The News Meeting

Could Tiktok become MAGA-tok? What are the implications of recognising a Palestinian state? Should Rwanda be hosting an international cycling competition?Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Serena Cesareo as they pitch their top stories of the day.Find the team’s Must Reads here:The Rabbit HoleWhat it means to get really really highHidden Valley Road**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca MooreProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did we learn from Donald Trump and Keir Starmer’s press conference? Why is Israel invading Gaza City? What does the suspension of the Jimmy Kimmel show tell us about press freedom in America?Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Erica Wagner, Steve Bloomfield and Rachel Sylvester as they try and pitch the top stories of the day.**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca MooreProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With young people in Nepal using social media sites like Discord to organise protests, are we witnessing the South Asian Spring? How influential is Elon Musk in British politics following his message to the Unite the Kingdom protestors? And how did the Assad regime systematically steal hundreds of children from their families? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Patricia Clarke, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Stephen Armstrong, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Giles Whittell will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HEREFind the team’s must reads here:The crumbling seaside palaces at the centre of Britain’s asylum crisisYou Might Have Already Fallen for MAHA’s Conspiracy TheoriesGrayson Perry: Delusions of GrandeurRead more on today’s stories: US cash turned Tommy Robinson into the poster boy of UK far rightHow a western charity helped the Syrian regime abduct childrenPrepare for revolution now, Elon Musk tells London rally as police come under attack**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles WhittellProducer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the sacking of Peter Mandelson mean for Keir Starmer? Does Vladimir Putin want war with NATO? Is the UK at risk of an uptick in political violence?Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Jessica Hayden, Katie Gunning and Bernard Gray as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.Find the team’s must reads:Bosses can reject applicants who support rival football teamCultural Capital**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca MooreProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why can’t the French government pass a budget? Who will win in the fight for the soul of the Labour Party? Why do pensioners keep being arrested?Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Tom Gatti and Serna Cesareo, as well as the journalist and author Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.Find the team’s must reads:lThe Missing SisterBack to PetroleumHow Music Criticism Lost Its Edge**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles WhittellProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will revelations about Angela Rayner’s taxes be the end of her political career? How will Melvyn Bragg’s exit from In Our Time impact the iconic show? Why did Nigel Farage compare the UK to North Korea in his plea to US politicians? Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Cat Neilan, Paul Hayward and Alex O’Connell as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.Must Reads:'Jimmy Breslin Essential Writings'**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm** Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas. Get your tickets → HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles WhittellProducer: Casey Magloire and Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Afghanistan get the aid it needs? Is China the new America when it comes to globalisation? Could a lawsuit from a dark corner of the internet affect the Online Safety Act?Rebecca Moore is joined by Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong, Phoebe Davis and Bex Sander as they pitch their stop stories of the day.Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: Inside the world of the Great British Bake OffFit For TVFargo **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer Producer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of AudioTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will SpaceX’s latest triumph mean Elon Musk will make it to Mars? Why will the price of Mounjaro weightless drugs go up? Benjamin Netanyahu called the IDF’s airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital a “tragic misstep" but so far 240 Palestinian journalists have died since the beginning of the conflict.Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s International Editor, Steve Bloomfield, our Acting National News Editor, Rebecca Myers and reporter, James Tapper, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: Race Across the World‘House of Earth and Blood’ by Sarah J. Maas**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles WhittellProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Essex council has been granted a High Court injunction to stop a local hotel from housing asylum seekers. What is behind the massive growth of Women’s Rugby and support for the Red Roses? Will a tax on tourists help boost local economies and support the arts? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Ceri Thomas, Vanessa Thorpe and Jessica Hayden, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.Read more on today’s stories here: Ellie Kildunne: I was just a girl with a passion, a belief and a raw talent - HEREThe Epping injunction is a gift to Labour’s opponents - HERE ‘It’s about restoring pride’: can Blackpool use its saucy image to win back the crowds? HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-ChiefProducers: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Zelensky find any success with Trump, in the wake of the Alaska Summit? What does the militarisation of Washington DC tell us about America’s political direction? And why are MPs making TikToks? Rebecca Moore is joined by the Financial Times’ Working It Editor Isabel Berwick, Plus The Observer’s Katie Riley and Stephen Armstrong, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: Does HR still need humans?What Happened When Mark Zuckerberg Moved In Next DoorANDREW NEIL: The world is being remade. And as the Alaska talks show all too clearly, Britain and Europe are now condemned to the status of mere observers**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer Producers: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will facial recognition technology change law enforcement forever? JD Vance has been wooing his British political allies in the Cotswolds, but will a new think-tank deepen US influence in right wing politics? Is the government at risk of losing public support after the Palestine Action arrests? Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, News Reporter Jon Ungoed Thomas and Consulting Editor for Comment, Erica Wagner. Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: BlackberryViolent, lawless, broken Britain? The facts tell a different story**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief Producers: Amalie Sortland and Poppy BullardTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What proof has Israel provided to support their claim that Anas al Sharif ran a Hamas cell in Gaza? Why has the partnership between Premier League Football and Stonewall ended? And will Putin’s visit to the US bring an end to the war in Ukraine? Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent, Lauren Frayer. Plus the Observer’s Serena Cesareo and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day. Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: What It’s Like to Brainstorm with a Bot - HERE Dr. Phil’s Road From Oprah to ICE Raids - HEREUber’s Festering Sexual Assault Problem - HEREA livestream of deep sea creatures transfixes Argentina and sparks calls for refunding science - HEREMore from Lauren’s NPR colleague Anas Baba reporting from Gaza For NPR’s Anas Baba, covering the war in Gaza also means living it - HEREThe deadly risk of trying to reach food in Gaza - HERE**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it wrong for the government to ask police to release information on the ethnicity and immigration status of crime suspects? As countries gather for the UN plastics summit, just how much of our lives are contaminated by plastic? Who is the YouTuber behind the misinformation campaign targeting France’s First Lady?Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Political Editor Rachel Sylvester, reporter Phoebe Davis and reporter James Tapper. Links to the team’s Must Reads here: The Retrievals Series 2The Ezra Klein ShowListen to Rachel’s series The Lab Detective HEREFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Producer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the UK Parliament takes its summer break, has Reform seized the media spotlight and emerged as a viable third-party contender? What are the risks of uploading ID to age-restricted websites under the Online Safety Act? Will Trump impose his peace deal deadline on Russia if Putin refuses negotiations?Rebecca Moore is joined by The New Statesman’s Associate Political Editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Plus the Observer’s Poppy Bullard and Patricia Clarke, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day. Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here: Gen lay-Z: Why my generation doesn't care about work - HERE One year on, tensions still circle Britain’s asylum-seeker hotels - HERENathan For You (Season 4, Episode 8), Finding Frances. Trump’s relationship with Putin ‘at breaking point’ after Russia unleashes Kyiv blitz - HEREWe want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are male novelists a dying breed? Can women trust apps with their personal data? Are tariffs the only way Donald Trump knows how to do diplomacy?Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Home Affairs Editor John Simpson, Head of Data and Graphics Katie Riley and Consulting Editor for Comment, Erica Wagner. Links to the team’s Must Reads here: What do tweens really want?DOGE-pilledRead Erica’s piece on the Booker Prize longlist HEREFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Producer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the UK’s decision to conditionally recognise the state of Palestine more symbolic than practical? As protests in Epping continue, how is rhetoric around asylum seekers impacting children from ethnic minority backgrounds? Now that the Lionesses have won the Euros for a second time, is this confirmation that the hard work put into the women’s game has paid off?Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News Presenter and Loose Women panellist Charlene White. Plus, the Observer’s narrative editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Deputy Sports Editor, Andrew Butler.**Join us at the next News Meeting Live HEREDive deeper into all the stories from this episode: Leader: it is time to recognise Palestine HERESensemaker podcast: How did the Lionesses do it again? HERENever mind the economy, immigration is now a bigger concern for voters HERESensemaker podcast: How much aid is getting through to Gaza? HERENigel Farage wants to be taken seriously, but can’t stop playing dangerous games HEREFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-ChiefProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio and Rebecca Moore, Executive producerTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Labour’s concerns about social cohesion a sign that they may be aligning with some of Reforms ideas on immigration? Why does Kemi Badenoch want to outlaw doctors’ strikes? And are the latest aid drops in Gaza a sign of change to come? Jasper Corbett is joined by journalist and broadcaster David Aaronovitch. Plus, the Observer reporter Stephen Armstrong and senior producer Katie Gunning.**Listen to the Sensemaker podcast: How did the Lionesses do it again? HERE**Join us at the News Meeting Live HERELinks to the team’s Must Reads here: Tom Lehrer, Musical Satirist With a Dark Streak, Dies at 97Britain isn’t broken by Sam Freedman What I Learnt From Being Disinherited by Daisy GoodwinFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of AudioTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Belgium paving the way for more international action over Gaza? Have the Lionesses paved the way for a permanent change in English football culture? What’s going on at Unite? Rebecca Moore is joined by three Observer journalists. Senior Digital Editor Claudia Williams, Sports Reporter Jessy Parker Humphreys and Architecture Critic Rowan Moore. Links to the team’s Must Reads here: The billionaire and the tax evading gift shopsThe Human Side of Music’s Prince Of DarknessRecords Tumbling for Lucy BronzeListen to the Inside Unite HERE**Join us at the News Meeting Live HEREFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive ProducerProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of AudioTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Israel launched a new air and ground offensive in Gaza, where many international aid organisations are operating? Will plans to overhaul the water companies in England and Wales work? And why is Donald Trump suing Rupert Murdoch? Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Head of Data and Graphics, Katie Riley, researcher Serena Cesareo, and reporter Stephen Armstrong.Links to the team’s Must Reads here: ‘My Friends’ by Hisham Matar: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127488823-my-friends ‘Where Americans Ever Healthy’ by Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-07-18/was-the-us-ever-healthy-what-maha-gets-wrong-about-nutrition-history ‘You Said ‘Yes’ to Being an Organ Donor. What Exactly Does That Mean?’ by the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/20/health/organ-donors-information.html **Join us at the News Meeting Live HERE: Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Jasper Corbett, Head of AudioProducer: Amalie SortandExecutive Producer: Matt RussellTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein divide Trump from his MAGA supporters? Can British culture accept genetically modifying embryos to prevent serious diseases? And why have we only just learned of the data breach involving Afghan refugees? Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of Audio Jasper Corbett, reporter Phoebe Davis and producer Poppy Bullard. Links to the team’s Must Reads here: Sarina Wiegman, the tough England manager who could win us the EurosIlliberal land: Hungary’s empire of ideas‘A relentless, destructive energy’: inside the trial of Constance Marten and Mark GordonListen to the Retreat from Kabul parts One and Two**Join us at the News Meeting Live HEREFollow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.