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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Lewis interviews Dr. Muhanad Saloom, an academic who claims the US-Israeli strategy against Iran is effectively degrading its nuclear and military capabilities, a view endorsed by President Trump. Saloom counters the narrative of a planless war, asserting clear objectives are being met despite high regional tensions. The discussion delves into whether "regime change" is occurring through leadership "decapitation" and the long-term implications for Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional power dynamics, touching on the Strait of Hormuz.
It has been like the longest VAR ruling in history… the match finished two months ago, the Africa Cup of Nations trophy was presented, the considerable celebrations and recriminations were complete. And then, just as some last-16 Champions League fixtures were finishing on Tuesday night, a communication dropped from CAF. Senegal had actually forfeited the match by staging their now infamous walk-off and Morocco are AFCON champions via a technicality. But why has this taken so long? Can you reall...
This episode delves into the escalating US-Iran conflict, questioning the US narrative of victory against Iran's asymmetric warfare and its control over global energy chokepoints. It explores the dangerous incentives for both sides to escalate, the potential for a full-scale US ground invasion, and the fracturing US-Israel relationship amidst expanding Israeli military actions. The discussion also draws parallels to the Ukraine war, highlighting military miscalculations, the immense financial cost, and the contentious debate surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Furthermore, the episode examines the profound global economic fallout, comparing it to the 1970s energy crisis with warnings of rationing, inflation, and severe impacts on the UK, Europe, and global supply chains, alongside a discussion on North Sea oil and the UK's weakened state to address such a multifaceted crisis.
The episode delves into the uproar caused by Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy's comments describing public Muslim prayer as an "act of domination," examining the broader context of growing Islamophobia and right-wing radicalisation in British politics. It questions the consistency of such views given public displays by other faiths and the implications for British multiculturalism. Additionally, the podcast presents a new investigation into GB News's consistent impartiality breaches and Ofcom's apparent reluctance to enforce broadcasting standards, raising concerns about regulatory effectiveness.
This episode delves into Donald Trump's increasingly erratic behavior during a press conference about the Iran war, where he made wildly contradictory statements about allies and his own knowledge. The discussion highlights the international community's growing "shrug" to his pronouncements, and the severe geopolitical consequences of his impulsive decisions, including America's isolation and a potential military quagmire. The podcast also examines the domestic political fallout in the UK and the ethical concerns raised by a senior counterterrorism official's resignation.
The episode explores the geopolitical chaos in the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump demands allied support, facing clear rejection from European leaders like Keir Starmer, Italy, and Germany. It highlights Iran's strategic leverage over oil supply and Trump's increasing desperation and isolation on the global stage. The discussion delves into the economic impact, dubbed "Trumpflation," and Europe's fundamental re-evaluation of its relationship with a chaotic and unpredictable US administration, pushing for closer EU alignment.
This episode delves into the controversial "passive Prime Minister" thesis from the updated book "Get In," arguing that Keir Starmer's leadership is characterized by detachment and a preference for procedure over political judgment. Authors Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund discuss how this shapes his cabinet's functioning, his approach to major policy decisions like British Steel, and his surprising "a-political" success in managing the Trump relationship. The discussion also covers the influence of former aide Morgan McSweeney and Starmer's personal drive to win despite his inscrutable political vision.
Playing in front of a record 80,000 fans at Twickenham , captaining your country in a World Cup final and winning World Rugby’s Player of the Year … all in a day's work for Sophie De Goede . All that despite returning from a huge ACL injury just one month before the World Cup, Canada crowdfunding to get there, and training against teammates' partners to make up the numbers. Sophie joins Gabby and Mark to talk about where women's rugby goes next. Plus we look back at the best bits from The Sports...
This episode from The News Agents examines the "Mandelson files," detailing Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite significant warnings about his past links and lack of due diligence. It explores the political damage for Starmer and his leadership style. The discussion then pivots to the escalating Iran crisis, analyzing its severe global economic ramifications on oil and food, and how it might create an unexpected opportunity for closer UK-EU ties post-Brexit. Finally, the podcast touches on the resurfacing controversy surrounding Green Party leader Zach Polansky's past hypnotherapy claims.
The podcast examines how Iran is outmaneuvering Donald Trump in the ongoing conflict, leveraging low-tech drones to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and potentially drive oil prices to $200. This strategy exposes the perceived hollowness of US superpower status, especially after a controversial school bombing. Domestically, the situation has led to political U-turns in the UK, highlighting Keir Starmer's distinct and strategically advantageous position against intervention, despite criticism from his political rivals.
This episode dissects President Trump's erratic statements regarding the Iran conflict, highlighting how market forces, particularly oil prices, influenced his rapid shift in tone. It explores the dubious justifications for the war, the significant role of Israeli interests, and the potential fortification of the Iranian regime. Additionally, the podcast examines the UK's defense shortcomings, the global political fallout benefiting Russia, and critically analyzes the normalization of extreme "white genocide" rhetoric on GB News, concluding with a look at a controversial crypto venture by prominent British politicians.
This episode delves into the profound economic fallout of the Iran war, examining surging oil prices, rising inflation, and a looming food crisis due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. It questions Donald Trump's war objectives and highlights public confusion, contrasting his approach with Keir Starmer's cautious stance. The discussion also covers Tony Blair's controversial criticism of Starmer and the shocking possibility of the US reintroducing military conscription, drawing parallels to the Vietnam War and criticizing Trump's misleading rhetoric regarding civilian casualties.
Jon and Lewis host a live Q&A addressing pressing global issues, including whether the Middle East conflict signifies World War Three and the concerning nature of American political rhetoric. They dissect Donald Trump's motivations and the implications of his foreign policy decisions, alongside assessing Keir Starmer's handling of international crises. The episode also explores Britain's evolving global standing and the potential impact of upcoming local elections on Labour leadership.
When the Winter Paralympics get underway this weekend in Italy history will be made. Davy Zyw was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 30 and given 18 months to live… but he’s now 38 and he’s going to be the first person to compete at a Winter Paralympics with MND. Defying his degenerating body, Davy will compete on the board for ParalympicsGB, with his five-year-old son watching on. He joins Gabby to tell his inspiring story. Plus, we look back at the best bits from The Sports Age...
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.
