The Standard

The Evening Standard

From our headquarters in the heart of London, The Standard podcast sets the agenda. Top news insiders discuss the pressure-points of the day’s topics. Hear unrivalled insight on politics, culture, going out, sport, and fashion, with award-winning journalists and celebrity guests. Join us Monday to Friday at 4pm.

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1,794 episodes
Updated April 29

Episodes1794

Newest first

Oct 7, 2025 · 15 min
The 7 October attacks, two years on
Today is the second anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel, which took place on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, with a further 251 others taken hostage. We’re joined by Maoz Inon, an award-winning Israeli peace activist and co-author of the forthcoming book The future is peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land, who lost both his parents in the Hamas attack. It comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned pro-Palestine student protests taking place today as unpatriotic. Meanwhile, indirect talks are taking place in Egypt between delegations from Hamas and Israel, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, as part of Donald Trump’s Peace Plan. And in part two, The Standard’s Food and Drink Writer Josh Barrie is here to discuss Nathaniel Morley - aka Natty Can Cook - and his soon-to-open pan-Carribean restaurant in Herne Hill, 2210. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 6, 2025 · 14 min
Tories need to ‘hold our nerve’ amid dire polls, says Mel Stride
Today, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has promised that the Conservatives would slash £47 billion from public spending as the party continues to battle dire poll ratings, with some surveys putting them in fourth place. Speaking at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, he outlined a “radical plan to rebuild our economy”. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to discuss the 40th anniversary of Les Miserables - the world’s longest running musical - which is on stage at London’s Sondheim theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 4, 2025 · 14 min
Leading the Charge: Electric London – Powering Up: Investment and Infrastructure
London is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, with over 21,000 charging points across the city – nearly a third of the UK’s total. But to meet its 2030 net zero targets, London will need tens of thousands more, with significant investment required across all boroughs. Upcoming changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which would end EVs’ exemption from the congestion charge, risk slowing that progress. The Electric London coalition, following The Standard’s Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to protect London’s EV uptake and ongoing infrastructure growth. In this second special episode focusing on investment and infrastructure, The Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Matt Croucher, Chief Commercial Officer at ChargePoint operator Believ, and Judy O’Keefe, Director of Fleet at Openreach, who is overseeing one of the UK’s largest commercial EV transitions. They explore what it takes to electrify London at scale, the challenges facing fleet operators and charging providers, and what needs to happen to keep the city on track for a cleaner, electric future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 3, 2025 · 17 min
The Jewish community reacts to Manchester’s synagogue attack
Today, we’re following the attack on worshippers at a Manchester synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Amos Schonfield, British Jewish Community activist and leader, joins us to share the devastation it’s caused in the Jewish community. And in part two, The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block joins us to review the much-anticipated 12th album from pop megastar Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl, which is expected to top charts around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 2, 2025 · 15 min
Met Police’s racism and misogyny shame after BBC Panorama exposé
Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley has apologised after serving officers called for immigrants to be shot, revelled in the use of force and were dismissive of rape claims in an undercover BBC documentary, which was aired on Wednesday night. He said the behaviour of some at Charing Cross Police exposed by Panorama is “reprehensible and completely unacceptable” - but he denied that the Met Police is institutionally racist. Dr Aaron Winter, a senior lecturer in sociology at Lancaster University, responds to the news. And in part two, The Standard’s Theatre Critic and Host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to review a new rendition of Oscar Wilde’s famous play The Importance of Being Earnest, from director Max Webster, which is showing at London’s Noel Coward Theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 1, 2025 · 14 min
Starmer pledges rethink on international law to stop ‘Farage boats’
Today, on the final day of the Labour Party Conference, Sir Keir Starmer has signalled that his government is planning to change the way human rights laws are applied to tackle the challenge of “mass migration”. The Prime Minister says he won’t ‘tear down’ international laws but says a rethink is needed on how they are applied. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s News Reporter Megan Howe joins us to discuss the latest celebrity split between Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, and the ‘cocaine clause’ designed for Keith Urban to earn $600,000 for every year they were married, if he remained sober. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 30, 2025 · 16 min
Will Trump’s 20-point peace plan end the war in Gaza?
Today Donald Trump’s newly unveiled peace plan for Gaza has already been hailed by some world leaders as the best chance to end Israel’s war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threw his support behind it at a joint press conference with the US President - and it has been backed by a number of Arab nations including Qatar and Egypt. But is it a viable solution to ending the conflict? David Wearing, an Assistant Professor in International Relations at the University of Sussex, and expert on UK foreign relations in the Middle East, joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn is here to discuss the revival of London’s fine dining scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 29, 2025 · 16 min
Reeves warns Farage is ‘greatest threat’ to British livelihoods
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has branded Nigel Farage’s agenda the “single greatest threat” to British people’s livelihoods at her Labour Party Conference speech in Liverpool. She vowed to stand by Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people - but has left the door open to changing VAT rules. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, author and podcast host Jack Guinness reflects on his family history after watching Netflix’s House of Guinness, which tells the story of Sir Benjamin Guinness and his four children, to whom he leaves a vast empire in nineteenth century Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 26, 2025 · 16 min
Will digital ID cards stop illegal working?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said plans for a new digital ID held on people’s phones will be an “enormous opportunity” for the UK and make working illegally tougher. Digital ID will become mandatory as a means of proving the right to work under the plans, which will come into place within the next few years. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block is here to discuss whether Strictly Come Dancing can survive the latest scandals and what needs to improve, as the much-loved show returns for its 23rd series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 25, 2025 · 16 min
The old Etonian, his president father and brutal torture in an African jail
In this week’s special report, in the first of an exclusive three-part series, Noureddin Bongo tells The Standard’s Claudia Cockerell about his hell after his family were ousted in a coup in Gabon, Central Africa. And in part two, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is back with a period drama that applies his tried and tested formula to 19th-century Ireland. The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block joins us to review Netflix’s new show House of Guinness, which has been likened to familial saga Succession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 24, 2025 · 14 min
What's behind Trump's fresh attack on Sadiq Khan?
In his speech to the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump has made a fresh attack on Sir Sadiq Khan, and claimed London wants to “go to Sharia law”. A spokesperson for Sadiq, London’s first Muslim mayor said: “We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response." The US president also appeared to change his stance on Ukraine, speculating that Kyiv could win back its land due to Russia’s economic troubles. For analysis, we join The Standard's defence editor Robert Fox, who also tells us what he thinks Russia's plans are next. In part two, do you remember the Blitz Club? Forty years after its closure it's now being celebrated at the Design Museum. The Standard's head of culture, Martin Robinson, reveals everything you need to know, and why this exhibition will attract a large audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 23, 2025 · 13 min
UK inflation to be highest in G7 this year
Economists are warning that the UK could face one of the highest inflation rates of any major economy this year. New data from the OECD predicts Britain will see the sharpest price rises among G7 nations - a huge blow to the cost of living and a key challenge ahead of the Government's autumn budget in November. In today’s episode, Rachelle Abbott is joined by the Standard’s chief political correspondent Rachael Burford to discuss how the UK compares with other G7 nations, and how Chancellor Rachel Reeves might balance the books. Plus, the Standard’s TV and gaming editor Vicky Jessop on what TV shows should we be curling up in front of this Autumn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2025 · 14 min
Gatwick's £2.2bn second runway plan gets green light
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved Gatwick’s plans for a second runway. UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the privately financed £2.2 bn project will create thousands more jobs. To find out everything, we're joined by the Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn.What are the plans, and is this a win-win for the government in the long-run? Plus, fancy eating like a mobster? Despite its price-tag, The Standard's Josh Barrie tells us all about the latest New York import to open in London, Italian-American restaurant Carbone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 20, 2025 · 11 min
Leading the Charge: Electric London – Clean Air at a Crossroads
London has made huge strides in cleaning up its air – with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels dropping sharply thanks to bold policies, investment in public transport, and the rise of electric vehicles. But proposed changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount could see EV drivers paying the congestion charge from Christmas Day, raising questions about the city’s next steps. It’s why the Electric London coalition, following The Standard’s Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to reverse the decision to scrap EVs’ exemption. In this 'Clean Air' episode, The Standard's Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Georgina McGivern and Valeria Pensabene from the London Clean Air Initiative, and Nick Smith from the Clean Air Fund, to explore what this shift could mean for businesses, residents, and the future of London’s air quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 19, 2025 · 17 min
Migrant returned to France after government wins court challenge
The second deportation under the government’s ‘one in, one out’ deal with France took place early this morning, as hundreds more migrants risked their lives trying to reach the UK. An Eritrean man, who arrived in the UK on a small boat last month, was on an Air France flight to Paris, which left London Heathrow at 6.15 am. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump suggested Sir Keir Starmer should use the military to tackle the small boats crisis. The Standard’s News Editor Michael Howie is here with the latest. And in part two, journalist John Arlidge joins us to discuss what’s next for Vogue, as the longstanding editor Dame Anna Wintour steps down after 37 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 18, 2025 · 17 min
Jimmy Kimmel talkshow taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments
ABC has pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely over comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. US President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, whilst media figures, unions and free speech organisations have expressed anger and alarm. The entertainer, drag artist and commentator Colin Seymour, who recently won a libel battle against the rightwing activist Laurence Fox, joins us to share his perspective. And in part two, The Standard’s Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell is here to discuss the new Netflix documentary on Victoria Beckham, and what viewers can expect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 17, 2025 · 14 min
Household budgets squeezed as food prices surge
Food and drink prices are rising at their fastest rate since January last year, whilst the overall headline rate of inflation remains unchanged at 3.8 per cent. Food prices are expected to peak in December as hot weather has led to a poor harvest and higher industry costs. According to ONS figures, the biggest price rises in food and drink include beef and veal, butter, coffee, chocolate and milk. Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and an arable farmer in Cambridgeshire, joins us to discuss how the current challenges mean consumers are paying more for everyday essentials. And in part two, The Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic, and host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to discuss his five star review of The Producers musical at the Garrick Theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 16, 2025 · 16 min
What’s at stake during President Trump’s state visit?
US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the UK for his unprecedented second state visit to the country. The trip has sparked controversy and thousands are expected to take part in a series of anti-Trump protests. He will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for talks on trade, investment, Ukraine and Gaza. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now and spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition is here to discuss what’s at stake for the UK. And in part two, Transport for London (TfL) is celebrating 125 years of the Central line with a treasure hunt open to all on Saturday, at this year’s Open House Festival. We’re joined by Ann Gavaghan, Customer Experience Manager at Transport for London, to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 15, 2025 · 14 min
Starmer in ‘last-chance saloon’ unless he changes course, MPs warn
Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he will be ousted unless he changes course. Labour MPs are reeling over high-profile sackings and resignations in recent weeks, including Angela Rayner who quit as Deputy Prime Minister following a tax scandal and Peter Mandelson being fired a British Ambassador to the US over his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. It comes as Labour is trailing behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in opinion polls. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture Martin Robinson joins us to review the Tate Modern’s new exhibition, Theatre Picasso, which sheds new light on the artist’s work and his fascination with performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 12, 2025 · 14 min
Starmer under pressure as Epstein ties sink Mandelson
Lord Peter Mandelson has been sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US. Mandelson was sacked on Thursday after emails emerged showing he offered support to Jeffrey Epstein even as the financier faced jail for sex offences against minors. Why was he seen as important for UK relations — and who will replace him? To walk us through the fallout, we’re joined by the Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford. In part two, the Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis reviews Cow/Deer at London’s Royal Court. With no speech or sound effects, is it a bold hit — or a quiet miss? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.