Today new measures as part of the Online Safety Act mean people will need to verify that they are over 18 to access harmful and toxic content online - with the intention of restricting children from accessing material such as pornography, and content referencing self-harm, suicide, hate speech and violence. Cyber security expert Chelsea Jarvie explores whether these ‘age gate’ measures go far enough. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, joins us ahead of tonight’s Oa...
Jul 25, 2025•15 min
Anti-migrant protests have continued to erupt this week. The Met Police have responded to a second consecutive night of anti-migrant protests outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, following confirmation that asylum seekers will be accommodated there. Meanwhile, Epping Forest District Council has asked for the immediate and permanent closure of two local asylum hotels, citing a series of “serious incidents” in the area. To unpack these protests and how authorities are reactin...
Jul 24, 2025•15 min
England’s Lionesses have clinched their place in the Euro 2025 final , after winning yesterday’s semi-final match against Italy. Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang scored in the 96th minute, to take the game to extra time, before Chloe Kelly sealed the victory by driving home the rebound from her saved penalty. The Standard’s Sports Writer Dom Smith has the latest. And in part two, Will Hosie, Lifestyle Editor of Country Life magazine, and a contributor to The Standard, shares his experience of m...
Jul 23, 2025•14 min
The government has stepped up its crackdown on anyone involved in assisting illegal migration in the UK. Foreign secretary David Lammy described the new sanctions, which will be implemented tomorrow, as ‘world first’ measures to tackle people smuggling. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, John Darlington, director of the World Monuments Fund, explores the history of the Ragged School Museum in the capital’s East End, which is th...
Jul 22, 2025•16 min
Ofwat is to be scrapped as part of a radical overhaul of a “broken” water regulatory system Environment Secretary Steve Reed confirmed today, following the publication of a major report from the Independent Water Commission. Giles Bristow, CEO of the campaign group Surfers against Sewage, responds to the news - and Paul Powlesland, Barrister at Lawyers for Nature, explains why he decided to become a guardian of the River Roding in East London, to spot illegal sewage leaks. And in part two, Sadiq...
Jul 21, 2025•16 min
A major data breac h which led to thousands of Afghans being secretly relocated to the UK became public knowledge for the first time this week. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Apple TV’s The Studio, the must-watch, Emmy-nominated satirical show from Seth Rogen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 18, 2025•16 min
Today unemployment rates have risen to 4.7% , which is the highest rate since the second lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. But what’s the truth behind the figures? Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at the Institute of Public Policy Research, is here to unpack the data. And in part two, The Standard’s dance critic David Jay explores the uncertain landscape of youth dance , ahead of Sadler’s Wells and Sadler’s Wells East YFX festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Jul 17, 2025•14 min
The UK rate of inflation has increased to an 18-month high of 3.6% to the shock of economists - and households are facing a new squeeze, with accelerating food, drink and fuel prices. The Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s comedy critic, Bruce Dessau is here with a preview of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 16, 2025•15 min
In an unprecedented trial at The Old Bailey, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who went on the run with their newborn daughter , have been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest. And in part two, writer Charlotte Ambrose explores the enduring appeal of Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City fashion , which is now reaching new Gen Z audiences via social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 15, 2025•16 min
Treasury minister Darren Jones has left open the prospect of freezing the thresholds for paying income tax beyond 2028 , as the government scrambles to balance the public finances. Pranesh Narayanan, a research fellow within the Institute for Public Policy Research, explains what the impact of this would be, and explores other ways to raise tax revenues. And in part two, lifestyle journalist Jessica Salter reveals why London gym Before the Lights has become a celebrity hangout. Hosted on Acast. ...
Jul 14, 2025•13 min
In The Standard’s latest special report, reporter Jacob Phillip has been investigating the capital’s vanishing schools , with more than 30 primaries in the capital set to shut or merge before the next academic year. He joins us to unpack the reasons behind this trend, which is also affecting other parts of the UK. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Justin Bieber’s new surprise album, Swag - which the Canadian singer says is his most personal to date. Hosted...
Jul 11, 2025•14 min
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Jul 10, 2025•38 min
Today Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a policing blitz on London’s 20 most blighted town centres for shoplifting, robbery, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. The Standard’s Crime Editor Anthony Frances has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, gives his verdict on the latest Superman film which is out in cinemas on Friday 11 July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 09, 2025•14 min
Today, the first volume of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report delivered a devastating assessment of the damage done by the scandal, which is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history . It focuses on the “disastrous” impact of false accusations made against at least 1000 postmasters. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Food and Drink writer Josh Barrie shares how NYC-style pizzas are taking centre stage in the...
Jul 08, 2025•15 min
It’s been 20 years since the 7/7 bomb attacks in the capital which killed 52 people and injured several hundred. The Standard is joined by Islamic scholar Thomas Small, and survivor Mustafa Kurtuldu, to discuss the aftermath. You can hear more from Thomas Small in Conflicted - 7/7 The Inside Story , produced by Message Heard for Wondery. And in part two, is Scandinavia the new Mediterranean? Travel writer Alicia Miller joins us to discuss where you might want to visit for a ‘coolcation’ this sum...
Jul 07, 2025•15 min
Today marks one year since Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer entered No. 10 Downing Street, but it’s been a tricky start, as he faces plummeting polls, backbench rebels and sudden U-turns. The Standard’s reporter Fred Hood takes to the street to ask the public how they feel about his policies, and Chief Correspondent Rachael Burford explains the challenges that lie ahead - plus the latest on the news that Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana will set up a new independent party with Jeremy Corbyn. And...
Jul 04, 2025•15 min
Sam Hunter, Alex’s childhood friend, recounts the eerily similar death of another friend, Liam Anderson, in Sydney, Australia. Journalist Sacha Batthyany delves into the psychology of extreme wealth, exploring a self-help course designed for those born into unimaginable privilege. Then, a shocking revelation—a third death within this same social circle. We zoom out to examine the toxic mix of privilege, drugs, and the dangerous sense of invincibility that pervades this world of young, affluent m...
Jul 03, 2025•30 min
Today, a new report from Britain's National Energy System Operator (NESO) has revealed that a power outage which shut Heathrow Airport earlier this year, causing travel chaos for more than 270,000 passengers, was caused by a ‘catastrophic failure’ of equipment in a nearby substation. The Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, freelance journalist Edwina Langley shares what to eat, drink and wear if you’re heading to SW19 for this year’s Wimbledon tennis tourna...
Jul 02, 2025•13 min
Transport for London has missed passenger targets, delayed the new Piccadilly line trains and caused chaos on the Central line, but 2,200 Transport for London staff earn six-figure sums, according to exclusive reporting by The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall. And in part two, The Standard’s sports writer Dom Smith explains why this year’s opening day at Wimbledon has been record-breaking for British players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 01, 2025•13 min
The problem of knife crime is usually viewed through the prism of tragedy . But after spending months reporting from inside the capital’s youth courts, The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us to discuss his special report on the efforts being made to steer children away from crime before it’s too late. And in part two, journalist Alice Cockerell ventures behind the scenes at Wimbledon tennis tournament, with ball boys and ball girls being put through their paces, and bad behavi...
Jun 30, 2025•14 min
With this year’s Wimbledon Championships starting on Monday, The Standard’s live sports writer Matt Verri tells us about meeting Britain’s no.1 tennis star Jack Draper - currently ranked fourth in the world - and whether he has it in him to win a grand slam tournament. Then, as part of The Standard’s Hidden London series, John Darlington, Director of Projects for the World Monuments Fund, explains why he likens Sevendroog Castle in South London to India’s Taj Mahal . Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min
Katja Faber transforms from mother to defender as she gears up for the biggest legal fight of her lifetime – the appeal and ensuing retrial. We examine a Swiss legal loophole that Bennet’s team exploits in an attempt to free him. And just when she least expects it, Katja receives a letter from Bennet himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2025•37 min
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a growing backlash to his proposed welfare reform bill, with 120 Labour MPs saying they will back an amendment that threatens the cuts. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer, Vicky Jessop, joins us as the Glastonbury Festival gates open to share her top tips and the best acts to see at the music extravaganza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
The UK may be the start-up capital of Europe, but not when it comes to women. Currently, just 19.1% of active UK companies are female-led. Sharmadean Reid, an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of Stack World, and AXA Startup Angel judge, joins us to discuss the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in the UK. 'Hustling and entrepreneurship come naturally to women' Sharmadean told us women don't have issues starting businesses; they have issues growing them, due to a lack of funding. Sharmade...
Jun 24, 2025•12 min
The campaign group Palestine Action has been proscribed under anti-terror laws . Before the announcement was confirmed, Ruth Ehrlich, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the human rights organisations Liberty, explained what it could all mean. And in part two, The Standard’s culture writer India Block tells us about Floweroverlove, the London-based singer-songwriter who is opening for Olivia Rodrigo at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Jun 23, 2025•14 min
The future of Notting Hill Carnival is in doubt after a review identified ‘critical public safety concerns’ due to vast crowds. The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest. And in part two, to celebrate London’s Pride month, Jack Guinness talks about his book ‘The Queer Bible ’, his love for London and the importance of sharing LGBTQ+ stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 20, 2025•17 min
Katja Faber steps into the courtroom to face her son’s killer. Bennet’s defence claims he suffered a drug-induced psychotic break and is therefore not responsible for his actions. Katja uncovers something she never could have predicted—Alex’s homicide isn’t the only crime Bennet is standing trial for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 19, 2025•35 min
Today, US President Donald Trump is considering whether to join Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, as the conflict continues for a sixth day - but what does this mean for the UK ? The Standard's news reporter Bill Bowkett has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's art critic Melanie McDonagh gives her verdict on The Royal Academy of Art's summer exhibition . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 18, 2025•14 min
London mayor Sadiq Khan will press ahead with the part-pedestrianisation of Oxford Street to the cost of £150 million. The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to explain why fans are divided over the musical Evita which is currently showing at London’s Palladium theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 17, 2025•11 min
This week London is tipped to be hotter than Barcelona and the Algarve, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees, and climate scientist Dr Chloe Brimicombe from the Royal Meteorological Society joins us to discuss. And in part two, The Standard's commissioning editor and culture writer, Vicky Jessop, explains how TikTok influencer Addison Rae became the new cool girl of music . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 16, 2025•12 min
