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.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
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The News Agents delve into two major political scandals: Labour Together's alleged "dirty ops" against journalists investigating its funding, prompting a Cabinet Office inquiry and questions about press freedom. They also scrutinize US Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, discussing heavy redactions, the controversial release of names, and new reports implicating Donald Trump, raising concerns about a cover-up. The episode examines the political fallout and leadership challenges in both countries.
Labour MP Natalie Fleet discusses the recent political week, including the Epstein files and Westminster links, from the perspective of a survivor. She recounts her personal experience of being groomed and raped at 15, and how it drives her advocacy for women and girls, including her trust in Keir Starmer's commitment to violence against women despite recent controversies. Fleet also critically examines political opportunism, societal blame on victims, and the urgent need for systemic change in the justice system.
What a week we’ve had here on The Sports Agents, from penis-gate, to Winter Olympics heartbreak and Premier League managers getting sacked. This weekend sees Scotland host the Auld enemy at Murrayfield as they take on England for the Calcutta Cup . Love might not be in the air north of the border, but there were remnants in the studio - as Gabby welcomed her husband and former Scottish winger Kenny Logan onto the show. England’s Six Nations title charge, mounting pressure on Scotland head coach ...
This episode delves into two major controversies: Keir Starmer's repeated vetting failures regarding appointments to the House of Lords, particularly Matthew Doyle, and the ethical implications for his leadership. It also features an interview with Gabriel Sherman, author of 'The Bonfire of the Murdochs,' exploring the Murdoch dynasty as a tragic family saga marked by emotional abuse, power struggles, and Rupert Murdoch's profit-driven media worldview, including Fox News's role in the 2020 election and January 6th.
The podcast unravels the dramatic events surrounding an attempted coup against Keir Starmer, exploring the internal factions, Wes Streeting's controversial text releases, and the Labour Party's historical reluctance to remove leaders. It then pivots to the British monarchy, discussing US congressional pressure for Prince Andrew's testimony, the Royal Family's alleged complicity in the Epstein scandal, and the glaring double standards in public scrutiny compared to political figures. The episode highlights the challenges facing both Starmer's leadership and the institution of the monarchy.
This episode delves into the escalating political crisis surrounding Keir Starmer, initiated by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's call for his resignation amidst the fallout from the Peter Mandelson and Epstein Files. It examines the internal Labour divisions, Downing Street's fightback, and Westminster's historical hypocrisy. Concurrently, the podcast exposes the Royal Family's deepening entanglement with the Epstein scandal through Prince Andrew's alleged information sharing, questioning their long-standing approach to transparency. The episode concludes with a look at Donald Trump's predictable outrage over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.
The News Agents investigates the UK's controversial student loan system, highlighting how it has evolved into a "de facto third income tax" that disproportionately burdens younger and working-class graduates. Through personal stories and expert analysis, the episode uncovers how high-interest rates, frozen repayment thresholds, and the abolition of maintenance grants lead to spiraling debt that many will never clear. The discussion also examines the political disconnect and calls for urgent reform, comparing the situation to the US student loan crisis.
The Winter Olympics are here! What sport are we all going to pretend to be an expert at? Curling maybe? Today Gabby and Mark are joined by one of Great Britain ’s biggest medal hopes, freestyle skier Kirsty Muir . She started skiing at 3 years old on the dry slopes of Scotland - imagine the carpet burn doing flips on that surface! Her nan can’t even watch when she does the huge tricks. This year she’s already won gold at the X Games and her third World Cup title. So can she win gold in Italy? Pl...
Keir Starmer issued a significant apology for appointing Peter Mandelson, acknowledging he believed Mandelson's lies regarding his Epstein connections, which has severely damaged his authority and sparked calls for staff resignations. The episode also scrutinizes how Westminster and the media initially overlooked the Epstein connection. Furthermore, newly released Epstein files confirm Prince Andrew's long-standing denials about his photo with Virginia Giuffre were false, highlighting a broader pattern of powerful figures discrediting victims.
This episode delves into the political storm surrounding Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite prior knowledge of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. It scrutinizes the vetting process, Mandelson's alleged misrepresentation, and the growing dissent within the Labour Party, drawing parallels to past political scandals. The discussion then shifts to Sir Brian Leveson's stark warning about the UK's criminal justice system, highlighting severe backlogs and proposing reforms to address underfunding, complexity, and inefficiency while balancing rights and victim focus.
This episode delves into the unfolding scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson, focusing on allegations of leaking government secrets to Jeffrey Epstein during the global financial crisis and his subsequent attempts at rehabilitation. It also examines the implications of the newly released Epstein files, including the Clintons' agreement to testify and the complex position of Donald Trump. The discussion highlights the political and legal ramifications for various figures mentioned in the documents.
Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour party and insists he "doesn’t recall" receiving tens of thousands of pounds from Jeffrey Epstein but has now called for "an investigation...by me“ to check. What was he doing lobbying for the paedophile billionaire from the heart of government? And what retribution if any should he now face? Keir Starmer has called for his peerage to be removed. But is Keir the only person who can actually make it happen? Later we hear from tax expert Dan Neidle on wh...
Professor David Runciman discusses the systemic erosion of political authority, distinguishing it from mere power. The conversation explores why contemporary leaders, including Keir Starmer, face unprecedented fragility, linking it to the fragmented media landscape and the "hollowing out" of traditional democracy. It further examines whether only significant external shocks, rather than elections, can force fundamental political change in an increasingly passive and disillusioned system.
You’ve likely seen the viral video of Coco Gauff smashing her racket in a corridor at the Australian Open. She tried to go somewhere without cameras and failed. Now she's complaining the only private place is the locker room, Novak Djokovic says it's like "big brother", Iga Swiatek thinks they're "animals in a zoo". Content is king but at what cost to player privacy? Isn’t this the kind of access we all wanted to drive sports broadcasting forward and grow the sport? The bigger the sport - the mo...
The podcast delves into the FBI's controversial raid on Fulton County election offices, where 2020 ballots were seized, raising alarms about Donald Trump's strategy to politicize federal agencies and interfere with future elections. Guests discuss how this serves as a blueprint to sow distrust in the democratic process and potentially suppress voter turnout. A county commissioner provides an eyewitness account of the raid, expressing concerns about the integrity of the seized documents and calling for citizens to actively protect their voting rights. The episode also touches on the normalization of extreme rhetoric in UK local politics, highlighting a Reform candidate's offensive social media posts.
This episode examines Kemi Badenoch's controversial strategy to renew the Conservative Party by explicitly rejecting centrism, alienating moderate voters and risking further narrowing the party's appeal. It then pivots to analyze Donald Trump's threat of military action against Iran with his "beautiful armada." An Iranian activist reveals skepticism about Trump's motives, suggesting his focus is on a nuclear deal and geopolitical gain rather than supporting Iranian democracy amidst a brutal crackdown on protesters. The episode concludes with a critique of Trump's "grotesque" comments on US shooting victims, highlighting his ability to deflect from accountability.
The episode delves into Donald Trump's surprising shift from aggressive tactics to conciliation regarding ICE operations in Minneapolis, including the removal of commander Greg Bovino and the appointment of Tom Homan. This change appears to be a tactical retreat, influenced by overwhelming public opinion, Republican discontent, and the undeniable camera evidence contradicting the administration's narrative. Later, the discussion moves to the UK, examining how social media algorithms contribute to rising extremism and radicalization, highlighting the challenges for law enforcement and the accountability of tech companies.
The episode delves into Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK, scrutinizing the motivations of defecting Conservative MPs and the potential strategies for both Reform and the remaining Tories in reshaping the British right. It then shifts to the internal Labour Party dynamics, specifically Andy Burnham's unsuccessful attempt to re-enter Parliament and what this signifies for Keir Starmer's leadership. Finally, the discussion moves to the U.S., exploring the controversial shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, the contradictory narratives, and the broader political repercussions for Donald Trump's immigration policies and public support.
In Minneapolis, ICE operations have escalated to an unprecedented level, creating a climate of fear where citizens are targeted, detained without warrants, and even killed. This has prompted a remarkable community mobilization, with "citizen armies" actively patrolling to deter federal agents. The episode delves into the breakdown of constitutional order, as the state government clashes with Trump's federal administration, highlighting how this is less about immigration and more about testing authoritarian tactics and the limits of federal power, with potential global implications.
Everyone’s been talking about the Beckhams and Naomi Osaka this week. Hard to believe a family feud and a jellyfish outfit at the Australian Open have anything in common - but where Sir Alex Ferguson used to fight to keep David Beckham's focus on the pitch, sport is now embracing fashion like never before... Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams pictured at the Met Gala, Stella McCartney designing Arsenal kits , and the famous NBA Tunnel Walks. Have we all grown up enough to appreciate that athlete...
The News Agents explore Donald Trump's self-appointed "Board of Peace," scrutinizing its billion-dollar entry fee, the "motley crew" of nations joining, and its origins in a biased Gaza rebuilding plan. They discuss Trump's disruptive foreign policy, comparing his actions to Putin's, and how his approach might force organizations like NATO and the UN to reform. The episode also covers Trump's failed Greenland acquisition and the underlying strategy of his "Project 25" for a new world order.
Donald Trump's demand for Greenland, though framed without military force, carries a veiled threat, sparking concern among European leaders and raising questions about his mental acuity and strategic coherence. The discussion highlights Mark Carney's assertion of a "rupture" in the global order, where economic integration becomes a weapon. This forces Europe to re-evaluate its reliance on the Western Alliance, considering independent strategies and potential economic countermeasures against Trump's divisive and expansionist policies.
This episode delves into the profound impact of Donald Trump's presidency, detailing his aggressive foreign policy that strains international alliances and poses threats to global stability, alongside a disturbing investigation into secret 'dark flights' deporting legally residing individuals. It examines the erosion of democratic norms in the US and questions the future of American governance and its relationship with the world, urging leaders to stand firm against complicity.
The hosts report from Minneapolis on President Trump's escalated ICE operations, detailing indiscriminate raids, community fear, and local resistance efforts, including citizen patrols and support networks. The episode highlights how the city has become a battleground, facing political and quasi-military assault. Additionally, it delves into Trump's perplexing foreign policy, specifically his demand for Greenland, which has sparked an international crisis, exposed weaknesses in global alliances, and challenged European leaders to respond to his unpredictable actions.
Rutger Bregman, author of "Moral Ambition," critiques "bullshit jobs" and urges talented individuals to channel their efforts into solving global problems. He recounts the BBC's controversial decision to censor his remarks on Trump, highlighting concerns about media cowardice and the hollowing out of liberalism. Bregman advocates for reclaiming virtue and public purpose, drawing parallels with historical moral revolutions to inspire hope for renewing society.
Hosts Morocco face Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday. At this AFCON almost 40% of players were born outside Africa, like the face of the tournament Ashraf Hakimi . So where should teams be putting their money - improving recruitment from the diaspora or investing more at home? What needs to change to attract these players? And can Sadio Mane and Senegal stop the powerhouse of Morocco from winning their first AFCON in 50 years? Gabby and Mark are joined by former Premie...
This episode delves into Kemi Badenoch's decisive sacking of Robert Jenrick after his defection plot to the Reform Party was uncovered. The hosts and political analyst Paul Goodman discuss the internal fractures within the Conservative Party, Nigel Farage's reaction, and the potential impact on Kemi Badenoch's leadership as she aims to pivot the party towards economic policies rather than culture wars. They also explore Jenrick's controversial political evolution and the broader implications of political fragmentation leading to a likely hung parliament.
This episode examines the controversial actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, including warrantless detentions, racial profiling, and violence, with critics drawing comparisons to the Gestapo. It explores the Trump administration's support for these tactics and their potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, the podcast uncovers a policing scandal in the UK, where West Midlands Police used flawed, AI-generated intelligence to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans, leading to a chief constable's apology and calls for accountability.
The episode delves into the intensifying protests across Iran, highlighting the regime's extreme violence and the communication blackout. It provides historical context from the Shah's era to the current Islamic Republic, examining the protesters' desire for change and their calls for the return of the Pahlavi dynasty. An Iranian journalist shares harrowing personal experiences of repression and analyzes the multifaceted reasons behind the current unrest, including economic factors and perceived external influences. The hosts also discuss the intricate military and geopolitical risks associated with Donald Trump's contemplation of intervention, weighing potential outcomes and international alliances.
