The News Agents

Trump: “A whole civilisation will die tonight“

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:54:00 +0100

It’s becoming increasingly hard to distinguish between mad rant and nuclear threat these days. Trump has gone off again and whilst this time he was expletive free and managed not to mock Islam, he did threaten to destroy an entire country.

Why is no one stopping him? And - dare we ask - what comes next?

Later, Kanye is blocked from coming to the UK. Are we happy with the state getting involved ? And what is JD Vance doing in Hungary talking about election interference.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Aden Durde: How a Londoner cracked the NFL - The Sports Agents

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100

Aden Durde became the first British-born coach to win a Super Bowl when the Seattle Seahawks masterminded a dominant display in California in February.

His story is almost unheard of in sport - from coaching grassroots level here in UK - to the very top of the NFL.

But what has made him so successful? How did a chance advert in a North London shop spark his career? And as the Premier League's managerial 'merry-go-round' starts to feel more like a circus - does our beautiful game still have a lot to learn?

Gabby and Mark are joined by Aden for all that and more.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producers: Sophie Penney & George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Jasmine Wissart

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Q&A: Trump's tantrum, the Midterms and Lewis getting the sh*t kicked out of him

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:06:00 +0100

It's been another dizzying week of news and, as we head into Easter, Jon and Lewis stocked up on chocolate and headed into the studio for a special Q&A episode - answering your questions and dissecting some of the biggest stories in the headlines.

Could Trump's antagonism pull Keir Starmer and Britain back into Europe? Is Tucker Carlson harbouring presidential ambitions? Would losing Congress have any impact on Trump's remaining time in office? And why Lewis has been getting the sh*t kicked out of him for 'punching down' on the Prime Minister...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Don’t mourn for NATO, it’s already dead

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Trump warned his EU allies yesterday he wouldn’t forget their cowardice and refusal to help his Iran war. Today he went full throttle and said he was considering taking America out of NATO altogether. It’s not a new thought for him. But is there enough anger in him now to push it through? Would Congress allow it? And what will the rest of us do if we lose Americas defence?

Later the appalling investigation into illegal care homes where vulnerable children are being abused by former convicts whilst unscrupulous owners get rich on our council tax money. Why have so many local authorities seemingly turned a blind eye?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Should the King tell Trump to P*ss Off?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

“GO GET YOUR OWN OIL!"

Just as Donald Trump woke up to begin his latest Truth Social assault on his European allies, berating UK and France for not helping him out of the Hormuz Strait, the King announced the state visit next month WOULD go ahead.

Are we right to look past Trump to protect the wider relationship? Or does it look pathetic to pay homage to a warmonger? And is King Charles merely following the wishes of his own PM?

Later, the Israeli parliament has just passed a law bringing back a discriminatory death penalty measure “for convicted terrorists of Judea and Samaria through the military courts".

What this means in practice is it would only apply to Palestinians. It’s the cause celebre of hard right security minister Ben Gvir - who toasted the vote with champagne. It has horrified western allies and many within Israel too. Is this a law Israel really wants to see enacted? And why has the PM stayed so quiet?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump about to put boots on the ground in Iran?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

A week ago President Trump was promising peace with Iran. This week he looks set to land marines on Kharg island - with a threat to obliterate it and seize Iranian oil. Even Israel, which has been aggressive in striking targets in Iran, has warned against a ground invasion. And Keir Starmer has restated today that this is not Britain's war.

Is Trump finishing a project he first thought about back in 1988? Are we really about to see an amphibious landing and the ratcheting up of casualties? Or is Trump just buffeting around like a man without a plan?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Report: Why MAGA hates Britain

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

CPAC is the biggest event in the MAGA calendar. Last year, it was a triumphant celebration of the total victory of the America First project. Donald Trump basked in the adulation. Elon Musk wielded a chainsaw and laughed maniacally.

This year, something feels different. The President, who has spoken at each conference for the past decade, is suggesting he's staying away this time. The war in Iran has got attendees feeling uneasy, even confused - what happened to the man who promised no more foreign intervention?

And there's a wider malaise. Trump is polling at an all-time low. The Republicans look like they're heading for a hammering in the midterm elections. Their grip on cultural and political domination - which just 12 months ago looked complete - is now weakening. You won't hear much talk of a Trump third term in Dallas any more.

The sunny optimism of MAGA has been replaced by something darker. There is increasing focus on a new enemy - Islam and Islamism. It's helping the base reframe and justify the attack on Iran; one event is literally titled 'MAGA vs. Mullah Madness'. It's helping them sustain an argument about the decline of Europe and the threat of the Democrats. And it's helping a very strange mix of characters stay relevant and keep the bookings coming in.

Liz Truss was at the Gaylord Convention Center telling a packed out crowd about the horrors of 'Europestan'. Is it any wonder that MAGA hates Britain?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are football's new 'Ultras' a force for good? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:10:00 +0100

The fan phenomenon of ‘Ultras’ has taken Scotland by storm… TIFO’s, flares and drums - like we’re used to seeing in Europe - popping up everywhere from the Old Firm right down to the 4th division.

So can this sub-culture be a force for good in an online sphere dominated by the ‘manosphere’ or is it actually just another mask for something more sinister?

Gabby & Mark are joined by Andy Hughes, host of The Crime Agents - who has spent time undercover reporting on football hooliganism in England, and Blair McNally - who has amassed millions of views online documenting Scottish ultras.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producers: Sophie Penney & George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Jasmine Wissart

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

How Trump lost control of the Iran war

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump has urged Iran to “get serious” about reaching an agreement before it is “too late”. It’s nice having a world leader who takes peace so seriously. It’s just a shame Iran no longer believes a word he says. They’ve laughed at his fifteen point plan and insisted the Straits of Hormuz remain operational only to friendly traffic.

NATO’s general secretary is trying to encourage member countries to get behind Trump’s plan to smooth the wheels. We talk to an Iranian activist about why this conflict has made regime change much harder for protestors and ordinary Iranians.

Later, the government is changing the rules on politicalDonations to stop foreign interference. And we dig a little deeper with one government minister into those missing McSweeney messages...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

McSweeney's missing Mandelson messages

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

The Met police took the unusual step of publishing a full transcript of a phone call that took place last October between Keir starmers chief of staff Morgan Mcsweeny and the 999 emergency services. In the call Morgan says his phone has been stolen out of his hand by a young man on a bike. He tells them it is a government device but doesn’t explain what his own role is or whether the material on it maybe confidential.

Why does any of this matter? Because the phone in question contained key messages between McSweeney and Peter Mandelson in the lead up to his appointment as ambassador to the United States.

Will we ever get to the truth of what happened between them? Will the public get past the “convenience“ of an apparently stolen phone? And were ministers sent out to fudge the truth on Morgan’s behalf as recently as this weekend?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are Trump's friends getting filthy rich on his “peace deal“?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

"Unusual activity" was observed on the main US stock market just fifteen minutes before Donald Trump went public with the sudden and unexpected news that he would stop striking Iranian energy sites and talks with Tehran were apparently going well. Trading volumes were up to six times higher than normal - with oil futures seeing a sudden flurry of activity in the moments before Trump broke that news.

More than half a billion dollars was netted in that brief window, but it's not clear how. Experts and analysts are sounding the alarm about the activity - could some people close to Trump have known what was coming and gone straight to the market to place their bets? Why are Trump allies blocking investigators from looking into the Trump family and their allies? And what does this mean for the much bigger question of where the plans for peace actually stand ?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump invented his peace deal with Iran?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

It's a funny old world when you have to check with Iran’s state TV before you know if the US president is telling the truth. In a post early this morning - just as the markets opened - Trump declared he’d had productive discussions to end with war with Iran. An hour later Tehran flatly contradicted him. But by then there had already been a market rally putting two trillion dollars back into the system. So what’s going on: Has Trump had enough of war? Has he had stern words from his Gulf allies? Or is he just trying to manipulate the price of oil?

Later, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle on how to do business with America in the age of Trump and whether he’d call his actions "erratic".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The case for Trump's war in Iran

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

It can be hard to decipher the reasons behind the US-Israeli decision to strike Iran. With a flurry of hyperbolic - often contradictory - statements from the American leadership, the objectives, the progress, and the endgame of this war are not much clearer three weeks into it.

But Donald Trump has turned to one man to make the case for this war in a way he could never enunciate. Dr Muhanad Seloom has cut a somewhat isolated figure in the defence world outside of MAGA. An international security academic, he has been arguing that Trump's war is succeeding. Trump obviously likes what he is saying. The President posted Seloon's argument on Truth Social, with the caption: 'The US-Israeli strategy against Iran is working. Here is why'.

Lewis spoke to Dr Seloom from Doha to try and understand what the thinking might just be in the White House and what success would look like for America - with more and more voices sounding the alarm about the consequences of its failure.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How Morocco snatched Senegal's AFCON crown - The Sports Agents

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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 really strip a country of a title? And what happens next?

Former Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker and Co Host of the ‘On The Whistle’ podcast, Zayn Naabi both join Gabby and Mark.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Is Iran winning the war?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Looking and sounding rather like a frat boy emerging from a hazing, Pete Hegseth arrived blinking, bombastic and victorious into his press conference this morning to declare complete success in his Epic Fury military campaign in Iran.

He was quick to castigate America's ungrateful allies - telling the world that they should be thanking President Trump - and cracked a few jokes about Iranian ships being at the bottom of the ocean.

Outside the Pentagon's echo chamber, the world looks rather different. Iran's regime holds many of the cards in this conflict. And it’s making Trump sweat. Control of the shipping lanes gives Iran control of the price of oil and thus much of the world economy. And they’re acting like an army of insurgents - pounding energy infrastructure across the Middle East, sending gas prices rocketing. So how does America find a way out? Or is Trump's only play now to go all in and send in the troops?

Later - anyone remember the 70s? Ted Heath's dire warning to the nation that life would no longer be as we know it has some uncomfortable parallels for the current occupant of No 10. Should we prepare for everything we’ve taken for granted to change? And should Keir Starmer be rethinking his entire premiership as a result of this war?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why do the Conservatives have a problem with Muslims praying in public?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Nick Timothy is the Conservative shadow justice secretary. This week, he took issue with Muslims gathering in Trafalgar Square to celebrate the last week of Ramadan and the breaking of the Iftar fast with prayer. He called the gathering an "act of dominance" in a Christian country - right beside a church. Does Kemi Badenoch agree with him? Tommy Robinson certainly does...

Later - why has Ofcom got no teeth when it comes to GB News? A major investigation by The New World puts the question to the media regulator. And gets little response. Sir Ed Davey raised it with the Prime Minister today. Has GB News simply become 'Reform TV'? We speak to Alan Rusbridger.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump lost it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Donald Trump's Oval Office ramblings are nothing new. But last night was off the scale. He thrashed out at allies. Castigated his friends. Contradicted himself. Lied about former presidents in a way that was painfully easy to disprove and sounded like a man who’d missed his meds.

More significant than any of this is how the rest of the world received it: with a shrug - and very little anxiety or action. Has Trump lost the room? And the war?

And, as the first resignation comes in from his director of counter terrorism centre, could we be reaching a turning point where Trump is no longer scaring people in the way he once did?

Update: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has clarified that Ed Miliband has not suggested that pubs should serve warm beer. The 'carbon reduction tool' for pubs and restaurants identifies where hospitality vendors can save energy with suggestions such as turning extractor fans off overnight.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Starmer ending his abusive relationship with Trump?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Last night, President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he was "demanding" allies provided back up in the Strait of Hormuz and send ships to keep the supply of oil flowing.

“If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response", he warned, "I think it will be very bad for the future of Nato."

Keir Starmer’s response this morning was clear - the PM insisting that the UK would not be dragged into a wider war. Instead, he’s working with European allies on a "viable plan" to ease the crisis. Others have used even stronger language. The Germans have said the war has "nothing to do with NATO". Luxembourg's deputy PM has warned his country won't listen to "blackmail". Italy has rejected Trump's request. Others too, are deciding that they no longer need to pander to the man in the White House.

Has Europe reached a fundamental turning point now when it comes to America? Does it see Trump - and his war -as a toxic asset? And how do we navigate lower oil prices in the midst of this geopolitical chaos?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Keir Starmer: Britain’s passive Prime Minister?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Just over a year ago, Lewis spoke to Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire, co-authors of the authoritative account of Keir Starmer's rise to power 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour under Starmer'.

Their book shone a light on the weird political inertia at the heart of the Starmer project, often lacking in instinct, allies, and any particular ideological belief. Morgan McSweeney was the driving force behind the operation that thrust him into Downing Street - his authority draining the second he picked his cabinet.

McSweeney is now gone. The Mandelson scandal still poses a potentially existential threat to Starmer's premiership. The UK has been sucked into a conflict Starmer did not want to fight. The local elections in two months' time look like they will be brutal.

Gabriel and Patrick have just released the updated paperback edition of their book. Does it take us any closer to understanding who is the real Keir Starmer?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Crowdfunding your way to a World Cup final - The Sports Agents

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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 Agents this week - was it right for Tottenham to sub their goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after a 17-minute nightmare? And how can Welsh rugby build back to its former glory?

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

How bad are the Mandelson files for Keir Starmer?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0100

The release of the Mandelson files revealed that Keir Starmer pushed on with appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite warnings over his links to Epstein. The National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, called the appointment 'weirdly rushed' and said that Mandelson was ‘always a disaster’. The Prime Minister 'it was me that made the mistake'.

So, was due diligence really followed in the appointment of Mandelson? And how much have we actually learnt from the files?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Iran beating Trump in his own war?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Trump has made it clear he thinks it’s time to end the war with Iran. There’s only one problem: Iran is not so sure it wants to. By using cheap, fairly low tech drones it’s managed to strike cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The message it’s sending out is clear: we can disrupt the flow and the price of oil from our waters. The regime today has told the world to brace for the price of a barrel of oil to rocket to $200. It’s the last thing Trump wants to hear. So has Iran got Trump over a barrel (of oil)? And what, if anything, can he do about it?

Later, why Starmer has had his best fortnight in the job - and why Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch seem to have forgotten about the sovereignty they claimed was so important it made Brexit necessary.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump running scared of his own war?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:02:00 +0100

In a zig-zagging, confused and at times weirdly low energy press conference from President Donald Trump last night, a remarkably new tone was struck on the conflict in Iran. Just hours earlier, his defence secretary Pete Hegseth had announced that this stage of the war was "just the beginning". But yesterday evening. Trump declared that the conflict was, in fact, "very complete"; at one point even downplaying the US attacks as "an excursion" rather than a war.

It doesn't take a genius to work out what's behind the volte-face - following his intervention, the price of oil plummeted. Welcome respite for the markets, but where does it leave Trump's war objectives? What does it mean for the Iranian people, who'd been promised regime change? Has Trump bottled it? And does that risk emboldening the regime in Tehran?

Later - why is white genocide being casually discussed on GB News? And why have Kwasi Kwarteng and Nigel Farage teamed up in a crypto venture?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump blowing up the world economy - as well as Iran?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:03:00 +0100

For a Prime Minister obsessed with driving down the cost of living, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is shaping up to be something of a nightmare. Oil prices have surged, the Bank of England is now expected to raise, rather than cut, interest rates, and the AA is telling drivers to consider cutting down on non-essential journeys due to the price of the pumps.

The war has shown no sign of winding up - indeed over the weekend Donald Trump seemed to leave open the idea that it could last more than six weeks. Remarkably, his press secretary failed to rule out a return of the draft, not seen in America since the Vietnam war. Why? Because the desired endgame for the Trump administration is still very difficult to see. A new Supreme Leader has been installed and appears to be as hardline as his predecessor father. Iranian missiles are still raining down on the region. And if gas prices continue to squeeze Americans, could Trump find himself blinking first?

Later, Tony Blair's off the record remarks about Keir Starmer became very much on the record after his criticisms of the current Prime Minister's resistance to joining the US efforts in Iran made their way into the press. Jon and Lewis discuss why Downing Street is unlikely to be losing any sleep from the advice being dished out by its former occupant.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Live Q&A: Iran, Trump, and 'no d*ck energy'

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0100

Jon and Lewis are back to mark the end of a momentous week in geopolitics with a special live Q&A taking your questions.

When will we know if the conflict in the Middle East has morphed into World War 3? Why has American politics embraced 'toxic masculinity' and 'big d*ck energy'? And how badly do the local elections need to be for Labour in order for Keir Starmer to be toppled?

Plus, a bit of trivia about the 1924 Winter Olympics thrown in for good measure.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

From 18 months to live to Winter Paralympic history - The Sports Agents

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:30:00 +0100

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 Agents this week - will the US-Iran conflict derail President Trump's World Cup? Have England pushed the Six Nations panic button and will it pay off? And what's it like to start a new football team from scratch in America's top league?

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Has Starmer lost control of his cabinet over Trump and Iran?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:02:00 +0100

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 Security Council met late last week.

Was Keir Starmer effectively strong-armed into a diplomatic spat with Donald Trump by his own cabinet ministers? What does that say about his authority in the face of a major national - and international - crisis? And with criticism from allies including Cyprus about the sluggish reaction and deployment of British forces in the wake of Iranian aggression, has the past week been embarrassing for Britain on the world stage?

Plus, nearly a week on from Trump’s decision to strike at the heart of Iran and decapitate the regime in Tehran, are we actually any clearer on what his objectives are? We speak to Virginia Senator and vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Starmer ready to take on Trump?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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 - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump just ended the 'Special Relationship'?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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 Muslim votes. Keir Starmer, for his part, has also issued veiled criticism of the US approach - telling the Commons that the UK does not believe in regime change "from the skies". It's a remarkable breakdown in relations - does it mark the end of the 'Special Relationship'?

Later, a new poll following the Gorton and Denton by-election puts the Greens in second place with Labour languishing on 16%. Why is Starmer so quick to label the Greens extremist when he wouldn't say the same about Reform? And how does Labour address a dual populist threat from the Left and the Right?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the UK at war with Iran or not?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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/

Special Episode: Trump kills Iran's leader - what happens next?

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:21:00 +0100

Iranian state television confirmed this morning that the country's supreme leader had been killed by joint US-Israeli strikes. President Trump addressed the world from his beach resort Mar-a-Lago to declare that "freedom is at hand" for Iran, urging citizens there to rise up against their repressive government.

It’s potentially a pivotal moment in the Middle East as we wait to see if a brutal regime, that has slaughtered so many of its own people, falls. But it’s also a moment of high tension - Iran has already hit back across the region with strikes of its own. And, without taking out the entire regime - including the revolutionary guards that support it - it is possible that nothing in Iran changes but the rest of the world is dragged into major conflict.

Is this Trump's biggest gamble yet? Does international law matter any more? And how many casualties will ensue from a president who promised an end to "forever wars"?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Have the Greens just replaced Reform as Labour's main threat?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:21:00 +0100

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 how much of this defeat lays squarely with him? And what does it mean for his party's direction of travel looking forward?

Matt Goodwin blamed "sectarianism" for Reform's shortcomings - and Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of creating a "monster of harvesting Muslim community bloc votes...that came back to bite them". That comes amid reports of 'family voting' - what has happened and is there really anything remarkable about religious groups being targeted in our political campaigning? Or is it a tale as old as our democracy?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are World Cup fans in danger after Mexico cartel violence? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:30:00 +0100

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 Crafton.

Plus, we look back at the best bits from The Sports Agents this week - do England need a makeover after their Six Nations collapse? And how did Netflix's Drive To Survive grow Formula One's fan base by hundreds of millions, where three in four new fans are female?

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Becky Thompson

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

The Royal Family: Abolish, reform or carry on?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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/

Mandelson vs the Met: What the hell just happened?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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 parliamentarian for his arrest? Why did ugly scenes at PMQs follow? And is it undermining Labour's campaign in the Gorton and Denton by-election?

Later, we speak to justice minister Sarah Sackman about the "courts blitz" announced by the government, that by-election, and Peter Mandelson.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Mandelson arrested: Will Starmer pay the price?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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, we speak to education secretary Bridget Philipson about the last 24 hours, the last 12 months and her own reforms to special educational needs.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump just been humiliated by his own judges?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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?

Later, Australia confirms it’s ready to drop Andrew from the line of Royal succession. The first of 14 commonwealth countries that need to give sign off to the act of parliament. Is this a help or a hindrance to Keir Starmer ?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How did Epstein make his money?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:53:00 +0100

The tentacles of Epstein’s billionaire paedophile ring crossed continents, age, political persuasion and profession. That much is all clear from the files. But what we are still piecing together is how Epstein made his millions in the first place. Was it endowed? Stolen? Invested? Or blackmail?

This Friday, Jon and Emily speak to American journalist, Anand Giridharadas, about the 'Epstein class' and how it was allowed to flourish. And ask whether it still exists?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Russia's ban from world sport over? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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 disqualified from the Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet showing Ukrainians killed in the war.

So, is this the beginning of something? Could we see Russia compete at the LA Summer Olympics in 2028? Or even the World Cup? Mark and Gabby speak to The Athletic's Matt Slater.

Plus, we look back at the best bits on The Sports Agents this week, from welcoming double Winter Olympic gold medallist Matt Weston, to discussing abuse in football with former England striker Emile Heskey.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Becky Thompson

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0100

A man in his sixties has been arrested in Norfolk. The mundanity of the police statement belies the monumental significance of what just happened. The eighth in line to the crown, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.

The arrest centres around the alleged exchange of confidential emails between him and Epstein in his role as trade envoy. What happens now to the former royal, and to the family that’s trying so hard to distance themselves from him?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why didn’t the BBC ask Prince William about Andrew?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:04:00 +0100

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 dialogue between press and monarchy? Is it all over if we treat them like politicians, door stepping them on the issue of the day?

The BBC told us that the programme was "a panel discussion - not a news interview", and that "as is the case with any of our programmes, the BBC had full editorial control and to suggest the presenter was told what he could - or could not ask - is incorrect.”

Later - why has a lesser known Texas state representative garnered five million YouTube views overnight? Does he have Trump to thank for trying to cancel him?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did the Met Police cover up for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:05:00 +0100

Today we have an exclusive investigation into the relationship between the Metropolitan Police Royal Protection officers and the royals they served. Did things become too cosy? Were they encouraged to ignore wrong doing? And why did none of them want to work for Prince Andrew?

LBC crime correspondent and The Crime Agents host, Andy Hughes, has a story from inside the force.

And later, we speak to Virginia Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts about why he thinks the Met needs to move faster and call Andrew in for questioning.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why was a Labour campaign group spying on journalists?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

The Prime Minister has called for an investigation by the Cabinet Office into the campaign group Labour Together which helped get him into power. The think tank is accused of having dug up dirt on journalists investigating its use of political donations. Who signed off the dark arts smear campaign? And why are we just hearing about it now?

Later, is Trump’s attorney General part of that Epstein cover up? Why is she so resistant to getting to the bottom of the crimes it reveals?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Natalie Fleet MP: Her grooming story and how she fought back

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:12:00 +0100

It has been a dizzying week in UK politics since the publication of the latest of the Epstein files, and the revelations of his links to Westminster. But as the politics took over, it is the voice of survivors that is the centre of this story.

This Friday Lewis is joined by Natalie Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, to discuss the politics of the last week, finding a voice for the women and victims of grooming, and whether she trusts the Prime Minister to deliver.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Auld Enemy & Grand Slam Stakes: can Scotland stop England? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0100

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 Gregor Townsend, and what does Valentine's Day look like in the Logan household?

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Becky Thompson

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Has racism been normalised in the immigration debate?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Jim Ratcliffe, the part owner of Manchester United, multi-billionaire and Monaco based non dom, has taken the government to task for allowing immigrants to “colonise“ the U.K. Does he realise he’s using a far right trope? Have we become immune to racism in the immigration debate? And why did a successful businessman not even check his facts on the numbers?

Later - why has a foreign office civil servant lashed out at the woman primed to become Keir Starmer’s cabinet secretary? Does he know something we don’t or is this the “boys club” mentality in action?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why does Keir Starmer keep promoting the friends of paedos?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Keir Starmer came away from a bruising Prime Minister's Questions encounter having to explain why he appeared to make the same mistake twice. No sooner had the fallout from the Mandelson appointment settled (briefly) than the question of why he’d sent another friend of a paedo to the House of Lords.

This time it’s his former comms director Matthew Doyle who admitted his error of judgment in campaigning for a sex offender after he was charged by police. What does it tell us about Downing Street, vetting and the House of Lords?

Later, is the story of the Murdoch dynasty essentially one of emotional abuse? We’re with author and insider Gabriel Sherman.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How did the coup against Keir Starmer go wrong?

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

What was the moment of maximum jeopardy for the Prime Minister on Monday? And how did he turn it around? Was there more than one plotter? And what brought the party back from the brink?

We dissect what we know about the coup that went wrong.

Later, why is Congress talking about the perilous state of our monarchy? And is the King doing enough to set the Andrew Mountbatten record straight?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Labour turning on Keir Starmer?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Another head spinning day in Westminster. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on Starmer to stand down as Prime Minister, saying "the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change."

Many Cabinet Ministers were quick to jump to Starmer's defence. Some were notably slow to back the Prime Minister. With the drama coming just a day after Starmer lost his right-hand-man, Morgan McSweeney, the question today is whether this is the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How the government became a student loan shark

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Imagine a loan where the Government sets the terms. It can change the terms at any time, and you have no recourse to alter them yourself.

A loan designed so most people never clear it, but pay for it anyway. Not because they failed, but because that’s how it was built.

This is the system successive British governments have built. In this episode of The News Agents, we examine the relations of our student loan system and ask how can it be that the UK government has built a system that you might say would make a loan shark blush?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

So you think you're a Winter Olympics expert? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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?

Plus, we catch you up on the best bits from The Sports Agents this week, from Carlos Alcaraz's historic victory in Australia, to Gabby being pranked by Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and a big look at the Super Bowl this weekend.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Can Keir Starmer save himself from the Mandelson scandal?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:02:00 +0100

Keir Starmer apologised this morning for appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US. He said he should never have believed "the lies" of Mandelson.

He says he understands the "anger and frustration" of Labour MPs. But is he in a position to win back the support of his own party? How close is he to the brink? And - if Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was widely known at the time of his appointment - what is the PM actually apologising for?

One of those concerned Labour MPs, Brian Leishman, tells us that Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney needs to leave Downing Street, and serious changes need to take place if Starmer is to stay on as Prime Minister.

Later, Emily discusses the infamous Andrew Mountbatten Windsor photo with Virginia Giuffre. It was real after all and the former Prince lied to her when he said he'd never seen it. So what next for Andrew?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could the Mandelson scandal bring down Keir Starmer?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer says Peter Mandelson "lied repeatedly" about the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and said that he regrets appointing the Labour Peer as US ambassador in 2024. But with the relationship between the men well known, questions about the Prime Minister's political judgement are looming. Could this be the moment that brings down the Prime Minister?

Later, Sir Brian Leveson on why the courts system faces potential collapse without major reform - and the calls to resurrect his investigations into phone hacking and the media.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did Peter Mandelson betray Britain to impress Jeffrey Epstein?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:03:00 +0100

Things are moving at quite a pace these days, but at the time of writing Peter Mandelson has relinquished his peerage and the Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Office to hand over Mandelson's emails to the police. The Republican campaign group has also called on the police to investigate Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Will any of this lead anywhere? Or is it all just noise? And why have the Clinton’s now decided to testify before Congress on what they knew about Jefrey Epstein?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could Peter Mandelson end up in jail?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:56:00 +0100

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 whether criminal charges could be brought. And what do the 3 million strong Epstein files tell us more widely about who was at the heart of this global power network - where corruption, paedophilia , and cover-up flourished?

Since recording, the SNP and Reform have reported Peter Mandelson to the police over allegations he released confidential government documents to Epstein whilst in public office. The Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru have also demanded the police investigate.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is British politics just ungovernable?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:32:00 +0100

Keir Starmer is historically unpopular. When he entered Downing Street, his approval rating stood around +10%. Now? The Prime Minister languishes around -50%. It's the steepest drop in support for any governing party still in its infancy. 8 out of 10 people say that Britain is getting worse as a place to live under Labour's watch. One poll conducted towards the end of last year suggested that even Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had more public confidence than Keir Starmer's government.

What on earth is going on? What explains such an instant - and decisive - turn in public mood away from a party and a Prime Minister elected in a landslide? As the Andy Burnham saga has illustrated this week, questions around Keir Starmer's authority seem a permanent feature of the news agenda. Was it always this way? Or is there something new, something unique, to Britain and British politics in 2026?

David Runciman is a professor, an author, and host of the Past Present Future podcast. He is one of Britain's leading thinkers on democracy, power and the state. His book, 'How Democracy Ends', observed the new threats to our political model and honed in on the very modern rot inside the representative democracy of the twenty first century.

Lewis paid him a visit - at his home in Cambridge - for a conversation about whether politics here is now ungovernable, whether political authority is now impossible to maintain, and whether democracy itself is indeed coming to an end.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Content is king but at what cost to player privacy? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

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 more financial reward for players, so why complain? Or are we in danger of forgetting they’re only human?

Jamie Murray, former world number one doubles player, and Molly McElwee, tennis journalist and author of "Building Champions", join Gabby and Mark.

Plus, we look back at the best bits of The Sports Agents from Manchester United to a very English embarrassment at Champions League success to two-time World Cup winner Tobin Heath.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

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🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Is Trump about to rig the midterm elections?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0100

The election offices of Fulton County were raided by FBI agents yesterday morning. Fulton, in the state of Georgia, was at the heart of Donald Trump's claims six years ago that he’d won the 2020 election (he didn’t). Why are ballot boxes of archived votes now being removed from the premises? Is this still about a six years ago old grudge? Or does it presage Trump's plan for the November midterm elections? We speak to the Commissioner on the premises who watched the action unfold before her eyes.

Later - offensive language warning - the Reform councillor on the Redcar ballot - who got through Nigel Farage's self-admittedly “piss poor“ vetting system.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why does Kemi Badenoch want an even smaller Tory party?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Kemi Badenoch has told her party not to get in her way as she steers it further to the Right. Is this the correct assessment of what the Conservatives needs to attract voters back? Or is she way off?

Later, Trump has threatened Iran with his big beautiful armada. Does he have any concern for the protestors getting killed in their tens of thousands thousands? Or is this all about US interests?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump lost the battle for Minneapolis?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump's tone on Minneapolis has changed in the last 24 hours. He’s now having conciliatory meetings and phone calls with State Governor Tim Walz and the city's Mayor Jacob Frey.

And it looks like he’s removed his Border Commander Gregory Bovino and put him out to pasture in California. What's behind the change of heart? Was it the polls? The murder of American citizens? Or the fact that his administration’s account of the killings has been flatly caught out by camera evidence. Is his ICE policy in meltdown? Or just on hold?

Later - how extremism is climbing in the UK pushed by social media algorithms - Andy Hughes from The Crime Agents joins us.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Reform UK becoming a Tory party retirement home?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has renounced the party that gave her power, and defected to Reform. She's telling us today that Britain is broken and “she” (Britain, not Suella) was “suffering”.

Are Reform better off with her? Are the Tories better off without her? And has it been enough of a distraction from the Andy Burnham saga to give Keir Starmer a lucky break?

Later, is Trump panicking about his ICE strategy after the latest murder of a US citizen on the streets of Minneapolis?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Report: Surveillance and snatch squads in Trump's new America

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:01:00 +0100

In Minneapolis right now, there are more ICE and border patrol agents than there are police officers. The national guard - the army - is on standby to deploy to the city.

Everybody in the city has a story about being targeted by ICE. Many now carry passports on them when they leave the house. If they are fortunate enough not to have been stopped themselves, they will know a neighbour, a friend, a colleague or a relative. Some Minnesotans literally do not know where their family have been taken.

State senators have told The News Agents there is "a war against the State" being waged by the federal government.

And in this new kind of authoritarianism, there has been a remarkable reaction. Citizens taking to the streets on patrols, huge community mobilisation, delivering food and goods to those too afraid to leave their homes. Plane spotters, monitoring ICE deportation flights that the administration no longer publicly records.

If that all sounds like a democratic breakdown - there is a good case to be made that this is exactly what is happening, what Donald Trump is intent on unleashing on a Democratic stronghold that is home to America's largest Somali community.

Lewis has this special report from Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota.

Brand Beckham & Osaka's Jellyfish - has sport ever been so fashionable? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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 athletes having other interests doesn’t mean they aren’t distracted from getting the win? How much money does Naomi Osaka going viral as a jellyfish make for brands and athletes? And should more sports be using fashion to grow the game?

Gabby is joined by The Athletic's Tennis Correspondent, Charlie Eccleshare, and Mayowa Quadri, Football Culture Writer and Head of Brand at Versus.

Plus, we look back at the best bits of The Sports Agents this week: should managers like Oliver Glasner and clubs like Crystal Palace should accept their place in the football food chain? And is a female coach in the Premier League really the holy grail or not?

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Dictators, Invaders and Trump's motley crew on the Board of Peace

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0100

Originally intended to be a small group overseeing a ceasefire in Gaza, Trump's Board of Peace has evolved into something much bigger. Apparently "a lot of great people" want to join, but who’s going to pay the billion dollars to sit on it? And what are Trump's real aspirations for the Board of Peace? On today’s show we try and break down what he’s hoping to achieve, whether the UN should feel threatened and why there’s no mention of Gaza in the draft text.

Later, we are joined by Peter Frankopan - did Trump “get" Greenland or has NATO just found a way to make him think so?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's Greenland shakedown: 'Say no and we will remember'

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0100

Donald Trump took to the stage at Davos to take the military invasion of Greenland off the table, cue sighs of relief from European leaders and NATO.

But his ambitions for the US to own the territory have gone nowhere. He still wants to acquire it, and demanded immediate negotiations to begin that process. Increasingly. it seems that America's one-time allies have grown impatient with Trump's belligerent approach. What happens if he doesn’t get what wants? And is Europe actually growing a bit of a spine?

It was a rambling speech from Donald Trump, in which he appeared to forget names, and frequently referred to Greenland as Iceland. Is it any surprise that his critics are starting to hone in on his mental acuity?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

A year of Trump: terror, territory and tariffs

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:59:00 +0100

We bring you a special report today of the 'dark flights' that are deporting hundreds of people - the vast majority of them here legally - in shackles from Minnesota to Texas detention centres.

There is no official record these flights exists, so one man - an aviation specialist - has made it his life’s work to document each flight that leaves and count the number of people who are being "disappeared" without trace.

But - on this inauguration anniversary - we start with the latest conundrum for the world’s leaders: who is Trump threatening to invade now? And can any of their words make a difference to what comes out of his mouth next?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Episode: Trump, ICE and cruelty on the streets of Minneapolis

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0100

Emily and Lewis report from Minneapolis which has become the dark heart of President Trump's ICE agent immigration crackdown. We patrol the streets with ICE watchers - witnessing a raid alongside the patrollers literally sounding the alarm. We are at a far right rally - watching a January 6th insurrectionist get chased out of town. And we are with people from Somali and Latino communities who describe to us how their lives have been turned upside down by Trump's random and often lawless deportation plans.

Why Minneapolis? Why now? And could Trump really send the army to the streets of the city?

Later - Trump suggests he wants Greenland because he didn’t get given the Nobel peace prize. Yes, really. How will this work out for Europe and NATO?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The man the BBC censored for calling Trump corrupt

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Just a few months ago, historian and author Rutger Bregman found himself at the centre of a very British controversy. He had been asked to deliver a BBC Reith lecture. His theme was the decadence of the political elite and in his lecture, he made a throw away line about President Trump. But when the lecture was broadcast, that critical line had been taken out. What followed was a row about censorship, media power and truth.

This Friday, Rutger Bregman joins Lewis in the studio to talk about that controversy, why broadcasters must stand up to Trump, and our moral obligations in a divisive political society.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

AFCON Final & the growing influence of the diaspora - The Sports Agents

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0100

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 Premier League defender and Sierra Leone captain, Steven Caulker, and The Athletic's Jay Harris.

Plus, we look back at the best bits of The Sports Agents this week, from the civil war in golf after Brooks Koepka's departure, to the unbelievable story of Macclesfield's rise from the ashes to pull off the greatest FA Cup upset ever against holders Crystal Palace.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Kemi puts the knife in first: Has sacking Jenrick made her stronger?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0100

The politician who once complained of not seeing enough "white faces" in Birmingham probably had a very white one himself this morning.

Robert Jenrick's apparent imminent plot to defect to Reform was left in tatters when his party leader Kemi Badenoch uncovered the plan, sacked him and booted him out of the party, and announced it to the world on a polished video clip.

What happens now to the shadow justice secretary - as was - and to both the Tory party and Reform?

Emily and Lewis speak to theTory party anthropologist Paul Goodman.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is ICE acting like America's 'Gestapo'?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:59:00 +0100

The images coming out of Minneapolis since the killing of Renee Good are nothing short of dystopian. Day after day, Minnesotans dragged from their vehicles, off the streets, and out of their houses. Often, seemingly, for the crime of nothing other than their ethnicity.

Donald Trump took to Truth Social yesterday to tell Minnesota: "THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!". ICE and the Department of Homeland Security are flooding the streets with personnel. Joe Rogan has compared their tactics to the Gestapo - questioning whether this is the country America wants to become. Where does this all end?

Later, Lewis and Jon speak to Gabriel Pogrund, the Sunday Times Whitehall editor, who exposed the flaws in West Midlands Police decisions to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their match with Aston Villa last November. The home secretary today has today called for the chief constable of the force to go.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Should Donald Trump 'Make Iran Great Again'?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:03:00 +0100

"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! ... HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!"

It was a characteristically Trumpian post from the American president on Truth Social (where else?) today which led to more fevered speculation that the US might be about to step in to topple the Iranian regime.

Protests across Iran are into their third week, and evidence of the slaughter of Iranian civilians is becoming clearer and clearer. One Iranian official told Reuters that some 2,000 protestors and security forces have now died in street clashes. Iranian media more critical of the regime says that police there have killed more than 12,000 demonstrators.

Donald Trump has already threatened to step in if the bloodshed doesn't stop - has he now made his mind up? And could America intervene without very messy, and unpredictable, consequences?

Jon and Lewis speak to Ali Hamedani, a British-Iranian journalist who is speaking to Iranians inside the country and was himself detained by the security forces in Iran, about the mood of the Iranian people and what happens next.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Starmer have the guts to punish Musk for his undressing app?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0100

Is the government about to stand up to Elon Musk? That now seems possible. Downing Street said today that they would support action from Ofcom - the media regulator - against his platforms if they deemed it necessary.

Ofcom has announced that it has launched an investigation into Musk's X platform over its AI tool Grok being used to create non-consensual sexualised images of women and children. Ministers have said they expect action within days.

After unveiling the lowest homicide figures in more than a decade, Jon and Lewis speak to Sir Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor - about how to confront the hard right claims that London is a 'hellhole', and what can be done about the misinformation on Musk's platforms.

Later, one-time Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi was unveiled today as the latest Reform defector. He's the biggest name to move over to Nigel Farage's party so far but, having pledged he would remain a Conservative for life, why has he done it?

Mehdi Hasan on America's 'Neo-Fascism'

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

We are barely a week into 2026, and already Donald Trump has toppled the president of Venezuela, threatened a NATO ally, labelled a protestor killed by ICE as a "professional agitator", and insisted his own morality is the only check on his otherwise total power.

It appears that America's president is entering the second year of his term more aggressively, more defiantly, and more viciously. What does that mean for the US, and the wider world? And when Trump dismisses legal constraints, threatens to tear up the constitution, and brands entire ethnic groups as suspicious and "garbage", at what point does his administration become fascistic?

That question has been on the mind of Mehdi Hasan longer than most. The British former MSNBC host has launched his own media company, Zeteo, and from Washington has become a leading voice on the Left of American politics.

He speaks to Lewis about why he started using the F word last year, about the dark path down which America is heading, and what happens after Trump.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Pep’s heir to Fergie’s shadow: Why clubs can't move on - The Sports Agents

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0100

What does a strong succession plan look like? Before Darren Fletcher took over as Man United's interim manager he felt he needed Sir Alex Ferguson's blessing. But when everyone's still harping back to Ferguson, who left the club over 12 years ago, you know the succession plan has gone wrong.

Man City will be taking note, as their own legendary manager Pep Guardiola isn’t staying forever. While Chelsea have used their multi-club system to take Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg - primed and ready to play in that system but leaving Strasbourg distraught.

Mark catches up with football journalist Guillem Balague.

Plus we look back at the best bits of The Sports Agents this week, from the Ashes aftermath to Ruben Amorim getting sacked, and the weird and wonderful things managers are asked to do.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Did Trump's immigration police murder a woman in cold blood?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:01:00 +0100

The killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota has exposed just how fragmented American society is in 2026. The mother of three was shot repeatedly in her car by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, reportedly there as an observer of a protest against the immigration raids in the city.

The shooting - and the administration's response - have been condemned by Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, the Mayor of Minneapolis, and many other politicians. Mayor Frey urged ICE to "get the f*** out" of the city and said they were endangering residents.

Footage appears to show Good attempting to drive away from the ICE agents when the shots were fired. But Kristi Noem, head of the US department of homeland security, has accused her of attempting to run the officer over and labelled it an act of "domestic terrorism". Donald Trump described Good as a "professional agitator". Tom Homan, the border czar, initially called for people to avoid speculating before the investigation was complete - before falling into line with Trump and labelling ICE agents "heroes".

Another brutal death in the city where George Floyd was killed five years ago. Could the reaction to the killing be just as explosive and significant this time? And is Donald Trump deliberately whipping up the tensions for his own political ends?

Later, the protests in Iran have got bigger and they have got bolder. Is this the moment the regime in Tehran falls? We speak to British-Iranian comic, actor and writer Omid Djalili.

Why has President Trump seized a Russian oil tanker?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:47:00 +0100

In dramatic scenes in the Atlantic this afternoon, American forces seized an oil tanker, 'the Marinera', flying the Russian flag. The British military was involved - supporting the US operation with air surveillance and a navy ship.

The Kremlin has only said that it has been "following the abnormal situation with alarm" - but the maritime confrontation draws Russia and the US closer to direct conflict.

It comes the day after the US, the UK, France, Germany and other allies reiterated their supported for security guarantees in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. But is the British army in any fit state to police a 2,000km frontline?

Later, why hasn't the government come off Elon Musk's X when his AI software Grok is being used to virtually undress women and children?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump tightens the screws on Greenland

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Less than 3 days after kidnapping the Venezuelan leader, Trump has doubled down on his ambitions to make Greenland the 51st state - despite warnings that coming for the Danish territory would be the end of NATO.

With one of Trump's top aides, Stephen Miller, declaring "nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland" is there anything that world leaders can do to stop Trump now?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Which country will Trump strike next?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Not content with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One and appeared to spell out the countries now in his line of sight.

Colombia is "very sick", according to President Trump. Iran will get "hit very hard" if it kills anti-government protestors. Cuba is "ready to fall", he declared. And, in words that have sparked concern across Europe, he repeatedly declared that America "needs Greenland" from a national security perspective, and that Denmark is incapable of defending it properly.

It seems something of a damascene conversion from Trump, who was elected on the promise of no more foreign wars. And, given the intervention in Caracas went smoothly, what's to think he will stop there?

Does this mark a profound shift in the international order? Could America seriously annexe territory from a fellow NATO member? And how should Keir Starmer and other European allies react to such a remarkable change in approach?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Episode: Is Trump now President...of Venezuela?

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 20:45:00 +0100

In the dead of night, President Trump sent US forces into the Venezuelan capital Caracas and - after bombs and explosions - emerged with its kidnapped head of state, Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Trump claims they are extradited narco traffickers.

In a press conference to mark the operation, Trump revealed that America is "going to run" the Latin American petro state, and oil does appear to be at the centre of his motivations for striking. US oil companies, he announced, will be sent into Venezuela to fix its broken infrastructure and start making the county money - and presumably make America money too. He cited the Monroe Doctrine - now the 'Donroe Doctrine' - that sees America seizing assets of states it chooses and intervening where it pleases in the western hemisphere.

What will the world do now? Will Russia and China feel newly emboldened? Will the UK and the EU tell Trump what they really think? What about that promise of America First - "no more foreign wars" - is that now dead as a dodo? And how will that impact Trump's political fortunes at home?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

2026 Q&A: Unlikely comebacks, the future of democracy, and Jon's acting debut

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Who is the most unlikely comeback of 2026? Will the Far Right continue to rise this year? And are things really starting to crumble in MAGA-land?

In this special Q&A we look ahead to the year of 2026 and all that it could bring.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

2025 Awards: Rising stars, resignations, and the moments that defined the year

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0100

It was a year of White House stand-offs, viral kiss cams, shock resignations, and the rise of the far right.

From rising stars to jaw dropping moments, we look back at the defining stories of 2025 and hand out awards to the moments that shaped the year.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: The case for Keir, 2026 elections, and is Britain ungovernable?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It's the final Q&A edition of 2025 and Jon and Lewis answer your questions - including the elections to look out for next year, whether algorithms are making the UK impossible to lead, plus - is there actually a decent case to be made in the defence of Keir Starmer?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What the Hell just happened at MAGA-con?

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:50:00 +0100

The Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix was supposed to be a tribute to the work and legacy of Charlie Kirk, the influential conservative influencer who was assassinated in September. But it turned into something very different.

Over the course of the weekend, it emerged that a struggle for very the heart and soul of the MAGA movement was playing out. Ben Shapiro took to the stage to warn of the "danger from charlatans who "traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty", slamming Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes, and Tucker Carlson. Carlson hit back, claiming it was "hilarious" that there were attempts to deplatform speakers at an event in Kirk's name. Others followed suit. Vivek Ramaswamy, Trump's one-time presidential rival, felt obliged to remind the audience that fans of Hitler or Stalin should not have a place in their movement.

Enter JD Vance. Proudly declaring that "You don't have to apologise for being white anymore" in the USA, the vice president derided "endless, self-defeating purity tests" and suggesting the movement was, in fact, open to all. And he was given a boost by Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, who endorsed him for the 2028 race.

So can JD Vance hold this movement together? Why won't he move to condemn the racism and conspiracy within his party? And what does it mean for MAGA ahead of a big election year?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Jess Phillips on the battle of her political life

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:01:00 +0100

As parliament wound down to a close, Jess Phillips ended 2025 with one of the government's boldest announcements to date. In the Commons, she declared a "national emergency: over the prevalence of violence against women and girls, and unveiled the government's strategy to halve it.

It bookended a dramatic year for the Home Office minister, who in January found herself in the crosshairs of Elon Musk, labelling her a "rape genocide apologist" and called for her imprisonment. She's also faced calls to resign over the government's handling of the grooming gangs inquiry. And after she spoke in parliament, Kemi Badenoch denounced her plans - saying that teaching boys about misogyny should not be a priority because migrant men pose a more serious threat to women in the UK.

She came into the News Agents studio to discuss all of that with Lewis.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Who's in the most danger? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0100

Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, is taking on YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul. Like it or not they’re two of the biggest names in boxing - and we’ll get into why that’s problematic...

So why is the star of the London 2012 Olympics, who beat Wladimir Klitschko, fighting an influencer? Do fight fans believe it's not been scripted and what's actually more at risk - Paul's chin or AJ's reputation?

Gabby & Mark sit down with Light-Heavyweight prospect and Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker - a showman in and out of the ring at a time when the sport is crying out for its next homegrown superstar.

Plus we pick the best bits of The Sports Agents this week, from reminiscing about an extraordinary year in sport with Clare Balding ahead of SPOTY, to despairing at the Ashes with former England cricketer Darren Gough.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Will America stop Europe from bailing out Ukraine?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:01:00 +0100

This week, the head of the British army warned the public that "more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means", given the increasing threats to the UK. European leaders are meeting today to discuss billions of dollars of seized Russian assets that are sitting in a vault in Brussels. Ukraine is desperate to use the money to help it fight two more years of war. Europe is on the brink of saying yes - but America is trying to stop them. Why? And will a war on our doorstep become more likely if we say no?

Later - what is the link between Andrew Tate and Barron Trump? We speak to Megan Twohey, New York Times investigative reporter.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The bombshell interview that's rattled MAGA

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:01:00 +0100

Vanity Fair may be contenders for this years 'scoop of the year' after securing a series of interviews with Trump's closest White House ally, Susie Wiles. The candid interviews provide a rare window into the West Wing and Trump's inner circle. She went much further than perhaps the President might have expected - describing the teetotal President as having “an alcoholic’s personality", the Vice President as a "conspiracy theorist", admitting the tariffs had been "painful", and suggesting the administration's approach to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal had been lacking.

Why has she been airing this dirty laundry in public? Why does Trump appear to be standing by her? And are we seeing ever mounting fractures in MAGA-land?

Later, has Kemi Badenoch managed to turn the page on a dismal few years for the Tory party? And Starmer's Christmas mircale in the House of Commons.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump v The BBC: who will the British public back?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Overnight came Trump's ten billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC. It claims malicious intent in the edit of his speech in the Panorama documentary. And it claims the programme would have been viewed in Florida ahead of the 2024 election. Is there a legal case here? Is there the political will to stand up to Trump? And where does the British public stand when it comes to backing the BBC?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Bondi massacre and the rise of anti-semitism

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As the sun was setting on the first night of Hanukah, a father and his son opened fire on Jewish people celebrating on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. 16 people were left dead - forty remain in hospital, including the hero who tried to disarm one of the IS-linked terrorists. Jews around the world have been sounding the alarm on the rise of anti-semitism. They believe their fear has gone unheeded. Will this tragedy change anything? And how should governments police free speech that intimidates entire communities?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What America's first dictator could teach Keir Starmer

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Although some Labour MPs are still fawning over Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York, they may be better off looking to a very different sort of American politician if they want lessons they can draw on in the attempt to recover the party's fortunes.

Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator for the Times, is one of the UK's best connected and closest observers of Keir Starmer's government. And he's written this week about how Huey Long, the wildly controversial 1930s Louisiana populist, provides something of a model that Starmer could seek to emulate.

He came into the News Agents studio to speak to Lewis about why...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Pippa York: "I want the world to leave trans people alone" - The Sports Agents

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Pippa York, then known as Robert Millar, was crowned the Tour de France King of the Mountains, winning three stages in the 1980s. But ever since she was five she wanted to be a girl.

Years after quitting cycling, aged 41, she started a 10-year transition process to become Pippa York, who joins Gabby and Mark.

What was it like racing the Tour de France with gender dysmorphia? And what does she make of the debate around trans-inclusion in sport now?

Plus we look back at the best bits from The Sports Agents this week from Mo Salah's shock outburst at Liverpool, to Mike Tindall's plans to create more household names in rugby like Joe Marler and Ilona Maher.

"The Escape" by Pippa York and David Walsh is available now.

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this podcast help is available. You can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Trump - Pirate of the Caribbean?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Trump has attacked a huge oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela - and when asked what would happen now to the oil responded “we will probably keep it". Is there actual strategy behind the piracy? Will it help him topple the illegitimate Venezuelan President Maduro? Or is it just about seizing assets? And what does Nobel peace prize winner Maria Machado make of Americas posturing?

Later, why is Tony Blair interviewing Shabana Mahmood at his own Xmas party? Is this a not too subtle endorsement? Or a friendly festive chat? Is the replacement of Keir Starmer now an open secret even in Blair circles? And who might the other contenders be?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Exclusive: Did the Met “cover up” a paedophile ring?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:31:00 +0100

An exclusive investigation by Andy Hughes, co-host of The Crime Agents and LBC crime correspondent, raises disturbing questions about whether a London police officer was operating a grooming gang in the capital. He speaks to Lewis about his report, the accusations of a cover up, and the Met police response.

Later, Keir Starmer has been leading efforts today to get Europe to reform the ECHR. He's claimed that the best way to fight "the forces of hate and division" is to show that mainstream politics can fix the problem. Is he right? Jake Richards, the justice minister, came in to the News Agents studio to discuss what's at stake.

You can listen to the special investigation from The Crime Agents here:

https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L4DG/

Andy's video report is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9f_qHJeCpU

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The $100bn media battle that could change everything

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Netflix and Paramount are locked in an epic fight to take over Warner Bros. Discovery. The price tag could well reach north of $100bn. And at stake - a huge back catalogue of blockbuster film and TV, a streaming giant, a Hollywood studio, even CNN.

Enter Donald Trump, who's expressed concern about the potential for a monopoly, and also reportedly wants a say on any potential restructuring of the news network under new ownership. The outcome could result in the mother of all media monoliths.

Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren has claimed that Netflix and Warner Bros. combined would capture close to half of the streaming market -that figure is disputed by Netflix, which says it has less than a 20% market share.

Could it really be determined by Donald Trump's ire at one recent Marjorie Taylor Greene interview?

Later, Lewis speaks to Noah Oppenheim, the writer of 'A House of Dynamite', a film that deals with a nuclear strike on America. The Pentagon doesn't like his depiction - why?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Trump warning about "civilisational erasure" in Europe?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

European leaders have met in Downing Street once again to discuss peace plans for Ukraine, following Trump's latest proposal - but once again it seems Zelenskyy has wound Trump up, leaving America and Europe at odds. And another document from the Trump administration illustrates an even deeper division. The 33 page National Security Strategy says Europe is facing "civilisational erasure" and says the US has an obligation to “cultivate resistance” in order to "correct" the current trajectory of the continent. Why does Trump's new strategy read like it was written by the Kremlin? Are the US and Europe still even allies?

Later, is Keir Starmer's new social media strategy enough to put speculation about his leadership to rest?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How lawyers ruined Britain

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:08:00 +0100

While China is an engineering state, tech analyst Dan Wang says the America and the West are "lawyerly societies", reflexively blocking everything - good and bad - and it's halting real progress.

Dan joins Lewis in the studio this Friday to discuss why Europe stopped building, how lawyers contribute to a slow in progress, and what all this means for wider geopolitivs and the rise of the far right.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Sir Chris Hoy: "Government could save thousands of lives" - The Sports Agents

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy joins Gabby and Mark after his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis at just 47 years old.

What more does Chris think the government should be doing to help? How has his sporting background helped him? And why is he excited for the Darts World Championship?

And we bring you the best bits from The Sports Agents this week from President Trump meddling in the FIFA World Cup to rumours of a Serena Williams comeback.

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🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Nigel Farage "off his head" over anti-semitism and the BBC

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:32:00 +0100

Reform's Deputy Leader, Richard Tice, popped up on the BBC today and appeared to dismiss the antisemitism claims of Jewish men who’d been at school with Nigel Farage as “politically motivated…made up twaddle“. Hours later, Farage exploded at a BBC reporter during a press conference, demanding an apology for what he said was "despicable" coverage of the antisemitism row by the BBC.

Farage has previously admitted to the slurs but excused them as school boy banter. So, where does all this leave a party that claims to “take antisemitism very seriously"? Well, rather well off - some would observe. The party received a massive 9 million pound donation today, making UK history. Don’t donors mind? Or is the party impervious to cancellation?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Labour ready to reopen the Brexit debate?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Today's episode is an exclusive interview with David Lammy - Justice Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Secretary.

Is he prepared to ignore the internal Labour criticism of his jury plans? Does he admit the budget was a fiasco? And what is going on with Labour and Brexit right now. Are we about to see a change of plan?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the jury system overrated?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In the sane world of the commons, the Shadow Justice Secretary was only two minutes into his speech before he called the justice secretary a “Lammy Dodger“ and accused him of going back on his previous position on jury trial. Today’s question is this does ending most jury trials speed up a sclerotic system? Or is it the wrong solution for the right diagnosis?

Later, is public sympathy with the striking junior doctors? And do they really expect to win more pay?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What was The Chancellor's biggest budget crime?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Rachel Reeves is accused of misleading the public, lying and “possible market abuse” by the opposition. They’ve called for her resignation. The Prime Minister, however, is standing by her and told us today the budget was a thing of “personal pride” for him.

Meanwhile the OBR - the body that accidentally leaked the Chancellors budget an hour before it was given - have admitted this evening it was the worst failure in its fifteen year history. The run up to the entire budget was a fiasco. But was it a lie? And which bits do the public really understand or care about?

Later, why is Trump about to declare war on Venezuela? Is it about regime change, or oil, or Epstein or all three?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Salman Rushdie on political violence, free speech and BBC "cowardice"

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:07:00 +0100

Salman Rushdie has spent half of his life under the threat of death, but it is only in his latest novel - The Eleventh Hour - that he has devoted a whole book to the themes of mortality. It is his first return to fiction since an attempt on his life on 2022.

This Friday, Rushdie joins Lewis and Jon in the studio to discuss his new book, political violence, and the "cowardice" of the BBC.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Rules football should steal from other sports? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Can other sports teach football a thing or two? On today's show Gabby and Mark take your suggestions on how to fix football, using your passion for a massive range of sports.

Plus, we look back at The Sports Agents this week: a huge interview with McLaren CEO Zak Brown as Lando Norris could win them the world title this weekend; and we talk about the elephant in the room at struggling Liverpool - grief.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Does Labour need to own its move to the Left?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have been out defending their Budget - denying that the tax-raising measures contained within it break the Labour manifesto's promises around taxes on working people. Instead they have been trying to focus on the additional money for the NHS, lifting children out of poverty, and raises to the minimum wage.

Yesterday's package of measures amounts to a fundamental shift in both the size of the State and the size of its tax take. It looks set to draw the political divide and define the political debate into the next election. So does Labour need to start making a better case about why it has moved the country in that direction?

Jon and Lewis speak exclusively to Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell. She broke ranks before the Budget to warn against the idea of raising income tax - how does she feel now?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Budget 2025: Has Reeves saved her job?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0100

This time last year, Rachel Reeves pledged that her tax raising Budget “wiped the slate clean” and would mean no more need for future tax raids. Today demonstrably proved what a hostage to fortune those comments were. As a result of the Chancellor’s statement today - shambolically accidentally leaked by the OBR before she had got to her feet - the tax burden is due to reach an all time high by the end of the decade. Due to her tax threshold freezes, one in four workers will pay the higher rate of income tax by 2030. There were unmistakably Labour themes in this Budget too - a mansion tax, the end of the two child benefit cap, betting firms also hit with further taxes. But is her calculation the right one? Will the voters stomach tax rises to pay for public services a ballooning welfare state? Or was this about securing her position in the party - if not the country? And what has happened to the Government’s mission for growth?

Jon and Lewis speak to Torsten Bell, the Treasury minister and so-called ‘mastermind’ behind this Budget.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are Trump's lawyers now controlling the BBC?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Just a day after BBC bosses were in front of MPs to address impartiality concerns, and there's a fresh impartiality headache for the beleaguered broadcaster. Dutch historian Rutger Bregman, who'd been asked to give the prestigious Reith Lecture, today revealed that the BBC had removed a “key line” from his address. Bregman's claim that President Trump is “the most openly corrupt president in American history” was removed from the Radio 4 broadcast of his lecture. He's said today that he was informed that the decision to remove the accusation was taken at the “highest levels within the BBC”. The BBC has insisted the decision was taken on legal advice. So why was the line pulled? And is the threat of Donald Trump's legal action now influencing the editorial decisions of the BBC?

Later, with Nigel Farage on the back foot over the allegations he made racist remarks as a schoolboy - does the Reform UK leader have a glass jaw?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Was Trump's latest 'peace plan' written by the Kremlin?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The leak of a 28 point peace plan over the weekend - reportedly agreed between Washington and Moscow - sent shivers down the spine of European leaders and Ukraine's soldiers.

The proposals would force Ukraine to hand over swathes of territory to Vladimir Putin, limit the size of its army, and rule out any future membership of NATO.

The package was seen as so favourable to the Kremlin that many questioned whether Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be able to stay on if he accepted the terms. And computer analysis of the text suggested that the plan may have indeed been written in Russian before being translated into English.

Donald Trump then floated a Thanksgiving deadline for a deal. So what's behind America's fresh urgency for an end to the conflict in Ukraine? Is Russia determining the terms of any deal? And does anyone in the White House care?

Later - Mamdani's masterclass in how to handle an Oval Office summit, and why Donald Trump may have seen something of himself in the New York mayor-elect.

Ken Clarke on the Budget from hell

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Ken Clarke is perhaps the archetypal political Big Beast. Elected to parliament 55 years ago, he held cabinet roles under Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron - tipped many times for No 10, and yet never quite hardline enough on Europe to convince his Tory peers that he should be their leader.

Ahead of what looks certain to be an existential Budget for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer, Lewis went to Lord Clarke's Nottingham home - to discuss the hard choices ahead, the future of this Government, Brexit, populism, and much else besides

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did Sky Sports axe 'Halo' TikTok too fast? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Only three days after launching, Sky had to take down its TikTok channel for female sports fans. Branded as the "lil-sis" of Sky Sports, it was complete with pink hearts and Barbies.

But were they on to something? How do we get more young women hooked on sport? The person who figures that out has hit a goldmine.

To try to strike gold, Gabby chats to Chris Paouros, Vice-Chair of the Football Supporters Association, and Ceylon Andi Hickman, Deputy Chief Executive of Football Beyond Borders.

Plus we look back at this week on The Sports Agents, from illegal streaming wars to The Ashes.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

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🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Was Nigel Farage a racist schoolboy?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The Prime Minister has called on Nigel Farage to explain the reports of racist comments the reform leader allegedly made as a school boy. Farage has denied making the comments and called the allegations “without foundation“.

The Guardian reported this week that he had picked on Jewish boys at Dulwich college when he was there at school and had sung offensive racist songs.

Much of their reporting had been aired a decade earlier by Michael Crick - broadcaster and Farage biographer. We invited him onto the Newsagents studio to ask if he thought Farage was racist then, and now?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are the vultures circling around Keir Starmer?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Backbench Labour MP Clive Lewis took to a TV studio to offer up his own Norwich seat to allow Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham a path back into Parliament and make a bid for No 10. He said his party felt "in checkmate" and that it was time to put "country before party, party before personal ambition".

Is a change of leadership now a “when not if “question? Is Lewis a lone wolf? Or are the vultures now circling? Has the Labour Party started to imagine life beyond Starmer?

Later, what is the corruption scandal now engulfing Ukraine - and can Zelenskyy survive it? His moves to curb the powers of the anti-corruption agency have worried EU powers. Where does the hundred million dollar scandal leave the war effort against Russia?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did the Home Sec use a racial slur to justify government policy?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Parliament is not usually the place where you hear racist language. But yesterday, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood repeated a racist slur that she has often been subjected to. Was she right to use this language to illustrate her point? And was she using it to justify her latest asylum policies?

Later, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins us to talk about the Epstein files and the mounting pressure on President Trump.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Tommy Robinson claims victory for Labour's immigration plan

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The Home Secretary is putting her new hardline immigration plans before parliament - saying if Labour doesn’t do something drastic then worse will come. The new policy includes returning asylum seekers to their home country once it’s deemed safe. And quadrupling the amount of time they will have to spend in the UK before earning indefinite leave to remain.

Some Labour MPs are already queuing up to call it "performative cruelty" and unworkable - but she’s found a fan in one Tommy Robinson who hailed the shifting of the Overton window in an unlikely weekend Tweet. Will that cheering send shivers down the spines of Labour MPs? And is the policy workable? Jon and Emily speak to the senior backbencher Stella Creasy about her concerns.

Later, Trump has had a change of heart on releasing those potentially incriminating Epstein files - why?!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

David Blunkett on how Keir Starmer can save his premiership

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0100

It’s been a chaotic week for Labour, with rumours of internal plots and Downing Street briefing wars.

As questions swirl around Keir Starmer’s leadership, and with Rachel Reeves facing mounting pressure to steady the party’s economic footing, Labour’s internal tensions are threatening to boil over.

Lord Blunkett joins Jon in the studio to dissect what is going on inside Labour, how Starmer might get a handle on the situation, and ultimately save his premiership.

This episode was recorded before reports of a Labour tax u-turn.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Sir Mark Cavendish: "They wrote me off but I’m a born racer" - The Sports Agents

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Never write off a born racer: Sir Mark Cavendish had won 30 stages of the world's biggest cycling race, The Tour de France (even winning one makes a riders career) but he'd been out of the game for 5 years - so no one would give him a job. What happened next was one of the biggest comebacks of all time to put him among the sporting greats.

Sir Mark Cavendish joins us on today's show - how did it feel to be written off? Was it fair to call him a “dickhead” as a racer? And after childhood success in ballroom dancing - is Strictly next?

Plus the best bits from The Sports Agents this week - is ChatGPT running your team? And why risk staging Eubank v Benn 2?

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

How Epstein threatened to "take down" President Trump

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:22:00 +0100

23,000 pages of documents from the “Epstein files” have been released by Congress. They reveal damning details, and suggest that Epstein and Trump were in contact long after the President has previously said.

In the emails Epstein said of Trump: "I am the one able to take him down".

So are Trump's connections to Epstein finally catching up to him? And do these emails really have the power to take down the President of the United States?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is there really a plot to oust the PM?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:27:00 +0100

Late last night came a crisis response from Downing Street responding to a story no one had even heard. The suggestion was a plot - to unseat the prime minister - supposedly by the Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

Streeting vehemently denied the plot. But a briefing went out from Downing Street suggesting Starmer was ready for the fight. What on earth is going on?

Later, Jon speaks to Christine Flack - Caroline Flack's mother - about her meetings with culture secretary Lisa Nandy to push for the second part of the cancelled Leveson Inquiry, and her new documentary into her daughter’s trial by media.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will the BBC face down Trump in court?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:30:00 +0100

The BBC has been set a deadline of Friday by Donald Trump's lawyer to apologise and "appropriately compensate" the US President for a Panorama edit of his January 6th speech.

If the broadcaster doesn't respond, the threat of a $1bn lawsuit looms. The outgoing head of the BBC Tim Davie today told staff to "fight for our journalism" - but it's not yet clear how it will respond to the unprecedented threat from Trump.

Should it have the courage to face down the threat and to challenge him in court? Many experts believe Trump's legal case is thin. So why are so many on the Right cheering on his campaign against the BBC?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Inside the BBC: What really went on

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Over the last 48 hours, The News Agents have spoken to more than 30 people - insiders at the BBC - to try and work out the facts of what actually happened inside the corporation, and when. Both the Director General and the CEO of News resigned over the weekend, so why are some talking about a “right wing coup“? Why did the apology take so long to arrive? And why is Trump now threatening the state broadcaster with legal action?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 6 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 18:45:00 +0100

This is the final episode of Coining It. If you'd like to catch up from the beginning, head to Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts and search for 'Coining It'. Or, if you've enjoyed the series, head to the Coining It feed where you can leave a rating and a review.

In this episode... Who was the real James Parker? Lewis pieces together the truth behind the would-be Robin Hood, as his friends face jail for their actions. Penniless and abandoned, James is still holding one last twist - while the police close in on his missing millions.

From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

Q&A: Should we abolish the monarchy?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:58:00 +0100

Is it time to rethink the British monarchy? Why has “Your Party” been such a spectacular flop? Is Starmer the biggest obstacle to a Labour second term? And what IS the Overton window?

This Friday, Jon, Lewis and Emily answer your questions.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Celebrity Traitors with Clare Balding - The Sports Agents

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100

We've been Traitors mad so Clare Balding joined Gabby and Mark for a slightly different episode of The Sports Agents. Don't worry there's no spoilers from the final!

Is she bitter no one listened to her about Alan? Why did everyone underestimate Joe Marler? What did Claire tell the producers they should change about the game? And how did Claire know Celia was going to fart?

Plus we look back at two huge interviews on the podcast this week with former England manager Gareth Southgate and Euros winner Mary Earps.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Malala: “Would I have chosen a different life?“

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0100

13 years ago, a teenage education activist in Pakistan was attacked by the Taliban — catapulting her onto the global stage. Malala Yousafzai went on to become a global icon and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.

This week, she joined Jon and Emily to discuss her powerful new book, reflecting on the journey from her early activism in Pakistan to becoming one of the world’s most influential advocates for girls’ education. She shares what has changed — and what hasn’t — for young women seeking their right to learn, the personal stories behind her latest writing, and why she believes global politics is failing the next generation.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Should Mamdani's win in NYC be a wake-up call for Labour?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:06:00 +0100

Overnight, progressives in New York witnessed a political earthquake. A resounding win on a high turnout for the city’s first Muslim mayor - a democratic socialist with robust ideas about capitalism. Was it his youth? His clear cut policies? Or was it his authenticity that energised the city’s voters? And are there lessons to be learned for how politics should be done here in 2025?

Health Minister, Wes Streeting, joins us to talk about personality in politics, and what Labour could learn from Mamdani's example.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the Chancellor about to break her manifesto promise?

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:10:00 +0100

At 8:10 this morning the Chancellor made a speech in Westminster. 45 minutes later no one was any the wiser. She promised to be honest with the public but refused to confirm tax rises or a commitment to her manifesto pledge and rule them out. So what was it all for?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The train stabbings: Could it have been prevented by stop and search?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The appalling train stabbing on Saturday night has sent politicians scurrying to find the right policy response. The shadow Home Secretary is calling for a dramatic increase in stop and search. Would this yield more arrests? Create a deterrent? Or just create tension and division amongst communities? We talk to Neil Basu, former head of counter terrorism and frequent target of Stop and Search himself.

Later, why is Elon Musk conflating hobbits and rapists in rural England?

You can listen to The Crime Agents special episode on the train stabbings here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7Drv3Y1/

And Sir Gareth Southgate's interview with The Sports Agents is here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7Drv3Wz/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 5 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:45:00 +0100

We're back with the penultimate episode of Coining It. Thank you for the brilliant response to the series so far. If you don't want to wait for the last episode on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode... The party’s over. When one of James’ friends goes to the police, detectives finally connect the dots. James is hauled in for questioning - but doesn't give a monkeys. As greed and paranoia take hold, his last friendships fracture beyond repair.

The King banishes Andrew - but will it be enough?

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:23:00 +0100

It's a 2025 royal knockout. After sustained and mounting pressure, the King took drastic action last night, stripping his brother of his prince title and turfing him out of Royal Lodge.

Prince Andrew becomes Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Why has King Charles moved so decisively against his brother now? And will this draw a line under the Epstein scandal that has dogged the Palace - or are there still questions that remain unresolved?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Why are deaf athletes excluded from Paralympics? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Did you know the government doesn't fund deaf athletes, because they aren’t allowed to compete at the Paralympics?

For 100 years now they’ve been holding their own competition - the Deaflympics - where referee whistles are replaced by flag signals, and starting guns by flashing lights. But no Paralympics means no funding. All because they were born with the so-called “wrong” disability. Great Britain medal hopefuls Charlotte Gower and Nathan Young join Gabby.

Plus we look back at the best bits from this week on The Sports Agents from the NBA gambling scandal featuring the mafia and x-ray glasses with Andy Hughes (Co-Host of The Crime Agents podcast) and The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov; to a love letter to the Ashes with some hilarious stories from Phil Tufnell.

You can watch the Deaflympics live on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TOKYO2025DEAFLYMPICS And find out more information about DeaflympicsGB here: https://www.deaflympicsgb2025.co.uk/

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Is a British arms deal helping to fuel the Sudan genocide?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Why are British-made military items being found on the killing fields of Sudan? It's a question that the government has been asked in parliament today, amid escalating reports of the most brutal mass killings of civilians.

The Guardian revealed this week that UK-manufactured military equipment is being used by the RSF militia in Sudan - who are accused of committing genocide in the country by the USA. So what's going on? And could it prompt a rethink of where we sell our military equipment?

Later - is Geert Wilders returning to the wilderness? The Dutch electorate seem to have dealt him a blow with a centrist candidate now the favourite to become the country's next PM. Are there lessons for the PM here in the fight against populism?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Starmer about to break his biggest promise yet?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

With the budget looming next month, Keir Starmer has refused to stand by his manifesto commitments not to raise income tax. It comes as Labour's poll rating hits an all time low - so will this be the final blow for voters?

Later, after admitting he won't (probably) won't be seeking another term, was Trump ever serious about a third run at President? And what is the future for MAGA when he leaves office?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump getting away with murder in the Caribbean?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Donald Trump is declaring his actions in the Caribbean a war on drugs. Democrats are calling it "state-sanctioned murder". What is Trump's game plan for Venezuela? Is it about fentanyl? Oil? Or regime change?

Later - the latest YouGov poll has put four major parties all within two points of each other. What does it tell us about the state of UK politics? And what can we learn from Plaid Cymru’s success in last week's Caerphilly by-election ?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the King losing his grip on the Prince Andrew crisis?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Why was the king heckled outside Lichfield Cathedral? Will Andrew vacate Royal Lodge for two other royal homes? And when will the public appetite be satisfied that the palace has done enough? We take you behind the curtain to the events at the end of last week and the key conversation that never happened.

Later, was Reform MP Sarah Pochin racist in her comments about TV adverts? And is she a danger to Reform, or an asset?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 4 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:45:00 +0100

Thank you for all the positive reactions to Global's latest unmissable podcast series, Coining It. This is episode 4. If you don't want to wait for episode 5 on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode... James Parker’s secret has been rumbled. But he’s not about to give up his millionaire spending. And instead of handing back all his glitched bitcoin, he and his financial advisor have come up with a deal to broker. Meanwhile, James’ friends realise the depth of the trouble they’re all in... James wants his Bitcoin back.

Jens Stoltenberg on Putin, Trump and Europe’s future

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and populist politics shake Western democracies, NATO is facing one of the most turbulent moments in its 75-year history. This Friday the former NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, joins Lewis to talk about the war in Ukraine, the rise of populism in the West, and how to deal with Trump.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Is Formula One in for a hollywood ending? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Formula One might be about to witness a comeback worthy of a Drive to Survive Hollywood film. With five races to go, the McLaren driver win that seemed as certain as death and taxes, has suddenly been put in jeopardy by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Could they pull off the impossible?

Gabby and Mark are joined by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, who has history with both teams as a world championship runner-up with McLaren, who became the highest scoring British driver of all time while at Red Bull.

Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Andy Cole, the Premier League's fifth top goalscorer of all time, revealed what it was like being one of four top strikers at Man United, and his reaction to the managerial merry-go-round at Nottingham Forest.

And as basketball finds itself in big trouble with the GB men's team banned from international competition, we spoke to the first Brit to play in the NBA, Professor John Amaechi, as well as the leaders of the two warring sides, Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of Super League Basketball, and Chris Grant, who recently stepped down as Chair of the British Basketball Federation.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Is the government's small boats plan "in tatters"?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer came to power vowing to smash the gangs and stop the boats. He believes in the power of returns agreements to solve the problem - and established the 'one in - one out' system with France. An irregular migrant is returned for each refugee who has gone through the process properly. But, in a moment of low farce and high tragedy, an Iranian man - one of the very first to be sent back to France - turned back up on these shores on a small boat for a second time. So much for a deterrent, it would seem. So is the system broken? And could Labour now be thinking the unthinkable about the cancelled Rwanda plan?

Later, Wikipedia is reaching its 25th anniversary. The total sum of human knowledge freely available online - and powered by volunteers. How did such a vast, ambitious and optimistic idea ever come off? We speak to founder Jimmy Wales about tech billionaires, trust and human nature.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Prince Andrew be called to face Parliament?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:05:00 +0100

The pressure is mounting on Parliament to scrutinise the housing arrangements of our Royal family after the times revealed this week Prince Andrew pays a mere peppercorn rent on Royal Lodge.

Could he be called before MPs to explain his finances? Does the tax payer still fund this disgraced Royal? And what is the nature of the relationship between Parliament and palace that makes them so unwilling to ask?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Prince Andrew - Could more women now come forward?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Amy Wallace, the co author of Virginia Giuffre‘ s memoir - which is published today - has told Emily it’s possible more women will now come forward to reveal what they know about Prince Andrew’s actions on Epstein’s island. She calls on Andrew to “name names” of other abusers around Epstein. And she speaks for the first time about what Virginia believed happened on the night Epstein died.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Prince Andrew and the Epstein scandal - Virginia Giuffre in her own words

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Virginia Giuffre is speaking to us from beyond the grave - with her memoir about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Epstein and - she claims - Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew continues to deny those allegations.

The book is a harrowing account of abuse, pain and control. Does it change how we see Andrew? Should he now stand trial? And what does it tell us more widely about complicity and power?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 3 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:45:00 +0100

You've loved Coining It, so it's back for episode 3. Thank you for the brilliant response to the first two episodes. If you don't want to wait for episode 4 on this feed, the entire series is available now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode... Destination: Dubai. James Parker and his newly hired financial advisor are on the trip of a lifetime - to meet a man who can turn their glitched Bitcoin into gold and cash. But just as they’re about to board the plane, James gets a call. It’s the owner of the trading platform… and he wants his money back. Now.

From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

Zack Polanski on populism, patriotism and poverty

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:01:00 +0100

It's just six weeks since Zack Polanski became leader of the Green party. He's not even an MP. And yet, in that short space of time, he's become something of a political rockstar for those on the left of British politics.

His party is shooting up in the polls, he's attracted a devout and growing following on social media, and his modern style of communication is marking him out against what can at times feel like a rather stale political establishment in Westminster.

In this extended interview, Lewis speaks to Polanski about his political journey and about his radical vision. Why does he support the break up of the United Kingdom? Does he recognise his stance on NATO sets him at odds with the public? And could Labour MPs be about to join him?

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Has British Gymnastics cleaned up its act? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

British Gymnastics has been on a journey of root and branch reform since the damning 2022 ‘Whyte Review’ exposed systemic abuse and cultural failings.

We are now three years into its "Reform 25" plan, which was designed to "create safe, positive and fair experiences for all in gymnastics by 2025" by implementing the Whyte Review recommendations.

So as the World Artistic Gymnastic Championships starts, has enough progress been made?

Gabby and Mark are joined by Joseph Carr, Senior Associate in the Abuse Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, who has acted for around 40 clients bringing abuse cases in gymnastics.

British Gymnastics have yet to respond to The Sports Agents' request for comment. Their latest progress report can be found here: https://a.storyblok.com/f/83342/x/f0b8c9f937/british-gymnastics-reform-25-final-progress-report-v4.pdf

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at charities such as Gymnasts for Change (https://www.gymnastsforchange.com/)

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Could Labour MPs jump ship to the Green Party?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:15:00 +0100

Zack Polanski is riding high right now. The polls have buoyed since he became leader of the greens. And membership has significantly increased too. Today he suggested to Lewis that Labour MPs might defect to his party. Is that going to happen?

And what does it tell us about the way left wing populism is mimicking the style of right wing populists in 2025?

Later, France’s new prime minister looks ravishingly similar to France’s new prime minister. Because it’s the same man. Will he stay in the job longer than a month? And what is the structural problem France is battling right now which make its politics so febrile?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are American billionaires trying to reshape British politics?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:01:00 +0100

JD Vance has had his sights on the UK since becoming vice president - fixating on our free speech laws, criticising Britain in strong terms.

But is that part of a wider movement? There is evidence of a growing concerted effort, by rich and organised American advocacy groups, setting their sights on the UK, trying to influence public mood and indeed politics itself.

Tommy Robinson is claiming that his legal bills are being funded by Elon Musk, and a new report from the New York Times suggests that one American organisation is set on shifting opinions here on abortion. We speak to the investigative reporter Jane Bradley.

Lewis and Emily dissect a combative PMQs over the China spying row - is this now a he said-she said row or is there more serious jeopardy for Keir Starmer?

And lastly, Emily asks why the toilets are being reinforced at The Royal Albert Hall...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did the government willingly collapse the China spy trial?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The Conservatives have accused Keir Starmer and those around him of wilfully forcing the collapse of a trial involving two young British men accused of spying for the Chinese government - allegations they deny. Security minister Dan Jarvis got to his feet in the Commons last night to angrily deny Kemi Badenoch's attacks - it's all the fault of the last Conservative government was his counter charge. So why exactly did the case collapse? Did those in government really choose to protect economic interests over national security? Or could this be a case of cock up rather than conspiracy?

Later, which party leader emerged best from the conference season. And what might this tell us about the public hunger for change?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The hostages are home. Is this a lasting peace?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

The 20 living hostages, taken captive on October 7th two years ago, have been freed from Gaza and now begin to try and piece together shattered lives.

In Gaza, Palestinians are returning to homes of rubble - free of gunfire - but displaced and dispossessed. The politicians are telling a different story today, full of victory laps and self praise.

In Israel's Knesset, Donald Trump spoke of a "new dawn of the Middle East", and even "peace for all eternity". Are leaders really committed to the long haul of peace? And what part did the UK play in bring the plan about?

Later, why was Prince Andrew still writing emails to Epstein after he promised he’d broken off communication for good? And why was he reportedly signing them off with the phrase promising to "play some more soon"?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 2 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:45:00 +0100

After the brilliant response to episode 1 of Coining It, here's episode 2. If you don't want to wait for episode 3 on this feed, all episodes are available now, on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

James Parker has turned a digital glitch into a fortune. Most would keep it quiet - but not James. The newly minted millionaire flaunts his wealth across Blackpool, playing Robin Hood to a tight-knit circle who share his secret. But his spending spree hasn’t gone unnoticed. One cop is watching, puzzled by the sudden riches of a man who, until recently, had nothing.

From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

You can listen, for free, to all episodes of Coining It with Lewis Goodall on Global Player.

Neil Kinnock on the speech that changed the Labour Party

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:48:00 +0100

As this year’s party conference season draws to a close, Lewis sits down with Neil Kinnock to reflect on his iconic 1985 Labour Conference speech. They discuss leadership, the power of political courage, and what the future holds for the Labour Party.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Q&A - MOTD moments, rowdy Ryder Cup & sheepdog shows - The Sports Agents

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Gabby and Mark answer all of your questions from building their 'dream athlete' and their favourite Match of The Day moment so far, to England winning a home Rugby World Cup and the Ryder Cup crowds.

Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas joined us in the studio to talk about how recent pro-Palestinan protests might change the future of cycling. Former Bournemouth Chairman, Jeff Mostyn, discussed saving the club and whether Eddie Howe is England manager material. And after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody announced his motor neurone disease diagnosis Professor Dame Pamela Shaw explained whether or not there is a link between exercise and MND.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesportsagents/

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Is Trump's peace plan too good to be true?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza.

Donald Trump announced the agreement saying all hostages would be released, and Israel would withdraw troops.

There have been celebrations on the streets in Gaza and Israel, but is the peace plan going to last? And does the President now have an outside chance of securing the Nobel Peace Prize?

Later in the show we speak with Lucy Powell, one of the two contenders for the Labour deputy leadership, who struggles to tell us what she really thinks of Keir Starmer.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Kemi Badenoch promises to abolish Stamp Duty. Is it enough to save her job?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

To rapturous applause and a full throated national anthem, Kemi Badenoch delivered the speech that may just have saved her job.

She promised to end stamp duty, abolish VAT on private schools and scrap farmers inheritance tax. She will also ban doctors from striking, cancel university courses she doesn’t rate, and dismantle the structure of Britains human rights protection.

Will this move the dial for a party struggling to make its voice heard? Emily, Lewis and Jon discuss from inside and outside the conference hall. And we talk to John Glen - Kemi’s right hand man in parliament.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why Robert Jenrick wants to see more 'white faces'

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Robert Jenrick has doubled down on remarks - from a speech he made in March - just leaked to The Guardian. In it he rued the 90 minutes he spent in Handsworth saying it was “like a slum” and wondering “where all the white faces were”. He insists he’s talking about the need for integration and community cohesion. So how’s that working out?

Later we report live from Manchester on the new Conservative policy to remove judges. What are they lining up next for the rule of law? And does anyone mind that it’s straight from the Trump playbook? Emily caught up with Robert Jenrick to ask him.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is there any difference between the Tory party and Reform?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week at a depleted Tory conference Kemi Badenoch must try and convince her party of its need to exist and of her own place at the top of it. The problem, though, is many voters simply haven’t heard of her. Is anonymity worse than unpopularity? And how does she make new policy announcements without sounding like Reform-lite? We talk to Luke Tryl from More in Common.

Later, what does the ECHR really do, and what would happen to Britain if we left it? Joshua Rozenberg gives us the lawyers lowdown.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Introducing: Coining It with Lewis Goodall | Ep 1 - Unmissables: Explosive Lies

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 18:45:00 +0100

Here's a new podcast you might like - this is episode 1 of Coining It. All episodes are available now, on Global Player or search for 'Coining It' wherever you get your podcasts.

In a damp Blackpool flat, James Parker is broke, restless, and stuck in a life going nowhere - until he discovers a glitch in a Bitcoin trading platform that begins pouring millions into his account.

Most people would keep it quiet. James doesn’t.

He starts handing out money, buying cars for mates, throwing lavish parties in a town where fortunes are rare. To some he’s a hero, a modern-day Robin Hood. But as the spending spirals and the police start asking questions, cracks begin to show. Deals get darker, loyalties shift, and James is left chasing the very people he once made rich.

How far would you go if the money felt endless?

And what would it cost when it finally ran out?

From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

Q&A: Pro-Palestine demos, Starmer's future, and Kemi's irrelevance

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Should pro-Palestine protests be going ahead in the immediate aftermath of the attack on a north Manchester synagogue? Could Keir Starmer's days be numbered? Is Nigel Farage a snowflake for his response to claims that his deportations policy is racist? And has the Tory party ever felt this irrelevant?

Lewis and Jon answer your questions in this Q&A episode.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Boris Becker - from Wimbledon glory to serving time - The Sports Agents

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker joins Gabby and Mark on The Sports Agents to talk about his time in prison.

The former world number one was sentenced to over two years in jail after going bankrupt. So how did he go from tennis glory to prison? What was it like living with murderers and drug dealers? And how did he feel watching Wimbledon from a jail cell?

Plus, we look back at the best bits from this week's shows about England winning the Rugby World Cup, Europe storming to Ryder Cup glory and the fight to become one of football's top managers.

Boris Becker's memoir, “Inside: Winning, Losing & Starting Again” is out now .

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at Samaritans (call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org), Prison Reform Trust (https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk) and other charities.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagents

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

A terrorist attack on Yom Kippur

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:47:00 +0100

A terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester has left two people dead and several others fighting for their lives on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The prime minister has cut short his trip to Denmark to chair Cobra - as police investigate whether the perpetrator was known to security. Manchester is sadly once again coming together to reject hatred in the aftermath of appalling violence.

Andy Hughes, presenter of The Crime Agents podcast, talks through the police response and the changing nature of terrorism in the UK.

Later, David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, speaks to Jon and Emily about why some instinctively leap to sowing divisiveness in the aftermath of these events and how to confront it.

We discuss the political - and personal significance - of a terror attack on Yom Kippur.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Tony Blair really the right person to sort out the Middle East?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:55:00 +0100

Earlier this week President Trump announced his so-called "Board of Peace", to help bring an end to the war in Gaza.

He also announced that Tony Blair would be a member. He's a "very good man", Trump said. But considering his legacy in the region, is the former Prime Minister really the person to work alongside Trump and Netanyahu to bring about peace?

Later in the show, Emily speaks with the playwright Suzie Miller, who discusses how we should be educating young men to help them avoid a growing culture of toxic, abusive and misogynistic behaviour.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Keir Starmer Britain's Joe Biden?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The PM took on what he called the "enemies of national renewal" in his conference speech today - accusing Nigel Farage of exploiting the “politics of grievance”.

Keir Starmer instead pledged a Britain "built for all" - he spoke of the fight for the "soul" of the country. It was all spelt out in quite stark terms, and Starmer's clearest enunciation yet that he sees Farage and Reform, not Badenoch and the Conservatives, as his main threat. He portrayed a new political clash - between decency and division.

The Labour faithful lapped up his patriotic lines, and cheered his attacks on Reform. He nodded to Oasis and the Lionesses in declaring that Britain isn't broken. Is that a smart strategy? Or is he risking painting Labour as defenders of the status quo? Is he making the same mistakes as Joe Biden?

Jon and Lewis speak to the health secretary, Wes Streeting, about whether the PM is getting his message across to voters.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Labour calling Nigel Farage racist?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Labour politicians are upping their attacks on Nigel Farage and Reform UK in Liverpool.

Rachel Reeves took to the conference stage to brand Farage "the single greatest threat to our way of life". And over the weekend, Keir Starmer levelled the accusation that Reform's policy on deporting migrants with indefinite leave to remain was "racist".

The shift in tone is not without risk - with the tabloids already accusing the PM of labelling voters more generally who are concerned about migration as racist.

But so far at party conference, cabinet ministers appear to be more comfortable defining themselves against their enemies and making the moral case for Labour in government.

Is that what the party activists, and the public, need to hear? And are there still inherent contradictions with that Labour is saying about its plan in office?

Later, Lewis and Jon speak to Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary also vying to be deputy leader of the party. She had a major announcement today about bringing back maintenance grants to some working class university students - and she came over to the News Agents stand to talk about that, Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and the case she's making for deputy.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Bonus episode: Is this Starmer's toughest conference yet?

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Cast your mind back to last year in Liverpool and it's hard to imagine much more of a contrasting picture to this year's Labour party conference.

Then, party members were still basking in the glow of the election victory, Keir Starmer applauded as the leader who'd defied the odds and returned Labour to power.

Now? Leadership jockeying is well underway, a deputy leadership battle could further divide the party, and there is widespread dismay at the speed with which Labour's honeymoon period in office ended - if it ever existed at all.

Is this crunch time for Keir Starmer to reassert his vision as PM and give party activists something to feel good about? Why are some senior figures now openly questioning whether he can lead the party into the next election? Has Burnham made his play too early? And could a new message on Reform and Farage be part of Labour's comeback strategy?

Lewis and LBC's political correspondent Aggie Chambre have your conference preview from Liverpool.

Leo Varadkar on Trump, Starmer and the death of liberalism

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:01:00 +0100

In many ways, Leo Varadkar was a historic Taoiseach. The youngest Irish PM, the first from an ethnic minority, and the first openly gay head of government.

His time at the top of Irish politics was also historic - he grappled with Trump's first term, the Brexit years, and the Covid pandemic.

At just 44 years of age, he walked away from politics. But he is still fascinated - even obsessed - by the political arena.

He's written a memoir, 'Speaking My Mind', about his rise to power and his time at the seat of government.

He came into The News Agents studio to speak to Lewis about the populist surge and where Starmer is failing in his efforts to curb it here, what it's like dealing with Donald Trump up close and personal, and why he found Boris Johnson easier to deal with than Theresa May - even though he couldn't trust him.

Weekend Edition: Rugby World Cup Final with Ruby Tui on the 'game of the decade' & calling King Charles "Bruv" - The Sports Agents

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Gabby is joined by Ruby Tui - the nation has fallen in love with this World Cup winner and Olympic medallist over this Women's Rugby World Cup. She tells her story, from calling King Charles "bruv", to escaping domestic abuse, and getting 40,000 fans to sing a Maori folk song after winning a home World Cup.

Ahead of Saturday's final, Ruby says it's an honour to witness this moment in sporting history. England haven't lost since the last World Cup Final... no pressure then!

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, help is available from charities like Refuge: https://refuge.org.uk/

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Could Andy Burnham replace Keir Starmer as PM?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:19:00 +0100

It feels like Andy Burnham is everywhere right now. Interviews in the New Statesman and The Telegraph have propelled the question of his leadership ambitions into Keir Starmer’s face. Does he have a really chance of challenging the PM? And what is his vision for Labour if so?

Later, we interview comedian and director of The Producers, Patrick Marber, about Nazi satire, Jimmy Kimmel and Tommy Robinson's march.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Farage turning Reform into a Trump tribute act?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Ed Davey closed the Lib Dem conference with a warning not to let Trump’s America become Farage's Britain. What might have sounded hyperbolic 24 hours ago sounded prescient by 8 am this morning - after Farage went on LBC and refused to distance himself from Trump's Tylenol conspiracy and then segued neatly into a discussion about immigrants eating swans (the Royal Park’s police deny all knowledge of this). Opinion polls suggest the Brits are not big fans of Trump. Has Ed Davey spotted political opportunity in exploiting this fully? And is Farage going off the boil?

Later, we sit down with novelist Ian McEwan to discuss memory, metaphysical gloom and modern Britain - which he gets to grips with in his new book 'What We Can Know'.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Wes Streeting telling Donald Trump to shut up?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The US president is pushing his health secretary’s latest conspiracy theory from the White House. This one links a paracetamol painkiller with autism in pregnant women - a claim which has been discredited by numerous large scale studies and scientists. But is the damage already done? Today our own health secretary took to the television to warn women not to listen to the US president. How damaging will Trump’s words be? And is it all part of a larger movement to discredit science and expertise?

Later, Reform UK are being told their "numbers don’t add up" on their latest plans for mass deportation. Is that the only push back the government has to offer? Have they ceded the argument by merely talking about the maths?

And lastly, why is America having to bail out Argentina when they’ve all been praising President Milei's immense cost cutting capabilities?

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Israel annex the West Bank now Britain recognises Palestine?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The PM's recognition of a nominal state or Palestine has provoked a furious response from the right flank of the Israeli government - several members of which are openly calling on their own government to now seize the occupied West Bank in retaliation.

Israel says this is a reward for Hamas and that Keir Starmer is concerned with his own party management - is there any truth to any of that? Why is Netanyahu unable to see the part he himself has played in bringing this historical move about? Will any of the rhetoric bring salvation to starving people in Gaza or the hostages in their midst? And is this move a tacit admission from the British government that it is powerless to change the situation there?

Later, what does the memorial for Charlie Kirk tell us about Christian nationalism and the MAGA movement?

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Report: Will the AI revolution end politics as we know it?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Imagine if the Industrial Revolution took place over 10 years instead of 100. Imagine if most human labour was about to become redundant. Imagine if machines transformed our economy, our society, our politics.

You'd think politicians would be talking about it, making policies to manage it - leading a critical national conversation, perhaps even raising the alarm.

Well you don't need to imagine it. It's already happening. And our politicians are, almost entirely, silent.

In this special report, Lewis sees firsthand the almost unbelievable changes already afoot on America's west coast, at the pioneering forefront of the AI revolution. If AI is about to overtake our politics, why aren't our leaders talking - or even thinking - about it?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Eddie Hearn talks Ricky Hatton & still trying to escape dad's shadow - The Sports Agents

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:08:00 +0100

Eddie Hearn sits down with Gabby & Mark to talk about the evolution of Matchroom from a £100 sports promotion company, formed under under the staircase of the Romford Snooker Club, to a billion pound global behemoth.

Eddie speaks openly about still trying to impress his Dad, Matchroom founder Barry Hearn, planning for life after Anthony Joshua and his pain at how much more profitable the darts is than the boxing!

And in the week we lost ‘The Hitman’ Ricky Hatton - Eddie also pays tribute to one of the most loved boxers this country has ever produced.

New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

Trump celebrates the silencing of Jimmy Kimmel

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:06:00 +0100

Overnight, the late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was literally cancelled - taken off air and his show suspended, for what his ABC network bosses called "insensitivity" over Charlie Kirk’s death.

The firing came after comments from the broadcast regulator suggesting he would revoke licences if the show wasn’t stopped.

Are media companies now complicit in Trump's plan to silence them? And why isn’t anyone in MAGA calling out this version of cancel culture now?

Later, we are with Trump and Starmer in the Chequers press conference as they face questions on Epstein, Mandelson, Putin and Gaza.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How welcome is Trump in Britain?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

POTUS has landed in the UK - where he's been so effectively directing public conversation and with increasing noise on the Right about the need for Britain's own MAGA movement. What do the British public really think about Trump? Do they welcome or resent this "unprecedented" state visit? And will it make Keir Starmer’s own position stronger or weaker? We speak to More in Common's Luke Tryl.

Later, why are British MPs getting barred from Israel? And what do they want the PM to say to Donald Trump on Gaza? We speak to Dr Simon Opher, one Labour MP recently turned away at Israel's border.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How Charlie Kirk's murder is being weaponised by his own side

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Last night, JD Vance appeared as guest host on Charlie Kirk's podcast. He took the opportunity to use the platform and vow to "dismantle institutions on the left that promote violence and terrorism." He used the death of his good friend, Charlie Kirk, to warn that “an incredibly destructive movement of left wing extremism“ contributed to his killing. Is the Trump administration genuinely blind to the violence also coming from the right? Or are they using this high profile tragedy as a way to justify a crack down that was always part of their plan?

Later, what did the Prime Minister know about the Mandelson-Epstein friendship before he was appointed? As an emergency debate takes place in the commons today, what does this all spell for Starmer?

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Elon Musk tells the UK to "fight or die"

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Elon Musk popped up at Tommy Robinson's march in London on Saturday, calling for parliament to be dissolved, overthrown and for people to fight or die. So, that’s all normal. UK Politicians by and large seemed to think that was all fine. So is the far right now normalised to such a degree even the government won’t properly call it out? And who are all these people lining up alongside Tommy Robinson - a man once considered a racist and a thug by many?

Later, the MP for Wiltshire Devizes has just switched parties without a by-election. Conservative Danny Kruger, formerly a mate of both Boris Johnson and Robert Jenrick, declared his party dead. And has joined Reform. How will his constituents feel about that? And how can you blame "successive government failure" when you have been part of it?

You can listen to Andy Hughes report from Tommy Robinson's rally here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrtP74/

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Nicola Sturgeon’s message to Keir Starmer - Stop making Nigel Farage the next PM

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:10:00 +0100

Nicola Sturgeon has a message for Keir Starmer. Stop legitimising Nigel Farage - or you’ll make him the next PM.

Scotland’s former first minister has done a lot of reflecting since she left office. In an extended interview we talk about her fractious relationship with Alex Salmond, her conclusions on her gender ID policy, the police investigation that saw a blue “murder tent“ erected in her garden, and whether she could have won Scottish independence if she’d led the campaign.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: The incredible story of Eugene Amo-Dadzie AKA 'The World's Fastest Accountant' - The Sports Agents

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100

A special interview today with a sprinter - who ironically - is living proof that it’s NEVER too late to start! Eugene Amo-Dadzie has shot to stardom as ‘The World’s Fastest Accountant’, literally balancing spreadsheets with sport until he was 26 years old!

Last month he tied his hero Linford Christie’s 100M time and became the joint second-fastest British man over 100m (9.87). It’s an amazing story that has led all the way to the start line at this weekend’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and you’re gonna love him!

Plus we'll look back on another star-studded week on the show as Gabby hit the trading floors of the City at a charity event to catch up with the likes of John Terry, Michael MacIntyre, Maro Itoje, Keira Walsh and many more. Earlier in the week we reflected on Daniel Levy's legacy in North London after he was 'removed' as Spurs' Chairman after 24 years!

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill, Sam Folayan and Rory Simon

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Why is Charlie Kirk now being hailed a "martyr"?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:02:00 +0100

American flags are flying at half mast today to honour the memory of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and MAGA influencer shot dead at a university event in Utah.

It is hard to state how influential Kirk was in attracting younger voters towards the Republicans. Donald Trump has said he was influential to his 2024 election campaign.

In a White House video, Trump said the “radical left” were "directly responsible" for the "terrorism" now present in America, by comparing “wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers”. He pledged that it would be put to a stop. Other MAGA commentators have gone further, claiming that the US is at war and that American conservatives cannot co-exist with liberals. What does Kirk's death mean for American politics now? And why are some British politicians claiming that Kirk spoke "common sense", when his views were so out of kilter with public opinion?

Later, how damaged is Keir Starmer by Peter Mandelson's resignation as our man in DC - less than a week out from Trump's state visit?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Keir Starmer standing by Jeffrey Epstein's 'best pal'?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Lord Mandelson has admitted there may be more embarrassing emails and correspondence between himself and the notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The US ambassador was speaking to The Sun the day after a birthday message emerged calling Epstein his “best pal“, and just as the Telegraph revealed details of a business deal that Mandelson worked on with Epstein AFTER he had been convicted.

Keir Starmer has stood by his ambassador but failed to answer Kemi’s PMQs question - did he know about these dealings when he originally signed off the job? Can Mandelson stay in his role? And why is Starmer determined to defend him.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's letter to Epstein is revealed

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:03:00 +0100

A US congressional committee has made public the 'birthday book' allegedly given to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 to mark his fiftieth birthday. In it, messages, photos and drawings from his friends - including Donald Trump.

The White House is furiously denying that the American President ever submitted a drawing to Epstein, insisting that the signature is not his. Democrats have called it "revolting" and "sick". After spending so long shouting about an Epstein cover up, how wounded are Trump and the Republicans by the latest revelations?

Later, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, on the "addictive" algorithms he thinks are making the world a more dangerous place - and his proposals to reclaim the internet.

And, the Labour deputy leadership race heats up. Why it might have Keir Starmer sweating.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The real reason behind Keir Starmer's reshuffle

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Labour's new home secretary Shabana Mahmood has barely got her feet under the desk, but already the rhetoric out of the home office has changed. Countries that don't "play ball" on migrant returns could lose visas - Mahmood stressing she will do "whatever it takes" to secure Britain's borders and stop the boats.

Her appointment appears to be a tacit admission that Labour's first year has failed on migration - and in response, it looks like Keir Starmer has tacked right in the hope of beating off Reform. On welfare, suggestions too that Labour could be set to reattempt their botched reforms of last term - more pain for Labour's left.

If Starmer's reshuffle pushes this Labour government to the right - how does that fit with Labour's deputy leadership contest? Already senior Labour figures like Andy Burnham have been out of the traps to criticise the shake up and suggest an alternative prospectus for government. And with a contest set to drag on for weeks and weeks, will the race to succeed Angela Rayner risk unpicking Starmer's attempt to show his government has turned a page?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Angela Rayner resigns - can a reshuffle save Labour?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Keir Starmer announced 'Phase 2' of his government on Monday - a reset of his Downing St operation supposed to get Labour gripping the agenda and on the front foot for the year ahead.

Just four days on, the PM faces his biggest test yet. Angela Rayner, the deputy PM, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader resigning after a breach of the ministerial code for not paying the correct tax on the purchase of a flat in Hove.

In response, Starmer is undergoing a sweeping reshuffle - only the chancellor Rachel Reeves was told her job was safe ahead of time.

What happens now? Could a left-wing candidate cause Starmer a major political headache if they run to replace Rayner as deputy leader? Will Rayner become a lightning rod on the backbenches? Does Starmer risk creating yet more enemies in sacking cabinet ministers?

Can Starmer use this moment to bolster his authority - or is it his most destabilising day in office?

Weekend Edition: NFL's 'Isak saga' - A tale of player power & Netflix drama - The Sports Agents

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Former Super Bowl champion Jason Bell joins Gabby and Mark to talk about the NFL's biggest transfer drama of the summer, which puts the Alexander Isak saga to shame. We're talking about a huge standoff, the highest paid non-quarterback in history and a new Super Bowl favourite. (05:30)

Plus we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Former Premier League striker, Troy Deeney, joined us after deadline day as we asked, should Marc Guehi should have thrown a transfer tantrum like Isak? And with Olympic medallists still owed millions of dollars from Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track - what went wrong? That's with The Athletic's Adam Crafton and agent Paul Doyle. (01:00)

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill, Sam Folayan and Rory Simon

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Why has Nigel Farage gone to America to slag off Britain?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The morning after Nigel Farage appeared in Washington DC to berate his own country before Congress, the News Agents decamped to a Farage-free zone; his own constituency of Clacton-on-Sea.

On Capitol Hill, Farage warned that the UK was turning into "North Korea" due to the restrictions on free speech laws. He urged the US not to follow Britain down this path - even urging Donald Trump to slap sanctions on his own country if it forces big tech companies to follow UK law rather than America's.

We’ve been asking people here how they feel about their MP slagging of his - and their - country in America? Does they think he has a point? Or is Reform's leader simply being deeply unpatriotic?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Angela Rayner on resignation watch?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:55:00 +0100

Angela Rayner broke cover today - just before PMQs - to give an interview to Sky News in which she admitted she may have made a mistake on the tax she paid for her seaside property. The details are complicated - and involved both her special needs son and her divorce - but was it tax evasion (illegal) or tax avoidance (not illegal)?

And will her political future rest on the answer?

Later, we’re discussing Graham Linehan , Lucy Connolly, JD Vance and freedom of speech in the UK.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Nick Clegg: What really happened at Facebook?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Nick Clegg worked intimately alongside Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook/Meta for seven years. He departed Silicon Valley in January and has written a new book - How to Save the Internet - and given his first broadcast interview to The News Agents.

Is the world wide web as we know it being dismantled? Does he still see social media as a force for good? Could it impact an election? And how much did Zuckerberg care about the impact the product has on children’s health? We chat AI, British politics, and why he suspended Trump from the platform...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why does Keir Starmer keep agreeing with Nigel Farage?

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has shaken up his core team in Downing Street today. It's an attempt to grip the agenda, improve the government's messaging and take on Nigel Farage after a difficult first year in office.

"Delivery, delivery, delivery" was what the Prime Minister said was the government's priority for the year ahead - but deliver what? There is a debate taking place in the Labour party between those who believe a more progressive case is needed, that you don't beat Farage by apeing his talking points.

Others are convinced that it is only by addressing these concerns that you can stop them from splintering off to Reform. Will today's reset get us any closer to revealing which side of that divide the PM is on?

Later, what the fevered online speculation about Donald Trump's health this weekend tells us about the White House - has there been a cover up or was it just a campaign by an army of trolls?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are we sleepwalking into an AI 'economic bloodbath'?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:02:00 +0100

This is the first part of two special Friday episodes on the way AI promises to transform our politics, economies and societies. Lewis has been in San Francisco, where trillions of dollars of investment in AI is fuelling the 21st century equivalent of the space race. Around half a dozen firms are powering this revolution, largely out of sight or scrutiny. While the political and economic implications are profound, politicians seem unwilling or unable to even conceptualise what might be about to happen to their own voters.

In the first of these special episodes, Lewis has been speaking to Jack Clark, one of the founders of Anthropic - one of the big AI firms. These companies don’t speak out that often, but Clark has a sober message for politicians. If politics doesn’t wake up- there could be an economic bloodbath within the next 18 months.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Russian dolls, fax machines & legal threats - the making of the first Women's Rugby World Cup - The Sports Agents

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Our guest today, Alice Cooper, fought to set up the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991, along with three other trailblazing women. It took players selling Russian dolls and vodka to pay their way, organising everything over fax, and Alice losing her job - but they did it. Alice tells Gabby and Mark the story of how they paved the way for this year's World Cup.

Plus, we look back at the best bits from this week's shows: former Nottingham Forest player David Prutton asked, could Mourinho replace Nuno at Forest?! After dream debuts for 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha and 15-year-old Max Dowman, Max's former coach at Arsenal, Temisan Williams, and The Telegraph's Sam Wallace joined us. And comedian and Grimsby fan, Lloyd Griffith, took the mickey out of Mark after their shock Carabao Cup win over Man United.

📩 Got a question? Send it here: https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

💭 Tell us your thoughts in our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

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Everything wrong with Keir Starmer’s media strategy - and how to fix it

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:55:00 +0100

There's news today of a Downing Street shakeup and speculation too about a ministerial reshuffle next week. Parliament returns on Monday, with Labour MPs hoping that the new term will bring with it a chance to rejuvenate a government that has plummeted in the polls and a party that seems almost mutinous.

This summer, Nigel Farage has planted himself at the centre of the news agenda - with regular press conference, media stunts and interventions. Labour ministers have been doing the round too - but they seem to have less to say in recent weeks than the Reform leader,

Amidst all the talk of a reset, Jon and Lewis break down where Labour's media strategy is going wrong - and what Keir Starmer needs to do to win the messaging war.

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Is a secret US spy ring trying to take over Greenland?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:01:00 +0100

It's a story that reads like it's jumped out of a thriller novel. Denmark has today summoned America's top diplomat in the country, after reports emerged that figures connected to the Trump administration had infiltrated Greenland to conduct “covert influence operations”.

Denmark's national broadcaster has today come out with a jaw-dropping story alleging that three US citizens are suspected of recruiting Greenlanders for a US-sponsored “separatist” movement. Are they rogue operatives - or are they working on behalf of the US State? Jon and Lewis speak to the journalist who broke the story,

Later, Labour are on the attack over Nigel Farage's mass deportation plan. The minister in charge of UK-EU relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, has today been slamming Reform and the Tories for their aversion to closer ties with Europe - as well as branding Farage's migration proposals unrealistic and unworkable. He came in to the News Agents studio.

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Farage, flags and Connolly: How the Right turned on the State

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:02:00 +0100

In an airport hangar in Oxfordshire, Nigel Farage unveiled Reform UK's mass deportation plan. Farage pledged to tear up international treaties, build new removal centres, and strike deals with foreign countries in an effort to drive up returns at pace should he become PM. There was a dark message in his speech - that without his radical programme, Britain faces rising anger, even civil disorder.

Speaking at length about a political class and a legal class pitted against this action, Farage asked: "Whose side are you on?".

It follows a weekend in which Tory politicians have been condemning the British judicial system for convicting Lucy Connolly, who was jailed after calling on people to "set fire" to asylum hotels in the wake of the Southport attack.

When did the British Right turn on the British State? How did the conservative movement become so set on tearing down institutions rather than preserving them? Jon and Lewis discuss.

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Q&A: Trump, Putin and 100% inheritance tax

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:50:00 +0100

Does Putin have something on Trump? Is Trump deliberately deflecting attention from the Epstein saga? Is Starmer's advisor, Morgan McSweeney, overestimated by the media? And what response has Lewis had to his 100% inheritance tax theory...?

This Friday, Lewis and Jon answer your questions.

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Weekend Edition: Can England's Red Roses pick up where the Lionesses left off? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

As part of a special weekend edition of The Sports Agents - Gabby's been at Twickenham - the home of England rugby - to speak to key members of England's Red Roses squad ahead of the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup!

Over 375,000 tickets have already sold for a 32-match home tournament which kicks off on Friday as England bid to avenge their narrow World Cup final defeat to New Zealand back in 2021.

Gabby sits down with Mo Hunt and Emily Scarratt, two of England's most decorated players, as well as, former captain-turned-coach Sarah Hunter, for an insight into the mood in the camp, the pressures of hosting the tournament as favourites and the chance to inspire a whole new generation of rugby fans.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

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Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

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Israel invades Gaza City. Will anything stop Netanyahu?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Palestinians have started to flee Gaza City after the IDF commenced its offensive on the largest city in the Strip.

The incursion has been condemned by aid agencies, international allies and hostage families. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the move is necessary to "shortening the timelines" to seize "the last terror strongholds" in Gaza from Hamas. What happens now? We speak to Leila Molana-Allen, special correspondent for PBS Newshour.

Later, Jon interviews the historian Andrew Lownie about his bombshell new book 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York'.

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Where are asylum seekers supposed to live now?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Anti-migrant protesters are celebrating today, with The Bell Hotel in Epping set to close its doors to asylum seekers after becoming a battleground over the summer on the issue.

A High Court ruling ordered The Bell to stop housing migrants on a planning technicality. It did not receive the proper permission to switch its use from short-term stays to people living there for more than 30-day stretches, despite having run as such without incident for more than five years.

A failed last-minute attempt by the Home Office to get the case dismissed laid out the department's concerns. The government barrister warned that any injunction could lead to other councils following suit, a development "that would aggravate the pressures on the asylum estate."

He also warned that granting the injunction would “"run the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests".

Those appeals were unsuccessful. And now the government is having to work out where those asylum seekers will now live. If other councils follow suit - and succeed - it could become a major political crisis. Despite all the noise around this issue, are politicians giving any serious thought to alternatives?

Later, more gloomy news on the economy for Labour - is there any way for Rachel Reeves to wriggle out of the fiscal straightjacket she now finds herself in?

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Is Palestine Action really a terrorist group?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:01:00 +0100

There is a growing chorus of opinion - both inside the Labour party and out - which is increasingly uneasy about the recent mass arrests of demonstrators who have been showing their support for the now proscribed group Palestine Action.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, banned the direct action group under terrorism legislation in July - but since then hundreds of people have been detained for expressing solidarity with the body and its aims. But that decision has been questioned, with Labour members opposed to the move, Labour MPs critical, and even the author Sally Rooney pledging to fund the organisation. Could the government rethink its strategy? Or does it need to do more to explain why it took the action it did?

We speak to Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey, about why he is now calling for a review of the terrorism legislation following the Palestine Action arrests.

Later, as Donald Trump floats security guarantees "by air" for Ukraine on Fox News (where else?), Jon and Lewis take stock on where we are now the morning after the night before that dramatic evening in the White House.

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BONUS EPISODE: Zelenskyy survives the Oval Office... but has anything really changed?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:02:00 +0100

In a tone entirely different from Zelenksyy’s last visit to Washington in February, this evening saw Trump praising the Ukrainian president. Zelenksyy was on the charm offensive. And it seemed to work. Trump bestowed his other European guests with compliments and promised that America would play a key part in the security guarantees if there is a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

It was in some ways a remarkable event, with European leaders sat around the roundtable kissing the ring of President Trump. But will it amount to anything? Can the US really guarantee the security of Ukraine? Will it? And where does this leave peace talks now?

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Trump-Zelenskyy: another showdown?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:01:00 +0100

There's plenty about the build up to this Trump-Zelenskyy summit which tells you that it is no normal meeting. The questions over whether President Zelenskyy will wear a suit and tie. The video from the plane where Keir Starmer pleads with Trump to secure a "just peace". And the Truth Social posts from President Trump, just hours ahead of their talks, where he pre-emptively told the world that NATO membership was off the cards for Ukraine, as was the prospect of Crimea being returned.

Why is Trump seemingly setting pre-conditions for Ukraine which look very much like Kremlin objectives? Can European leaders convince Trump to stand by Ukraine if the conflict continues? Or could we be set for a repeat of the ugly scenes we saw in the White House in February - where Trump and JD Vance openly berated their guest, accused him of disrespect, and told him he held none of the cards?

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BONUS EPISODE: The panic driving Europe’s leaders to Washington with Zelenskyy

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 16:01:00 +0100

President Zelenksyy is on his way to Washington to meet with President Trump. He's followed by several European leaders, including Keir Starmer. Rarely is international diplomacy carried out under these circumstances. So, what would a deal look like? Why are those European leaders choosing to go to with Zelenkyy? And is this Europe's final stand against Putin?

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SPECIAL REPORT: Has America’s fentanyl crisis landed in the UK?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:50:00 +0100

From coast to coast, America’s towns and cities have been besieged by an opioid epidemic, a crisis which has wrought misery and wielded political consequence.

Deep in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas - a city renowned for its seedy underbelly, has some 1,500 people living in its 600 miles of flash flood tunnels - many addicted to fentanyl. Lewis meets some of the tunnels’ residents to find out how this years-long epidemic is still wreaking havoc and claiming lives.

Despite being insulated from the crisis for so long, British treatment services are sounding the alarm bell. Nitazenes, a family of extremely powerful synthetic opioids, are spiking the drug market with dealers carrying out dangerous experiments on their clients causing overdose after overdose on the streets of Britain.

Has the opioid epidemic, once thought of as a uniquely American problem, now landed in the UK?

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Weekend Edition: Premier League Q&A - MOTD, Battle of the Bridge & time for hooters? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Gabby and Mark answer your Premier League questions ahead of the new season!

Which Match of the Day pundit is most fun to watch a match with? Best Premier League game we've ever watched live? And what's our wildest hot take for the season? (09:15)

Plus we look back at a big week on the podcast featuring Alan Shearer's Premier League predictions, Chris Wilder's survival guide for promoted sides, and David Ornstein's updates on the biggest transfers. (03:00)

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

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Why the hard right hate London

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Barely a day goes by without a right-wing influencer proclaiming that London has fallen. Crime in the capital, it is said, is rampant, police nowhere to be seen - it's a grim picture painted by those who decry 'Sadiq Khan's London'.

But is any of this actually borne out in reality? Do the facts back up this portrait of the city? And if not, why are there so many on the hard right so determined to trash London's image?

Later, a report from Vegas about a jaw-dropping new AI product, which raises questions about life, death, and the commercialisation of grief.

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Why is the US lecturing Britain on free speech?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

While the Vice President holidays in the Cotswolds, Donald Trump's administration has accused the British government of “repeatedly” imposing “serious restrictions” on free speech - and accuses the UK of backsliding on human rights.

The US State Department cites the Online Safety Act and abortion buffer zones, in its rationale for sounding the alarm about Britain's recent record - does it have a leg to stand on? LBC's political editor Natasha Clark joins Jon to explore that report.

Later, with European leaders meeting with President Zelenskyy today, capitals across the continent are bracing for impact ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. Jon and Mark Galeotti, the historian and Russia-watcher, look ahead to that meeting and where it might leave Ukraine.

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Why has Trump ordered the army onto the streets of DC?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:05:00 +0100

“Violent gangs", "bloodthirsty criminals", "roving gangs of wild youths", "drugged out maniacs". These may sounds like scenes from a Charles Dickens novel, but they are the words used by Donald Trump to describe Washington DC, as he announced he was sending the National Guard in to the capital.

As recently as May, President Trump was proclaiming a sharp drop in crime in the city. Indeed, the official statistics suggest DC has made significant improvements in safety in the past couple of years. So why is he declaring a war on crime, and taking such drastic action, when the evidence doesn't back him up?

Later, a dispatch from Lewis in Las Vegas - already hit by a drop in tourism, and now seeing the effects of AI, which has already started to transform the town. Is it a sign of things to come for us all? And, if so, should we be scared?

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Will Trump and Putin carve up Ukraine – then blame Zelenskyy?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:05:00 +0100

In just a few days time, Vladimir Putin is set to set foot on American soil for the first time in a decade. He's been invited to Alaska by Donald Trump, a man desperate to claim that he has brought the conflict in Ukraine to an end.

There is just one problem with that. Putin hasn't offered any significant concessions, and Ukraine and its allies are demanding that no Ukrainian territory seized by Russian soldiers during the war is given up - a red line it looks like Trump is set to ignore. Ukraine's President Zelenksyy, as it stands, isn't even invited to take part in the talks. It all lends itself to the perception that Putin is going to play Trump - and then paint Zelenskyy as the obstacle to peace. Will Trump buy it?

Later, Jon speaks to a man who knows Putin well. Mikhail Kasyanov was Russia's Prime Minister under President Putin in the early 2000s. He tried to run against Putin, became a target of the regime, and has become an outspoken critic of the Kremlin in exile. He explains why he believes that Alaska summit is destined for failure - and Trump should cancel it.

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Q&A: the Epstein files, Corbyn as PM, and are Reform clickbait?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:02:00 +0100

This Friday, Jon and Lewis are back with more of your questions. Would the markets take fright at a Jeremy Corbyn or Nigel Farage premiership like they did with Liz Truss? Is the media biased towards Reform over the Lib Dems? And could we ever see Benjamin Netanyahu arrested?

Later - it may feel like we are living in a uniquely settled world, but was there ever a time in the past century where things actually felt any calmer?

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Weekend Edition: Inside Sheffield Wednesday's crisis & who's next? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

The Championship kicks off this weekend but Sheffield Wednesday players and staff are still waiting to be paid. For the inside story of how the club fell apart, Mark is joined by Chris Powell, the assistant coach who left a few weeks ago. And it's not just Sheffield who are struggling - so who's next and how do we keep finding ourselves here? (02:00)

Plus, we look back at this week's shows where we asked... Is Isak to Liverpool the last transfer saga? And should cricket ditch The Hundred? (18:30)

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

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Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

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Did the homelessness minister evict her own tenants for profit?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Labour's homelessness minister is facing fury from her own side and calls to resign - not for her track record in government but her track record as a landlord. Rushnara Ali, the MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, rented out a four-bedroom townhouse in east London, and the tenants have gone to the press to complain about their treatment. One told the I newspaper that they received an email saying that the lease on their tenancy would not be renewed as Ms Ali was looking to sell the property - and yet just weeks after they left, they found that the house back on the rental market at nearly £700 a month more.

To make matters worse, this practice is set to be banned under legislation being introduced by this government. The Tories are suggesting that she exploited her tenants and are accusing her of staggering hypocrisy. Can she survive? And how damaging is this for the government? Lewis speaks to the I's housing correspondent Vicky Spratt, who broke the story, and LBC's political correspondent Aggie Chambre.

Later - will the much-anticipated meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin actually happen? And what would it mean for Ukraine? Mark Urban, host of the Crisis Room podcast, reads the runes.

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Was Hiroshima a war crime?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Thousands of people have gathered in Hiroshima - including representatives from 120 countries - to come together with a renewed call for nuclear disarmament.

America's use of the atom bomb on the Japanese city, followed by Nagasaki a few days later, remains the only time in human history that nuclear weapons have been deployed in armed conflict.

To some, it was a decisive turning point in WW2 - the moment where the Axis powers realised they were destined for defeat. But to others, including Jeremy Corbyn, the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were crimes against humanity. Could both things be true?

And why has the long shadow of the second world war made it so difficult for nations to look at their own histories objectively?

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Is Netanyahu set on the full occupation of Gaza?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

“The die has been cast. We’re going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas." That was the quote from the Israeli Prime Minister's office given to media last night in Jerusalem.

Despite mounting criticism of the plan, including from former military officials, politicians and the families of the hostages still in Hamas captivity, Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to occupy the entirety of Gaza.

Why is he ignoring the pleas, both domestically and internationally, not to escalate the conflict? Would it help or hinder his efforts to free the hostages and eliminate Hamas? And what would it mean for the dire humanitarian situation in the Strip, where famine has taken hold?

Jon and Lewis speak to Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian mission to the UK.

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Why are Tories predicting a revolution?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:00 +0100

More protests at migrant hotels took place this weekend - with people trying to break into a hotel in Canary Wharf on Sunday. As things escalated, rumours started to swirl. Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi posted that police had banned all protest outside the hotel- only for the Met to point out that no such ban existed. Another Conservative MP quoted a video claiming (incorrectly) to show an illegal Deliveroo worker getting a police escort. So why are some Tories spreading misinformation? And why are they talking about 'revolts' against the 'regime'?

And, as Lewis returns from Japan we take a look at the rise of the far right in the recent Japanese election. Who is behind the party founded on YouTube and taking notes straight from Donald Trump?

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What's going on with young people and God?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:30:00 +0100

Why are more and more young people turning to God? A recent YouGov poll suggests the number has doubled in the past six years from 22% to 45% saying they now actively have faith.

It's being called the “Quiet Revival“. It may be happening under the radar but the numbers suggest a revolution. Is it a response to covid, smart phones, or perhaps a crisis in masculinity? Or has atheism just had its day?

We are at the Wildfires Christian festival to find out what’s going on.

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Weekend Edition: Triple H on 'genius' of Trump, Hulk Hogan's legacy & replacing Vince McMahon - The Sports Agents

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

We bring you a UK exclusive interview with a genuine WWE icon - Triple H!

Mark Pougatch sits down with 'Hunter' to discuss what makes President Trump a 'genius', why wrestling is more real than you might think behind the scenes, and to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan. (5:30)

Plus, a taste of this week's special interview with Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl winner who rewrote American sporting history, and is now a minority owner of Birmingham City FC. And we reacted to the Lionesses winning the Euros again (is this the new normal?!) with ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley (a huge Hannah Hampton fan!) and The Guardian's Suzy Wrack. (1:00)

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Why are defenders of free speech always shutting people down?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0100

Exclusively on The News Agents, we speak to top democrat Jamie Raskin. He's here on a mission to find out if free speech is under threat in Europe. It’s a big talking point in the MAGASphere - he’s visiting with the judiciary committee. So why did he find himself shouted down at a public event by one Nigel Farage?

Later, we talk to Bafta winning actor Adeel Akhtar - famed for Four Lions- about his latest play about money, family, and politics - The Estate.

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Is Starmer willing to recognise Palestine or not?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

After a ninety minute crisis cabinet meeting - driven by the appalling scenes of starvation in Gaza - Keir Starmer emerged with a plan: the UK would recognise Palestine by September. If Israel hadn’t changed its behaviour before then. So, is statehood for Palestine an end goal for UK foreign policy? Or just a punishment for Israel? And what happens if there ARE moves towards peace in the next six weeks - is that rewarded by the UK stepping back from its pledge? We talk to global historian Peter Frankopan about what “recognition“ really means. And ask Emily Thornberry where it leaves her party.

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Is Nigel Farage really “siding with Jimmy Savile“ by opposing the online safety bill?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Nigel Farage is no stranger to harsh criticism from his political rivals, but never before has he been linked to prolific paedophile Jimmy Savile.

That is, until now.

Cabinet minister Peter Kyle has accused the Reform UK leader of being “on the side” of Savile after Farage said he would repeal the government’s online safety act.

Farage has now demanded an apology - but Kyle’s doubled down.

Are Labour brushing over the genuine unease that many people have about the online safety act? And is their rhetoric making Farage look like the grown up in the room?

Later, did Starmer do enough to defend his friend Sadiq Khan after Trump called him a “nasty person?”

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What do the Epping Protests tell us about 'civil disobedience' in the UK?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0100

A wave of anti-migrant protests and counter-protests took place at migrant hotels around the country this weekend, with police being drafted in from all around. So, how close are we to another summer of riots? We sent The Crime Agent's Andy Hughes down to the protests in Epping as tensions in the community have been escalating for weeks.

Later, how safe are the new online age verification measures brought in for the Online Safety Act?

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Tina Brown on how Trump lost control of the Epstein narrative

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:59:00 +0100

This Friday, Jon is joined by Tina Brown - former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker - to discuss her run ins with Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout from the Epstein files, and what this could all spell for President Trump.

You can read Tina's substack 'Fresh Hell' here: https://tinabrown.substack.com/

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Weekend Edition: A letter from the Lionesses to the Prime Minister - The Sports Agents

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0100

England are into the Euros final again! Last time, as soon as they won the Lionesses sent a letter to Downing Street demanding equal access to PE for girls. If they wrote again this time, what should they ask for to make football more inclusive for women? Gabby figures it out with Vice Chair of Kick It Out, Chris Paouros, and author of "Get Your Tits Out For The Lads", Sally Freedman. (06:30)

Plus we share our favourite bits from this week's episodes - how will Marcus Rashford fit in at Barcelona? Can we start comparing Scottie Scheffler to Tiger Woods? And will teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang fire the Lionesses to Euros glory? (01:00)

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Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Trump's Epstein cover is blown

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0100

This is the story that Trump just can’t escape. The White House has pushed back after reports that the President was told in May that he was among hundreds of names mentioned in the Epstein Files.

As the pressure mounts, and Trump’s attempts to deflect the story fail, can he ‘fake news’ his way out of it? Or could the MAGA faithful finally turn on the President?

Could Ghislaine Maxwell walk free?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:03:00 +0100

For the last two weeks, Donald Trump has been trying to make the Epstein story go away after he claimed there were no missing files and there was nothing more to see.

Now, Ghislaine Maxwell - the former partner of Jeffrey Epstein, and the only person to serve jail time for his crimes - has been summoned to a meeting with the US justice department. Why? What information could she offer up that she hasn’t before? Do they want her to name names? Or take Trump’s name out of the frame? And might she walk free if she does?

Later, the broadcaster and journalist Mehdi Hasan found himself in a room with self described fascists. Young American men that want him deported. He joins us to tell us what happened next.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are Gazans starving so that Netanyahu can survive?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

“Let them eat burgers“ - Israel’s PM Netanyahu has popped up on a Canadian fratcast talking about his favourite fast food and weighing up the merits of the Double Whopper. Across the border, Gazans are starving to death - UN estimates suggest a thousand have been shot in the meagre food distribution queues. Many more are facing malnutrition and critical levels of hunger. We keep being told that 80 percent of Israelis are against the war - so why hasn’t it stopped? We speak to Ayala Panievsky.

Later, Hunter Biden rants at George Clooney and Barack Obama’s team for trying to bring his father down. It’s a three hour long interview. An act of loyalty? Or stupidity?

And, why is Nigel Farage providing the most memorable moment of the Tory reshuffle?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's $20 billion Epstein gamble

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Donald Trump has filed two defamation suits of ten billion dollars each against Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal. The newspaper claimed Trump sent a lurid birthday note to the grim dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - something Trump has vehemently denied. Why is Trump trying to kill the Epstein story now? And why won’t his MAGA base let it die?

Later, has environment secretary Steve Reed really stopped water bosses bonuses? Or are they just taking home their millions in a different way?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Afghan data leak, Diane Abbott, and the Coldplay couple

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions about the Afghan data leak - what were the legal loopholes? Why hasn’t the Speaker resigned? And is there a situation where you'd ever disobey a super injunction?

Later, why is the Labour party at war with Diane Abbott? And is the story of the couple caught having an affair at a Coldplay concert really a public interest story worth our attention?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Usyk beats Dubois but where was the hype? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0100

As almost 100,000 fans head to Wembley Stadium to watch Oleksandr Usyk fight Daniel Dubois to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion, Gabby and Mark are joined by boxing reporter, Steve Bunce, who never fails to make us laugh! (09:00)

Plus, Gabby and Mark look back at the best bit from this week's shows!

Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspod

TikTok: @thesportsagents

Instagram: @thesportsagents

X: @sportsagentspod

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Why is Starmer firing his MPs?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Last night the Prime Minister chucked four of his more rebellious MPs out of the parliamentary Labour Party. Technically, he 'removed the whip' which means that for now they cannot call themselves Labour MPs. Was he right to move against them? Does it make him stronger or weaker in his job? And what message does it send out about how Starmer wants to govern?

Later, why were key intelligence figures not informed of the Afghan data breach? And did the government mislead the courts over the severity of the situation?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why the Afghan data breach isn’t just a Tory problem

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Questions are still mounting after the super-injunction imposed on The News Agents - to stop us reporting the story of a catastrophic data breach that put up to 100,000 Afghan allies at risk - was lifted.

Who bears the heaviest burden of responsibility for creating this mess?

Emily, Jon and Lewis discuss the questions that the Tories, who imposed the super injunction in 2023, need to face up to - and why Labour, who upheld the super-injunction for nearly a year, must also be held accountable.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

BONUS EPISODE: Exclusive - Defence secretary on the "catastrophic" Afghan leak

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +0100

The government admitted today that the superinjunction which for two years prevented us from reporting on a “catastrophic” data breach which put the lives of 100,000 Afghans at potentially lethal risk by the Taliban was “constitutionally unprecedented”.

The Defence secretary stood up in the Commons to issue an apology to those Afghans whose data had been leaked, and said that it had been “deeply uncomfortable” to have kept parliament - and the public - in the dark.

On the day that the story finally became public, John Healey came in to speak exclusively to Lewis, the first journalist to be issued with a superinjunction by the MoD.

You can listen to Lewis’s special episode on the story that the government spent two years from preventing us from telling here:

https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrsZBQ/

The secret court that silenced The News Agents...until now

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100

For nearly two years the government has taken The News Agents and other journalists to a secret court to prevent us from reporting a story of huge public interest.

In August 2023 Lewis was told of a massive data breach at the Ministry of Defence - a dataset including the names and contact details of 18000 applicants to the ARAP programme, the scheme for Afghans who had helped the British armed forces in the 20 year war in the country.

These people were already at risk of reprisal from the Taliban and now their details were out there, provided courtesy, in effect, of the British government. Including family members, nearly 100,000 people were affected. This led to a constitutionally unprecedented super-injunction, where the government forbade us from reporting the story, under threat of prison.

We can now finally tell you the full extraordinary story as to what has happened - The News Agents were the only media organisation there every step of the way, in a case of huge importance to our politics, to the thousands of Afghans affected - and potentially to the way our democracy works in the years to come.

Can left wing populism beat Reform?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

More in Common's latest research of 20 thousand people suggests nearly 90 percent of us have little or no trust in politicians. 70 percent of voters think this country is on the wrong track, and the prevailing word used to describe Britain is 'broken'. What does that mean for main stream political parties? How do they convince people politics can improve their lives? And will the next electoral race be between populists on the left and populists on the right?

We dig into the 7 political tribes as described by More in Common's Luke Tryl and ask the man who wants to lead the Green Party - Zack Polanski why he believes Ecopopulism is the only answer to Reform UK.

You can take More In Common's quiz to find out which political tribe you are here: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/seven-segments/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The test that will define Keir Starmer

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:02:00 +0100

It would be an exaggeration to say the vultures are already circling the wagon - but there are already conversations taking place about Keir Starmer's future. Bloomberg and Sky have both reported that sources in Labour are already contemplating the prospect of a move against the PM next May after the local elections.

Absolutely crucial to those results will be Wales. Labour has never been out of power since devolution in Wales - more than a quarter of a century ago. But if polling is to be believed, that could. all be about to change. Reform and Plaid Cymru, the Welsh independents, both appear to be edging ahead of Labour. And if that happens it could be a huge problem - both an existential challenge for Welsh Labour, and possibly for the PM himself.

The stakes couldn't be much higher. And with that in mind, Lewis sat down with Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks frankly about her relationship with Keir Starmer, where she thinks Labour needs to move to stop the haemorrhaging of support, and gives one of the most frank assessments yet of Israel's actions in Gaza from a senior Labour figure.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Lions with James Haskell - Pollock, Farrell's late call-up & almost killing a teammate - The Sports Agents

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0100

More bonus content from our new-look weekend edition!

The British & Irish Lions are soon to face Australia in the big three Tests, after wrapping up their warm-up games. So Gabby caught up with former Lions & England flanker, James Haskell to talk about Henry Pollock, where the team need to improve, what it's like to get a late call up like Owen Farrell and almost killing Rory Best on Tour.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault support is available. You can contact The Survivors Trust on 0808 801 0818 or online for confidential help.

You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here!

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Why does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:05:00 +0100

Gregg Wallace’s friends have been telling newspapers that his "autistic hypersensitivity" meant that he had an “oddity of filters and boundaries", including an inability to wear underwear or any tight clothing. Gregg himself has complained that the BBC neglected its duty of care to him and his recently diagnosed autism. Fifty more people have come forward this week to complain to the BBC about his alleged over-sexualised behaviour on Masterchef. Does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim here? Why is he selling wellness consultation? And why did those around him who saw what he was doing not stop him?

Later, is Iran a threat to Britain on UK soil? How should the government respond to Iran - as diplomatic state or terrorist organisation?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why has Elon Musk's AI chatbot started imitating Hitler?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:40:00 +0100

Last night on X, Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok - started imitating Hitler in its responses to user questions. Was this intentional? Did Musk really command his AI tool to spew out anti-semitic takes? And will this lead to any sort of regulation over AI?

Later, we discuss the upcoming doctors strike. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned resident doctors the public "won't forgive" them, and despite a pay rise of 29% over the last three years they will still walk out at the end of the month.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Would a wealth tax save Rachel Reeves?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:02:00 +0100

The government has studiously avoided ruling out a wealth tax this week. Minister after minister has refused to knock down the suggestion, despite the Chancellor having dismissed the idea as recently as April. So what's changed? Could a levy on wealthy individuals be on the cards for October's budget? Would it even raise any money - or is Rachel Reeves in danger of scaring wealth creators out of Britain? We speak to the incoming director of the IFS, Helen Miller.

And later, why the failure to produce an 'Epstein client list' is sending MAGA crazy - and why bad bosses who try and gag their employees are due a reckoning.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Does the government want to sack the BBC boss?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:07:00 +0100

Labour used to be the party that leapt to the defence of the BBC. So why was the Culture Secretary this weekend calling for heads to roll, saying she was "exasperated" at the broadcaster, and refusing to express confidence its director general Tim Davie?

The BBC has admitted to failings in its Glastonbury coverage, which saw it stream one act chanting "death to the IDF" - despite the corporation later admitting it had deemed them "high risk" before the festival. But those admissions don't appear to have satisfied the government. Is Labour falling out of love with the BBC? And should the BBC be worried? Jon and Emily discuss with Sir Craig Oliver, former BBC News editor turned Downing Street director of politics and communications.

Later, on the twentieth anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, which killed 52 people, injured more than 700, and led to the largest criminal investigation in British history - have we learnt the lessons from the tragedy? Yasmin Khan, a human rights campaigner and friend of the de Menezes family, appears in the Netflix documentary 'Attack on London', and came in to News Agents HQ.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Live Q&A: One year of Keir

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Twelve months ago, the Conservatives suffered the worst general election result in their near 200 year history and Keir Starmer took up the mantle at Downing Street. It's been turbulent - from riots sweeping the UK, to party divisions and economic uncertainty.

This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions about the Prime Minister's first year in office and look back on how his government is doing.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Tour de France - what does it take to conquer the world's toughest race? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:30:00 +0100

Welcome to the new-look weekend edition with fresh interviews and content!

With the Tour de France starting this weekend Gabby and Mark try to get their heads around the immense physical and mental challenge of winning one of the world's toughest races. They speak to the winner of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, Kasia Niewiadoma (06:15), ex-pro cyclist, Adam Blythe, and former Team Sky nutritionist, Nigel Mitchell (21:30).

You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here!

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: Sophie Penney

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Is Rachel Reeves now unsackable?

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer did a round of interviews this morning in a show of support for his Chancellor. And the reason was clear. After she cried in the Commons chamber yesterday the bond markets started to panic.

If Rachel Reeves leaves the government, so the theory goes, her fiscal rules, her commitment to economic discipline, could be revisited. So after a bumpy week - for both Reeves and the government - has she proved to be unsackable?

And if it is the same Rachel Reeves who is to blame for some of the policy blunders made in the first twelve months of Keir Starmer's premiership - is that a problem?

We speak to Wes Streeting about that, as well as if he'd ever be tempted to take Ozempic...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why was Rachel Reeves crying at PMQs?

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:04:00 +0100

There is much we still don’t know or understand about today. Was Rachel Reeves upset by an altercation with the Speaker? Was the issue something more personal? Was she exhausted after the fruitless and demoralising failure of her welfare reform bill? But the sight of the Chancellor at lunch time today fighting back tears at the PM's side was pretty surreal. She looked wounded, fragile and hurt - and inevitably, it’s started speculation she does not have the Prime Minister's full confidence.

The markets are queasy - reflecting a panic that the government is looking less stable. Could the PM be about to sack his own Chancellor? And - how does he reassert his authority for the job he needs to do if the Labour MPs are now directing policy?

We talk to Keir’s former chief of staff Sam White.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Donald Trump threatens to deport Elon Musk

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

After a lull in the Bro Wars - the sequel. This time Trump is threatening not only to remove Musk's government subsidies but even have him deported. Why? It all goes back to Musk's criticism of Trump's massive spending bill - which gives the wealthy tax cuts and removes Medicaid for 17 million Americans - and would add 3 trillion dollars to America's ballooning deficit. Could Musk start his own party? Will he really prove a political force against Trump? Which speaks louder in America - wealth or executive office?

Later, how shit is Britain? Should we accept the declinist narrative of the country being broken? Or is it being exploited by creepy xenophobes? We speak to Labour MP and former pollster Chris Curtis.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Does anyone know what the Starmer plan is?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Tomorrow, Labour MPs will be asked to vote on the rejigged welfare reform bill. Senior Labour politicians Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham still don’t think it’s worth the paper it’s written on. But the whole debacle has thrown up a bigger question about Starmer's leadership and authority. Does anyone really understand what’s in the PM's mind or what he is trying to achieve? We speak to the Starmer whisperer, Tom Baldwin.

Later, Glastonbury, Bob Vylan and the BBC. And how has Wimbledon now become a symbol of Britain's decline?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How to catch a terrorist

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This Friday, Lewis is joined in the studio by the newest members of the 'agents' family. Neil Basu is former head of Counter Terrorism Policing and Andy Hughes is an investigative journalist who's been covering crime for two decades.

They look back on 2017, a year which the UK experienced a series of devastating terrorist attacks, to talk about what it takes to catch a terrorist, and why some slip through the net.

You can listen to The Crime Agents here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L4DG/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Euros exclusive, Wimbledon's 66,000 tennis balls & is 5-day cricket too long? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

A big exclusive ahead of the Euros with two of England's defending champions, Lauren Hemp & Niamh Charles, Gabby goes behind the scenes at Wimbledon (10:30) and after England's historic comeback we ask ex-England bowler Steven Finn if 5-day cricket is too long? (19:30)

You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here.

Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is Keir Starmer losing control of his party?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Remember how there was going to be no row back and no change to the government welfare reform bill? Well, now it seems there might be...

Starmer's team are talking about the importance of “conversations with colleagues“ after an amendment signed by 120 Labour MPs showed them how easily they could lose a major vote on Tuesday. Those conversations are code - as is “listening mode“. Are we about to see a climb down? A change of policy? Or watch the whole bill disappear?

We talk to Douglas Alexander about the direction of the bill, the party and our trade deal with Trump.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is NATO’s Secretary-General calling Trump “DADDY"?

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:04:00 +0100

The atmosphere here at the NATO summit has been little short of obsequious towards President Trump. Leaders have worked out that if they want US buy-in to NATO they have to commit to Trump’s spending demands, and flatter him into believing he is the only person who can make things happen.

Well, so far it seems to be working. The US has renewed its commitment to defending other NATO countries. And the language has been expletive free.

But why are NATO leaders refusing to mention Russian aggression? Will they just end up looking scared? We talk to Estonia's defence secretary and the global historian, Peter Frankopan, author of Silk Roads

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump: Israel and Iran "don't know what the f*** they're doing"

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:55:00 +0100

We’re at the Nato summit in The Hague where Europe’s leaders were hoping to put defence spending and Ukraine top of the agenda.

That's before Donald Trump derailed things by swearing on the White House lawn. He’s very cross that Israel and Iran aren't listening to him, and his insistence that a ceasefire is underway.

Can he will a war to end just by saying it? Or are we learning how little control Trump really has over world events?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Does Trump want to topple Iran’s government?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Has Trump now decided he would like to topple Iran’s leadership? He’s let his cabinet tell the world that the only game here was to stop Iran becoming nuclear competent.

Yet, overnight his motivation seems to have changed. Does this change the whole scenario and make an end game much harder? And what kind of conversations is Starmer now having with his inner circle about whether these strikes on Tehran are even legal?

Later, the complicated response of Iranian people as their cities are being bombed. Do they welcome the chance to see the regime fall. Or will they rally to the flag?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Episode: Trump strikes Iran

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:01:00 +0100

Trump did it - he attacked Iran. Overnight, US armed forces attacked three of Iran’s nuclear development sites. Trump claims to have obliterated the nascent Iranian nuclear capabilities. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant. European leaders are uneasy. The whole world is holding its breath.

What happens now? Can we even know? What does it mean for the region, for Europe and the world? And what should the British government do?

Lewis and Jon discuss in a special Sunday episode, on a day when an already volatile world seemed to get that bit less certain.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Chris Patten on Israel, Iran and Nigel Farage the pub bore

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Chris Patten has done it all. Conservative cabinet minister under Thatcher and Major, our last Governor of British Hong Kong, then back home overseeing policing reform in Northern Ireland, EU Commissioner in Brussels, Chairman of the BBC, Chancellor of Oxford University, you name it, Patten has more chance than anybody of having done it. But his sort of Tory Party is one which increasingly feels consigned to history. What does it mean for Britain’s future if there are no successors to the sort of politics he embodied?

Now in his 80th year, Lewis went to Patten’s salubrious Barnes home, to discuss a remarkable career in national and international politics. He talks the future of China, the Iran conflict, Starmer’s handling of Trump and how Farage is Britain’s biggest pub bore.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: Poison, Chelsea's frozen £2.5bn & training Ascot winners - The Sports Agents

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:30:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Does the government actually have a good reason for the £2.5bn from the Chelsea FC sale not helping millions of children worldwide? And was former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich poisoned? (03:30)

How do you train a horse for Royal Ascot? A full behind the scenes episode from one of Britain's best yards, which trained the late Queen's horses. (13:30)

And what is it like to race for 24 hours in Le Mans? How do you stay awake for the night driving? (20:30)

In response to the comments made in this podcast Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The Government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far. While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.”

You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here.

Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Will Britain go to war with Iran?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:51:00 +0100

Sir Keir Starmer has put his cabinet on alert for a possible US attack on Iran.

Just 24 hours after insisting Donald Trump had given no indication he was about to “get involved” in the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Prime Minister called a COBRA meeting to review how Britain might respond to a major escalation. Would Starmer be able to say no to Trump? What might Trump ask us to do? And how did we get here in under a week?

Later, we are joined by the Hungarian deputy foreign minister to discuss their welcome of Netanyahu, NATO, Ukraine and whether Hungarians are falling out of love with Viktor Orban.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Iran really making a nuclear bomb?

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:05:00 +0100

Later on this episode we’re joined by author of 'Sapiens' and 'Nexus' - Yuval Noah Harari - to talk politics and AI. But we begin with war.

The speed of the escalation between Iran, Israel, and the US has been staggering. Trump is flirting with entering a war he doesn’t want, with an enemy he may not be able to control. At the heart of this conflict are questions over Iran’s ability to make nuclear weapons. Netanyahu believes it’s an imminent threat. Trump’s own administration didn’t believe this back in March.

So what’s actually changed? And is Iran actually nuclear ready? We discuss with Iranian analyst and former state department advisor Vali Nasr.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why are politicians weaponising grooming gang survivors?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Louise Casey's report on grooming gangs is incredibly tough reading. She details, over 200 pages, the repeated failings of local authorities, police forces, government departments and indeed the legal system, which treats the victims of the most horrific abuse as somehow culpable.

She was tasked to look into the issue following a clamour for a national inquiry earlier this year. Bundled up in those calls - propelled by Elon Musk - was the claim that Pakistani men were responsible for the vast majority of "group-based" child sexual exploitation offences. Baroness Casey has looked at that claim. She has found a comprehensive failure of adequate data gathering, although from the records of three police forces says there is an "over-representation" of Asian and Pakistani men. She is concerned about the politicisation of the debate, the risks of racists hijacking the issue, and most profoundly, about fixing a system which still sees girls subject to heinous abuse at the hands of male predators.

Baroness Casey came in to speak to Emily and Lewis, as the Prime Minister backed her call for a new national inquiry.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Trump drag America into war with Iran?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:40:00 +0100

What is Israel's end game in Iran? Does it genuinely believe Iran is making nuclear weapons - or is this about overthrowing the whole regime? Did Trump make Iran more dangerous when he ripped up the diplomatic deal Obama had forged with the country? And will Trump end up dragging America into a brand new Middle East war?

We talk to CNN correspondent and Ex Files host, Christiane Amanpour and ask how Iranians themselves are feeling about the prospect of their own leaders being toppled.

Later, why is abortion still technically illegal in England and Wales. And does the law need to change? Tomorrow MPs will be given a free commons vote. We ask Labour backbencher Stella Creasy why pressure from America is making her bring this amendment now.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Israel vs Iran: a nuclear showdown

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The last two decades have led to the last 24 hours: Israel, going for broke and launching an all out assault on Iran’s nuclear programme. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claims he is trying to prevent a “nuclear holocaust.” But why now? And in acting in this way will Israel succeed in halting an Iranian nuclear weapon or guarantee it?

PLUS Lewis talks at length to Zia Yusuf, the former Reform Chairman about that weekend, where he resigned and unresigned in the space of 72 hours. Is Reform really about to storm Westminster, or rather is it its best disguised joke?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition: The secret world of match-fixing & can Habana still race a cheetah? - The Sports Agents

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

We hear the secrets behind match fixing from convicted match fixer and former professional footballer, Moses Swaibu. With the Lucas Paqueta trial coming to an end, Swaibu tells us how many people it takes to fix a match, what signs you can look out for, and how to put an end to all of this. (01:00)

Mark heads down to Soccer Aid to chat to a host of sporting stars. What does Joe Hart make of Manchester City's transfer business? How does Bryan Habana rate the Lions' chances on tour? And can he still race a cheetah? (14:45)

Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

“A petrol bomb away from death". What’s happening on the streets of the UK?

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

It's been 3 days since the streets of Ballymena in Northern Ireland went from peaceful protest to full on riots. Since then, 41 police officers have been injured, rioters have hurled petrol bombs, and people have fled their homes as hate-filled mobs set fire to them.

As the tensions builds and the protests turn to racist rioting, is this more of what we saw in Southport last summer, or is this specific to Northern Irish identity?

Later, Jon sits down with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Jamie Oliver to talk about his latest campaign on how the education system leaves children with dyslexia behind.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are tax rises inevitable?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Today, in a marked change of tone, Rachel Reeves laid out her spending review. The Chancellor set out budgets for government departments, boosting budgets for the NHS and Home Office. But the Tories are calling her approach "spend now, tax later".

So is this the plan too ambitious? And are tax rises inevitable in the Autumn? And can Reeve's spending review help to rebuild her reputation? We speak to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are pensioners now untouchable in British politics?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:07:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has done his first media round since the u-turn on winter fuel payments, attempting to argue that the country’s finances are now stable and also still reeling from Liz Truss mini budget. 9 million pensioners are now eligible for the benefit. Including many well off couples. Is this really the best use of public money when young families are struggling and child poverty is double the level of pensioner poverty?

Later, the SNPs Stephen Flynn joins us in the studio to talk about Gaza, Reform, the SNPs record in government, and that Hamilton by-election result.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

"They spit, we hit" - Trump sends the troops into L.A.

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:02:00 +0100

Why has Trump sent the National Guard onto the streets of L.A. to deal with protests against his immigration raids? Normally, this would only happen at the invitation of the State's governor. This time, Trump acted without consultation - and the governor, Gavin Newsom, is now threatening to sue him.

Is Trump right to say he needs to assert law and order on a few protestors before it gets out of control? Is this a personal vendetta against Newsom? Or might it be for more sinister reasons - a dress rehearsal for a President working out how to use emergency powers to seize control of local operations of government?

Later, actor comedian poet and writer Tim Key joins us to discuss his smash hit film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' - and an update on the Chancellor's winter fuel u-turn.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Elon Musk suggests Donald Trump is a paedophile

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:02:00 +0100

Last night, one of the world's most powerful relationships came to a dramatic end. Over the course of one evening, Elon Musk set fire to his already fracturing partnership with Donald Trump. The bitter feud over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' spilled out to accusations that the President is in the Epstein files and calls for his impeachment.

As the break up plays out on social media, Jon and Lewis ask is the bromance truly over? Will Trump sell his Tesla? Will Musk be deported? And is there any coming back from this war of words?

Later - does Zia Yusuf's departure as Reform chairman derail Nigel Farage's pitch to voters?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

With the NBA Finals starting, Gabby and Mark chat about Michael Jordan returning to our screens and why the NBA hasn't taken off in the UK with host of The Athletic’s NBA Daily podcast, Dave DuFour. (03:30)

Comedian Lee Mack joined us for a laugh ahead of Soccer Aid, spilling the secrets from playing with some of the world's most famous footballers. (09:30)

Former Chelsea and Nigeria player John Obi Mikel came into the studio to chat about the upcoming Club World Cup and whether players really stop playing football when they're on holiday. (14:45)

Is PSG winning Champions League masking the terrible financial state of Ligue 1? We speak to Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent for the New York Times. (18:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has the Conservative Party had enough of Liz Truss?

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:05:00 +0100

The Tory leadership - in the form of shadow chancellor Mel Stride - is setting out to remind voters how dangerous their own Liz Truss was. He's pledged in a speech this morning that their party will never again risk the economy with unfunded tax cuts, and admitted the credibility of the UK economic framework was undermined by her misplaced policies. Why is this coming now? And what does it say about the current Tory leadership difficulties and their challenge with Labour's narrative?

We talk to former chancellor Jeremy Hunt, author of a new book, 'Can We Be Great Again?' and we bring you the fight back that is Liz Truss.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Gaza aid crisis: ‘If this isn’t a moment for moral clarity, what is?’

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:50:00 +0100

Today, Israel has paused what little aid it was allowing into Gaza - closing all aid distribution centres. It follows 3 deadly incidents at aid centres over the last 3 days, with at least 27 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire on Tuesday. As tensions escalate and the roads leading to aid are becoming 'combat zones', the situation is increasingly desperate.

So, can the new aid system in Gaza work? Is there any evidence that the aid is being diverted to Hamas as Israel claims? And what will it take to open up the border crossings?

Meanwhile, Lewis takes trip up to Blackpool to visit The Talbot, Reform's latest offering - a pub. Speaking to punters, drinkers and owners alike, Lewis unpicks the forces at play which have seen Reform go from strength to strength.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Labour hike taxes to placate Trump?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Less than 24 hours after the Defence Secretary stood up in the Commons to unveil the government's strategic defence review, months in the making, and it looks like NATO are forcing the MOD to go back to the drawing board.

The PM couldn't completely commit to 3% of GDP going on defence spending, despite that being an essential part of the review. And now, according to briefings in the newspapers, NATO is forcing Britain (and all members) to commit to a new 3.5% target within a decade. The aim? Convince Trump that NATO is worth standing by - with Russia feeling emboldened, there are heightened warnings that a NATO country could be his next target.

But the timing could hardly be more awkward for the Labour government. Just a week out from what could be a brutal spending review, the additional demands on defence will force tens of billions of more to be found to fund our army. Are taxes rises and harsh spending cuts now inevitable to placate the US president?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Keir Starmer prioritising warfare over welfare?

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:03:00 +0100

The Prime Minister has warned the nation that it needs to be ready for war - in an era of new threats including the “immediate” danger posed by Russia. Is more spending on defence going to alarm or reassure people? And how should he answer those in his own party who insist welfare spending should come before warfare?

Later, award-winning actor Eddie Marsan sits down with Emily and Jon, talking about the power in community, growing up in the East End in the age of the National Front, and his message to Tommy Robinson.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The inside story of the Salisbury poisonings

Fri, 30 May 2025 15:40:00 +0100

In the Spring on 2018, a man and a young woman were found slipping in and out of consciousness on a public bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire. What would follow was an incredible story of espionage, poisoning, and political vendettas. As the world was gripped by the botched assassination of Sergei Skripal, news rooms and crisis rooms here in the UK were reeling with the implications of the Russian attack on British soil.

The attempted killing of the double agent who'd turned to work for UK intelligence led to the death of a British woman Dawn Sturgess, the poisoning of two police officers, international condemnation, and the largest expulsion of Russian diplomats in history.

This Friday, Lewis is joined by Amber Rudd, who was Home Secretary at the time, and journalist Mark Urban, who had interviewed Skripal in the weeks before the attack. They share their unique insight of what it was like working behind the scenes during one of biggest stories of the last decade.

You can listen to the first episode of The Crisis Room here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrrwtQ/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 30 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Gabby and Mark get a rare access all areas pass to go behind the scenes at Sale Sharks rugby club, from training to the team meeting to interviews with Lions and England players Tom Curry, Ben Curry and George Ford. (02:45)

Four-time Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson has launched a new league to make athletics popular outside the Olympics, he tells us how it's going so far. (08:15)

Britain's most decorated Paralympian, Sarah Storey, joins Professor Kirsty Elliot-Sale from Manchester Metropolitan University, to explain their mission to extend the careers of female athletes through menopause support. (13:15)

Ahead of the Champions League final, Italian football writer James Horncastle, explains why this match isn't the end of the road for Inter Milan. (19:30)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Musk out, tariffs in tatters: is MAGA in meltdown?

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

A trade court has smacked down Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" sweeping tariff plans. Three judges ruled that the US president had pushed the boundaries of his own executive authority beyond its limits when implementing broad tariffs. Members of Trump's camp have already labelled it a "judicial coup" and insisted the decision will be overturned quickly. But this is another hammer blow to his economic plan - can he restore his credibility with the markets after months of relentless uncertainty?

Later, Keir Starmer has used an impromptu speech in the north-west to paint Nigel Farage as Liz Truss 2.0 - warning that he would "crash the economy" and trying to focus voters' minds on the choice between Labour and Reform. The next election is four years away - so why is the PM holding a campaign style stump speech to attack a political rival? And will it work?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Time to Decriminalise? The UK’s Cannabis Question

Wed, 28 May 2025 16:21:00 +0100

The age old "should we decriminalise cannibis?" conversation has reared it's head again, this time with the London Mayor Sadiq Khan backing the calls to decriminalise for possession of small amounts.

How are drug laws in the UK damaging police relations with ethnic communities? What would decriminalisation it mean for stop and search? And, with so many countries around the world having already legalised cannibis, how will it change things here in the UK? Former head of Counter Terrorism for the UK, Neil Basu, joins us in the studio.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The far-right hijack a tragedy - again

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It took Merseyside police less than two hours to release information about the suspect who'd been arrested in the Liverpool parade crash which injured close to 50 people. The force told the public that it was a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area who had been detained. Right wing commentators and conspiracy theorists had already started speculating about the potential ethnicity and the motives behind the man alleged to have been involved.

So was it sensible policing aimed at quelling the misinformation? Or did the decision reveal just how close we are to unrest - like we saw in Southport - spook the police into revealing more than they normally would? LBC's crime correspondent Andy Hughes assesses the mood within the police.

Later, what if that much heralded "unprecedented" second state visit for Donald Trump never happened? Jon has heard that in Palace circles, there's an increasing suspicion that the carpet might not be rolled out for POTUS after all....

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The truth behind Joe Biden’s decline: the inside story

Fri, 23 May 2025 15:40:00 +0100

Jake Tapper of CNN is one of America’s most famous newsmen, someone who knows Washington inside and out. He - quite literally - had a ringside seat at the most consequential presidential debate in American history, as the presenter in charge as President Joe Biden melted down before the eyes of the world; his frailties and diminishment on display for all to see.

Along with Alex Thompson of Axios, he has written a new book 'Original Sin' which, through conversations with over 200 White House and Democratic Party officials, tells the story of the tragic decline of Joe Biden. A history so many lived through but could not bring themselves to see, up to and including the President and his inner circle themselves.

Jake joins Lewis to discuss the book, the remarkable 2024 campaign and whether the Democrats can find a future until, and unless, they reckon with their most recent past.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 23 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

England captain Leah Williamson, who lifted the Euros trophy at Wembley, talks to us about her 19-year Arsenal career culminating in the Champions League final this weekend. (03:00)

We have a laugh with the man responsible for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney taking over Wrexham, Humphrey Ker. (07:30)

As Netflix launch a new Drive to Survive series for the F1 Academy, where 18 women compete to make a name for themselves in motorsport, we speak to Susie Wolff, former F1 development driver and now Managing Director of the F1 Academy. (14:30)

Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League, rewriting the worst season in 120 years, so we caught up with The Athletic's Spurs reporter, Jay Harris. (19:45)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Israeli ministers accuse Starmer of emboldening terrorists

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside the Jewish museum in Washington DC. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody. World leaders - including the PM - have condemned the killings. He said in a statement: "Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears."

Earlier this week, the UK, France and Canada issued a statement about the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in Gaza, and threatened sanctions against Israel. That response has led to some Israeli ministers blaming Keir Starmer, Emanuel Macron and Mark Carney of emboldening the forces of terror, and of making "false accusations" which paved the way for the violence. Why?

Later, Emily speaks to the chair of the independent sentencing review. David Gauke is proposing radical changes to the way we treat offenders in an attempt to stop our prisons from bursting and to get reoffending rates down. Will it work?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Starmer's first big U-turn

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:04:00 +0100

At PMQs, Kemi Badenoch asked Keir Starmer when “the inevitable U-turn on winter fuel" would come. Unfortunately for her, he’d already announced it. Admittedly, it was quietly done. With a bit of hedging and fudging. But if you were following closely, you’d have heard him commit to a rethink at "the next fiscal statement" to a Labour MP who stood up before the Tory leader. When will the backtrack come into force? And does this alleviate pressure on the Treasury on benefits - or just ramp it up? We speak to the Labour backbencher Brian Leishman, who wants to see his leader go further and faster.

And ahead of a major shakeup in our prisons and justice system - does the government want to reduce prisoner numbers out or principle, or is it just a result of a system on its knees? Aggie Chambre has the exclusive.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Britain suspends trade talks with Israel

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:03:00 +0100

The frustration in Keir Starmer's voice was palpable. He’s joined forces with France and Canada to pressure Israel to stop the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. How far are these leaders prepared to go? And will Trump support them?

Later, what is the political fallout from the EU trade deal? And what would the Lib Dem’s do differently? We hear from Ed Davey on Brexit, Nick Clegg and his new book “Why I care“.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Gary Lineker, the BBC and impartiality: what really happened?

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Late on Friday, the Newsagents learnt that Gary Lineker could part ways with the BBC as soon as Monday. On today’s episode we piece together the conversations that explain the timing, and ask where it leaves both parties. More widely, do the BBC rules work when it comes to talent tweeting? And was this relationship already over?

Later, the big EU - UK reset has provoked a lot of white flag rhetoric of surrender and defeat. But 8 years on from Brexit, might the problem really be that the government hasn’t been braver in terms of jump starting our economy?

And we look at the rumours of a cover up as Joe Biden announces his cancer diagnosis.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Live Q&A: Reform surge, Starmer's successor and reporting from nightclubs

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:15:00 +0100

Jon and Lewis are back for a second News Agents live Q&A taking your questions.

In the week of the PM's "island of strangers" speech, they discuss why some voters feel "hoodwinked" by Keir Starmer's government, who in Labour ranks is in prime position to succeed him when the moment arrives, and whether the media is responsible for the spike in Reform's poll numbers - or if liberals need to figure out a better way to take the fight to the populist right. They also reveal the weirdest places they have been sent on assignment...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:30:00 +0100

Two big exclusive interviews this week on The Sports Agents...

The new face of rugby, Henry Pollock, joined us in the studio. With two tries from one England cap, and now a Lions call up - this 20-year-old is on a rapid rise, and he’s using that fame to make rugby cool again with his try celebrations. (03:45)

Gabby and Mark also sat down with Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola. Under his guidance the club could qualify for Europe for the first time ever, and he and his players, like Dean Huijsen, are catching the eyes of Real Madrid! (12:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rupert Lowe - in his own words: “Farage, bullying and grooming gangs”

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:03:00 +0100

MP Rupert Lowe was kicked out of the Reform party earlier this year after a very public spat with Nigel Farage. He claims “lawfare“ and says Farage was trying to jail a political opponent. Reform say he was dropped for his behaviour after bullying allegations came to light.

Yesterday the CPS announced no further action would be taken against Lowe, concluding that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

We speak to him on today’s episode about bullying, grooming, and the accusation that Farage was trying to get him locked up.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Sex trafficking and freak offs: Diddy on trial

Wed, 14 May 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Sean Combs, P Diddy and Puff Daddy - the names are as numerous as the allegations. The hip hop star is standing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in a legal suit that’s captured America. On today's show we bring you everything you need to know about the biggest trial since Weinstein.

Later, we ask whether Keir Starmer is now treating Reform as the main party of opposition.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Starmer using the language of Enoch Powell?

Tue, 13 May 2025 16:09:00 +0100

In the 24 hours since giving his hard hitting speech on immigration, Keir Starmer and his cabinet have faced accusations his language was channeling that of the far right 1960s politician Enoch Powell. He of the 'River of Blood' speech, in 1968.

We talk to Lord Alf Dubs, the child refugee and moral conscience of the nation, about how he sees the Prime Minister's language. And why the words matter.

Later, Christiane Amanpour launches her new global podcast 'The Ex Files' with her Ex Husband, Jamie Rubin, a former State department diplomatic.

You can listen to The Ex Files here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L2sj/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Keir Starmer: the immigration experiment is over

Mon, 12 May 2025 16:05:00 +0100

Keir Starmer, sounding in tone closer to Nigel Farage than previous Labour prime ministers, has called immigration a failed lab experiment and decreed it’s time to take back control. Introducing the government's immigration white paper, the PM says that high net migration has done "incalculable damage" to the country. It’s language that suggests he has been spooked by Reform's recent successes. But language, he presumes, voters now want to hear from their leader. Is he right? And what happens to our most vulnerable if we don’t have NHS staff and care home workers to fill the job gaps no one here is taking?

But we start with an extraordinary interview with Victor Orban's right hand man. In the week where Zelesnkyy and Putin could meet in Istanbul for a potentially crucial moment in attempts to bring the Ukraine war to an end, why is Hungary at odds with the rest of the EU over Russia? Why have Hungary and Ukraine accused each other of spying over the weekend? And is Starmer's language on immigration now mirroring Orban's a decade earlier?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Tina Brown on truth, Trump and the future of journalism

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:01:00 +0100

For half a century, Tina Brown has been a titan of journalism both here in the UK and in America. Editor of Tatler at just 25, she continued to take on Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, moving now into the digital age of journalism. Through the Reagan era to Trump, Tina Brown has seen it all.

This Friday, Lewis is joined by Tina in the studio to talk about her vast career, Trump's drive for payback, and the future of journalism in the digital age.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 09 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

After two dramatic Champions League semi-finals we caught up with European Football Journalist Guillem Balagué (03:45).

World number one tennis player, Jannik Sinner, returned from a three-month doping ban this week. His lawyer Jamie Singer came into the studio (12:15).

With young superstars lighting up sport recently like Lamine Yamal and Luke Littler, we spoke to skateboarder Sky Brown, who became Britain's youngest Olympic medallist aged 13 (16:15).

The new snooker world champion Zhao Xintong just came back from a 20-month ban for being party to match fixing. To find out more Jeremy Wilson, Chief Sports Reporter for The Telegraph, joined us (20:45).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is the Trump-Starmer trade deal really "historic"?

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Keir Starmer could only dial in to Donald Trump's press conference, hailing the new US-UK trade deal, but that didn't stop an Oval Office love in between the two leaders.

Starmer praised a "historic" day for both countries, as Trump thanked Starmer, speaking warmly of the special “external and internal bond” between the two countries.

The timing could hardly be better for the Prime Minister, some much needed good economic news after a brutal set of local election results and growing unease on his backbenches about welfare cuts. But is there actually that much to get excited about in this trade deal? Or does it still leave us in a worse place with the US than just a few months ago?

Later, Jon and Emily speak to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of the Atlantic, and the man who was added to that infamous 'Houthi PC Small Group' Signal chat that ended up with the firing of America's National Security Advisor.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What happens when two nuclear powers go to war?

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:56:00 +0100

For nearly a decade, Harvey Weinstein's former assistant, Zelda Perkins, has been exposing the way NDAs are abused by people of power, and trying to bring about change in how they are used in the workplace. Later in today’s episode we ask her why employers are still using NDAs to gag employees and why the government STILL hasn’t banned this practice.

But we start on the border of India and Pakistan where shots have been fired between two nuclear powers. We’re going back to the start with Tim Marshall. Why do these countries hate each other so much? And how did it all begin? We have the explainer for those trying to make sense of the big geopolitical row in the subcontinent.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Tents for asylum seekers - why won't Labour rule it out?

Tue, 06 May 2025 16:31:00 +0100

In the latest round of “did I hear that correctly?“, the Prime Minister's spokesman has refused to rule out housing asylum seekers in tents. It’s a policy that's been touted by Reform's new mayor for Greater Lincolnshire, and, you'd think, should be an easy one for Labour to knock down. The fact they can’t - or won’t - speaks to a larger issue about how Labour deals with the Reform party in Britain and how progressive parties more generally should approach populist ideas. Should mainstream parties shun them or embrace them?

Later, Netanyahu’s latest plan for political survival is to occupy and annexe Gaza in its entirety - right as food supplies in the Gaza strip are so low that civillians are just days away from starvation. Why isn’t there enough political momentum at home to stop him? We speak to Dahlia Scheindlin, an expert in Israeli public opinion.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Farage surge: is the two party system over?

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

For the last decade, the spectre of Nigel Farage has been haunting British politics. From UKIP to the Brexit Party, he has loomed in the background of Westminster, threatening but never quite managing to pose a real threat to the two major parties. All that changed today. With just six votes in it, Reform took their first seat from Labour, in Runcorn - which had been one of the safest seats in the country. The party has secured other big council and mayoral wins too. Farage now claims that he, not Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the opposition.

Is he right? How will Labour respond to this Reform victory in the by-elections? What does it mean for Keir Starmer's government? And does it mark the end of the two party system as we know it?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 02 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Gabby and Mark were live from Lords Cricket Ground this week for the launch of the 2026 Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. They spoke to World Rugby Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, about their own home World Cup this summer, the new trend for celebrations, and the cowboy craze (01:15).

At Lords we also caught up with the new Head Coach of the England women's cricket team, Charlotte Edwards. Her task is to take the team from an Ashes whitewash to a home World Cup victory - so how's she going to pull that off? (20:30)

After Liverpool won the Premier League (sorry Mark!) we marvelled at the smooth handover from talisman Juergen Klopp to Premier League newbie Arne Slot with Football Correspondent for the Sunday Times, Jonathan Northcroft, and John Gibbons from the Anfield Wrap (09:30).

Tennis players are suing the governing bodies over prize money, "invasive" phone searches and more. So we caught up with the man behind the lawsuit, Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (15:30).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Will Trump's deal with Ukraine frighten Putin?

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Trump has sent 50 million dollars of military aid to Ukraine - the first shipment of aid since he took power. The money started flowing after Ukraine signed that much discussed minerals deal: in it, America recognised Russia's “full scale invasion of Ukraine". So has the minerals deal finally made peace possible? Or is it little more than a shakedown of the Ukrainians?

Later, the Labour MP who says he wouldn’t be disappointed if more UK universities closed. Do we have too many universities? And are some Labour figures now starting to parrot the language and talking points of Reform?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Trump's 100 days - America heads to recession

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Today, America's GDP figures show the economy is dramatically contracting, and recession continues to loom. It’s not an ideal backdrop for Trumps 100 day celebration. Jon has been in Detroit, where Trump has been addressing autoworkers terrified by Trump's tariffs.

So, with 100 days of Trump 2.0 under our belts, we answer your most pressing questions about how it's gone so far, and whether things are only going to get crazier.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

“Brutal and efficient” - should Starmer be a bit more Carney?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Mark Carney’s election win in Canada has shown what a potent political force Trump can be - to those campaigning against his economic bullying. But could it have wider implications at home for Keir Starmer? Will the PM now feel more comfortable prioritising a trade deal with the EU over the US? And what does having an ally on America's border mean for the way the UK Government now deals with Trump?

Jon's been at an election watch party and is now headed to Detroit across the border - as Donald Trump marks his 100 days in office.

Later, Amazon vs Trump: why, according to the White House, it’s a "hostile act" for the consumer giant to tell its customers the truth about tariffs.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will MAGA Make Canada Liberal Again?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Polls have narrowed as Canadians head to the ballot box. Mark Carney has led a remarkable fightback for the Liberal party, driven in no small part by a newfound sense of Canadian nationalism - determined not to be cowed by Donald Trump, disgusted by his overtures to turn the country into America's 51 state.

But with the election looking tightly contested, Jon's been on the Conservative party campaign trail in Oakville, Ontario, where "Maple Leaf MAGA" is also coming out in force - could Donald Trump have killed their chance of returning to government?

Later, Emily speaks to Sacha Lord - the chair of The Night Time Industries Association and former advisor to Andy Burnham - on what's going wrong with the British economy, and why Keir Starmer unfollowed him on X.

And, as Virginia Giuffre's family describe the ongoing pain and trauma she endured until she ended her life, Emily asks why it took her suicide for people to believe her account.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special Episode: Trump's epiphany in Rome. Carney's election in Canada

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

A special edition of The News Agents this weekend as Canadians head to the polls for an election which may be decided by anti American antipathy for Donald Trump. But we begin in Rome after that meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.

Big questions for both leaders. Has Trump now recognised he’s been played by Putin? And will Zelenskyy have any choice but to agree to concede sovereign Ukrainian territory to bring the war to an end?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What keeps Charlie Brooker up at night?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:30:00 +0100

Over ten years ago, Black Mirror burst onto our screens, bringing with it dystopian futures and exploring themes of how humanity would deal with rapidly evolving technology. Now in its seventh series, how much of this is a far-off future? And in 2025, are we now closer to the world of Black Mirror than ever before?

Charlie Brooker joins Emily and Lewis in the studio to talk about how his own anxieties shape Black Mirror, the future of TV in a world of AI, and why he believes humanity will triumph in the end.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0100

It was marathon week on The Sports Agents, inspired by the London Marathon...

First up is Eilish McColgan, the four-time Olympian who's making her marathon debut in London. Her mum won the race just under 30 years ago, and now Eilish is hoping to break her record. (02:30)

Former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss says he'll be chasing ex-England team mate Alastair Cook around the course as they run for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, in honour of Andrew's late wife. (08:30)

Gabby and Mark look at how far the marathon has come with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. She was attacked by the race director but finished the race to lay the path for millions of women around the world. (13:15)

And we had a special bonus Q&A, answering all of your questions. What's your biggest sporting ick? What interview has stuck with you after all these years? And what's your worst sporting FOMO? (20:30)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

“VLADIMIR, STOP!” Trump tells Putin to back off

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Overnight Ukraine's capital suffered one of its worst bombardments for nearly a year. Scores were injured by ballistic missiles. Since recording, the death toll has risen to twelve. Putin’s attack came just hours after Trump had berated Zelensky for being “the obstacle to peace". It’s hard not to see how Putin has been emboldened by Trump's words. Which may be why as America woke up, Trump issued an edict to Putin - sorry, Vladimir - saying STOP. Is Trump anywhere close to criticising his Russian pal? We speak to Ukraine-based journalist Conall Kearney.

Later, Keir Starmer is facing pressure from sixty of his back benchers to open up a route for Britains young to work and travel in Europe. Is a new visa scheme imminent?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

"An indecent proposal" Trump's final offer to Ukraine

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

London was expecting to host key players today for a Ukraine peace summit. Late last night the US Secretary of State pulled out - leaving many to assume there was no plan to sign off. All eyes are now on the Pope's funeral on Saturday, which may be one the de facto European summit, bringing President Trump and President Zelensky face to face. Is Trump serious when he says the plan has to be wrapped up by April 30th or else he walks away?

Later, what does Robert Jenrick mean when he talks about a “coalition with Reform"? And what should Kemi Badenoch do about it?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

"You're fired" - Why Trump's catchphrase is spooking the world economy

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The IMF has just released a dire forecast for every major economy - predicting a sharp slowdown in growth on the back of Trump's tariffs plan. It comes as Trump is found trying to fire his central banker - the Federal Reserve Chairman ,Jerome Powell, whose job is completely independent of government. What happens if he goes? And why hasn’t Trump learnt from history? We speak to former senior advisor to Mark Carney at the Bank of England, Huw Van Steenis.

Later, could the culture wars affect what happens now at the Vatican, as Conservatives and progressives vie for dominance of the Catholic Church?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Matthew Freud knows the secrets of Britain's most powerful people

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Matthew Freud rarely gives interviews. He’s normally behind the curtain, on the end of the phone - helping A listers, politicians, and businesses navigate their way through a hostile and unrelenting media environment. But now, on the fortieth anniversary of his company, which has served many of the world's biggest brands and most famous faces - he sits down with Jon and Emily to discuss scandal, power, Succession and what it’s like to be part of both the Freud and Murdoch dynasties.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

What a moment it was... after an 11-year wait for the final major, Rory McIlroy finally achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters. Actor James Nesbitt explained what it means to Northern Ireland, we relived the rollercoaster with co-host of The Chipping Forecast Podcast, Andrew Cotter, and spoke to Ciaran Lavery the Head Pro at McIlroy’s golf club, Holywood. (02:15)

Who needs Messi, Neymar and Mbappe anyway? The new look PSG are into the Champions League semi-finals and flying. So how has such a young team become one of the best teams in Europe to watch with their free-flowing wing-wizadry? French football journalist Julien Laurens gives Gabby the lowdown. (09:15)

And ahead of the NFL draft next week - what's it like to get that phone call? How intense are the background checks?And how many thousands of plays do you have to learn when you get there? Mark caught up with Chicago Bears Running Back Roschon Johnson.(16:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

What is a woman? A landmark ruling

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:04:00 +0100

After years of culture war debate over trans women and their rights, today the Supreme Court ruled that the word “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act refers only to “biological” women.

So was this a victory for the women who brought the legal challenge? Does this change anything in real terms for trans-people going forward? And does it just give greater ammunition to those stoking the culture war debate?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump given up on Ukraine?

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:03:00 +0100

The night after one of the deadliest attacks on Ukrainian civilians since Putin's invasion, the American President has gone all block caps, tweeting: 'I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS WAR'. He's clearly a bit rattled. He'd been briefed over the weekend - following talks between his own envoy and Putin - that a ceasefire was significantly nearer. Things, he told us on Saturday, were heading in the right direction.

That was before Putin dropped his missiles on Sumy, a bustling city going to church on Palm Sunday. So does Donald Trump have no idea of Putin's mindset or moves? And should this tell us he has no way to bring about a ceasefire? We speak to the Ukrainian MP and youngest governor of Odessa Solomiia Bobrovska.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is China trying to sabotage British Steel?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Is China trying to sabotage British industry? That’s the warning from a group in parliament. Some ministers may quietly agree. But they can’t say it out loud. So what should our strategy be? As the UK Government takes over the running of a Chinese owned company called British Steel, where does that leave our trade relationship with Beijing? Are we embracing China or running a mile? And what exactly is China planning to build now in the heart of the city of London?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

SPECIAL REPORT: Will Keir Starmer save British Steel?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:10:00 +0100

In a dramatic turn of events, parliament has been recalled for MPs to discuss the future of British Steel. In Scunthorpe, some 2,700 jobs hang in the balance after the Chinese owner of the steel works said its blast furnaces are "no longer financially sustainable".

Thousands more jobs in the supply chain are also at risk - steel runs through the heart of Scunthorpe. Earlier this week, Keir Starmer declared that we have entered a "changing and completely new world" and promised to "rewire the state completely".

Does this mark the end of the era of globalisation? Could we see a more active state, stepping in to take control of vital national industries? And if so, how does that tally with the PM's remarks to The News Agents, just last month, that he wanted to see a smaller and more agile state?

Lewis has been in Scunthorpe for this special report of a town on the brink, a strategy, perhaps, turned on its head, and what it all means for Britain's industry, its people and its politics.

This special report was produced by Louis Degenhardt and Rory Symon.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

From watching his uncle commit one of the biggest robberies in British history, to a police chase and a double life sentence. John McAvoy tells us his story of turning his life around to break world records and become a sponsored Ironman triathlete. (03:30)

Former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe was set to be England's next big thing but after a broken promise from Jurgen Klopp and being robbed at gunpoint, his mental health spiralled. Now he's in the 7th tier trying to rekindle his love of football, raising questions about what success really looks like in football. (10:30)

Angel Cabrera is competing at The Masters after 30 months in jail for assault, theft and illegal intimidation against former girlfriends. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, takes us behind the curtain and discusses whether a convicted criminal should have lost his green jacket? (19:00)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Trump's u-turn: "A power trip on a global scale"

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

At the precise moment Donald Trump was “pausing” his tariffs policy, his own trade negotiator was trying to explain to Congress who knew what when. Did those around Trump have prior knowledge, and take the opportunity to invest? Or did he leave his own team in the dark?

Trump has tried to style his climb down as a win. But the soaring response of the stock markets suggest they think the tariffs trauma is now done. Has Trump boxed himself in? And will anyone believe him next time? Later, Trump’s revengeathon is alive and kicking. He’s now investigating two former officials for 'treason'. Because they dared criticise him and tell the truth about the 2020 election. And Lewis is in Scunthorpe ahead of that decision on British steel.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump’s Liz Truss moment: “It could be cataclysmic”

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:43:00 +0100

Trump's tariffs, combined with China's retaliation, are doing terrible things to stock markets around the world. People are selling off equity and assets in this increasingly uncertain time. But now something even more strange is happening - the bond market is tanking. And that’s a sign that confidence in the US government itself has hit the rocks. When Greece starts looking like a safer bet than America you know things are bad. Is Trump going to follow Liz Truss down the road to self immolation? And what happens next?

Later, why the Birmingham bin strikes are about something much bigger than rubbish - and why they might soon hit the rest of England.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

"China gives Trump the middle finger"

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As Trump threatens to double the tariffs on China the trade war between two of the world's biggest economies is escalating. China has said it will "fight to the end". Trump says he will not back down. As each side raises the stakes, will Trump have to concede that he's made mistakes? Who will back down first? And how will this trade war affect the rest of the world?

Later, we speak to pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common about how all of this is going down with the voters in the UK - and how Starmer is coming out of all this mayhem.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will market chaos make Trump rethink his tariffs?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Hong Kong's stock exchange has just closed down 13% - to put this in context it's the worst day of trading since the Asian market crash of 1997. The FTSE 100 has plummeted here, Goldman Sachs has upgraded its probability of a US recession, and members of the US government are now taking to the airwaves to squabble about the plan ahead. Is this genuinely what Trump wanted? Is he still pretending it's going well? And is the plan to make the world come to the negotiating table? It can't - coherently - be both. What will Keir Starmer's plan for growth involve now? Who should we be trading with? And are those fiscal rules still ironclad?

And later, why did Israel stop two UK MPs from entering the country?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Could Trump suspend the midterms? And how worried should we be about the stock market?

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Trump's tariffs have caused chaos on the stock markets with a looming threat of recession. Rumours are swirling that the midterm elections could get cancelled. And tourists are re-thinking their travel to America. How worried should we really be? This Friday, Lewis and Jon answer your questions about Trump, the economy, and what the global impact will be.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

It's Grand National weekend! ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin was among our guests, as Gabby & Mark explored how viable a more 'ethically-conscious' version of the sport is, when it relies so heavily on gambling? (02:04)

Former World Champion sprinter Darren Campbell is involved in the development a new 'Super Track' that promises to help athletes break Usain Bolt's 9:58-second 100m record. Darren joined us in the studio to explain. (06:00)

After Chelsea sold their own women's team - to themselves - to avoid punishment for breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules, Miguel Delaney (The Independent) helped explain why the loophole was just the tip of the iceberg. (11:00)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has Brexit really saved us from Trump's trade war?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Declaring 'Liberation Day' for the USA, Donald Trump accused other countries of having "looted, pillaged, raped and plundered" America's economy. What he announced has sent tremors around the global economy and his own - Trump has set the stage for a global trade war.

His tariffs start at 10% and go up to as high as 74% for an unlucky few states like Bangladesh and Serbia. It’s mathematical spaghetti. The UK has avoided the higher EU rate of 20% - so do Leavers have a point when they tell us that Brexit saved us? Or is it all a bit more complicated than that? Later, why are Elon and Donald consciously uncoupling. Is Trump starting to see Musk as a loser?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump turning against Putin?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Has Trump just started to work out he’s being played by Putin? A light bulb moment is going on in the White House - Washington officials are privately admitting that the Ukraine peace deal is not going to plan.

Whilst fifty senators have combined forces to seek new sanctions on Russia, we ask whether Trump has lost patience with Putin and whether this will make him double down or walk away? We hear what the Kremlin makes of this - with the BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg.

Later, Senator Cory Booker breaks TikTok with his 25 HOURS long speech on the senate floor.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has a free speech row derailed our US trade deal?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:01:00 +0100

It's 'Liberation Day' eve as Trump dangles his tariffs threat across the world again. How should Starmer respond to what could be a nail in the coffin to the UK economy? And how has one woman’s anti abortion protest now got tangled up in a free trade deal? We talk with a former Bank of England chief economist.

Later, is Kemi Badenoch right about Adolescence? Should policy be made off the back of TV drama? And if so, what is it?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Marine Le Pen's conviction embolden the Far Right?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

The French Far Right leader Marine Le Pen is barred from standing in the country's next presidential election following her conviction for embezzlement. She’s beginning an emergency appeal straight away, and her party says “democracy has been executed“ in France today. Will that conviction silence them? Or could it be a rocket boost to their electoral fortunes?

Plus, we have an exclusive interview with International barrister Philippe Sands on what happens when the law and politics clash, why Trump may cancel the next elections - and his new book '38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia'.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Exclusive: The White Lotus star on mega wealth, the MAGA divide and Brits in America

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The White Lotus - now in its third series has proved a recipe for a smash hit. Take a fabulously wealthy bunch of characters. Make most of them dreadful. And watch them fight it out in a tropical paradise. We’re joined in today’s episode by one of this series stars, Jason Isaacs AKA Tim Ratliff, to discuss whether getting roles now depends on your political persuasions. And whether it pays to be outspoken in MAGA America.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Britain's biggest boxing promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren made a rare appearance together. How is it being partners after 15 years of rivalry? Could boxing gyms help with issues raised in 'Adolescence'? And could Anthony Joshua fight influencer Jake Paul? (02:15)

Leaving your boyhood club in search of a Ballon D'Or - is Trent Alexander-Arnold a traitor or should we admire his ambition? Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague and John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap debate it out. (12:30)

And we all love jeopardy in sport but has the Brisbane 2032 Olympics taken it a bit too far... did someone say crocodiles?! (20:30)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has Trump just undone the Chancellor's Spring Statement?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:05:00 +0100

No sooner had the Chancellor sat down after her Spring Statement than Donald Trump announced to the world that he was slapping 25% tariffs on all cars imported into America. Car manufacturers are livid - and scared. And the OBR has warned that if the US goes further and imposes blanket tariffs, they could wipe out any short term prospect of growth in the British economy. With her room for manoeuvre already tight, could Rachel Reeves now have to rip up her latest plans? Are tax rises on the way? And is the UK going to be knocked about at the whim of Donald Trump and whatever he decides next?

Later, as the White House condemns criticism of the Yemen Signal security breach as “a witch hunt“, could it be that the US President is actually feeling more than a little bruised at the fallout from the revelations?

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Rachel Reeves lost the dressing room?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Today, the Prime Minister was asked to directly express his confidence in the Chancellor. He did so without missing a beat. But how much support does Reeves have more widely in government, in her party and in the country at large?

Later, as Trump's defence secretary insists no war plans were leaked when a group chat on the cusp of bombing Yemen accidentally invited a journalist to join. The journalist in question then publishes the war plans he received. Like shooting fish.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How Trump's secret war plans were leaked in a group chat

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In the days before a US bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, key members of Trumps administration began to plan the attack in a group chat. They accidentally invited a top journalist into the group - in what has become one of the all time best security fuck ups ever. Will anyone pay the price? What will Trump do now ? And do Europeans still trust America with their security?

Later, we are joined by the Adolescence writer and creator Jack Thorne - what does he want to see happen for the future of young men and boys?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Turkey slides towards dictatorship. Why is the West so quiet?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The jailing of Turkeys main opposition leader - President Erdogan's biggest rival - has sent thousands on to the streets in protest. Students who’ve never lived under anyone’s rule but Erdogan are now fearful this spells the end of democracy in the once great bastion of free secular expression and economic growth. Is Erdogan following the Putin playbook for staying in power? Is Trump about to follow both? And why is no one in NATO prepared to call it out? We speak to the main opposition party who are fearful the West has turned a blind eye.

Later, what WAS that Tucker Carlson interview with Steve Whitkoff? Why do they both love Putin so much? And is anyone surprised they haven’t reached a peace deal?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special report: A scandal 'bigger than Thalidomide'

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:03:00 +0100

It has now been more than a year since plans for a compensation scheme were laid out for those affected by the sodium valproate scandal - and it is a state failure that stretches back decades.

Sodium valproate is an effective treatment for epilepsy, but it has been linked to lifelong disabilities in around 20,000 babies born since the 1970s whose mothers were prescribed the drug while they were pregnant. Many were not properly warned of the risks, and a 2020 review concluded that thousands of mothers and babies had been exposed to "avoidable harm".

In opposition, Labour said that financial redress for victims was "desperately needed" - so why has nothing happened since the party took office? And how much longer will those families be forced to wait?

In a special report, Lewis talks to the families affected, including one for The News Agents not far from home.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

First up, an exclusive interview with the most important man in English rugby union, Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU. He faces a vote of no confidence next week after accepting a £350,000 bonus, taking his pay to £1.1m, when clubs are going bust, redundancies have been made and the community game is crying out for help (02:30).

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer celebrated with Gabby (and Sam Fender) as they won their first domestic trophy in 70 years (13:30).

And we talked about Lewis Hamilton's back seat driver and a big win for Lando Norris at Formula One's opening weekend with one of the world's most decorated female racing drivers and Sky Sports F1 Analyst, Jamie Chadwick (20:30).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Kemi crashes Net Zero. Will Starmer be next?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In dramatic fashion, The Sun reports that a leaked government memo claims that the UK's race to reduce carbon emissions could trigger a financial crash. Kemi Badenoch also ditched her party's commitment to net zero by 2050 this week, insisting that the target was now "impossible". So if the cross party consensus on Britain's climate targets are over - could Starmer's so far steadfast commitment to the green revolution come under pressure?

Later, as Steve Bannon suggests a plan is being cooked up that would see Donald Trump running for a THIRD presidential term, what would it mean for American democracy - and what would it mean for JD Vance, the Vice President already taking up pole position as the MAGA successor?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why has “Adolescence” touched such a nerve?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It seems that everyone is talking about the Netflix hit drama 'Adolescence'. It has been viewed 24 million times in just a few days, and is topping the chart in the UK. It deals with raw teenage toxic masculinity - and it’s hit a nerve. Even the prime minister is watching it. As Gareth Southgate warns of the dangers to and from young men who’ve got tangled up in Andrew Tates world we ask why it’s suddenly become a talking point?

Later, is Trump being played by Putin? Is he bright enough to even know? And does driving a Tesla make you “a nazi twat“?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump and Putin’s crucial phone call

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke for an hour and a half today - could they bring the Ukraine conflict and closer to a sustainable peace? Or is the Russian president only interested in carving up Ukraine and taking the West for a ride?

While a ceasefire in Ukraine does appear to be edging ever so slightly closer, the fragile cessation in Gaza collapsed overnight. More than 400 Gazans were killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the strip. The White House confirmed that Washington had been consulted on the offensive. Trump's press secretary told reporters that: "All those who seek to terrorise not just Israel but the US, will see a price to pay, and all hell will break loose." Is Trump giving Benjamin Netanyahu licence to act with impunity in Gaza? And why is the British government contradicting itself on whether Israel is committing war crimes?

Later, Labour MPs have spent the afternoon voicing their unease at the welfare changes outline today by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall. How much trouble is actually building on the backbenches?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Labour go to war over welfare?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:01:00 +0100

Keir Starmer says he has a "duty" to fix welfare - and has described the current benefits system as "unsustainable" and "indefensible". But many of his own backbenchers fear that the noble rhetoric is an attempt to mask little more than a savings drive, and the backlash is growing.

Andy Burnham became the latest Labour figure to voice his concerns, and there are indications that the government is looking again at some of the harshest measures expected to be unveiled tomorrow.

But is the PM right to be sounding the alarm on the rising welfare bill, if 1.8m more people are claiming sickness benefits than before the pandemic?

Later, Donald Trump claims to have overturned Joe Biden's presidential pardons - a power not bestowed upon any occupant of the Oval Office. Is he stretching the US constitution to breaking point?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Will Rupert Lowe leave Reform? And is Donald Trump engineering a financial crash?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:39:00 +0100

What is the likely endgame is for the Russia-Ukraine war? How can journalists hold politicians to account when gaining access to them requires towing an idealogical line? And will Rupert Lowe leave Reform? This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

From sneaking a disguised Novak Djokovic into a team talk, to lessons from Ben Stokes and the LIV/PGA divide, we chatted to European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald for an exclusive interview (02:15).

One day Jim Ratcliffe said Manchester United were on track to be 'bust by Christmas', and the next they announced plans for a £2bn stadium... so we asked Professor of Football Finance at the University of Liverpool, Kieran Maguire, how that makes sense (08:45).

Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Sarah Storey... lots of famous sportspeople have tried switching sports. We got into what that's like with double Olympic champion Jade Jones, who's swapping taekwondo for boxing. We also chatted to Usain Bolt's football coach, Mike Mulvey (16:30).

And comedian Adam Hills chatted to us about his new role as President of the Rugby Football league, which seems to involve a big gold chain, hearing stories from his Ukrainian counterpart and spending his spare time at the Para-Standing Tennis World Championships (21:30).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Exclusive: Keir Starmer talks Trump and Russia with The News Agents

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has spoken exclusively to The News Agents in Hull on a big day in both domestic and international politics. In his speech today, the Prime Minister pledged to abolish the biggest quango in the world - scrapping NHS England, the body which manages the day to day running of the health service. In the wide ranging speech in Hull, the PM lamented a state over stretched, inefficient and not delivering security for Brits. As he spoke, Russia came forward to publicly reject the ceasefire proposals worked out by President Trump and agreed by President Zelenskyy. Jon and Lewis got his first reaction to that news - and discussed his vision for a smaller state.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special episode: Inside the murky world of Facebook

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Sarah Wynn-Williams was a senior Facebook executive for most of the last decade. She had a front row seat as Mark Zuckerberg rapidly expanded the company and he grew in power and prominence. And she became increasingly alarmed by both his and the company’s actions. Now, she is telling her story - her memoir, ‘Careless People’, is out today.

It has been described as “explosive”. Meta fiercely contest her account. And we’ve included their response too. Her allegations - on Facebook’s relationship with China, on its impact on elections, and on its decision making on content moderation and advertising, are striking. We thought you should listen for yourselves, to Sarah’s first ever broadcast interview.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump puts the ball in Putin’s court

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The origins of a peace deal have emerged in Saudi Arabia. There’s just one problem: whilst Zelensky is offering to sign up, there’s no word from Putin. How does a 30 day ceasefire work if the aggressor isn’t on board? And why is Trump convinced that he will be?

Later, presidency or shopping channel? Why is Trump flogging Teslas on the White House lawn?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump driving America into a recession?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:02:00 +0100

There is growing uncertainty in the American economy as stocks fall, and Donald Trump refuses to rule out a recession. He's even said he will double metal tariffs against Canada and threatened to impose levies on its car industry.

As the trade war heats up and Americans watch their market falter, will Donald Trump change his strategy? And how will the rest of the world respond?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Canada found the leader to take on Trump?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:01:00 +0100

"America is not Canada, and Canada never ever will be part of America in any way." The words of the chiselled ice hockey player and former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney who is Canada's new Prime Minister. He's unafraid of Trump, has mocked his economic policy, and his expansionist pretensions. He's put the Liberal Party of Justin Trudeau in poll position to win the next general election against the Conservatives, and against all the odds. Will he become the pin up for centrists around the world looking for a muscular response to Trump?

Later, what's happening in the Reform party? Nigel Farage and Elon Musk's favourite Reform MP, Rupert Lowe, have fallen out badly. Who's lying? And what impact is it having on the party's fortunes?

And for LBC's Online Safety Day we ask More in Common's Luke Tryl why the public is so ahead of the politicians when it comes to tougher action in this digital age.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Live Q&A: Is Trump working for Putin? And what's Putin got on Trump?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0100

In our first ever Live Q&A edition Jon and Lewis answer your most pressing questions.

Is Trump working for Putin? Will a military coup overthrow the Trump administration? If Zelensky ends up going back to America, should he wear a suit? And why are we all so obsessed with Lewis's jumper?

You can watch our Live Friday Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeOrLLSSBhc

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Imagine flying on EasyJet and seeing the men's team on private jets. That's one of the many gaps the England women's team experienced before Baroness Sue Campbell stepped in and five years later, the women won the Euros. One of the greatest trailblazers in UK sport joins us for International Women's Day (02:15).

After Emma Raducanu spoke out about crying when she saw her stalker at a match, we found out what it's like to have a stalker with former GB middle distance runner Sabrina Sinha (08:45).

Did you know North Korea show the Premier League? They do it in a very strange way, as Martyn Williams from 38 North, a US-based think-tank analysing North Korea, explained. (15:30)

And we've just turned one! We celebrate our first anniversary by picking our favourite moments from the last year. (20:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is Trump trying to topple Zelenskyy?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:49:00 +0100

Trump is no fan of Zelenskyy. That much has been clear for months. But according to Politico, his administration is now tapping up Ukrainian opposition politicians and former leaders to try to push Zelenskyy out of power. Is America now interfering in Ukraine’s domestic policies as well as forcing its submission to Putin? We talk to CNN Correspondent and Chief International Anchor, Christiane Amanpour about her time with Zelensky.

And what do European leaders have to offer Ukraine as they meet now in Brussels? Have they come to the conclusion Starmer hasn’t yet - that America can no longer be trusted?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump suspends intelligence sharing with Ukraine

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

A carefully worded letter from Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has made its way to Donald Trump - The News Agents have details on the role that the British government may have played in getting that message delivered to the American President. What's less clear is how Trump will respond - what happens now? He described Zelenskyy's letter as "important" - so why has he suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv? And will there be any punishment for Russia in this “deal”? Plus, we’re with the CEO of the Munich Security Conference, who led JD Vance on stage for that speech.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump pulls the plug on military aid - can Ukraine survive?

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Trump has ordered a “pause“ on all US military aid to Ukraine. All the pending military assistance Biden signed off before leaving office is now in a holding pattern until Trump gets his apology/ submission/ minerals deal from Zelenskyy. How long can Ukraine go on fighting now? Will the EU find the money to plug the gap? And is Trump remotely interested in peace?

Later, as tariffs the tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada and China come into affect we ask how long before Americans will start noticing prices going up and their economy suffering?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Exclusive: Prince Harry's lawyer speaks out

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:04:00 +0100

What is it like to take on Rupert Murdoch and win? We have an exclusive interview with David Sherborne - the media barrister who represented Prince Harry last month and has been the go to lawyer for the highest profile celebrity trials ever fought.

But we start in Ukraine where Trump is threatening to stop military aid and the British Ambassador to America, Peter Mandelson, appears to have “wandered off the reservation“ in terms of party lines.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

BONUS EPISODE: Starmer’s Peace Plan - will it work?

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:06:00 +0100

In this bonus episode of The News Agents, Jon and Lewis get together to discuss Sunday's emergency meeting of European Leaders here in the UK to resolve a peace plan for Ukraine.

Will Keir Starmer's plan bring us closer to peace in Ukraine? Will Donald Trump get on board? And what will Putin make of the events that have unfolded over the last few days?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

BONUS EPISODE: Trump kicks Zelenskyy out of The White House

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0100

In this bonus episode of The News Agents, Jon and Lewis react to Friday evening's remarkable events in the White House.

How will the Trump-Zelenskyy fallout impact the war? How will Keir Starmer react? And will Zelenskyy be forced into a resignation as Ukrainian president?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will the Starmer-Trump bromance last?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:41:00 +0100

There were smiles, laughs, and a few pats on the shoulder - the mood in the Oval Office felt at times amorous as Keir Starmer and Donald Trump got down to business.

The Prime Minister appeared to have defied some of his harshest critics in DC, earning almost fawning praise from the American President and seemingly a series of wins - on tariffs, the Chagos islands, and on Ukraine.

But if Donald Trump is a man who trades on personal relationships and rapport, will that positivity endure once Starmer has left the White House? And how much stock should Britain place in Trump's words, where he often delivers his message with ambiguity and sometimes even contradiction?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:10:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

The first refugee to win an Olympic medal, Cindy Ngamba, joined Gabby and Mark before her professional boxing debut to talk about her incredible story from a shock arrest to the hilarious moment she discovered boxing (03:00).

The story of fleeing Afghanistan and getting no support from cricket's governing body (the ICC) with Afghanistan women's cricketer, Firooza Amiri, and international cricket journalist Alison Mitchell (09:00).

Former England women's football captain Steph Houghton talked about how she helped pioneer the rise of women's football from £4,000 per year salaries to winning the Euros and beating World Champions Spain this week (13:30).

And we reveal our karaoke songs... Mark's wasn't what we expected! (22:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

What does Donald Trump see in Andrew Tate?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

If you’ve been charged with people trafficking and rape, entry into the US is normally impossible. But it seems the Trump administration has been instrumental in ‘persuading’ the Romanian authorities to hand back the US passports of Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan. But why? Why would the US president want to help a man facing the most serious criminal charges - and he is wanted by the authorities in the UK too? Well Andrew Tate’s following on social media is huge. And his macho, misogyny brought a lot of young men to Trump in 2024. And it looks as though the administration now wants to return the favour, never mind the victims; never mind what he’s accused of.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Zelenskyy ready to cut a deal with Trump?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As we record, Zelenskyy is looking through the draft agreement which would give America oil, gas and mineral rights in exchange for…what? The final part of the deal is the bit that's missing. Will America pledge military help? And if not what does Ukraine get back?

Later, former Chief Whip Simon Hart describes the utter circus (*shitshow) that surrounded the last few years of Conservative rule. His book, "Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip", is brutally honest. Will it put people even further off politics?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the Prime Minister pleasing Trump or protecting Britain?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

On the eve of his trip to Washington, Keir Starmer told the commons that UK defence spending would rise to 2.5 percent within two years. It’s an increase in real money of £13.4 billion. £5 billion of which will come from cutting our foreign aid budget. Is he trying to protect Europe? Or to please Trump? And will it work?

Later, does Labour have the right response to the falling birth rate? Why are all the conversations about family and children coming from the hard right and the MAGA traditionalists? We talk to Josh Simons, Labour MP for Makerfield.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Germany about to cut ties with Trump's America?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It didn't take long for Germany's new Chancellor in waiting, Friedrich Merz, to make his presence felt across the Atlantic. Before the final ballots had even been counted in the German elections, Merz took to a television debate to warn that "after Donald Trump's remarks last week...it is clear that this government does not care much about the fate of Europe". He called for the EU to work together at pace to "really achieve independence from the USA", even questioning whether NATO in its current form would continue to exist come the summer. Remarkable words from a politician until now known as a staunch atlanticist - but is he just reflecting the new political era Europe finds itself in? And what does that mean for Keir Starmer and the British government?

Later, Elon Musk instructs millions of federal workers to compile a list of their achievements in the past week or risk the sack, and a podcaster becomes deputy chief of the FBI. What on earth is going on in America's civil service - and is it just becoming an enforcement arm for Donald Trump?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Ash Sarkar: Is identity politics rotting the left?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:07:00 +0100

Right now, culture wars seem to punctuate every moment of our daily lives. Politicising more and more and dividing people over issues both big and small. How have culture wars embedded themselves in so deeply in our politics? What if they are part of a wider design to keep the rich powerful? And how damaging have identity politics been for the left?

Ash Sarkar sat down with Lewis to discuss these questions, which are at the heart of her new book 'Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War'.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Mark and Gabby hit the road this week, meeting Formula One drivers at the O2 Arena and travelling to Wigan to chat to the best and possibly most underrated coach in Britain.

First up, an exclusive interview with three-time Grand Prix winner George Russell about taking over from Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes lead driver, swearing rules and the moment you know if your car will be good enough to win a world championship (it's sooner than you think!). (02:45)

Mark also caught up with young British rookie Oliver Bearman, who was three when Hamilton won first world championship. He made a dramatic debut last season: drafted in with two hours notice he finished 7th ahead of Hamilton and Lando Norris, becoming the youngest British F1 driver in the process. So in his first full season can he replicate that success? He didn't in his driving test... (10:45)

And we meet Wigan Warriors Head Coach, Matt Peet, whose recent trophy cabinet is rivalled only by the likes of Pep Guardiola with seven in three years. So how did the life-long Wigan fan, who never played professional rugby league, guide his side to a historic quadruple and the Team of the Year award at Sports Personality of the Year? Might have something to do with the philosophy he reads... (15:30)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Who will Britain choose: Zelenskyy or Trump?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

The backlash against Donald Trump for his diatribe against Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strengthened. Keir Starmer called the Ukrainian President in a show of support and told him it was "perfectly reasonable" to have suspended elections given Russia's invasion. European leaders have also lined up to reject Trump's claims that Zelenskyy is a "dictator" - even Nigel Farage has distanced himself from that notion, though pointedly has suggested that Ukraine needed to set a timeline for new elections.

But how far can politicians here, and in Europe, push against the American president when so much is at stake for Western security? Or is there an electoral advantage to standing up to the world's most powerful figure if voters think he has overstepped the mark?

We speak to Judith Gough, the UK's former ambassador to Ukraine who knows President Zelenskyy. And later, to More in Common's Luke Tryl, who has been conducting focus groups here about attitudes towards Donald Trump and the Ukraine war.

You can read More in Common's full report on 'Progressive Activists' here: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/progressive-activists/

How might Trump change the course of the war in Ukraine? And what will the impact be for British and European politics?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump calls Zelenskyy a dictator

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:09:00 +0100

Not content with parroting talking points from the Kremlin, Donald Trump has hardened his position on Ukraine even further. Taking to Truth Social, the US president branded Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections" who has done "a terrible job" for his country. He warned his counterpart in Kyiv to "move fast or he is not going to have a country left". Those words will chill European leaders, already baffled at President Trump's decision to align himself with Russia so acutely - are we witnessing the beginning of a new Russian-American axis? And where does that leave those countries in the east of Europe, who have spent decades freeing themselves from the iron grip of Moscow?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is DEI dead?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:03:00 +0100

In the weeks following Donald Trump’s scrapping of diversity, equality and inclusion schemes in government, a number of big-name companies have followed suit rolling back their DEI commitments. So why are so many big companies ditching DEI? And what could this rolling back of DEI policies mean for businesses and workplaces? We speak to Alexandra Mousavizadeh.

Later, Gabriel Gatehouse joins us to tell us about frozen heads, psychedelic art, and his search for the mysterious Bitcoin founder.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has JD Vance declared ideological war on Europe?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

European leaders are heading to Paris. American negotiators are heading to Saudi. And the News Agents have arrived in Birmingham. It’s our first live show of 2025 and as a broadcasting first we’re joined by some abseiling window cleaners on today’s episode. We discuss Americas unilateral plan for Ukraine. Why has it left Europeans in tears? What can Starmer do with Trump? And are we really going to see British troops on Ukraine's borders?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What does Keir Starmer actually believe?

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:48:00 +0100

Despite Keir Starmer's long march to Downing Street, there is so much we don't know about our Prime Minister. His media presence, and his Downing Street, is more guarded than the PMs who have preceded him. He has worn many different political personalities on his journey from lawyer, to the House of Commons, to leader of the opposition - he has evolved as his journey to No 10 took shape.

What drives him? What are his fundamental principles? Who are his real allies? Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire have an arguably clearer picture than anyone except the man himself. Their new book 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer' attempts to get beneath the skin of the man running our country.

They sat down with Lewis to try and answer some of those questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:15:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Can the Six Nations learn from the star-studded Super Bowl? We chat to ex-England rugby union player Ugo Monye (03:30).

Could rugby league help the Premier League get VAR right? That's with Phil Bentham, Head of Match Officials at the RFL and former PGMOL VAR coach (10:45).

Joe McEwan tells us about suffering a sudden cardiac arrest when playing lacrosse. At just 22 his heart stopped for 4 minutes but he survived and now he's raising money by walking the length of New Zealand (16:45).

And we laugh about Andy Murray's fateful first ski trip, where he had to be transported down the mountain after biting off more than he could chew (22:45).

Find out more about Cardiac Risk in the Young here

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has Trump turned his back on Europe?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump's first stab at a deal on Ukraine appears to have gone very well - for Russia. During a 90 minute phone call with Putin they started to lay out the terms. Including a veto on Ukraine joining NATO and an understanding that Ukraine would never reclaim Crimea. The phone call with Zelensky did not come until afterwards. European leaders are up in arms at being left out of the conversation and can’t work out why Trump is conceding to Putin before he’s even stopped his illegal invasion. Is Trump 'the deal maker' just not actually very good at making deals? And has he profoundly given up on the West and its defence?

Later, what does the Munich terror attack presage for the forthcoming German election? Is it making life for the anti immigrant parties much easier?

And which toddler dared to tell Trump he was not actually the President?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Was this Kemi Badenoch's worst day yet?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Kemi Badenoch got rebuffed in PMQs by the Prime Minister telling her for the second week in a row she “hadn’t done her homework".

Why isn’t she cutting through? Does she need to do more media interviews? Or might her safe space be the kind of podcasts Trump used to secure the 2024 election? Today we ask if that media exists here in the UK and if not, why not?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What's behind Elon Musk's AI power grab?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:01:00 +0100

The AI Summit in Paris assumed it would be the centre of tech action today. That was until Elon Musk put in a cheeky (hostile) bid for Sam Altman's OpenAI company, claiming he was owed the money anyway from a previous deal. There is beef between these two tech bros - who both proudly wear Trump's patronage. They previously worked and innovated together on the company that is now Altman's. Can Musk bully Altman into giving it up? Will Trump help him? And what happens if AI as well as X, tesla, SpaceX and (checks notes) the entire US government is now within Musk's grasp?

Later, is Trump serious about pulling out of NATO? And is the Ukraine war already lost? We speak to Jeremy Hunt about what he's learned from 14 years at the top of government, and what he'd do differently.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Labour trying to mimic Reform?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Labour has been trying to show how tough it’s getting on immigration - releasing videos of its door to door raids whilst simultaneously putting up Reform turquoise ads on Facebook. The messaging goes to the heart of the Labour conundrum. Should it fight Reform or copy it? Does it need more muscular pushback? Or an acceptance that’s where voters concerns now lie? We discuss with MP Jake Richards.

Later, what is 'Blue Labour' and why are they favourites of Donald Trump? And who is DJ Dowster and WTF is he singing ?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Helle Thorning-Schmidt on Greenland, Zuckerberg and Brexit

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:10:00 +0100

In a time of rising populism, a raging debate around free speech online, and with Donald Trump fixating upon Greenland, Helle Thorning-Schmidt sits in a unique vantage point.

Denmark's first female Prime Minister remains one of the most influential social democrats in Europe. And her experiences grappling with the migrant crisis have equipped her with some big ideas on how the left should combat the radical right.

She's also now one of the few people with Mark Zuckerberg's ear. Thorning-Schmidt co-chairs Meta's oversight board - a body which checks the tech giant on content moderation and rules on what can and cannot be posted on Facebook and Instagram. With Donald Trump effectively seeking to scrap restrictions on online expression, and eyeing up Greenland, a territory she once governed, Lewis sat down with her to discuss some of the big - potentially defining - issues of our time.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:50:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

A big helping of American sport as we geared up for Sunday's Super Bowl and explained the NBA transfer that broke the internet...

Former Super Bowl champion Jason Bell, was in the studio to talk about Patrick Mahomes' G.O.A.T status, The Kansas City Chiefs' attempt at a historic 'Three-Peat' and the 'Taylor Swift Super Bowl conspiracy'? (09:50)

Tas Melas, co-host of 'No Dunks' podcast joined us to break down Luka Doncic's shock trade to the LA Lakers - one of the biggest stars in the sport and he had no idea it was about to happen and no power to stop it! (21:46)

Plus, would you know what to do if a brand wanted to sponsor your 12-year old child? The mother of Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, Marcia Lewis, joined us to talk about her mission to help parents navigate the world of academy football. (03:59)

And can TikTok really help the growth of women's sport? Women's Sport Trust CEO Tammy Parlour and Birmingham City defender Shannon Cooke explain (16:23)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

Find out more about No1fan.club here

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Will Keir Starmer replace his Chancellor?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In one fell swoop the Bank of England cut interest rates today and worse, their forecast for growth. They now believe the economy will grow at HALF the rate originally predicted. And the bank is pointing the finger at the Chancellors tax rises in the last budget as the problem. Is Rachel Reeves in trouble? Is the country? And will the Prime Minister stick by her as Chancellor?

Later, Kemi Badenoch has a new test for immigrants coming to Britain. Can they prove that they will give more back to the country financially than they take out ?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The reality of Trump's Gaza plan

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Last night President Trump floated the real estate agent’s vision for Gaza - a riviera in the Middle East, with waterfront property and barely a Palestinian on site. Is he suggesting seizing it? Buying it? Ethnic cleansing? Or a wild card route into diplomacy? We discuss with Layla Moran MP, whose family escaped Gaza last year.

Later, is Labour still pursuing the Indian Ocean Chagos deal? And has the price really doubled?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's hundred million dollar condom claim

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:15:00 +0100

President Trump, or should we say Elon Musk, has turned off the taps on the spending of an entire government department - US AID. Many voters will be happy to see a red line through some of the overseas spending. Other figures, like a hundred million dollars on condoms for Hamas, have been entirely confected. Why is an unelected foreign billionaire deciding what happens to the American taxpayer money? And if no one stops Elon Musk and Donald Trump, where will they go next?

Later, Keir Starmer is facing questions about his lockdown voice coach lessons. Should he face the same scrutiny that Boris Johnson did over party gate? Or has the country moved on?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Trump lose his own trade war?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Canadians booing the American national anthem at sports matches, shops removing American made products from their shelves...how many enemies is Donald Trump prepared to make with his trade tariffs? The Mexican president and Trump have already agreed to postpone the tariffs by one month following a "good conversation". Is anyone really prepared to fight the bully tactics?

Later, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson tells us why she thinks Michael Gove is being hyperbolic about her changes to education. Will the Ofsted reforms really help parents? And why is she rolling back changes that the Tories say worked?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump politicises a national tragedy

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0100

The Washington plane collision is a moment of national mourning for America, but not for Donald Trump. With over 60 dead and bodies still being recovered from the frozen Potomac river, Trump decided to politicise the disaster within seconds of speaking: blaming DEI policies, before any investigation has started, much less concluded. Why does he act this way? And will he pay a political cost? Lewis and Jon discuss.

And you ask: why don’t we talk more about the Green Party? Well we listened and we talk to Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay MP to ask why his party isn’t commanding much attention.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:50:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Former British number one tennis players, Tim Henman and Laura Robson, chatted to Gabby and Mark from a Sky Sports padel event about doping, the Djokovic-Murray partnership and Emma Raducanu's future (01:45).

As the Six Nations kicks off ex-England rugby player, David Flatman, joined us. Could the Six Nations stop being free-to-air and could this threaten the sport? (08:00)

We tried to figure out how Manchester City got so close to an early Champions League exit with former City player, Nedum Onuoha, and Pep Guardiola's biographer, Guillem Balague (14:15).

And before she heads off to compete at the Invictus Games we chatted to Gemma Barnes, the Team UK vice-captain who served in the army for 15 years before two life-changing leg injuries (18:45).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

We need to talk about Suella Braverman

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

14 months ago Suella Braverman was Home Secretary. Now, she's positing the idea that Britain could fall into the hands of "Muslim fundamentalism" and warning that the UK could become a theocratic state akin to Iran. What has caused such a shift to the right? And how comfortable are the Tory party with that kind of rhetoric?

Later we speak to Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, about Rachel Reeves's growth speech, net zero and whether business has confidence in the Treasury.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Rachel Reeves comes out fighting

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:27:00 +0100

The high point of the political week was set to be Rachel Reeves speech in Oxford on how to grow the economy. Has she convinced anyone with her plans? And has she changed the country’s mood? Why did all her cabinet colleagues who voted against Heathrow expansion last time suddenly see the light this time around?

Later, Peter Mandelson and his damascene conversion on Donald Trump.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Britain stand up to Trump over Greenland?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Denmark’s Prime Minister is clearly worried enough about President Trump's threats over Greenland to embark on a tour of European capitals to drum up support. Is the UK able to offer clear and unequivocal support to Denmark - our NATO ally? We ask Secretary of State, Peter Kyle.

But we start with China’s AI model, DeepSeek RI. What is it? Why is it causing chaos to US markets? And is it a security risk?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Steve Coogan on Thatcher, Starmer and phone hacking

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:09:00 +0100

Few public figures have thought longer or harder about the role of the media than Steve Coogan. He lead the charge against the press barons during the Leveson inquiry, and has just starred as Brian Walden, the father of the modern British political interview - documenting Walden's complex relationship with Margaret Thatcher in the new C4 two-part show 'Brian and Maggie'.

He sat down with Emily to discuss phone hacking, press freedom, toxic masculinity, Thatcher's legacy, and his verdict on Keir Starmer's Britain.

And later - why you should all go and see 'A Real Pain'.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Can Trump run again as president? Can he pardon who likes? Will the Musk bromance last?

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:52:00 +0100

As Donald Trump's first week in office comes to an end, we answer your most pressing questions.

Who will be the first casualty of President Trump's cabinet? Will his bromance with Elon Musk last the full term? And has news evolved to be entertainment?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

Weekend Edition with Mo Farah - The Sports Agents

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Sporting royalty on the podcast this week as Gabby and Mark were joined by Mo Farah, four-time Olympic gold medallist (1:30), two-time Ryder Cup winner and Olympic silver medallist Tommy Fleetwood (7:45), one of the most decorated female racing drivers, Jamie Chadwick, (13:30) and Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates (19:45).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has Prince Harry had the last laugh over Rupert Murdoch?

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

After a long battle against the tabloids, Prince Harry has won an 8 figure settlement from Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers. For the first time, a lengthy apology admits the paper group used unlawful activities at The Sun, and hired private investigators to get their stories. Will anyone be held responsible?

Later, President Trump dials into Davos. What is the rest of Europe thinking? Can he really end the war in Ukraine? And will he ever get a Noble Peace Prize?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump sets his army free

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:45:00 +0100

Donald Trump's first 48 hours in the White House have been frenetic. His decision to pardon 1,500 January 6th rioters - including militia leaders and those plotting violent insurrection - has stunned even Republican lawmakers who witnessed the violence on Capitol Hill four years ago. The new President has chalked up a series of easy early wins with a blitz of executive orders, but some Americans are already expressing alarm about his instructions to government departments to investigate his political enemies. Is the shock and awe approach of the new administration underlaid by a targeted erosion of America's democratic safeguards?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Inside the Trump inauguration

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The United States has a new CEO. Trump is promising a golden age - a flag on Mars, control of the Panama Canal, an America moving onwards and upwards.

He also suggested he’d pardon those convicted of the January 6th riots that he himself encouraged. And that came on the same day the outgoing President Biden preemptively pardoned his own family.

We are on the Mall in DC, we have George Santos in the studio, and we mark inauguration day in America on the cusp of Trump’s unguarded second act.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's second coming

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0100

It's inauguration day in Washington DC and Emily and Lewis set the scene ahead of Trump's return to the White House.

We're on the streets of the US capital to speak to his excited MAGA supporters, as well as hearing from those now fearing for America as Trump returns to office.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How will history judge Joe Biden?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:36:00 +0100

Today marks the last day in the Presidential office for Joe Biden. Next week, he will pass the reigns over to Donald Trump for his second term as President of the United States. In his farewell speech Biden warned that an "oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that threatens our entire democracy."

So how will we look back on the Joe Biden presidency? And will he be remembered for anything other than making way for Donald Trump's second term?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Gary Lineker's replacements on Match of the Day, Mark, Kelly and Gabby, react to the big announcement (03:15).

As Tyson Fury retires from boxing (again!) we speak to the boxer who could be the heir to his throne, Moses Itauma, and his promoter Francis Warren (07:15).

How hard is it to break into the rotating cast of Premier League managers and how much does it cost? We speak to Lee Johnson, who's managed Sunderland, Bristol and more (14:15).

And from the Ashes in Australia we caught up with England World Cup winner Nat Sciver-Brunt (20:00).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Has Donald Trump brought peace to the Middle East?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:03:00 +0100

Was it Joe Biden's quiet diplomacy or Donald Trump’s loud threats that brought the two sides to a place where a ceasefire is at least within reach? Over night Israeli rockets killed more than 70 Palestinians suggesting we are still a long way out from peace. How much power rests with Netanyahu now? And does he even want to see an end to the conflict? We speak to a man who knows him well.

Later, Ed Davey tells us why he’s disappointed with Keir Starmer and why the UK has to seek a customs union with the EU as Donald Trump comes back into the White House. Is he right?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could the UK taxpayer end up paying millions to Gerry Adams?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

At PMQs today, Kemi Badenoch accused the Government of writing "a cheque to compensate Gerry Adams”, the former leader of Sinn Féin. The Prime Minister has said he will look at "every conceivable way" to prevent such a compensation payout.

How could Labour’s plans to change legislation see Gerry Adams and other suspected IRA members receive compensation for internment during the Troubles? We speak to Alex Burghart, Shadow Northern Ireland secretary.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Do the young really love Nigel Farage?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:52:00 +0100

Nigel Farage claims that Reform is the party of the future. And the young. He hasn’t been correct on that one so far - it’s very much been the party of the old. But could that be changing? And why has the UK lagged behind the rest of Europe on this trend up until now? Are young voters really switching away from progressive parties, or is Reform just out to find those who never previously voted?

Later, why is the shadow chancellor sounding like a one man melodrama and invoking the drums "beating ever closer"? We discuss.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Labour minister, her dictator aunt, and a meeting with Putin

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:20:00 +0100

What is the story that links a Labour MP, a ransacked Bangladeshi palace, a free Hampstead property and Vladimir Putin? Today we delve into the curious tale that links the MP for Hampstead, Tulip Siddiq - the economic and anti-corruption minister - with the fall of a powerful and possibly autocratic Bangladeshi deposed leader, Sheikh Hasina, her aunt.

What are the charges being levelled? And has Siddiq been transparent with everything she's acquired and admitted between them? We talk to the Sunday Times journalist who's just returned from the Bangladeshi prime ministerial palace, Gabriel Pogrund.

Later, the LA fires have been doused in misinformation. What criticism of the government in California is legit? And what has just been made up by fantasists for political gain?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What went wrong with capitalism?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:03:00 +0100

The bond markets are back in British politics and have made Rachel Reeves’ job even harder. The Chancellor has headed to China amid a backdrop of warnings over market turmoil, stubborn interest rates and the prospect of public spending cuts. But how much of it is her fault? In the short or long term? In this episode we talk to Ruchir Sharma, the author of (so Lewis says) one of the best political books of 2024: 'What Went Wrong with Capitalism'. It is a sharp critique of left and right, but also says that, in their own way, they’ve both got a point about how lousy our economic model has become.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

What sport did James Corden beat Gabby at? And what's it like when your dad sells you to another club? All that and more with Jamie Redknapp, the former England, Liverpool and Tottenham player (03:00).

Should the England boycott their upcoming men's cricket match against Afghanistan? We ask Double-Ashes winner Steve Harmison, who got death threats in 2003 about boycotting a game against Zimbabwe. (08:10)

And how about adding lava fields and lasers to golf? That's what Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have done in their $100m experiment to bring golf to Gen Z. We find our more with The Athletic's Golf Reporter Gabby Herzig (16:45).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Why is Liz Truss threatening to sue Keir Starmer?

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Liz Truss - reports the Telegraph - has sent the Prime Minister a 'Cease and desist' letter threatening him with legal action for saying that she 'crashed the economy'. Her lawyers contest that the statement is 'false and defamatory' and contributed to her losing her Norfolk seat in the election.

So, what is the free speech champion hoping to achieve by this legal battle? And how do we decide if she 'did' crash the economy? We chat to her ally, Mark Littlewood.

Later, the Chancellor is heading to China just when rising borrowing costs are throwing the bond markets into turmoil. Is this wise? What's going on? And what's at the bottom of all the negative sentiment about the UK? We chat to Sky News economic and data editor, Ed Conway.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Mark Zuckerberg goes MAGA

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:28:00 +0100

It was only 8 years ago that Mark Zuckerberg found himself apologising for misinformation posted and shared by the Facebook algorithm, acknowledging the harm and damage it was capable of causing, and putting forward the steps to rectify it. But eight years is a long time. Particularly when you have faced threats of imprisonment from the incoming administration. And yesterday, the CEO went full MAGA and decided that following Donald Trump's election it was time to scrap the fact check operation - that will save them huge amounts of money - and allow for a similar process of 'content moderation' to the kind Elon Musk is happy to use on X. Did the damascene conversion come as a result of those threats? 'Probably, yes'. Trump agreed. So has Facebook given up on Fact? And who will be the next tech giant to cave to Donald Trump?

Later, we speak to Wes Streeting about election interference and why he thinks Tommy Robinson is now providing a template for some Tory MPs.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The journalist who exposed the grooming scandal breaks his silence

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage and Elon Musk call for a new inquiry into the grooming scandal, we speak to the man who uncovered the Rotherham abuse and whose reporting led to the original inquiry. Andrew Norfolk first wrote about this horrific widespread exploitation of young girls more than a decade ago as chief investigative reporter at The Times. He has given his first interview to The News Agents since Elon Musk's intervention to set the record straight on the scandal - and respond to those whom he accuses of 'shameful' behaviour - the weaponising of horrendous acts for political gain.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How Keir Starmer called out Elon Musk

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has attacked those spreading lies over child grooming gangs. He didnt explicitly call out Elon Musk, but it was clearly he meant him. And he did explicitly call out Kemi Badenoch for sheepishly following Elon Musk's calls for an inquiry without exploring the myths he is peddling. Meanwhile, Musk has decided he's no longer a fan of Nigel Farage and has called for him to be replaced as leader of the Reform party. So who's up who's down as the year begins?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What if...Boris Johnson had backed remain during the Brexit referendum?

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0100

In our final installation of our festive "What If" series Jon, Emily and Lewis ask what might have happened if Boris Johnson had decided to back the remain campaign rather than the leave campaign during the Brexit referendum?

What if the Hong Kong handover hadn’t happened? Is there a world where Hong Kong’s democracy and independence could have been better protected?

And finally, what if Rishi Sunak hadn't called the election early? Would the Tories have had any time to redeem themselves? Or would Reform have been able to gain more of the vote share?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What if...George Bush had lost to Al Gore in 2000?

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In the third episode of our Christmas "What if" series, Emily, Jon and Lewis bring you a US politics special.

First up, they ask how the world would have been different if George W. Bush lost to Al Gore in the 2000 Presidential election. Would there still have been an invasion of Iraq? And would Donald Trump have ever risen to office?

Later, they ask what would have happened if Bernie Sanders had beaten Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary. Would Sanders have had a better chance of defeating Donald Trump?

And finally, what if Joe Biden had a quick nap before going head to head with Donald Trump in their Presidential debate earlier this year?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What if...Dominic Cummings hadn’t tested his eyesight by driving to Barnard Castle?

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0100

What would have happened if to the Conservative Party if Dominic Cummings hadn’t needed to test his eyesight by driving to Barnard Castle? What if David Miliband was elected Labour leader instead of his brother, Ed Miliband? And what would have been the impact on British politics if the IRA had assassinated Thatcher in the 1984 Brighton bombing?

We answer more of you 'What if...' questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What if...Scotland had voted YES to independence?

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In the first episode of our 'What If' series, Emily, Jon and Lewis look back at some of the big sliding doors moments of our recent history and examine how much our politics has been shaped by these pivotal events.

Grappling with some of your submissions, The News Agents ask - what if Scottish independence had won out in the 2014 referendum?

What if Rupert Murdoch had never bought The Sun newspaper?

And, what if Gordon Brown hadn't been caught on hot mic making disparaging remarks against a Rochdale voter in the 2010 election campaign?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The News Agents awards of the year

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

2024 really has been a political year like no other - treating us to an indulgent helping of seismic elections, career comebacks and a gluttony of scandals.

So we thought we’d try and make some sense of it all with the inaugural News Agents awards of the year. With some help from LBC’s Natasha Clark and Aggie Chambre, Lewis adjudicates on the highlights and the lowlights, the heroes and the villains of the last twelve months - and a look ahead to what’s in store for us all in 2025.

We’ll be back on Christmas eve with the first of our ‘What If’ series, taking a deep dive into the sliding doors moments which have shaped our world. What if things had played out differently?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Sports Personality of the Year winner and 2024 Olympic gold medallist, Keely Hodgkinson, joins us for an exclusive interview (03:45).

We find out more about Tyson Fury and what it's like to box a rematch with cruiserweight boxer and former WBO title holder, Chris Billam-Smith, ahead of the biggest rematch of the century Fury v Usyk 2 (11:25).

And how extreme can running get? We find out with ultra-runner Jon Shield (17:45).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Inside the trial that shocked the world

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Later in this episode we will be speaking exclusively to James Harding, founder of Tortoise media, in his first broadcast interview since buying the Observer newspaper. But we start in a court room in Avignon, packed to the brim with now convicted rapists who all abused a woman who had been drugged and "passed around“ by her husband. That women was Gisele Pelicot. She waived her anonymity to speak out for other victims. She is a hero in her native France. And increasingly around the world. But are we any closer to understanding how a crime like that happens?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

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You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Can you stop an election being bought?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:42:00 +0100

Nigel Farage, Reform treasurer Nick Candy, and Elon Musk gathered below a portrait of a young Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago. They were discussing campaign tactics, apparently, and whether Musk's money could be funnelled into Reform.

What can governing parties do to stop elections being bought? We ask the Polish Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, a politician who has helped to see off populist government in his own country.

Nigel Farage clip courtesy of GB News.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are Lewis’ holiday plans immoral?

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Lewis has been urged to cancel his new year holiday by Britain’s best known conservationist Chris Packham. When he tweeted asking for travel tips in the remote Faroe Islands, he did not expect to find himself at the centre of a mini-social media backlash, with animal rights campaigners arguing the islands should be boycotted because of their practice of whale and dolphin slaughter. We were intrigued by the political questions at play here. Do you have moral culpability just because you visit a country? How forgiving should we be of cultural practices? And are different standards applied to different cultures? Lewis talks to one of his critics in the studio.

We also talk another man’s travel plans- Keir Starmer who is getting more flak from within and without for globetrotting. Is this fair? He is, after all, the prime minister. We chat through with LBC’s Aggie Chambre and Natasha Clark.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Prince Andrew being blamed for the China spy?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

A modern day thriller - a Chinese spy who infiltrated not only government, but Buckingham Palace. The alleged spy, Yang Tengbo, says he did "done nothing wrong or unlawful". How did Prince Andrew get mixed up in this, and why is he getting so much flack?

Later, we talk about Stephen Bartlett's podcast after a BBC investigation revealed widespread health misinformation. How is wellness being weaponised to support "freedom of expression"?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Emily Thornberry on Corbyn, Starmer, Trump - and a world in turmoil

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Emily Thornberry is one of Labour's great survivors. An MP since 2005, she stuck with the party through 14 long years of opposition - serving in the shadow cabinets of Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer. Never afraid to speak her mind, she's one of the party's most relaxed communicators, so why didn't Starmer bring her into government? On the backbenches, she's become chair of the foreign affairs committee - a powerful role scrutinising the work of the foreign secretary and Britain on the world stage. So with a revolution in Syria, Donald Trump poised to return to the White House, and populism on the rise in Europe, what better time to sit down with her to talk about her remarkable career. She speaks candidly to Lewis about her clashes with Corbyn's leadership team, Starmer's stuttering start and her journey towards the top of British politics.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

After the biggest contract in sports history was signed (15 years and $765m dollars for baseball player Juan Soto) we tried to get our heads around the huge numbers with U.S. Sports Business Reporter, Daniel Kaplan (01:43).

As the Formula One season ended we had a debrief about the big driver argument, Lewis Hamilton and next year's wide open title race with BBC F1 presenter and voice of Drive to Survive, Jennie Gow (07:34).

We talked about the Game of Thrones at Manchester United with The Athletic's Adam Crafton after their sporting director Dan Ashworth left after just five months (14:40).

And for a Christmas treat, Gabby's husband and ex-Scotland and Wasps rugby player, Kenny Logan, joined us to spill the tea on Gabby (18:40).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is Keir Starmer ready to do battle with the Nimbys?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Angela Rayner promises to deliver 1.5 million new homes within five years. It’s setting the battle lines for what the Telegraph is calling the “bulldozing of the Home Counties“. Is Keir Starmer ready to take on the Nimbys even if the Nimbys are now his core 2024 voter?

Later, who will be the “Voice of America“ - and what’s happening at the FBI?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why have conspiracy theorists become suspicious of milk?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:01:00 +0100

The agriculture company Arla foods is trialing a new cow feed in the UK that aims to cut down climate changing methane emissions. It’s been approved by the regulatory authorities here, in Europe, and in America. But it hasn’t stopped milk becoming the latest conspiracy in the culture war, with reform MPs arguing for its ban and labelling it “woke milk “.

Later, Kemi Badenoch goes for Keir Starmer over immigration at PMQs. Is that wise?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is the world swooning over an alleged killer?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Luigi Mangione is a 26 year old Ivy League graduate and an alleged cold blooded murderer. He’s also the top trending name worldwide with a Gen Z fanbase swooning over his abs. What does the shooting of a healthcare executive in New York, and the public response to it, tell us about American society and meme culture?

Later, what’s Israel doing in Syria - and could Netanyahu end up In jail for bribery ?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Syria be governed by terrorists?

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Syria’s brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad, has fled Syria for Moscow. On today's episode we speak to his first cousin Ribal al-Assad about the character of the man who tortured and killed millions of his own people, and ask what hope is there for Syria now that he’s gone? And should the UK accept the incoming regime of proscribed jihadi terrorists?

Later, Carole Cadwalladr tells us why she is concerned that the sale of The Observer to Tortoise media is the route to self implosion for The Guardian.

And we catch up with 30p Lee and his latest illuminating tweet.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Special episode: Assad has fallen - what just happened in Syria and what happens next?

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 13:56:00 +0100

Rebel forces have seized control of Syria, leaving the country's President Bashar al-Assad scrambling to flee his homeland. There is jubilation on the streets of Damascus at the toppling of a despot who committed such grievous atrocities against his own people. But this is a move that will make leaders across the world nervous. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group now in control of Syria, was set up as an affiliate of al-Qaeda and is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK, the US and many other countries. And with Russia and Iran losing a vital regional ally in Assad - how determined are they to shape Syria's future?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Trump succession, the most important PM and why politicians aren’t funny

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Why aren't politicians funny anymore? Who is the most important Prime Minister in your lifetime? Will Elon Musk and Donald Trump's bromance last? And who will succeed Donald Trump?

Emily, Jon and Lewis answer the questions that we couldn't get to at our live show at the Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage 2025 with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Gabby & Mark tackled the controversy surrounding the Premier League’s annual LGBTQ+ 'Rainbow Laces' campaign - after some players chose to directly challenge the Premier League’s directives. Wales all-time top goalscorer, Jess Fishlock (10:34) - MBE awarded for her services to football and the LGBTQ+ community and double-Paralympic 200m Champion Richard Whitehead joined us for a discussion about how 'inclusion' in wider sport (17:13).

The 4x Olympic Champion, Sir Ben Ainslie, joined us in the studio for an insight into working with Manchester United's new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe (02:39).

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is Reform haunting Keir Starmer?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:07:00 +0100

Today, in a movie studio setting Keir Starmer attempted to grab the public imagination with talks of pledges, missions and milestones. But the revelation came thirty minutes into his own speech when he acknowledged people’s impatience with traditional politics. Of which he is perhaps the archetype. Is he thinking about Reform who are now edging ahead of Labour in some polls? And is this what is driving his big fear now? Labour simply won’t have time to finish the job they’ve just begun with populists snapping at their heels.

Later, bitcoin surges to the hundred thousand dollar mark. What’s driving this rise and what does it tell us?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Don't Panic! Why does Labour think it needs a relaunch?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:04:00 +0100

Keir Starmer is making a 'plan for change' speech tomorrow. Just don't call it a relaunch. Why does the government think it's necessary? What will it hope to do? And is this about changing policy or messaging, as Reform threaten to transform UK politics with foreign money?

Later, South Korea has not only stopped martial law in its tracks hours after it was threatened, but appears to be about to impeach its own President. Is this what functioning democracy in action looks like?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could Elon Musk buy a UK election?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:07:00 +0100

Elon Musk is reported to be weighing up a 100 million dollar donation to Nigel Farage to help him become Prime Minister. Farage has played it down but conceded that Musk does like his style. Is there a world in which this could actually happen? And could this be an issue which brings the mainstream parties together - united by a common threat? (Nigel Farage clip courtesy of GB News).

And as South Korea's president declares an emergency, martial law and puts media outlets under government control we reflect on 2024's ability to still pack in those political punches.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Gregg Wallace, the BBC and the MeToo movement

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace has just issued an apology for 'any offence caused' after he blamed middle class women for coming forward to complain about his over sexualised banter in the work place. Just to be clear, that's not an apology for the sex stuff. Just for the instagram post. He also told us he felt 'under siege' for just being Gregg on Masterchef. What does this episode tell us about victim blaming and victimisation, about work places that profess 'zero tolerance', and about the health of the Me Too movement more than a decade after it all began.

Later, Biden has decided to pardon his son Hunter to spare him prison. Has he opened himself to ridicule and charges of hypocrisy? Or revealed how little faith he has in the fairness of the justice system under Trump.

Voicenotes from contributors in this episode were voiced by producers.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The week on The Sports Agents...

Gabby and Mark Pougatch play darts with the world's best, teenage superstar Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries (3:49).

Do they act like rivals or friends? How's it been for Littler becoming famous so young and so quickly? And what darts tips can they give us?

Lawyer to the likes of David Beckham and Alex Ferguson, Nick Freeman, aka 'Mr Loophole', joined us (11:01) to tell some entertaining stories from court and discuss whether high-profile stars have it easier than others.

Liverpool could lose their star player Mo Salah in the summer, as well as captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. We ask Paul Machin, founder of The Redmen TV, if alarm bells are ringing and what price the club should pay to keep them (16:59).

And Mark's favourite golfer, Bryson DeChambeau, hits a hole in one... over a house! Could this set off a new trend in golf and beyond? (21:08)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

History in Parliament: MPs say YES to assisted dying

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:04:00 +0100

When the vote in the Commons came back, you could have heard a pin drop. In the end, after hours of often compelling, personal and emotional debate the result was conclusive. 330 MPs voted to pass the assisted dying bill on to the next stage. 275 voted against. But there was no whooping or cheering when the result came through - just a defeating silence as the chamber grapples with what a huge social shift this could now mean to the country.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Net migration: Is it really out of control?

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 16:08:00 +0100

Net migration figures hit more than 900,000 in the year up to June 2023. And fell by 20 percent this year, down to 730,000. It was only a decade ago that Prime Minister David Cameron was talking about bringing immigration into the "tens of thousands". So, where did things go so badly wrong? And why after the Brexit referendum and the pledge to 'Take Back Control' did Boris Johnson's administration see immigration rise to a million people?

Today we ask new Labour MP, Jake Richardson - who has Reform snapping at his heels - what the Labour plan is? And if the government is prepared to issue fewer student visas if that brings the core number down?

Later, Mark Zuckerberg banned Donald Trump from Facebook after the January 6th riots. Now they're dining together in Mar a Lago. How is American business recalibrating in preparation for a second Trump term?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

A matter of life and death

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:09:00 +0100

The assisted dying bill goes before MPs on Friday. If it goes through it will mark one on the biggest social changes in legislation the country has seen, and Britain will join around a dozen other countries who have decided to allow the state to step in at end of life. The tight parameters around the legislation mean only those who are terminally ill and facing six months or less to live would be given the choice of ending their lives on their terms. And they have to be residents of England or Wales.

Today, the News Agents discuss, with honesty and a little confusion, how we are each feeling about it. We ask what part religion may be playing in MPs decisions and what is at stake if the bill passes or if it fails.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could Marine Le Pen topple the Eurozone?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Later in the show we’ll be speaking to Department for Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall straight from the Commons, after she delivers her plans to cut the welfare bill. But we start with the economic story you might be missing, and one that could dwarf everything else.

It begins in France where Marine Le Pen is currently threatening to bring down the Michel Barnier government by voting against his budget with the help of the far left parties. She says the budget is out of touch with the needs of ordinary working people and their electricity bills, but her moves and the ripples of uncertainty they create could trigger a Eurozone crisis of the likes seen last when Greece collapsed after the banking crisis. Is that where we are heading?

And, lots of people from all over the world have signed a lovely petition calling for a UK general election. What’s the...erm...point?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Jaguar backlash - Is 'woke capitalism' dead?

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The newly released Jaguar advert displays an array of brightly coloured models cat-walking around a large rock with no car. It has sent Jaguar traditionalists into a tailspin. The company's CEO is unrepentant, and moreover says he's quite enjoying the attention/backlash.

Today, we speak to the masters of the advertising world, Saatchi & Saatchi. So, is the advert any good? Is the backlash about something more profound than cars? Is 'woke capitalism' on the way out?

Later, Romania's first round Presidential elections produced a shock winner overnight - the ultranationalist right winger Calin Georgescu came from nowhere. He's Putin friendly, NATO sceptic, pro-tarif, and anti immigrant. In the first European elections since Donald Trump's victory, what might this mean for the direction of the EU, Ukraine and the upcoming German elections?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

The week on The Sports Agents...

Gabby travels to Newcastle United to speak to players Dan Burn and Amber-Keegan Stobbs, and club icon Shola Ameobi about using the power of the Premier League to help the local community (02:40).

Burn chats about his work with the Foundation, the pressure of 'local hero' status and Eddie Howe's England snub.

Plus... this stadium ain't big enough for the both of us: we look at lots of sports to see if women's football will actually get more fans by sharing the men's stadiums. Is it even feasible long-term? And if not, what's the new plan? That's with ex-England footballer Anita Asante and Host of Counter Pressed podcast, Flo Lloyd-Hughes (13:50).

And Mo Farah chases down a thief - you can guess who won! (23:16)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Kim Leadbeater on assisted dying, fractious politics and Jo Cox

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Next week, MPs will get their first opportunity in almost a decade to vote on extending the choices available to terminally ill people at the end of their lives. A contentious subject, The Assisted Dying bill is being championed by MP Kim Leadbeater, sister of the murdered MP Jo Cox.

Lewis joined Kim in her parliamentary office to talk about the bill, her optimism for the future, and the legacy of her sister.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Wanted for war crimes: Benjamin Netanyahu

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister, a former defence minister, and separately for the Hamas commander - saying it has dismissed Israel’s appeal. What will be the repercussions of this around the world? Will the court's findings be rejected by the US? And how will the UK government respond if Benjamin Netanyahu sets foot in Britain?

Later, John 'Prezza' Prescott has died. Deputy Labour leader and master of the (centre) left hook after famously punching a protester. Plain speaking, funny, at times cantankerous. Was he a politician ahead of his time?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Can parliament control Elon Musk?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:11:00 +0100

Whatever happens on the streets of Britain, there's always an Elon Musk tweet. Often misinformed. Now parliament wants to take Musk on - or "invite him to explain" what's going on. The protests in the summer following the Southport stabbings were a critical example of how fast and how dangerously lies can spread online. Today, in her first broadcast interview, we hear from the chair of the Science and Technology Committee, Chi Onwurah, on her proposals to stop the spread of disinformation on the various media platforms. And we ask if it's still true that 'no one is above the law'?

Later, we ask what's happening in Ukraine, where British storm shadow missiles have been fired into Russia for the first time. Can this change the ground game for Volodymyr Zelensky? And is Putin serious about changing his rules of nuclear engagement? We hear from former defence minister James Heappey.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why are farmers storming Westminster?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Later in this episode we talk to Patrick Radden Keefe, author of global bestseller 'Empire of Pain'. His new Disney+ drama 'Say Nothing' tells the story of murder and memory during The Troubles in 1970's Northern Ireland, and solves one of that time's most egregious crimes.

But we start on the streets of Whitehall with the farmers storming Westminster, and their rallying cry - "Starmer Farmer Harmer". How has the new government got on their wrong side so quickly? How damaging will the policies in the budget REALLY be for farmers? And will the Chancellor back down?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why one journalist’s tweet sparked a media frenzy

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:03:00 +0100

On Remembrance Sunday the Telegraph columnist, Allison Pearson, had a visit from Essex police. Her report sparked a media frenzy, talk of a witch hunt, and an interjection from Elon Musk.

What really went on? Why is everyone talking about free speech? And how might this play into the whole MAGA playbook? We take a proper look.

Later, this should be the lame duck period of the US administration. So why has Joe Biden now handed Volodymyr Zelenskyy the long range missiles he’s desperate for? We talk to Mark Urban on Ukraine, and Britain's response.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Donald Trump will be the President when the U.S. host the World Cup and the Olympics - what will that mean for global sport? We speak to The Telegraph’s Sport Investigations Reporter, Ben Rumsby, and Amnesty International’s Head of Sport and Labour Rights, Steve Cockburn.

With Mike Tyson back in the ring 19 years later facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul - are influencers killing boxing or throwing it a lifeline? We debate it out with Kalle Sauerland, Co-President of Misfits Boxing and Head of Boxing at Wasserman and The Guardian’s Chief Sports Reporter, Sean Ingle.

As cycling great Mark Cavendish retires, we find out about the man behind the lycra with his friend and ex-Team GB team mate Adam Blythe.

And how does Gabby think influencers should be punished when they take things a bit too far...?

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

04:51 - Will Trump change global sport

11:25 - Are influencers killing or saving boxing?

16:01 - Mark Cavendish the mini Usain Bolt

21:34 - When influencers go too far...

Peter Mandelson on Elon Musk, free speech, and his next big job

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

An ever present figure in British politics since the 1980s, Lord Peter Mandelson isn't done yet. He's hoping to become the next chancellor of Oxford University, but his name's also been brought up in the conversation about who should become Britain's ambassador to the US under Donald Trump.

Lewis spent the morning with him in Oxford, for a conversation about higher education, culture wars, how Labour should engage with the new American administration - and why Elon Musk is too big for Keir Starmer to ignore.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could an alleged sex trafficker become America’s next Attorney General?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Donald Trump’s latest cabinet picks are actually laugh out loud hilarious. Unless, of course, you are American. In which case they are a signal that he doesn’t give two hoots about the rule of law or US security. Today we talk through the ethics of appointing Matt Gaetz and the persuasions of Tulsi Gabbard.

And, we speak exclusively to Steve Hilton, former Downing Street advisor to David Cameron who is now behind Donald Trump and seriously considering a run for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s old job - Governor of California.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Elon Musk changed the media forever?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Elon Musk is the world's richest man, owner of the biggest media platform and the new President's latest bed fellow. Is X now an arm of the US government? And what’s happening to the podcast space in America? Why can’t centrists find the influence that the Right wields there?

Later, Estonia's Foreign Minister tells us that British NATO troops in his country can be deployed within days to fight Putin. They’re both dreading and expecting an invasion.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Donald Trump 2.0 destroy the planet?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:45:00 +0100

When the COP29 host country opens its own conference by extolling the virtues of fossil fuels, you know you’re off to a good start. Keir Starmer didn’t let that put him off. He announced ambitious new targets for Britain’s carbon reductions - almost as if the world’s most famous climate denier hadn’t just won the US election. Is it all pie in the sky? Or does Starmer reckon his targets can outlast Donald Trump?

Later, Justin Welby has resigned as the Archbishop of Canterbury - the first time that’s ever happened - after acknowledging a conspiracy of cover up over child abuse within the church. Why are major institutions like the Church of England still getting this so wrong?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What does MAGA sound like in 2024?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

What does the MAGA movement sound like second time around? Dan Cox is a Republican legislator, heavily backed by Donald Trump for Maryland governor last time around. On today’s episode he tells us he believes in Stop the Steal, the deportation of migrants, the freeing of January 6th insurrectionists, and is anti-vax. He’s waiting by the phone to see if he’s getting a job in the next administration.

Later More in Common's Luke Tryl on where the Democrats went wrong. Was it message or messaging? And will the party now recoil from social issues they think put many voters off?

Lastly, a mystery letter is opened live on air....

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Do winning teams need to be a bit "toxic"? England rugby centurion Danny Care, who has won three Six Nations and two Premiership titles, joins us on the podcast to discuss the "dictatorship ruled by fear" at England under Eddie Jones.

Plus, Care spills some of his party stories - can you guess what tattoo he got in Vegas with his England team mates?

Later, we chat about the 'haves' and the 'have nots' in tennis. We're joined by former professional tennis player Conor Niland - if you haven't heard of him, that's kind of the point! The man who beat Roger Federer aged 12 tells us about the loneliness and grind of being outside the top 100, and life on tour with the golden generation.

As Arsenal lose their hugely popular sporting director Edu, we speak to Clive Palmer from The Arsenal Vision Podcast, about the void that he's left at the club and how to fill it.

And we share our sporting howler stories. If you've got one of your own please get in touch!

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

02:40 - England's "dictator" with Danny Care

12:03 - How tennis' other half live

17:51 - Yin to his Yang: Edu and Arteta

23:11 - Sporting howlers

Q&A Special: "Live" from Washington DC

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Emily, Jon and Lewis bid farewell to the United States by answering your questions on the US election.

So what next for Kamala Harris? Why didn't the celebrity endorsements work for the Democrats? And is there any way Donald Trump could stand for a third term?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How will Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:09:00 +0100

The Democrats are only just beginning to digest what went wrong and what a Trump presidency might mean for America for the second time around. But in Britain and Europe alarm bells are already off the charts. What does Trump mean for Starmer, for populism and for national security? Do we have to start doing more without Americas help?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump takes BACK control

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:27:00 +0100

Donald Trump’s result last night was astounding. He reached corners of America few republicans had reached, both geographically and demographically. The Democrat post-mortem will begin before she’s even conceded. What went wrong? What did they misunderstand? And what happens now that Donald Trump's power is unchecked and complete?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Donald Trump: The Sequel

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 01:02:00 +0100

It's still early in Washington DC but in a remarkable and unprecedented night Donald Trump is on the verge of the greatest comeback in political history. He's on course to pick up the key swing states he needs to secure a return to the White House. How has he managed it? And what does it mean for America and the world?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Hope and fear as America heads to the polls - who will win?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The stakes could hardly be higher as US voters turn out to vote for the next President. Is it the White House or the jailhouse for Donald Trump? Could America be on the cusp of its first female POTUS? The country is on a knife edge, security barricades are going up, and once again Donald Trump is slinging sexist insults. The next 24 hours could be fraught, unpredictable and historic.

And, your questions answered on the US election. The surprises to watch out for, why Americans have to queue so long to vote, and what happens if it’s a tie?

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Harris vs Trump: The final arguments

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:08:00 +0100

We’re high on the rooftops overlooking the White House for our last full day of this election. How has each candidate closed the campaign? What should we be looking out for on election night itself as early results come in? And what has Jon learned from the Kamala Harris campaign team about how they're planning the last 24 hours?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usa

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is there a real surge for Kamala Harris?

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:08:00 +0100

The News Agents are in Washington. And we’re asking one big question - will this be the election that brings women out for Kamala Harris in such numbers that she can seal the deal? That in essence is where we start the final lap of the campaign. What is the 'secret voter' really doing? And does anyone trust the shift in the polls?

Later, we’re door knocking in a ruby red county of Pennsylvania. Why do the Democrats think they stand a chance here when they know it’s a deeply religious conservative community? Is there such thing as a 'moral Republican' voter demographic?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And, you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles here: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Imagine being stranded on an icy ledge 6,000m high in the Himalayas for three days with no food or water - that's what happened to British mountaineer Fay Manners who joined Gabby and Mark to tell her story.

Former England rugby captain Dylan Hartley opened up about getting a traumatic brain injury from playing the sport he loves. He called out rugby for having its 'head in the sand' on brain injuries and revealed he got no help with his aftercare post-retirement.

Plus, we had an emergency episode after Manchester United manager Eric ten Hag was sacked and looked at the man who'll be taking over, Ruben Amorim. Andy Mitten from United We Stand and Henry Winter joined us for that chat.

And we went down a rabbit hole of horse sex... yes, you read that right!

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

03:05 - Himalayan horror

11:54 - Ex-England captain on brain injuries

18:20 - Manchester United manager

21:27 - Horse sex

SPECIAL REPORT: A war on women - Florida’s abortion crisis

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:03:00 +0100

It isn’t just Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on the ballot in the US general election on Tuesday. Across the United States abortion rights are being voted on too, in a string of referendums across different states.

The biggest and most fiercely contested of all is in Florida, which in May enacted a six week abortion ban. In a special report, Lewis tells a disturbing tale of fire and fury in the Sunshine state, of women’s health being put in jeopardy and of a growing theocratic strain at the heart of American politics.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Lead Producer: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And, you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles here: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the next Conservative leader trying to be the Tory Trump?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:58:00 +0100

The membership voting has now closed on the Tory leadership race. By Saturday we will have a new leader of the opposition. What flavour will that conservatism be? Robert Jenrick released a video this week warning of conspiracy and cover up over the Southport killings. Does he no longer believe in the rule of law? And is this a winning strategy for his party?

Later Elon musk is having his (literal) day in court over his big cash give aways. And Donald Trump is pretending to be a garbage collector.

Meanwhile, Lewis has started hosting his own radio phone in show in Florida. Just another crazy day in election town.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And, you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles here: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has the chancellor just raised the most painful tax of all ?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:40:00 +0100

If there’s one thing Rachel Reeves drilled into us in the months before delivering her first budget, it’s that none of her tax rises would target working people. So how have we ended up with a £40 billion tax raid which WILL almost certainly hit working people? The NI increase to employers will make it harder for them to hire, raise wages or expand businesses. So how does that add up? And why were there no new measures today to offset the cuts to winter fuel allowance for the elderly? We popped down to the Treasury to ask Reeves in person.

Later, Steve Bannon is out of prison, Joe Biden is messing up his apostrophes and Kamala Harris is speaking to thousands of fans - in a district she’s already won. Just another crazy day in election town.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is everyone scared of the budget?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

One day out from the budget we ask why The Chancellor appears to be frightening off the very people she needs to help flourish for economic growth.

Businesses and entrepreneurs are starting to feel uneasy with the budget plans they’re hearing. And they are wondering if Reeves has enough people around her who understand how to make the UK competitive. More in Common’s Luke Tryl joins us to talk about why voters are dreading the budget.

And, Lewis sneaks into Trump's speech at Mar-a-Lago. We'll hear from the bustle inside the ballroom.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will racist jokes get the voters out for Trump?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Trump has achieved a lifetime ambition and played Madison Square Gardens, NYC. Throughout the night the stage was filled by supporters, surrogates and comedians making a variety of racially offensive gags - including calling Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Trump's fans are split into those who think they warmed up the stage nicely, and those who think they've lost him a crucial minority vote.

Later, the billionaires buying into Trump. First he won over Elon Musk. Now it looks like Jeff Bezos has been bought. The Amazon owner is also the proprietor of the Washington Post - that stalwart of a free thinking press. This weekend he overturned the editorial line the paper wanted to take and refused to endorse Kamala Harris. What does that tell us about the future of the free media if Trump wins?

And Tommy Robinson has been jailed for contempt of court after he spread misinformation about Syrian refugees. Because that's how the rule of law works.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Brentford manager Thomas Frank tells us taking a big job like Manchester United wouldn't make his life better, in an exclusive interview. We also talk about the Bees' no d***heads policy, 'secret sauce' and Ivan Toney's gambling ban.

Plus, your questions are answered by Gabby and Mark, who tell stories of meeting their hero in a urinal, singing to the England manager and an awkward encounter with Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

A North versus South competition hosted by The Sports Agents is on the cards and Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill explains why sprinters don't slick their hair back any more.

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Badenoch vs Jenrick: the battle for the soul of the Tory party

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:07:00 +0100

The Tory party are down to the final two in another long contest for leader. It's an unusual contest with both Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick coming from the right of the party.

So, who are they? What do they believe? And how would they shape the Conservative Party after the worst defeat in its history?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Trump a “fascist”? And do Americans care?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:03:00 +0100

We have an interview with Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Alexei Navalny - the Russian opposition leader murdered in prison earlier this year by Putin's government. Why did he go back to Russia after his poisoning? And what did Putin make of his death?

But we start in America with Kamala Harris who last night told a CNN town hall that yes, she agreed Trump was a fascist. The Democrats can't seem to decide how to play him - as a weirdo, an entertainer or a threat to Western Democracy. Are they strategically targeting different groups in their messaging? Or is it all getting a bit lost?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Labour 'interfering' in the US election?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:24:00 +0100

Donald Trump's campaign has filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against - what sorry - the Labour party, accusing it of 'blatant foreign interference', for allowing volunteers to door knock in swing states for Kamala Harris.

The story either goes back to a linked in post by a labour staffer offering volunteers free accommodation in North Carolina, or it goes back to a longer standing row that Trump's mate Elon Musk has with Keir Starmer.

Farage is out of the traps calling it an 'insult' to an incoming Trump administration. Labour is calling Farage a pot, or a kettle, and pointing to the efforts Farage has made over 8 years to get Trump into power.

Later in the show we ask whether labour are prepared to send water company bosses to jail. We speak to Defra's Steve Reed about pollution and whether the water companies should work for no profit.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Chris Kaba killing: should it have ever gone to trial?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:04:00 +0100

Twenty four hours after a jury cleared sergeant Martyn Blake of all charges relating to the murder of Chris Kaba, the questions have only intensified.

Why did this case ever come to court? What did the CPS know that made them think he’d be found guilty? And how does Chris Kaba’s family now respond to the not guilty verdict?

At the heart of this story is a question of trust that has fallen apart - between the police and the public. Between the senior management and the rank and file and between whether we believe the wheels of justice are driven by evidence or public perception. We speak to a leading investigative journalist, a former director of the CPS, and a Gold firearmers commander in the Met.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Elon Musk trying to buy American votes?

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:04:00 +0100

Why is Elon Musk offering voters in Pennsylvania the chance to win a million pounds a day by registering to vote? Well, we can all probably work out the answer. He's Trump's number 1 fanboy and reckons he has a lot to gain if he can swing this swing state to make Trump president.

Democrats are trying to work out if it constitutes election interference - and whether they realistically have a chance of fighting it in court. Meanwhile, closer to home, the Moldovan president reckons the Russians were playing a similar game in her elections this weekend.

A referendum that would see Moldova form closer EU ties was won by a whisker - when a landslide had been predicted - after Russian bribe money flooded the country. The aim was to get this former Soviet bloc country to turn its back to Europe and re embrace Putin. Why cant we work out how to stop election interference when we can spot it everywhere?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

England named German coach Thomas Tuchel as the man to lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory - but does his nationality matter more than how good a manager he is? German football writer Raphael Honigstein, joined Gabby & Mark to explore...

How do clubs actually unearth the best talent? Old-school scouting prowess or new-age AI-infused data? We debate it out with former Brentford, QPR and Rangers manager, Mark Warburton, and the 'data-brain' behind Liverpool hiring Jurgen Klopp, former Director of Research, Ian Graham.

Plus, do 'superstars' get special treatment when it comes to drugs in sport? We talk to Ahmad Nassar, the Executive Director of the Professional Tennis Players' Association, and Edmund Willison, investigative journalist and author of the Honest Sport newsletter.

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A - USA Election Special

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Will this be the most gendered election ever? How late should you stay up to watch the results? And who do Jon and Lewis think will win?

With less than three weeks to go to the US election, we answer your most pressing questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Can Kamala Harris win over Fox viewers?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Kamala Harris has been trying to reach the parts of America that Democrats dont easily reach. Her latest foray was on Fox News in a sit-down interview with Bret Baier. She called the network out for failing to correct Donald Trump's falsehood on his election loss. But she struggled more when she had to differentiate herself from Joe Biden, and their past record. Did it work as a strategy?

Later, leaked ministerial letters of complaint and budgetary stalemate. Is Rachel Reeves facing the usual departmental wrangling or are things looking particularly uncomfortable for the Chancellor this time around? And are there now clues to what she actually has to cut.

Lastly, are women allowed to have children AND lead a political party? Well it's not entirely clear...

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Badenoch v Jenrick: Can either candidate get the Tories back to power?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:59:00 +0100

Tory leadership ballots have now gone out - and Conservative members must now chose if they want Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick to lead their party. Unusually, both candidates come from the same wing of the party - the right - which begs the question, is there a genuine path for them to win over a wider electorate? We speak to the man spearheading the movement to find the Tories their route back to power, Grant Shapps.

Later, why are we horrified to discover our Prime Minister spent ten minutes speaking to one of the most influential women in the world?

And why is the Daily Mail calling this a DARK DAY FOR ENGLAND?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Rachel Reeves about to tear up a manifesto promise?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:04:00 +0100

What exactly is a 'working person'? At the heart of that question is the answer to whether or not you think Labour has fudged its promise not to put up taxes in the budget in two weeks. Yesterday the Prime Minister refused to rule out increasing the national insurance contribution employers pay on their staff - having promised 'no increases on income tax, VAT or NI for WORKING PEOPLE'.

So are they breaking an election promise? And will it damage trust if they do? Later, we talk to Graham Brady, the man whose job was to dispatch Conservative prime ministers when their party no longer wanted them. How does he explain 14 years of Tory chaos? Did the party become addicted to the psychodrama that was damaging a country?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Audio clips courtesy of BBC Breakfast and Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on BBC One.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is EU free movement about to fall apart?

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Last month Germany suspended free movement at some of its borders, citing growing migration concerns. Critics of the move believe it’s dealt a body blow to the integrity of the European project, leading to an angry outburst from Poland’s PM - and former European Council President - Donald Tusk about “unfair unilateral” action from a fellow EU member state. This weekend, however, Poland followed suit and has threatened to suspend the right to asylum in the country. Tusk believes Vladimir Putin is trying to destabilise the EU by abusing its asylum policy and luring in thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa, in turn fuelling a resurgent far-right. So what becomes of the Schengen Area and free movement now?

Later, we discuss how to write Alex Salmond’s obituary. Tributes flooded in following his death this weekend, but have the media glossed over his own admission of inappropriate conduct?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Rory Symon

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Gabby & Mark Pougatch welcomed ex-Formula One Team Principle at Haas, Guenther Steiner, to talk about swearing and the unexpected F1 title race, with a bonus question for our weekend listeners.

And after Rafa Nadal announced his retirement during our recording, tennis presenter Marcus Buckland helped us pay tribute to the tennis great.

Plus we quizzed one of the UK’s top sports lawyers and Partner at Sheridans, Daniel Geey, on the landmark ruling in the legal battle between Man City and the Premier League about sponsorships.

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

The most powerful man in politics - who is Morgan McSweeney?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:12:00 +0100

Less than a week ago, the woman who was supposed to ease Labour's passage into government, Sue Gray, left her job as Chief of Staff following mounting pressure and rumours of fallouts behind the scenes.

Her replacement is Morgan McSweeney - now the most powerful man in politics that you've probably never heard of. The architect of Labour’s election victory, Starmer’s campaign manager, and now his main man in Downing Street. So, who is Morgan McSweeney? What motivates him? And what kind of power does he have in Number 10?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Did Tory MPs go rogue? The mystery solved

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Lewis, Jon and Emily have all been speaking to various Tory MPs either running the campaigns or voting in the leadership race. Together we work out what actually happened behind the scenes, and the buyers regret some are now feeling.

Later, Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens and now Nexus, on why information and truth are two completely different things.

And lastly, the GetJimAJingle campaign reaps succulent rewards from our listeners.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

WTF just happened in the Tory race?!

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

It's very rare you see the News Agents speechless. But today is one of those rare moments. James Cleverly, Tory MPs favourite as of yesterday has just been knocked out of the leaders race by Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick.

You can hear from our voices, that we spend the entire episode trying to work out what on earth has happened. Did Team Cleverly's maths go wrong?

Did MPs have a sudden change of heart over the direction of the party? And what does it mean for what happens to the Tory party now? One man who's probably breathing his first sigh of relief for a month is Keir Starmer.

Later, Rachel Reeves' budgetary gymnastics, and our campaign to 'help Jim get a jingle'.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Elon Musk working for Donald Trump?

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Elon Musk has linked up with Donald Trump on the campaign trail - visiting Butler Pennsylvania and speaking to the crowds on the very spot Trump was targeted by a sniper back in July.

He's parroting the Trump lines - calling this the last election ever if Trump loses - and offering people 47 dollars to sign up swing voters in key states. Is it bribery? Is it legal? Does anyone care?

Later, will Labour's recent fiasco push Reeves to be bolder in her budget? Will she choose to borrow billions to invest? Is that enough to appease disillusioned back benchers?

And Boris is back spewing more lies about Brexit. We take you through what's real and what's not.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why has Starmer’s Downing Street already fallen apart?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:13:00 +0100

Sue Gray's resignation might have come as a surprise to some but as rumours swirled about mounting hostility towards her inside Number 10, her departure was inevitable. So, what will her exit mean for Keir Starmer? And what does the latest shake up in No 10 reveal about the mood behind the scenes?

And, 12 months on from the 7th October attacks in Israel, we ask whether we're any closer to peace in the Middle East?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Gabby & Mark asked former Chelsea talisman Frank Lampard for his thoughts on their current one - Cole Palmer - but is he the best player in the Premier League right now?

Plus, Sam Burgess was among our guests as we explored whether the only way to save Rugby was to reunite the two codes!

And after Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate questioned why he hadn't received the Player of the Match award last weekend, we explained how (and who) actually decides...

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Strangeland: Jon Sopel on how Britain stopped making sense

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:35:00 +0100

After eight years as North America Editor Jon returned home to the UK, but things weren't quite as he had left them.

In his book, Strangeland, Jon recounts what it was like in the US, looking back to the UK - and the strange feeling when he returned home to realise that either Britain had changed, or he had. Lewis sits down with Jon to discuss just how much the British political landscape has changed over the past 10 years.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Labour being so weird?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:01:00 +0100

The Labour freebies story “broke“ over a month ago. Yet last night whilst Keir Starmer was meeting with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels he found himself fielding questions about what free stuff he was handing back after agreeing to repay 6k.

Why is Labour being so weird about this? Does it tell us something more about labours naïveté? Or perhaps their unreadiness for government? Or is the media environment just a whole lot more complicated since they were last in power.

Later, new documents have been released overnight in the US claiming Trump “resorted to crime" in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Will this change the Supreme Court view that he’s “immune from prosecution?”

And lastly, the Chagos Islands - Where are they and what’s going on?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Iran attacks Israel - how will Israel hit back?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Overnight nearly 180 missiles were targeted at Israel by Iran - revenge for the killing of Hizbollah leader, Nasrallah, last week. Western governments have offered their help to Israel - calling it an existential fight for survival. What will Israel do next? How long will their invasion of Lebanon go on? Is Russia involved and was the assassination of Nasrallah helped by an insider? All these questions...Luckily, Mark Urban is at hand.

Later in the show, the Tories are wrapping up their conference with a very different predicted outcome to the one many were expecting. Who's going to make it through to the members vote?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why aren’t the Tories more scared?

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Overnight Israeli began its ground war in Lebanon. They’re targeting Hezbollah but inevitably ordinary Lebanese citizens will pay a heavy price. Iran, which backs Hezbollah, has said it may strike Israel in retaliation. How should western leaders respond to this escalation? And how can it end? We speak to Shadow Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell.

Later, have the Tories found their new Brexit? Why is Robert Jenrick promising that leaving the ECHR can solve immigration (it can’t)? And why aren’t they a little more scared this week when they reflect on the mountain they have to climb back to power?

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Kemi Badenoch another Liz Truss?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:09:00 +0100

The Tories suffered their worst electoral defeat for a hundred and fifty years in July. So why are they so upbeat this conference?

Today we introduce you to the four remaining candidates for party leader - frontrunner Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat - and ask the biggest question of all. Why does Liz Truss still believe she can save Western Civilization?

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

We were joined by an array of brilliant guests to assess Anthony Joshua's shock defeat at Wembley and what's turning into a fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Man City.

Later in the week, what finally feels like the end of the Everton takeover saga was in sharp focus. Gabby & Mark wanted to find out who the prospective new owners - The Friedkin Group - really are and why they've become so unpopular in Rome?

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A: Career regrets, Prime Minister's clothes, and middle class America

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

What is your biggest journalistic regret? Should a Prime Minister's spouse get an allowance? And what does 'middle class' mean in America?

Thank you all for some BRILLIANT questions. The answers take us down some very strange alleys indeed...

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Freebiegate getting hypocritical?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:13:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has tried to shake off further accusations that he's indulged in freebies from a Labour donor by pointing out how many in the media do it too. What does this row tell us about the relationship between politicians and the public purse, and the part the media plays in creating that sense of injustice? Are we happy to hunt down every penny gifted - albeit publicly declared - in the quest for 'cleaner politics'? Or will we just invite comparisons that ANYONE in public life is 'all the same'?

Later, Diane Abbot on the 2019 election, that row with Keir Starmer and whether Corbyn got too cosy with Putin's Russia.

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Who is Hezbollah? And what is this war?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:13:00 +0100

The Prime minister has arrived in New York and called on British citizens to evacuate Lebanon after Israeli missiles targetting Hezbollah left more than 550 dead in one day. Who are Hezbollah? Where did this war begin? We talk to the historian James Barr about the strange paramilitary army that is sewn into the society of Southern Lebanon.

Later, Labour lose their first conference vote over winter fuel - UNITE union are triumphant. And... stay with us to the end for a special guest appearance. NO SPOILERS!

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Can Keir Starmer make the public trust politics again?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Keir Starmer made an hour long speech with the one funny moment carefully tucked away 55 minutes in. It was the first conference speech from a Labour prime minister for 15 years, and the hall went wild for every mention of the victory they’d just witnessed. But after that? What was there? A promise from the Prime Minister to restore trust in politics again and make people see it as a force for good. Is the country in the mood to do that?

We talk to health secretary Wes Streeting and look at the wider context of today's speech.

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Rory Symon

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The void at the heart of Labour Conference

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:32:00 +0100

As protesters were wrangled off the conference floor, The Chancellor reminded her audience they were not a party of protest but a party of power. They’re now IN power. But Labour’s timetable has created a vacuum into which bad headlines have been allowed to dominate. Are these early teething problems or does it tell us something more structural about a lack of vision?

We talk to Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, and Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer. And we hear from Gary Neville on Arsenal boxes and freebies.

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Ahead of the opening matchday of the new and extended Champions League, we were joined by UEFA vice secretary general Giorgio Marchetti and European Clubs Association CEO Charlie Marshall.

They discussed the suggestion that players may need to strike over the ever-increasing number of games and why UEFA's recent letter to No.10 Downing St. was not a thinly-veiled threat to Keir Starmer's government and their plans to introduce an independent football watchdog. And responded to criticism that this new competition format is just a European Super League Mk II.

Later in the week, Gabby and Mark were joined by Olympic bronze medal boxer Lewis Richardson for an insight into what actually happens when an amateur decides to turn professional.

Plus, as the new WSL season kicks off, it's first-ever Chief Exec Nikki Doucet was in our studio to talk about the big split from the FA this summer and the big challenges facing women's football.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Are we reaching an end-game between Russia and Ukraine?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Tickets are now on sale for The News Agents 'live on stage' at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday December 1st. Buy yours from Global Player at the link below.

https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/7ggnmqw4

On today's show Jon asks whether we're edging closer to the end of the war in Ukraine. Two and a half years on from Russia's invasion, President Zelenskyy is confident he now has a plan for victory. But how realistic is this? What might a peace deal look like? And how will the outcome of the US Presidential election affect it?

To answer all these questions and more, Jon is joined in the studio by journalist and bestselling author Mark Urban, an expert in diplomacy and conflict.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Starmer got a sleaze problem?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:09:00 +0100

Just two months on from the landslide general election and Starmer is having to field questions about the 100k worth of freebies he's received since 2019 and why his chief of staff, Sue Gray, is being paid more than the PM.

The story it tells is of frantic briefing around the PM by disgruntled special advisors. Is this a problem he has to fix? Or can he ignore it? And can he withstand accusations of 'sleaze' after labelling the Tories with that for so long? We talk to the Starmer's chief of staff before Sue Gray - Sam White.

And Aggie Chambre, LBC's political correspondent reveals to us the new rules for MPs at Labour conference.

Tickets for The News Agents live on stage at The Royal Albert Hall go on sale Friday morning from 10am on global player.

https://articles.globalplayer.com/2GXq4afyiJDx1xqP7ZMiP9ZVkWQ

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Are the attacks on Hezbollah a breach of international law?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:30:00 +0100

The attacks on Hezbollah operatives were as audacious as they were incredible. Yesterday, targeting four thousand potential terrorists remotely through their pagers. And further attacks today using handheld radios.

But when the dust has settled, how will the world view this move? Was it justifiable? Or a breach of international law? What are the ethics of targeting so large a group? And was it a breach of Lebanese sovereignty?

Jon and Emily talk to former Newsnight defence editor Mark Urban, and Professor of International Law, Philippe Sands.

Tickets to see the News Agents Live on Stage at the Royal Albert Hall go on sale this Friday, September 20th. They will be available via Global Player at the link below.

https://articles.globalplayer.com/2GXq4afyiJDx1xqP7ZMiP9ZVkWQ

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Are the Democrats really inciting violence against Donald Trump?

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump has blamed Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's rhetoric for the latest assassination attempt, calling them 'Marxist communists'. So how is the rhetoric changing in American politics? And is political violence on the edge of tipping over again?

Later, Keir Starmer is cosying up to Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. And Jon asks about those donations for the Prime Minister's wife's clothes.

Tickets to see the News Agents Live on Stage at the Royal Albert Hall go on sale this Friday, September 20th. They will be available via Global Player at the link below.

https://articles.globalplayer.com/2GXq4afyiJDx1xqP7ZMiP9ZVkWQ

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Will the second Trump assassination attempt change the US election?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:20:00 +0100

It's the second attempt on Donald Trump's life in just two months, once again calling into to question the security services and the state of gun violence in America. But will this change the course of the US elections?

And, why did JD Vance just admit to making up the story about immigrants eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman are joined by former England rugby captain Will Carling to discuss the future of the game, Spencer Matthews pops by to chat about his successful challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 days and

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Senior Producer: Adem Waterman

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

A Very Royal Scandal: Emily Maitlis on Prince Andrew

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

It was the interview that shook the monarchy and saw the downfall of one of its most senior members.

A brand new drama based on that interview, titled “A Very Royal Scandal” is set to be released on Amazon next week, so Lewis sits down with Emily to talk about Prince Andrew, the shockwaves it triggered, and the new drama.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has American politics been taken over by conspiracy theories?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:44:00 +0100

Two days after former president Donald Trump claimed immigrants are eating cats and dogs, and babies are being executed after birth, Jon and Lewis discuss how deep-rooted conspiracy theories have become in American politics.

They're joined in the studio by Gabriel Gatehouse, whose book 'The Coming Storm' delves deep into the world of conspiracy, to find out just how much it is dominating American political discourse.

So why is America so pre-disposed to conspiracy? How will it affect the election? And just how much is it tearing American society apart?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Does Donald Trump really believe he won last night's debate?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:09:00 +0100

Donald Trump was either up early this morning or didnt go to bed at all after his encounter with Kamala. He appeared on Fox News as they were discussing last night's debate performance - and claimed that 'polls' had called him the winner by 80 percent. Does he really believe it went well? Will he be convinced to do another one in October? And whose mind will have been changed by the performance of either candidate.

There was no rowing back from the 'pet eating migrants' line. No softening on his stance on executed babies. But he took the news of Taylor Swift's endorsement of his opponent by predicting she would 'suffer for it in the marketplace'.

For the first time since July 5th all three News Agents are in the studio together to discuss the fall out. And ask what now for Labour after the cuts to winter fuel bill passed with only one rebellious MP.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Kamala Harris wins the debate - and a Taylor Swift endorsement - The News Agents - USA

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:58:00 +0100

The Presidential debate on Tuesday night was everything that team Harris were praying it would be. Trap after trap laid for Donald Trump which he appeared to walk into.

His areas of strength - the economy and immigration - didn’t really get off the ground. She baited him on his rallies and his racism. And he got very cross.

Moments after the debate ended the Democratic nominee won the support of arguably the most powerful woman alive - Taylor Swift. How will this shift the electoral race?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Rory Symon

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can also buy your very own News Agents merch at the link below...

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why are people obsessed with the Lucy Letby case?

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:58:00 +0100

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told Lewis that the wishes of the parents of the babies murdered by Lucy Letby must be respected.

And yet - as the inquiry into the hospital culture surrounding those deaths opens in London today, we ask why so many people are refusing to believe the verdict delivered by a jury after a ten month trial.

Have we become too distrustful of our institutions? Or is it endemic to this particular case and context? Journalist David Aaronovitch joins us to discuss the growing internet conspiracies.

Later, the French rape trial that has confounded public opinion - the husband who admitted to drugging his own wife over the course of a decade to invite men to rape her.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is the Kamala honeymoon over?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:38:00 +0100

The (brat) summer was Kamala's. The Democratic nominee had two months of rave press reviews and sell out crowds. And a convention that left many remarking that the energy and momentum of the race was with her. But two months out from the election - and two weeks before the first ACTUAL postal votes are cast - Harris and Trump are now neck and neck in key swing polls. What's going on there?

Later, winter fuel for pensioners. Was the cut to universal allowance a mistake? A sign of strength? Or of battles to come? - MPs vote tomorrow.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

Gabby & Mark were joined by former Chelsea F.C manager Emma Hayes to discuss her brand new book, ‘A completely different game: My Leadership playbook’.

There was a half full Lord's in the cricket - why may that have been?

And the team digest how the new Manchester United exec board are getting on after their 3-0 loss to Liverpool.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Ed Davey on Tory extinction, Keir Starmer and campaign stunts

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:59:00 +0100

The News Agents comes to you live from Ed Davey’s back garden. This is not a euphemism.

The Lib Dems are a big force in British politics once again, the most significant third party force in parliament for a century. Davey achieved this breakthrough by doing some very odd things including bungee jumping, paragliding and consistently falling into water.

After one of the most curious election campaigns in history, Lewis sits down with the Lib Dem leader, not long before the party’s annual conference.

They talk about what he was up to with all the stunts, what he wants to do with his party’s new clout in parliament and whether there’s even further to go: whether they could yet supplant the Conservatives as Britain’s second party.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Win a money-can’t-buy meet-and-greet with Jon, after enjoying a live podcast recording by pre-ordering a copy of his new book Strangeland here…https://www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Who is Robert Jenrick - and is he going to become Tory leader?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:03:00 +0100

The first round of the Conservative leadership race has seen Priti Patel leave the race, and Robert Jenrick take poll position. Could he be the Conservatives next leader? And what kind of Tory is he? We talk to Tory watcher and author Ben Riley Smith from the Telegraph.

Later, is Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu in trouble? There is increasing desperation on the streets of Israel after the deaths of more hostages. The public mood has turned against the government and its ongoing war on Gaza. What happens now? We speak to the author and commentator Ayala Panievsky about how domestic politics is shaping Neyanyahu's military strategy.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The scandal of Grenfell: Dishonesty, Greed and Decades of Denial

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:03:00 +0100

The tragedy at Grenfell seven long years ago was one that was entirely avoidable. That was the conclusion today of the inquiry, which stated baldly that those 72 deaths in a high rise fire in west London would not have happened without a culture of dishonesty, greed on the part of the construction companies, and denial by the government who knew the dangers of flammable cladding but did nothing.

What happens now for the families of the victims? Does this give closure? Or provoke rage? And will anyone face prosecution for the part they played?

Lewis and Emily take you back to the night it happened, and their reporting in the days and weeks afterwards - that interview with PM Theresa May - and ask what now for the hundreds of thousands of people who still live with the consequences of buildings that are deemed unsafe.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Win a money-can’t-buy meet-and-greet with Jon, after enjoying a live podcast recording by pre-ordering a copy of his new book Strangeland here…www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Michael Sheen on Prince Andrew, Port Talbot and Keir Starmer

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Actor Michael Sheen joins us today to discuss his latest role playing a royal - Prince Andrew in Amazon's three part drama 'A Very Royal Scandal', based on the Newsnight interview Emily did with him in 2019.

He tells us what he privately decided about Prince Andrew's character before he accepted the part - and he tells us what he thinks of Keir Starmer's early days and what needs to needs to happen politically.

He also takes us back - metaphorically - to his home town Port Talbot - which has seen the docking of its final ship in the steel making business for which it was formerly famed.

There's also competition to win a special prize to come into the studio and watch the News Agents in person. All you need to do to enter is pre-order a copy of Jon's book from the link below.

https://www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

Andy you can now buy your own News Agents merch in our online store

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The German hard right win their first election since the Nazis.

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Germany's hard right party the ADF have made astonishing gains in two regions of the country - the first time the hard right has seen substantial electoral gains since the Nazi era. What is propelling the rise? And what do the governing coalition parties do to combat them.

Later, we sit down with Nadhim Zahawi - former chancellor, and former child refugee to talk about his party's rhetoric on immigration. And why he owed the treasury 5 million pounds of unpaid tax.

Also, excitingly, there's a competition to win an special prize to come into the studio and watch the News Agents in person. All you need to do to enter is pre-order a copy of Jon's book from the link below.

https://www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

Andy you can now buy your own News Agents merch in our online store

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Q&A: Presidential bromance, Royal politics and Lewis' pitch for Hawaii

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0100

This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions.

What's behind Biden and Obama's "complicated" relationship? Do members of the royal family vote? And which state will be the most interesting battle ground in the US election?

And, win a money-can’t-buy meet-and-greet with Jon, after enjoying a live podcast recording by pre-ordering a copy of his new book Strangeland here…www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Did Liz Truss really consider scrapping cancer treatment on the NHS?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:57:00 +0100

The disastrous "mini budget" of Liz Truss' short time in Downing Street will go down in history. But did she really consider stopping the NHS treating cancer patients in a bid to find the savings to clean up the fallout?

Jon and Lewis speak to political biographer, Sir Anthony Seldon, about the dramatic 49 days of the shortest serving British Prime Minister.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Can Starmer reset Britain’s relationship with the EU?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer is in Berlin, this time for some real politics, not a football match. He’s meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, unveiling a new UK/Germany defence agreement. Later he’s heading to Paris to meet President Macron. The new government is on a charm offensive, with much lofty talk of a reset of UK/EU relations post-Brexit. But is that really possible? How much is just vibes? Lewis and Jon analyse what has happened and crucially what has not happened, and are joined in News Agents HQ by German Ambassador Miguel Berger.

We also talk about whether there’s any truth that Mr Mandelson might be going to Washington and Jon is shilling for his book again. What fun.

To enter Jon’s competition head over to www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw to find out more

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Keir Starmer: Things can only get worse

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:59:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has made his first major speech as Prime Minister and he had an uplifting message for the public: things can only get worse.

Jon and Lewis, firmly ensconced back in News Agents HQ analyse what the PM is up to and ask whether British politics can really sustain another project built on pessimism.

They also discuss rumoured changes of the Labour Party’s leadership rules (if that doesn’t make you click, what will?) and Oasis’ imminemt return to the stage.

Jon, predictably, swears from the start.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton's new 31-year-old manager - the youngest in Premier League history - joined Gabby for an exclusive interview. He talks his meteoric rise, embracing the culture on England's South Coast, looking forward to coming up against Pep Guardiola and more.

Then on Thursday, with ITV's Mark Pougatch as our special guest host, we examined the Raheem Sterling situation at Chelsea and if their unusual recruitment strategy will ever actually work? Journalist Matt Hughes, applied sport finance expert Rob Wilson and the former Man City defender Nedum Onuoha joined in.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Did Kamala Harris seize her moment at the DNC?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Kamala Harris pledged a "new way forward" for America as she formally accepted the Democratic party nomination for president at the DNC in Chicago.

She makes history as the first black and Asian-American woman to lead a party's presidential ticket.

But did the American people actually learn enough about Kamala and her politics last night? Will she need to do and say more if she's to beat Donald Trump in November's election? Or will simply being the "anti-Trump" candidate be enough?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Rory Symon

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 16:42:00 +0100

Jon and Lewis are live from Chicago on the eve of the Democratic Party national convention, as Kamala Harris prepares to address the nation as her party's presidential nominee.

Is she able to put to bed any lingering doubts that she's capable of defeating Donald Trump? Will the positive vibes around her campaign continue? And as tens of thousands of people are expected to protest outside the convention centre on Monday, can she unite the party over the war in Gaza.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

As we enjoy a brief post-Olympic break, we paused to reflect on an unforgettable summer of sport...

From England's run to the final of the Euros in Berlin, to all of Team GB's success in Paris and so much sporting drama in between - The Sports Agents have been there for all of it.

Plus, before leaving France, Gabby & Mark sat down to wade through all of your questions on everything from the rivalry between broadcasters, which sport they'd compete in at LA 2028 and how to stop a new Premier League season from casting a shadow over all the other sport we've fallen in love with at The Olympic Games.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A: Vice Presidents, Tory leaders, and Lewis' hair

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This Friday, we answer your most pressing questions...

Will Trump drop JD Vance as his VP before the election? Who are the serious Tory leadership candidates? And what products does Lewis use on his hair?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is it time for The News Agents to leave Twitter?

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:01:00 +0100

The News Agents look back on how Twitter has evolved since it has become X under Elon Musk and ask if it's time to leave what has become an often dangerous platform of misinformation and abuse.

And it's A Level results day, so Lewis puts Jon to the test.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Kwasi Kwarteng on Liz Truss's "insane" decisions

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:03:00 +0100

The former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng joins us at News Agents HQ for an exclusive interview.

He reflects on his disastrous time as chancellor under Liz Truss, and the mini-budget which sparked a market crash. He still bristles when asked to apologise for his role in it all.

He discusses the future of the Conservative Party as it searches for its new leader, the US Presidential election, and of course his thoughts on Liz Truss herself, describing her as an "unusual" woman.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why have Musk and Trump become best friends?

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Trump and Musk - it was a rambling conversation covering an extensive list of Trump's grievances. Will an endorsement from Elon Musk change the course of Trump's election campaign?

And, Lewis and Jon are joined by Madam Speaker Nancy Pelosi for an in depth conversation about the presidential race, social media and Liz Truss.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is this Zelensky's biggest gamble yet?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Ukrainian forces have charged in to Russia in a surprise attack - how will this play out for President Zelensky?

And, as the Olympics come to an end in Paris we ask how successfully they reunited the county.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Olympics Weekend Edition: Week 2 - The Sports Agents

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

As we bid 'au revoir' to the 2024 Paris Olympics, The Sports Agents round up the best of the big interviews from our final week inside Team GB House...

Gabby & Mark were joined by running sensation and 1500m silver medalist Josh Kerr, and the most decorated British gymnast in history, Max Whitlock.

Plus, renowned sports scientist, Professor Ross Tucker, to debunk and explain the controversy surrounding the two Olympic boxers at the heart of a gender row.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Inside the 'cult' of the Far Right

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:01:00 +0100

After weeks of rising tension and violence across the country, we take a deep dive inside the mind of the far right.

Lewis speaks to a former friend of Tommy Robinson - the man who made him go viral. What made him turn his back on their ideology? And what is the future of the far right in the UK?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has the far right fury fizzled out?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Last night, the UK braced for violence. But a defiant display of counter-protest won. Jon and Lewis ask what happened to the far right riots - and will there be more to come?

Later, Jon speaks to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who shares his experience as a prominent Muslim politician and his defiant stance in the face of racism.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why did Kamala Harris pick Tim Walz as her running mate?

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Kamala Harris has finally selected her running mate - Minnesota governor Tim Walz. So can the pair take on Trump and Vance?

And, with the UK military on standby to evacuate British citizens from Lebanon we speak to former British Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Starmer vs Musk: the incredible first battle of the Labour Government

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0100

As planned violence continues this week the Prime Minister has a new battle on his hands - and it's one of the most influential men on the planet. Elon Musk is trolling Kier Starmer. So, how do governments take on Big Tech?

Later, Jon speaks to Scotland's former First Minister Humza Yousaf who questions whether the UK is the right place to raise his family following the "horrendous violence".

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The far right riots, Starmer’s response, and the role of Elon Musk

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0100

A week on from the attack in Southport, cities across the UK are burning as disinformation spreads and far right groups gather to riot.

Lewis and Jon analyse Kier Starmer's response - how can the government get control of the situation? And how much is Elon Musk and social media to blame for the spread of the riots?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Olympics Weekend Edition: Week 1 - The Sports Agents

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

After an unforgettable first week at the Paris Olympics,The Sports Agents return to round up the big interviews from their first week in Paris...

Gold medal rowers Hannah Scott and Lola Anderson joined Gabby & Mark, in our Team GB House studio, to reflect on a nail-biting photo-finish win and wanting to shatter the traditional image of what a female athlete 'looks like'.

Sky Sports boxing commentator Andy Clarke was on hand to try to explain GB boxing's disastrous Olympics so far and the bigger question which hangs over boxing's future as an Olympic sport at all.

Plus, synchronised divers Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew Jensen reveal what it's really like to hit the pool at speeds of over 30mph.

Search for The Sports Agents to listen to these interviews in full, plus so much more insight and reaction to the Games.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A: Huw Edwards, populists and upcoming elections

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This Friday we answer your questions.

Which upcoming elections will Jon and Emily be staying up to watch? Will Huw Edwards have to pay back his BBC salary? And could Kamala Harris serve three terms as President?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

All week long The Sports Agents have been building up to the start of The 2024 Paris Olympics...

London Mayor Sadiq Khan sat down with Gabby to reflect on the real legacy of London 2012, why he wants to bring the Games back to the capital and as more and more international sporting events come to the UK, if Premier League games will go the other way?

Earlier in the week, Andy Anson - British Olympic Association Chief Executive - explained what makes brand 'Team GB' so unique in world sport. And the former Olympian Jack Buckner, now head of UK Athletics, explained how the sport can evolve to protect its own future, despite a 'golden generation' of British athletes.

Got a question about the Olympics for Gabby & Mark - email (or send a voice-note) to us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A Special: Your questions about the American elections

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Is it sexist to call Kamala by her first name? What happens to the election if Trump loses? Who’s the best president America never had?

After a full on crazy week in America we answer your questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Joe Biden bids farewell: Can the Democrats now win in November?

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:16:00 +0100

It was an act of supreme selflessness. And one of utmost urgency. Joe Biden acknowledged both things in his speech to the nation last night confirming he wouldn’t seek re-election. His rhetoric was rousing. But his speech faltering. He confirmed for many why he had to go, and left questions as to what happens in this final stretch of his presidency.

Later, why are some Labour candidates accusing the Independent “pro Gaza“ MPs of running “toxic” electoral campaigns?

In response to our interview with Heather Iqbal, The Workers Party said:

"The Workers Party was closely associated with a number of Independent candidates who stood on a platform opposed to the genocide unfolding in Gaza. Our candidates and those with whom we were most closely associated polled a quarter of a million votes.

In Manchester our supporters were the victim of a hit and run attack in May, during the general election in Littleborough a female campaigner of ours was assaulted outside the polling station and in Birmingham masked men attacked our canvassers with machetes and bats in Sutton Coldfield. No other party receieved this sort of violent harassment. All cases are reported in local and national media if you Google them, and all were caught on CCTV."

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has Keir Starmer overreacted to his seven rebels?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has faced down his first rebellion by removing the whip from 7 Labour rebels who voted with the SNP to end the cap on child benefits for families of more than two children.

Did Starmer overreact? Or does it look decisive? And is this really the policy he wants to hold out on? A decade old policy of Osborne austerity.

We speak directly to one of the rebels who lost the whip and ask what happens now.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is the US presidential race about to get dirty?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:10:00 +0100

Kamala Harris raised a hundred million dollars in the day and a half since Joe Biden announced he wouldn't be standing for re-election.

She has now passed the delegate threshold to stand as the candidate - and as we record no one else has thrown their name into the ring.

Republicans are meanwhile having to accommodate the new reality of having the oldest candidate in the race.

Later, we look at the UK broadcasting landscape with Ofcom regulator Melanie Dawes. Does Ofcom have teeth? And will it use them?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Will Kamala Harris replace President Biden?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:55:00 +0100

There is a dizziness to American politics right now - Vice President Kamal Harris raised 49 million dollars in the first twelve hours following Joe Biden's announcement that he would exit the race.

She spent ten hours hitting the phones to garner Democratic support and is insisting she must 'earn' the votes of the delegates. But is the race already sewn up? Or might other candidates throw their names in the mix? And how well do we really know the figure who could be America's first female president?

We talk to Ambassador Tony Gardner - a man right at the centre of the Democrats presidential campaigns, and to our leading historian Simon Schama - about the legacy Biden will leave and what this moment means for America.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Special Episode: President Biden quits 2024 race

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:00:00 +0100

Chaos reigns in the Democratic party. In a virtually unprecedented move President Joe Biden has stepped aside from the presidential race weeks before he was due to become the Democrats’ candidate at their national convention in Chicago.

Biden has endorsed his VP Kamala Harris. But is she assured of the crown?

In a hastily assembled emergency podcast Jon, Emily and Lewis discuss the implications for the Dems, the election and the rest of the world.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents, Gareth Southgate resigned following England's Euro 2024 final defeat, and the world's best golfers tee'd it up for the 152nd Open Championship...

The man who hired Gareth, former FA Managing Director Martin Glenn, joined Gabby & Mark for an insight into the process of finding his replacement and The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke joined us in the studio to help assess the leading candidates.

After Rory McIlroy defended his own caddie ahead of his first appearance at a major tournament since his US Open collapse, we were also joined by caddies Billy Foster (Matt Fitzpatrick) and Jeff Brighton (Colin Montgomerie) to find out more about the mind-blowing complexities of the role and how much difference a great one can really make.

Search for The Sports Agents to hear these episodes in full. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Harriet Harman on misogyny, trans rights and whether Tony Blair was a feminist

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Lewis is joined in the studio by one of the most senior women in British political history, former Labour Deputy Prime Minister, Harriet Harman.

Two weeks into a new Labour government, she joins us for an extended conversation about her political life and journey, her memories of working alongside Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, and her advice to her successors in the party.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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What is Clacton MP Nigel Farage doing in Milwaukee?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0100

It feels like the walls are finally closing in on President Biden. His closest political allies, the leaders of the Democratic Party in Congress, are abandoning him.

Every interview he does poses more questions than it answers. How long can he fight on? Jon, Lewis and Emily discuss.

Talking of Emily - have you ever thought she might need to get her head examined? Kari Lake, the Republican candidate for Senate in Arizona, thinks so. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage thinks she has no friends.

Listen to both interviews to reveal all.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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What is Starmerism? Labour's first King's Speech

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:20:00 +0100

Keir Starmer promised "national renewal" in today's King's Speech, where he outlined his policy plans for the next parliament.

So did we get our first glimpse of what Starmerism might look like? Is the state back? And do we now have the most interventionist government for decades?

Later in the show we return to Milwaukee and the Republican Party National convention. Emily is there speaking to senior party figures and asking where all the traditional Republicans have gone, as Trump and his acolytes take over the GOP.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

“Full of cranks and weirdos” - inside the Republican National Convention

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:15:00 +0100

Emily is live from the Republican Party National Convention in Milwaukee, a room full of "cranks and weirdos", as we react to the news that Ohio Senator J.D Vance will be Trump's running mate in the 2024 Presidential election.

What does Vance stand for? Will he change the trajectory of the campaign? And is he even more Trump than Trump himself?

Later in the show we discuss two men who have resigned from their jobs today. Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, and England manager Gareth Southgate.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has the assassination attempt helped both Trump and Biden?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Emily is in Milwaukee for the Republican Party National Convention, just 36 hours after an assassination attempt on their Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

As both he and President Biden call for unity, we ask whether the shooting on Saturday will help both candidates. Is it an easier race now for Trump? Has it ensured a stay of execution for Joe Biden? And how long will this new-found unity last?

Later in the show, historian and journalist Nick Bryant joins the show to talk about American's violent and constant battle with itself.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Trump shot: What does it mean for the election?

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 12:45:00 +0100

Hours after Presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania, Jon and Lewis take a look at how the assassination attempt will impact the election in November.

Will it strengthen Trump's campaign? And does it mean Joe Biden will now definitely stand against him?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

We reflected on England's run to today's Euro 2024 final, Lewis Hamilton's record 9th British GP win and Novak Djokovic turning on the centre court crowd at Wimbledon.

But you asked us to find out what's going on at Manchester United, after it emerged that the Women's side would be moved to 'portacabins' in order to accommodate the men - so we were joined by a host of guests including the former Head of Women's football at United, Polly Bancroft, to investigate a growing sense that the club's new owners simply don't care about the Women's game.

With England v Spain on the brain and to mark two weeks until the start of the Olympics in Paris - a couple of TeamGB icons, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Iwan Thomas, joined us to talk about how to 'peak' at just the right time for a moment that may only come around once in an athlete's career.

Search for The Sports Agents to listen in full. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A Special: Your questions answered a week on from the General Election

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0100

A week on from a Labour landslide in the 2024 General Election, Lewis and Emily answer the questions that have been bugging you over the past seven days.

They're asked why Tories are giving speeches in America, whether Reform are now getting too much media attention, and when the next General Election be held. That and much more.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The Democrats turn on Joe Biden

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:45:00 +0100

Last night, the pressure on Joe Biden ramped up a notch - George Clooney called on the President not to stand in November, through a piece in the New York Times.

It's being reported today he ran the op-ed past Barack Obama - who didnt try and dissuade him.

Nancy Pelosi - arguably the Dem's most formidably woman -suggested Biden should 'make his decision...as time was running out'.

And two senators spelled out the words the White House was dreading - Biden will lose to Trump if he doesn't quit the race.

Will Biden reckon he can sit this one out until the media storm passes - or will the focus be unbearable until he chooses to go gracefully?

It's fifty-fifty right now - and the Republican Convention kicks off in Wisconsin this weekend - how will the Democrats start talking about something else?

Later, the new MPs sitting 'behaviour training ' courses - to remind them not to be rude/abusive/drunken in the commons - Aggie Chambré has the story.

And - will Mr. Brightside become the 2024 euros anthem after The Killers Killer moment? We discuss the football, feelgood factors and folklore.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Starmer meets Biden

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:32:00 +0100

PM Starmer has just arrived in Washington to meet President Biden for the first time.

Arguably at a time when Biden needs Starmer more than Starmer needs the US president.

He’s there to talk NATO - and our commitment to Ukraine. But questions about our own defence spending will pursue him.

We’ll talk to the shadow foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell about Sir Keir's first week and the Tories last (in government for now). What lessons are his own party gleaning from their election defeat?

And we reflect on billionaire brexiteer household appliance maker James Dyson’s fortunes as he fires a thousand people.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

What is the future of the Tory party?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:55:00 +0100

A tale of two thinktanks - you lucky things.

Jon has spent the day at the Tony Blair Institute and Emily has been with the Popular Conservatives (PopCons), Liz Truss' former parish.

After the worst result in their history, how does the Conservative party rebuild?

And what lessons are those on the right of the party taking away from Thursday night's defeat? Lewis talks to former party treasurer and donor, Lord Michael Spencer, about the direction for the party now.

Later, crunch time for Joe Biden - will his own party really seek to remove him before the week is done?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce & Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

France in chaos

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 16:35:00 +0100

Last night the final exit polls of the French election were revealed to a collective stunned gasp.

The far-right RN party of Marine Le Pen - and Jordan Bardella - is in third place.

Macron's centrist grouping is in second place - but the dominant bloc emerging is a collective of radical left parties - with the controversial figurehead of Jean-Luc Melenchon at its helm. Macron's PM has stayed on -for now - as caretaker.

But there is a collective political fog over the shape of France’s next parliament. Has Macron's gamble paid off? Macron will argue he kept fascism at bay - but for how long?

Later, what will Labour's planning changes mean for young people trying to buy houses? Can it work?

And how does the Speaker of the house learn 334 brand new MP's names... by next week?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce & Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Who are the new ministers now running our country?

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:41:00 +0100

Now that PM Sir Keir Starmer has assembled his first cabinet, the first Labour cabinet in 14 years - who are the people now running the country? What will they do?

Just hours after becoming the Official Opposition, the Tories turn to their next task - who will be their next leader? Contenders have already started to hit the airwaves.

And the second round in France as the far-right National Rally edge closer to parliamentary power.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

As the French public head to the polls on Sunday for the final round of voting in their own National Election, Gabby and Mark reflect on the significance of France's Euros campaign after Kylian Mbappe and co. urged young voters to resist the rise of the far-right.

Gabby & Mark caught up with French football writer Tom Williams and our own Jon Sopel to explore a complicated history between the country and it's men's national team.

And ahead of the British Grand Prix, McLaren's Lando Norris joined us in studio for a fascinating interview, just days after his Austria crash with friend and rival Max Verstappen.

In a wide-ranging interview he explains the speed of thought required to make split-second decisions while driving at speeds of over 200mph and what it would trade to win his home race!

Search for The Sports Agents to listen in full - Plus, more on Mark Cavendish' record-breaking Tour de France stage win & Cristiano Ronaldo's heart-rate during a penalty shoot-out.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Keir Starmer, our new Prime Minister. What now?

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:44:00 +0100

Labour are the new government. Sir Keir Starmer is our new Prime Minister.

He's in Downing Street, and he's about to appoint his cabinet...what next?

Plus, we recap on the likes of Liz Truss losing her seat. Yes, LIZ TRUSS.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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The worst Tory defeat in history

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 06:02:00 +0100

Keir Starmer’s Labour has won a landslide.

Rishi Sunak’s Tories have had their worst defeat in history.

Beneath the bonnet of that is perhaps the weirdest election of the modern era.

Bleary-eyed and caffeine-fuelled after a night of live broadcasting Jon, Emily and Lewis bring you the results of the 2024 general election and analyse what this decision we’ve all made will mean now.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Special General Election Day Q&A

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:02:00 +0100

A special polling day Q&A.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Are we about to see the last day of Tory rule ?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:25:00 +0100

Fourteen years is a long time for any one party to be in government. Today we reflect on some of the moments of the last five Conservative governments and how things have shifted - societally, economically and in the media.

We also bring you news of George Galloway's big donor - a man accused of human trafficking - and discuss the missing postal vote saga and the impact it might have.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Did Rishi's 'rot' start with Boris Johnson?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:38:00 +0100

We sit down with Boris Johnson's director of communications, Lee Cain.

In the last 48 hours Rishi has accused Starmer of being a threat to national security and a delight for Putin, a work-shy sloth who clocks off at 6pm, and a leader who's going to rig the electoral system forever more.

Is this the sound of a man who thinks his campaign is going to plan?

Perhaps the problem began long long before Rishi Sunak called the election - or even got into power.

We ask the man who presided over Boris Johnson's 2019 campaign - Director of Comms Lee Cain - if he accepts the rot set in with him. The lies, the Covid parties, the narcissism - and the opportunities missed by the last Conservative PM to hold onto his massive majority.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Are the far-right about to govern in France?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:34:00 +0100

Live from Paris, Lewis and Jon react to the news that the far-right have stormed the French parliamentary elections in the first round - putting Macron in severe peril and the radical right, formed decades ago from the embers of Nazism, at the top of power in France.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: : Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

A tale of two elections

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:01:00 +0100

Jon and Lewis in France ahead of the first round of the French elections, which could see the far-right of French politics became the main political force in France.

And we report from Birmingham, following round an independent candidate who thinks he has a chance of beating Labour MP Shabana Mahmood. He's pretty controversial, and for good reason.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

We asked if the media actually has any responsibility to help build the confidence of the England National team, after Harry Kane and other members of the squad responded to recent criticism of their performances at Euro 2024...

Conor Coady - part of Gareth Southgate's last two England squads for major tournaments - joined Gabby & Mark for insight into the 'meticulous' nature of the England manager, how difficult social media has made it for players to ignore abuse while stuck in a Euros camp and which young players are ready to step up and lead in the absence of some of the old guard.

Later, as a flurry of 'swap deals' for academy graduates between Premier League clubs for eye-catching transfer fees made headlines, Professor of Applied Sports Finance at UCFB, Rob Wilson, explored how 'fair market value' for a player is actually determined.

And we heard from PFA Managing Director Maheta Molango, on the state of the current transfer market, the welfare of the young footballers at the centre of these deals and if strike action is inevitable.

Remember, you can send your questions, story suggestions or thoughts on the weekend's action to us - thesportsagents@global.com.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A general election special

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:00:00 +0100

With now less than a week to go, we answer your General Election questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Biden's TV debate disaster - will he now be replaced? - The News Agents - USA

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 11:48:00 +0100

This was a TV debate unlike any other. Excruciating doesn’t even cover it.

Whilst Trump confidently lied his way through the facts, Biden barely reached the end of his sentences without meandering off into a far distant phrase.

It was painful to watch and it will raise serious questions now amongst senior Democrats. Can they, must they replace Joe Biden as their presidential candidate?

And if so who will be the first top figure to say it out loud?

We take you through the most painful moments of the night and the conversations after the debate and ask if the voters will forgive this more easily - or if it’s time to take drastic action to save the Democratic Party from disaster in November.

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents USA"

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Starmer vs. Sunak vs. Trump vs. Biden- two TV debates, a world apart

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:27:00 +0100

A week today your Twitter feed will be filing up with dogs at polling station memes.

Yes dear listeners the marathon is almost done.

On today's episode we will be looking at two TV debates - last night we saw the prime ministerial candidates on stage for the last time.

Tonight it’s the turn of the US presidential candidates in Atlanta, Georgia. Do these debates ever change minds or just let audiences get things off their chest?

We will hear from the Trump campaign team and ask if the stakes are higher for Biden or Trump, or Sunak or Starmer?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media: Jacob Paul

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is Farage's Reform bounce over?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The latest numbers from More in Common suggest that Nigel Farage may come to regret his comments over Putin and the Ukraine war.

Reform has slipped back in the polls - and one in four voters believe that Farage is sympathetic to Putin.

How will any of this play into the way people vote for his party next week?

But we start with the gambling scandal.

Keir Starmer has become the latest party leader to dispatch a candidate for betting - after Ipswich candidate Kevin Craig was found to have placed a bet on himself losing. North of the border, the Conservatives Scottish Secretary has come under fire for his own political flutter - even though it was not done with any inside knowledge. Are we in danger of descending into moral panic over any gambling?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why did it take Rishi Sunak so long to suspend the gambling Tories?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:15:00 +0100

We will be telling the extraordinary story of Julian Assange in this episode - how he gained such legendary status - and whether he was more saint or sinner - as he leaves Belmarsh prison and heads to his new life in Australia.

But we have to start with the latest twist in the gambleshambles as, you’ve guessed it, Rishi Sunak has now bowed to the inevitable pressure and pulled his support from two candidates who admitted to making an ill advised bet on the date of the election.

Why could the whole country see this coming except the PM?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and the Daily Mail

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:54:00 +0100

Why is the Mail having a go at Nigel Farage and why is Nigel Farage having a go at Boris Johnson? These three are now firm 'frenemies' - calling each other 'morally repugnant' and calling in the lawyers...

What does it tell us about the power on the right of British politics? And is Farage now regretting his 'Putin friendly' comments?

Later, the Gambleshambles has reached the dizzy heights of second most damaging gaff for the election campaign amongst members of the public.

Why has the cut through been so strong?

And why hasn't anyone in Tory HQ managed this scandal better?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

How high in the Tory party does 'Gamblegate' go?

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:44:00 +0100

The Sunday Times report that Nick Mason, the party's chief data officer, is the fourth Conservative being looked into over bets allegedly placed on the date of the general election. But still, no one has been suspended by Rishi Sunak. Why not? And, how far and how high does Gamblegate go? Could even someone as high up as a cabinet member be allegedly implicated?

And later, we talk Brexit 8 years on and Lewis is at a focus group in the crucial voting area and demographic of Whitby.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

After Rory McIlroy's dramatic decision to take a break from Golf, following his collapse at the US Open, Gabby & Mark were joined by 2010 Ryder Cup winning captain and five-time major runner up Colin Montgomerie, to debate whether golf is the most mentally-challenging sport out there and to re-live the US Open he himself 'threw away' back in 2006.

Later in the week, as Scotland kept their hopes a place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2024 alive, David Moyes joined Gabby for a morning coffee in Berlin, to discuss Tartan Army spirit, his own managerial future and player welfare as the number of games they're expected to play each season, continues to grow.

Plus, with the new season's Premier League fixtures announced, we explored how the televised calendar really comes together with Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes.

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:01:00 +0100

Murdoch's Sun newspaper backing used to be 'a moment' in every UK general election campaign.

Famously backing Blair in 97. Switching allegiance to Cameron over Brown in 2010.

But this time around we have heard practically nothing. Is that because Murdoch hasn't made his mind up? Or because the enthusiasm for either candidate simply isn't there? Or is it a recognition that the power newspapers wield on the voter is waning?

We speak to former Sun editor David Yelland, host of When it Hits The Fan about the role old and new media plays in politics now. And whether the Murdoch clan themselves may be moving on...

Later, is Boris Johnson a help or a hinderance as he tries to endorse individual Tory candidates.

And have you REGISTERED TO VOTE? You have until midnight Tuesday to do it - it only takes 2 minutes online.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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Farage's manifesto: Does any of it add up?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:51:00 +0100

The man who brought you Brexit has launched his party's manifesto and complained about....Brexit.

He recognises that small business has been more squeezed, immigration has rocketed , food costs have soared - but says the answer is to let him have your vote again so they can 'do Brexit properly'.

Will voters believe him again?

Later, we discuss the French football team's intervention into their own elections back home. Kylian Mbappé - a global superstar - is calling on voters to reject far-right politics in the shape of the National Rally (Le Pen) party.

Will that influence the vote?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Are the Tories heading for an extinction level event?

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:27:00 +0100

Yesterday’s latest poll from Survation put the Conservatives on little more than seventy seats. This is political wipe out territory. Survation called it right on the 2019 Red Wall polling. So should we take this seriously? Also , how should the main parties deal with their Farage problem?

But, even if Labour do win a massive super majority - how strong would that Labour Party be? Lewis goes to the tightest of marginals - Bristol Central - which might see one of the only Labour casualties of the night - to the leader of the Greens. It might provide context for what could happen to Starmer as soon as he gets the keys to no.10 - if the polls are to believed.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

How and why did an image of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka become the main feature on the back pages of almost every major newspaper following England's 1-0 defeat to Iceland... despite him only featuring as a 65th minute substitute.

Football writer Henry Winter and Channel 4 sports correspondent Jordan Jarrett-Bryan joined Gabby and Mark and reveal how these photos are chosen and why the context is important when it comes to Saka and England.

And as promised, also this week, we took a closer look at Netball Super League 2.0 - the fallout, the repercussions for the game at grassroots level and the perfect example of what happens when a 'smaller' sport makes the decision to go professional.

NSL managing director Claire Nelson and Team Bath's own Kadeen Corbin were among those to feature on this special episode.

Just scroll back through The Sports Agents feed to listen to these shows in full. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A general election special

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:05:00 +0100

Emily and Jon answer your General Election questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Labour launch their manifesto: but is there really any 'change'?

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Labour has launched a 25,000 word manifesto and as promised, there were no new rabbits and no hats.

What we saw in Manchester was a newly confident Labour leader who barely paused in his answers to media questions: his lines were to script, his answers brief, and his stories well honed. But there were noticeable gaps in Labour's offering.

Only two brief mentions of child poverty, and no restoration of the benefit to families of 3 children.

That's despite another 100 thousand kids being pushed into poverty in the last year alone. Labour talks about 'hard choices' - but if this isn't a Labour priority, what is? We ask Labour's Peter Kyle what happens to those kids if the promised 'growth in the economy' doesnt come fast.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:15:00 +0100

In this week's general election Q&A special Emily, Jon and Lewis answer your questions on safe seats, compulsory voting, and the constituency they'd choose to stand in if they were running for parliament. All that and more.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

The extraordinary story of Khalida Popal - the first ever captain of the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team - hounded out of her country by those who believed women have no right to play and who orchestrated her team's daring escape from Afghanistan, when the Taliban returned.

Then, as Manchester City announced legal action against the Premier League, Gabby & Mark found out if this new legal action could influence the outcome of their long-awaited hearing into 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules - Sports lawyer Daniel Geey gave us his verdict.

And former footballer-turned-agent, Paul Dalglish, joined us to discuss the ethics and issues in football agency, their role in multi-million pound transfers and why the industry needs to evolve.

Just scroll back through The Sports Agents feed to listen to these interviews in full.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

EXCLUSIVE: Nadine Dorries on the 'disgusting' Tory Party chair

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 17:01:00 +0100

Overnight, Richard Holden, The Tory Party chair parachuted himself into the safe seat of Basildon & Billericay. Which is 280 miles away from his former seat - North West Durham.

Today, his former colleague and former Tory cabinet minister tells us why he's 'disgusting', and what she thinks will happen to Rishi's Tory party now. Does she accept that the rot set in with the lies, hypocrisy and calumny of Boris Johnson?

You'll find out.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why are Labour calling Sunak a liar?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak accused Keir Starmer of planning to put people's taxes up by £2,000 if he got into power - sums he said had been independently verified. This morning we learned they werent, after a top civil servant put the record straight.

Labour are calling the PM a liar (he repeated his claim 11 times), but the Tories are standing by their figure - and say all's fair in love and campaign war.

We discuss what TV debates do for viewers' understanding of policy, and find out what voters in Leigh took away from the TV clash. Later, Richard Holden, the actual Tory chairman, seems to be vacating one seat and parachuting himself into a safer one down south. His colleagues are up in arms.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The Sunak vs. Starmer TV debate: who won?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 01:26:00 +0100

The first election debate is done. Sunak and Starmer had it out live, on television, for an hour. Did we learn anything? Jon and Emily watched from home and give their analysis. Meanwhile Lewis has been in the dreaded “spin room” in Salford, trying to parse through the politicians’ bluster. At the end of it all- will any of it make a difference?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor & Video Production: : Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Will Farage win in Clacton?

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100

We’re in Clacton-on-Sea today. So, coincidentally, is Nigel Farage the new leader of the Reform party and prospective parliamentary candidate.

We caught up with him, with the ex-leader Richard Tice, and with their Conservative opponent Giles Whatling. We also hear from people in the town about what they make of the latest offering from Farage. Can his soap box speeches stand up to scrutiny on any single policy?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Farage stands: is this the Tories' worst nightmare?

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:05:00 +0100

So Nigel Farage is standing to be the Reform MP in Clacton. He’s stood before - (seven times if anyone is counting) but Clacton clearly feels to him like a pretty safe bet if he wants to be in the House of Commons for the next parliament.

What is his game plan? And does this make Tory wipeout more likely?

Later, does Kemi Badenoch understand the difference between sex and gender? She announced her new policy this morning but ended up sounding more confused than when she began.

And our official pollsters More in Common bring you an exclusive MRP (general election style) poll ... with quite a few surprises.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why the tide isn’t turning against Labour

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has had one of the toughest weeks as Labour leader, and yet the polls still show electoral wipeout for the Tories - as Starmer's personal ratings improve.

Why is the tide not turning against Labour? And can the Tories do anything about it?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Q&A general election special

Fri, 31 May 2024 17:15:00 +0100

Lewis and Jon answer your questions on the Tory leadership, private schools, and downing pints. Plus much more.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

Production: Abigail Brierley

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:45:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

UK cyclist Lizzy Banks joined Gabby & Mark in the studio, following her 10-month battle with UK Anti-Doping, for an insight into what actually happens when you fail a drugs test and the reality of trying to live as a 'clean' athlete under the current rules.

The youngest executive in English football history, and current West Ham Director, Jack Sullivan, joined us later in the week to to help us find out how the big calls, like replacing the head coach, or voting on whether or not to scrap VAR, are actually made at Premier League clubs.

Just scroll back through The Sports Agents feed to listen to these interviews in full. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Donald Trump: guilty on all counts - The News Agents - USA

Thu, 30 May 2024 23:39:00 +0100

Trump is found guilty in New York.

Just before 5pm on Thursday New York time the airwaves started cracking with news of an imminent verdict. Twenty minutes later the jury in a Manhattan court returned. And pronounced Donald Trump guilty on each one of the 34 counts.

Donald Trump can still run for president. So in one respect this may change nothing.

But let’s not let this moment of history escape - a former and possible future president who is now a convicted felon. What happens to his freedom, his vote and his temper now? And how should the Democrats play it?

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents USA"!

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Find our store here: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why is Starmer purging the Labour left?

Thu, 30 May 2024 17:16:00 +0100

Sir Keir Starmer is on a warpath. But not against the Tories but his own side. At least, what is nominally his own side.

Starmer has poured petrol on the fire of the Diane Abbott imbroglio by deselecting several of his own left-wing candidates and MPs. Why is Starmer engaging in bloodletting in the middle of a general election campaign? Jon and Lewis discuss a party addicted to civil war.

And we’re joined by the playwright of the moment, Jez Butterworth to discuss theatre, working with Harvey Weinstein, Baby Reindeer and his latest show, The Hills of California.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Production: Abigail Brierley

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has Starmer lost control of the Diane Abbott story?

Wed, 29 May 2024 17:04:00 +0100

It's day two of the Diane Abbott fiasco and the Labour party look no closer to getting to grips with the situation.

Keir Starmer insists that no decision has been made on Abbott, but she says she's been banned from standing. How damaging could this be for the Labour campaign? And how has Starmer allowed it to dominate the headlines for the past 48 hours?

Later, we discuss Nigel Farage's role in the campaign so far, and ask why he's getting so much airtime and being treated like he's a party leader.

And we speak to The News Agents' official polling partner for the general election, More in Common, on whether the Tory proposed policy of National Service is actually a lot more popular than you first might think.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

Production: Abigail Brierley

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is the Tory campaign already falling apart?

Tue, 28 May 2024 16:03:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has had a gaffe-filled weekend amidst new policy announcements over the triple lock and compulsory National Service. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has fallen into a 'sewage-stricken' lake whilst paddleboarding. It's only day 5 of the general election campaign, and it already feels like the campaign teams can't get away from awkward videos and uncomfortable photos. Why are the campaigns off to such a strange start?

The two leaders have agreed to debate each other next week, as per The Telegraph.

And when will Labour decide what to do with Diane Abbott?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Production: Abigail Brierley

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Shane Fennelly, Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why does Rishi Sunak want to conscript teenagers?

Sun, 26 May 2024 15:59:00 +0100

The News Agents has new episodes every Sunday as we run-up to July 4th's UK General Election.

We react as Lewis speaks to Home Secretary James Cleverly about why the Conservatives now want to introduce national service for every UK teenager, and we discuss whether election coverage provides a disproportionately large platform to minor parties with fringe views.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Who broke Britain? With James O'Brien

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:11:00 +0100

James O'Brien joins us in The News Agents bunker to talk all things client journalism, talk radio, and whether he'll be as harsh on Labour as he has been this Conservative government, should Starmer win July's election.

A final hurrah from... Laura FitzPatrick

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 24 May 2024 16:30:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents,

We brought you an exclusive interview between The News Agents' own Jon Sopel and the Arsenal and Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko - who reflected Arsenal's season and waning support for the war.

A special insight into how world title fights are actually scored from the referee at the centre of what was described as the 'biggest robbery in boxing history'.

Gabby & Mark then sat down with the Football League Chairman Rick Parry to discuss the widening gulf between the Premier League and The Championship, ahead of this weekend's Play-Off final.

Plus, reaction to Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for this summer's Euros with Joe Cole and much more...

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Your election questions answered

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:30:00 +0100

Each Thursday during the election campaign we are answering your questions.

Do MPs get paid after Parliament breaks up? Why do majorities shrink so fast these days? What is purdah and what’s Farage up to?

Later, Salman Rushdie talks to Emily about the knife attack that nearly killed him and the premonition he had that it would happen. We discuss censorship, hate, Gaza and Iran. And whether the attack has changed his political leanings.

The best producer we could have asked for!: Laura FitzPatrick

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Rishi calls a July election. What now?

Wed, 22 May 2024 18:28:00 +0100

So we finally have a date for the general election, and it’s very very soon.

How is it going to go down with the voters ? How are Tory MPs feeling about being blindsided ? And has Rishi taken a massive, optimistic gamble or just given up?

In our election special we discuss what just happened - and why.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly, Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is Sunak calling an election today?

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:45:00 +0100

We are not ones to gossip but frankly the Westminster rumour mill is in overdrive, so we thought we should talk you through how the talk of a general election began and why we are all suspicious of a big announcement.

Later, we talk to the Palestinian High Commissioner as three EU states - including Ireland - state their recognition of Palestine. What effect will this have - what changes?

And we speak to the brother of an Israeli hostage - Naama Levi- about the sexual violence inflicted on women being held by Hamas since October.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Cameron vs. Sunak and the row over foreign students

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:31:00 +0100

David Cameron has accused Rishi Sunak of hurting Britain’s soft power and putting universities at financial risk with his threat to curb the visa rights of international students.

Rishi is desperate to see immigration numbers come down. But what will be the knock on effect of these curbs on our own students?

Later, an interview with Ukrainian and Arsenal footballer Zinchenko - and why is Lee Anderson sounding one mushroom

Short of a full English ?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is Netanyahu heading to The Hague for war crimes?

Mon, 20 May 2024 16:26:00 +0100

The International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister and Defence minister and three Hamas leaders - accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Israeli cabinet has already hit back - calling it 'moral blindness'. But this means the country's leaders could face arrest in over 120 countries (the signatories to the ICC) if they travel abroad.

Why has the prosecutor sought the warrants now - and what impact could this have on the war in Gaza and on Israel's relationships with the international community? Could Netanyahu really end up in the Hague?

Later, as the infected blood scandal finally acnkowledges decades of failure and cover up we ask why these slow burn scandals that wreck so many lives are such a familiar story in the UK.

And we talk to Omid Djalili about the death of Iran's PM in a helicopter crash.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly& Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

SPECIAL REPORT: Is Putin coming for Georgia?

Fri, 17 May 2024 19:22:00 +0100

We are on the ground in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, where Europe and Asia meet. For weeks hundreds of thousands of (overwhelmingly) Gen Zs have taken to the streets to protest against their government. The gates of Parliament have been stormed, tear gas repeatedly deployed, protesters beaten up and with even a fist fight among MPs thrown in.

The clash has centred on the governing Georgian Dream Party’s “Foreign Agent” law, which opponents fear will be a tool to suppress political opponents. But the divisions being exposed in Georgia are far more fundamental and go much beyond than that. At the beating heart of it all is the influence of Russia, Vladimir Putin and a question which haunts many of the Soviet successor states- are we the next Ukraine?

Lewis reports from Georgia in this special extended episode, where he tells a tale of geopolitical intrigue, of misinformation and conspiracy, and of a generation yearning for a different future.

Field Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Producer: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 17 May 2024 16:30:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents former England defender Rio Ferdinand joined us to discuss the stigma around mental health in football and whether teams are now better equipped to work with players who are struggling.

We were also joined by Jadon Sancho's former youth coach and mentor Sayce Lewis-Holmes to find out more about the level of pressure on aspiring footballers today.

Plus, with a huge final couple of days in the Premier League and WSL seasons this weekend, football writer Henry Winter talked us through a whole host of topics including the 115 charges for Manchester City over alleged breaches of financial fair play.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday

Keir Starmer's 6 pledges - Blair, Blair, Blair or blah, blah, blah

Thu, 16 May 2024 16:40:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has rolled up his sleeves, taken off his tie and headed to Essex to unveil his six first steps for government.

Is Starmer looking for Blairite comparisons? Is there the same enthusiasm for change as there was in 1997? And what are the hard questions Labour still needs to answer, but won’t?

Later we speak with Lewis in Tblisi ahead of another critical day of protests by those fighting the Russification of democracy in Georgia.

And the big reveal today comes from Jon. Right at the end. Don’t miss it!

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Field Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly, Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Jon’s brand-new book, Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense, will be available on 26th September 2024. To pre-order a copy or buy a ticket to Jon’s tour, please click this link: lnk.to/StrangelandsBook.

Unlock priority booking for Jon’s tour with the presale code NEWSPRIORITY. General sale booking opens at midday on 17th May.

Do we need to crack down on 'extreme' protest groups?

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:20:00 +0100

In an exclusive early interview we speak to the Government's Independent Advisor on Political Violence.

John Woodcock, a cross party peer, has spent the last four years putting together recommendations to make public life safer by cracking down on extreme protest.

He'll present his findings to parliament next week. Why do we need this? And which groups is he talking about banning? Is this a clampdown on democratic norms or a necessary precaution to protect those in public life.

Later, why are the Labour MPs making scary 'whooooooo' noises in Prime Minister's Questions? All will be revealed....

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The government minister who thinks the Tories are still winning

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:50:00 +0100

We have a real live government Secretary of State with us in News Agents HQ today - David TC Davies insists the election still winnable for the Conservatives - and says if you want to see what Labour would do in power, then look at the mess unfolding in Wales. Is he missing something or are we?

Later, Peter Conradi - author of Who Lost Russia - takes us gently through all that is unfolding right now in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, and why - despite the Western sanctions - it all speaks to a resurgent Putin.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Can Rishi scare people into voting Tory?

Mon, 13 May 2024 16:55:00 +0100

If it had been a speech about defence, it might have made more sense. But Rishi Sunak had no new policy offerings in todays pronouncement - he warned of a scary future under Starmer - then started talking about football shirts, ozempic, civic duty, literacy, and optimism.

It was, in essence, an electioneering speech - criticising labour for blaming the Tories for the last 14 years.

Meanwhile his Common Sense Minister Esther McVey has gone to war on the office lanyard.

Later, will former lawyer and indeed felon Michael Cohen make or break Trump when he appears in court this week?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

SPECIAL REPORT: Could Net Zero destroy a whole community?

Fri, 10 May 2024 16:30:00 +0100

Lewis Goodall hosts a special report from Port Talbot, South Wales, where thousands of jobs are about to be lost at Tata Steel.

Port Talbot is Britain's last great steelworks, and a community has been built around it for generations. But Tata has announced 2,800 job losses across the UK as part of the closure of the site's blast furnaces and a transition to greener steelmaking.

We visited the site and the town itself, to assess the impact it could have on an economy already battered by the de-industrialisation of the 1980s.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Field Producer: Rory Symon

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 10 May 2024 16:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby & Mark took a closer look at a controversial new rule in cricket - the impact player in the IPL - and whether it's introduction became a threat to the fabric of the sport.

The Telegraph's Nick Hoult joined us in the studio to discuss it's impact on the game and whether the current domestic schedule demands too much from players.

And with the 'fight of the century' a week away between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, just how big is the latest drug scandal to hit boxing?

Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton and broadcaster Adam Catterall explore how sensation Ryan Garcia is making headlines.

Catch up with full episodes for more on how much Declan Rice's West Ham depature impacted David Moyes and his final season at the club, and just how do Real Madrid always find a way in the Champions League?

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Will Starmer now have to let Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn back into the Labour Party?

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:20:00 +0100

Did the Labour Party screw up in welcoming Natalie Elphicke into its party?

One former frontbencher tells us Keir Stamer got this wrong.

They're calling on him to now re-admit Dianne Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn into the Labour fold.

Has Keir just made his life much harder in search of onesexy headline?

Later, Is Biden about to stop arms sales to Israel - and why doesn't the Speaker of the House know about this?

And what's happening to Israel's Eurovision entry. Can we remove politics from the cultural stage?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why has Labour welcomed a right wing Tory defector?

Wed, 08 May 2024 16:15:00 +0100

Very little political news is truly jaw dropping. But this morning's was. Natalie Elphicke, on the Conservative right of the party, and MP for Dover, has defected to Labour.

She crossed the floor before Prime Minister's Questions and was warmly welcomed by Keir Starmer. It was not so long ago that Rachel Reeves was telling Elphicke to "fuck off", after her comments about Marcus Rashford. And it was not so long ago Elphicke herself was defending her convicted sex offender husband as being the 'victim of dirty politics'. Is this really the new face of Labour?

Later, why has Astra Zeneca pulled it's Covid vaccine from the shelf. Is this about legal woes? Or commercial ones? And where is this country now on vaccine hesitancy?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is the government 'gaslighting' the British public?

Tue, 07 May 2024 16:59:00 +0100

The government is determined not to let a little thing like a disastrous set of local elections put it off its stride.

Over the course of the bank holiday we were told that 'the plan is working... it just needs a little more time'.

Labour is having none of it - accusing the PM of 'gaslighting' the public over the state of the UK economy.

But what if the economy DOES start to improve? What if inflation DOES start to fall? Can the public be pursuaded things... can only get better...?

We have an extended interview with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Later. What do Javier Milei and Liz Truss have in common? Erm, nothing. Nothing whatsoever it transpires....

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Cip Credits:

Rachel Reeves speech on Tuesday 7th May

Andrew Mitchell on Sky News

Andrew Griffith on BBC Radio 4

Rishi Sunak on Sky News

Mark Harper speaking to Lewis Goodall on LBC

Ione Wells speaking to Javier Milei in Buenos Aires for BBC News

Liz Truss interviewed on GB News

Election special: How bad is it for Tories?

Fri, 03 May 2024 16:22:00 +0100

The local election and mayoral results flood in.

How bad are they for the Tories? How much of that is Reform? And how well have Labour actually done?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Cip Credits:

Ben Houchen with Sophie Ridge on Sky News

Rishi Sunak talking to BBC News

Andrea Leadsom with Jo Coburn on PoliticsLive on BBC Two

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Fri, 03 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby & Mark explored whether a Premier League salary cap will actually help smaller clubs bridge the gap to the 'Big 6' and if it could lead to a bigger drain on top English talent...

Former Lioness Jill Scott was in the studio to explain why Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham is the obvious candidate to succeed Bayern Munich's Harry Kane as England captain - as they went head-to-head in the Champions League semi-finals.

And legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren joined us to reflect on his rivalry with the Hearn family, the British public's complicated relationship with Tyson Fury and the night he was shot outside one of his shows...

Catch up with the full episodes for more on Billy Vunipola's Mallorca arrest and Jadon Sancho's resurgence in Dortmund.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

The issue the political parties won't talk about

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:49:00 +0100

After several delays, Brexit checks finally came into force this week - adding cost and delay to how small businesses can get their goods into the UK. It'll see prices pushed up on the consumer's end too.

But, you won't hear either main party discussing this in great detail. Why? As an election issue - it's almost radio silence - even as the UK becomes the worst performing economy in the G7.

We'll hear from Peter Foster from the Financial Times and What Went Wrong With Brexit on the Brexit economics and Labour's strangled relationship with this issue - and from Tim Shipman - chronicler of Brexit diaries with No Way Out - on what the Conservatives now make of the brexit they delivered.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

So, one person has gone to Rwanda...

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:23:00 +0100

As of this week, Rishi Sunak can boast he has sent asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Admittedly, it was just one guy. Admittedly he was paid £3k to go. Admittedly he'd already failed the asylum test to remain in Britain and admittedly - crucially - he went voluntarily. This is NOT the same forced deportation plan that Rishi promised would "stop the boats".

But don't let pesky details get you down. The headline - conveniently dropping before tomorrow's local elections - make it sound like the Rwanda plan is flying.

Later - what should you be looking out for in the Glastonbury weekend of fun that is the local elections.

And what's going on with the protests on US college campuses - are we next?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why are so many of our MPs facing death threats?

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:04:00 +0100

If the Palace of Westminster were a village - the Head of Counter Terrorism police tells us - NO one would dare to live there.

Today we ask why so many of our MPs face threats to life - and what it's doing to our democracy more broadly, in terms of how they vote and speak out.

Also, should we be concerned about actual terrorist acts from countries like China and Russia and Iran - are they operating on our streets - without the public even knowing?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Humza Yousaf resigns. Is Scottish independence dead?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:45:00 +0100

On the stroke of midday, Humza Yousaf, Scotland's First Minister, made the announcement that just a week ago would have been unthinkable.

Acknowledging the miscalculations he made in the sacking of his Green cabinet members last week - and the confidence vote he would - in all likelihood - have lost - the head of the Scottish government resigned.

For fifteen years the SNP have been a political behemoth in Scotland - writing the rules of devolution and looking to a time of future independence. But after a year of utter political turmoil, is their time in power up?

Today, we look at how we got here, the mistakes made, and who can take the party forward.

We talk to a potential future leader, Stephen Flynn, and ask what this means for Labour at the General Election and for the shape of British politics more broadly.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

INVESTIGATION: Britain’s hidden homeless children

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0100

In 2024 Britain nearly 140,000 kids are homeless. Just because you don’t see them on the street doesn’t mean they’re not there. This is Britain’s temporary accommodation crisis, one which is worsening.

Temporary accommodation was once a safe harbour for a few days, a week, a month or so at most.

Now, thanks to rocketing rents and inadequate housing supply, more and more families find a single room in a hotel or accommodation block their permanent home.

In this latest News Agents Investigates series, Lewis hits to road to find out just how big a problem it is, where it comes from and why so many working class kids may find themselves ruined by forces outside their control.

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

A Premier League launched an attack on VAR via their social media account - and threatened legal action... Is there actually any legal recourse for victims of a dodgy offside decision? The Athletic's David Ornstein joined us on the pod to discuss the chaos at Nottingham Forest.

Ultra-marathon runner Jasmine Parris then spoke to Gabby & Mark about becoming the first women to ever complete the Barkley Marathons and just what it takes to conquer the legendary 100-mile race.

With the NFL Draft taking place this weekend and the number one pick going to Mark's beloved Chicago Bears, former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Bell told us how it all works and why the ingenious system should be the envy of European football.

And after Liverpool's defeat to Everton in midweek we asked if Jurgen Klopp has announced his Anfield departure too soon.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Neil Kinnock: The Prime Minister Labour never had

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:50:00 +0100

Lord Neil Kinnock - Labour leader from 1983 to 1992, Thatcher's biggest rival in her pomp, joins Lewis in the studio for a sit down chat to talk about his political life, from the 1950s to Harold Wilson, his interactions with Jeremy Corbyn and his hopes, (or whether he has any doubts), about Sir Keir Starmer.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Interview Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the SNP government hanging by a thread?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:57:00 +0100

Scotland's First Minister is facing a confidence vote after he pulled the plug this morning on his coalition government by ejecting the two Green party members of his cabinet.

Humza Yousaf is making the case for a fresh start - unburdened by culture wars issues and climate change issues pulling the SNP in a direction it's no longer prepared to go in. But the Conservatives in Scotland smell blood.

Can they bring the whole government crashing down with their vote?

Later, Mick Lynch on the Labour plan for railways and what he makes of Angela Raynor's housing issue.

And we bring you the snap results - from JL Partners - of which way GB News viewers are voting. It's quite the poll.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Interview Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Wake up call or gimmick? The government's new defence plan

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:31:00 +0100

The Prime Minister is in Europe this week making the case for an increase in defence spending of £75 billion over the next six years - to deal with growing global threats in a turbulent world.

That's the headline at least. But Labour is asking pesky questions. Where is the new money actually coming from? And is the lift as great as it actually seems? We break down the numbers a little to see if the sums work.

Later, Angela Rayner put her own housing issues centre stage at PMQs today against the Deputy PM. Did it work? And is 'pint size' now legit criticism in the Commons?

And what's happening to TikTok after US legislators voted to see it banned or sold?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Elon Musk at war with Australia?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:43:00 +0100

Australia’s PM is at war with Elon Musk - calling him an ‘arrogant billionaire’ - and worse.

He’s fighting to get violent images of a church stabbing in Sydney banned from Twitter/X. Elon Musk says it's censorship and an infringement on free speech. So who is going to win out here - regulation or tech money?

Later, as more immigrants die in the Channel, we ask if Rwanda can act as a deterrent. And - on St. George’s day - what does patriotism mean to you - red and white cuff links? Cups of tea? Or mumbled embarrassment?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Rwanda delayed: Will Sunak ever get planes off the ground?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:45:00 +0100

Rishi is making those naughty Lords stay in the chamber until they pass his Rwanda Bill without pesky amendments. That may come in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

But even once the legal hurdles are passed, the practicalities will still be fiendish. Why has the first plane date been delayed again? Which airline is willing to take on the legal risk? How do immigrants' 'inadmissability appeals' work? And why did the government slip out the 24% INCREASE on small boat arrivals during this morning's press conference?

Later, what actually happened in that encounter between the policeman and the antisemitism campaigner.

And - Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC - what happens now.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

A Sports Agents exclusive - Mark & Gabby had a first-look at an independent report into diversity at the senior levels of sport across every major National Governing Body in UK - Sporting Equals Chief executive Arun Kang joined them in the studio to unpack the findings...

Former Lioness Eni Aluko then reflected on her own experiences - after becoming the first black woman in Italy to own a football club.

Plus, how damaging were Manchester City & Arsenal's Champions League exits for English football's chances of a fifth qualifying spot in next season's competition?

And after Lord Seb Coe announced he had chaired the first meeting of The Old Trafford Regeneration taskforce - Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sat down with Mark to talk about public money, opportunity and London 2012.

Here's some of our favourite bits - new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Have Israel and Iran stepped back from the brink?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:35:00 +0100

The Middle East, the world, not for the first time in these long six months, has been holding its breath. Ever since Iran fired 300 hundred rockets into Israel, itself a response to the Israel’s killing of several senior Iranian military figures in Damascus, that dreaded word “escalation” has haunted the conversation, the grim realisation that the region, maybe more than the region, is just one mistake, one miscalculation away from all out war in every direction.

Overnight, the promised Israeli retaliation to the Iranian attack came, with missle attacks in the heart of Iran itself, in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz.

Is this it? Can we exhale again? And for how long?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Sleaze, campaign funds and a 3am phonecall: Another Westminster scandal

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100

**Since publication, Savanta revised the polling data included in this episode to show the Labour candidate on a two point lead. More information here**

A 3am call, and a Tory MP talking about a life or death situation in which he was being held captive in a flat.

Amazingly, that wasn't even the weirdest bit. As the day, and the story, unfolded, there were allegations of campaign money donated by Conservative supporters being used to pay for the MP's medical bills and more.

Mark Menzies , Fylde MP, is just - remarkably - the latest in a long line of MPs - both Tory and Labour - who have lost the whip this parliament.

What's going on? Has scandal become easier to detect? Harder to hide? Or is this what the end of every reign starts to feel like?

We talk to the Times journalist who broke the story, Billy Kenber, and to the man whose job at the heart of Downing Street was interfacing between the PM and his MPs' each time scandal broke, Craig Oliver.

Later, whats going on in the West Midlands race? We have exclusive Savanta polling.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Does Liz Truss actually have a point?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:27:00 +0100

Yes, yes, yes. She crashed the economy, has blamed everyone else, made Britain a laughing stock, inflicted higher mortgage rates on millions of households, and was the shortest serving prime minister in our history. But her 49 days has spawned a 100,000 word book (be thankful she didn’t last ten years - can you imagine how long that book would be?). And it does have a central argument - that Britain has become an administrative state, with civil servants ruling the roost.

Does she have a point? We speak to John McTernan, Tony Blair's former political advisor, and Tom Fletcher, diplomat who's co-authored a report for the UCL Policy Unit on the need for Whitehall reform.

Meanwhile Rishi Sunak is likely to get his Rwanda legislation passed this week. But will getting planes off the ground happen anytime soon?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Should the police be shutting down Nigel Farage and the NatCons?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0100

It was a conference that few people here would have ever noticed. Suella, Nigel, Orban - speakers deemed "far right" by the Brussels authorities - found their conference filled with Belgian police as they took to the stage for their NatCon gathering.

The Federal Deputy served a court order on the grounds the conference "endangered public safety" and asked for its immediate closure. Cue great excitement amongst the Nat Conners. They could not be more delighted with this intervention which allowed them to rail - with some justification - against "Belgian democracy".

Has it helped their cause and fuelled their victimhood narrative? Or were police right to act? Later, Rishi wants to ban smoking for anyone born after Jan 1st 2009. Can he? and should he?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What is Iran's endgame?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:14:00 +0100

On Saturday night, Israel warned its citizens to go to a safe room and prepare to spend the night there.

Two hours later, Iran began sending drones into Israeli territory - revenge for the killings of 7 men in the Iranian consulate two weeks ago in Damascus, Syria.

Of the 350 drones, 99 percent were intercepted. Tragically -and miraculously - there was only one reported injury - a 7 year old Israeli bedouin child.

So what happens next? Does Israel retaliate? Or heed it's allies and 'walk away with a win'. We talk to Tim Marshall and Yaakov Katz who know this war well.

Later, Liz Truss tells our colleague Iain Dale she has 'unfinished business'. Is that a sign she's coming back? Her new book is out tomorrow. His interview with her is out tonight. We give you the sneak peak.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents...

An array of stardust as the likes of legendary jockeyAP McCoy and Team GB icon Denise Lewis joined Gabby & Mark on the podcast.

Is your Premier League club trying to kill off season tickets and is Everton's latest points deduction fair?

Does Seb Coe deserve credit for announcing prize money will be paid to Athletes who win gold at the Olympics - and after terror threats at Champions League games - how will Paris ensure fan safety at the Games this summer?

All this and much more on the Sports Agents over the last seven days.

Here's a little flavour of some of the highlights...

Europe's first black leader

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:15:00 +0100

On today's episode, we speak to Europe's first black leader - Vaughan Gething, the new First Minister of Wales. In an extended conversation, we talk his rise to the top of Welsh politics amidst experiences of racism, his political motivations and what is next for Wales if Labour return to power.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Should Ofsted be scrapped?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100

TW: This episode includes discussions around suicide. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans listen. Call them on 116 123.

Last week, The National Union of Education voted overwhelmingly at their conference to 'abolish Ofsted' - saying it causes more harm than good and needed urgent and fundamental reform.

They can't, of course, but today we - with your help - are asking if Ofsted is fit for purpose.

We hear from teachers and heads - our listeners - who tell us what needs to change.

We speak to Julia Waters, the sister of Ruth Perry, the Head of Caversham Primary who killed herself in the aftermath of an 'inadequate' rating and inspection, and finally we speak to Ofsted's new head - Sir Martyn Oliver.

Does he think Ofsted has made mistakes? Did he fire anyone following the coroners verdict into Ruth's death? Would he change the one word summary ruling of 'outstanding' down to 'inadequate'.

And how does he reflect upon words and actions of Amanda Spielman, his predecessor at Ofsted - criticised by many teachers for failing to find the right, compassionate tone in the face of that tragedy.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick & Shane Fennelly

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Westminster sexting and the honeytrap

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:30:00 +0100

William Wragg, the MP who found himself blackmailed by a person to whom he'd sent explicit photographs - last night resigned the Conservative party whip.

It means Sunak has lost another MP - Wragg will quit parliament anyway after the next election. He was the victim of a honeytrap which lured him into believing the messages he was receiving from a stranger.

But he was also unwise enough to share colleagues contact details when pressured by his blackmailer. Today we go back to the origins of the honeytrap story with the Politico journalist who broke the story, Aggie Chambre.

Later we look at Sunak's relationship with the voter - as revealed in this morning's LBC interview with various callers. What does it tell us about his campaigning strategy?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Will Labour just be another version of the Tories?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:50:00 +0100

It is a truth near-universally acknowledged (amongst pollsters at least) that Labour will be the largest party at the next election.

But how would they actually differ from the Tories in terms of what they do once in power?

They've pledged not to raise taxes and not to remove the recent cuts. They're determined to be fiscally responsible - which means little room for spending plans.

So what will actually change - at a moment when the country is crying out for repair?

We talk to Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

And - Suella has returned from Israel and come to the LBC studios to share her thoughts on the Middle East and the shape of the Tory party. Does she represent a significant chunk of the country in what she thinks? We discuss.

Oh and Liz Truss was given advice by the Queen - which she ignored...

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Angela Rayner really in trouble?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Police are re-examining claims Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner may have broken electoral law more than a decade ago by failing to pay a capital gains tax worth around £2000. Is there a real story here? Is it about impropriety? Class? Big money vs. small money? And who’s behind it?

Later author of Autocracy Inc. Anne Applebaum on Donald Trump's plan to “end the Ukraine war“ and why it makes no sense.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week on The Sports Agents, your questions for Gabby & Mark on everything from Olympics predictions, to how the panel on Match of the Day is selected!

Plus, Sky Sports NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter on Louis Rees-Zammit's chances of becoming a regular starter for the reigning Super Bowl champs, after he made the switch from Rugby to NFL.

And a closer look at the 'fractured' state of Golf - a week away from The Masters - with English pros Richard Bland and Laurie Canter on the reality of playing on the controversial breakaway LIV Golf tour.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Ian Hislop on Boris Johnson, Piers Morgan and political satire in the age of the absurd

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:52:00 +0100

Ian Hislop, editor of The Private Eye and team captain on Have I Got News For You sits down with Lewis for an extended conversation about political satire in the modern era of the Westminster psychodrama, and what it was like to have contestants like Piers Morgan and Boris Johnson on his show.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is David Cameron being reported to the ethics adviser?

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100

In the early hours of Thursday morning Layla Moran - the only British MP of Palestinian heritage- received news she’d been longing to hear for months.

Her family had finally escape from Gaza. Through perilous crossings and treacherous check points a family of five - including a seventy year old grandmother and two young children- had walked to safety.

As Layla herself recognises their relief is starkly contrasted with the two million others who can’t escape. Today we hear that story.

And we ask why the Lib Dem’s have referred Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron to the ethics adviser over questions of whether he concealed what he knew about the illegality of Israel’s war. We will discuss whether there is a case for government to answer. And where the war in Gaza goes now.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is the UK still selling arms to Israel?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The Prime Minister has called the Israeli Prime Minister's actions in Gaza 'increasingly intolerable' in a phone call with Netanyahu after the deaths of three British aid workers in an Israeli airstrike.

The words are tougher than we've seen before.

But the PM is now coming under pressure to end arms sales to Israel. Will he wait for America to move first? Is he watching to see where public opinion goes? Should Keir Starmer be more forthright - as the Lib Dem leader has been - in taking the initiative and call for arms sales to end - something many in his party are desperate to see.

We speak to Zarah Sultana , the Labour backbencher who's been at the forefront of this appeal - and to former Labour front bencher Jess Philips.

Later, what time is it on The Moon and why does NASA believe we need to sort it out?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why did JK Rowling want to be arrested?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100

A new law has Police Scotland saying that they'd investigate every online hate crime.

But what they've categorised as a hate crime has caused controversy. Why? And should the state decide what is and isn't a protected characteristic?

And - Israel accept responsibility and apologise for a rocket strike that's killed foreign aid workers in Gaza. It comes after a precision stirke on the Iranian consulate in Syria. What is the IDF doing - and is it ostracising their greatest allies the US even further?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

(Easter) Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week, The Sports Agents dug into why Arsenal are still in a league of their own when it comes to the commercial success of their Women's team, how Gabby became 'obsessed' with Andy Murray and if Gareth Southgate would be a perfect fit for Man United's new owners?

And to keep you going over the extended Easter weekend Gabby & Mark also found out all about Corinthians FC - one of the finest teams in English football history, that you've probably never heard of!

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Q&A Special

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Your questions answered in a special Q&A edition of the podcast with Emily, Jon and Lewis.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is the world running out of babies?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:50:00 +0100

Forget everything you know about an exploding world population.

The sad truth is, our birthrate is plummeting globally to the point where there soon won't be enough young workers to take care of the aging population.

What happens then? Can you financially incentivise people to have kids? Should we be thinking harder about immigration?

And why does this subject - and its pronatalist rhetoric - so often become the domaine of the authoritarian right?

We'll hear from Elon, Jordan and Jacob - about why we should all be having more babies.

Plus Robert Colville and Stephen J Shaw.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Rishi Sunak prepared to pick a fight with China?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:55:00 +0100

Once you have revealed that China is hacking British citizens on a major and global scale, the next question is - well, what are you going to do about it?

Well this is the one the prime minister is currently pondering. He's talking about putting China on an 'enhanced' list - which basically sounds like a glorified registration. But is he prepared to risk trading links? Or shut down Confucious institutes in the UK - China's soft power - or even say no to tiktok?

Also - the Tavistock child gender identity services are shutting their doors for good this week, after the Care Quality Commission declared the care they were offering our children was 'inadequate'. We speak to the investigative journalist Hannah Barnes, who helped expose the failures at the Tavistock. And we ask where children in need of help should seek it now?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Moscow terror attacks: Are ISIS back?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:44:00 +0100

The bombing of a Moscow concert hall left at least 137 dead and even more wounded.

The regrouped ISIS - now ISIS K- have claimed responsibility even though Putin is insisting on blaming Ukraine.

Why has ISIS come for Putin? What does it tell us about the strategic alignments now dominating the Middle East, and does this act of terror bring the threat of more closer to home?

Also - another by-election looms in the marginal seat of Blackpool South as Tory MP Scott Benton resigns. And Donald Trump wins a golf course. Organised by Donald Trump.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Owen Jones on why he's left the Labour Party

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:45:00 +0100

Influential left-wing commentator Owen Jones is in News Agents HQ a day after he quit the Labour Party - despite being a member since he was 15 - on account of what he perceived to be Keir Starmer's fundamental 'dishonesty'. We ask him why he thinks that, whether Labour have lost his vote forever, and if he wants to become the left-wing's Nigel Farage.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Sports Agents: Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week, The Sports Agents took a closer look at the state of Rugby Union, reflected on Nottingham Forest becoming the latest Premier League club to suffer a points deduction, as well as, the infamous story of one, Ali Dia...

On Tuesday, Andy Burnham - Greater Manchester Mayor and furious Everton fan - certainly didn't hold back when discussing why the Premier League needs an independent regulator.

Top comedians Dara O'Briain and Josh Widdicombe were then on hand to talk about their six-part podcast series exploring the phenomenon of Ali Dia’s overnight rise to the Premier League – for 53 minutes.

Then on Thursday, it was Rugby Union under the microscope as Courtney Lawes, Louis Rees-Zammit, Premiership CEO Simon Massie-Taylor and Wales legend Sam Warburton joined Gabby & Mark to debate the biggest threats to Rugby's future.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

Kate Middleton reveals she has cancer

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:15:00 +0100

At 6pm on Friday the Princess of Wales released a video statement. In it, she discusses her cancer diagnosis for the first time.

She acknowledges the difficulties facing their family in maintaining their privacy throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Will she now be left alone? And will the conspiracy theories stop?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Could the Reform party overtake the Tories?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:45:00 +0100

There's only one poll that counts and that's the actual election and that's not today. We know that, we get it, but the latest numbers from YouGov are worth looking at to see a direction of travel that might be staring us in the face.

Tonight's poll for The Times puts the Conservatives on 19 percent and Reform Party just behind them on 15. Is it conceivable that they overtake today's party of government at the general election?

And what is the demographic that is propping up the newcomer Reformistas?

Later, why is the Rwanda bill being pushed back if there is - according to the PM - a 'migrant emergency'?

And we answer the question on everyone's lips - where is Jon's favourite Amish town - and what's it called..

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why is Thatcher back in fashion?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Margaret Thatcher has been out of power for thirty years but this week it's started to feel like she's back in the room.

Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, gave the agenda-setting Mais lecture to the City of London last night, setting out her vision for Labour's first term in office and invoking the spirit, if not the policies, of Thatcher.

David Lammy, her colleague, was quick to endorse both women when asked about it on the Politico podcast. Is the mention of Thatcher a way of winning over the unconvinced? Or is it a message about the radical nature of what is to come?

Later, We discuss the Rwanda plan and the absence of effective diplomacy in Gaza with former foreign secretary David Miliband.

And why has Leo Varadkar decided to quit frontline Irish politics?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How should the Royals respond to TikTok conspiracies?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Even after Kate Middleton appeared IRL at a local Windsor farm shop, the Tiktok conspiracy theories continued. Was it really Kate? Was the photo staged? Why did the video look different to the still image? On and on.

The Royals have always generated frenzied gossip. What was once shared over a neighbourly picket fence is now just dispersed online. But does that change how the Royals should respond? Should they hold their nerve or feed the beast? We talk to Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt.

Later, EU leaders have caved into the demands of European farmers by imposing higher tariffs on Ukrainian imports. Are they more scared of Putin or their own pitchfork protesters? And what will it mean for the war?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Are the Tories really ready to replace Rishi Sunak?

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The weekend has been awash with talk of yet another leadership putsch. Is Penny Mordaunt on manoeuvres? Is Kemi Badenoch scheming? The answer is probably no - for now - but it points to a sense of inexorable crisis in a party which is only now realising the scale of the loss that may be careering down the tracks towards them.

Could enough of the parliamentary party be persuaded that more of them could survive if they replaced Rishi? And would Rishi REALLY pull the rip cord - announcing an election - if he felt that coming? We speak to the 1922 committee Treasurer, Geoffrey Clifton Brown.

Also, what is Ofcom up to? And is it running scared of GB News? We discuss.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Clips:

BBC Breakfast: Kemi Badenoch with Jon Kay

The Exploding Heads: GB News/Ofcom

The Sports Agents: Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week, The Sports Agents were invited to the head offices of 'The Enhanced Games' to interview President Aron D'Souza - who wants to put on an Olympic-style event where all the athletes are permitted (even encouraged) to dope... Don't forget your popcorn for this one!

Then on Thursday, Gabby & Mark were joined by boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, to discuss the role the sport is playing in Saudi 'sportswashing'.

Plus, why owners of football clubs can't seem to stop at buying just one, and why Liverpool are following suit?

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

Sayeeda Warsi on her "arsonist" Tory colleagues

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

British politics has been dominated by race this week. The big picture is that certain ideas which would once have been unsayable are now commonplace within the Conservative Party.

Sayeeda Warsi was at the centre of the Cameron modernisation project, where he sought to bring ethnic minorities into the tent. Now she’s in the wilderness and gives us a perspective of the changes which have taken place in her party. Among other things she calls some Tory ministers “arsonists” who seek to divide and that Michael Gove should be “nowhere near” communities and extremism policy.

And the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to resign or be replaced by elections as he is a “block” on the peace process. Will Biden be next to call for Israeli elections? Jon was bored at home so made a rare Friday appearance

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Do the Tories have any credibility on extremism?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Michael Gove has announced today that the government is redefining extremism. But given they've taken up to 15 million pounds worth of donations from a man who said Diane Abbott should be shot, do they really have any credibility doing so this week?

Lewis interviews Keir Starmer in an exclusive for LBC and asks whether Diane Abbott has a place back in his Labour Party.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Rishi lost control of his party?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:48:00 +0100

The PM has belatedly conceded that the comments in which a Tory donor expressed his urge to 'shoot all black women' WAS actually racist.

He's still not giving the money back. No, that would be a step too far.

He praised Frank Hester's move to 'apologise' and 'show remorse'. Hester apologised only for his rudeness, we should remember, not his threatening misogynist racist language.

How does it feel to be sent out by Sunak to do the rounds - defending this stuff? And why are the men in grey suits meeting with the Prime Minister? Is this normal ? Or suspicious? Does Rishi still have control of his party - or is his authority on the wane?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Another day, another Tory racism row

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:20:00 +0100

Today's Tory 'was it racist?' row centres a donor who's given the Conservatives more than ten million pounds.

The Guardian scoop revealed comments he made 5 years ago - centring on the now-suspended Labour MP Dianne Abbott whom he blamed for making him 'want to hate all black women'.

Rishi Sunak has called the comments 'clearly unacceptable' but refused to call them racist.

Is there any chance he'll chose to return the money? And why is the Tory party struggling with yet another case of the 'Lee Anderson's'.

Later, an exclusive: The prison in England where MORE inmates are on drugs than are NOT. What's going wrong with our prison system? And what's the knock-on effect?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Lee Anderson wants his country back

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:21:00 +0100

Lee Anderson has defected to the Reform Party, saying he’d done a lot of soul-searching on his political journey, and wants his country back.

He had of course already been kicked out of the Conservative Party for those ‘islamist’ slurs against Sadiq Khan, so when we say ‘defected’ we mean from being a party-less whip-less MP. Nevertheless, the move may chill his former colleagues - and the PM himself, who will wonder if the Lee he championed as his former deputy chair DOES in fact ‘speak for millions around the country’ and whether he will take voters with him.

Later, ’THAT PHOTO’. Why the news agencies wont touch it, and why the apology from the Princes of Wales did little to clarify. Do we owe our Royals privacy ? Or do they owe us transparency? The News Agents have a heated debate.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Sports Agents: Weekend Edition

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to The Sports Agents, a brand-new twice-weekly addition to The News Agents podcast family, hosted by Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman...

This week Gabby & Mark explored the big scandal in Formula One surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, found out a little more about Manchester City and England star Phil Foden and discussed Saudi Arabia's increasing influence in heavyweight boxing.

Here's a little flavour of what you can expect.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

EXCLUSIVE: The Telegraph and the "hypocrisy" of Andrew Neil

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:37:00 +0100

There is fury surrounding a bid by the former head of CNN to buy The Telegraph and The Spectator due to the involvement of the Abu-Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI investment group

In an exclusive interview, media executive, Jeff Zucker - who is leading that group - tells us about a "serious campaign" against his bid, and that the Chair of The Spectator Andrew Neil, is a "hypocrite" in his opposition to the takeover bid, because he says Mr Neil wanted to be at the heart of the deal.

In response, Andrew Neil refuted Mr Zucker's claims about him, saying "his memory is playing tricks on him." He added: "I have made it clear I will have nothing to do with [the group] and will walk away in the unlikely event [Mr Zucker] succeeds in acquiring The Spectator.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Why are we paying for a cabinet minister's libel bill?

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:10:00 +0100

Michelle Donelan is Rishi Sunak’s Science Secretary. She has accepted that she libelled an academic. That’s unusual. It’s even more unusual that the taxpayer is paying her libel bill.

Lewis asks, why this has come about? Discover that to some extent, as always, all roads lead to Boris Johnson. We also ask whether we need to look at this through a different lens- whether this weird episode is part of the Conservative Party’s “Islamist” obsession.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Marjorie Taylor Greene tells Emily Maitlis to "F*** off"

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:59:00 +0100

The Chancellor of the Exchequer made a fat joke about the Leader of the Opposition on the floor of the House of Commons as he delivered his Spring Budget today.

It was one of the only things he said that wasn't pre-trailed, making for an unremarkable speech about further temporary fuel duty freezes, National Insurance cuts and the creation of the Great British ISA.

Lewis has all the details with LBC's Poilitical Editor Natasha Clark and The Times' Economics Correspondent Jack Barnett.

Meanwhile, Emily has been locked in a battle with Trump's most die hard conspiracy theorist, Marjorie Taylor Green. They spent Super Tuesday in Trump's Mar-a-Lago ballroom, where the former President sped to victory.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The worst Tory poll of all time

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:33:00 +0100

The Conservative Party have just received their worst polling results of all-time, with Ipsos now showing Tory support at just 20 points.

It's the worst Tory numbers since polling began in 1978, so Lewis picks it all apart and analyses how bad things have got for Rishi Sunak on the eve of the budget.

Later in the show we're in Washington DC with Jon and Emily for Super Tuesday.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What's the strategy to make Trump president? Inside the MAGA bunker

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 17:16:00 +0100

After everything that’s happened - the million plus deaths from Covid, the January 6th insurrection, the indictments, the law suits the debts and the sexual abuse - why are we even talking about a Donald Trump comeback?

Britain doesn't get it, most of Europe doesn't. But America does. Today, we take you -not just behind the curtain, but right into the heart of the MAGA bunker - and the strategy for 2024.

Which voters do they need? Who have they lost? And what’s the plan if Trump wins?

Later, in the least surprising news ever, the Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump MUST stay on the ballot in Colorado. What will Nikki Haley voters do once her path to the nomination closes?

And who is the third Republican nominee for President? We have the interview.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The News Agents USA Special: Live from Richmond, Virginia: Trump on the campaign trail

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0100

The News Agents: USA, on Global Player

We're in Richmond, Virginia for Donald Trump's last rally before he is almost certainly crowned the Republican candidate for president. But who are the voters queuing for miles to get into the sold-out event? What do they think - and what motivates them to vote for a man indicted 91 times?

We're the only foreign press able to get into the rally. The Trump team wouldn't let anyone else in. Listen to find out what it's like at the heart of MAGA America.

Click here to find us on Global Player

Starmer’s “Worst Nightmare”- Galloway wins in Rochdale

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:10:00 +0100

George Galloway has said that Keir Starmer’s woken up to his “worst nightmare”, after the former Labour MP won the Rochdale by-election by almost 6,000 votes.

Jon and Lewis analyse Galloway’s victory, and ask what this means for Keir Starmer ahead of this year’s General Election. Is it really the nightmare scenario Galloway is making it out to be?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Clips:

GB News, George Galloway

LBC, Ellie Reeves

Cherwell, Oxford University, George Galloway

Is the Chancellor trying to nick Labour's policies?

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:36:00 +0100

Right now the Treasury are flying more kites than you would see on top of Parliament Hill on a windy day.

This comes ahead of next week’s budget - the last before the general election.

But one policy is particularly eye-catching. It's the idea that the Tories are about to tax non-doms - the flagship Labour policy. Whether you want to call it shooting Keir’s fox or stealing his clothes, it would be an audacious move.

Also, how do the Royal family square the circle of remaining in the public eye while wanting maximum privacy at this difficult time? Couldn’t their communications be more effective?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

Is it time for Rishi to boot out Liz 'deep state' Truss?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Liz Truss was doorstepped by the BBC in Westminster today and asked to explain why she'd been talking about the dangers of the 'deep state' at a Washington Conference over the weekend.

Keir Starmer went one step further in his Commons questions - asking Rishi Sunak why he hadn't kicked her out of the party for her 'tin hat' conspiracy theories?

Keir Starmer loves Liz Truss as he's seen polling showing just how unpopular she is with the public. He's trying to tie her travails to those of a weak leader, too scared to move against the former PM.

Later, is it the Home Secretary's job to tell Gaza protesters to go home? James Cleverly gave The Times an interview to say it was stretching police resources, and everyone already understood their message. Is that how protesting works? Is that how politics work?

We speak to the former Met Assistant Commissioner Helen King and Liberty - who's taking Suella to the High Court today.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

Clips:

BBC, Liz Truss

Sky News, Chris Philp

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

The Sports Agents - Coming 5th March

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:56:00 +0100

Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, two of the UK’s best sports broadcasters, host a brand new twice-weekly podcast exploring the stories behind the sports...

Drawing on their wealth of experience and insight, with exclusive interviews and expert analysis, Gabby & Mark tackle the big issues and explain not just what’s happening, but why. They'll also bring a healthy dose of humour when needed too.

The Sports Agents will bring you inside the greatest sporting events from around the world in what promises to be a truly memorable year of sport.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Sports Agents is a Global Player Original Podcast.

What do the Tories really think about Lee Anderson?

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:45:00 +0100

Paul Scully, former Minister for London, has given his first extended interview to The News Agents since he talked about 'no-go' areas in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham. What did he mean? And what was he trying to say about Lee Anderson?

What is it about the Tories deputy chairmen that makes them say this stuff? Today, we have a go at answering that.

Is Rishi scared of losing the voters he thinks Lee Anderson stands for? And is he right to think Lee talks for the Red Wall? Or is that just a slur in it's own right? Later, what was President Biden doing in an ice cream parlour talking about Gaza.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Clips:

X, Rosie Holt

LBC, Michael Tomlinson

BBC Radio London, Paul Scully

MSNBC, Joe Biden

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has the Tory party been taken over by 'right-wing nationalists'?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:57:00 +0100

Former Deputy Tory Chair Lee Anderson was suspended from the Conservative party this weekend after accusing the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of 'giving the capital city away to his (Islamist) mates.'

In Sadiq Khan's first extended interview, he tells the News Agents that Anderson 'practices the politics of hate' and the Tory party has shown a tacit approval for it. We also chat Rochdale and whether the SNP should get a second chance from the Speaker to hold their Meaningful Vote on a ceasefire.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Clips:

Lee Anderson with Chris Hope on GB News on Friday

Rishi Sunak on BBC Radio York this morning

Mark Harper on Nick Ferrari on LBC this morning

Sky News doorstep of Mr. Anderson this afternoon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Alexei Navalny's widow Yulia has laid the blame for her husband's murder directly with Putin.

Few world leaders seem to disagree. There is much grave talk of 'consequences' and 'action'.

But what does that really mean? Short of Putin losing the Ukraine war, what would really hurt him enough to stop him murdering?

We talk to hugely influential Putin critic Bill Browder who tells us who the 'next Navalny' will be if we don't act now.

Later, why is Kemi Badenoch calling the former chairman of the Post Office a liar? Henry Staunton has stood by his allegations that the government was dragging its feet on Post Office compensation payouts ahead of the election. Is she really going to go to war over this?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Two more Tory wipeouts

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Two more Labour wins in two more by-elections. Kingswood and Wellingborough were very safe Conservative seats, but now they've turned red.

The Conservatives have now suffered the most by-election defeats of any government since the 1960s - so what does this mean in a General Election year?

Later, we reflect on the life of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, who has died in a Russian prison.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Recession: are we f***ed?

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:25:00 +0100

The UK is in recession - which means the economy has been shrinking for most of the last year.

What does that do to our standard of living? And what are the political choices that have to be made?

The Tories are still talking about tax cuts - even if that means more cuts to public services. Labour has ditched its mega promise of borrowing 28 billion to invest in the economy.

So what's the way out?

Later, as Putin confesses he found Tucker Carlson a bit of a soft interviewer, we discuss how you do accountable interviewing in an age where 'facts dont matter'.

Is Labour's lead slipping away?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:46:00 +0100

In the past 7 days Sir Keir Starmer has had to face down a leak over his big policy U-turn, a policy U-turn and the suspension of two Labour candidates for anti-Israel and/or anti-Semitic comments. A third person in the room at the time is, we understand, being 'spoken to'.

It's probably not been a great week for party morale - but has any of it hit Labour's poll lead?

And will any of it translate into actual voting in the by election results tomorrow? We talk to pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common.

Later - rats, open sewage, cockroaches and drugs. Chief Inspectorate of Prisons Charlie Taylor talks us through the worst report he's ever penned on our prison system as we ask whether the justice system or the accommodation limitations dictate who is put behind bars.

A Prison Service Spokesperson said:

“The findings of this inspection are unacceptable which is why we’re taking urgent action to address the concerns raised. This includes deploying extra frontline officers to reduce violence and improve safety, undertaking refurbishments to improve living conditions, and ensuring offenders get greater access to the education and skills they need to turn their backs on crime.”

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Could the weirdest ever by-election be won by George Galloway?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:59:00 +0100

Keir Starmer insists he took "decisive action" by suspending the Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali from the Labour party.

Should it have come quicker? How damaging has it been to the wider party? And what on earth is going to happen in what's fast becoming the weirdest by election in modern history - with not one but three former Labour candidates.

Later, we look at Rafah, in Gaza - now bracing itself for a ground incursion from an Israeli government that seems hell-bent on finishing a military mission. What does it take to get Netanyahu to stop? Will the US cease selling him weapons? And how does this sit alongside international negotiations for a prolonged ceasefire.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Does the Labour Party still have an anti-Semitism problem?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:50:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has gone out of his way to break with his party's antisemitic past and to reshape the Labour parliamentary party.

But this weekend, shadow ministers found themselves in the unenviable position of having to defend the Labour candidate for Rochdale for 'mistakenly believing a conspiracy theory' instead of calling him out for his antisemitic remarks about whether Israel had turned a blind eye to the Hamas atrocities as 'a green light for a full on Gaza invasion'.

Azhar Ali is standing against George Galloway which is perhaps why Labour is nervous. What should happen to all those other MPs suspended by the party leader for antisemitic remarks?

And where does this leave Keir Starmer on his Middle East foreign policy more widely?

Also, Trump has encouraged Russia to invade NATO countries that dont pay their bills. Well of course he has. Why is Europe surprised? And has it figured out America under Trump is not going to care about our security? We discuss why we've been so slow to listen to what he's saying.

**This episode was recorded before Labour withdrew their support for Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali**

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Mick Lynch on Starmer, strikes and a united Ireland

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:22:00 +0100

When will strikes end - and are Labour the party to stop the constant drumroll of them?

We're joined by the most charismatic man on the left of British politics - who has become synonymous with the public sector striking. Mick Lynch.

And later, we talk all things Biden as he hits back against accusations that his mind is ailing - only to then make yet another gaff.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why is Starmer running scared of his own policies?

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:06:00 +0100

The worst kept secret in politics was freed from its shackles today as Sir Keir Starmer confirmed Labour would drop their 28 billion pound spending pledge on the green economy.

It will confirms Rishi's criticism of a flip-flop leader. Why is Keir running scared of spending?

Later, is Rishi's own party calling on him to apologise for his trans gag in the Commons yesterday? Why won’t he? We discuss where it’s left him.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why is our Prime Minister making jokes about trans people?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:50:00 +0100

How has Rishi Sunak shown so little emotional intelligence that he ended up making his customary 'trans joke'?

In the presence of the mother of a brutally murdered trans teenager.

What does this tell us about the disconnect between his politics and the people he serves? And what does it mean for the divisive culture war that has formed the rump of so much recent conservative campaigning?

Today we discuss decency, standards in public life and leadership with Lord Simon McDonald, and ask whether we've allowed intolerable rhetoric to become normalised in the slapstick of party politics.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

PopCon: Inside the Liz Truss revolution

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:35:00 +0100

Liz Truss and her mates have been selling their version of popular conservatism in central London this morning.

They were delighted to see Lewis at their launch who spoke to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage about both their vision and their seeming hypocrisy.

We ask Sir Charles Walker, of the same party, if he recognizes this brand of conservatism or if they are in fact “useful idiots“ for the right-wing fringe Reform UK party .

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Last weekend the Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch made clear - in her trademark no nonsense style - that she wished all those trying to plot against and undermine Rishi Sunak would shut up and go away.

In unrelated news, the Guardian revealed last night she's part of a Whatsapp group called.... The Evil Plotters. Are the rumblings of Prime Ministerial removal getting louder? Is policy being dictated by those he fears? And what to make of the IMF warning his chancellor NOT to cut taxes at the next election because our public services can;t afford it?

Later, we look at the power sharing deal in Northern Ireland - could this be Rishi's legacy?

And we ask whether Laurence Fox, who lost his libel case at the High Court, can or cannot be called 'a racist'.

We approached Mr Fox for comment and he had nothing to add.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

This week on The News Agents USA: Could Taylor Swift swing the US election?

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday or Wednesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Why is everyone starting to talk about World War III?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:50:00 +0100

The Telegraph editor began the morning by asking how ‘everyday British life would change in a global conflict’. Trump has already called it for WW3.

On today’s episode we ask why the language has ratcheted up and whether we are already in a war without fully realising.

How will President Biden respond to the deaths in Jordan of US servicemen?

And is this all part of the Israel-Hamas war - or is Iran using that as a pretext to provoke America?

Later, why is Truss at war with Rishi-again - this time, over vaping.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Why has America started to gas its convicts?

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:13:00 +0100

Alabama has executed convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith with nitrogen gas, the first time this method of capital punishment has been used anywhere in the world.

On today's show Lewis asks how it has come to this, and whether the US government will be gassing more of its criminals

Later, we take a huge handbrake turn to talk to the creator of the year's biggest TV show and cultural phenomenon - The Traitors. He tells Lewis how they choose the Traitors and even hints at a celebrity version.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Will conscription ever happen in the UK?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:54:00 +0100

The head of the army - General Sir Patrick Sanders - has said the UK needs to train and equip a citizen army to be on the front door for any future war with Russia.

The PM has hastily ruled out conscription but on today's episode, we consider whether the era of peace is over. And ask what we are prepared to do if the threats deepen.

Later, election denier Trump has talked up a purge of bureaucrats and security forces. Are we happy to nod Trump through as he advocates a police state? And why are senior politicians here cheering him on?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Has the government really ‘captured’ the BBC?

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:55:00 +0100

The week started with Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary calling out the BBC for bias and a failure of impartiality.

She struggled to give many examples of either.

Today, Prospect magazine has done a deep dive into what it calls ‘the right-wing cabal waging war on the principles of our public broadcaster‘.

Is the BBC in thrall to the government? Or is it another institution the government is fighting?

Later, What was Sir Simon Clarke hoping to achieve by calling for the PM to go?

And is the rebellion now dead - or just getting going.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Will Israel get its hostages home?

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:57:00 +0100

Today we hear from Ziv, who was at the Nova music festival and saw her friends die. Her boyfriend is a hostage. And from Eli whose 18 year old daughter Liri is being held by Hamas.

And we ask the Israeli government why they’re so convinced their plan is working.

The Israeli government insists their war against Hamas is working. But there are 130 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, and many many thousands of dead civilians.

Later, we discuss voter ID and whether the Tories are disenfranchising the young from voting.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Are British institutions really too 'woke'?

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0100

PSA: If you want all the latest on the departure Ron de Santis and the Republican Presidential primary race we have a full bonus episode for you on The News Agents: USA. Find it here.

Keir Starmer has accused the Conservative Party of 'desperate, divisive and damaging' politics by picking fights with British instutitions like the National Trust and the RNLI.

The Labour leader has previously stayed clear of the culture wars and stuck on the hard-fought territory of the economy and the new shape of the Labour Party.

But today's speech placed charities and cultural insititutions at the heart of British life as something he was prepared to defend.

Has he given the Tories new amunition? Or found a whole new constituency of voters?

Plus - PopCon - not the fantastic snack but the new Tory group headed up by one Liz Truss. But will the most unpopular British leader of modern history be able to make the Popular Conservatives at all relevant as he gear up to this year's election?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The dangers of 2024 and how to manage them - with Britain’s oldest foreign secretary

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:05:00 +0100

2024 is still young but from Gaza to Ukraine to Pakistan, somewhere new is seemingly pulled into the mire of geopolitical clashes what seems like every day.

In an extended interview, Lewis asks Lord David Owen - Britain's oldest foreign secretary - about the state of the world and where we fit in.

And, ahead of an election that could see Labour and Lib Dems play a prominent role in the balance of Westminster power, we ask the man who left the Labour Party to found the SDP party - the precursor to the Liberal Democrats what he makes of the parties, and of Westminster today.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Rishi, Coffey, Kigali and...Count Binface

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:35:00 +0100

Rishi won his Rwanda bill as the rebels all but melted away.

But how much of a victory is it - and can he convince the Lords to leave it alone?

The former deputy prime minister is having trouble finding Rwanda. And the former Deputy Chair is unhappy with Labour sniggling(?) at him. Rishi's poll position just got worse.

Later, we look at the issue raising alarm bells for the medical community. As the government passes new legislation on their regulation - are physicians associates putting patients lives at risk?

And before we go Count Binface graces The News Agents galaxy so we never again forget his name....

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Have the Tories stopped caring about the rule of law?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:30:00 +0100

After a couple of dramatic resignations last night from Tory rebels, the government appears fairly confident it CAN get it's Rwanda bill through the commons.

But at what cost?

Rishi has had to fight both flanks of his party. And those on his right are increasingly sounding like they're prepared to sack off the ol' rule of law to stop judges getting in the way of Rwanda flights taking off.

Is the government prepared to follow them? And what kind of Conservatism would that be?

Later, we look at Iran flexing its muscles in the region - why is it attacking Syria, Iraq and Pakistan?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Is Rishi Sunak about to sack Lee Anderson over Rwanda rebellion?

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:31:00 +0100

60 Tory rebels are currently off signing amendments to Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill including - checks notes - his two deputy chairmen who are on the government payroll.

What message does this send out? And why havent they resigned their posts if they cannot even back their Prime Minister?

Rishi is trying to fend off ANY amendment but he is - checks notes again - in the process of hiring extra lawyers, with 5,000 more sitting days - to make sure every individual migrant appeal gets fast tracked out of the way. Is this really the best use of our overstretched legal system?

And, we look at the effect boundary changes could have on the election and - if you're looking for Iowa caucus coverage we have a whole episode on the US elections on our sister podcast The News Agents USA out this evening - find it here.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

This week on The News Agents USA: Donald Trump dominates in Iowa: is the Republican race already over?

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Has Rishi's party decided he's no good?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:45:00 +0100

A mystery is afoot: in a critical week for the Government's Rwanda policy - with a looming Commons vote in 24 hours - a YouGov poll has emerged which spells Tory election disaster for Rishi.

Look closely and you see that the poll started on December 12th - the same day the Rwanda policy last went through the Commons. Could it be the two are in fact related? In other words, are senior conservatives trying to spell out to Sunak that he must harden up his policy or face wipeout? Or even replacement?

And if so, how should Rishi respond?

We talk to former Levelling Up Minister Sir Simon Clarke, and Conservative Home's Editor Paul Goodman. And with Iowa temperatures down at -28 degrees celsius, will the big winner of the first Republican caucus be... the sofa?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0100

One of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged trafficking victims has stood by her claim that sex tapes exist of Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton on Little St James Island, and has painted a lurid picture of Donald Trump's sexual activities.

Sarah Ransome - who was in her twenties at the time - had accused Epstein of filming guests on his island in compromising situations, only to then withdraw her testimony and say she made it all up. But today, as court documents disclosed her allegations, she confirmed her original testimony to ITV's Good Morning Britain. Is she a credible witness who's faced intimidation or a fantasist?

A spokesperson for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group said on Monday: “We categorically reject all allegations made by Sarah Ransome. In 2016, Ms Ransome retracted her claims and then in 2019 after settling her claims with Epstein and Maxwell, she also admitted to The New Yorker that the “tapes” had been “invented”. The allegations are baseless and unfounded.

“The actions of Jeffrey Epstein were abhorrent and we support the right to justice for the many victims impacted by his abuse.”

Donald Trump's spokesman also said Sarah Ransome's claims about the former president were "baseless", "simply false and have no merit".

And with regards to Virginia Guiffre, Prince Andrew said he has never met her and has denied her allegations.

We talk to an investigative journalist at the Miami Herald, Ben Wieder, who forced the court to make those documents public.

Also today, where does the Post Office saga lead us now? And are politician's able to force a change of the law?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

This week on The News Agents USA: The 2024 US election: the starting gun is fired

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

The Post Office Scandal: who’s to blame for Britain’s greatest miscarriage of justice?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:43:00 +0100

Why are more than 700 postmasters still trying to clear their names and access even the most basic compensation more than two decades after they were falsely accused of theft?

On today's episode Adeep Sethi tells us how his family warned the Post Office in 2002 about Horizon's problems - he has the proof in a newspaper article. Twenty two years on, and torn apart, they are still fighting for justice.

We ask Tory MP and campaigner David Davis whether British justice has failed.

A spokesperson for Fujitsu - who rolled out the Horizon system - said: "Fujitsu has apologised for its role in their suffering. Fujitsu is fully committed to supporting the Post Office Horizon IT statutory Inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it. Out of respect for the Inquiry process, it would be inappropriate for Fujitsu to comment further at this time.”

And how did Helen Harrison - partner of disgraced Tory MP Peter Bone - get selected as the candidate for his newly vacated seat of Wellingborough? It's a News Agents mystery.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Ukraine and Gaza: when will the wars end?

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:05:00 +0100

What's next for Ukraine and Russia? For Israel and Gaza? As tensions expand and inflame in the vital trading channel of the Red Sea and Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities, what is next for both regions?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Sunak sets the election date (sort of)

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:13:00 +0100

The Prime Minister has pretty much ruled out a May election.

He said today that he is "working on the assumption" that the General Election will be in the second half of the year... but he is yet to nail down an exact date.

We discuss why he's holding out, the possible dates to put in your diary and how that could cross over with the US Presidential election in November.

And later, the Labour leader Keir Starmer sets out his ambitions for the election year.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

When will Sunak call the election?

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0100

It's 2024. (Almost certainly) election year. Parties are in election mode and the pressure is on the PM to demystify when he will call the public to the polls.

When will he? Why would earlier or later suit him? And will any date change the Tories' stuttering chances?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Arvind Badewal & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

2023 In Review: Part Two

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0100

In part two of their end of year review, Jon, Emily and Lewis look back on the news from the months of July to December.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Arvind Badewal & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

2023 In Review: Part One

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:30:00 +0100

In part one of their end of year review, Jon, Emily and Lewis look back on the news from the months of January to June.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Arvind Badewal & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Christmas Q&A Special!

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Your questions answered in a (very merry) Christmas Q&A special with Jon, Emily and Lewis.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Arvind Badewal & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

2024: democracy's biggest year

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0100

75% of democracies in the world go to the polls next year. It's a year of enormous significance - not just for the US and for the UK, but for massive geopolitical bodies - South Africa, India, Russia etc.

Where will we be come this time next year?

Lewis (mostly) talks to those that know the regions best.

Editor & birthday boy: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer & special correspondent: Gabriel Radus

Producer : Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Has Macron given in to racists?

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:10:00 +0100

Macron relents to the far-right and introduces tough immigration laws into multicultural France. What does this mean for the right-wing Marine Le Pen's hopes of being president - and for a country whose history is so interlinked with migration?

Our new Health Secretary calls junior doctors 'doctors-in-waiting' - is that the best way to end a new flurry of strikes that could further cripple our limping health system?

And Liz Truss gets a new portrait at her old home.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Will the courts stop Trump from running?

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:48:00 +0100

The Supreme Court of Colorado has used an arcane section of the 14th Amendment of the US constitution to disqualify Donald Trump from standing for president, on the grounds of the part he played in mounting an insurrection against the state.

It’s got to be a good thing, generally, if insurrectionists aren’t allowed to stand for high office. But the judgement raises critical questions about the power of the law versus the power of democracy. And who decides who is and who isn’t an enemy of the state.

Trump‘s rivals fear he will use the ruling to rocket fuel his next stint of fundraising, by calling it a witch-hunt. Democrats are waiting to to see if it’s overturned by the Supreme Court - the ultimate arbiters.

Meanwhile on the mean streets of Wellingborough - another by-election looms after the suspension of Tory MP Peter Bone. We take you to both Colorado and Wellingborough you lucky things…

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Wes Streeting: The NHS is not the envy of the world

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:38:00 +0100

Wes Streeting is hoping to become the first Labour Health Secretary in 14 years. How honest is he prepared to be about what the health service needs and what Labour is prepared to spend?

On today's episode, he tells us that frankly the system we have is "not the envy of the world".

Can they really fix it by closing a non-dom tax loophole and praying for growth? We also hear what he really thinks of Israel's actions in Gaza and of the death threats he's received in his own constituency.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Michelle Mone: Is it too easy for the rich and famous to lie to the public?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:52:00 +0100

What did Michelle Mone mean when she said all she’d done was “lie to the press“ after she threatened journalists with lawsuits if they dared to investigate her story?

Today we follow all the unanswered questions - is our defamation law serving the public?

What did the government know about the missing Mone millions?

And should she still sit in the House of Lords?

Tax Lawyer Dan Neidle and Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds join us.

After that, we speak to former UK Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher on the horror and pain that the war between Israel and Hamas continues to inflict on all those affected; and is Jon Sopel running a covert cannabis farm in his basement?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

The News Agents Investigates: The Rise of the Far Right

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:01:00 +0100

The Far Right are growing in strength, power and number across Europe and beyond. In election after election extremist forces are becoming bigger and bigger players, destroying old more traditional conservative parties.

In this episode of The News Agents Investigates, Lewis heads to the Netherlands, where an old political face, Geert Wilders, could now be king of all he surveys. But Holland is just one story, a microcosm of one of the biggest political tales of our time- the slow collapse of the centre and the forces of moderation on the right of politics.

Online conspiracy, misinformation and the polarisation arising from the Gaza War is fuelling the fire. Liberal democracy could be burnt along with it.

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

High Court: Piers Morgan knew about phone hacking

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 17:40:00 +0100

Prince Harry won, the press lost.

In a landmark court verdict, a high court judge on Friday ruled that phone hacking and other unlawful practices to obtain stories were "habitual" at the Mirror Group's newspapers.

The judge also said that senior executives at the company knew about these methods, as did Piers Morgan, who once edited the Daily Mirror.

Morgan has taken to the airwaves to once again deny.

Lewis asks what this ruling means for Harry, the royal family, the press and Piers Morgan himself. He talks to a lawyer representing the victims of phone hacking, a former Daily Mirror editor and a former phone hacker.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Does Putin think he's about to win the war?

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:55:00 +0100

Vladimir Putin’s “Results of the Year “ was a marathon televised chat show where for 4+ hours he answered none of the questions the Russian public desperately wished they could ask.

“When will the war end? When are our soldiers coming home? Are you as ill as the rumours suggest? Why is the Russia on TV not the real Russia?"

Today we ask if Putin’s buoyant mood suggests he thinks he’s about to win the Ukraine war.

We talk to those from the Bush and Obama administration who know all about Putin's methods well and ask if América is going to give up on Ukraine.

Later we discuss disgraced Scott Benton - the Blackpool South MP who could be out of a job … cue *another* by-election..

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Does anyone care what Gary Lineker tweets?

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:43:00 +0100

The incoming chair of the BBC, Samir Shah, has suggested that Gary Lineker may have breached BBC guidelines with his 'ad hominem attacks' on two Conservative MPs.

It was only two months ago that the BBC drew up its new social media guidelines - Do they make sense? Does Lineker care? And how much is the corporation responding to pressure from the right wing papers? Later - Mark Drakeford is stepping down as Wales First Minister - and is Rishi out of trouble now after winning last night's Rwanda vote?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:10:00 +0100

In an extended interview, Lewis Goodall speaks with the former speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

They discuss his difficult relationships with various Tory PMs (Cameron, May and Johnson), his switch from the far-right to the centre left, the bullying allegations that ended his political career. Plus, the TV show Traitors. He's in the next series.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Is Rwanda about to bring Rishi Sunak down?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:49:00 +0100

An impromptu Prime Minister's press conference this morning raised more questions than it answered.

Rishi Sunak was responding to the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick last night - which blindsided the government - and left the PM defending his Rwanda policy and promising he would disapply human rights law to get it through. Today - a stark message for those in the party trying to cause trouble - from Tory backbencher and 1922 committee stalwart Sir Charles Walker - who joins us on the show.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Boris Johnson: the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:25:00 +0100

Boris Johnson’s appearance before the Covid Inquiry always had the feeling of the end of season pre-Xmas finale. It began with protests from the bereaved - who Johnson had avoided by arriving early.

He offered his apology , insisted the UK death rate had been comparatively normal, and couldn’t quite explain what if anything he thought he’d got wrong.

Later- Suella in the Commons. What was that speech about?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Will you have to be rich to marry a foreigner under the new immigration rules?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:35:00 +0100

The Home Secretary will bring in tough new rules to curb legal migration next Spring.

Workers will be required to earn nearly forty thousand pounds to come here. Care workers will be exempt but won’t be allowed to bring a loved one. What will the unintended consequences be? And can we afford it ?

Later, the Rwanda policy is looking for a defibrillator. What does the government have in mind?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

This week on The News Agents USA: What will a second Trump term actually look like for America?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Why is Rishi Sunak less popular than Liz Truss?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:33:00 +0100

The Conservative Party has lost half a million voters since their October party conference - according to a brand-new poll of polls.

They suggest Rishi's personal popularity is now lower than... Liz Truss.

Why is this happening and is it reversible or terminal?

Which political direction will it pull the PM in?

And later who is Keir Starmer talking to when he warns Labour will not be making big spending plans - and confesses his admiration for the controversial Margaret Thatcher?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Matt Hancock takes the stand

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:59:00 +0100

Matt Hancock has had his moment in the Covid Inquiry's sun. In characteristic form, he's been an appropriate mix of quoteworthy, weird and often both. At the heart of his testimony lies some extraordinary allegations. We dig deep.

And in the latest of our extended political interviews, we talk to veteran Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, about her battles with the far right, the far left and how identity politics has brought her own rising sense of Jewishness to the forefront of her politics.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

2008, Alistair Darling, and the day the world changed forever

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

On 15 September 2008 the world changed forever. The collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank heralded the financial crash and the worst recession in 60 years.

It would change our politics - perhaps forever. One man predicted the scale and depth of what was to come - the chancellor who fought to stabilise the UK economy on the brink of collapse.

That was Alistair Darling, whose death was announced this afternoon. Today we look at the impact that extraordinary time and his critical interventions had on this country - and we talk to his mentee - the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves about the man he was.

Later we reflect on the death of a statesman and foreign affairs titan - Henry Kissinger - at the age of 100 and ask if the man who witnessed an entire century will be better remembered for good or ill.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Does it matter who owns our news?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:35:00 +0100

With The Telegraph newspaper up for sale we are asking a wider question about who owns our news.

Does it matter if foreign parties have a stake ? Does it matter if foreign governments do? And can an owner remain truly impartial when their business depends upon it?

We discuss the intersection between politics, newspaper coverage and big money.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Why has Rishi snubbed the Greeks?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has cancelled a meeting with the visiting Greek PM. Downing Street says it was because he raised the issue of the return of the Elgin Marbles/Parthenon Sculptures on the BBC, after expressly being asked not to.

The Greeks say no such deal was ever made, and they didn't fancy a downgraded meeting with the Deputy PM Oliver Dowden.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer's team say he had a very productive meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis on immigration and security - and they find it odd that a NATO ally was sent home empty handed. What does the row tell us about the PM's concerns? Also on the show, Lawrence Fox is fighting a libel case at the High Court to get his name cleared after he was called 'a racist' on twitter. We discuss.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

This week on The News Agents USA: Sean Spicer: Trump's Press Secretary on Trump, truth and 2024

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Why are the Tories arguing over immigration?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:24:00 +0100

Net migration is at an all-time high. Almost three times higher - ironically - than before the Brexit vote.

If everyone agrees it’s unsustainable then which parts of it do we want cut?

And if migrants are actually plugging vital gaps in our economy then why can’t we say so?

Also today - New Zealand has just U-turned on its smoking ban. Will we stick to ours? And where is Labour now on that 28 billion pounds promised for green spending…

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Olivia Colman on domestic violence, paparazzi and The Crown

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0100

Oscar-winning and BAFTA-winning actress Olivia Colman joins The News Agents in a rare broadcast interview to talk about her work: on screen, and off-screen with the charity she's a patron of: Tender. Together with Susie McDonald - CEO of Tender - she explains the importance of preventative efforts iin domestic violence cases in supplementing the work of charities supporting survivors of abuse.

And she talks the new season of The Crown, the writers strike and how press intrusion has radically changed her personal life.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Hostages in Gaza, riots in Ireland and (election) shockwaves in the Netherlands

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:30:00 +0100

As Israel and Hamas exchange hostages for prisoners, the worst riots in decades break out on the streets of Dublin (at the egging on of one Conor McGregor) and a far-right, anti-Islam populist wins in the socially liberal, deeply pro-EU Netherlands - what's happened in the world after a fortnight of all-consuming British political psychodrama.

Lewis talks to Secunder Kermani, Channel 4's Foreign Correspondent who's spent most of the last 2 months on the ground Israel, POLITICO EU's Dutch reporter Pieter Haeck and Virgin Media News Correspondent Richard Chambers.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Is worrying about public service cuts “left wing"?

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:23:00 +0100

A quick trip to Downing Street for The News Agents today and an interview with the Chancellor fresh from his Autumn Statement.

How does he explain those real term cuts to public spending? What does he make of todays immigration figures? And does he miss Suella?

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & James Cropper

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.The NewsAgentsStore.com

Is Jeremy Hunt really cutting our taxes?

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:09:00 +0100

The government is running out of chances to change the course of politics.

Today’s Autumn Statement was one of them. It was billed by PM Rishi Sunak and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, as a tax-cutting budget, a reward for the tough economic decisions they’d taken earlier.

But have they really cut your taxes? And is the economic situation really much improved since they told us there was no room for cutting taxes?

Forget the spin, this is what the Autumn Statement really told us about where our economy and politics is going next.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Is the Covid Inquiry coming for Rishi Sunak?

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:44:00 +0100

In the past couple of days, the Covid Inquiry has seen the two most powerful scientists in the country during the height of the pandemic - Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - give evidence.

What they've said has intensified the spotlight on Rishi Sunak - the architect of Eat Out to Help Out - of which testimony has revealed scientists weren't aware before the scheme was rolled out. Is this intensifying the pressure on the PM?

And, ahead of the budget - tax cuts. But what kind? Are they politically motivated? And will they actually leave you better off?

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

This week on The News Agents USA: Why is Joe Biden haemorrhaging support from young voters?

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Is the 'Suellafication' of the Tory party over?

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

What should the government do if the Supreme Court calls their policy unlawful? Simples. Just change the law.

It’s not the Christmas cracker joke answer for some in the Conservative Party who are actively trying to get the PM to do just that. Today, a former Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, spells out the damage that would do.

Later, we ask what the decapitation of Sam Altman at the top of OpenAI tells us. Was he going too fast towards an unregulated AI world? And is it too late to put the genie back in the bottle, if so?

And... MAGA. Argentine style.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Sir Keir Starmer on Cameron, a Gaza ceasefire and Rwanda

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:27:00 +0100

Lewis travels up to Aberdeenshire to speak exclusively - and at length- to the Leader of the Opposition - Sir Keir Starmer after the mother of all British political weeks.

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor & Video Production: Rory Symon

Field Production: Gabriel Radus & Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch!

To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Has Labour's rebellion weakened Keir Starmer?

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:10:00 +0100

Jess Philips - one of the 8 frontbenchers who voted against the Labour whip last night - gives her first interview to us since resigning last night from her position as Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding- to 'vote with her constituents and her heart'.

Will this damage party morale and weaken Keir Starmer?

Or will it show a different side to the politics of disagreement?

Also, Rishi Sunak is undaunted by yesterday's excoriating judgmenet from the Supreme Court, making his Rwanda plan unlawful. He's got a new plan though don't worry! But will it actually get off (quite literally) the ground?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch!

To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Is the illegal Rwanda plan dead for good?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:05:00 +0100

Within minutes of the Supreme Court ruling - that the government’s Rwanda scheme was ’unlawful’.

Deputy chairman Lee Anderson was out of the traps saying ministers should ‘go ahead and put planes in the air to Rwanda anyway’. He has a way with words.

But 50 other Tory colleagues weren’t that far off the sentiment, urging Rishi to change UK immigration law to make it work. The government was warned - by the Lords - a year ago the whole scheme would be found unlawful. But perhaps this was never about Rwanda or policy, but about party confidence in the PM.

Where is he now? Why isn't the party talking about the drop of inflation on a day of good economic news? And does the new Home Secretary think the Rwanda plan was batshit?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

This week on The News Agents USA: Are Republicans changing their stance on abortion?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

One cabinet, two prime ministers

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:30:00 +0100

Who is in charge of cabinet now, with two prime ministers sitting around the table? And are they aligned on domestic, as well as foreign policy?

One day after Westminster was knocked off it’s feet by the reshuffle how is the move going down in the rest of the country. And what exactly IS a minister for common sense?

Later - those protests, the ceasefire and the Labour vote.

AND we have our own merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Cameron in, Suella out

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:11:00 +0100

By 9am this morning, Suella began her own lifestyle choice of homelessness - sacked as Home Secretary.

But the big news was still to come.

David Cameron emerged from Number 10 Downing Street as both a) the new Foreign Secretary and b) a Lord.

This reshuffle has definitely given the Rishi's cabinet a Pulp Fiction-style adrenalin shot to the heart.

But will it put him back in control of the political agenda? From what we've seen so far, the patrician centrists are back in control and the populists are being shown the door. But how long can the calm last?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

USA Special: Dispatch from the Deep South - is the US about to give Trump a second chance?

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Emily reports from Georgia, the eye of the Donald Trump legal storm, where he was caught on tape trying to get an election official to 'find' him more votes to win the 2020 election. A year out from 2024, is this purple state closer to staying blue or turning MAGA red? The latter could tip the election in Trump's favour.

And she heads to South Carolina, to find out about the woman who could well be waiting in the wings in case Trump falls foul of his legal woes.

----

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Who does Suella really speak for?

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:15:00 +0100

Suella Braverman is (still) the Home Secretary.

That's despite ongoing calls from within her own party for the Prime Minister to sack her for comments she made about the police and so-called 'hate-marches' in an article in The Times, which wasn't signed off by No.10.

We speak to senior backbench Tory Tim Loughton, author of The New Snobbery David Skelton, as well as More In Common's Luke Tryl - and we ask who Suella's extreme politics and language really speaks for.

Later, we look at the far-right Vox party in Spain after its co-founder Alejo Vidal-Quadras was shot in the face yesterday in an attempted assassination attempt.

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Senior Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Is Suella trying to get the sack?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:28:00 +0100

Suella Braverman is in trouble- again. It's almost like she invites it.

This time she's written a piece for The Times which is being slammed as inflammatory.

She's compared the Gaza protests with The Troubles and suggested the police treat right-wing and left-wing protests by different standards, and strongly suggests this Saturday's should be banned.

She has called into question a very old principle, that of police independence from the government. To make it worse, it appears No.10 asked for changes to The Times piece, only for them to be ignored by Braverman's team.

On today's show, is Sunak finally about to sack his Home Secretary, and if not, why not?

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

How Putin is betting everything on Trump

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:49:00 +0100

Fiona Hill is one of the most powerful British people of the 21st century but the chances are you haven’t even heard of her.

She’s advised three presidents of the United States on foreign policy, especially on Putin’s Russia.

She gave evidence at Trump’s first impeachment. at this time of international chaos, of an America which feels inside and out, on the edge, there could be no better time to talk to this woman with a unique perch on American power, British decline, and how in the end, all roads lead back to the Kremlin.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The King’s Speech and Suella’s disappearing tents

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:56:00 +0100

Today we examine what was in the King's Speech - and what was left out. Suella's controversial "lifestyle choice" tents for the homeless were dropped.

What does this tell us about the relationship between Sunak and his Home Secretary?

Also as Nikki Haley pushes into 2nd place in the Republican race to run for president, we are in her home town in South Carolina.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon, Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Why is Trump beating Biden in the polls?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:01:00 +0100

There are tremors amongst Democrats today - and the makings of a victory lap for Trump fans - after polling one year out from a Presidential election shows the challenge Biden is facing in key swing states.

America should know their next president a year today, and in the key state of Georgia we are talking to voters and their politicians about why they’re ready to see Trump back in office.

Later, is homelessness a lifestyle choice ? Suella thinks so. Will taking away people’s tents actually make them leave the streets, or will they just get colder?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon, Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Is there hope for peace in the Middle East?

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0100

In an extended interview, Jon speaks to Layla Moran, the only MP with Palestinian heritage and the Lib Dem MP for West Oxford and Abingdon.

She talks about her family in Gaza, peace talks and how hope gets her through everyday.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Covid inquiry: Was Matt Hancock "playing God”?

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:50:00 +0100

Did former Health Secretary Matt Hancock think the best person to decide who should live and die during the pandemic was... Matt Hancock?

That was the accusation levelled by former NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens in the Covid inquiry. Luckily, the hypothetical situation never materialised but how happy do we feel about politicians playing god?

And… as the deputy cabinet secretary describes a Downing Street in which not a day went by without rules being breached, we ask whether it’s time for an amnesty on all those citizens still facing fines and trials?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Are the police getting the protests right?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:15:00 +0100

How should the police be responding to the government’s call to arrest more people on "hate marches" (sic Suella).

Do laws need to change? Do specific chants cross the legal line? And what is the terror threat like over all in the UK right now?

We have an extended interview with Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley on protest, policing and public trust.

In response to Sir Mark's comments about the Attorney General's Office, an AGO spokesperson said: "There has been no delay in the charging process for the two women who were arrested on suspicion of displaying images in support of Hamas.

"CPS received a complete version of the police report in the early hours of this morning – this was passed on to AGO at midday today for permission to consent to prosecute and this is being dealt with this evening as a matter of urgency."

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSa9qnmyY/

The Covid Inquiry: Fpigs, morons and cs

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0100

So, three guesses whose WhatsApps gave us our episode title today.

That’s right, Dominic Cummings was up in front of the Covid inquiry where we were given a glimpse of his affection for cabinet colleagues...

We also heard from No10 Comms director Lee Cain - his pal - together they paint a picture of the dysfunction that dominated decision making in the early months of Covid.

What do the WhatsApp messages really tell us? And is any of this helping those who want resolution and an explanation for their loved one’s deaths?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

This week on The News Agents USA: America’s most conservative senator: The Exclusive

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:28:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

What is Israel’s endgame?

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:14:00 +0100

Israel began a prolonged ground invasion in northern Gaza this weekend, it continued targeted airstrikes in the region and temporarily cut off communications there. It says it wants to eliminate Hamas "surgically", but with so many civilians killed, what is Israel's endgame?

Emily and Jon speak to Mark Regev - a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli ambassador to the UK.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Your questions answered: a listener special

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Is Suella Braverman nailed on to be the next Tory leader?

Will Donald Trump win the presidency from a prison cell?

And...when are The News Agents going on tour?

Emily, Jon and Montana correspondent Lewis Goodall answer your questions in this special edition of The News Agents.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

What is Netanyahu's next move?

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:33:00 +0100

Last night - after Israel's Prime Minister addressed the nation - the troops went into Gaza.

It was a raid that paved the way for what Netanyahu promised would be the ground invasion to come.

But what is the end game here? And are any of Israel's allies prepared to try and stop them? We talk to the Economist's Defence Editor Shashank Joshi about how Israel is preparing for war and what the end game might be.

Also - has Keir Starmer done enough to reassure large Muslim communities - and others - he understands their pain over the loss of life in Gaza? What do they need to hear him say if a ground war begins?

And the US finally have a Speaker. And it's a guy that frankly, no one has ever heard of. Who is he?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Why is pressure mounting on Keir Starmer to call for a ceasefire?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:25:00 +0100

Labour Muslim MPs have had a long meeting with leader Keir Starmer in which they expressed their discontent with their leader for not explicitly calling on Israel to do more to save civilian life in Gaza.

He’s also seen at least 23 councillors step down over their frustration with Labour's position.

Does the Labour leader need to do more to offer reassurance to Muslim voters and MPs?

And why is it so problematic to ask for a ceasefire?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

A year of Rishi - can he keep the Tories in power?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:38:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak’s premiership is almost one year old. Is this where the Tory party wants to be 12 months out from an election?

Can a party that’s been in power for 13 years win again? And what has to happen to make that possible?

We talk to Ben Riley-Smith author of The Right to Rule and political editor of The Telegraph.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

This week on The News Agents USA: Is Liz Cheney coming for Donald Trump?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:02:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Should it be a crime to shout "jihad"?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:51:00 +0100

Should it be a crime to shout "jihad" on the streets of London during a protest to support Palestinian rights?

The Home Secretary had a meeting with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley to ask why the police weren't prepared to arrest those seeking to incite "violence or hatred" on Britain's streets.

Context is everything of course, and jihad can mean many things. So where does free speech collide with threatening behaviour - when hate crime has risen so sharply since the October 7th Hamas attacks?

We speak to one of the country's top voices on counter terrorism, Sir Peter Fahy - who warns politicians not to put community relations in jeopardy.

And - after historic by election losses last week what is the Tory strategy? And is the chancellor going to stick around to find out?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Are the Tories heading for extinction?

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:45:00 +0100

Two massive by-election losses in Tory heartland. Are Rishi Sunak's hopes of holding onto his premiership next year in tatters?

They may still win Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire back in next year's general election, but that doesn't arrest the growing expectation that there is a distinct possibility the Conservatives could soon face electoral annihilation.

We speak to Lara Spirit, editor of The Times' Red Box, to understand the political implications for the Tories and Sunak in the wake of last night's results.

And - a voice from each party.

Tory MP Robin Walker, who, despite campaigning in Mid Beds is still confident his party can recover (though one might say there's a slight falter in his voice);

Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper tries to dampen her party's disappointment;

and Labour shadow secretary Peter Kyle, who led the Labour campaign in Mid Beds has a thing or two (or three) to say about the Lib Dem's campaign - which he calls 'filth'.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The rise and fall of a crypto billionaire

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Just one day after the US president Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is on the ground in Israel pleading for the lives of British hostages and facing calls from Netanyahu for Britain’s “continuous support “. Rishi like Biden, is walking a fine line.

We talk to Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor of The Economist about what's next as Western leaders scramble in the search for de-escalation.

And later - is Sam Bankman-Freid a crook or a victim of a political pile-on? Once anticipated to be the world's first trillionaire he’s now got a "99.5% chance" of going to prison for fraud for 115...years.

We speak to Michael Lewis - of 'Moneyball' and 'The Big Short' fame. He’s written a biography of SBF - Going Infinite - and talks to us about understanding the man many can't.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The misinformation of war

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:48:00 +0100

A deadly inhumane attack on a Gazan hospital by Israeli forces killing hundreds.

Or, a failed rocket by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aimed at Israel, landing accidentally in a hospital car park killing dozens.

We are at that inevitable stage of the conflict where truth has become another casualty.

How does Biden - who's just landed in Israel - attempt to forge a path of peace through such differing narratives? And what happens when the truth comes out, if no one chooses to believe it?

We talk to Lord Simon McDonald, who not only called time on misinformation in the Boris Johnson era - famously over what the former PM knew and denied - but was also Israel’s ambassador in the years of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in the mid 2000s.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Can there ever be peace in the Middle East?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:31:00 +0100

The Israeli military has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but there are now reports of people drinking toilet water to survive.

So will Joe Biden's visit tomorrow make any difference in the hope for peace in the middle east, and help accelerate a resolution to the current conflict? And will the Rafah crossing open into Egypt to allow for food and medical supplies into Gaza, and for the safe passage of people out?

And as Humza Yousaf makes makes his first leader's speech at the SNP conference in Aberdeen today, we ask whether the party has really refocused its aim of independence.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

This week on The News Agents USA: Is Biden going to Israel a bad idea?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:55:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

The UK politics of Israel-Palestine

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:28:00 +0100

Over the weekend, Palestinian flags flooded central London as thousands marched for 'Free Palestine'. But has legitimate support for the rights of Palestinian citizens been merged with more sinister support, or acquiescence of, the presence of Hamas, a deeply illiberal, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-semitic terrorist organisation, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories?

And as Israel starts to evacuate parts of the north of the country - is Hezbollah - the Islamist militant group in Lebanon far stronger than Hamas with equal hate for everything Jewish and Israeli - about to get heavily involved in what could soon become a regional war? We ask former UK Ambassador in Beirut, British diplomat Tom Fletcher.

Poland went to the polls over the weekend - and voted in their masses for more pro-European, less far-right governance. We talk to Jakub Krupa, Polish journalist, about what this means.

And another MP is suspended for sexual misconduct. The train of sleaze in Westminster trudges on.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Is Israel about to commit war crimes?

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:25:00 +0100

Israeli officials have told Gazan citizens to leave the north and head south ahead of a potential ground invasion - retaliating after a week of war crimes perpetrated by Hamas on Israeli soil. 1.1million people - the number of people roughly in Birmingham, trekking largely on foot, down one of two roads, in the middle of a war. Is that possible? Most think not.

Are many, many thousands of Palestinian civilians about to get caught up in warfare that will see so many lives, on both sides, lost? Israel say they're acting proportionately - but are they about to commit war crimes, and why are British politicians largely happy with this interpretation?

We speak to the former Director of Prosecutions at the International Criminal Court, Fabricio Guariglia, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Alicia Kearns, author of The Only Language They Understand: Forcing Compromise in Israel and Palestine & A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: A Palestine Story, Nathan Thrall, and military expert Michael Clarke.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Charlie Clinton

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

How does Israel get its hostages back?

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:49:00 +0100

There are an estimated 150 hostages in Gaza - all ages, all nationalities, some taken from their beds as they slept.

How does Israel even begin to contemplate ground war when so many of its people are the other side of that border?

And how do you begin to negotiate with terrorists when they've broken every rule of war with the sheer evil of their acts? We speak to an expert in hostage negotiation Rachel Briggs OBE.

Later, we discuss the SNP defection to- checks notes - the Conservative party, and we ask whether judges are going to let convicted rapists roam free because our prisons are now full. The former barrister who broke that story for the Times, Catherinke Baksi, is with us.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

How far will Israel go in response to Hamas terrorism?

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:51:00 +0100

Keir Starmer was asked live on LBC how far he'd be prepared to see Israel go in response to Hamas.

Would he support a blockade? A siege of Gaza? And that's where the questions get tough. Israel has the world's sympathies right now - but no one wants to see this escalated into an existential middle east war. Who is prepared to say so?

And later, we talk about the new BBC drama about Jimmy Savile and "hiding in plain sight" with Meirion Jones, the journalist who first tried to tell the world Jimmy Savile was a monster.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Charlie Clinton

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Starmer's speech: has he done enough to win a majority?

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:40:00 +0100

The News Agents at the Labour Party Conference: Day 2

If Sir Keir Starmer was looking for a bit of sparkle today in his Leader's speech he shouldn’t have worried: it came to find him in the shape of a glitter-throwing protestor before he’d had the chance to say a word.

Undeterred, he took to shirt sleeves and spelled out a working class mantra of aspiration and renewal for a country on its knees. Was it enough?

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:18:00 +0100

The Tory conference is over, but the next one - Labour - looms large.

What will Sir Keir Starmer do with the new look rail plans? Will they resurrect HS2 or get into line behind Sunak's plans? And whilst the mood of the country may demand change, how confident is Labour or bringing them on side?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Sunak's speech: Has he cost himself the next election?

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:01:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak was on his feet in a speech that was frankly too long.

It ripped up HS2 and replaced it with a nebulous Northern Network pledge. It promised to rethink A levels and ban young people from smoking.

There was nothing on housing, energy, social care , the environment - it felt, indeed, like the end of the road.

Has he convinced anyone he is the future ? And what will Labour do with the cancelled project now?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

This week on The News Agents USA: MCCARTHY SACKED: Why is the Republican Party eating itself alive?

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

The Radicalisation of the Conservative Party

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:30:00 +0100

The News Agents at the Conservative Party Conference: Day 2

What does Conservatism look like in 2023? At their party conference in Manchester this year, the right of the party are being very vocal about redefining how their party looks. We hear from the politican whose drawn the biggest crowds at the event this year... not a government monster but former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage.

And the PM still hasn't announced his decision on the northern leg of HS2 - we talk to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street about his campaign to keep the train line going north of Birmingham.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

One year on: Are the Tories still Liz Truss' party?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:29:00 +0100

The News Agents at the Conservative Party Conference: Day 1

The queue to see the former PM stretched right the way through the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

And it wasn’t to see her apologise for the chaos she caused to the economy a year ago. No, these are die hard Trussites. They love her, hate taxes and want to rip up regulation.

She’s the most popular politician here - and that’s a headache for the PM who still hasn’t got his lines straight on major policy announcements that appear utterly muddled.

We discuss the shape of the Conservative Party on Monday of the Manchester conference and speak to International Development minister Andrew Mitchell.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents Investigates: Hunting A People Smuggler

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 22:15:00 +0100

Northern France is full of the ghosts of British history. Today it haunts our present.

The News Agents went undercover and spoke directly to a people smuggler - who traffics asylum seekers across the Channel in small boats for thousands of pounds a traveller. Lewis reports from the beaches of Dunkirk.

Field Producer & Newsgathering Producer: Rory Symon

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Executive Editor: Tom Hughes

Commissioning Editor: Vicky Etchells

The News Agents Investigates is presented by Lewis Goodall.

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.

Michael Heseltine on Suella, Enoch Powell and saving Liverpool

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Michael Heseltine is a politician with a long political memory. He heard Neville Chamberlain declare war on Germany in 1939. He saw Suez unfold. He attended Churchill’s funeral.

He’s served Conservative prime minister after Conservative prime minister and became the man who eventually even brought down Margaret Thatcher. He never reached the highest office himself, but having seen so many who did up close, and witnessed so much of Britain’s political journey over the last century, there can be few who can offer more perspective, more wisdom about the state we are in and where we might yet go, than he.

In the latest of our extended political interviews, Lewis talks to Heseltine about his life, his journey, his passionate belief that we must re-enter the EU and how he worries that the current Home Secretary is echoing the rhetoric and division of Enoch Powell.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Does Rishi Sunak care about the North?

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:35:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has refused to answer whether his government is set to scrap the Northern leg of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester.

The indecision is already creating division within the Conservative Party ahead of the party conference next week. So today we ask whether Rishi Sunak really cares about the north of England.

And we look at the latest "flip-flop" from Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents USA: Can any other Republican beat Donald Trump? The second debate

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:40:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

We need to talk about GB News

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Laurence Fox's weird sexist rant last night on GB News got short shrift from the organisation which immediately suspended him from the platform, and followed on later by suspending their presenter, Dan Wootton.

But GB news has still got plenty of presenters on its books who spout conspiracy, confect outrage, and misinform. This didnt come from nowhere - so why is everyone suddenly arguing this is a turning point for the fledgling broadcaster? We discuss the growth and the direction of GB News.

Later, We look at 'the Voice' referendum in Australia into Aboriginal representation. Is this the Aussie's brexit moment? And will it tear the country apart?

Is it too easy to be considered a refugee? Suella says so.

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:05:00 +0100

Suella Braverman wants to make it harder for people to call themselves a refugee.

She's in Washington setting out her case for a major overhaul of the UN Refugee Convention - signed in 1951 in the aftermath of the Second World War (but updated continually since).

She says the numbers of people crossing the channel now make it unsustainable. Is she right? And where are her numbers coming from....

Also today we speak to Naomi Klein on the war against objective truth - her new book is about being confused with a conspiracy theorist.

And Lewis is back from the Lib Dem conference and an interview with Ed Davey.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Rishi ditching a tax that would make him and his mates richer?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:59:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak and his lectern are promising 'long term decisions for a brighter future'. But just whose future is getting brighter?

Plans for HS2 are in chaos after rumours the PM might be about to ditch the wildly over-budget rail project. He's called environmental policies heavy handed - and ditched some of those targets. And now his ministers are starting to suggest that inheritance tax could be 'deeply punitive'. Will that be axed too?

And we discuss the outlier poll for ABC news which gives Trump a 10 point lead over Biden in a presidential election.

[Clip credit: Trevor Phillips on Sky News]

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Bringing down Russell Brand

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:59:00 +0100

**CW: This podcast includes discussions of rape and sexual assault**

This weekend saw the culmination of an extraordinary piece of investigative journalism that began four years ago. In 2019 Russell Brand - now accused of rape and sexual assault by women featured in the Sunday Times and Dispatches investigation - began a path of reinvention as a “ wellness guru “, eschewing main stream media platforms for a YouTube following of over six million.

So was the defensive reaction by so many of his fans already baked in? We discuss with Rosamund Urwin and Louisa Compton who broke the story.

Later, just when you thought it was safe to go back to your mortgage broker, Liz Truss is back. She’s unrepentant, she’s back on the tax cutting path and she says none of what happened was her fault...

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why we need to talk about wealth

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:30:00 +0100

There is no money left.

The reason Britain can afford less and less is apparently because we have no money. It's why we can't spend on schools, on hospitals, on defence. But what if it's not actually about scarcity at all?

Today, Lewis reimagines our state's finances and argues why we need to talk about wealth.

And - it's the first time in US history that a sitting President's child has been criminally prosecuted. Lewis talks to Olivier Knox of the Washington Post about what it means for Joe Biden and his bid to be re-elected ahead of Donald Trump now that his son Hunter is now facing serious jail time, should he be found guilty.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Could Starmer make Britain “a dumping ground” for migrants?

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:08:00 +0100

Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, has accused the Leader of the Opposition of having no balls. No, she seriously did - comparing Sir Keir Starmer to flip flop beach Ken.

But beach Ken, as it happens, is currently talking to Europol at The Hague trying to work out a plan to stop small boats by treating people smugglers like terrorists.

The Tories say it will make us a dumping ground for migrants. We discuss.

And as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney quits the US Senate, we ask what this tells us about US politics.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why do we have to choose between new homes and clean water?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:34:00 +0100

BREAKING NEWS: Rishi Sunak’s SpAd has hit back at Keir Starmer's ‘Inaction Man‘ gag and called him - wait for it - a ‘man of action’.

But first, Labour is voting against the government’s bill to build more new homes.

Why?

Because the Tories say they would rip up old EU environmental regulation to get morew homes built. Do we really have to choose between the two? Conservatives argue the ‘nutrient neutral ‘ regulations are out dated. Labour says it’s ridiculous to wait 13 years for a solution which then endangers the land.

And Later we give the Lib Dems the right to respond to the row over the by-election in Nadine Dorries' old seat.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Let the election battle begin: can Labour actually win?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0100

"The battle for the General Election is getting started" - that was the message from Labour's Deputy Leader today.

Angela Rayner made also a promise to change anti-strike laws within the first 100 days of a Labour government, in her speech to the TUC.

So on the day that Labour gets serious about the next election, Emily hears from Labour's Peter Kyle - the new Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

He's also running their campaign in the Mid Bedfordshire by-election and claims the Lib Dems there have launched "personal attacks" on the Labour candidate there.

The Lib Dems say no personal attacks have been made. A source said:

"People in Mid Bedfordshire are disappointed that Labour have chosen a London councillor as a candidate to represent their rural towns and villages. After Nadine Dorries, people want a local MP, not someone who has been parachuted in."

And could there be a spy for China in Parliament? If so, how did they get there and what damage could be done? Christopher Steele, former head of the Russia desk at MI6 joins Emily in the studio.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Vladimir Putin: Trump's Russian running mate?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:30:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

What is behind our mental health pandemic?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:10:00 +0100

*CW: This episode contains discussions about suicide*

More than a hundred of you - our listeners - have been in touch to share your own experiences with mental health care (or lack of it) in this country.

Collectively, you paint a picture of a system in crisis, a pandemic particularly amongst the young which we cannot deal with.

We hear from Roman Kemp - who's called on the government to put mental health provision in all our schools.

And we talk to those working on the front line who offer their understanding of brain chemistry - where it's going wrong and what's happening in our society.

Samaritans have helplines open to all callers including young people 24/7. They also respond to emails and have an online chat system that uses volunteers and not bots. You can find Samaritans by calling 116 123.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

David Lammy on Brexit, Trump and beers with Keir

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0100

David Lammy, the next Foreign Secretary?

This felt like the week when Labour really began to be treated as a government-in-waiting.

One area which has barely been considered is how the party will handle foreign policy, Britain’s place on the world stage.

David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, talks to Lewis at length about what he wants to do if he gets that top job and his political journey.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

So, how do you catch a prisoner on the run?

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:49:00 +0100

How does a man wearing red and white check trousers escape from a prison underneath a moving truck?

Daniel Khalife - as we record - is still on the run. So where has he gone, how did he do it and what are the implications of the whole saga?

Also on today's episode - Chris Pincher resigns as an MP, Britain (sort of) rejoins the... via the Horizon project) and we discuss abortion laws in Mexico.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Suella’s own goal

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:35:00 +0100

Could Suella's new Illegal Immigration Act be about to backfire horribly on the Home Office?

Over the last year, money to house asylum seekers has come from the Department for International Aid. It's taken nearly 30 percent of their budget or just over £3.7billion.

But the introduction of the new law - which criminalises asylum seekers - means that the government is no longer allowed under OECD rules to spend Aid money on them.

Instead - the money looks like it may have to come from the Home office itself.

Yup - all the money this government would prefer to be spending on policing, anti-terror, fire services etc. Was this a big fat own goal? Or is the government prepared to break international rules to avoid the change?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Don't panic! Gillian Keegan says only SOME of our schools are unsafe

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:02:00 +0100

A government poster warning us "MOST SCHOOLS ARE UNAFFECTED" by lethal crumbling concrete may not offer the reassurance the Department for Education is aiming for. Indeed it was a gift to Labour - whose comms department instantly retorted with "Most swimmers not at risk of sharks".

So what has happened to capital spending on schools since the Conservatives came to power? And what on earth is going on inside Number 10?

Later, we look at why Birmingham City Council has gone bust.... with our own resident Brummie.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Could a 'treason clause' kick Trump off the ballot?

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Why has everyone sat on their arses instead of thanking Gillian Keegan?

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:06:00 +0100

The blame for the school concrete scandal has landed right at the Prime Minister's feet - after a former civil servant from the Department for Education revealed it was Chancellor Sunak that cut the funding for rebuilding schools five years ago.

But it's his Education Secretary - Gillian Keegan - who's conducting the political heat today after a sweary off-mic rant which she is almost certainly now regretting. In fact she gave a subsequent apology ON mic.

The News Agents are back - yes all three - asking what it means for our children's education - and how damaging it is to the Sunak government. And as Keir Starmer shuffles his top team, we ask what it tells us about Labour's priorities a year out from an election.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Broadcasting's past, present and future - with David Dimbleby

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:41:00 +0100

David Dimbleby is one of the biggest names in the history of broadcasting. From election nights, to iconic political panel shows, to huge Royal occasions - he's been at the forefront of TV and radio news and politics for decades. He's also had a front seat for the shift in the industry's relationship with both politicians and the audience.

In an end-of-summer special extended interview, David Dimbleby reflects on the biggest moments from his phenomenal career and talks to Lewis about his memoir: Keep Talking.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Rishi "rearranging the deckchairs" on the Titanic?

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:23:00 +0100

The PM announces a mini-reshuffle, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace leaving the post and Grant Shapps warming a new Cabinet seat for the fifth time in less than a year. Claire Coutinho becomes the new Energy Security Secretary. But does this do anything to help arrest the Conservatives' seemingly-inevitable slide toward electoral defeat next year (if the polls are to be believed). We ask Lara Spirit, of The Times.

Jon talks to Leah Williamson, Lionesses' captain and Arsenal defender, about her team missing out in the World Cup final and the furore around Luis Rubiales and the Spanish FA in the match's aftermath.

And Jon also speaks to former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. He talks Trump, populism and whether Australia is ready to become a republic.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

1st Birthday Special: Your questions answered

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:20:00 +0100

It's The News Agents' first birthday. So we open the floor for questions from you, the listener.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this? The Spanish sexism row.

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:20:00 +0100

A tumultuous week in Spain continues as Luis Rubiales, the Head of the Spanish FA, refuses to resign after kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the aftermath of Spain's World Cup win. His mother is on day 2 of a hunger strike, locking herself inside a church. You couldn't write it.

So Lewis and Jon discuss the wider repercussions of this sexism row with Spanish lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez.

They also speak with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan about his controversial ULEZ extension, and whether it threatens to create divisions within the Labour party between Khan and Keir Starmer.

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:02:00 +0100

It's 75 days since Nadine Dorries announced she was standing down as an MP with "immediate effect"... but she's still the MP for Mid Bedfordshire and getting paid for it.

Since announcing she'd go in June, Dorries has received calls to go from local councils, politicians and even the Prime Minister. She's also been criticised for effectively going missing. So what has she been up to?

And tonight is a big night in American politics - it's the first debate to choose the Republican candidate for the 2024 election and one very familiar face won't be there.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Manchester United's Greenwood U-Turn: The inside story

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:28:00 +0100

Mason Greenwood won't play for Manchester United again.

Greenwood was one of the most exciting talents in world football two years ago, before he was arrested and charged for attempted rape, coercive control and assault. The charges were dropped by the CPS in February this year.

The final decision on Greenwood's place at the club was announced yesterday, with a "mutual deicison" that he will be leaving. But just last week, there were rumours of a plan to bring the player back. So what happened? And what changed?

Jon and Lewis talk to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, who has the inside story of what went on at Manchester United last week and we hear from TV presenter and fan of the club, Rachel Riley.

Later, we take a look at the government's stance on small boats crossing the channel. Sunak said months ago that stopping the boats would be attainable. It seems he's now changed his tune.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - the big debate, coming soon

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100

It's debate night in Milwaukee tonight. The big hitters of the Republican Party will all be there, fighting it out in the first chance to be on the same stage together. That is, all bar one, notable frontrunner; former President Donald Trump.

Emily and Jon will be in your The News Agents: USA feeds tomorrow morning (Thursday) digesting the overnight debate. See you then!

Should Lucy Letby have been made to go to court?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:50:00 +0100

Lucy Letby has been given a whole life order for her crimes. She joins only a small group of prisoners to be given a sentence so severe that they can never be considered for parole. But she wasn't in court today to hear it for herself. She chose not to appear, much to the victims' families fury.

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition want the law to be changed to force criminals to face their days of reckoning in person. It sounds simple - but is it? Lewis discusses with a former Old Bailey judge and a victim of the Manchester Arena Attacks whose own cowardly perpetrator also refused to confront the court.

And after the Lionesses' near miss in Sydney we ask why politicians always sound so weird when talking about football. We talk to the politico's politico and genuine football obsessive, Lord Danny Finkelstein.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

Did Covid-19 leak from a lab?

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Covid is back in the news - there is a new mutation of Omicron which is potentially more infectious than the last.

Some are sounding the alarm. We talk about whether you should be worried (spoiler -probably not). But while it's in the news we thought we'd examine a question long lurking at the sidelines of the Covid news story - where did it come from?

Is the lab leak theory increasingly credible? Plenty in Washington, including big elements of the Biden administration think so. And if it is - why are we not talking about it? What might be the biggest story of our time?

Lewis talks to a leading expert who sits on SAGE and a journalist who has done the running on the story from the very beginning.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Rory Symon and Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

Are ministers right to say: don't worry too much about exam results?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

It's A-level results day and the message from the Education Secretary is to urge students not to worry too much about the results, that no-one will ask about them in 10 years' time.

The PM has also said that there are plenty of other options available to those who didn't get the grades they need. But is this really the message for ministers to send to kids who have been studying for these things for years?

And would they be saying the same to their own kids? We also analyse whether this was the year to revert to a 2019 marking system, with a generation still deeply affected by the pandemic.

Jon and Lewis also discuss the life and broadcasting legacy of chat show king Michael Parkinson who has died at the age of 88. He invented the chat show format for UK television. We talk through the changes in TV which have taken place over the last half century and why we won't see Parky's like again.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Will Gibson-Smith & Rory Symon

A financial turning point for women's football? The Lionesses reach the WC final

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:40:00 +0100

England's women's football team reach the World Cup final, beating the hosts Australia. But with the highest paid footballer in the equivalent of the Premier League paid less in a year than some male players get in a week, will this prove a watershed moment in attempts by many to push for greater financial parity? We speak to Kieran Maguire, football economist.

And back in the world of Westminster - what does falling inflation mean? A governmental success in one of their key targets, or is this the calm before the storm with wages and public sector - both inherently inflationary - rising. We speak to editor of Red Box, Lara Spirit.

commentary courtesy of BBC Sport.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Why is Donald Trump being charged like a mafia boss?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a new weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

How many suspected spies are there in the UK?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

What were three spies living in Great Yarmouth and Harrow doing in the UK? Today it was revealed that three Bulgarian nationals were arrested in February and they've been in custody since - they were apparently working for Russian security services. They're awaiting trial but yet to enter any pleas.

They'd been in the country for years, even baking cakes for their neighbours. So what were they up to? And how common is it for Russian spies to be hanging around in Britain? Jon asks former head of the MI6 Russia desk, Christopher Steele.

And exactly two years on from the Taliban taking back power in Afghanistan, we talk to journalist Yalda Hakim about the conflict and discuss her work to get Afghan women back into education.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Morality in football: should Manchester United bring back Mason Greenwood?

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Mason Greenwood was one of the most exciting talents in world football two years ago. A superstar in the making.

But in January 2022, a social media video surfaced of Greenwood - he was arrested on suspicion of rape, coercive behaviour and assault - suspended by United, and he's not played since.

But, charges were dropped earlier this year and the club now have a decision to make. Should Greenwood play for their club again? Or should they take a moral stand? We talk to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, and Em, who's protesting at tonight's Premier League opener.

And we look at the government ditching cancer screening targets. Is this a good idea if they're constantly being missed... or does this just mean that more people will not be seen before it's too late? We speak to former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Has 'Small Boats Week' been a disaster for the Tories?

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:51:00 +0100

A week that was dedicated to show that the Conservatives have a plan on how to 'stop the boats' has instead been dominated by tragedy - the death of 41 migrants in the sea near Lampedusa while the deputy chair of the Tory party told Channel-crossing migrants to 'f*** off' back to France - and farce - as 39 asylum seekers were removed off barge accommodation just days after moving in due to a bacterial infection in the nearby waters.

Has this week been a major step back for Rishi Sunak in his attempts to fulfil one of his flagship policies? We discuss with Sir Craig Oliver, former director of communications at No.10.

We talk parliamentary standards with Sir Chris Bryant - and Gary Lineker joins us to justify to heartbroken Spurs fan Jon why Harry Kane is right to leave Tottenham for Bayern Munich.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

How students are getting screwed…again

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:13:00 +0100

Generation screwed. A hoard of students tens of thousands of pounds in debt, but with nothing to show for it. We speak to students who've been affected and hear from the university and college union boss, Jo Grady- who backs the striking staff.

And, the Tory internecine warfare continues after a shambolic selection process to pick their candidate for London mayor. But do they still have a pathway to win next year's election with Trump-fan Susan Hall if Jeremy Corbyn throws his hat in the ring?

And... some marriage advice for Lewis ahead of his wedding.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will Rishi Sunak now tell Lee Anderson to "f*** off"?

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:30:00 +0100

Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Lee Anderson went on TV last night and openly admitted that his own party are failing to 'stop the boats'. That's the same party that announced at the start of this year that one of their five priorities was to ... stop the boats.

Anderson has always been a law unto himself, and sometimes this has worked to Rishi Sunak's benefit. But is he now becoming a serious problem for the Tories as they try to build their case for re-election next year?

And - we speak to the Emily Bolton - founder of Appeal, the charity that helped Andy Malkinson get out of prison - after we spoke to Malkinson yesterday. She has shocking revelations about the state of the prison and justice system in the UK today.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The man jailed for 17 years for a crime he didn’t commit

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:59:00 +0100

Andrew Malkinson was convicted of rape in 2003 and it took nearly two decades for this miscarriage of justice to be corrected. But it could have happened much earlier, were it not for the police repeatedly bungling the case, or perhaps worse. Andrew joins Jon and Lewis for an extended conversation about his time in jail, what the police did wrong and what it tells us about the justice system itself.

A content warning - the episodes contains mentions of rape and suicide.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Trump, the law, and The Lord

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a new weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

So Suella's putting asylum seekers on a barge

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

It's "small boats week" on the government media grid; or that was the idea.

It looks like it could have been over before it began.

Jon is back, and with Lewis they chew over why the government keeps pointing to a policy area on which it's failed.

They also talk through the Home Secretary's latest great idea as to where to house up to 500 asylum seekers. The Bibby Stockholm, a huge barge currently moored off the Isle of Portland.

And we preview the latest and fourth indictment coming for Trump, likely this week.

Meanwhile...Matt Hancock has been pretending to be Ken, from Barbie. It gives the silly season a bad name.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will the indictments actually help Donald Trump?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:47:00 +0100

Donald Trump was indicted for a third time this week and a fourth is on the way. He emerged from a DC courthouse this week actually inviting more - he thinks it's helping him, feeding into a long-established persecution complex which he feels will been a key asset in his bid to be re-elected.

In this episode, we ask a simple question: is he right? And is he right everywhere? If it is helping him secure the Republican nomination, will all this actually end up hurting his chances of obtaining the thing he truly craves - the presidency itself?

And in the latest of our extended political conversations Lewis talks to Labour peer and refugee champion Lord Alf Dubbs about a political life which stretches back to Clement Attlee and Nazi-occupied Prague.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Sunak, Starmer, and the death of the political interview

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:28:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak isn’t much good at interviews. Sir Keir Starmer isn’t that much better. It follows a pattern of politicians become less and less willing to take part in political interviews, which they see as increasingly pointless, all risk and no gain. We ask, does it matter? And why does our democracy lose, as a result?

And interest rates rose for again- now at a 15 year high.

Torsten Bell joins Lewis to explain where it leaves households and Rishi Sunak’s re-election chances.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Donald Trump vs. The United States

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 17:08:00 +0100

Donald Trump has been indicted. Again.

But this is the most serious of the lot - a series of conspiracies against the republic itself and an attempt to subvert an election. Emily and Lewis talk what it means for America, Trump and 2024.

Jon got bored on holiday and couldn’t resist popping up either.

We speak to Trump's former Deputy Press Secretary, Hogan Gidley.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Are house prices about to plummet?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:44:00 +0100

House prices have fallen an average of 4% in the last year due to rising interest rates and the knock on effect on mortgages.

How low will they go and does anyone think we're on the cusp of a housing crash? We ask esteemed economist Roger Bootle.

Also - we’re in Ukraine which has been hitting back - drone attacks on Russian apartment blocks in Moscow. Putin calls it “terrorism“.

What does this tell us about the Ukrainian offensive? We speak to Andrew Harding, foreign correspondent and author of Small, Stubborn Town; Life, Death and Defiance in Ukraine.

And how the Great Crested Newt is playing havoc with Boris Johnson’s plan for a swimming pool.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Has the Republican party become 'a cult'?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a new weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Is Rishi on 'the wrong side of history'?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:03:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak is handing out around one hundred new oil and gas licences for North Sea drilling and says it is entirely consistent with his plans for net-zero. But his former energy minister has said the government is 'on the wrong side of history'.

Can you get to clean energy by going back for more fossil fuels? Will voters thank him at the ballot box if he can make the transition less painful?

And what do the Independence-intent SNP make of this? We ask their leader for Westminster, Stephen Flynn.

Later, we ask what's happening in Niger? As a military coup in one of the world's poorest countries leaves it wide open to Russian mercenary influence. We talk to journalist and geopolitical expert Tim Marshall.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Andy Burnham on Keir Starmer, Manchester United, and the police

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:45:00 +0100

The Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says he is a "place first" not a "policy first" politician.

In a week where the Greater Manchester Police have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Lewis travels to Manchester to meet the Mayor and ask him whether he has confidence in the force.

In today's The News Agents, we talk about his relationship with Keir Starmer and the central Labour party, the potential Qatari takeover of Manchester United and the Mayor's political ambitions going forward.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior producer: Gabriel Radus

Field producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video producer: Will Gibson Smith

Social media editor: Georgia Foxwell

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

How could an innocent man spend 17 years in prison?

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:40:00 +0100

Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Yesterday the Court of Appeal finally cleared his name.

It is a failure so serious, so unthinkable it barely makes sense. But today Mr Malkinson laid the blame firmly at the door of the police who- he says- concealed and destroyed evidence to mask their mistake.

Why isn't this a crime? And what should happen now? We ask a former Director of Public Prosecution, Lord Ken Macdonald.

Later, we look at the curious, budding relationship between Italy's hard-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni and America's President Joe Biden as they meet for talks at the White House.

And - we bring you the letter written to Nadine Dorries ... from a town council in Mid Beds.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning: Alex Barnett

Video producers: Rory Symon & Will Gibson Smith

Social media editor: Georgia Foxwell

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The climate crisis - is it already out of control?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:50:00 +0100

Is the global climate crisis already out of control? Lewis' special report from Southern Spain.

And, as the boss of NatWest resigns over the Farage - Coutts crisis - why has one man and his bank account consumed national news?

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Three by-elections and a win each for the three main parties. Labour won with the biggest electoral swing in their history in Selby and Ainsty, the Lib Dems won a huge majority in Somerton and Frome and the Conservatives just about held their seat in Uxbridge.

On the surface, the set of results are better than what the Tories had anticipated. But, better than terrible can still be pretty bad.

And does Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan need to rethink his ULEZ zone if Labour want to avoid struggling in next year's inner city campaigning? It sounds like Keir Starmer and Labour think so.

We're joined in News Agents HQ by Labour's Emily Thornberry and Sarah Olney from the Liberal Democrats to pick apart the results, and what this could mean for Tories, Labour and Lib Dems ahead of next year's general election.

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why is Nigel Farage at war with his bank?

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:10:00 +0100

What is really up with Nigel Farage's bank account? We discuss, and hear from the man at the centre of what's quickly become a national banking storm.

And Defence Committee Chair and senior Tory MP Tobias Ellwood published a video earlier this week extolling the virtues of Afghanistan. Sort of forgetting that the country is led by the murderous Taliban regime. He now faces a no confidence vote. Why on earth did he do that?

Three by-elections and a Barbie movie

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:44:00 +0100

Tomorrow voters in three English constituencies will head to the polls. Will the good news on inflation and car plants help Rishi Sunak? Will the backlash over child benefits harm Keir Starmer?

Or will none of it make any difference? Has the county already found an inflection point where it's looking for change? We hear from the pollster Lord Andrew Cooper.

And we talk to Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo about Barbie and her fall from paradise.

Is Rishi's reshuffle imminent?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0100

Defence secretary Ben Wallace has been one of the stalwarts of this government at a time when many cabinet positions have been musical chairs. But last weekend he suddenly announced he was quitting front line politics. In his first interview since the news broke - he tells Jon why and confirms he's heard rumours of a cabinet reshuffle in the coming days.

Later we hear from Jamie Oliver who has been fighting to make Britain’s kids healthier for almost twenty years. Who could forget the infamous turkey twizzler episode - and backlash - as the chef-turned-food campaigner took on the stodgy school dinner.

Today he’s back with a vengeance telling The News Agents Keir Starmer needs to provide free school means for 800,000 children on universal credit - and warning that his refusal to overturn the two child benefit cap will push thousands more into food poverty.

This week on The News Agents: USA - Is Trump about to be charged for citing the January 6th riots?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a new weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Another pledge broken: will Starmer face a backlash from his party?

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:54:00 +0100

What's happening to Keir Starmer's policies? Yesterday he ditched another one, confirming that he would maintain the Conservative austerity policy that saw child benefit scrapped after two children.

Cue major backlash - and today a resignation from a Labour mayor (famously no fan of Starmer) citing too many broken promises from the leader. Meanwhile, Keir is warming to his theme of fiscal prudence. Is it enough to convince people that Labour has a fresh promise?

Later, we look at the resurgence of the morality police in Iran - over women who've ditched their head coverings. Is it a sign of confidence in the draconian regime - or are they losing their grip on the public ?

Wes Streeting on class, trans rights and binge drinking

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, grew up in poverty with his single mother on an east London council estate. But if Labour win the next election, he's nailed on to be in the cabinet.

His life story - which includes Christine Keeler, finding his feet at Cambridge and coming out as gay - is something he's kept relatively quiet about until the publication of his memoir: One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up.

In this special edition of The News Agents, Lewis speaks to the Labour MP for Ilford North about class, sexuality and religion, and he asks him about his political ambitions

Could Huw Edwards have a case for libel?

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:24:00 +0100

The world's worst kept secret was revealed last night when Huw Edwards was named as the BBC presenter at the centre of the media storm.

In an emotional statement, his wife revealed he was in hospital and in a bad way. The Sun decided not to print further allegations. The BBC's own news teams went ahead with new breaking stories.

Where do we draw the line between HR complaints and investigative reporting?

Former editor of The Sun, David Yelland, is back with us - he asks if the BBC understand the asymmetric war being waged on it by News UK.

And later - has Boris Johnson really forgotten the pin number of his mobile phone?

Why hasn't Boris Johnson handed over his phone to the Covid inquiry?

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:20:00 +0100

'I love deadlines ... I love the whooshing sound they make when they go by.'

Monday 4pm was the cut off for Boris Johnson to hand over his phone and Whatsapp messages to the Covid Inquiry. 48 hours later that phone still hasn't reached its end destination.

Johnson says he's cooperating. The phone is with his lawyers. But the inquiry is waiting...

Meanwhile the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has delivered a shot across the bows to his old boss accusing those who criticise the civil service of 'self-defeating cowardice'.

On today's episode we look at the political fall out and we also ask how an organisation like the BBC should cover a story about itself from the inside.

Naming, shaming and a second allegation

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Another day of stories about a high profile BBC presenter at the centre of a sex scandal and and still no name.

Come 4pm, BBC News announced a second young person had come forward with a complaint about the same presenter.

We explore how privacy laws work in the media, when social media plays such a huge role - is this the Wild West when it comes to keeping a name out of the public domain?

This week on The News Agents: USA - Is Biden really that 'rock-solid' with the UK?

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Emily and Jon host a new weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday exclusively on Global Player and all other platforms every Wednesday.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

The Sun, The Scandal and the BBC

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:39:00 +0100

The front pages proclaim just one story in town: the sex photos that were allegedly sold by an underage crack addict to a top BBC presenter.

But look a little deeper, and there may be more to this story than meets the eye. What do we know about the money that's changed hands? What does it tell us about the relationship between The Sun newspaper and the BBC? And where is the line between privacy and transparency?

Today we talk to former editor of The Sun, David Yelland, who tells us whether he would have published this story. And we ask what it tells us about media power in the digital age.

Later, we look at the sudden collapse of the Dutch government, over asylum issues. Does anyone in Europe have an answer to small boats?

Zuckerberg v Musk: it's war

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0100

Mark Zuckerberg launched his new platform, Threads, this week. It's designed to knock Twitter - owned Elon Musk - off of its perch.

This story is a parable of our age. Men of unbelievable wealth and unbelievable power locking battle. Whoever wins, if anyone wins, it will have reverberations on our culture, on our politics, on the tapestry of our lives.

And Lewis also talks to the SNP leader for Westminster, Stephen Flynn MP, about his political make-up.

Perverts, weirdos and by-elections

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:42:00 +0100

The prospect of another by-election looms after Parliament's standards committee recommended an eight-week suspension of former Conservative whip, Chris Pincher.

If the name is familiar, it’s because he was arguably the one who sealed the fate of Boris Johnson and led ultimately to his resignation.

Today we discuss the ramifications of the sexual assault and we look at Keir Starmer's pledge to give working class kids better oracy skills.

The interview Boris Johnson won't want you to see

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:51:00 +0100

Exclusive footage of Boris Johnson from the One Decision Podcast has been shared with The News Agents.

He was facing questions from hosts Julia Macfarlane and Richard Dearlove about Ukraine, democracy and global security.

Towards the end, Julia asked him about his own response to British democracy - his refusal to accept the findings of the 'kangaroo court' privileges committee into his wrongdoing.

She also asked him about Chris Pincher - the deputy chief whip who resigned from government over sexual assault allegations - and that's where Johnson's answers got really odd...

Later on the show we talk about the escalating violence in Israel and Jenin, and why Netanyahu's personal fortunes may be influencing his military moves...

Joining The News Agents today were freelance journalist Julia Macfarlane, Channel 4's foreign correspondent Secunder Kermani, & Cambridge Gates Scholar and expert on populism, Ayala Panievsky.

The toxic culture of Westminster: An MP resigns on air

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:41:00 +0100

The SNP's deputy leader in Westminster, Mhairi Black MP, joins us exclusively in News Agents HQ to announce she's stepping down at the next election.

We discuss the "toxic" culture that's led to Black - the youngest MP in 350 years when she was elected in 2015 - to leave parliament, and we ask why so many other MPs won't be standing again.

Are the 'New Conservatives' a help or a headache for Rishi Sunak?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:20:00 +0100

If you landed in this country and wondered what its problems were you might see the long queues for the health services, the high inflation, the shortage of workers to fill public sector jobs and the difficulties the country has with its supply chains.

The New Conservatives are a new fringe Conservative group trying to solve a different problem.

They think we need to cut immigration numbers by 400k, stop foreign workers visas, and offer the jobs (that we can't currently fill) to British workers. So that's now on Rishi's plate for him to ponder.

We talk to their leader Tom Hunt and ask him how he'd get Brits to do those jobs.

And after the press regulator IPSO ruled the Jeremy Clarkson column in the Sun was 'sexist, pejorative and prejudicial' we talk to IPSO's chairman Lord Faulks.

Does Rishi Sunak care about climate change?

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:07:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak and now former government minister Lord Zac Goldsmith have a war of words over why Goldsmith resigned this morning. Sunak says its because of the latest Privileges Committee report. Goldsmith says it's because Sunak and his government are not serious about climate change.

It comes in a week where it's been announced that this June has been the hottest ever, and the head of the Climate Change Committee, Lord Deben, questions how serious the Conservative government are about sticking to net zero policies. Does Rishi Sunak not care about climate change? We speak to Lord Deben himself, Ed Conway, Economics Editor at Sky News, and Lara Spirit of The Times.

A nightmare verdict for Suella's dream

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:53:00 +0100

The Court of Appeal thwarts Home Secretary Suella Braverman's eye-wateringly expensive Rwanda plan (for now) - cue a government appeal and derision and fury from a number of Tory MPs, some of whom have also been named in the latest Privileges Committee report for their choice language on Twitter and other social media platforms in response to the findings against Boris Johnson a couple of weeks ago.

And why are there riots on the streets of Paris? We talk to writer Nabila Ramdani who's reporting on the streets.

How water became a dirty word

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:49:00 +0100

As we record, the government is on standby in case Thames Water collapses. The country's largest water company has £14billion of debt, and is rudderless after the exit of their chief executive.

It's prompting many to ask questions about privitisation more widely. How did bills get so high, as quality got so bad? That's before you even get on to the shit in the sea. We ask what we've learnt about taking essential industries out of public control.

And, we discuss football, national identity, brexit , and what it means to lose - with the cast and director of Dear England - James Graham's latest play at the National Theatre.

Matt Hancock says sorry for Covid

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:11:00 +0100

Matt Hancock appeared before the Covid inquiry to offer a profound apology. He threw the government pandemic strategy under a bus with his assessment that the covid strategy had been “completely wrong“.

Two years ago our gratitude to health workers knew no bounds.

This week the harsh reality set in: as the PM confirmed he wouldn’t be able to meet the public pay review recommendations for wage rises. What does that say about our relationship with the NHS?

And we talk to actor Tom Hollander currently staring in The Patriots - a play about Putin and modern Russia when the country itself is shifting.

Has Putin lost control?

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:47:00 +0100

On Saturday morning it looked like we might see the collapse of one of the world's longest standing dictators, Vladimir Putin. By Monday things were suspiciously calm, and the uprising against him - by his own former chef - was being flat out denied.

So what just happened in Russia? Was it the start of a revolution? Or a massive mistake? Will this weaken Putin's grip or strengthen his hand?

And what to make of the mercenary leader - Prigozhin- who is literally in it for the money? We talk war tactics and the psychology of an autocrat.

The Titan submersible: when is tourism too extreme?

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:02:00 +0100

This week, the world has been captivated ( and wrapped up in hope) by the tragedy of the five people who've died in an attempt to visit the wreck of the Titanic.

Jon sits in for Lewis this week and asks whether extreme tourism is going too far - whether we should push the boundaries of exploration (even if at potential great cost to others) and why the public; and the media, have been transfixed by the story.

And we speak to Peter Kyle, Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, on the anniversary of Brexit.

Who's to blame for this mortgage pain?

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:56:00 +0100

For the thirteenth time in a row interest rates have gone up.

They’re now at 5% - the highest level since 2008.

What is the knock on effect for all of us paying mortgages?

Why are we struggling so much more than other countries to bring down inflation?

And what will the political ramifications to all this be - will it make it easier for Labour to win an election - or will people rally to their government at a time of crisis and prefer the devil they know, to the devil they don't?

Lost at sea - why are we obsessed with the sunken sub?

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:59:00 +0100

The world is watching a vessel we cant even find.

Newsrooms are counting down the hours of oxygen they think are left in the Titan capsule. International rescue teams are putting resources and lives at risk to bring back the missing five. What drives our obssession with this story? And how comfortably does it sit when we know thousands of people die at sea every year.

We hear from a former NASA Astronaut and accident investigator. We also talk to Spencer Matthews - his brother Michael died climbing Mount Everest - he explains the adventurers' mindset and tells us how important it was to bring Michael's body home.

Later we discuss the downfall of Crispin Odey - named the Harvey Weinstein of the City of London - by his alleged victims of sexual assault - with one of the women who broke the story, the Financial Times' Madison Marriage.

When approached by the Financial Times for comment, Crispin Odey denied the claims against him and a law firm representing Odey Asset Management declined to comment in detail on the allegations.

Will Rishi regret running from the vote?

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:07:00 +0100

We have now learnt that just seven MPs supported Boris Johnson in last night's vote in parliament. But 235 of his colleagues abstained from it all together.

Why was this so hard for the governing party? What does this tell us about the relationship between Rishi Sunak and his predecessor? And why was Theresa May the only former PM to make the case for its importance?

We also ask the Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley how many criminals he believes are still working within the police force - and what he's doing about it.

Why are Tories bottling the 'Partygate' vote?

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:37:00 +0100

The Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has just confirmed to The News Agents that the Met are looking at the video evidence of a party during lockdown - (thank you Sunday Mirror) with a view to opening another investigation.

We have the full exchange on today's episode - and hear his views on politicians telling the Met how to do their jobs.

Suella Braverman just suggested she'd fully support the Met 'ramping up stop and search'. Hmmm.

We also ask why Rishi Sunak is trying to be anywhere else but the Commons tonight for that vote on the Privileges Committee report into Boris Johnson. What does it say when our leaders dont like showing...erm...leadership.

Particularly one's who've promised to restore integrity and transparency to the job...

Why Boris is the least of Rishi's problems

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:30:00 +0100

Boris Johnson has dominated the headlines this week. But, peek behind the bluster and noise, and the country has far bigger fish to fry. The question is whether Rishi Sunak's government, his five point plan, is more sashimi than seared.

Boris Johnson distracts everybody. He's hard to avoid. But there's a cost- we ignore what is really driving our politics and voters. The truth is, when you dig down into the problems Rishi Sunak himself identified, many are worsening. In this episode, we go beyond the Boris Johnson roadshow and examine the big structural forces driving British politics which largely explain why Sunak can't seem to shift the polls.

Meanwhile, Emily has turned up at a tech conference, which will amuse anyone who has ever watched her try and work out how to use her iPad. Aside from trying to get tech support she's been talking to tech entrepreneur Euan Blair (yes, of the Blair's).

And we get an update on a tragedy in the Med with C4 News Foreign Correspondent, Secunder Kermani.

The many lies of Boris Johnson

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson repeatedly knowingly misled the House of Commons, in other words he repeatedly lied.

These are the conclusions and findings of Parliament's Privileges Committee, established unanimously by MPs to investigate claims Johnson knowingly misled them over partygate, thereby breaking rule no 1 of the British constitution: never *ever* lie to the Commons.

It's a huge political day and although Johnson has already fled Parliament by resigning, the consequences are still massive. Johnson wanted his place in the history books, in becoming the first PM to be found to have lied to the Commons, judged by his own peers, he's finally got it.

Emily, Lewis and Jon talk through this latest day in the lows and lows of Boris Johnson's recent political career: what it means for Sunak, for the Tories, for the man himself and for Parliament.

The agents are joined by the woman who brought Johnson down, Guardian Political Editor Pippa Crerar; former Chief of Staff to Theresa May, Lord Gavin Barwell and Johnson defender and ally, former Tory MEP David Campbell-Bannerman.

PS Jon came straight to News Agents HQ off the red eye from Miami, so forgive any lapses. Now a News Agent, always a trooper.

In prison and running for President - is this the future for Trump?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:45:00 +0100

After the small matter of his federal indictment, Trump went back to doing what he does best - fundraising and shouting about witch hunts and pretending to be a political prisoner of sorts.

Jon is in Miami, James Comey - the former FBI Director who created such a stir in the 2016 presidential election with his reinvestigation into Hillary Clinton - is in News Agents HQ.

And Lewis has been catching up with PMQs and Peerages.

The News Agents USA - Trailer - The News Agents USA

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:28:00 +0100

Welcome to The News Agents USA - a new weekly podcast hosted by Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel.

Episodes are available every Tuesday on Global Player and on all other platforms from Wednesday.

The Fury of Trump (and Nadine Dorries)

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:50:00 +0100

The News Agents are on the move this week.

Jon is in Miami, where Donald Trump is due to be formally arraigned by a federal court. The man in the golfing gear brings us the latest from Florida and speaks to the legion of Mega die hards who have assembled outside the courthouse.

Meanwhile, Lewis has been on his own tour of the central belt of Scotland, where the SNP are still reeling from the shock arrest of former leader and First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. He speaks to SNP MSP James Dornan and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

We of course also find the time to chew over Nadine Dorries’ allegation that she didn’t get a peerage because of her background. Rather than because she was, you know, already a democratically elected representative.

Just another day in politics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Sunak v Johnson: it's war

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:55:00 +0100

How should an incumbent handle their big beast predecessor? Rishi Sunak discovered the satisfaction of a drive by shooting - accusing Boris Johnson of asking him to break the rules. Later on in the day, Johnson told LBC that Sunak's claims were "rubbish".

In Scotland, Humza Yousaf has meanwhile refused to suspend his SNP mentor Nicola Sturgeon - arrested and released without charge over the weekend.

What does this behaviour tell us about the way the parties are handing scandal in their midst?

We talk to Lord Nicholas Soames - grandchild of Churchill about the man who thought he was Churchill. And to Douglas Ross - Tory Leader in Scotland.

We hear from Jon on his way to Miami and reflect on the partygate grandfather of them all - Silvio Berlusconi who has died.

EMERGENCY EPISODE: Boris Johnson Quits Parliament

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 23:43:00 +0100

Boris Johnson quits as an MP after being handed the findings of the Privileges Committee report into whether he knowingly misled parliament.

In this emergency episode, Lewis (yes, him again), Emily and Jon pick apart this extraordinary day in UK politics.

Labour's disappearing £28bn... and Nadine resigns

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:58:00 +0100

Boris Johnson's long-awaited resignation honours list has been published. It means some of his closest aides throughout the partygate scandal will sit in the House of Lords for life, and his list also honours former cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel.

Just minutes before the list came out, Nadine Dorries - the former culture secretary and a close ally of Boris Johnson - quit as an MP with immediate effect, triggering a by-election in her Mid-Bedfordshire seat, hours after she said on TV that she didn't want that...

And the Labour party are also causing a stir after watering down their flagship pledge to spend £28 billion a year on green technology.

The policy was supposed to power Britain’s next industrial revolution. But now Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rowed back the plans - blaming the Conservative party for “crashing the economy”. Lewis asks what it means for Labour, as they aim for election victory.

Lords, Ladies, and Boris Johnson's honour

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:53:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has reportedly waved through Boris Johnson's controversial and much-talked about honours list. Why? And what does this mean at the slightly grubbier end of British politics.

Caroline Lucas is to step down from Parliament after 13 years of flying the Green Party flag. Is the beginning of a rebirth in left-wing politics, or is it more like the beginning of the end?

And how does the newspaper industry cover Prince Harry when they’re part of the trial?

Saudi Arabia: The Golf State?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:45:00 +0100

Golf as we know it has just been sold, kind of wholesale, to Saudi Arabia.

The gulf state is acquiring lots of high end sports brands right now. And it's using sportswashing to reposition itself as a diplomat on the world stage.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has run into trouble with the unions by promising an end to new oil fields in the North Sea. He wants his own Inflation Reduction Act creating green jobs for the future. But can we afford it?

And UFOs are no longer the stuff of conspiracy nutters - Congress has now promised protection to whistleblowers who will come forward to tell us what alien aeriel sightings they've spotted in our skies. Why is this happening now?

Prince Harry takes the stand

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Prince Harry has blamed the tabloid press for the rift with his brother, the break up of former relationships and what he describes as a narrowing circle of friends.

The Mirror - who he's suing today at the High Court - say he's been through a lot but technically it wasn't their hacking... So who is going to win this one?

And as Mike Pence - Trump's former Vice President - enters the race to be President of the USA, we talk to a man who thinks neither will make it to the final round.

Anthony Scaramucci was Trump's comms director for ten and a half days. He's full of the gossip of the biggest race in town.

Why did Rishi Sunak donate $3m to a private school in California?

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:08:00 +0100

MPs are allowed to donate however much they wish of their private money to whomever they chose.

In 2018, as per The Mirror, when Rishi Sunak was just an MP - the family donated more than 3 million dollars to a private tech college in California - previously attended by his wife.

Fast forward to 2023 where a primary school in his constituency has spent nearly a year fundraising to find 10k to buy school kids computers.

We talk to a mum who's been at the coalface of the bake sales and is wondering why she had to work so hard to drum up a fraction of Sunak's donation.

We also look at the narratives -loud and soft - coming out of Ukraine and ask if the military counter-offensive is finally underway.

Why is Rishi Sunak taking the Covid inquiry to court?

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:47:00 +0100

The government has taken the Covid inquiry, that it set up and poured so much public and private faith in, to court. What the f•••?!

We try to make sense of this with Lara Spirit of The Times

And.. is the mortgage market fast becoming a serious economic crisis in the UK?

What's up with Boris Johnson's WhatsApps?

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson has, finally, and perhaps reluctantly, handed over a ton of WhatsApp messages between him and others while he was PM at the height of the Covid pandemic. But what will the Cabinet Office do with him, and what does this mean for Johnson, Sunak and the Conservative Party?

And, we talk to a spokesperson and member of Just Stop Oil. When do the ends justify the means when it comes to civil disobedience? Are they now crossing a line?

Keir Starmer: born again Brexiteer?

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:53:00 +0100

Keir Starmer's column on Wednesday morning in right-wing tabloid newspaper The Express is another step in the Labour leader's transformation from all guns blazing Remainer to born again Brexiteer. But he's not the first Labour leader to turn to the right-leaning press to prove his prime ministerial credentials as the next general election draws ever closer.

What does this mean for Labour and where does this leave Britain's place in the world, and its relationship with Europe if Labour are the next government in power? And what on earth is 'Securonomics' - the new economic model Starmer's potential Chancellor Rachel Reeves launched in Washington DC last week that will seek to boost post-Brexit Britain.

Plus - the curious case of Joe Biden's former advisor fleeing to Moscow to seek 'safety' and citizenship. Hmm.

The Phillip Schofield scandal and the future of ITV

Tue, 30 May 2023 17:00:00 +0100

It started with a tabloid story that a male and female presenter on daytime TV were no longer getting on. Big deal.

It was accompanied by darker rumours about Philip Schofield, a fixture on television for decades. And then the wisps of smoke on a hillside became a full scale wildfire, tearing through ITV.

His relationship with a much younger man have now turned this into a daytime chat show into peak time drama, and questions are now growing for ITV senior management.

An ITV statement on Saturday responded to allegations that ITV ignored any potential relationship Schofield had at ITV.

“ITV can confirm that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in early 2020 ITV investigated.

"Both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours as did Phillip's then agency YMU.

"Phillip’s statement [a few days ago] reveals that he lied to people at ITV… over this relationship."

Sadiq Khan on Boris, Brexit and his PTSD

Fri, 26 May 2023 16:29:00 +0100

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joins Lewis Goodall on The News Agents in a wide-ranging interview shedding light on working with Boris Johnson, Theresa May and Rishi Sunak.

He also talks about his PTSD after getting death threats and his new book, Breathe: Tackling the Climate Emergency.

Elon Musk and the man who wants to take on Trump

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:30:00 +0100

We'll be looking at sex, lies and Downing Street later in this episode with a writer who worked in Number10 - and we'll be asking if politicians REALLY want an honest conversation about Immigration - but we begin with the newest launch failure by Elon Musk.

This one involved not a rocket but a presidential candidate - who thinks he can beat Donald Trump.

If that was ever true, it feels much more unlikely today after the campaign launch went up in flames.

Partygate: Boris Johnson breaks the rules (again)

Wed, 24 May 2023 16:36:00 +0100

Does it matter if Boris Johnson broke more Covid rules by inviting guests to his country home, Chequers, when the rest of the country was in lockdown?

His former advisor Guto Harri says it's time to get over it. There are more important things to discuss. But we're not so sure the country is quite so ready to forgive and move on.

What does it say about the country in which we live, if rules no longer count and if the civil servants who report wrongdoing are threatened with legal action?

Later we look at the latest Presidential hopeful to take on Donald Trump - Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor, who is launching his campaign on Twitter.

How Johnson's government pressured the Premier League into the Saudi takeover

Tue, 23 May 2023 16:31:00 +0100

Celebrations at Newcastle United as they qualify for the Champions League.

It's a success story for the club, team and fans - but it's all been helped by new money from their Saudi backers.

Today we look at a future of football as nation states - securing victories on the pitch, battling geopolitics off it. And we look at the investigation by The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton, who reveals the pressure Boris Johnson's government brought to bear on the Premier League during the Saudi takeover of Newcastle, the failure of which he said would be "an immediate risk" to the UK/Saudi relationship.

Speedy Suella: How long can she last?

Mon, 22 May 2023 16:30:00 +0100

Did Home Secretary Suella Braverman break the ministerial code by asking civil servants to help her avoid a public speed awareness course?

She insists there's nothing to see here - she's taken the points on her licence and wants to move on.

Her allies insist she's the victim of a smear campaign by those who don't like her immigration policies.

But today on the News Agents we talk to former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland who asks what she was doing at the National Conservatism conference, and whether she is committed to 'collective cabinet responsibility' - a subtle dig at her own prime ministerial ambitions perhaps?

Why can't politicians just say sorry?

Fri, 19 May 2023 16:59:00 +0100

When Matt Hancock visited News Agents HQ yesterday, he repeatedly refused to answer questions about decisions he made in government during the pandemic.

And it got us thinking about why so many politicians struggle to admit when they’ve got things wrong.

Today Lewis asks why is it - in politics - that sorry always seems to be the hardest word?

Exclusive: Matt Hancock on NatCon, Covid, WhatsApps and “being human”

Thu, 18 May 2023 16:07:00 +0100

Matt Hancock, this afternoon, walked into The News Agents bunker for the first time. In this full, unedited interview, he tells us what he makes of the right of the Conservative Party, why he gave Isabel Oakeshott 100,000 of his WhatsApp messages, and he tells us who he thinks leaked the video revealing his affair with his aide at the height of Covid restrictions.

Why is Liz Truss provoking China?

Wed, 17 May 2023 16:37:00 +0100

The MP for South West Norfolk has made a speech in Taiwan urging the UK Government to treat China as a security threat.

She's the first former PM to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher.

China - which is seeking 'reunification' with Taiwain - has called it a 'dangerous stunt'. Many in Truss's own party feel the same way.

But is there sense in her message even if she's the wrong one to deliver it? And what is she hoping to achieve - for the world, her party and herself?

And, later, we speak to Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz about playing twins in her drama 'Dead Ringers', moves to curtail women's rights in the US, her husband James Bond, and Lewis' acorn.

NatCon: fruitcakes, fringe, or future of the Tory Party?

Tue, 16 May 2023 16:23:00 +0100

Today we take you behind the scenes at Nat Con: the Conservative-ish conference taking place in London this week. It's a meeting of hard Brexiteers, nationalists, libertarians, and the 'anti woke'.

With a smattering of Holocaust minimisers, homophobes and climate-deniers thrown in for good measure. It's an exciting place - attended by senior cabinet ministers too - and today we ask if they are the fringe or the future of the Conservative Party.

Alastair Campbell on war, w**kers and winning elections

Mon, 15 May 2023 16:55:00 +0100

A warning: explicit language from the very start of the episode.

Alastair Campbell meets the The News Agents in the ultimate podcast mash up. We ask him about his "wanker switch" and what happens when things go wrong live on air. And about the Starmer strategy for quiet winning.

We also talk war, Murdoch and tactical voting.

Later we hear from Jacob Rees Mogg who admits the Voter ID legislation was gerrymandering.

Ukraine: a war without end?

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:00:00 +0100

It's Eurovision weekend. But the biggest party in Europe will not take place in Ukraine -last year’s victor - but in Liverpool.

This episode is not about Eurovision, but instead asking where we are with the Ukraine war, over 400 days since its start. With more than 9000 Ukrainian civilians dead, are we any closer to the conflict’s end? We take you in depth and discover how everything hinges on the Ukrainian counter offensive, now finally coming.

And in our latest My Political Make Up interview we talk to Labour MP and Shadow Minister for Women, Jess Phillips.

Met corruption and Britain’s biggest unsolved crime

Thu, 11 May 2023 16:44:00 +0100

Daniel Morgan, a young private investigator, was murdered in a carpark in 1987. His killer has never been brought to justice.

Three and a half decades on the Met Police have discovered a "locked file of documents" that were never handed over to the inquiry looking into police failures.

Today on The News Agents we ask London Mayor his response to what just happened, whether the police should be trusted with new powers and whether corruption lies at the heart of what went wrong.

We also take you to the car crash debate of the last 24 hours. For the first time since 2016, CNN decided to give Donald Trump a live town hall forum with a studio audience... the day after a jury found him liable for sex abuse.

President Trump: Sexual abuser

Wed, 10 May 2023 16:37:00 +0100

Is America prepared to elect a president found to have sexually abused a woman in a department store?

A New York civil court took just three hours to find Trump liable for abuse and defamation although it cleared him of rape.

The response to the verdict has been achingly familiar. Senior Republicans calling the case a witch hunt and the jury "a joke".

Trump probably isn’t the first sex abuser to have held high office. But he’s the first to have been found to have done so by a US jury. He's going to appeal the decision but if his own party are willing to tolerate it and denigrate the rule of law anyway - what does that tell us about America?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will the Tories move even further to the right?

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:44:00 +0100

Forget those apocalyptic predictions of a thousand lost Conservative council seats. In the end the losses totalled 1,063.

Every Conservative strategist thinks ‘something must be done’. But what is that something? More house building? More tax cuts? More ‘true Conservative’ values? More Boris?

We talk to former Brexit minister David Davis about his party and what it does next.

Elections 2023: Are the Tories doomed?

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:30:00 +0100

The results are in. And it was a complete drubbing for Rishi Sunak’s Tories. His first big electoral test and it can only go down as one massive fail.

Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens are reviving in every direction. The Prime Minister is putting a brave face on it, but do the results suggest the Conservatives are doomed at the polls in 2024?

In this election special show Lewis takes you through the results and what we can glean from Election 2023.

The US Ambassador on Biden, Harry and Meghan & Sunak vs Truss

Thu, 04 May 2023 16:01:00 +0100

America's First Lady has just flown in for the King's coronation - without her husband the President. Donald Trump calls it 'disgraceful'.

But today on The News Agents we get reaction from the Ambassador herself.

Why are Americans so obsessed with our monarchy? Is Biden too old to run again?What mistakes have been made within the special relationship? And what is her favourite British swear word?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Suella's new powers to curb protest

Wed, 03 May 2023 16:42:00 +0100

New laws to curb the power of protest have been pushed through parliament - just days before the Coronation. Penalties include a 12 month prison sentence for protestors who block roads.

Are we happy to see more powers in the hands of the police? And how do they feel about the new obligation to arrest?

Also - is Sue Gray going to be allowed to take her new job? And will Simon Case be able to keep his? A former permanent secretary says no…

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will the real Keir Starmer please stand up

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:50:00 +0100

Keir Starmer has admitted the Labour party will 'move on' from his original commitment to abandon tuition fees.

What does that mean? Is there a solution to what is essentially a bad graduate tax? And why should we believe pledges that keep on getting torn up?

Also, as Princess Anne unironically endorses the current size of the monarchy, we ask how we feel about the Coronation and the pledge of allegiance to our King.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Richard Sharp resigns: The Boris loan and the BBC

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:16:00 +0100

Richard Sharp - the embattled, embroiled BBC Chairman has resigned after a report by The Commissioner for Public Appointments found a perceived conflict of interest and a breach of the Governance Code.

But this story goes much wider than one man, one job and an £800k loan to Boris Johnson.

It asks questions of the institutions that run Britain: a 'jobs for the boys culture’, a toxic legacy bestowed by the former Prime Minister, and questions about the Cabinet Secretary’s conduct.

Where does this all leave the BBC, the Civil Service and Rishi Sunak? We discuss.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why is it becoming harder for you to vote?

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:27:00 +0100

For the first time ever, voter ID will be required at the polling stations next week for the May local council elections in England.

It may not seem like a big ask - many countries in Europe already demand it. Yet it's triggering alarm bells.

Why has the government introduced a solution to a problem (voter fraud) that didn't exist? Why has it restricted the kinds of ID you're allowed to bring? And why has it refused to accept the advice - even from senior Conservatives - saying the changes could lead to massive disenfranchisement and disillusionment with the democratic system.

We'll be talking about how to vote, and what these elections could tell us about the political winds.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The rental crisis - no end in sight?

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:22:00 +0100

The renting crisis in Britain is unsustainable.

More than sixty percent of private renters faced a rent rise last year - and they're already spending around 32 percent of their income on housing.

Today on The News Agents we hear from those who are struggling to even get on the rental ladder - properties are massively over subscribed. Some tenants are putting down payments on flats they haven't even seen. Others are seeing deposits withheld and are blamed (and charged) for the disrepairs their landlords should have fixed.

We hear from tenants, a landlord, an estate agent and someone who's been analyisng the housing market for a decade.

And we bring you the latest blows from PMQs.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Prince Harry V Rupert Murdoch

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:36:00 +0100

As Prince Harry brings his case against the News Group Newspapers (Murdoch) at the High Court, his lawyers have made an astonishing allegation: that his brother, Prince William, reached a payout over claims his phone had been hacked.

News of the settlement revealed in court documents - show the late Queen was involved in “discussions and authorisation” of the agreement.

The judge may yet decide to throw the case out for coming too late. But if not Harry, we are told, is determined to see it through to the end, whatever the personal cost. Murdoch has already paid out millions for phone hacking here - and last week nearly a billion dollars in the Dominion lawsuit. Was Tucker Carlson's rapid departure connected?

Also, we look at Joe Biden's 2024 presidential bid, discuss ageism in politics, and discover who Ming Campbell beat in a hundred metres race in Stanford in 1967.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Brits trapped in Sudan's warzone

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:56:00 +0100

Stay indoors!

We continue to advise all British nationals in Sudan to stay indoors wherever possible. We recognise circumstances will vary in different locations. You should exercise your own judgement about your circumstances, including whether to relocate at your own risk.

This is the current advice from the Foreign Office - who have managed to evacuate UK diplomatic staff, but are struggling to help up to 3,000 UK citizens stuck in the warzone that is Sudan - many now fearing for their lives.

Should the government be telling people to sit tight? Or get out.

And as Dominic Raab exits stage left, his parting shot is at an 'activist' civil service. Was Whitehall really out to get him? We discuss.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Raab Resigns

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 17:24:00 +0100

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has resigned.

The inquiry into whether he bullied staff has finally been published. Its conclusion? Raab is a bully.

Lewis explores the reports findings and asks what it means for one of his closest allies — Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Queen Camilla's son on The News Agents

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:52:00 +0100

Tom Parker Bowles is a food writer and critic with strong views on coronation chicken, UK farming and... of course, quiche. His mum is about to be crowned Queen - so today we chat about the monarchy, the dos and don'ts of royal food, protest and a certain Harry.

And we chat through the political ramifications of Rishi Sunak's response to the bullying inquiry into Dominic Raab.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Fox News Lies - and Murdoch pays millions

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:43:00 +0100

This is your midweek episode of Succession. Because Rupert Murdoch - aka Logan Roy - has shelled out nearly 800 million dollars to settle a defamation suit brought by Dominion - a company that makes voting machines.

Fox News had tried to claim the voting machines manipulated the result of the 2020 presidential election to make Trump lose. Which was clearly bollocks.

Late last night, Fox settled out of court - to make the trial of the century go away. Today we get inside the Murdoch mind with former Sun Newspaper editor David Yelland.

We also ask why food is getting ever more expensive with the latest inflation figures.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

SNP - it's getting worse

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:23:00 +0100

Another high profile arrest in the SNP. This time, Party Treasurer Colin Beattie - who was called in for questioning in the inquiry into party finances - specifically the concerns over £600,000 raised by supporters to fund a second independence referendum.

It's been a rocky few weeks since Sturgeon announced her resignation in February. The arrest of her husband and Chief Executive of the SNP, the blue evidence tent in their garden, the removal of a camper van from the in-laws in Dunfermline, leaked conversations that surfaced two years ago and now the second arrest.

What is this doing to the party, to independence and to Scottish voters?

And we ask what power Russia has in Africa and how it's channeled through the many tentacles of the Wagner group.

These Russian mercenaries are thought to be behind the violence in Sudan, and wield huge power all over the continent - fighting that is paid for in gold and diamonds. How close are they to Putin?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is horse racing becoming the new bullfighting?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:26:00 +0100

Animal Rights Protestors are being blamed for the death of a racehorse at the Grand National this weekend after they forced a delay which - trainers say - agitated the animals.

Animal Rising - the protestors - say: Don't blame us - horses are dying on racecourses; with or without the delays.

But they're delighted we're now having a conversation about animal cruelty, sport and what happens to thoroughbred horses if racing stops.

We speak to Ed Chamberlin who saw it all unfold with his own eyes - as the head of ITV's horse racing presenting team.

And to Claudia Penna-Rojas from Animal Rising. We also discuss Rishi Sunak's finances - he's under investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner.

And we ask if we should all be better at maths - with maths lover and teacher Bobby Seagull.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Abortion in America: Illegal by stealth?

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 17:20:00 +0100

If you thought the overturning of Roe v Wade- the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States was the end of it in 2022, then 2023 has other ideas. Or rather the radical, anti-abortion groups in the United States have other ideas.

Just this week, Florida’s Governor (and presidential hopeful) Republican Ron DeSantis introduced a six week abortion ban in the third biggest state in the country.

And in Texas, a Trump-appointed judge ruled that a drug used in over 50% of abortions in America, should never have been legal in the first place. Chaos reigns and once again, the Supreme Court will decide.

On a special deep dive of The News Agents we explore both of these cases and ask whether, as part of a culmination of a five decade political strategy and movement, abortion in America will be abolished, by stealth.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Liz Truss, the deep state and China

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0100

China's President Xi Jinping has told his troops they should be ready for real combat.

So now we are wondering if Taiwan will be the next Ukraine.

It comes after a week of China sabre-rattling in the Taiwan straits - surrounding the island on all sides with a blockade.

France's President Macron is just back from Beijing where he's set the cat amongst the pigeon's with some ill-judged comments about Taiwan.

In fact, the Elysee Palace thought them so ill-judged they ordered their removal from the interview he gave. We discuss the damage done, and we hear from Liz Truss in Washington who goes off on one.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

"I’m Joe Biden and I’m Irish"

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:38:00 +0100

We've been told off-record that Joe Biden might be Irish.

Obviously, unattributable. So keep it under your hat.

He's the latest in a long line of US Presidents who feels the pull of the Emerald Isle very strongly and traces his ancestry back there by 180 years. But he begins the day in Belfast - reflecting on the Good Friday peace accord 25 years ago.

But can he get power-sharing back on track? Or is he too scared to even mention it?

And we look at the delights and dangers of a world exclusive interview.

Who has the power when Elon Musk is in the seat?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Are Labour's attack ads 'gutter politics'?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:41:00 +0100

Labour’s Easter weekend attack ads about the Conservatives and Rishi Sunak specifically have been called 'politics of the gutter' by, awkwardly, Labour’s former Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Lewis is joined by Steve Reed, the party’s Shadow Justice Secretary, who was behind the campaign. He, as you’ll hear is entirely unapologetic.

Is this the start of a new period of a more vicious politics?

And NHS surgeons may be about to face their own #MeToo moment, with female surgeons coming forward to say that sexual assault and misogyny within surgery is commonplace.

Lewis talks to Rachel Sylvester, who has written for The Times on the subject and Roshana Mehdian-Staffel, an orthopaedic surgeon who has spoken out about her experiences.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why are the police searching Nicola Sturgeon's house?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:30:00 +0100

There are two questions that accompany any political scandal. What did you know and when did you know it?

After questioning Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell for eleven hours yesterday, police are back at their Glasgow house, and there's still a blue evidence tent in the garden.

It comes just a week after the leadership election of new SNP First Minister Humza Yousaf, seen as the Sturgeon succession candidate.

So what should we make of the timing of all this? And what are the political implications if it was pre arranged?

We ask the leader of the SNP in Westminster, Stephen Flynn.

And we talk e-scooters after 90% of Parisians vote to ban them from Paris.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The People v Donald Trump - Part 2: Trump in the Dock

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 04:16:00 +0100

When we left you Trump was on the cusp of entering the Manhattan criminal court as an arrested man.

That didn't go well.

A door was flung shut in his face. And the indignities began. In this special all-nighter episode of The News Agents we take you through the charges against him, the reaction, the defence and the speech to his supporters in Mar-a-Lago.

We speak to a key member of Trump's campaign team who was with him in the wings moments before he went on stage.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The People v Donald Trump - Part 1

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:16:00 +0100

Donald Trump will today become the first US president to appear in court on criminal charges.

He arrived in NYC late yesterday and will shortly be heading to Lower Manhattan District Court to have his fingerprints taken and hear the 34 charges of improper business dealings being levelled against him.

Will the criminal charges stack up?

Will Trump keep his cool?

And will his supporters take to the streets in protest?

In Part One we take you through the process step-by-step. In Part 2 - tomorrow morning - the Trump fightback.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Child grooming, 'political correctness' and dog whistle politics

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:45:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has pledged to end the 'political correctness' that stops police arresting child sex abusers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The scandals of Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford show how badly things can go wrong for victims when the perpetrators are seen to be beyond the law.

But Labour's West Yorkshire mayor has called it 'dog whistle politics' - and some are wondering why the Conservatives are borrowing the far right language of Tommy Robinson. Is it possible to have a nuanced debate?

And the Italian newspapers are writing today about our 'Fifteen Hour Dover Brexit queues'. Is everyone pointing to Brexit except the British government?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Donald Trump going to jail?

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 16:44:00 +0100

For the first time in American history a former president has been indicted (charged) with a criminal offence.

Donald Trump will appear in a New York court on Tuesday afternoon.

Do the charges stack up? Will they help Trump or hinder Trump? And how is this unprecedented moment going to impact the Presidential Race of 2024.?

Spoiler alert - you can actually campaign from behind bars...

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Britain's Rotten Meat Scandal

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:45:00 +0100

Ten years on from the horse meat crisis, a new scandal has engulfed almost the entire food retail sector.

Huge quantities of foreign pork - sometimes tens of thousands of tonnes a week - has been passed off, fraudulently as British.

One meat processor - who can't be named for legal reasons - has been accused by former employees of 'washing' hams that are visibly rotten, or mixing bad meat with fresh produce.

They even allege paperwork - which would pick up infections like bacteria or E.coli - was being falsified. We talk to the Farmers Weekly journalist who broke the story Abi Kay. And we dip into the 'vagina-scented' ski slopes of Utah to visit the trial of the century - Gwyneth Paltrow v Terry Sanderson.

At the time of publication, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) had not provided us with a comment after we approached them.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

[Two hours after the episode was published, the FSA provided us with this statement:

“We are continuing our criminal investigation into how a meat supplier allegedly provided products labelled as British when they were in fact sourced from other countries.

This is a live investigation which means we are looking into all new lines of

inquiry with the relevant local authorities, including investigating potential food hygiene breaches. This is alongside the work we are doing to investigate food fraud.

Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication that food is unsafe or there is an increased risk to consumers.

Criminal investigations take time and need to be done with due process and fairness. The FSA will work tirelessly on behalf of consumers to ensure that this criminal investigation is done to the highest possible standards.

I do want to emphasise at a time when cost pressures and other challenges mean the risks of food fraud might be increasing, it is vital everyone involved in the food chain works to ensure that food is safe and what it says it is.”

Emily Miles, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency]

The Government's Ship Idea

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:18:00 +0100

THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS TO BE HOUSED ON LUXURY CRUISE SHIP screamed the headline in the Daily Express.

That was in February of 2016.

And it never happened.

The idea has been mooted in various ways about ten times in the last decades - including by Rishi Sunak when he was chancellor in 2020.

Each time the idea is dropped for being unworkable, unaffordable or illegal. So why do we keep falling for it?

Also - should the descendants of slave owners be making reparations to the people or the places they have hurt? We talk to Laura Trevelyan who's family has decided to make amends for their own past.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will Corbyn get his revenge?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:23:00 +0100

Jeremy Corbyn will not be allowed to stand for Labour at the next election. That’s despite the fact he’s been an MP in Islington North since 1983 and led Labour at two general elections- nothing like it has ever happened before.

Jon and Lewis explain why Labour’s ruling body has made the move and why Labour’s left might not be as weak as you might think.

And the News Agents are joined by a secret agent, or at least someone, who was.

Sir Richard Dearlove was the head of MI6 during the Iraq War.

Twenty years on we talk to him about how he and his fellow intelligence officers got it so catastrophically wrong on Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction (or lack thereof), whether or not he regrets the invasion and how life is different for young spooks, today.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Led by Bibi, Led by Humza & Led By Donkeys

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:28:00 +0100

More mass protests in the streets- this time in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the rest of Israel.

Millions of Israelis believe their democracy to be in jeopardy.

The airport is blocked, universities out of action, a general strike has been called.

Even the diplomats won’t go to work. With academic and expert Ayala Panievsky, we explain why so many - both within the Israeli state and in the population at large - believe Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to transform the country’s judicial system to be a gross violation of democracy.

We explore whether this could finally be the end for Bibi and what it could mean for the wider Middle East.

And we usher in a new SNP leader after a divisive race, and talk to the investigative journalist behind the new Led By Donkeys sting.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why is Paris burning?

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:50:00 +0100

In this special episode of The News Agents, Lewis travels to Paris to find out why the City of Lights is on fire.

Amidst the tear gas, the riot police, the stun grenades and the flames, The News Agents ask- what's happened? why is it this bad? And why could this riot be the start of a new, far-right, European order?

It all comes as huge protests have erupted across France after President Emmanuel Macron forced through a rise in the country’s pension age.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Our billionaire PM and his £1 million tax bill

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:42:00 +0100

Keir Starmer spent the morning in Stoke-on-Trent. Not WOKE-on-Trent, as one hilarious Tory Red-wall-er reminded him.

But attempts to fire up the culture war are something Rishi Sunak wants no part in.

And recent polling suggests it's the right call. Today we look at the state of play of the two main political parties and what the numbers are currently telling us -with James Kanagasoorium of Focaldata.

And we ask whether we mind have a billionaire prime minister who pays a million pound tax bill. Lewis is on the streets of Paris where they are rioting. And not just because of something he said.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Boris Johnson Swears He's Telling the Truth

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0100

Boris Johnson told the parliamentary inquiry that he HAD misled parliament, but he hadn't meant to.

His repeated defence was that he hadn't been advised what he was saying might be wrong (he had). And that other people hadn't told him that rules might have been broken (they had). He insisted that the leaving parties he'd attended had been essential work and berated Downing Street itself for having too many corridors to make parties safer.

Sir Bernard Jenkin led the charge asking what he would have told a press conference if the rest of the country had wanted to hold leaving parties too. Now the committee goes away to consider its findings and its verdict. We dissect the afternoon and that Stormont Brake vote that briefly interrupted proceedings.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The (sexist, racist, homophobic) Met Police

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:08:00 +0100

The Met Police - so says the explosive Casey Review released today - is a bullying boys club in which predators flourish.

Rape evidence is thrown out - because of broken fridges.

Eye-watering force is used against Black people.

Gay officers are scared of their colleagues.

So what happens now? And will this diminish public trust in the force even further? The author of the review Baroness Louise Casey joins us.

Plus we get hold of Boris Johnson's defence dossier. He argues he didn't mean to mislead Parliament, only called it a party because the media did and doesn't understand why he's accused of breaking rules when everyone else did too. So yes. that one.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Can Boris Johnson defend the indefensible?

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:35:00 +0100

Boris Johnson has submitted evidence to the Privileges Committee which will be judging whether he set out to mislead the House of Commons over Partygate.

He argues that 'he was advised he wasn't breaking any rules' - which might seem odd coming from the person who in fact made up those rules. We now await publication of his defence.

Also today - why the DUP won't vote for Sunak's latest Brexit deal: The Windsor Framework.

And - on Iranian New Year we speak to Anoosheh Ashoori and his daughter Elika. Anoosheh emerged from Evin prison a year ago after being falsely arrested. He tells us of his hunger strike, his suicide attempts and his torture - and why he's now feeling optimistic for Iran.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the SNP falling apart?

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:06:00 +0100

After nearly a decade of stability spearheaded by Nicola Sturgeon, why do the SNP look like they're imploding? The three candidates after her job are spending day after day taking lumps out of each other. Polling suggests that the only thing that they're hurting though is their common goal: Scottish independence.

We speak to one of the candidates who's attack on the independence of the leadership process has been called 'Trumpian'. And we speak to a senior SNP MP about what this is doing to the political party that, just seven weeks ago, resembled an immovable object in the way of both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

And for some weekend listening. We ask a Labour grandee and parliamentary history-maker what it was like to be the first female Black MP in the House of Commons.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Jeremy Hunt on junior doctors, Brexit and his Budget

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:35:00 +0100

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt finished his early morning media round and then came for a coffee with the News Agents.

We asked how many doctors would re-enter the workforce with his pension changes.

How Brexit will effect our growth longer term.

And where his childcare ideas came from....

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Budget: Will the rich get richer?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:54:00 +0100

Today's bombshell rabbit (to mix a metaphor) was the Chancellor's promise to abolish the lifetime allowance on pensions.

If you're super-rich it's time to crack open the champagne. If you're working age and well-paid, it might keep you in your job longer - at least that's the aim- but this is against a backdrop where household disposable income is falling at its fastest rate since the 1950s.

We talk childcare, taxation, potholes, and Brexit beer.

Later, we revisit the question of BBC impartiality after leaked emails show an editor succumbing to pressure from Boris Johnson's Number 10 during the pandemic.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Suella's asylum plan - why dozens of Tory MPs aren't backing it.

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:49:00 +0100

Last night more than forty Conservative MPs refused to back Suella's new plan for immigration.

One- the former Lord Chancellor - called it 'ineffective authoritarianism'.

Another - the former Immigration Minister - called it 'an absolute horror'.

So today we tackle the policy head on. Is it legal? Is it humane? And will it lead fewer people taking small boats?

We also look at police violence against women. The numbers are unbelievable - how, out of 1500 officers facing accusations of violence, have only 13 been dismissed.

Is the force 'institutionally sexist'?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The BBC vs. Lineker: They think it’s all over ... it isn’t

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:08:00 +0100

Gary Lineker will be back on air this weekend.

And BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologised to viewers for the weekend's schedule disruptions.

They'd like this row to go away now.

Except it won't.

Where does it leave the BBC Chair and his Tory donations and friendships? Where does it leave the social media activities of other high profile talent? And what does impartiality mean - if it's being dictated by the government?

We speak to Armando Iannucci - who coined the phrase omnishambles a decade ago...

And we look at the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and ask if over the weekend we got close to another financial crash.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The BBC takes Gary Lineker off air

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:56:00 +0100

The BBC have told Gary Lineker he won't be presenting Match of the Day on Saturday night. Emily, Jon and Lewis bring you their immediate reaction.

Protests against drag queen story readings for kids have been gaining momentum in the US and increasingly the UK. This week in London there was a clash between protestors, arguing about whether these kinds of activities - where drag queens read stories to children - should be allowed to take place. Lewis asks what happens at these readings, why people are concerned, and looks at why this might develop into the latest frontier in a culture war.

And is Georgia running back to sugar daddy Russia?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will Macron block Rishi's small boats plan?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:09:00 +0100

The coveted Crimes against the English Language award goes to Penny Mordaunt today for mangling almost a dozen football analogies into one short Commons speech. We are still trying to work out what a left wing striker is but for now what you need to know is that the Conservative frontbench is nervously awaiting a response to their small boats policy from President Macron tomorrow when Rishi Sunak goes to Paris.

The News Agents hear their might be a firm Gallic 'non' coming. So what happens to the returns policy then? And is that why Conservatives want to carry on talking about Gary Lineker for as long as they feasibly can...

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Should Gary Lineker be free to speak his mind?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:52:00 +0100

Gary Lineker has responded to the furore surrounding his tweet on the government's asylum policy with the promise to 'keep speaking for those with no voice'.

It's being reported on the BBC News website - whist - we understand - the BBC is currently trying to give Lineker 'a frank talking to' for breaking impartiality rules.

How do the BBC rules on impartiality work? We speak here from a little experience... And can Suella Braverman defend her language - and her policy more generally - to the country?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Suella prepared to break international law?

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:59:00 +0100

The Tories have produced - at last count - over forty different failed policies to stop channel crossings.

Today, Suella Braverman came up with the latest.

It will prevent anyone arriving here by small boat from claiming asylum or doing so in the future. And it promises to detain them for 28 days after which they will be returned.

Without quite explaining where... or how.

We ask if this desperate measure will break the Geneva Convention - the UN Convention of Human Rights - and talk to former Labour Home Secretary Jack Straw.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Johnson Family Honours List

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:04:00 +0100

Is Boris Johnson’s dad going to receive a knighthood? Is anyone else in the Johnson family? We speak to Rachel Johnson who opens up about family relationships and how it works if your brother is Prime Minister.

We also ask why Keir Starmer seems to be unwilling or unable to answer a simple question: when did he first appoint Sue Gray? Does this all go back to Cabinet Secretary Simon Case?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Isabel Oakeshott: Why I did it

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:49:00 +0100

We talk to the woman who has started a war with Matt Hancock- journalist Isabel Oakeshott. He was her source and she turned on him by taking 100,000 of her Whatsapp messages to The Telegraph. The revelations have gripped Westminster- she tells us there’s more to come. We talk to her about her motivations.

And we talk all things Sue Gray, that once famous woman of Westminster who investigated Boris Johnson and Partygate, off to become…Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff.You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will we ever escape Boris Johnson?

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:05:00 +0100

Boris Johnson is back. But then again, he never really went away. In a speech today at a soft power forum, he takes a swing at Rishi Sunak and his Windsor Framework after two days of lying low. We discuss the continual Johnson-shaped fly in the Sunak ointment.

And Jon and Lewis go through the latest Hancock WhatsApp developments in the Lockdown Files story, and talk to Mehdi Hasan, MSNBC anchor and author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading and Public Speaking to talk about misinformation in the US media.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Inside Matt Hancock's WhatsApps

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:15:00 +0100

The Telegraph have released a slew of Matt Hancock's Whatsapp messages from when he was Health Secretary, at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Lewis and Jon discuss the politics of the investigation, and the ethics, or lack thereof, of the journalist behind the release of the messages. And is Matt Hancock, quite simply, a plonker?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Has Rishi sunk Boris?

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:07:00 +0100

We said yesterday that Rishi Sunak had taken a massive gamble announcing a new deal for Northern Ireland without having necessarily laid the political groundwork beforehand.

Well, 24 hours later, and it feels like he might have pulled off a blinder. The far-right of his Tory party are...quiet, and the DUP seem cautiously optimistic. Perhaps most importantly, Boris Johnson, a key potential spanner in Sunak's works, hasn't poked his head above the parapet. Could this be the start of a Conservative government rising from the ashes of internecine warfare? And could that well prove problematic for one Keir Starmer?

And in the podcast, we talk to someone who knows a thing or two about significant Irish agreements: former Taoiseach from 1997-2008, Bertie Ahern, who orchestrated the Good Friday Agreement with Tony Blair's Labour government back in 1998, some 25 years ago.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Sunak's gamble

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:57:00 +0100

For Northern Ireland Protocol, now read Windsor Framework.

A beaming Rishi Sunak and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, have signed what MIGHT come to be seen as an historic agreement to solve the conundrum of the status of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.

Might, because we don't know how the loyalist, unionist DUP will react, nor the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservative Party, the ERG, potentially led by mischief-maker-in-chief, Boris Johnson. What Sunak has negotiated is a victory for pragmatic policy-making. But the raw politics still looks precarious.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Bernie Sanders on Biden, Corbyn, and billionaires

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 16:24:00 +0100

U.S. Senator, Chair of the Budget Committee and TikTok sensation Bernie Sanders joins Lewis and Jon in the studio. He spoke about Joe Biden’s presidency, whether Jeremy Corbyn should stand as an independent candidate, and his new book It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Let Them Eat Turnips

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:57:00 +0100

The environment and food secretary has suggested that - faced with a tomato shortage - people should just eat turnips instead.

It’s all a bit Marie Antoinette but just a bit more depressing.

Today we look at the long-term problem behind our current empty shelves with Observer food critic Jay Rayner.

And on the eve of the anniversary of Russia's second invasion of Ukraine, London's streets are blue and yellow - but is Putin successfully negotiating the West's economic sanctions? We ask corruption hunter-in-chief Bill Browder.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Shamima Begum: should we forgive the IS bride?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:44:00 +0100

Most fifteen year olds do stupid things.

Rarely do they join a terrorist organisation in Syria. But today. Shamima Begum - the ISIS bride - lost her appeal - and with it her chance to regain UK citizenship. Do we feel safer as a country? Or soulless? And as Kate Forbes - committed Christian and SNP Finance Minister makes her case to lead Scotland, we ask another committed Christian, MP Tim Farron - once Lib Dem leader, now podcast host - if politics and religion can ever mix in Britain.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Putin, the Protocol and the Press

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:56:00 +0100

There is too much news today. Frankly.

Putin tried to convince a domestic audience that NATO started the war in Ukraine, Rishi Sunak tried to face down Tory doubters telling him to drop his Northern Ireland deal, and the press and media are mulling over how to respond to accusations of intrusion by Nicola Bulley's grieving family.

We hear from Northern Ireland Shadow Secretary Peter Kyle, Putin's former speechwriter Abbas Gallyanov, and former Head of News at ITN and formerly of broadcasting regulator Ofcom's Stewart Purvis.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

What is Boris Johnson up to?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:45:00 +0100

Boris Johnson has been slapped down by a senior Conservative for his interventions on Rishi Sunak's latest Brexit deal over Northern Ireland.

Is the former PM stirring up trouble to pave the way for a comeback?

In the first interview since he left office, Johnson's former Director of Comms Guto Harri speaks exclusively to The News Agents and has a message for his old boss.

And Lewis comes back from Rotherham, where he was over the weekend reporting on a far-right protest gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers. He tells us what he heard and saw.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the Union bouncing back?

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:03:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has been in Belfast, hoping he can be the Prime Minister to finally answer the question on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Can he break Brexit gridlock?

And elsewhere in the United Kingdom questions over the strength of the Union have been raised by Nicola Sturgeon's decision to quit as leader of the Scottish National Party.

Does her resignation signal the the start of the decline of the independence movement?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Nicola Bulley: Have the police said too much?

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:07:00 +0100

Lancashire Police have come under-fire for the revelations they made overnight about the missing mother Nicola Bulley who's not been seen for nearly three weeks. Why did they say so much - after weeks of near silence?

And how damaging has that been to trust in the police?

And we look at another communications disaster in the making - a train derailment in Ohio is threatening environmental catastrophe. Yet the authorities are accused of a cover up - and conspiracy theories are starting to flourish.....

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Sturgeon resigns

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:52:00 +0100

Sturgeon is stepping down as Scotland's First Minister.

Jeremy Corbyn is banned from standing as a Labour MP.

If there’s a broad News Agents take away it’s this: be careful about sitting down with Lewis Goodall.

Today we look at what may lie behind Sturgeon's decision and what it could mean for Scottish independence.

And we ask Diane Abbott - old friend of Jeremy Corbyn - is she backs the current or former Labour leader now.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Gender Identity, Children and the NHS

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:10:00 +0100

The only NHS service in England to offer gender identity services to children announced it would be closing down last year - after years of whistleblowers who worked there trying to raise the alarm about a scandal in their midst: a failure to safeguard some of the country's most vulnerable young adults.

What went wrong?

And how much did the toxic political climate at the time over trans issues contribute to a work practice that was not fit for purpose. We talk to the investigative reporter Hannah Barnes who's new book Time to Think reflects her years spent talking to those involved - the staff, the families and most importantly, the children themselves.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why is Joe Biden shooting down UFOs?

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:23:00 +0100

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the airspace, another one gets shot down. What are these unidentified flying objects? Are they *just* balloons? And are there more of them now or are we just noticing them more?

What does it tell us about a) the sky b) the relations we now have with one of our biggest trading partners, China.

And - missing in action? Jon Sopel has finally turned up ... on Prime Time Australian TV. We are merciless, as you would expect.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is it now too expensive to have kids?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:57:00 +0100

Childcare in Britain is broken and yet it is almost never talked about. Why? In this episode, Lewis dissects why Labour thinks this could be the key to a majority at the next election and why in 21st century Britain having children is fast becoming a luxury item.

We talk you through how the system has become so expensive and the fact that families increasingly find themselves wondering whether it’s worth both parents staying in work - or worth even having children at all.

We also bring you up to date with the ongoing set of scandals engulfing sexual crimes and the Metropolitan Police and- horrifyingly- whether there may be even more to come.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Turkey-Syria earthquakes: How do we aid people under authoritarian regimes?

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:54:00 +0100

Authoritarian regimes in both Syria and Turkey make a devastating situation even more complicated. How do we get aid in to help quake victims when the humanitarian corridors are limited and social media communication is censored?

In Turkey many want to know where the 30 billion pounds of funding that was meant to make buildings earthquake-proof has gone.

Meanwhile, Russia is on the move - coming to Syria's rescue. What's the agenda there? We asked former Foreign Secretary and International Rescue Committee head David Miliband, Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell, and the Times's Hannah Lucinda Smith, who has lived in the regions for years and visited the quake epicentre this week.

The DEC is launching the Turkey-Syria Earthquake to deliver vital aid in the aftermath of earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria and raise funds to help its 15 charities to scale up their work to reach more of the millions of people affected. People need help now. Please donate at dec.org.uk.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Zelenskyy wants wings: Will Rishi grant his request for fighter jets?

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:30:00 +0100

With a mere couple of hours notice that Ukraine's President Zelensky was in town, The News Agents dropped everything to get to Westminster Hall to hear him address both houses of Parliament.

A speech that began with gracious tributes quickly got to its blunt point: A request for 'wings' - fighter jets - which the US and UK previously turned down.

So will this historic demand change the minds of the world leaders? In the hall were both the PM and former PM Boris Johnson. Zelensky paid thanks to both.

But The News Agents heard murmurings that Boris Johnson was muttering - all the way through the speech - about Rishi. We're sure it was all good thoughts...

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

High Drama, Low Politics: James Norton joins the cast

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:34:00 +0100

Rishi Sunak has had his first proper reshuffle (excluding the one he did as soon as he started).

What do the changes tell us about the priorities of this government? And what has he left?

TL:DR Dominica Raab remains in his job.

Then, we shift to the Calder Valley. James Norton is in HQ and talks playing a rapist, being from Yorkshire and what the PM is getting wrong with the arts.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

All (Dis) Quiet on the Westminster Front

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:34:00 +0100

Liz Truss is back.

And oh.

So are those pauses.

She tells Spectator TV she doesn't want to be PM again but she does want to promote her economic ideas. (You remember the ones that nearly melted the markets). We ask why there has been so little self reflection. And if her economic diagnosis might one day prove right...

And we speak to Malte Grunert - producer of the world's most harrowing film, All Quiet on the Western Front about German attitudes to war, modern warfare and German history.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Jeremy Corbyn on strikes, Starmer and anti-Semitism

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:51:00 +0100

Jeremy Corbyn’s time as Labour leader was one of the most extraordinary periods of modern politics. For a while he seemed like he’d moved the posts of politics. And yet now, he is a political ghost. He isn’t even a Labour MP.

In this wide ranging and exclusive interview, Lewis talks to the man himself, at length about the prime ministers he knew, the biggest period of industrial unrest for decades, his successor, his suspension and the anti-Semitism saga which engulfed his leadership.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Return of Liz Truss?!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:59:00 +0100

Little birdies have told The News Agents we can shortly expect Liz Truss to re-emerge onto the political scene.

She's going to reiterate her ideology and perhaps address some of what went wrong in those fateful 49 days. Don't think of this as another bid for PM. She may be wanting to offer a Conservative template for future generations - think America's Republican firebrand Barry Goldwater in the 1960's who paved the way for Reaganism.

And on the subject of Republicans - the Culture Wars in the US are back with a vengeance. Donald Trump is talking transgender, Ron DeSantis is taking on race.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Full-on, dirty political gossip

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:29:00 +0100

A Labour MP has put the cat amongst the pigeons by calling Israel's government 'fascist' in the House of Commons.

She's been hauled in front of Keir Starmer. Watch this space. We'll be talking about the rising tensions and indeed violence in Israel - but we also wanted to take you behind the scenes to some of the briefings we have been hearing about those Dominic Raab bullying allegations and Boris Johnson's stately trip to the USA.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the UK regretting Brexit?

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:56:00 +0100

Brexit is three years old. And like a raging toddler after a missed lunchtime nap it's kicking and screaming its way through our national consciousness creating chaos as it goes. New polls suggest a sizeable proportion of those who voted for Brexit now regret it. What do those who created the Brexit deal make of it now? We talk at length to Lord David Frost - architect of the Northern Ireland Protocol and Chief Brexit Negotiator about why he still believes in it.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Are the Tories suffering from 'Long Boris'?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:23:00 +0100

New polls show more bad news for Rishi Sunak less than a day after his decisive action to sack his ministerial-code breaking Conservative Party Chair, Nadhim Zahawi. Why can't the PM catch a break? And is the Zahawi saga over - or is there more to come out?

We speak to former Chief of Staff at No.10 Gavin Barwell about what's happening at Tory HQ.

And, who do you trust more: Boris Johnson, or the Kremlin?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Nicola Sturgeon on Gender, Starmer and Prince Harry

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:15:00 +0100

We travel to Edinburgh and Holyrood, the home of the Scottish Parliament, and sit down in a meeting room in the belly of the building housing Scottish power.

In walks one of the most formidable people on this sceptred isle. Nicola Sturgeon. She gamely gives us nearly an hour of her time.

She’s the great survivor of British politics. She’s on her fifth Tory Prime Minister. She’s bestrode Scottish politics for a decade. And in the last weeks she’s found herself central to the British political conversation once again. Lewis talks to Scotland’s First Minister about her controversial Gender Recognition Reform Bill, about the coming battle (or deal?) with Labour and Keir Starmer, about the strengths and weaknesses of the prime ministers who have come and gone and who she’s observed, and even a bit on Prince Harry.

And, after finding out pre-interview that she's a regular listener of the podcast(!), who does she prefer: Emily or Jon?

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Rory Symon

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Ellie Clifford

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Britain becoming irrelevant?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:45:00 +0100

The News Agents are on Nadhim-watch. Alas there have been no actual sightings of him this week, but he’s been talked about plenty.

And now, the head of HMRC has been speaking about tax penalties, and not helpfully for the Tory party chairman, who appears to be edging ever closer to the brink.

There was further bad news for the government this morning as the latest car production figures show production is now down to its lowest level for over 60 years. Why? Is it another stark illustration of Britain's shrinking manufacturing industries?

And Donald Trump has got his Facebook account back, but he’s very much on probation.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the job too big for Rishi Sunak?

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0100

In Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer landed the blow that seems to have thus far defined political discourse since PM Rishi Sunak took office. Is he too weak to sack ministers when he needs to? Is the job just too big for him? We discuss.

And, Germany and the US have agreed to send tanks to Ukraine to help ward off Russia's invasion. Are tanks useful in modern warfare? What does this mean for the Ukrainian war effort? And will this shift the dial in a war that appears to be stagnating? We ask the former Commanding Officer of one of Britain's tank regiments, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Sunak too weak to sack Zahawi?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:49:00 +0100

Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs are now becoming a problem for Rishi Sunak. The PM has asked for a full acount of what happened - a change of tune from last week when he said there was nothing to see. Does the PM show resilience from holding on to a colleague under-fire? Or weakness by refusing to face the awkward facts?

And we speak to YouTube megastar Nas Daily about Chat GPT and replacing creatives with AI, artificial intelligence.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Are the Tories running the BBC?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0100

The BBC's mantra is that impartiality - and the perception of impartiality - must be at its core.

Yet following revelations in The Sunday Times we are coming to understand the nature of the relationship between the former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his financial needs, and the current Chairman of the BBC - an old friend of his, Richard Sharp.

Today, we ask why the Chairman failed to declare details that might have compromised that impartiality. And we speak to former Chair of the BBC Board Diane Coyle, who is horrified at what has emerged.

We approached the BBC for comment before publishing this episode.

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Degrees, Debt, Despair: uni students in 2023

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:35:00 +0100

In our 100th episode, are students the forgotten part of our society? They're facing the cost of living crisis, a now near-permanent graduate tax, and many complain about the quality of their courses.

On this episode Lewis spends time with a group of Manchester students whose halls have vermin, and for which they're paying a pretty penny. And we take you through one of the biggest misunderstandings of modern British politics- how the student loan system, has stopped really working as a loans system, and is now, for all intents and purposes, a stealth tax.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Ellie Clifford

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Sir Keir Starmer on Brexit, the Met Police and "being a lad"

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:42:00 +0100

Up an icy cold Swiss mountain, Sir Keir Starmer talked exclusively and at length to The News Agents. Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? What should happen to the Metropolitan Police and what do his kids think of his political ambition?

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Brexit home truths at Davos

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:36:00 +0100

Emily and Jon are in the Swiss mountain village of Davos. Luckily, for them, they're in the same mountain village as some of the world's most important people. It’s a power magnet, and a place to find out what people are thinking about Britain right now.

We catch up wih William Hague - former Tory leader - who tells us Brexit is to blame for the collapse of the company Britishvolt. And we doorstep filmmaker Richard Curtis, of Love Actually. And with the Managing Director of The World Bank.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus & Dino Sofos

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

The Union and Gender politics collide

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:30:00 +0100

Two of the big conflicts which define British politics- the culture war and the war for the Union, have fused together.

The Scottish government's controversial Gender Recognition Bill, which would make it easier for people to legally change their gender and hailed by some as a great advance for trans rights, has been blocked, vetoed by the UK government.

UK ministers claim it would impact UK wide equalities legislation. In this episode, Lewis takes you through both the substance of the issue at hand but also how it is just the latest staging post on a constitutional clash of wills between Westminster and Holyrood, and how both issues, already fraught and volatile, are becoming interwoven making both all the more unstable still.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Suella, The Home Office and the Holocaust survivor

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:53:00 +0100

It's quite a thing to pick a fight with a Holocaust survivor.

But this weekend, The Home Office asked for the removal of a social media clip that showed Joan Salter MBE confronting Home Secretary Suella Braverman over what she called 'dehumanising' rhetoric around refugees.

The Home Office said the clip did not show the full exchange and had been heavily edited. Was the clip unfair? In stepping in, did the Home Office act out of order? And what does it tell us more widely about the government's communications issues after a weekend where Rishi Sunak also came unstuck with questioning over Scottish independence. We talk to former Director of Comms at Downing Street Sir Craig Oliver about how you get this stuff right.

And, classified documents at three of Biden's residences. Is this any different to Trump's document hoarding at Mar-a-Lago? And does this reinvigorate Trump's 2024 presidential bid and stymie Biden's re-election tilt?

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Is Labour shifting on Brexit?

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:01:00 +0100

It's been said for years that Labour have been too scared to touch the political lightning rod of Brexit, for fear of losing yet another general election.

But, what if that dial is shifting now? What if Keir Starmer's party feel so comfortable in their lead in the polls that the question of Brexit is reopened? He's been in Belfast, today, outlining measures that would soften the terms of the Brexit the UK subjected itself to two years ago. We talk to Labour MP Chris Bryant, and political commentator Steve Richards about whether Starmer is playing his cards right.

And, the epidemic of homelessness gets worse. Lewis visits a food station in Central London to talk to the homeless about a crisis and speaks to the CEO of Shelter Polly Neate about the increase of families without a permanent home.

Research: Megan McElroy

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Northern Ireland: Brexit's biggest headache

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:24:00 +0100

Keir Starmer is heading to Belfast and believes his party can help unlock the stalemate there. What does it take to make Brexit's biggest headache - the question of Northern Ireland - go away?

And could you explain it if you needed to ? We set Lewis Goodall to the challenge with a list of banned words...

And Tony Blair's former Chief of Staff in No.10, Jonathan Powell, helps demystify one of the sharpest political thorns in the British Isles.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Partygate: The Hangover

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:06:00 +0100

If you thought it was safe to go back to The Twiglets - hang fire.

New revelations about what Boris Johnson knew - and what he said - have emerged which throw the inquiry into whether he misled Parliament into focus.

We ask Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan whether she's ready for a Boris return, whether her Online Safety Bill would make people any safer, and what she makes of Elon Musk at the helm of Twitter.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Rishi Sunak Goes Private (Jet)

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:17:00 +0100

Do we mind if our Conservative prime minister takes a private jet (to Leeds), if has a private GP, if sends his kids to private school? Are you outraged or happy that he's using his time (and frequently his own money) more efficiently?

We discuss. Also, Kevin McCarthy now finally controls the US House of Representatives for the Republicans. What will change on their international commitments? Will less spending reach Ukraine as a result?

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Armando Iannucci on the prince, politicians and being a 'spare'

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:03:00 +0100

The creator of The Thick of It, Veep and Alan Partridge Armando Iannucci joins us to talk about the current state of politics and his popularisation of its dirty underbelly. Jon and Emily disagree about Harry’s attack on the media. And we discuss the attempt to upend democracy in Brazil and its echoes of Jan 6th riots, just over two years ago.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

AUDIO CREDIT:

Veep, HBO Entertainment

The Thick of IT, BBC Productions

What's Harry's endgame?

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:50:00 +0100

Prince Harry has taken aim at the Palace in his new memoir ‘Spare’. Is the institution of the monarchy working for those born into it, or for us? And how does this very public family feud end?

And the US Congress remains in gridlock after representatives failed to elect a speaker for the eleventh time (and counting). On the second anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, Lewis asks how much this is a product of Trump-era politics, and speaks to his former Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney about whether the Republican party are split beyond repair.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The News Agents is executive produced by Dino Sofos.

Starmer, strikes and Shapps

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:54:00 +0100

Keir Starmer says you can’t legislate your way out of a dispute with new laws against strikes.

But today on the News Agents we hear from the cabinet minister in charge of industrial relations.

Grant Shapps says it’s all about ensuring “minimum safety [and service] levels”. What does that even mean? And how does that work when we haven’t got enough people on the frontline anyway?

We discuss.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Channel 4 Privatisation is OFF: The Scoop

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:06:00 +0100

A letter sent from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was intercepted by our very own Lewis Goodall before it was ever made public.

In it, she sets out her reasons for ditching Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries' plan to privatise Channel 4. Cue sighs of relief at Channel 4 and howls of frustration from a previous culture secretary who saw her own work being undone. We discuss what the move says about this government's direction of travel - and take in Rishi Sunak's first big speech of 2023.

Also - what on earth is going on in the US Congress? Absolute scenes as the Republicans struggle to complete the first and fundamental act of Congress: the formality of choosing a Speaker of the House.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The collapse of the NHS

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 17:35:00 +0100

For months - maybe years - we've talked about the NHS being at breaking point. 'On the brink'. 'On the edge'. Is it not time to admit the system itself is now broken?

Today, we hear your experiences -our News Agents - with stories from the NHS frontline. The surgeon who tells us cupboards are now being used as examination cubicles because there are no beds and no privacy on the wards.

The sister of an ill family member who watched a man suffering all the symptoms of a stroke in A and E with no one around to help him.

How much of this comes down to funding? How much to decline? How much to a failure of social care to pick up where the emergency services leave off? We discuss...

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Planning: Alex Barnett

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

2022 in review, Part II: The King, 3 PMs and a failed president

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0100

Emily, Jon and Lewis review 2022; at home and abroad.

You know about the prime ministers and the monarchs and the presidents, but what’s going on beneath the headlines this year? The News Agents discuss a realignment in politics over the course of the last six months and ask if a new normalisation is here to stay. Does anything about how this year is ending presage what is to come in 2023?

Plus - listener questions and some more special 'guest' appearances.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Christmas Special with Nigella Lawson & Ruth Rogers

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0100

For the first time since 2019 Christmas is looking “normal “. What have we learnt from Covid, the food crisis and the evolution of how and what we consume?

Emily and Jon talk to two of the most famous chefs in the world about what’s on their mind this Christmas.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Dino Sofos

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

2022 in review, Part I: Boris, Ukraine, and new beginnings

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:19:00 +0100

Emily, Jon and Lewis review 2022; at home and abroad. They talk Ukraine, Partygate, and having a fresh start. Part 2 out next week!

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will Trump face criminal charges over the Capitol riots?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:35:00 +0100

Nearly two years on from the January sixth riots, a cross-party committee is uncompromising in its findings: Donald Trump assisted in insurrection, obstruction, conspiracy to defraud and deceive. Now it’s over to the US Department of Justice. Will they make criminal charges against a president for the first time in the country's history? And what happens to the Republican Party and its leaders now?

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Does Suella's Rwanda dream live on?

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:03:00 +0100

Today, the UK High Court ruled that the UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is lawful. Don't expect flights to Kigali filled with asylum seekers to take off tomorrow though; they'll be plenty of appeals and cases will need to be considered case by case.

And Jon and Lewis are joined by Suzanne Lynch, of POLITICO, and Nigel Gardner, formerly a European Commission spokesman. They talk Qatargate - the cash for access scandal rocking Brussels.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:28:00 +0100

At the next election we will all be expected to show voter ID. Which is fine if you have a passport or a driving licence - but much much harder if you don't.

The Conservative party believes the change is important to counter voter fraud -and say it's really not a big ask to get people to ID themselves at the polls when they do for so much else.

Opposition parties say they are trying to find a solution to a problem that doesnt exist. And worse, that the people they will disenfranchise will be the poorer, more marginalised voters who are dont have the paperwork ready (and dont naturally vote conservative). So what is behind the reform? And what effect will it have?

Also - Sam Bankman-Fried - one of the few men in the world who knows what it's like to lose 40 billion dollars - has just been arrested in the Bahamas and charged over money laundering and fraud. We revisit the Cryptocurrency con.

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the NHS beyond saving?

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:14:00 +0100

The funding model of the NHS has always seemed sacrosanct, untouchable.

We boast about having the finest service in the world - free at the point of demand to everyone. But - it doesn't take a brain surgeon to see the service is now at breaking point. The waiting lists, the A&E queues, the morale of doctors and nurses, the impending strikes and the shortage of staff more generally.

So is anyone brave enough to start talking about alternatives? And does private investment in the NHS - as demonstrated by New Labour under Tony Blair - actually work or just make things worse?

Also on the News Agents - England lost a major football tournament this weekend, but no one's blaming the players or the manager. What on earth is happening?

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

How much worse will strikes get?

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:51:00 +0100

Lewis heads to the scene of a raucous picket line to speak to CWU union members on strike. But how much worse will strikes get this winter?

Lewis casts an eye over all sectors taking industrial action over pay, workers rights and terms and conditions.

And then, we talk to England vs. France. But not the football. We're joined by two French people who have lived in the UK for decades; and they discuss the complex relationship between England and France; culturally, historically and in the present day, post-Brexit. Philippe Auclair, singer-songwriter and football journalist, and star of TV show First Dates, Fred Sirieix.

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Joe Lycett on Beckham, Bake Off and 'being right-wing'

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:26:00 +0100

Comedian Joe Lycett joins Emily and Jon in News Agents HQ.

He tells us why being so angry with the government makes him do 'silly' things, 'shredding' £10,000 in a stand-off with David Beckham, and whether he'll replace Matt Lucas as the presenter of The Great British Bake-Off.

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The far right plot to overthrow Germany

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0100

Overnight in Germany three thousand police have made two dozen arrests after uncovering a far right plot to overthrow the German state.

The group were preparing for Day X- and an attempt to storm the Bundestag, the German parliament, taking MPs hostage. It’s the stuff of horror, nightmare and fantasy - conspiracy rooted in Germany's pre-war history and America's modern QAnon movement.

Today we speak to a senior MP from Germany’s governing SPD party, Nils Schmid, and from the author of Going Dark, Julia Ebner - who’s gone undercover with conspiracy networks and made extremism her life’s study.

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Missing millions and Michelle Mone

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:13:00 +0100

The Tory Peer Michelle Mone is to take a leave of absence from the House of Lords to 'clear her name' from the allegations she profited to the tune of more than £20 million from a PPE Covid contract. She hasn't voted in the Lords since the end of April - just days before her home was raided by the National Crime Agency. And today, Labour has urged the lower chamber, the House of Commons to vote to secure the release of secret texts, emails and documents relating to the 200 million pounds of contracts secured by the PPE Medpro company.

And we talk to Lord Ed Vaizey - former Tory Culture Minister - about clandestine conversations between the UK and Greece on how to return the Parthenon (Elgin) Sculptures (Marbles) to Athens. Is this about art? theft? history? Or is it diplomacy?

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is the House of Lords indefensible?

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:25:00 +0100

On today's episode we launch the Christmas Countdown - our (and your) favourite soundbites of political inanity of 2022.

Please send in the moments you want us to revisit and react to.

But before we get there, we talk about Sir Keir Starmer's plans to abolish the House of Lords and redistribute the economy more faithfully around the country. Is it justifiable to have an unelected upper chamber in 2022? And what would the replacement actually look and sound like? We speak to Baroness Hilary Armstrong, a Labour peer, and Conservative MP Vicky Ford.

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The cryptocurrency con

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:09:00 +0100

You're 30 years old, worth billions as a result of a crypto exchange you've set up - and in the space of one Sunday afternoon it all turns to dust. What must that feel like?

On this episode of The News Agents we speak to someone who's been there, done that and has got the badge (the prison sentence). Nick Leeson single-handedly brought down one of Britain's most famous financial institutions in 1995 - Barings Bank - and spent four years in a Singapore jail as a result. He speaks to us about the tight spot Sam Bankman Fried now finds himself in, and how similar it was to his own.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why is Trump hanging out with racists (again)?

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:54:00 +0100

Donald Trump is insisting he was set up by Kanye (Ye) West over that dinner party he accidentally hosted for a white supremacist leader. NBC News is reporting Trump's fury at West - who he thinks is deliberately trying to embarrass him off the electoral map. But some think Trump can do that all by himself. Today, we hear from a former advisor to two Bush presidents (George H.W & George W.) who tells us the stringent security around ex-presidents means NO ONE could turn up to dinner without clearance.

And talking of former populist leaders, Boris Johnson has announced he will stand again in his relatively marginal West London seat. He could very well lose. What's that all about?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:43:00 +0100

Dominic Raab is facing renewed allegations of bullying behaviour. In this episode we turn the clock back to the time he took out a 'confidentiality agreement' -which lawyers tell us is EXACTLY the same as an NDA; a non-disclosure agreement.

In 2011 he refused to release the woman who signed it from being able to tell her side of the story. We hear from Mark Stephens, a solicitor, who shows us how NDAs are being used and abused in the corridors of power. And from Zelda Perkins - former personal assistant to Harvey Weinstein - who was herself silenced by an NDA for 23 years and is now campaigning to change the law to stop NDAs being used to cover up abusive or criminal behaviour.

Her campaign is Can't Buy My Silence. You can find them here: https://www.cantbuymysilence.com/

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will Qatar regret hosting the World Cup?

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:02:00 +0100

Qatar has gone from being a quietly successful, enormously rich, largely anonymous speck on the world map to being a pariah of the Middle East.

It had hoped hosting the World Cup would bring fame and more fortune - not the unedifying stink of corruption and rows about workers, women and LGBTQ+ rights.

Are they wondering if it was all worth it? And will a gratifyingly rampant England victory finally stir the relatively subdued fans watching back home?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why Britain is so much poorer than you think

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:42:00 +0100

Poverty in Britain is bad and it’s getting worse. And yet, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has set out plans to tax the British public more than ever before.

Lewis travels back to Birmingham to visit a community centre which provides food and warmth for the local community, and he’s joined back in News Agents HQ by Torsten Bell, of the Resolution Foundation, and Duncan Robinson from The Economist to unpick the structural reasons of how it can be that the government is taxing more than ever before, yet public services are as bad as they are right now. This all comes with poverty becoming increasingly normalised in British society.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Day Editor: Ellie Clifford

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Recession.

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

The highest tax burden in decades. The biggest drop in living standards on record. The UK and its economy is stuttering into a second recession in a decade. The news today delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was not good.

Emily, Jon and Lewis unpack the Autumn Statement on today's episode.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Piers Morgan on Ronaldo and the return of Trump

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:50:00 +0100

Donald Trump is running for president again... to the surprise of no one.

Not even the legion advisors telling him now was a really really bad time to announce it. He's on a bit of a low - the midterm results were a stinging rejection of the candidates he backed - and the election deniers were - ultimately - rejected at the polls. You can hear a very on-message, subdued Trump in the speech he made last night.

We thought we'd speak to someone who's rarely on message - one Piers Morgan -about his slightly odd friendship with Trump, that Cristiano Ronaldo interview he's just done and whether television still works as a medium of mass communication. We also dip into the House of Commons for PMQs where Dominic Raab had to field questions about his own allegations of bullying at the dispatch box. It is anti-bullying week after all....

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is Westminster full of bullies?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:06:00 +0100

A second minister in two weeks faces serious allegations of bullying. Are our corridors of power a breeding ground for bullyboy behaviour? We speak to Liz Bates, political correspondent at Sky News, who has delved deep into the alleged toxic culture that appears endemic in Westminster.

And we're joined by the former Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, George Eustice, who stood up in the House of Commons yesterday to brandish a trade deal he endorsed last year when he was in government 'a not very good deal'. He still says Brexit has gone well.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Football's Staying Home: David Baddiel on Qatar

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:41:00 +0100

Comedian Joe Lycett is offering ten thousand pounds to an LGBTQ+ charity if David Beckham pulls out of his multi-zillion dollar ambassadorial role in Qatar's World Cup. He calls on Beckham as a role model and ally to think about gay football fans in a country that criminalises homosexuality.

The News Agents have been hearing of the growing unease from members of the LGBTQ+ community who feel a deep disquiet from prominent figures in the world of entertainment prepared to take the Qatari dollar. Today, we'll hear from gay sports reporter Adam Crafton covering the World Cup, and from David Baddiel of 'Three Lions' fame who says he won't go to an England World Cup final in Qatar even if he's offered tickets....

Planning: Melissa Tutseigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Ellie Clifford

Deputy Editor: Gabriel Radus

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Renting Crisis: why is it so bad?

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:28:00 +0100

We often hear about mortgage rates going up, but perhaps not enough scrutiny is paid on the private renting sector... a sector that has enormous demand, and next to no supply. It's a sector that burns a mile-wide hole in the coffers of students, young professionals, families and many more. The Mini-Budget just seven weeks ago exacerbated the crisis to near breaking point.

But who's to blame? And how do we fix it?

We speak to an estate agents in London, a landlady with half a dozen properties, and the housing correspondent for the i paper and author Vicky Spratt and Vanessa Warwick, founder of Property Tribes, a forum for private landlords.

And we cast our glance across the Atlantic to the US, where the results from the mid-term elections, and the political ramifications, continue to unfold. We speak to polling expert and data journalist for The Economist G. Elliott Morris.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Duty Editor: Ellie Clifford

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Crown - fact or fiction?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:29:00 +0100

Major TV series The Crown is back - series five - and it deals with one of the most painful and excruciatingly public decades of recent Royal history. Diana's tell-all book with Andrew Morton, Charles's intimate phonecalls with Camilla, the Queen's popularity with her public and the early years of the young Prince William and Prince Harry. Every new season brings with it questions as to what is fact in the show, and what is fiction.

So today, we look at not just the drama, but the political, social, historic context of those times. We talk to one of THE great authorities on the Royal Family - Tina Brown -author of the best selling book The Palace Papers & The Diana Chronicles - who tells us about the conversation over lunch she shared with Diana just a month before she died. And we look at the Prime Ministers portrayed in the Crown - why does historical fact need to be altered and dramatised?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

US Midterms: Has Donald been Trumped?

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:29:00 +0100

We've been up all night waiting for the US midterm election results to come through so you could wake up at your leisure.

TLDR: Trump-backed candidates didn't really take off, Trump's Republican rival soared to victory and the Democrats look - at the time of recording - as if they've emerged with less damage than they might have feared. What does that mean for the next presidential contest? Does it allow Biden to seek a second term? Will it put Trump off his BIG ANNOUNCEMENT next Tuesday? And what does it tell us about how America is feeling right now?

Also - as predicted on Monday's The News Agents - Charmer-in-Chief Gavin Williamson...sorry SIR Gavin Williamson has resigned from cabinet. He's got a message on anti bullying for the kids.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Peerages for pals: The Boris Resignation Honours List.

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

It's hard to imagine leaving a job in disrepute but then giving 20 of your mates a top honour that allows them to create the laws of this country. Well, maybe it isn't that hard to imagine. It's what Boris Johnson appears to have done with his Resignation Honours List.

Lara Spirit of the Times tells us that four sitting MPs want to accept peerages without immediately giving up their seats in the House of Commons. That's a constitutional clash for a start. And then there's the advisors who have barely reached their thirties who are being offered the mother of all accolades in the mother of all parliaments.

Do we really want our laws being made by a bunch of the former PM's friends? We speak to Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, Baroness Angela Smith. And, after the latest revelations about Charmer-in-Chief Gavin Williamson - who told a senior civil servant to 'slit his throat' but denies it was bullying - we ask what it takes to NOT get an honour from this government.

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Does Extreme Protest Work - Just Stop Oil? Or Just Stop?

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:16:00 +0100

When Liz Truss was looking to galvanise not just the Tory party but the nation in her conference speech, she turned to Just Stop Oil protesters for help. She believed their fractious, disruptive, an d potentially dangerous tactics would make her 'anti growth' point better than any positive messaging she had hitherto used. As it turned out, she's now gone and they are still here - this morning blockading several more parts of the M25 motorway in the UK as the COP27 climate conference got underway in Egypt.

So on today's The News Agents we ask whether extreme protest makes you sit up...or throw up. Jon and Emily have a (mini) row about whether shock tactics can ever bring the public on side.

And we have veteran protestor Peter Tatchell in the studio- recently detained in Qatar - who has a message of his own for Just Stop Oil.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

What is Elon Musk doing at Twitter?

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Elon Musk has begun laying off staff at Twitter, a week after taking sole control of the company. He says he’s “freed the bird” but does freedom of speech on the platform come at the price of political stability and threats to democracy?

Lewis speaks to a range of guests from the tech industry, including a founding member of Twitter, Jason Goldman.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is American democracy on the line? A mid-terms preview

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

In less than a week America will head to the polls for the midterms - the first national elections of the Biden presidency since the January 6th insurrection.

Biden has told Americans that democracy is on the ballot - with hundreds of Republican candidates refusing to say whether they’ll accept the election outcome next week. Many more within the GOP continue to accept and propagate ‘The Big Lie’- that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump.

And yet the Republican Party is rising, not falling in the polls in the final week. Have Democrats misjudged this campaign’s message? And what will it mean for the Biden presidency if he loses one or both chambers of Congress?

Emily and Lewis will also discuss dire warnings about the economy from the Bank of England and the prospect of a recession which lasts until 2024.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

How Israel's Far Right brought Bibi Netanyahu back

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

As we record today's episode, Benjamin Netanyahu - currrently on trial for corruption charges - is about to (re)become Israel's PM. He's been in power for 17 years out of the last 25. And this time, it's all thanks to the Religious Zionism faction - a theocratic movement far far to his right that doesn't altogether believe in democracy. What does this mean for Israel, her neighbours, the Arab vote and indeed long-term peace?

And fresh from PMQs we speak to Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting about deselection, immigration, and taking on powerful 'non-dom' newspaper owners.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Immigration: what's going wrong?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0100

So much heat surrounds the issue of immigration. And the person in charge of decision making is Home Secretary Suella Braverman - and she's at the centre of a political storm over alleged multiple security breaches. Today The News Agents ask where the crisis lies, and what the numbers really tell us. We speak to the former Brexit secretary David Davis - does he have confidence in the Home Secretary? And we talk to a key former civil servant in the Home Office Sir David Normington.

One person more keen to leave the UK, rather than enter it, is Matt Hancock. He's off to the Aussie jungle on taxpayers money. What does David Davis, his former Cabinet colleague, think of that?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Gary Lineker speaks his mind on Qatar

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Gary Lineker tells us about the burger he shared with David Beckham in a hotel bar in Zurich the night before England was knocked out of the bid to host the 2018 Football world cup.

What happened next, he says, was unbelievable. Qatar - against virtually every single odd - was chosen to host the 2022 tournament. The REST, as they say IS HISTORY. Fast forward 12 years and Gary speaks of his responsibility to tell it like it is when he's out there - even if it annoys his Qatari hosts. We talk gay rights, UK gov response, Elon Musk and yes, even a bit of football.

Alicia Kearns, the new Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, joins us in the second half to talk about the importance of taking a burner phone to the World Cup. And she gives her thoughts on the controversial reinstatement of current Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

And Lewis brings us up to date with the Brazilian eletion result - a knife edge result that sees the 'Trump of the Tropics' removed from power.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

What's the cost of political chaos?

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:48:00 +0100

After weeks of political chaos, the real cost of the crisis is beginning to reveal itself. Lewis is joined this week by New Statesman columnist Martha Gill. They speak to Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government, about the staggering bill to the taxpayer, caused by an unprecedented number of ministerial redundancies over the summer.

They look to Northern Ireland, and a grid-locked Stormont. Belfast-based journalist Amanda Ferguson talks to them about the quickening decline in relations there, and the possibility of fresh elections in December.

And finally, Lewis is joined in the studio by Jon Livesey and Edward Keeble from the Daily Star, to hear about the runaway success of 'Liz the Lettuce’.

Production: Gabriel Radus

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Editor: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

How damaging is Brexit?

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:14:00 +0100

We’ve had the Brexit Opportunities Minister and the Brexit Benefits Department but weirdly - we still can’t point to what those are.

Today we ask if the UK economy is measurably worse off after Brexit (spoiler : the answer is yes) and what the solutions are. We hear the position of business, and talk to Tony Danker, the Director General of the Confederate of Business Industry. We look at the metrics with the Financial Times' Peter Foster that tell us what Brexit has done to growth. And we ask if the Mini Budget Kwarteng epiphany was a result of a country now desperate to plug holes Brexit has left.

Later in the show, we hear from the other side of the Brexit deal: the EU. The outgoing EU Ambassador to the UK João Vale de Almeida is in News Agents HQ.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

"Leaky Sue"

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:38:00 +0100

The Lib Dems have called for an investigation into why Suella Braverman is back in her role as home secretary one week after she resigned and apologised for security leaks, and a day after Rishi Sunak promised a government of integrity. Labour tabled an urgent question to ask the same thing in the House of Commons today. But the Home Secretary didn't appear to even turn up. Instead, it was left to the blokes - Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer - to face off at PMQs.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

RISHUFFLE

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:44:00 +0100

Liz Truss and her podium left Downing Street around ten thirty this morning, with a brief nod to bravery and her excellent plans for cutting taxes. Rishi Sunak came in an hour later - new podium - and talked about restoring integrity and professionalism to the office of PM. There were no prizes for guessing who he meant. He also made clear he was there because of Liz Truss mistakes. it sounded pretty brutal - but it put clear water between him and her. And then came the cabinet appointments. And at that moment it felt like back to the future. Many of the old guard are back in their old jobs - including Suella Braverman who quit hers just six days ago...

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Another new PM, Rishi Sunak

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:01:00 +0100

At 1.57pm this afternoon, Penny Mordaunt's team were still insisting she would make it through to the final run off with Rushi Sunak to become Britain's next prime minister. But, just two minutes before the 2pm deadline, she pulled out of the race, crowning Rishi Sunak as the next Conservative party leader and the UK's first British Asian Prime Minister. It's quite a moment.

Today The News Agents take stock of what we know about him, what we don't, and what his leadership will mean for the rest of the country. We hear from Empireland author Sathnam Sanghera on what it means for him, and do a bit of counting ourselves- cynics will tell you that if you add up all the supporters Boris Johnson claimed to have, all the supporters Penny Mordaunt believed she had and all the supporters Rishi Sunak had you arrive at a greater number than there are Tory MPs. We leave that to your musings without comment...

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Production: Gabriel Radus

Executive Producers: Tom Hughes & Ellie Clifford

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Boris Johnson pulls out

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:45:00 +0100

The News Agents convene for a special Sunday night episode. Jon, Emily and Lewis talk through the big news breaking just an hour or so earlier that Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister, has decided *not* to throw his hat in the ring for this truncated leadership election, despite the backing of dozens of MPs and sizeable support amongst Conservative Party members.

It paves the way for one of either Rishi Sunak, ex-Chancellor, or Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons, to become the UK's third premier of 2022. The former is now well and truly in the driving seat.

If you thought last week was crazy, buckle up for the next few days.

Production: Gabriel Radus & Dino Sofos

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Boris Johnson: Our Next Prime Minister?

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:59:00 +0100

In the week to end all weeks, we've lurched from the shortest prime ministerial era *ever* to the potential return of the last PM... who's only been an ex-PM for 45 days. The race to be our next Conservative Prime Minister is well and truly on (again!).

Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt has already thrown her hat into the ring, and the rumour is that former Chancellor Rishi Sunak will follow too.

 Jon and Lewis speak to former Special Advisor to Boris Johnson, Henry Newman, about whether the ex-PM will run, and what it means for the party.

And Matt Forde, of the British Scandal podcast, joins Lewis and Jon in the studio to talk about the blurred lines between politics and comedy... and why, if you don't laugh sometimes, you'll cry.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Gabriel Radus

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

TRUSS QUITS. Now what?

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:37:00 +0100

A day after announcing that she was a 'fighter, not a quitter', Prime Minister Liz Truss quits. A disastrous 24 hours for the Conservative government culminated in the PM's ousting at lunchtime today. She's the shortest serving Prime Minister in British political history.

Today's episode looks at the events that led to Truss’ resignation after just 45 days in office, the candidates in the running to take over, and the likelihood of an early general election.

Joining all three News Agents are Conservative Health Minister Robert Jenrick and former Tory party MP and now Editor of Conservative Home, Paul Goodman.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Will Batchelor

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Executive Producer: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

EMERGENCY POD: "A shambles, and a disgrace"

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 23:58:00 +0100

After Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned, the Prime Minister appointed one of her fiercest critics, Grant Shapps, to the post. Her Conservative project seems dead in the water, and after tonight’s chaos, Lewis and Jon discuss in this emergency episode whether the final nail has been drilled into the coffin of Liz Truss’ government.

Production: Ellie Clifford & Gabriel Radus

The Liz and Suella Show

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:36:00 +0100

We were about to publish this episode... and then the Home Secretary resigned. It came amidst a backdrop of a day in which an embattled prime minister had to face a series of tough questions from members of her own party, and the party opposite, at Prime Minister's Questions.

The chaos in British politics continues.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Ollie McGrath

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Is 'sorry' enough to save the PM?

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:38:00 +0100

After yesterday's stunning economic U-turn, today was a day where it was eerily quiet... almost too quiet. Why? Have the Conservatives finally decided to coalesce around their beleaguered leader? Was Jeremy Hunt's announcement enough to quell the baying wolves? It certainly calmed the markets down.

We explore what's happening now, what manoeuvring could be going on behind the scenes, and how pivotal tomorrow's Prime Minister's Questions is for her. If she comes through it well, she could be able to put her stuttering start behind her.

And we talk to Conservative MP and former chief whip Andrew Mitchell in the studio, and we also talk President Biden's extraordinary intervention in UK politics. Jon tells him to, well, mind his own business.

Plus - we want to hear your questions. Send them in via our socials or email us at newsagents@global.com.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Ollie McGrath

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

'The Lady's not for turning up'

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:36:00 +0100

Today saw one of the biggest political U-turns in the UK for decades. The new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt appeared on our TV screens announcing a raft of economic changes. Liz Truss, our Prime Minister, was nowhere to be seen.

We ask four questions today:

1) What just happened?

2) Why has the Government done it?

3) What does it mean for you, the listener?

4) And what does it mean for Truss and the chances of premiership?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Vision Mixer: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Social Editor: Ollie McGrath

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

What is the point of Liz Truss now?

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:49:00 +0100

Liz Truss has sacked her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, and u-turned on her corporation tax cut. But without him, and the economic policy which defined her premiership, what does she stand for now? How long will she survive as Prime Minister and will she lead the Conservatives into the next election?

Lewis is joined by Katy Balls, Deputy Political Editor of The Spectator, and Michael Jacobs, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Sheffield, and former Special Advisor to Gordon Brown.

Production: Ellie Clifford and Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Dear oh dear

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:13:00 +0100

It's so bad for our prime minister that even the King seemed to express dismay when he was caught on mic saying "dear oh dear" to his PM. As half the government briefs journalists that U-turns are on the horizon, and the other half refutes the concept as preposterous, the only thing that's clear is that it is dark days for this Conservative government, and for Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng. Could we be seeing the Kwarteng/Truss endgame? And maybe even Mordaunt/Sunak resurrections?

And in the second half of the show we speak to two people of Iranian heritage on what they call the biggest mood change in Iran since the revolution in 1979. Christiane Amanpour and Omid Djalili join us to tell us more.

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Just don't call it a U-turn

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:04:00 +0100

More government U-turns, gossip from an Anti Growth Coalition drinks party, and a PMQs debrief. Ian Blackford, SNP’s leader in Westminster also pops in to News Agents HQ for a chat.

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

"Dark arts" at the Daily Mail?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:59:00 +0100

The Daily Mail Group - Associated Newspapers - has been accused of 'abhorrent criminal activity' by Doreen Lawrence - mother of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

She's lodged a claim in the High Court along with Prince Harry, Elton John, David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and former Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes.

They allege the papers engaged in unlawful acts - including the hiring of private detectives to hide listening devices inside people’s cars and homes.

On today's episode of The News Agents we take our listeners into the 'dark arts' of journalism from the people who actually exploited others to get their stories.

One is a private investigator who hacked Meghan Markle's data. One was a reporter for the News of the World who was convicted of phone hacking, blew the whistle on his bosses, and now campaigns for better press regulation.

We ask what has happened in the decade since the Leveson enquiry threw a spotlight onto the unscrupulous and illegal way that so many tabloid stories were obtained.

The government has lost its appetite for any further press regulation. But has the public? And how likely is it that further allegations will emerge of as a result of this new case?

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Putin's Revenge

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:18:00 +0100

Kyiv awoke to bombs, explosion and the sour smell of retaliation.

Putin had spent his 70th birthday weekend watching his precious road bridge that linked Crimea to mainland Russia blown to pieces. And today was his fightback. Revenge served just two days cold.

75 missiles launched at targets across Ukraine. Poeple on their way to work. Parks, children’s playgrounds all the seemingly pointless target of Putin’s anger.

We hear from John Sweeney - in his shower as the shells hit Kyiv - and from the US special envoy to Ukraine and former NATO Ambassador Kurt Volker.

And - for a bit of light relief we return to domestic politics, where the guilts are soaring, the new date for the fiscal budget has been set and the personal changes are multiple. We hear it from the scoop monster that is George Parker, Political Editor of the FT.

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Will the lights go out on us and Truss?

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:15:00 +0100

The National Grid has warned that British households could face power blackouts this winter, if the energy crisis exacerbates. But Liz Truss' government has ruled out any energy conservation campaign. Why?

And it's been a hectic few weeks at the major party conferences, but what do the voters really think of the state of politics? Lewis went to a focus group in Swindon to ask what they make of Liz Truss and her opposite number Keir Starmer.

Polly Billington, former Special Advisor to Ed Miliband, and Luke Tryl, former special advisor to ex-Conservative minister Nicky Morgan, and current director of public opinion research agency More in Common are with him to dissect the results.

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Suella has a dream

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:19:00 +0100

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has given us her 'I have a dream speech'. She got misty eyed as she imagined a newspaper front page showing a plane full of asylum seekers being deported to Rwanda. We seem to have come a long way from Martin Luther King.

But as the PM heads off to Prague to talk migrant crossings with her friend-or-foe Emmanuel Macron, we thought we'd take a look at the plan for Tory immigration - and ask whether the PM and her Home Secretary even agree.

And we get Craig Oliver and Andrew Cooper back by popular demand to take us through what just happened at the Conservative Party Conference.

Production: Ellie Clifford and Gabriel Radus

Planning: Mellisa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

Truss does Trump

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:07:00 +0100

Prime minister Liz Truss closed her conference with a speech about things she hated. These included people from north London townhouses who taxi to the BBC, tweet and go on podcasts. So Jon - who is all of these - is feeling slightly wounded.

She coined a new phrase for her collective dislikes, “the anti growth coalition“ - a phrase that rather reminded us of Donald Trump's old playlist,“enemies of the people". As she talked, protests from Greenpeace tried to disrupt the speech - but may actually have given her more purpose.

We look at the ideology behind the speech, whether it can unite the country and save her own political fortunes.

And we talk to Mark Littlewood, the head of free market think tank IEA, and yes - we do ask him who funds them.

Production: Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

Ten days to save Liz Truss

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:53:00 +0100

A senior Conservative MP has told The News Agents Liz Truss is facing a critical moment and may have just ten days to save her job.

Party discipline appears to be crumbling before our eyes. Ministers are openly touting policies they favour or reject and some are even telling each other to quietly go away. There is a restlessness at the Conservative Party Conference which tells you things haven’t really gone back to normal. And may not ever.

We speak to a Cabinet minister who wants his rebel colleagues to shut up. And to a former minister who says he’s propelled to speak truth to power when he sees a bad policy.

And tomorrow they all have to coalesce behind the leader as Liz Truss gives her keynote speech. How’s that looking?

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video: Rory Symon

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Lady IS for Turning

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:40:00 +0100

Somewhere between the hours of 10pm and midnight, on the opening day of the Conservative conference, a screeching U-turn was made. The Prime Minister, who’d insisted just yesterday her top rate tax cut was here to stay, decided… it wasn’t. By 7am this morning the whole policy had been ditched. Changes in unpopular policy can be a good thing. But if Liz Truss and her chancellor thought this would end the conversation, they’re in for a shock. Today, the questions are coming faster than ever: is Liz Truss still in charge? Who’s really wielding the power? And can Kwasi Kwarteng survive this? We ask the Business Secretary, Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Also - the Brazil election was looking like a shoe-in for the opposition candidate and former president Lula de Silva. Until it wasn’t. The populist incumbent Bolsonaro is performing better - at least in the first round - than anyone predicted.

Why are pollsters still not getting the true picture from those who vote for populists?

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:19:00 +0100

Kwasi Kwarteng announced a not-so-mini budget today, his first as chancellor. In it, he laid out the Truss government's plans for low taxes and big growth.

In today's episode Salma Shah, former Conservative Special Adviser and Lord Stewart Wood, former advisor to Gordon Brown join Lewis to ask if this new budget will work, and whether it has made us all a good deal poorer?

Producers: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Rory O'Connor

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Why are rich Russians 'falling out' of windows?

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:28:00 +0100

“There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen". Emily, Jon and Lewis are back in News Agents HQ to pour over some of the major stories around the world. They talk Iran and the death of a 22 year old woman at the hands of the morality police which has sparked massive protests across the country, Italy being on the brink of their first female (and first 'neo-fascist') prime minister, and Donald Trump and yet another lawsuit.

The team also welcome Russian analyst Yuri Goligorsky to HQ, to discuss why on earth so many Putin critics seem to be suspiciously defenestrated at a rate of knots.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video Engineer: Greg James

Social Editor: Rory O'Connor

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Angela Rayner on Starmer, strikes and succession

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:45:00 +0100

A big day for the UK, at home and abroad and Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner joins us in The News Agents HQ. She talks about her relationship with Labour Leader Keir Starmer, whether Labour is still the party of trade unions and what happened in the House of Commons the moment she found out the Queen was gravely ill.

And, reaction to Vladimir Putin's early morning televised address. Did he just threaten the world with nuclear war?

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video Engineer: Greg James

Social Editor: Rory O'Connor

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Peter Mandelson on Truss, Starmer and oligarchs

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:23:00 +0100

Hours before meeting Liz Truss, Biden tweets that he’s “sick and tired of trickle down economics”. Awkward! We’re joined by Lord Peter Mandelson who tells us why the PM is heading for a car crash.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Rory O'Connor

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Monarchic, Anarchic, Republican or Unmoved?

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:30:00 +0100

Have the monarchy and the media got this last week right? And how are we all left feeling now, a week or so on?

The last seven days have seen the country divided on how to respond to The Queen's death. Emily, Jon, and Lewis reflect on how they felt when they heard the news, and whether the media coverage has changed their feelings about the monarchy.

And who will North Korea sit next to at the state funeral on Monday? Former top Foreign Office civil servant Sir Simon Fraser joins us in the studio to get under the skin of the diplomatic conundrums the UK Government faces when the world's leaders come to town.

Producers: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Social Editor: Rory O'Connor

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Should bankers get unlimited bonuses?

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:01:00 +0100

Is it a good idea to end the cap on bankers' bonuses? The new chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng seems to think so - why? Would it be grossly unfair when so many face such hardship? Or is it the best way to energise the economy? We discuss.

And Lewis is back after days glued to Swedish TV. He catches us up on what's happened since Monday in the fallout of the tightest of general elections. He also explains why, unusually, young Swedes rebel to the right-wing, not the left-wing.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Abortion in America

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:50:00 +0100

Have the Republicans scored a massive own goal in their attempts to limit women's rights to abortions in the United States? And will this fatally damage their chances of success in November's midterm elections.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Video Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 23:47:00 +0100

We reflect on Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and discuss King Charles III’s accession to the throne.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Queen

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 15:15:00 +0100

The Queen is under close medical attention and with family in Balmoral. We're joined by Andrew Marr, LBC Presenter and the author of The Diamond Queen - the definitive book on the life of Her Majesty.

And later in the show, we discuss Liz Truss' energy price plans announced in Parliament this morning.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Truss v Starmer: the first showdown

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 16:53:00 +0100

Liz Truss faces Keir Starmer in Parliament for the first time, and there’s a notable shift in tone at Prime Minister's Questions. Gone is the bluff and bluster of the Johnson era - arguments over policy and ideology are back. We analyse that, and discuss diversity on the Tory frontbench.

And we need to talk Donald Trump again - classified details of foreign nuclear weapons have been found in the FBI raid of Mar-a-Lago.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Sound Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Clip Credits:

Pienaar’s Politics, BBC

University Challenge BBC

Liz Truss in Downing Street

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 19:45:00 +0100

A drought ends in a downpour, and Prime Minister Truss emerges outside Number 10 to deliver a dry economic message. Lewis is in Downing Street, and we discuss her early pledges and what we know of her so far.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Sound Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Can Liz Truss keep the country warm?

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0100

Liz Truss becomes UK Prime Minister with just 81,326 votes of Conservative party members. Has any leader ever come to power with such an array of problems? What will her first government look like? And can she solve Britain’s energy crisis?

We’re joined by the former Tory Chancellor and "frenemy" of Boris Johnson, George Osborne, who knows Liz Truss well. He also has some thoughts on what the former PM might do next.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Sound Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Energy Crisis: Who's to blame?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 16:45:00 +0100

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has plunged millions into a profound energy crisis. But Russia's war was just the catalyst. What has led us here is a much longer, and more complex story of political failure in Britain and Europe. Today, we dig deeper into why we are where we are.

And The News Agents speak to businesses in the North-West, about how that failure is already costing us, leading to business closure and job losses.

Producers: Ellie Clifford and Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The Tories - Live at Wembley

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:12:00 +0100

It’s the final showdown between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. We’re back stage at Wembley for the final Tory leadership hustings, hosted by LBC as this interminable contest finally comes to an end. But what, if anything, have we learnt? When the whole country is worried about paying their bills, can the Tory party really justify the time and money spent on this level of introspection?

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Sound Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Our next PM’s nightmare inheritance

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:59:00 +0100

When Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak cross the Downing Street threshold, Britain’s most senior civil servant will take them into the cabinet room to brief them on nuclear codes, critical national security threats and vital economic data. Gus O’Donnell was that civil servant and oversaw the transition from Blair to Brown, and Brown to Cameron. Lord O’Donnell has some candid advice for the next PM on how to rebuild trust with the British people.

And following his death, can a line be drawn from Mikhail Gorbachev and what is happening in Ukraine today? We speak to the journalists Allan Little and Anne Applebaum.

Producer: Gabriel Radus

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Trump: Prison or President?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Donald Trump is being investigated by the FBI over a cache of secret documents he squirrelled away at his private residence in Mar-a-Lago. He says he’s cooperating but last night senior Republican Lindsey Graham warned there will be riots on the streets if Trump is charged. So could Trump really go to jail? And if he’s not convicted, could that relaunch him as America’s most likely next President?

On our first episode of The News Agents, we hear from two people who know Donald Trump inside out - his former acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, and his former Director of Communications, Anthony Scaramucci.

You can get in touch with us via our social platforms. Just search The News Agents.

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Producers: Gabriel Radus and Melissa Tutesigensi

Sound Engineer: Ioana Barbu

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

The Emily Maitlis MacTaggart Lecture

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:21:00 +0100

We’re launching for real on Tuesday 30th, but for now listen to Emily’s keynote lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival, with some post-match analysis from Emily and Jon. The speech looks at the challenges and solutions for good journalism in the age of populism.

Speech Copyright: The Edinburgh International Television Festival

Introducing...The News Agents

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:10:00 +0100

A sneak peek of what's to come on The News Agents. See you next Tuesday!

The News Agents - The Trailer

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:08:00 +0100

Welcome to The News Agents - a new daily podcast beginning August 30th hosted by journalists Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel & Lewis Goodall.