Boris Johnson says the country has a "moral duty" to get children back in school this September. But with scientists debating the safety of it, how does the government plan to re-open classrooms without increasing the risk of coronavirus spreading? The Prime Minister says he has a plan, but there doesn't seem to be much detail being released to the public. Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil reveals what ministers have been telling him, and how encouraging more pupils to walk or cycle will be a key part of the strategy. Also, one of Britain's finest actors Simon Callow's written for the Evening Standard about the loss of live performance and the tragedy of theatres being wiped out by covid-19. He joins the podcast to tell us why London will not be the same without its vibrant performing arts sector. Also, on the day four of the city's major pantomimes say they won't be going ahead this year, Simon explains how panto is essential to bringing young people into theatres and developing a life-long love of the stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Evgeny Lebedev joins Dr Aubrey de Grey, a pioneer in biomedical gerontology - the study of life extension and rejuvenation - and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation.Known for his radical approach to ageing, Dr de Grey discusses his latest research, society’s attitude to the human lifespan and his hopes for future anti-ageing treatments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The temperature in London next week is set to plummet into chilly single digits.But what effect is this cold weather having on our brains - and what can we do to keep our wellbeing levels topped up as the mercury drops, stave off seasonal depression and ensure our bodies enjoy a regular rest pattern in order to reboot effectively?It comes after the ‘anticyclonic gloom’ loomed over the capital, when fog and grey clouds blotted out the sun.Rachelle Abbott asked neuroscientist Dr Henry Mahncke, chief executive of ‘brain fitness’ platform BrainHQ, about winter’s impact on the brain and our mental health.You’ll also hear Dr Mahncke’s top tips for boosting mood and staying more balanced during the colder months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today marks the launch of The London Standard’s 2024 Winter Appeal, in collaboration with Comic Relief. The campaign’s aim is to help organisations in London and across the UK that support refugees and homeless people. In this episode we’re joined by our campaigns editor, David Cohen, and CEO of Comic Relief, Samir Patel.We also hear of Claude's story. One of the organisations we are backing is The Running Charity, which uses the power of running to help both refugees and those who are homeless to build mental health, confidence and fitness — and where Claude now works as programme manager and head coach. The group will be given a grant of £50,000 to assist its work of mentoring more than 120 vulnerable people aged 16 to 25 each year.To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/winter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Victims of the Church of England’s worst ever child abuser have demanded further resignations after the Archbishop of Canterbury quit in ‘shame’ over the scandal.Justin Welby had been under days of pressure after a damning review into attacks by barrister John Smyth QC - who died in South Africa 2018 - that found he may have been brought to justice had Welby formally alerted authorities in 2013.Over decades from the 1970s, Smyth, a lay church reader, subjected as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa to sadistic physical, sexual and psychological attacks, the independent Makin review found.So, why did the scandal take so long to come to light, what are the victims calling for, and what is future for the Church of England?We’re joined by Melanie McDonagh, a columnist at The London Standard, and a leader writer at the Catholic Herald.In part two, president-elect Donald Trump has handed Elon Musk the job of running a new Department of Government Efficiency, as part of his new cabinet.The London Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the focus of Musk’s new role and whether there are potential conflicts of interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The second incarnation of president-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet is taking shape.The London Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi reports on Tuesday that Team Trump 2.0 ushers in potentially dismal consequences for Ukraine, illegal immigrants and the global climate.Trump has already announced a few cabinet-level appointments - so, who’s in?Joshi joins us to discuss what we know about the Republican president-elect’s appointments so far, and whether there’s anyone who could be considered a voice of American unity in Trump’s new inner circle.In part two, as The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall reports that buses in central London are now nudging below 7mph - as detailed in London TravelWatch data - so, how is this impacting passenger journeys, now slower than a decade ago?We also discuss the various factors contributing congestion, including on-demand minicabs and internet deliveries, plus whether cycle lanes impact traffic flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer joined French president Emmanuel Macron for Armistice Day commemorations in Paris - the first time a British leader attended the remembrance event in the French capital since Winston Churchill with Charles de Gaulle in 1944.They met French and British veterans as part of commemorations for the 106th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, with services held across the UK following Remembrance Sunday.The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the significance of Sir Keir’s Paris visit, bilateral defence talks and the current health L’Entente Cordiale.In part two, thousands of delegates are heading to Baku in Azerbaijan for the Cop29 climate summit, where politicians face pressure over delivering finance for developing countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts. The Standard podcast is joined by Simon Lewis, professor of global change science at UCL, to discuss the summit goals, its controversial host, the importance of climate multilateralism and why the UK’s Cop29 involvement under Labour marks a “sea-change” from the Conservatives’ environmental outlook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicola Barron delves into the fascinating world of negotiation with Simon Horton, a globally recognised negotiation skills trainer. In this episode, Simon shares strategies for achieving win-win outcomes, building trust, and knowing when to walk away. Simon reveals the secrets to effective negotiation that you can use in both personal and professional settings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Standard’s lifestyle and culture writer, India Block, has been looking into the growing problem of ‘mankeeping’. A new term from Stanford researchers which describes how women are bearing the brunt when it comes to male loneliness. In part two, our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, explains everything you need to know about Susie Wells, Donald Trump’s first appointment and the first female chief of staff. Plus he discusses the rumours about whether Elon Musk could be getting a role in Trump’s new administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ITV’s Until I Kill You, starring Anna Maxwell Martin, has gripped audiences across the country. But, how does the hit drama compare to the true story behind it? Our culture writer Vicky Jessop has the details. In part two, The London Standard’s Will Hosie catches up with the star of Emily in Paris, Lily Collins, as part of our 100 people shaping London in 2024 series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In JD Vance’s words, Donald Trump has pulled off ‘the greatest political comeback in US history’, and will be the next president of the United States. He’s the first person in over a century to secure two non-consecutive terms, since Grover Cleveland in 1897. Andrew Rudalevige, professor of government at Bowdoin College in Maine, joins us from the US to analyse Donald Trump’s ‘historic’ victory, and discuss what his second term as president will look like for America and the rest of the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s election day in the US and polls suggest that it’s neck and neck between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, joins us to discuss what role the Supreme Court could play in this extremely close race. In part two, Nick Curtis, the Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic, gives his verdict on the latest movie installment from Britain’s most famous bear, Paddington in Peru. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, discusses the most pivotal moments from an extraordinary campaign trail. There’s been assassination attempts, court cases, high-profile blunders, a new Democratic nominee, and plenty of drama. But, where does this all leave the presidential race now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicola Barron joins one of the UK's most respected literary agents, Juliet Mushens, to talk about the publishing world and her upcoming Masterclass for The Standard. Juliet shares her expertise and gives practical advice for aspiring authors.Topics include:The role of literary agentsTips on submitting your manuscript and catching an agent’s attentionInsider advice for those just starting their writing journeyWhat to expect from Juliet’s upcoming Masterclass, "How to Get Published: Finding a Literary Agent for Your Novel"Whether you're just dreaming of becoming an author or have a completed manuscript ready to go, Juliet’s insights offer invaluable guidance for every stage of the writing process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is in conversation with the Oscar-winning actor, Dame Helen Mirren.They discuss everything from the evolution of technology, ageing, the contemporary media landscape and the idea of God.“It’s so sad that Kurt Cobain died when he did, because he never got to see GPS”Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The London Standard is unveiling The Standard 100, a list of the top hundred men and women shaping the capital in 2024.The line-up covers the variety of expertise and knowledge that make our capital great - from politics and media, the arts, music, food, to science and medicine.In this episode, we hear from our editor-in-chief Dylan Jones, and Charlotte Hill, chief executive of food redistribution charity The Felix Project, who features on today’s list.The charity gave out the equivalent of 32 million meals to people across every London borough.Over the next few months, we’ll be showcasing more people from the list, so make sure you keep an eye on our feed.To view the full list pick up a copy of this week’s paper, or head to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced £40billion of tax rises in Labour’s first budget for nearly 15 years.In a 77-minute speech before a packed House of Commons, the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer announced massive tax hikes to help “fix the foundations” of the economy.Reeves plans to raise £25 billion from employers’ national insurance contributions plus increases to capital gains tax, while also making changes to inheritance tax and stamp duty.Billions of pounds in public funding was also pledged for the NHS, schools building, the national minimum wage, GB Energy, HMRC reform, cladding removal, defence and compensation for victims of the infected blood and Post Office Horizon scandals.In a boost for London, the Chancellor confirmed that HS2 would be extended via tunnelling to London Euston.It is all part of the government’s plan to tackle the so-called “£22bn black hole” in the public finances.But the opposition Conservatives accused Labour of breaking manifesto pledges. We’re joined by Parliament by The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With the Budget on Wednesday getting us more focussed about stretching the pennies - who’s splashing out on £1,000-a-night on London’s new five-star hotel suites, amid a building boom? It seems there’s plenty of business at the top-end, with The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn reporting the capital is on the brink of a new luxury hotel “gold rush”, with destinations offering hundreds of five-star rooms and suites due to open over the next 18 months.In part two, could east London’s famed “Blackhorse beer mile” be at risk?The London Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall reports on the fate of two breweries run by The Wild Card Brewery, which were shuttered after bailiffs arrived over apparent rent arrears with Waltham Forest council.Now there are concerns for other local businesses, which also have the council as their landlord. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has given a speech to prepare the ground for the Budget, saying Britain "must embrace the harsh light of fiscal reality".Elsewhere in the Labour party, Mike Amesbury MP has been suspended after CCTV appears to show him repeatedly punching a man. Our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, shared his insight. In part two, we have a special preview of The Standard’s series on London’s hidden gems. In this episode we get an exclusive peek inside the Transport for London’s lost property office, and the weird and wonderful things commuters have left behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is traveling off-season the best way to go? Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks transport us to Turkey, and we meet two inspiring guests who bring to life why so much good can come from our travels. Selina Pirinccioglu from Alavya hotel tempts us to Alaçati on the Çeşme peninsula, as they reflect on how traveling off-season is better for visitors and locals, and where else she’d like to explore across Turkey.Award-winning author Elif Shafak reminds us of the power of travel to connect with people around the world and emphasises the importance of immersing ourselves in other cultures through fiction, her latest novel is There are Rivers in the Sky.And Doug Lansky - of ReThinkingTourism on YouTube - brings the series to a poignant end with his concept of 'sustainable-ish’. Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads, or have a look at Juliet’s Instagram @JulietKinsman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.