Keir Starmer claims Britain is back on the world stage after securing a new deal between Britain and the EU - but opposition leaders say he has surrendered on fishing rights. Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Pyrnn reveals details of the Barbican Centre’s ambitious renovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 20, 2025•12 min
Speaking from London’s Old Bailey, we’re joined by The London Standard’s courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk, with the latest on the major hack of the UK’s justice system by cyber criminals. And in part two, we learn about the new Guinness micro brewery which will be coming to London’s Covent Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 19, 2025•14 min
As excitement builds around the Eurovision Song Contest , The London Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop highlights the standout acts to watch — amid ongoing protests and controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. And in part two, as part of this week’s hidden London, world war two historian, Dr Helen Fry, is at Latimer House, where intelligence services extracted secrets from the Nazis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 16, 2025•16 min
Claudia Cockerell shares the sour truth about London’s sugar babies, who are dating older, wealthy men to fund their lives in a cost of living crisis. And reporter Megan Howe joins us from the High Court to explain the row over events such as Mighty Hoopla and Field Day, which are held in Brockwell Park - and how the verdict will impact London’s festival scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 15, 2025•16 min
The Government has slashed Sir Sadiq Khan’s affordable housing targets after the number of affordable homes being started in London last year was revealed to be the second lowest on record. Local democracy reporter Noah Vickers joins us to unpack the latest data from City Hall. And in part two, Chief Theatre Critic Nick Curtis tells us about the hottest theatre tickets in town this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 14, 2025•14 min
Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to discuss the backlash against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s migration reforms, with his immigration speech likened by MPs to the rhetoric of Enoch Powell. And in part two, Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk brings us the latest from P Diddy’s trial in New York , where the music mogul is accused of sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution charges Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 13, 2025•14 min
Chief political correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to discuss the secret underground world propping up some of the capital’s most-hyped restaurants , fuelled by illegal immigration. And in part two, Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop shares all the news, shocks and surprises from Sunday’s BAFTA TV Awards ceremony. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 12, 2025•12 min
Between 2023 and 2024, police recorded a record high of 37,959 blackmail offences in England and Wales but what’s behind the increase in this type of crime? Alexandra McCready is Head of Reputation and Privacy for law firm, Vardags, and joins us to reveal what really goes on behind closed doors when it comes to dealing with blackmail and sextortion. Plus, how and why the recent papal election process fuelled a new online obsession amongst Gen-Z. The London Standard’s Features writer and columnis...
May 09, 2025•16 min
After several days of commemoration events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, culminating in a memorial service today at Westminster Abbey, we’re joined by Laura Clouting, Senior Curator at the Imperial War Museum, to explore why the historic event still holds importance in today’s society and what we can learn from those who endured the Second World War. Plus, as Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday, he releases a new film with possibly one of his most important messages to ...
May 08, 2025•15 min
Tensions are rising between two nuclear powers after India launched missile strikes into Pakistan-controlled territory . Pakistan’s calling it an “act of war”. The London Standard’s reporter Jacob Phillips joins us to explain what’s happened, why now, and what it means for the UK and wider world. Plus, we hear from James Ashton, co-founder of Oscar’s Book Prize. He tells us about this year’s winning picture book “Just The Two of Us” by Polly Noakes - and the moving legacy behind the award. Hoste...
May 07, 2025•13 min
The Home Office has announced plans to crackdown on VISA applications to the UK. Under the proposed crackdown, applications from people who fit the profile of someone who may claim asylum and who are from countries with high rates of asylum claims will be rejected. The London Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford discusses the ins and outs of the plans, and considers whether the crackdown will ultimately benefit the UK. Plus, Entertainment Editor Lisa Mcloughlin discusses the ...
May 06, 2025•16 min
The Government has been urged to take action after new research has found that more than half of London’s short-term holiday let properties are rented unlawfully. The London Standard’s Local Democracy Reporter, Noah Vickers, is here to explain the rules around these sort of property rentals and examine why they are causing issues. Plus, as part of The Standard’s Hidden London series, archaeologist, author and Director of Projects at the World Monuments Fund, John Darlington joins us to share the...
May 02, 2025•15 min
The United States and Ukraine have announced an economic deal which will tie the two countries together in a joint reinvestment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. But what are the finer points of the deal and how could it impact any peace plan with Russia? The London Standard’s Rachael Burford is here with all the latest. Plus, we’ll find out about a major new food hall which is set to open in the shadows of one of the most iconic buildings in town. The London Standard’s restaurant critic and Go...
May 01, 2025•14 min
New research that reveals people hit by SUVs are 44 percent likely to die than if they were struck by a conventional car, while children are 82 per cent more likely to suffer fatal injuries. But SUVs are some of London's most popular vehicles. The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall joins the podcast. (edited) In part two, Hiroshige: artist of the open road, at the British Museum. The exhibition has been given four stars from The London Standard . To find out more we join the museum’s...
Apr 30, 2025•15 min
With firefighters in London battling a huge blaze at an electrical substation, just over a month since a similar incident brought Heathrow Airport to a standstill, how worried should we be about the frequency of these substation fires? And, in light of the recent events in Spain and Portugal, are there greater concerns about the stability of the UK’s power network? John Loughhead, Professor of Clean Energy at the University of Birmingham and Fellow and Former President at the Institution of Engi...
Apr 29, 2025•15 min
The NHS is set to overhaul how it supports young people with gender dysphoria, with new proposals to screen for autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Leaked plans suggest a move away from a purely medical model towards a more holistic approach to care. The London Standard’s Daniel Keane explains what’s behind the changes, how they link to the Cass Review, and the reaction from campaign groups. Plus, we hear from The London Standard’s Anthony France about the Critical Mass London...
Apr 28, 2025•10 min
Cyclists who kill pedestrians by dangerous cycling could now face life imprisonment in England and Wales under proposed changes to the law which are currently going through Parliament. The London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh, who has herself been knocked down by a cyclist in the city, is here to tell us how the law has been amended and whether she thinks there’s still more to be done when it comes to road safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. And in part two, as the London Marathon turns 45 t...
Apr 25, 2025•14 min
Hackney Council has agreed plans to close four schools in the borough at the end of the school year, and more boroughs look to be following suit including neighbouring Islington where parents are anxiously awaiting an update on the potential closure of a further two primary schools in the area. We join the London Standard’s Jacob Phillips who has been reporting on the story plus we hear from Rosie Turvey, a London parent who has concerns about her own children’s school. And in part two, do you p...
Apr 24, 2025•16 min
After signs of recovery last week, new data is painting a far gloomier picture for the global economy . The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn explains how Donald Trump’s tariffs are sparking fears of a worldwide recession and what it all means for the UK. Plus, The London Standard’s features writer and columnist Maddy Mussen joins us to discuss the latest Beckham family drama being played out by what is (and isn't) being posted on social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
Apr 23, 2025•15 min
With the announcement that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place at the Vatican this Saturday, the London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh joins us to explain some of the customs and traditions which are taking place during this time and explore who could be named as the next pope. And in part two, as Beyoncé’s mum, Tina Knowles, releases her memoir, ‘Matriarch’, what will we learn about the roots of one of music’s most successful artists? The Standard’s Culture and Lifestyle writer, India Bloc...
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
Although Sharia law councils, often referred to as courts, have no legal jurisdiction within the UK, many people of Muslim faith turn to them for guidance on aspects of their everyday lives. With their number in the capital on the rise, award winning journalist, David James Smith, joins us for an in-depth conversation about his special report for The Standard into how these councils operate and whether they best serve those who turn to them for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
Apr 18, 2025•18 min
Astronomers believe they have discovered the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system. A group of scientists, led by the University of Cambridge, have published the results of their study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. One of the co-authors is Dr Subhajit Sarkar, a lecturer and astrophysicist at Cardiff University, and he joins us to explain more about the planet K2-18b, why the team were looking specifically at that part of space and why he thinks i...
Apr 17, 2025•14 min
UK inflation has dropped to 2.6% - the lowest since December. The fall, driven by cheaper fuel and hotel rates, is being hailed as a sign of economic stability. But is this just a blip or a sign that we’re past the cost of living crisis? The Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, explains what it means for wages, interest rates, and the wider economy. Plus, Arsenal face Real Madrid in tonight’s Champions League quarter final tie later. The Standard’s football writer Simon Collings joins us ...
Apr 16, 2025•14 min
Police have been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the felling of an ancient oak tree in North London. Reports were made to Enfield Council on the 3rd April that the tree, in Whitewebbs Park, had been damaged, sparking local outrage and immediate concerns by the council. Local business owner and campaigner for woodland protection, Lawrence Thor Stephen, from Thors Trees , joins us to explain the ecological significance of the tree, the impact its felling will have on local w...
Apr 15, 2025•16 min
Visitor numbers to the UK’s leading art institutions have fallen sharply since the pandemic - with the Tate galleries alone seeing a drop of more than two million visitors in the last five years. In this episode, we hear from Rosie Kay, co-founder of the campaign group Freedom in the Arts, about her opinion piece for The London Standard . She shares her concerns that ideological messaging is eclipsing artistic and historical exploration, and questions whether a heavy-handed approach to inclusion...
Apr 14, 2025•13 min
High prices, rising utility bills, rogue landlords and poor living conditions are all contributing to a growing crisis in London’s rental market and it is young people who are bearing the brunt. With 2.7 million people renting in the city, paying on average around 40% of their income on rent alone, does this make London the worse place to be renting? Jacob Phillips joins us to talk about the challenges faced by many people when it comes to accommodations choices and what impact the Government’s ...
Apr 11, 2025•13 min
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a raging blaze that tore through a block of east London flats late last night. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but witness accounts suggest the fire was started by a faulty e-bike battery. It’s not a unique story - a Standard investigation found fires sparked by “dangerous” e-bikes and e-scooters in London have doubled in just three years. But why do these fires start, and can dodgy e-bikes be stopped? We’re joined by Loca...
Apr 10, 2025•17 min
More than 11,000 millionaires have left London in the last 12 months . It’s the biggest exodus of the super-wealthy from any city in the world, second only to Moscow. In this episode, The Standard’s news reporter Bill Bowkett joins us to discuss what’s driving the trend and what it means for London’s economic future. Plus, cuts to the Metropolitan Police mean the end of officers in schools . The Standard’s crime correspondent Anthony France explains the impact the loss of Safer Schools Officers ...
Apr 09, 2025•11 min
A baby girl has made history as the first child in the UK to be born from a womb transplant. Amy Isabel Davidson was delivered at the end of February after her mum, Grace, received the womb from her older sister, Amy, in 2023. The pioneering transplant procedure follows decades of work by surgeons Professor Richard Smith and Isabel Quiroga. Daniel Keane, Health Correspondent for the Standard joins us to offer an insight into this medical breakthrough and who might be able to benefit from this pr...
Apr 08, 2025•14 min
The FTSE 100 plunged to its lowest level in a year as markets reacted to sweeping new US tariffs, including a 25% charge on imported vehicles. The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn breaks down what’s driving the market turmoil, what it could mean for wages, pensions and jobs, and whether the UK’s emergency reforms will be enough to cushion the blow. We also hear from Transport and City Hall Editor Ross Lydall on the opening of London’s brand new £2.2 billion Silvertown Tunnel. He ...
Apr 07, 2025•16 min
