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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Much of the coverage of the Iran conflict this week has been trying to understand the British government’s position on America’s strikes. On Friday, Keir Starmer said that the UK would not allow American fighter jets headed for Iran to use British bases. And yet by Sunday, that position had changed. Why? New reporting today may shed some light on that. Tim Shipman at the Spectator claims that Keir Starmer faced resistance, particularly from Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper, when the National Securi...
Trump is furious with Starmer over his delay in granting the US access to UK bases as part of their military operation against Iran . He's called the UK "very uncooperative" and says Starmer has ruined relationships, even going so far as to say "this is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with." So where does this leave Starmer now? Is it really a fatal blow to the 'special relationship' or could it actually be advantageous to the Prime Minister? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK...
You might think, just days into a major conflict in the Middle East, that Donald Trump and Keir Starmer would be speaking regularly, supporting each other, and coordinating among allies. That's how it normally works in the 'Special Relationship' right? Instead, Trump has taken to The Sun to blast the Prime Minister as "not helpful", accusing him of imperilling the transatlantic alliance, and suggesting that his decision not to join US strikes may have been because he is worried about losing Musl...
Keir Starmer has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites. But the Prime Minister said the UK has learned lessons from the "mistakes of Iraq", and was not involved in the strikes on Iran. So why are we letting the US bomb Iran from our bases if we can’t say whether we support the war or not? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
This episode analyzes the profound implications of Trump's strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Khamenei, and his call for the Iranian people to rise up. It delves into the potential for regime change, contrasting Trump's actions with his previous "America First" rhetoric and the historical failures of US intervention. The discussion also covers the UK's cautious diplomatic position, the erosion of international law, and the immediate, escalating regional repercussions across the Middle East.
For all Labour's insistence that the Gorton and Denton by-election was a straight fight between them and Reform - the Greens demonstrated in Greater Manchester that they are now a fighting force on the radical Left of British politics, who present a new kind of challenge to Keir Starmer. Hannah Spencer won convincingly, with Labour floundering in third place. Starmer visited the constituency earlier this week - a rare move for a Prime Minister not totally convinced of an imminent victory - so ho...
The recent killing of Mexican drug lord ‘El Mencho’ has caused unrest and cartel violence across the country. Guadalajara - one of Mexico’s host cities in this summer’s World Cup - was one of the worst affected. So what state are we left in, just months away from the tournament? Should fans be worried about the threat of cartel violence? And with ICE and President Trump ever present in the U.S. - should more questions be asked of their hosting? Gabby and Mark are joined by The Athletic’s Adam Cr...
The Royal family is no stranger to headlines, scandal and existential crisis. But with the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the mood has shifted leaving the future of the Royals more uncertain than ever before. Can the British monarchy be reformed? Or is this the beginning of the end for the Royal family? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
In a dramatic statement to MPs this morning, Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle revealed that he had felt "duty-bound" to report to the police what he had heard on a recent trip to the British Virgin Islands - that Peter Mandelson was due to head to the island. It was that tip off which led to Mandelson being arrested and questioned by the Met on Monday, and an allegation that has been called "baseless" by our former ambassador to the Washington. Why did Mandelson point the finger at a different ...
Late yesterday afternoon Peter Mandelson was led from his London house by two plain clothes police officers with very visible body cameras into an unmarked police car. In the bland euphemism that followed a Met statement told us a 72 year old man had been arrested in Camden. Today we discuss what this move does to Starmer, his party, and the wider reputation of New Labour. And we have insight into Mandelson’s own state of mind at 4 am this morning. He has denied all criminal wrong doing. Later, ...
Trump is not a happy bunny. It all started on Friday when the Supreme Court declared his tariffs - the backbone of his economic policy - illegal. By this morning it was worse. He’s stomping around threatening the Supreme Court with a lower-case, no caps name (seriously) and warning his tariffs policy is about to get "more obnoxious". Has the ruling delivered a fatal blow to his authority? Can leaders around the world see that? And will they respond by toughening up their own stance on trade? Lat...
This episode explores the "Epstein class," a global network of powerful elites whose loyalties lie with each other, not the general public. Anand Giridharadas details how Jeffrey Epstein, despite humble origins, used charm and deceptive financial tactics, like exploiting wealthy anxieties about their children's financial acumen, to infiltrate and leverage this network. The discussion critically examines the age of impunity, questions how political divisions serve as distractions, and challenges listeners to demand greater accountability from leaders who operate outside conventional systems.
Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to represent their countries at the upcoming Winter Paralympics. For the first time since 2014, since Russia’s state-sponsored doping programme and the war with Ukraine, we will see the Russian flag and potentially hear the anthem. Ukrainian officials are boycotting, but FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has also recently said he wants to lift football’s ban on Russia. This all comes after Ukrainian skeleton athlete, Vladyslav Heraskevych , was dis...
The podcast covers the unprecedented arrest of Prince Andrew for alleged misconduct in public office, separate from earlier sexual abuse allegations. It delves into the legal intricacies of the charge, King Charles's detached response, and the extensive multi-force investigation. The episode highlights the profound crisis for the British monarchy, questioning its relevance and the principle that no one is above the law amidst changing public attitudes.
Prince William gave an interview to BBC Radio 1 to talk about men’s mental health and the importance of speaking out. It’s a vital topic - and it affects millions of people. What was noticeable, however, was that in the course of the hour long discussion there was not a single mention of the man at the centre of our national discourse - and of his own family - Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Is it still sustainable to protect the royals from awkward questions? Or does something need to change in the...
The News Agents delve into an exclusive investigation concerning the relationship between Metropolitan Police Royal Protection officers and the royal family, focusing on accusations of officers becoming too close and ignoring wrongdoing, particularly regarding Prince Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein. The episode also features an interview with Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, who criticizes the Met Police for past inaction and the US Department of Justice for its handling of Epstein survivors, highlighting a systemic failure to pursue justice for the powerful. It concludes with an update on a UK government U-turn on local council elections.
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.
