Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Ian Collins unpacks another day of hot topics in the news. He is joined by former headteacher Serge Cefai to discuss Labour’s apparent U-turn on banning under-16s from social media, unpacking whether it should or shouldn't go ahead.Foreign Affairs Analyst Daniel Davis joins Ian to react to Donald Trump’s explosive criticism of the UK over the Chagos Islands and rising tensions around Greenland. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Betteridge joins to defend controversial 20mph speed limits amid claims voters are being ignored. Plus, journalist and filmmaker Andrew Drury discusses the prospect of Shamima Begum being freed as violence escalates near her Syrian detention camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines the accelerating collapse of the Conservative Party as senior Tory Andrew Rosindell defects to Reform. Andrew Allison, Head of Campaigns at Popular Conservatism, and former Reform UK candidate Mayuran Senthilnathan debate whether the right is undergoing a permanent realignment, as Robert Jenrick warns that too many Conservative MPs would now feel more at home in the Liberal Democrats. The panel also discusses the backlash after Lisa Nandy branded a future Reform government “fascist”, with critics warning such language risks making British politics more volatile and dangerous.Frank Furedi, Director of MCC Brussels, joins us to explore growing public unease with global elites and democratic accountability. We look at what really happens behind closed doors at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and why distrust in political and economic institutions continues to deepen across Europe.Finally, Maria Bowtell, Pink Lady and spokeswoman for Restore Britain, reacts to renewed outrage over the asylum system. We examine cases of convicted foreign sex offenders fighting deportation on human rights grounds, alongside reports of rejected asylum seekers still receiving thousands of pounds in UK benefits - and what this means for public confidence in immigration policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins is joined by Dan Hodges, Commentator at the Mail on Sunday, and Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, Conservative Councillor for Hatch End, to unpack the political shockwaves after Robert Jenrick defects to Reform, accusing the Conservatives of having “broken Britain” as Kemi Badenoch moves to contain the fallout. They discuss what Jenrick’s jump says about the future of the Tory party, the growing pull of Reform, and whether the Right is heading for a full realignment.The panel then turns to policing and public trust with Nicole Lampert, Journalist, as pressure mounts on West Midlands Police following an antisemitism row, reports of a senior police chief expected to resign, and claims that a police commissioner offered a mosque a “blank cheque” amid an Israeli football fan controversy. What does this tell us about leadership, accountability and confidence in Britain’s police?Finally, Dr Rakib Ehsan, Social Policy Expert, examines Labour’s push to rebrand “Islamophobia” as “anti-Muslim hostility”, with critics warning it could entrench two-tier policing and further chill free speech. Is the redefinition necessary protection, or another flashpoint in Britain’s deepening culture and identity wars? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins dissects a turbulent day in British politics as claims of democratic backsliding, Tory infighting and culture-war legislation collide. Kevin Schofield, Political Editor at HuffPost UK, breaks down the backlash after four million voters are denied a say with the cancellation of May’s local elections, and what it means for accountability and trust in politics. Maxwell Harrison, Reform UK councillor for Sheppey, reacts from the insurgent Right, arguing the move hands power to Westminster while shutting voters out.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk’s International Editor, joins to analyse the shock sacking of Robert Jenrick and what Kemi Badenoch’s decision to suspend the shadow justice secretary tells us about discipline, direction and divisions inside the Conservative Party. And Dr Daniel Allington, Reader in Social Analytics at King’s College London and Senior Associate Fellow at the Counter Extremism Group, warns Labour’s plan to rebrand “Islamophobia” as “anti-Muslim hostility” could have serious consequences for free speech, policing and the law, following a new report branding the proposals more dangerous than ministers admit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines another turbulent day in British politics as Sir Keir Starmer performs his 13th U-turn, rowing back on plans for compulsory digital ID cards after a public backlash over civil liberties and immigration control. Social and political commentator James Melville is joined by Alexander Iosad, Director of Government Innovation Policy at the Tony Blair Institute, to debate what the reversal tells us about Labour’s grip on power, digital governance, and public trust.The focus then shifts to the Chagos Islands as the government faces mounting criticism over its deal with Mauritius. Tessa Clarke, editor of Chagos Files, and Lord Daniel Hannan, Conservative peer and former adviser to the UK Board of Trade, respond to a rare House of Lords rebuke and growing demands from Chagossians for reparations - raising fresh questions about sovereignty, accountability and Britain’s global standing.Finally, Ian looks to Iran as pressure intensifies on the UK to ban the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Iranian activist Armin Navabi reacts to Donald Trump’s message to Iranian protesters and reports of US frustration with Starmer’s reluctance to act, as protests spread and the West weighs how far it is willing to go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins is joined by Jonathan Gullis, former Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party turned Reform defector, alongside Conservative councillor Zak Wagman, to ask whether Reform should actively welcome disillusioned Tories - as fresh rows erupt over defections, peerages and the future shape of the Right following claims Nadhim Zahawi “begged” for a Tory peerage before jumping ship.Former head of the UK government’s Office for AI Sana Khareghani examines mounting pressure on Elon Musk’s X, as Ofcom investigates the platform over its Grok AI being used to generate child abuse images, with ministers openly considering an outright ban and new laws set to criminalise the creation of sexualised AI imagery.Iranian-British human rights activist Lily Moo discusses growing protests against the Iranian regime in London, Nigel Farage’s controversial appearance outside the Iranian embassy, and escalating international pressure on Tehran - including Donald Trump’s announcement of new 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins asks whether the West should intervene in Iran as pressure grows on Keir Starmer to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, examines the case for branding Iran’s Revolutionary Guards terrorists amid mass protests on the streets of London and across the world against the Iranian regime - and what intervention, sanctions or restraint would really achieve.Human rights activist Gio Esfan joins us with first-hand insight into Tehran’s crackdown, the global protest movement, and fresh concerns after the UAE restricted funding for students studying in Britain over radicalisation fears. We also turn to the culture and free-speech front. Philip Kiszely of the New Culture Forum analyses the escalating row over Elon Musk’s X facing potential UK action, alongside Conservative plans to ban social media for under-16s and what this means for speech, security and state power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ian Collins today for a gripping episode covering two major stories.Ian speaks with James Melville about Labour’s controversial digital ID scheme. With ministers ordered to find departmental budget cuts to fund the £1.8 billion rollout, the discussion explores privacy concerns, public backlash, and political tensions in Westminster.Later, Ian talks to Goldie Ghamari about the largest anti-government protests in Iran in years. With nationwide internet blackouts, violent crackdowns, and economic hardship sparking unrest across 111 cities, they examine the human impact and wider implications of the demonstrations.From UK politics to global human rights, Ian Collins delivers expert insight on today’s most pressing stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Ian Collins podcast, a hard-hitting line-up covering politics, public safety, national policy, defence, and health. Rupert Lowe MP joins Ian to discuss the latest Met Police controversy, where officers with serious offences reportedly joined the force after vetting checks were dropped in a rush to meet recruitment targets. They dig into the implications for policing standards and public safety.Dawn Hopkins, a pub landlord, joins Ian to share her perspective from the frontline of Britain’s pubs. With rising business rates and the end of Covid-era relief threatening thousands of community pubs, we explore what real support for the industry looks like.Sean Bell breaks down the UK’s role in supporting the US seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic an operation that has raised questions about sanctions enforcement, international law, and tensions with Moscow.Finally, Toni Russo, obesity nurse consultant joins the conversation about new research showing that people often regain weight rapidly after stopping weight-loss jabs, sparking debate over long-term obesity strategies and the future of weight management in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Ian Collins is joined by Macer Gifford to discuss the war in Ukraine and the agreements being made by Keir Starmer to put more boots on the ground. Former Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis then offers military and foreign affairs analysis on the UK and France committing troops under potential peace plans, and growing tensions between Europe and Donald Trump over Greenland.Later on, Edmund King joins the programme to discuss proposed changes to drink-driving laws, including lowering the legal limit, tougher penalties for offenders, and whether the measures would genuinely improve road safety or risk unintended consequences for drivers and the hospitality sector.Danny Shaw joins Ian to examine the controversy surrounding the decision to bar Israeli fans from an Aston Villa match, the intelligence cited by police, claims of anti-Semitism, and the wider implications for policing, public order, and community trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins, we start with Orla Minihane, who discusses the local and national impact of migration, from the plans to house hundreds of small-boat arrivals at a nearby Army Camp to the council’s CCTV upgrades and the wider fallout from a secret Afghan asylum scheme. Then Rear Admiral Chris Parry joins the conversation to unpack the international tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s renewed talk of Greenland, exploring the implications for NATO, Denmark, and global security. Finally, Mike Neville takes us through a series of stories at the intersection of law, policing, and justice from bereaved Manchester Arena families demanding accountability from MI5, to extremism and travel bans, controversial policing decisions in football, and the government’s stance on terrorism charge limits. It’s a gripping episode covering migration, geopolitics, and the challenges facing law and order today.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, Donald Trump ordered a U.S. operation capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, sparking global backlash. He's also reviving interest in Greenland, raising questions about U.S. direction. Ian debates if Trump was right, joined by former Trump deputy campaign manager Rick Gates who is in support of Trump’s decision, and U.S. commentator Laurie Laird who discusses the UK fallout, including pressure on Keir Starmer to condemn it despite no British involvement. Later, communications consultant and ex-Brexit Party press head Liam Deacon joins Ian to criticize Keir Starmer over fresh "Brexit betrayal" accusations amid plans for closer single market ties.Finally, Ian addresses revelations that at least 30 dangerous patients released from secure hospitals have committed murders since 1993, often after secret tribunals excluding victims' families, calling for more transparency and tougher sentencing. He's joined by Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, killed in the 2023 Nottingham attacks by paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane, who was deemed low-risk despite rising violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins asks whether the Right should unite as fresh polling shows Kemi Badenoch closing in on Nigel Farage, but Reform UK and the Conservatives still failing to outpace a fractured Left. Green Party councillor Martin Abrams and Reform UK board member Gawain Towler debate the case for and against an election pact, as senior Tories openly discuss cooperation and questions grow about whether division is handing Labour an advantage.Later, Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications for Popular Conservatism and former MEP, responds to the EHRC chief’s claim that migration should not be described as a threat to Britain. She also reacts to reports of an Albanian kingpin allegedly smuggling migrant criminals out of the UK, raising wider questions about enforcement, border control and whether the political establishment is refusing to confront reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin O’Sullivan sits in for Ian Collins as the show tackles the growing row over free speech and protest in Britain. Journalist Nicole Lampert joins us to discuss police moves to arrest pro-Palestine demonstrators who chant “globalise the intifada”, and whether the line between public order and political expression is being dangerously redrawn.Later, Talk international editor Isabel Oakeshott reacts to the case of a man jailed over anti-immigrant social media posts seen by just 33 people, raising fresh questions about proportionality, policing online speech, and whether Britain is drifting towards criminalising opinions rather than actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines the mounting pressure on the NHS as junior doctors begin a five-day strike at the same time hospitals are grappling with a sharp winter flu surge. Dr Dean Eggitt, GP and CEO of Doncaster Local Medical Committee, breaks down the impact of industrial action on frontline services, staffing levels and patient safety, amid warnings that elderly patients could be left stranded in hospital over Christmas and into the New Year.We then turn to the future of the BBC, as Labour proposals raise the prospect of free TV licences for benefits claimants, the introduction of advertising, and major programmes being placed behind a paywall. Rebecca Ryan, Campaign Director at Defund the BBC, joins the show to discuss whether the licence fee is finally becoming unsustainable, what BBC reform could look like, and how these changes would affect audiences, public trust and the broadcaster’s long-term future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins asks whether diversity really is Britain’s strength in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre and the wider debate around multiculturalism and antisemitism. Philip Kiszely, senior fellow at the New Culture Forum, examines whether decades of multicultural policy have failed, while Danny Stone, CEO of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, discusses the surge in antisemitic rhetoric and activism following the attack, including protests chanting “long live the intifada” and revelations about the attacker’s radicalisation.Reform UK chairman Dr David Bull joins us as fury grows over junior doctors pressing ahead with a five-day strike despite a worsening flu outbreak, and warnings that elderly patients could be left stranded in hospital over Christmas. We also hear from Sun columnist David Wooding, as he reacts to the sentencing of Paul Doyle following the city’s parade attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines the Bondi Beach massacre after gunmen were revealed as a father and son who killed 15 people in an attack described as an act of pure evil at a Jewish festival. Security analyst and international terrorism expert Duncan Gardham breaks down what we know about the attackers, the ideology behind the violence, and the wider terror threat facing Jewish communities. Keith Fraser, founder of an Israel solidarity movement, joins us to discuss the impact on diaspora communities and fears of rising antisemitic violence.Later, Reform councillor in Westminster and former Crown Prosecutor Laila Cunningham analyses mounting tensions over migration policy, as thousands march in Crowborough for a sixth consecutive week against plans to house 600 migrants in army barracks. We also examine Labour’s admission that its small boats strategy is failing after 40,000 crossings this year, and the controversy over migrants citing trauma and PTSD in court to seek reduced sentences for serious sexual offences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines whether Britain is sliding back toward pandemic-style measures after Wes Streeting warns the NHS could “collapse” under record flu hospitalisations and looming strikes. Professor Karol Sikora analyses why hospitals are overwhelmed, whether masks or lockdown-style steps could return, and what the government should be doing instead.Richard Kilpatrick from the European Movement and Gawain Towler of Reform UK debate explosive claims from leaked US documents suggesting Donald Trump wants to push four countries out of the EU as part of a “Make Europe Great Again” strategy — and what this could mean for Britain and Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins asks whether ethnicity should play any role in how Britain understands and tackles crime. Former Labour adviser James Matthewson joins us to break down the row after Labour MPs complained about a minister’s comments on race, as the Government prepares a new grooming-gangs inquiry that will explicitly examine the ethnicity and religion of offenders. Social commentator David Shipley assesses whether this marks a necessary moment of reckoning or a dangerous political shift.Later, Amy Gallagher — commentator at the New Culture Forum and former NHS nurse at the Tavistock Clinic — reacts to growing outrage over Labour’s new puberty-blocker trial for 220 children, branded “grotesque” by critics and accused of amounting to “chemical castration”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Collins examines Sir Keir Starmer’s call to curb the powers of the European Court of Human Rights as Labour scrambles to get a grip on illegal migration. Liam Deacon, former Brexit Party Head of Press, breaks down the scale of the asylum crisis from spiralling absconding rates to a Home Office that can’t even say how many migrants have vanished. Dr Mike Galsworthy of the European Movement UK joins to challenge the premise, arguing that stripping back ECHR protections would create legal and diplomatic chaos rather than solutions.James Melville responds to extraordinary guidance from NHS leaders urging people with a common cold to wear masks in public, raising questions about public health policy, social pressure and whether Britain is drifting back towards a “new normal” without debate.Later, Dorset publican Andy Lennox, spokesman for the “No Labour MPs in Pubs” campaign, explains why hospitality bosses are banning Labour MPs over business-rates changes they say could devastate the sector, and what the industry wants Rachel Reeves to hear before it’s too late. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.