The Government is working “at pace” to bring sick and injured children from Gaza to the UK for urgent medical treatment, Downing Street has said. We’re joined by Dr James Smith, a British emergency physician and expert in humanitarian studies based at University College London. He worked in Gaza for 2.5 months, and assisted with the medical transfer and evacuation of patients.

And in part two, author Julia Smith joins us to share her favourite walks which are close to the capital, from her book ‘Walks for each season: 26 great days out in the countryside near London’.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Later today US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska for a highly anticipated summit on the Ukraine war. Ahead of the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was "counting on America” and Trump has called the summit “high stakes”. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us to explain more. 

And in part two, The Standard’s Comedy Critic Bruce Dessau shares his top recommendations so far from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today A-Level results have reached record highs since the Covid pandemic, with London students achieving the best grades in the country. However, experts say the gap between the best and worst performing regions appears to be widening, with the North-South divide becoming further entrenched. Efua Poku-Amanfo, a researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), joins us to discuss.  

And in part two, John Darlington, director at the World Monuments Fund, joins us to explore the history of Kirkaldy’s Testing Works museum in Southwark, which features as this week’s Hidden London destination.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Donald Trump that "Putin is bluffing” as he discussed the obstacles to ending the war in Ukraine with the US President and other world leaders in a phone call. It comes ahead of this Friday's Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Before the world leaders met, Dr Svitlana Romanko, the Ukrainian Executive Director of Razom We Stand, a climate campaign fighting to cut off the money fuelling Russia’s war, shared her thoughts about what lies ahead. 

And in part two, freelance journalist Sophie Peachey joins us to discuss why Gen Z are so lonely and how to overcome social anxiety to make new connections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The capital is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the summer, with amber warnings in place for parts of England until Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to hit 34 degrees. But housing in the UK isn’t designed for such heat, and residents of tower blocks are at particular risk. Experts say that many new homes being built in the UK are not designed to withstand extreme summer temperatures. To find out more, architecture writer Phin Harper joins us alongside Joshua Emden, a senior research fellow at The Institute for Public Policy Research think tank. 

And in part two, author Amber Medland discusses her latest book Attention Seeker, about life with ADHD and how the neurodevelopment disorder affects dating and relationships. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s disgusting Wet Wipe Island is finally set to be removed from the Thames, with work under way to excavate the estimated 180 tonnes of congealed waste near Hammersmith Bridge. We hear from John Sullivan, Thames Water’s Head of Tideway Integration Group, and Emily Carr, policy adviser at the independent think tank and charity Green Alliance, about how to prevent more waste from accumulating in the capital’s waterways.

And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to discuss Disney’s Alien:Earth series, which is released tomorrow, and the accompanying alien egg on display at London’s Natural History Museum. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s homelessness minister, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from government after it emerged she evicted four tenants from a property she owns - before re-letting it just weeks later and hiking the rent by £700 a month. The move would likely be prohibited under Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill, which introduces new protections for tenants. When Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, this action will be illegal. We hear from The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford, and Anny Cullum, political officer with the community and renters union ACORN. 

And in part two, journalist Arielle Domb investigates why people are administering their own botox cosmetic treatments. What’s behind the DIY movement, and what are the risks?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millions of homeowners were handed a boost today when the Bank of England cut its interest rate from 4.25% to 4%. The reduction is the fifth over the past year, and brings borrowing costs down to their lowest since March 2023. Theo Harris, an economist at the New Economics Foundation joins us to discuss the news. 

And in part two, Nick Curtis, The Standard’s Theatre Critic and co-host of The London Theatre Review Podcast, reviews broadway show Good Night, Oscar, which features Will & Grace star Sean Hayes as troubled pianist Oscar Levant. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Metropolitan Police plans to close half of its front desk to save money. In a list published overnight, Scotland Yard confirmed it will break its pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day, in each of the 32 boroughs. It comes amid an epidemic of knife crime, mobile phone snatches, shoplifting and bike theft across the capital. The Standard's Crime Correspondent Anthony France reacts to the news.

And in part two, features journalist Katie Strick delves into the grim reality of modern dating, after the women's safety app Tea was targeted in a revenge attack by the right-wing anti-women group 4Chan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron's migrant deal comes into force today, with detentions set to begin from tomorrow. The ‘one in, one out’ pilot scheme allows the UK to send some people who have crossed the Channel back to France, in exchange for asylum seekers with ties to Britain. Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and protection, and the director of human rights organisation Stand For All, joins us to discuss whether it will deter people from crossing the Channel. 

And in part two, The National Gallery has announced that a citizens’ assembly will help shape its future. The Standard’s columnist and arts critic, Melanie McDonagh shares her thoughts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Met Police could be “tested to the limit” as hundreds have been urged to declare support for Palestine Action in central London this weekend. Protesters are being urged to turn up en masse to test whether the state can respond to such a big endorsement for the recently proscribed terror group, with organisers saying “there is safety in numbers”. Tim Crossland, a former government lawyer, who now campaigns with the civil liberties movement Defend Our Juries, has the latest. 

And in part two, freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to discuss the demise of late night dining. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today US President Donald Trump has slapped steep tariffs on exports from dozens of trading partners around the world. At 10 per cent, the UK has been promised the lowest US tariff rate so far. But what does this all mean? Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now - an organisation that campaigns for a fairer global economy - is here to unpack the news. 

And in part two The Standard’s Going Out Editor and Restaurant Critic David Ellis explains why so many New Yorkers are swapping the Big Apple for the Big Smoke. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard’s special report this week examines a worrying pattern of crime taking place in the capital. Shops across London are repeatedly having their windows smashed - yet nothing is stolen. Is it just broken glass, or a shattering conspiracy? The Standard’s Claudia Cockerell has the latest. 

And in part two, if you’re still craving a summer holiday, freelance travel writer Alicia Miller is here with a roundup of some of the best trips to take before the season ends. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knife crime has soared by 86% in London in a decade, according to a report from the Policy Exchange think tank. Just 20 streets around Oxford Circus and Regent Street accounted for one in every 15 knife attacks across the capital, it found. Former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector David Spencer shares the findings and explains what needs to happen to tackle the capital's crime epidemic. 

And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop shares her thoughts on the Channel 4 documentary about adult content creator and controversial figure Bonnie Blue - 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired an emergency cabinet meeting and announced that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza. Before the announcement, Dr David Wearing, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sussex and an expert on UK foreign relations in the Middle East explained what needs to happen to resolve the conflict. 

And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson shares the wild true story behind the new musical Brixton Calling, which is on at Southwark Playhouse.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Donald Trump at his golf course in Scotland, Turnberry for talks.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was top of the agenda, but the US President also doubled down on his controversial comments that an “invasion” of migrants is “ruining” Europe. 

And in part two, The Standard’s Football Writer Simon Collings shares what’s next for The Lionesses after the team won the Women’s Euro 2025 championship yesterday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today new measures as part of the Online Safety Act mean people will need to verify that they are over 18 to access harmful and toxic content online - with the intention of restricting children from accessing material such as pornography, and content referencing self-harm, suicide, hate speech and violence. Cyber security expert Chelsea Jarvie explores whether these ‘age gate’ measures go far enough. 

And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, joins us ahead of tonight’s Oasis gig, as the band return to the capital’s Wembley Stadium for the first time since 2009. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-migrant protests have continued to erupt this week. The Met Police have responded to a second consecutive night of anti-migrant protests outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, following confirmation that asylum seekers will be accommodated there. Meanwhile, Epping Forest District Council has asked for the immediate and permanent closure of two local asylum hotels, citing a series of “serious incidents” in the area. To unpack these protests and how authorities are reacting, we speak to The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent, Rachael Burford.

In part two, we reflect on the life and legacy of a rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family at home. The Standard’s celebrity correspondent, Lisa McLoughlin, joins us to look back at the remarkable career of the Prince of Darkness.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s Lionesses have clinched their place in the Euro 2025 final, after winning yesterday’s semi-final match against Italy. Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang scored in the 96th minute, to take the game to extra time, before Chloe Kelly sealed the victory by driving home the rebound from her saved penalty. The Standard’s Sports Writer Dom Smith has the latest. 

And in part two, Will Hosie, Lifestyle Editor of Country Life magazine, and a contributor to The Standard, shares his experience of meeting the ‘hot vicar of Notting Hill’, Pat Allerton, who is part of a growing number of clergymen making Christianity ‘cool’.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has stepped up its crackdown on anyone involved in assisting illegal migration in the UK. Foreign secretary David Lammy described the new sanctions, which will be implemented tomorrow, as ‘world first’ measures to tackle people smuggling. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. 

And in part two, John Darlington, director of the World Monuments Fund, explores the history of the Ragged School Museum in the capital’s East End, which is this week’s Hidden London feature. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.