Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents.
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed.
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents"
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.
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You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
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Jon and Lewis answer listener questions, exploring the economic constraints facing radical political parties like Corbyn's Labour or Reform UK, drawing parallels to the Liz Truss mini-budget. They delve into the possibility of Benjamin Netanyahu facing war crime charges and the implications for his international travel. The hosts also examine the media's perceived bias in covering smaller parties, contrasting Reform UK with the Lib Dems, and analyze RFK Jr.'s controversial health policies, discussing their global impact and the broader issue of partisan science. Finally, they offer a historical perspective on current global tensions, arguing that today's world is not uniquely unstable compared to past centuries.
The Championship kicks off this weekend but Sheffield Wednesday players and staff are still waiting to be paid. For the inside story of how the club fell apart, Mark is joined by Chris Powell , the assistant coach who left a few weeks ago. And it's not just Sheffield who are struggling - so who's next and how do we keep finding ourselves here? (02:00) Plus, we look back at this week's shows where we asked... Is Isak to Liverpool the last transfer saga? And should cricket ditch The Hundred ? (18:...
This episode delves into the controversy surrounding Labour's homelessness minister, Roshanara Ali, accused of ending a tenancy to increase rent, a practice her government's new Renters' Rights Bill aims to prohibit. The scandal raises questions of hypocrisy, political fallout among Labour MPs, and the potential undermining of significant housing reforms. The podcast also explores the rapidly developing possibility of a Trump-Putin meeting regarding Ukraine and analyzes Kemi Badenoch's unusually candid public statements.
This episode delves into the complex legacy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, examining the historical context of President Truman's decision and the arguments for and against its justification. It explores the unique, long-term human and geopolitical consequences of nuclear weapons, including their role as a deterrent or a legitimizer of power. The discussion further analyzes how nations selectively remember their history and the ongoing diplomatic tensions fueled by Japan's unresolved wartime past.
This episode delves into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan for full occupation of Gaza, facing strong condemnation both domestically and internationally. Critics, including former Israeli security officials and the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, argue that the strategy is counterproductive, fueling humanitarian disaster, undermining Israel's long-term security, and contributing to ethnic cleansing. The discussion highlights the devastating impact on Palestinian civilians, the erosion of Israel's global image, and the complex political landscape influencing international responses.
The News Agents explore the alarming spread of misinformation and increasingly extreme language by some Conservative MPs regarding migrant hotels, contrasting their rhetoric with actual data on crime and immigration. They discuss how Nigel Farage's cunning arguments exploit legitimate concerns, and how the political discourse is shifting from economic impacts of migration to cultural fears of "swamping." The episode also draws a parallel to Japan's recent, unexpected rise of a Trump-inspired far-right party, Sencito, driven by similar anxieties about identity, over-tourism, and immigration.
Investigate the 'Quiet Revival' as a YouGov poll reveals a significant rise in young people embracing faith. Hear personal stories of individuals finding purpose, community, and answers to modern challenges like mental health and social media disillusionment through Christianity. The episode also delves into the potential long-term societal and political shifts this religious resurgence might bring, considering the complexities of church scandals, traditionalism, and a diversifying religious landscape.
We bring you a UK exclusive interview with a genuine WWE icon - Triple H! Mark Pougatch sits down with 'Hunter' to discuss what makes President Trump a 'genius', why wrestling is more real than you might think behind the scenes, and to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan . (5:30) Plus, a taste of this week's special interview with Tom Brady , the seven-time Super Bowl winner who rewrote American sporting history, and is now a minority owner of Birmingham City FC . And we reacted to the Lionesses ...
Exclusively on The News Agents, we speak to top democrat Jamie Raskin. He's here on a mission to find out if free speech is under threat in Europe. It’s a big talking point in the MAGASphere - he’s visiting with the judiciary committee. So why did he find himself shouted down at a public event by one Nigel Farage? Later, we talk to Bafta winning actor Adeel Akhtar - famed for Four Lions- about his latest play about money, family, and politics - The Estate. You can visit our website here https://...
After a ninety minute crisis cabinet meeting - driven by the appalling scenes of starvation in Gaza - Keir Starmer emerged with a plan: the UK would recognise Palestine by September. If Israel hadn’t changed its behaviour before then. So, is statehood for Palestine an end goal for UK foreign policy? Or just a punishment for Israel? And what happens if there ARE moves towards peace in the next six weeks - is that rewarded by the UK stepping back from its pledge? We talk to global historian Peter ...
Nigel Farage is no stranger to harsh criticism from his political rivals, but never before has he been linked to prolific paedophile Jimmy Savile. That is, until now. Cabinet minister Peter Kyle has accused the Reform UK leader of being “on the side” of Savile after Farage said he would repeal the government’s online safety act. Farage has now demanded an apology - but Kyle’s doubled down. Are Labour brushing over the genuine unease that many people have about the online safety act? And is their...
A wave of anti-migrant protests and counter-protests took place at migrant hotels around the country this weekend, with police being drafted in from all around. So, how close are we to another summer of riots? We sent The Crime Agent's Andy Hughes down to the protests in Epping as tensions in the community have been escalating for weeks. Later, how safe are the new online age verification measures brought in for the Online Safety Act? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hs...
This Friday, Jon is joined by Tina Brown - former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker - to discuss her run ins with Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout from the Epstein files, and what this could all spell for President Trump. You can read Tina's substack 'Fresh Hell' here: https://tinabrown.substack.com/ The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
England are into the Euros final again! Last time, as soon as they won the Lionesses sent a letter to Downing Street demanding equal access to PE for girls. If they wrote again this time, what should they ask for to make football more inclusive for women? Gabby figures it out with Vice Chair of Kick It Out, Chris Paouros, and author of "Get Your Tits Out For The Lads", Sally Freedman . (06:30) Plus we share our favourite bits from this week's episodes - how will Marcus Rashford fit in at Barcelo...
This is the story that Trump just can’t escape. The White House has pushed back after reports that the President was told in May that he was among hundreds of names mentioned in the Epstein Files. As the pressure mounts, and Trump’s attempts to deflect the story fail, can he ‘fake news’ his way out of it? Or could the MAGA faithful finally turn on the President?
For the last two weeks, Donald Trump has been trying to make the Epstein story go away after he claimed there were no missing files and there was nothing more to see. Now, Ghislaine Maxwell - the former partner of Jeffrey Epstein, and the only person to serve jail time for his crimes - has been summoned to a meeting with the US justice department. Why? What information could she offer up that she hasn’t before? Do they want her to name names? Or take Trump’s name out of the frame? And might she ...
“Let them eat burgers“ - Israel’s PM Netanyahu has popped up on a Canadian fratcast talking about his favourite fast food and weighing up the merits of the Double Whopper. Across the border, Gazans are starving to death - UN estimates suggest a thousand have been shot in the meagre food distribution queues. Many more are facing malnutrition and critical levels of hunger. We keep being told that 80 percent of Israelis are against the war - so why hasn’t it stopped? We speak to Ayala Panievsky. La...
Donald Trump has filed two defamation suits of ten billion dollars each against Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal. The newspaper claimed Trump sent a lurid birthday note to the grim dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - something Trump has vehemently denied. Why is Trump trying to kill the Epstein story now? And why won’t his MAGA base let it die? Later, has environment secretary Steve Reed really stopped water bosses bonuses? Or are they just taking home their millions in a different way? The Ne...
This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions about the Afghan data leak - what were the legal loopholes? Why hasn’t the Speaker resigned? And is there a situation where you'd ever disobey a super injunction? Later, why is the Labour party at war with Diane Abbott? And is the story of the couple caught having an affair at a Coldplay concert really a public interest story worth our attention? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/...
As almost 100,000 fans head to Wembley Stadium to watch Oleksandr Usyk fight Daniel Dubois to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion, Gabby and Mark are joined by boxing reporter, Steve Bunce, who never fails to make us laugh! (09:00) Plus, Gabby and Mark look back at the best bit from this week's shows! Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspod TikTok: @thesportsagents Instagram: @thesportsagents X: @sportsagentspod Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Producer: Sophie Pe...
Last night the Prime Minister chucked four of his more rebellious MPs out of the parliamentary Labour Party. Technically, he 'removed the whip' which means that for now they cannot call themselves Labour MPs. Was he right to move against them? Does it make him stronger or weaker in his job? And what message does it send out about how Starmer wants to govern? Later, why were key intelligence figures not informed of the Afghan data breach? And did the government mislead the courts over the severit...
Questions are still mounting after the super-injunction imposed on The News Agents - to stop us reporting the story of a catastrophic data breach that put up to 100,000 Afghan allies at risk - was lifted. Who bears the heaviest burden of responsibility for creating this mess? Emily, Jon and Lewis discuss the questions that the Tories, who imposed the super injunction in 2023, need to face up to - and why Labour, who upheld the super-injunction for nearly a year, must also be held accountable. Th...
The government admitted today that the superinjunction which for two years prevented us from reporting on a “catastrophic” data breach which put the lives of 100,000 Afghans at potentially lethal risk by the Taliban was “constitutionally unprecedented”. The Defence secretary stood up in the Commons to issue an apology to those Afghans whose data had been leaked, and said that it had been “deeply uncomfortable” to have kept parliament - and the public - in the dark. On the day that the story fina...
For nearly two years the government has taken The News Agents and other journalists to a secret court to prevent us from reporting a story of huge public interest. In August 2023 Lewis was told of a massive data breach at the Ministry of Defence - a dataset including the names and contact details of 18000 applicants to the ARAP programme, the scheme for Afghans who had helped the British armed forces in the 20 year war in the country. These people were already at risk of reprisal from the Taliba...
More in Common's latest research of 20 thousand people suggests nearly 90 percent of us have little or no trust in politicians. 70 percent of voters think this country is on the wrong track, and the prevailing word used to describe Britain is 'broken'. What does that mean for main stream political parties? How do they convince people politics can improve their lives? And will the next electoral race be between populists on the left and populists on the right? We dig into the 7 political tribes a...
It would be an exaggeration to say the vultures are already circling the wagon - but there are already conversations taking place about Keir Starmer's future. Bloomberg and Sky have both reported that sources in Labour are already contemplating the prospect of a move against the PM next May after the local elections. Absolutely crucial to those results will be Wales. Labour has never been out of power since devolution in Wales - more than a quarter of a century ago. But if polling is to be belie...
More bonus content from our new-look weekend edition! The British & Irish Lions are soon to face Australia in the big three Tests, after wrapping up their warm-up games. So Gabby caught up with former Lions & England flanker, James Haskell to talk about Henry Pollock , where the team need to improve, what it's like to get a late call up like Owen Farrell and almost killing Rory Best on Tour. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault support is available. You can cont...
Gregg Wallace’s friends have been telling newspapers that his "autistic hypersensitivity" meant that he had an “oddity of filters and boundaries", including an inability to wear underwear or any tight clothing. Gregg himself has complained that the BBC neglected its duty of care to him and his recently diagnosed autism. Fifty more people have come forward this week to complain to the BBC about his alleged over-sexualised behaviour on Masterchef. Does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim he...
Last night on X, Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok - started imitating Hitler in its responses to user questions. Was this intentional? Did Musk really command his AI tool to spew out anti-semitic takes? And will this lead to any sort of regulation over AI? Later, we discuss the upcoming doctors strike. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned resident doctors the public "won't forgive" them, and despite a pay rise of 29% over the last three years they will still walk out at the end of the month. T...
The government has studiously avoided ruling out a wealth tax this week. Minister after minister has refused to knock down the suggestion, despite the Chancellor having dismissed the idea as recently as April. So what's changed? Could a levy on wealthy individuals be on the cards for October's budget? Would it even raise any money - or is Rachel Reeves in danger of scaring wealth creators out of Britain? We speak to the incoming director of the IFS, Helen Miller. And later, why the failure to pr...
