public sector – and in particular the civil service – to deliver the government's agenda. So what should this transformation look like – and how can it be made to last? As the government's former lead Non-Executive Director, Michael Jary CBE worked closely with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Cabinet Secretary, the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer, as well as other senior civil servants across government, and has an unparalleled view on what works in Whitehall – and beyond – and what needs to change. In a speech at the IfG, he set out his views on what needs to change – and how this change can be embedded throughout the civil service – before taking part in a panel conversation. Alongside Michael, we were be joined by: Josie Cluer, Partner, People Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Quin, former Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office The event was chaired by Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government.

A black Gladstone bag ties Dignam to a murder. He was a short man, with a short wife, but had a preference for tall women. The bag, and its bloody…

A black Gladstone bag ties Dignam to a murder. He was a short man, with a short wife, but had a preference for tall women. The bag, and its bloody…

We love a guest at Whitehall Towers and for the finale of Series 8, Hilary & Michael welcome comedian, writer and all round excellent human being, Laura Smyth. Once a fellow teacher, like Mr Whitehall, there is much to discuss, including Countdown, crowd control and why asking for and accepting help is a strength! You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

Case Closed begins with The New Adventures Of Nero Wolfe this week. We'll hear The Case Of The Phantom Fingers, from January 26, 1951. (29:11) Our second story is The Murder Of A Bloody Belgian, the March 30, 1952, episode of WHItehall-1212. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/CaseClosed943.mp3 Download CaseClosed943 | Subscribe | Spotify  | Support Case Closed

One would-be assassin is in a mental ward. Another’s on the run. Their intended victim is stirring up the mobs. Terrorists are planning a strike of their own. A talk-radio host is loving every minute of it. A Whitehall insider whispers about a mysterious … Continue reading →

At this point, the tour nears it's end and Mr Whitehall is quite ready to go home, but that does not mean the podcast stops... No, sir. The Whatsapp messages come thick and fast this week, with all sorts of goodies inside. Plus, old time home comforts, UFO's and a rubber of bridge.You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

Nobody likes ironing. Surely this much, we can agree on? Luckily, Mrs Whitehall is on hand to tell you what you can do instead. Meanwhile, Mr Whitehall is doing his best to get his head around what timezone he's in.You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

You'll even hear Mrs Whitehall say this at the beginning, but this was originally supposed to be a 10 minute 'Tour Diary' entry to slot in somewhere, but before anybody knew what had happened, a full episode was born! Get mid-tour (as it happened) thoughts from Jack and find out what Michael had on his show rider in Australia!You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

It was widely briefed that the main focus of Sir Keir Starmer's speech in Yorkshire today was his plan to do away with Whitehall red tape. What was kept under wraps was the Prime Minister's plans for the NHS – specifically to scrap NHS England. In a bid to tackle bureaucracy in the health service, the PM this morning told reporters that the ‘arms-length NHS' needed to go – adding that the move will ‘shift money to the front line' and free the health service to ‘focus on patients'. What's the point of abolishing NHS England? And are Labour 'doing the things that the Tories only dreamed of'?  Lucy Dunn speaks James Heale and Michael Gove.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy. 

With the way technology is going, it might be possible for The Wittering Whitehalls to continue forever, regardless of whether Mr & Mrs Whitehall are still around... How do we feel about that? Plus, cold water immersion, clients that got away, Shark Infested Waters back in print and touring caravans!You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

It's a very old adage, this one, but how will Mrs Whitehall expertly apply it? It all starts with an email from a DL who found something amazing in Thailand! You can email your questions, thoughts or problems to TheWitteringWhitehalls@gmail.comOr, perhaps you'd like to send a WhatsApp message or Voice note? Why not?! Send them in to +447712147236This episode contains explicit language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/