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Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed. Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents" The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com And The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents
- 852 - The test that will define Keir Starmer
It would be an exaggeration to say the vultures are already circling the wagon - but there are already conversations taking place about Keir Starmer's future. Bloomberg and Sky have both reported that sources in Labour are already contemplating the prospect of a move against the PM next May after the local elections.
Absolutely crucial to those results will be Wales. Labour has never been out of power since devolution in Wales - more than a quarter of a century ago. But if polling is to be believed, that could. all be about to change. Reform and Plaid Cymru, the Welsh independents, both appear to be edging ahead of Labour. And if that happens it could be a huge problem - both an existential challenge for Welsh Labour, and possibly for the PM himself.
The stakes couldn't be much higher. And with that in mind, Lewis sat down with Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks frankly about her relationship with Keir Starmer, where she thinks Labour needs to move to stop the haemorrhaging of support, and gives one of the most frank assessments yet of Israel's actions in Gaza from a senior Labour figure.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 - 43min - 851 - Weekend Edition: Lions with James Haskell - Pollock, Farrell's late call-up & almost killing a teammate - The Sports Agents
More bonus content from our new-look weekend edition!
The British & Irish Lionsare soon to face Australia in the big three Tests, after wrapping up their warm-up games. So Gabby caught up with former Lions & England flanker, James Haskell to talk about Henry Pollock, where the team need to improve, what it's like to get a late call up like Owen Farrell and almost killing Rory Best on Tour.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault support is available. You can contact The Survivors Trust on 0808 801 0818 or online for confidential help.
You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here!
Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides
Producer: Sophie Penney
Video Producer: Sam Trudgill
Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland
Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings
Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network
Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".
The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 - 20min - 850 - Why does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim?
Gregg Wallace’s friends have been telling newspapers that his "autistic hypersensitivity" meant that he had an “oddity of filters and boundaries", including an inability to wear underwear or any tight clothing. Gregg himself has complained that the BBC neglected its duty of care to him and his recently diagnosed autism. Fifty more people have come forward this week to complain to the BBC about his alleged over-sexualised behaviour on Masterchef. Does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim here? Why is he selling wellness consultation? And why did those around him who saw what he was doing not stop him?
Later, is Iran a threat to Britain on UK soil? How should the government respond to Iran - as diplomatic state or terrorist organisation?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 - 29min - 849 - Why has Elon Musk's AI chatbot started imitating Hitler?
Last night on X, Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok - started imitating Hitler in its responses to user questions. Was this intentional? Did Musk really command his AI tool to spew out anti-semitic takes? And will this lead to any sort of regulation over AI?
Later, we discuss the upcoming doctors strike. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned resident doctors the public "won't forgive" them, and despite a pay rise of 29% over the last three years they will still walk out at the end of the month.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 - 35min - 848 - Would a wealth tax save Rachel Reeves?
The government has studiously avoided ruling out a wealth tax this week. Minister after minister has refused to knock down the suggestion, despite the Chancellor having dismissed the idea as recently as April. So what's changed? Could a levy on wealthy individuals be on the cards for October's budget? Would it even raise any money - or is Rachel Reeves in danger of scaring wealth creators out of Britain? We speak to the incoming director of the IFS, Helen Miller.
And later, why the failure to produce an 'Epstein client list' is sending MAGA crazy - and why bad bosses who try and gag their employees are due a reckoning.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 - 38min - 847 - Does the government want to sack the BBC boss?
Labour used to be the party that leapt to the defence of the BBC. So why was the Culture Secretary this weekend calling for heads to roll, saying she was "exasperated" at the broadcaster, and refusing to express confidence its director general Tim Davie?
The BBC has admitted to failings in its Glastonbury coverage, which saw it stream one act chanting "death to the IDF" - despite the corporation later admitting it had deemed them "high risk" before the festival. But those admissions don't appear to have satisfied the government. Is Labour falling out of love with the BBC? And should the BBC be worried? Jon and Emily discuss with Sir Craig Oliver, former BBC News editor turned Downing Street director of politics and communications.
Later, on the twentieth anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, which killed 52 people, injured more than 700, and led to the largest criminal investigation in British history - have we learnt the lessons from the tragedy? Yasmin Khan, a human rights campaigner and friend of the de Menezes family, appears in the Netflix documentary 'Attack on London', and came in to News Agents HQ.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 - 51min - 846 - Live Q&A: One year of Keir
Twelve months ago, the Conservatives suffered the worst general election result in their near 200 year history and Keir Starmer took up the mantle at Downing Street. It's been turbulent - from riots sweeping the UK, to party divisions and economic uncertainty.
This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions about the Prime Minister's first year in office and look back on how his government is doing.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 - 48min - 845 - Weekend Edition: Tour de France - what does it take to conquer the world's toughest race? - The Sports Agents
Welcome to the new-look weekend edition with fresh interviews and content!
With the Tour de France starting this weekend Gabby and Mark try to get their heads around the immense physical and mental challenge of winning one of the world's toughest races. They speak to the winner of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, Kasia Niewiadoma (06:15), ex-pro cyclist, Adam Blythe, and former Team Sky nutritionist, Nigel Mitchell (21:30).
You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here!
Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides
Producer: Sophie Penney
Video Producer: Sam Trudgill
Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland
Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings
Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network
Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".
The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 - 37min - 844 - Is Rachel Reeves now unsackable?
Keir Starmer did a round of interviews this morning in a show of support for his Chancellor. And the reason was clear. After she cried in the Commons chamber yesterday the bond markets started to panic.
If Rachel Reeves leaves the government, so the theory goes, her fiscal rules, her commitment to economic discipline, could be revisited. So after a bumpy week - for both Reeves and the government - has she proved to be unsackable?
And if it is the same Rachel Reeves who is to blame for some of the policy blunders made in the first twelve months of Keir Starmer's premiership - is that a problem?
We speak to Wes Streeting about that, as well as if he'd ever be tempted to take Ozempic...
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 - 35min - 843 - Why was Rachel Reeves crying at PMQs?
There is much we still don’t know or understand about today. Was Rachel Reeves upset by an altercation with the Speaker? Was the issue something more personal? Was she exhausted after the fruitless and demoralising failure of her welfare reform bill? But the sight of the Chancellor at lunch time today fighting back tears at the PM's side was pretty surreal. She looked wounded, fragile and hurt - and inevitably, it’s started speculation she does not have the Prime Minister's full confidence.
The markets are queasy - reflecting a panic that the government is looking less stable. Could the PM be about to sack his own Chancellor? And - how does he reassert his authority for the job he needs to do if the Labour MPs are now directing policy?
We talk to Keir’s former chief of staff Sam White.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 - 35min - 842 - Donald Trump threatens to deport Elon Musk
After a lull in the Bro Wars - the sequel. This time Trump is threatening not only to remove Musk's government subsidies but even have him deported. Why? It all goes back to Musk's criticism of Trump's massive spending bill - which gives the wealthy tax cuts and removes Medicaid for 17 million Americans - and would add 3 trillion dollars to America's ballooning deficit. Could Musk start his own party? Will he really prove a political force against Trump? Which speaks louder in America - wealth or executive office?
Later, how shit is Britain? Should we accept the declinist narrative of the country being broken? Or is it being exploited by creepy xenophobes? We speak to Labour MP and former pollster Chris Curtis.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 - 38min - 841 - Does anyone know what the Starmer plan is?
Tomorrow, Labour MPs will be asked to vote on the rejigged welfare reform bill. Senior Labour politicians Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham still don’t think it’s worth the paper it’s written on. But the whole debacle has thrown up a bigger question about Starmer's leadership and authority. Does anyone really understand what’s in the PM's mind or what he is trying to achieve? We speak to the Starmer whisperer, Tom Baldwin.
Later, Glastonbury, Bob Vylan and the BBC. And how has Wimbledon now become a symbol of Britain's decline?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 - 45min - 840 - How to catch a terrorist
This Friday, Lewis is joined in the studio by the newest members of the 'agents' family. Neil Basu is former head of Counter Terrorism Policing and Andy Hughes is an investigative journalist who's been covering crime for two decades.
They look back on 2017, a year which the UK experienced a series of devastating terrorist attacks, to talk about what it takes to catch a terrorist, and why some slip through the net.
You can listen to The Crime Agents here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L4DG/
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 - 42min - 839 - Weekend Edition: Euros exclusive, Wimbledon's 66,000 tennis balls & is 5-day cricket too long? - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
A big exclusive ahead of the Euros with two of England's defending champions, Lauren Hemp & Niamh Charles, Gabby goes behind the scenes at Wimbledon (10:30) and after England's historic comeback we ask ex-England bowler Steven Finn if 5-day cricket is too long? (19:30)
You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here.
Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 - 24min - 838 - Is Keir Starmer losing control of his party?
Remember how there was going to be no row back and no change to the government welfare reform bill? Well, now it seems there might be...
Starmer's team are talking about the importance of “conversations with colleagues“ after an amendment signed by 120 Labour MPs showed them how easily they could lose a major vote on Tuesday. Those conversations are code - as is “listening mode“. Are we about to see a climb down? A change of policy? Or watch the whole bill disappear?
We talk to Douglas Alexander about the direction of the bill, the party and our trade deal with Trump.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 - 31min - 837 - Why is NATO’s Secretary-General calling Trump “DADDY"?
The atmosphere here at the NATO summit has been little short of obsequious towards President Trump. Leaders have worked out that if they want US buy-in to NATO they have to commit to Trump’s spending demands, and flatter him into believing he is the only person who can make things happen.
Well, so far it seems to be working. The US has renewed its commitment to defending other NATO countries. And the language has been expletive free.
But why are NATO leaders refusing to mention Russian aggression? Will they just end up looking scared? We talk to Estonia's defence secretary and the global historian, Peter Frankopan, author of Silk Roads
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 - 35min - 836 - Trump: Israel and Iran "don't know what the f*** they're doing"
We’re at the Nato summit in The Hague where Europe’s leaders were hoping to put defence spending and Ukraine top of the agenda.
That's before Donald Trump derailed things by swearing on the White House lawn. He’s very cross that Israel and Iran aren't listening to him, and his insistence that a ceasefire is underway.
Can he will a war to end just by saying it? Or are we learning how little control Trump really has over world events?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 - 36min - 835 - Does Trump want to topple Iran’s government?
Has Trump now decided he would like to topple Iran’s leadership? He’s let his cabinet tell the world that the only game here was to stop Iran becoming nuclear competent.
Yet, overnight his motivation seems to have changed. Does this change the whole scenario and make an end game much harder? And what kind of conversations is Starmer now having with his inner circle about whether these strikes on Tehran are even legal?
Later, the complicated response of Iranian people as their cities are being bombed. Do they welcome the chance to see the regime fall. Or will they rally to the flag?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 - 43min - 834 - Special Episode: Trump strikes Iran
Trump did it - he attacked Iran. Overnight, US armed forces attacked three of Iran’s nuclear development sites. Trump claims to have obliterated the nascent Iranian nuclear capabilities. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant. European leaders are uneasy. The whole world is holding its breath.
What happens now? Can we even know? What does it mean for the region, for Europe and the world? And what should the British government do?
Lewis and Jon discuss in a special Sunday episode, on a day when an already volatile world seemed to get that bit less certain.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Sun, 22 Jun 2025 - 29min - 833 - Chris Patten on Israel, Iran and Nigel Farage the pub bore
Chris Patten has done it all. Conservative cabinet minister under Thatcher and Major, our last Governor of British Hong Kong, then back home overseeing policing reform in Northern Ireland, EU Commissioner in Brussels, Chairman of the BBC, Chancellor of Oxford University, you name it, Patten has more chance than anybody of having done it. But his sort of Tory Party is one which increasingly feels consigned to history. What does it mean for Britain’s future if there are no successors to the sort of politics he embodied?
Now in his 80th year, Lewis went to Patten’s salubrious Barnes home, to discuss a remarkable career in national and international politics. He talks the future of China, the Iran conflict, Starmer’s handling of Trump and how Farage is Britain’s biggest pub bore.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 - 38min - 832 - Weekend Edition: Poison, Chelsea's frozen £2.5bn & training Ascot winners - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
Does the government actually have a good reason for the £2.5bn from the Chelsea FC sale not helping millions of children worldwide? And was former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich poisoned? (03:30)
How do you train a horse for Royal Ascot? A full behind the scenes episode from one of Britain's best yards, which trained the late Queen's horses. (13:30)
And what is it like to race for 24 hours in Le Mans? How do you stay awake for the night driving? (20:30)
In response to the comments made in this podcast Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The Government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far. While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.”
You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here.
Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 - 25min - 831 - Will Britain go to war with Iran?
Sir Keir Starmer has put his cabinet on alert for a possible US attack on Iran.
Just 24 hours after insisting Donald Trump had given no indication he was about to “get involved” in the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Prime Minister called a COBRA meeting to review how Britain might respond to a major escalation. Would Starmer be able to say no to Trump? What might Trump ask us to do? And how did we get here in under a week?
Later, we are joined by the Hungarian deputy foreign minister to discuss their welcome of Netanyahu, NATO, Ukraine and whether Hungarians are falling out of love with Viktor Orban.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 - 38min - 830 - Is Iran really making a nuclear bomb?
Later on this episode we’re joined by author of 'Sapiens' and 'Nexus' - Yuval Noah Harari - to talk politics and AI. But we begin with war.
The speed of the escalation between Iran, Israel, and the US has been staggering. Trump is flirting with entering a war he doesn’t want, with an enemy he may not be able to control. At the heart of this conflict are questions over Iran’s ability to make nuclear weapons. Netanyahu believes it’s an imminent threat. Trump’s own administration didn’t believe this back in March.
So what’s actually changed? And is Iran actually nuclear ready? We discuss with Iranian analyst and former state department advisor Vali Nasr.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 18 Jun 2025 - 51min - 829 - Why are politicians weaponising grooming gang survivors?
Louise Casey's report on grooming gangs is incredibly tough reading. She details, over 200 pages, the repeated failings of local authorities, police forces, government departments and indeed the legal system, which treats the victims of the most horrific abuse as somehow culpable.
She was tasked to look into the issue following a clamour for a national inquiry earlier this year. Bundled up in those calls - propelled by Elon Musk - was the claim that Pakistani men were responsible for the vast majority of "group-based" child sexual exploitation offences. Baroness Casey has looked at that claim. She has found a comprehensive failure of adequate data gathering, although from the records of three police forces says there is an "over-representation" of Asian and Pakistani men. She is concerned about the politicisation of the debate, the risks of racists hijacking the issue, and most profoundly, about fixing a system which still sees girls subject to heinous abuse at the hands of male predators.
Baroness Casey came in to speak to Emily and Lewis, as the Prime Minister backed her call for a new national inquiry.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 - 35min - 828 - Will Trump drag America into war with Iran?
What is Israel's end game in Iran? Does it genuinely believe Iran is making nuclear weapons - or is this about overthrowing the whole regime? Did Trump make Iran more dangerous when he ripped up the diplomatic deal Obama had forged with the country? And will Trump end up dragging America into a brand new Middle East war?
We talk to CNN correspondent and Ex Files host, Christiane Amanpour and ask how Iranians themselves are feeling about the prospect of their own leaders being toppled.
Later, why is abortion still technically illegal in England and Wales. And does the law need to change? Tomorrow MPs will be given a free commons vote. We ask Labour backbencher Stella Creasy why pressure from America is making her bring this amendment now.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 - 40min - 827 - Israel vs Iran: a nuclear showdown
The last two decades have led to the last 24 hours: Israel, going for broke and launching an all out assault on Iran’s nuclear programme. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claims he is trying to prevent a “nuclear holocaust.” But why now? And in acting in this way will Israel succeed in halting an Iranian nuclear weapon or guarantee it?
PLUS Lewis talks at length to Zia Yusuf, the former Reform Chairman about that weekend, where he resigned and unresigned in the space of 72 hours. Is Reform really about to storm Westminster, or rather is it its best disguised joke?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 13 Jun 2025 - 59min - 826 - Weekend Edition: The secret world of match-fixing & can Habana still race a cheetah? - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
We hear the secrets behind match fixing from convicted match fixer and former professional footballer, Moses Swaibu. With the Lucas Paqueta trial coming to an end, Swaibu tells us how many people it takes to fix a match, what signs you can look out for, and how to put an end to all of this. (01:00)
Mark heads down to Soccer Aid to chat to a host of sporting stars. What does Joe Hartmake of Manchester City's transfer business? How does Bryan Habana rate the Lions' chances on tour? And can he still race a cheetah? (14:45)
Got a question for The Sports Agents? Email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 13 Jun 2025 - 25min - 825 - “A petrol bomb away from death". What’s happening on the streets of the UK?
It's been 3 days since the streets of Ballymena in Northern Ireland went from peaceful protest to full on riots. Since then, 41 police officers have been injured, rioters have hurled petrol bombs, and people have fled their homes as hate-filled mobs set fire to them.
As the tensions builds and the protests turn to racist rioting, is this more of what we saw in Southport last summer, or is this specific to Northern Irish identity?
Later, Jon sits down with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Jamie Oliver to talk about his latest campaign on how the education system leaves children with dyslexia behind.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 - 49min - 824 - Are tax rises inevitable?
Today, in a marked change of tone, Rachel Reeves laid out her spending review. The Chancellor set out budgets for government departments, boosting budgets for the NHS and Home Office. But the Tories are calling her approach "spend now, tax later".
So is this the plan too ambitious? And are tax rises inevitable in the Autumn? And can Reeve's spending review help to rebuild her reputation? We speak to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 - 32min - 823 - Are pensioners now untouchable in British politics?
Keir Starmer has done his first media round since the u-turn on winter fuel payments, attempting to argue that the country’s finances are now stable and also still reeling from Liz Truss mini budget. 9 million pensioners are now eligible for the benefit. Including many well off couples. Is this really the best use of public money when young families are struggling and child poverty is double the level of pensioner poverty?
Later, the SNPs Stephen Flynn joins us in the studio to talk about Gaza, Reform, the SNPs record in government, and that Hamilton by-election result.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 - 42min - 822 - "They spit, we hit" - Trump sends the troops into L.A.
Why has Trump sent the National Guard onto the streets of L.A. to deal with protests against his immigration raids? Normally, this would only happen at the invitation of the State's governor. This time, Trump acted without consultation - and the governor, Gavin Newsom, is now threatening to sue him.
Is Trump right to say he needs to assert law and order on a few protestors before it gets out of control? Is this a personal vendetta against Newsom? Or might it be for more sinister reasons - a dress rehearsal for a President working out how to use emergency powers to seize control of local operations of government?
Later, actor comedian poet and writer Tim Key joins us to discuss his smash hit film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' - and an update on the Chancellor's winter fuel u-turn.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 09 Jun 2025 - 42min - 821 - Elon Musk suggests Donald Trump is a paedophile
Last night, one of the world's most powerful relationships came to a dramatic end. Over the course of one evening, Elon Musk set fire to his already fracturing partnership with Donald Trump. The bitter feud over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' spilled out to accusations that the President is in the Epstein files and calls for his impeachment.
As the break up plays out on social media, Jon and Lewis ask is the bromance truly over? Will Trump sell his Tesla? Will Musk be deported? And is there any coming back from this war of words?
Later - does Zia Yusuf's departure as Reform chairman derail Nigel Farage's pitch to voters?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 - 35min - 820 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
With the NBA Finals starting, Gabby and Mark chat about Michael Jordan returning to our screens and why the NBA hasn't taken off in the UK with host of The Athletic’s NBA Daily podcast, Dave DuFour. (03:30)
Comedian Lee Mack joined us for a laugh ahead of Soccer Aid, spilling the secrets from playing with some of the world's most famous footballers. (09:30)
Former Chelsea and Nigeria player John Obi Mikelcame into the studio to chat about the upcoming Club World Cup and whether players really stop playing football when they're on holiday. (14:45)
Is PSGwinning Champions Leaguemasking the terrible financial state of Ligue 1? We speak to Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent for the New York Times. (18:15)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 - 23min - 819 - Has the Conservative Party had enough of Liz Truss?
The Tory leadership - in the form of shadow chancellor Mel Stride - is setting out to remind voters how dangerous their own Liz Truss was. He's pledged in a speech this morning that their party will never again risk the economy with unfunded tax cuts, and admitted the credibility of the UK economic framework was undermined by her misplaced policies. Why is this coming now? And what does it say about the current Tory leadership difficulties and their challenge with Labour's narrative?
We talk to former chancellor Jeremy Hunt, author of a new book, 'Can We Be Great Again?' and we bring you the fight back that is Liz Truss.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 - 40min - 818 - Gaza aid crisis: ‘If this isn’t a moment for moral clarity, what is?’
Today, Israel has paused what little aid it was allowing into Gaza - closing all aid distribution centres. It follows 3 deadly incidents at aid centres over the last 3 days, with at least 27 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire on Tuesday. As tensions escalate and the roads leading to aid are becoming 'combat zones', the situation is increasingly desperate.
So, can the new aid system in Gaza work? Is there any evidence that the aid is being diverted to Hamas as Israel claims? And what will it take to open up the border crossings?
Meanwhile, Lewis takes trip up to Blackpool to visit The Talbot, Reform's latest offering - a pub. Speaking to punters, drinkers and owners alike, Lewis unpicks the forces at play which have seen Reform go from strength to strength.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 04 Jun 2025 - 35min - 817 - Will Labour hike taxes to placate Trump?
Less than 24 hours after the Defence Secretary stood up in the Commons to unveil the government's strategic defence review, months in the making, and it looks like NATO are forcing the MOD to go back to the drawing board.
The PM couldn't completely commit to 3% of GDP going on defence spending, despite that being an essential part of the review. And now, according to briefings in the newspapers, NATO is forcing Britain (and all members) to commit to a new 3.5% target within a decade. The aim? Convince Trump that NATO is worth standing by - with Russia feeling emboldened, there are heightened warnings that a NATO country could be his next target.
But the timing could hardly be more awkward for the Labour government. Just a week out from what could be a brutal spending review, the additional demands on defence will force tens of billions of more to be found to fund our army. Are taxes rises and harsh spending cuts now inevitable to placate the US president?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 03 Jun 2025 - 33min - 816 - Is Keir Starmer prioritising warfare over welfare?
The Prime Minister has warned the nation that it needs to be ready for war - in an era of new threats including the “immediate” danger posed by Russia. Is more spending on defence going to alarm or reassure people? And how should he answer those in his own party who insist welfare spending should come before warfare?
Later, award-winning actor Eddie Marsan sits down with Emily and Jon, talking about the power in community, growing up in the East End in the age of the National Front, and his message to Tommy Robinson.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 02 Jun 2025 - 46min - 815 - The inside story of the Salisbury poisonings
In the Spring on 2018, a man and a young woman were found slipping in and out of consciousness on a public bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire. What would follow was an incredible story of espionage, poisoning, and political vendettas. As the world was gripped by the botched assassination of Sergei Skripal, news rooms and crisis rooms here in the UK were reeling with the implications of the Russian attack on British soil.
The attempted killing of the double agent who'd turned to work for UK intelligence led to the death of a British woman Dawn Sturgess, the poisoning of two police officers, international condemnation, and the largest expulsion of Russian diplomats in history.
This Friday, Lewis is joined by Amber Rudd, who was Home Secretary at the time, and journalist Mark Urban, who had interviewed Skripal in the weeks before the attack. They share their unique insight of what it was like working behind the scenes during one of biggest stories of the last decade.
You can listen to the first episode of The Crisis Room here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrrwtQ/
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 30 May 2025 - 42min - 814 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
Gabby and Mark get a rare access all areas pass to go behind the scenes at Sale Sharks rugby club, from training to the team meeting to interviews with Lions and England players Tom Curry, Ben Curry and George Ford. (02:45)
Four-time Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnsonhas launched a new league to make athletics popular outside the Olympics, he tells us how it's going so far. (08:15)
Britain's most decorated Paralympian, Sarah Storey, joins Professor Kirsty Elliot-Sale from Manchester Metropolitan University, to explain their mission to extend the careers of female athletes through menopause support. (13:15)
Ahead of the Champions League final, Italian football writer James Horncastle, explains why this match isn't the end of the road for Inter Milan. (19:30)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 30 May 2025 - 26min - 813 - Musk out, tariffs in tatters: is MAGA in meltdown?
A trade court has smacked down Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" sweeping tariff plans. Three judges ruled that the US president had pushed the boundaries of his own executive authority beyond its limits when implementing broad tariffs. Members of Trump's camp have already labelled it a "judicial coup" and insisted the decision will be overturned quickly. But this is another hammer blow to his economic plan - can he restore his credibility with the markets after months of relentless uncertainty?
Later, Keir Starmer has used an impromptu speech in the north-west to paint Nigel Farage as Liz Truss 2.0 - warning that he would "crash the economy" and trying to focus voters' minds on the choice between Labour and Reform. The next election is four years away - so why is the PM holding a campaign style stump speech to attack a political rival? And will it work?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 29 May 2025 - 42min - 812 - Time to Decriminalise? The UK’s Cannabis Question
The age old "should we decriminalise cannibis?" conversation has reared it's head again, this time with the London Mayor Sadiq Khan backing the calls to decriminalise for possession of small amounts.
How are drug laws in the UK damaging police relations with ethnic communities? What would decriminalisation it mean for stop and search? And, with so many countries around the world having already legalised cannibis, how will it change things here in the UK? Former head of Counter Terrorism for the UK, Neil Basu, joins us in the studio.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 28 May 2025 - 31min - 811 - The far-right hijack a tragedy - again
It took Merseyside police less than two hours to release information about the suspect who'd been arrested in the Liverpool parade crash which injured close to 50 people. The force told the public that it was a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area who had been detained. Right wing commentators and conspiracy theorists had already started speculating about the potential ethnicity and the motives behind the man alleged to have been involved.
So was it sensible policing aimed at quelling the misinformation? Or did the decision reveal just how close we are to unrest - like we saw in Southport - spook the police into revealing more than they normally would? LBC's crime correspondent Andy Hughes assesses the mood within the police.
Later, what if that much heralded "unprecedented" second state visit for Donald Trump never happened? Jon has heard that in Palace circles, there's an increasing suspicion that the carpet might not be rolled out for POTUS after all....
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 27 May 2025 - 42min - 810 - The truth behind Joe Biden’s decline: the inside story
Jake Tapper of CNN is one of America’s most famous newsmen, someone who knows Washington inside and out. He - quite literally - had a ringside seat at the most consequential presidential debate in American history, as the presenter in charge as President Joe Biden melted down before the eyes of the world; his frailties and diminishment on display for all to see.
Along with Alex Thompson of Axios, he has written a new book 'Original Sin' which, through conversations with over 200 White House and Democratic Party officials, tells the story of the tragic decline of Joe Biden. A history so many lived through but could not bring themselves to see, up to and including the President and his inner circle themselves.
Jake joins Lewis to discuss the book, the remarkable 2024 campaign and whether the Democrats can find a future until, and unless, they reckon with their most recent past.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 23 May 2025 - 33min - 809 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
England captain Leah Williamson, who lifted the Euros trophy at Wembley, talks to us about her 19-year Arsenal career culminating in the Champions League final this weekend. (03:00)
We have a laugh with the man responsible for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney taking over Wrexham, Humphrey Ker.(07:30)
As Netflix launch a new Drive to Surviveseries for the F1 Academy, where 18 women compete to make a name for themselves in motorsport, we speak to Susie Wolff, former F1 development driver and now Managing Director of the F1 Academy. (14:30)
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League, rewriting the worst season in 120 years, so we caught up with The Athletic's Spurs reporter, Jay Harris. (19:45)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 23 May 2025 - 25min - 808 - Israeli ministers accuse Starmer of emboldening terrorists
Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside the Jewish museum in Washington DC. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody. World leaders - including the PM - have condemned the killings. He said in a statement: "Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears."
Earlier this week, the UK, France and Canada issued a statement about the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in Gaza, and threatened sanctions against Israel. That response has led to some Israeli ministers blaming Keir Starmer, Emanuel Macron and Mark Carney of emboldening the forces of terror, and of making "false accusations" which paved the way for the violence. Why?
Later, Emily speaks to the chair of the independent sentencing review. David Gauke is proposing radical changes to the way we treat offenders in an attempt to stop our prisons from bursting and to get reoffending rates down. Will it work?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 22 May 2025 - 36min - 807 - Starmer's first big U-turn
At PMQs, Kemi Badenoch asked Keir Starmer when “the inevitable U-turn on winter fuel" would come. Unfortunately for her, he’d already announced it. Admittedly, it was quietly done. With a bit of hedging and fudging. But if you were following closely, you’d have heard him commit to a rethink at "the next fiscal statement" to a Labour MP who stood up before the Tory leader. When will the backtrack come into force? And does this alleviate pressure on the Treasury on benefits - or just ramp it up? We speak to the Labour backbencher Brian Leishman, who wants to see his leader go further and faster.
And ahead of a major shakeup in our prisons and justice system - does the government want to reduce prisoner numbers out or principle, or is it just a result of a system on its knees? Aggie Chambre has the exclusive.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 21 May 2025 - 38min - 806 - Britain suspends trade talks with Israel
The frustration in Keir Starmer's voice was palpable. He’s joined forces with France and Canada to pressure Israel to stop the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. How far are these leaders prepared to go? And will Trump support them?
Later, what is the political fallout from the EU trade deal? And what would the Lib Dem’s do differently? We hear from Ed Davey on Brexit, Nick Clegg and his new book “Why I care“.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 20 May 2025 - 41min - 805 - Gary Lineker, the BBC and impartiality: what really happened?
Late on Friday, the Newsagents learnt that Gary Lineker could part ways with the BBC as soon as Monday. On today’s episode we piece together the conversations that explain the timing, and ask where it leaves both parties. More widely, do the BBC rules work when it comes to talent tweeting? And was this relationship already over?
Later, the big EU - UK reset has provoked a lot of white flag rhetoric of surrender and defeat. But 8 years on from Brexit, might the problem really be that the government hasn’t been braver in terms of jump starting our economy?
And we look at the rumours of a cover up as Joe Biden announces his cancer diagnosis.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 19 May 2025 - 37min - 804 - Live Q&A: Reform surge, Starmer's successor and reporting from nightclubs
Jon and Lewis are back for a second News Agents live Q&A taking your questions.
In the week of the PM's "island of strangers" speech, they discuss why some voters feel "hoodwinked" by Keir Starmer's government, who in Labour ranks is in prime position to succeed him when the moment arrives, and whether the media is responsible for the spike in Reform's poll numbers - or if liberals need to figure out a better way to take the fight to the populist right. They also reveal the weirdest places they have been sent on assignment...
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 16 May 2025 - 41min - 803 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
Two big exclusive interviews this week on The Sports Agents...
The new face of rugby, Henry Pollock, joined us in the studio. With two tries from one England cap, and now a Lions call up - this 20-year-old is on a rapid rise, and he’s using that fame to make rugby cool again with his try celebrations. (03:45)
Gabby and Mark also sat down with Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola. Under his guidance the club could qualify for Europe for the first time ever, and he and his players, like Dean Huijsen, are catching the eyes of Real Madrid! (12:15)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 16 May 2025 - 23min - 802 - Rupert Lowe - in his own words: “Farage, bullying and grooming gangs”
MP Rupert Lowe was kicked out of the Reform party earlier this year after a very public spat with Nigel Farage. He claims “lawfare“ and says Farage was trying to jail a political opponent. Reform say he was dropped for his behaviour after bullying allegations came to light.
Yesterday the CPS announced no further action would be taken against Lowe, concluding that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
We speak to him on today’s episode about bullying, grooming, and the accusation that Farage was trying to get him locked up.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 15 May 2025 - 40min - 801 - Sex trafficking and freak offs: Diddy on trial
Sean Combs, P Diddy and Puff Daddy - the names are as numerous as the allegations. The hip hop star is standing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in a legal suit that’s captured America. On today's show we bring you everything you need to know about the biggest trial since Weinstein.
Later, we ask whether Keir Starmer is now treating Reform as the main party of opposition.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 14 May 2025 - 32min - 800 - Is Starmer using the language of Enoch Powell?
In the 24 hours since giving his hard hitting speech on immigration, Keir Starmer and his cabinet have faced accusations his language was channeling that of the far right 1960s politician Enoch Powell. He of the 'River of Blood' speech, in 1968.
We talk to Lord Alf Dubs, the child refugee and moral conscience of the nation, about how he sees the Prime Minister's language. And why the words matter.
Later, Christiane Amanpour launches her new global podcast 'The Ex Files' with her Ex Husband, Jamie Rubin, a former State department diplomatic.
You can listen to The Ex Files here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L2sj/
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 13 May 2025 - 40min - 799 - Keir Starmer: the immigration experiment is over
Keir Starmer, sounding in tone closer to Nigel Farage than previous Labour prime ministers, has called immigration a failed lab experiment and decreed it’s time to take back control. Introducing the government's immigration white paper, the PM says that high net migration has done "incalculable damage" to the country. It’s language that suggests he has been spooked by Reform's recent successes. But language, he presumes, voters now want to hear from their leader. Is he right? And what happens to our most vulnerable if we don’t have NHS staff and care home workers to fill the job gaps no one here is taking?
But we start with an extraordinary interview with Victor Orban's right hand man. In the week where Zelesnkyy and Putin could meet in Istanbul for a potentially crucial moment in attempts to bring the Ukraine war to an end, why is Hungary at odds with the rest of the EU over Russia? Why have Hungary and Ukraine accused each other of spying over the weekend? And is Starmer's language on immigration now mirroring Orban's a decade earlier?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 12 May 2025 - 42min - 798 - Tina Brown on truth, Trump and the future of journalism
For half a century, Tina Brown has been a titan of journalism both here in the UK and in America. Editor of Tatler at just 25, she continued to take on Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, moving now into the digital age of journalism. Through the Reagan era to Trump, Tina Brown has seen it all.
This Friday, Lewis is joined by Tina in the studio to talk about her vast career, Trump's drive for payback, and the future of journalism in the digital age.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 09 May 2025 - 50min - 797 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
After two dramatic Champions League semi-finals we caught up with European Football Journalist Guillem Balagué (03:45).
World number one tennis player, Jannik Sinner, returned from a three-month doping ban this week. His lawyer Jamie Singercame into the studio (12:15).
With young superstars lighting up sport recently like Lamine Yamal and Luke Littler, we spoke to skateboarder Sky Brown, who became Britain's youngest Olympic medallist aged 13 (16:15).
The new snooker world champion Zhao Xintongjust came back from a 20-month ban for being party to match fixing. To find out more Jeremy Wilson, Chief Sports Reporter for The Telegraph, joined us (20:45).
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 09 May 2025 - 25min - 796 - Is the Trump-Starmer trade deal really "historic"?
Keir Starmer could only dial in to Donald Trump's press conference, hailing the new US-UK trade deal, but that didn't stop an Oval Office love in between the two leaders.
Starmer praised a "historic" day for both countries, as Trump thanked Starmer, speaking warmly of the special “external and internal bond” between the two countries.
The timing could hardly be better for the Prime Minister, some much needed good economic news after a brutal set of local election results and growing unease on his backbenches about welfare cuts. But is there actually that much to get excited about in this trade deal? Or does it still leave us in a worse place with the US than just a few months ago?
Later, Jon and Emily speak to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of the Atlantic, and the man who was added to that infamous 'Houthi PC Small Group' Signal chat that ended up with the firing of America's National Security Advisor.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 08 May 2025 - 35min - 795 - What happens when two nuclear powers go to war?
For nearly a decade, Harvey Weinstein's former assistant, Zelda Perkins, has been exposing the way NDAs are abused by people of power, and trying to bring about change in how they are used in the workplace. Later in today’s episode we ask her why employers are still using NDAs to gag employees and why the government STILL hasn’t banned this practice.
But we start on the border of India and Pakistan where shots have been fired between two nuclear powers. We’re going back to the start with Tim Marshall. Why do these countries hate each other so much? And how did it all begin? We have the explainer for those trying to make sense of the big geopolitical row in the subcontinent.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 07 May 2025 - 32min - 794 - Tents for asylum seekers - why won't Labour rule it out?
In the latest round of “did I hear that correctly?“, the Prime Minister's spokesman has refused to rule out housing asylum seekers in tents. It’s a policy that's been touted by Reform's new mayor for Greater Lincolnshire, and, you'd think, should be an easy one for Labour to knock down. The fact they can’t - or won’t - speaks to a larger issue about how Labour deals with the Reform party in Britain and how progressive parties more generally should approach populist ideas. Should mainstream parties shun them or embrace them?
Later, Netanyahu’s latest plan for political survival is to occupy and annexe Gaza in its entirety - right as food supplies in the Gaza strip are so low that civillians are just days away from starvation. Why isn’t there enough political momentum at home to stop him? We speak to Dahlia Scheindlin, an expert in Israeli public opinion.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 06 May 2025 - 48min - 793 - The Farage surge: is the two party system over?
For the last decade, the spectre of Nigel Farage has been haunting British politics. From UKIP to the Brexit Party, he has loomed in the background of Westminster, threatening but never quite managing to pose a real threat to the two major parties. All that changed today. With just six votes in it, Reform took their first seat from Labour, in Runcorn - which had been one of the safest seats in the country. The party has secured other big council and mayoral wins too. Farage now claims that he, not Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the opposition.
Is he right? How will Labour respond to this Reform victory in the by-elections? What does it mean for Keir Starmer's government? And does it mark the end of the two party system as we know it?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 02 May 2025 - 41min - 792 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
Gabby and Mark were live from Lords Cricket Ground this week for the launch of the 2026 Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. They spoke to World Rugby Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, about their own home World Cup this summer, the new trend for celebrations, and the cowboy craze (01:15).
At Lords we also caught up with the new Head Coach of the England women's cricket team, Charlotte Edwards. Her task is to take the team from an Ashes whitewash to a home World Cup victory - so how's she going to pull that off? (20:30)
After Liverpoolwon the Premier League (sorry Mark!) we marvelled at the smooth handover from talisman Juergen Kloppto Premier League newbieArne Slot with Football Correspondent for the Sunday Times, Jonathan Northcroft, and John Gibbons from the Anfield Wrap (09:30).
Tennis players are suing the governing bodies over prize money, "invasive" phone searches and more. So we caught up with the man behind the lawsuit, Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (15:30).
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 02 May 2025 - 24min - 791 - Will Trump's deal with Ukraine frighten Putin?
Trump has sent 50 million dollars of military aid to Ukraine - the first shipment of aid since he took power. The money started flowing after Ukraine signed that much discussed minerals deal: in it, America recognised Russia's “full scale invasion of Ukraine". So has the minerals deal finally made peace possible? Or is it little more than a shakedown of the Ukrainians?
Later, the Labour MP who says he wouldn’t be disappointed if more UK universities closed. Do we have too many universities? And are some Labour figures now starting to parrot the language and talking points of Reform?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 01 May 2025 - 40min - 790 - Q&A: Trump's 100 days - America heads to recession
Today, America's GDP figures show the economy is dramatically contracting, and recession continues to loom. It’s not an ideal backdrop for Trumps 100 day celebration. Jon has been in Detroit, where Trump has been addressing autoworkers terrified by Trump's tariffs.
So, with 100 days of Trump 2.0 under our belts, we answer your most pressing questions about how it's gone so far, and whether things are only going to get crazier.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 30 Apr 2025 - 41min - 789 - “Brutal and efficient” - should Starmer be a bit more Carney?
Mark Carney’s election win in Canada has shown what a potent political force Trump can be - to those campaigning against his economic bullying. But could it have wider implications at home for Keir Starmer? Will the PM now feel more comfortable prioritising a trade deal with the EU over the US? And what does having an ally on America's border mean for the way the UK Government now deals with Trump?
Jon's been at an election watch party and is now headed to Detroit across the border - as Donald Trump marks his 100 days in office.
Later, Amazon vs Trump: why, according to the White House, it’s a "hostile act" for the consumer giant to tell its customers the truth about tariffs.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 29 Apr 2025 - 32min - 788 - Will MAGA Make Canada Liberal Again?
Polls have narrowed as Canadians head to the ballot box. Mark Carney has led a remarkable fightback for the Liberal party, driven in no small part by a newfound sense of Canadian nationalism - determined not to be cowed by Donald Trump, disgusted by his overtures to turn the country into America's 51 state.
But with the election looking tightly contested, Jon's been on the Conservative party campaign trail in Oakville, Ontario, where "Maple Leaf MAGA" is also coming out in force - could Donald Trump have killed their chance of returning to government?
Later, Emily speaks to Sacha Lord - the chair of The Night Time Industries Association and former advisor to Andy Burnham - on what's going wrong with the British economy, and why Keir Starmer unfollowed him on X.
And, as Virginia Giuffre's family describe the ongoing pain and trauma she endured until she ended her life, Emily asks why it took her suicide for people to believe her account.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 28 Apr 2025 - 44min - 787 - Special Episode: Trump's epiphany in Rome. Carney's election in Canada
A special edition of The News Agents this weekend as Canadians head to the polls for an election which may be decided by anti American antipathy for Donald Trump. But we begin in Rome after that meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Big questions for both leaders. Has Trump now recognised he’s been played by Putin? And will Zelenskyy have any choice but to agree to concede sovereign Ukrainian territory to bring the war to an end?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Sun, 27 Apr 2025 - 38min - 786 - What keeps Charlie Brooker up at night?
Over ten years ago, Black Mirror burst onto our screens, bringing with it dystopian futures and exploring themes of how humanity would deal with rapidly evolving technology. Now in its seventh series, how much of this is a far-off future? And in 2025, are we now closer to the world of Black Mirror than ever before?
Charlie Brooker joins Emily and Lewis in the studio to talk about how his own anxieties shape Black Mirror, the future of TV in a world of AI, and why he believes humanity will triumph in the end.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 - 36min - 785 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
It was marathon week on The Sports Agents, inspired by the London Marathon...
First up is Eilish McColgan, the four-time Olympian who's making her marathon debut in London. Her mum won the race just under 30 years ago, and now Eilish is hoping to break her record. (02:30)
Former England cricket captain Andrew Strausssays he'll be chasing ex-England team mate Alastair Cookaround the course as they run for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, in honour of Andrew's late wife. (08:30)
Gabby and Mark look at how far the marathon has come with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. She was attacked by the race director but finished the race to lay the path for millions of women around the world. (13:15)
And we had a special bonus Q&A, answering all of your questions. What's your biggest sporting ick? What interview has stuck with you after all these years? And what's your worst sporting FOMO? (20:30)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 - 24min - 784 - “VLADIMIR, STOP!” Trump tells Putin to back off
Overnight Ukraine's capital suffered one of its worst bombardments for nearly a year. Scores were injured by ballistic missiles. Since recording, the death toll has risen to twelve. Putin’s attack came just hours after Trump had berated Zelensky for being “the obstacle to peace". It’s hard not to see how Putin has been emboldened by Trump's words. Which may be why as America woke up, Trump issued an edict to Putin - sorry, Vladimir - saying STOP. Is Trump anywhere close to criticising his Russian pal? We speak to Ukraine-based journalist Conall Kearney.
Later, Keir Starmer is facing pressure from sixty of his back benchers to open up a route for Britains young to work and travel in Europe. Is a new visa scheme imminent?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 - 32min - 783 - "An indecent proposal" Trump's final offer to Ukraine
London was expecting to host key players today for a Ukraine peace summit. Late last night the US Secretary of State pulled out - leaving many to assume there was no plan to sign off. All eyes are now on the Pope's funeral on Saturday, which may be one the de facto European summit, bringing President Trump and President Zelensky face to face. Is Trump serious when he says the plan has to be wrapped up by April 30th or else he walks away?
Later, what does Robert Jenrick mean when he talks about a “coalition with Reform"? And what should Kemi Badenoch do about it?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 - 34min - 782 - "You're fired" - Why Trump's catchphrase is spooking the world economy
The IMF has just released a dire forecast for every major economy - predicting a sharp slowdown in growth on the back of Trump's tariffs plan. It comes as Trump is found trying to fire his central banker - the Federal Reserve Chairman ,Jerome Powell, whose job is completely independent of government. What happens if he goes? And why hasn’t Trump learnt from history? We speak to former senior advisor to Mark Carney at the Bank of England, Huw Van Steenis.
Later, could the culture wars affect what happens now at the Vatican, as Conservatives and progressives vie for dominance of the Catholic Church?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 - 36min - 781 - Matthew Freud knows the secrets of Britain's most powerful people
Matthew Freud rarely gives interviews. He’s normally behind the curtain, on the end of the phone - helping A listers, politicians, and businesses navigate their way through a hostile and unrelenting media environment. But now, on the fortieth anniversary of his company, which has served many of the world's biggest brands and most famous faces - he sits down with Jon and Emily to discuss scandal, power, Succession and what it’s like to be part of both the Freud and Murdoch dynasties.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 - 37min - 780 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
What a moment it was... after an 11-year wait for the final major, Rory McIlroy finally achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters. Actor James Nesbitt explained what it means to Northern Ireland, we relived the rollercoaster with co-host of The Chipping Forecast Podcast, Andrew Cotter, and spoke to Ciaran Laverythe Head Pro at McIlroy’s golf club, Holywood. (02:15)
Who needs Messi, Neymar and Mbappe anyway? The new look PSG are into the Champions League semi-finals and flying. So how has such a young team become one of the best teams in Europe to watch with their free-flowing wing-wizadry? French football journalist Julien Laurens gives Gabby the lowdown. (09:15)
And ahead of the NFL draft next week - what's it like to get that phone call? How intense are the background checks?And how many thousands of plays do you have to learn when you get there? Mark caught up with Chicago Bears Running Back Roschon Johnson.(16:15)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 - 24min - 779 - What is a woman? A landmark ruling
After years of culture war debate over trans women and their rights, today the Supreme Court ruled that the word “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act refers only to “biological” women.
So was this a victory for the women who brought the legal challenge? Does this change anything in real terms for trans-people going forward? And does it just give greater ammunition to those stoking the culture war debate?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 - 28min - 778 - Has Trump given up on Ukraine?
The night after one of the deadliest attacks on Ukrainian civilians since Putin's invasion, the American President has gone all block caps, tweeting: 'I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS WAR'. He's clearly a bit rattled. He'd been briefed over the weekend - following talks between his own envoy and Putin - that a ceasefire was significantly nearer. Things, he told us on Saturday, were heading in the right direction.
That was before Putin dropped his missiles on Sumy, a bustling city going to church on Palm Sunday. So does Donald Trump have no idea of Putin's mindset or moves? And should this tell us he has no way to bring about a ceasefire? We speak to the Ukrainian MP and youngest governor of Odessa Solomiia Bobrovska.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 15 Apr 2025 - 30min - 777 - Is China trying to sabotage British Steel?
Is China trying to sabotage British industry? That’s the warning from a group in parliament. Some ministers may quietly agree. But they can’t say it out loud. So what should our strategy be? As the UK Government takes over the running of a Chinese owned company called British Steel, where does that leave our trade relationship with Beijing? Are we embracing China or running a mile? And what exactly is China planning to build now in the heart of the city of London?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
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The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 14 Apr 2025 - 36min - 776 - SPECIAL REPORT: Will Keir Starmer save British Steel?
In a dramatic turn of events, parliament has been recalled for MPs to discuss the future of British Steel. In Scunthorpe, some 2,700 jobs hang in the balance after the Chinese owner of the steel works said its blast furnaces are "no longer financially sustainable".
Thousands more jobs in the supply chain are also at risk - steel runs through the heart of Scunthorpe. Earlier this week, Keir Starmer declared that we have entered a "changing and completely new world" and promised to "rewire the state completely".
Does this mark the end of the era of globalisation? Could we see a more active state, stepping in to take control of vital national industries? And if so, how does that tally with the PM's remarks to The News Agents, just last month, that he wanted to see a smaller and more agile state?
Lewis has been in Scunthorpe for this special report of a town on the brink, a strategy, perhaps, turned on its head, and what it all means for Britain's industry, its people and its politics.
This special report was produced by Louis Degenhardt and Rory Symon.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 - 40min - 775 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
From watching his uncle commit one of the biggest robberies in British history, to a police chase and a double life sentence. John McAvoy tells us his story of turning his life around to break world records and become a sponsored Ironman triathlete. (03:30)
Former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibewas set to be England's next big thing but after a broken promise from Jurgen Klopp and being robbed at gunpoint, his mental health spiralled. Now he's in the 7th tier trying to rekindle his love of football, raising questions about what success really looks like in football. (10:30)
Angel Cabrera is competing at The Masters after 30 months in jail for assault, theft and illegal intimidation against former girlfriends. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, takes us behind the curtain and discusses whether a convicted criminal should have lost his green jacket? (19:00)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 - 24min - 774 - Trump's u-turn: "A power trip on a global scale"
At the precise moment Donald Trump was “pausing” his tariffs policy, his own trade negotiator was trying to explain to Congress who knew what when. Did those around Trump have prior knowledge, and take the opportunity to invest? Or did he leave his own team in the dark?
Trump has tried to style his climb down as a win. But the soaring response of the stock markets suggest they think the tariffs trauma is now done. Has Trump boxed himself in? And will anyone believe him next time? Later, Trump’s revengeathon is alive and kicking. He’s now investigating two former officials for 'treason'. Because they dared criticise him and tell the truth about the 2020 election. And Lewis is in Scunthorpe ahead of that decision on British steel.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 10 Apr 2025 - 32min - 773 - Trump’s Liz Truss moment: “It could be cataclysmic”
Trump's tariffs, combined with China's retaliation, are doing terrible things to stock markets around the world. People are selling off equity and assets in this increasingly uncertain time. But now something even more strange is happening - the bond market is tanking. And that’s a sign that confidence in the US government itself has hit the rocks. When Greece starts looking like a safer bet than America you know things are bad. Is Trump going to follow Liz Truss down the road to self immolation? And what happens next?
Later, why the Birmingham bin strikes are about something much bigger than rubbish - and why they might soon hit the rest of England.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 09 Apr 2025 - 31min - 772 - "China gives Trump the middle finger"
As Trump threatens to double the tariffs on China the trade war between two of the world's biggest economies is escalating. China has said it will "fight to the end". Trump says he will not back down. As each side raises the stakes, will Trump have to concede that he's made mistakes? Who will back down first? And how will this trade war affect the rest of the world?
Later, we speak to pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common about how all of this is going down with the voters in the UK - and how Starmer is coming out of all this mayhem.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 08 Apr 2025 - 30min - 771 - Will market chaos make Trump rethink his tariffs?
Hong Kong's stock exchange has just closed down 13% - to put this in context it's the worst day of trading since the Asian market crash of 1997. The FTSE 100 has plummeted here, Goldman Sachs has upgraded its probability of a US recession, and members of the US government are now taking to the airwaves to squabble about the plan ahead. Is this genuinely what Trump wanted? Is he still pretending it's going well? And is the plan to make the world come to the negotiating table? It can't - coherently - be both. What will Keir Starmer's plan for growth involve now? Who should we be trading with? And are those fiscal rules still ironclad?
And later, why did Israel stop two UK MPs from entering the country?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 07 Apr 2025 - 43min - 770 - Q&A: Could Trump suspend the midterms? And how worried should we be about the stock market?
Trump's tariffs have caused chaos on the stock markets with a looming threat of recession. Rumours are swirling that the midterm elections could get cancelled. And tourists are re-thinking their travel to America. How worried should we really be? This Friday, Lewis and Jon answer your questions about Trump, the economy, and what the global impact will be.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 - 38min - 769 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
It's Grand Nationalweekend! ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin was among our guests, as Gabby & Mark explored how viable a more 'ethically-conscious' version of the sport is, when it relies so heavily on gambling? (02:04)
Former World Champion sprinter Darren Campbell is involved in the development a new 'Super Track' that promises to help athletes break Usain Bolt's 9:58-second 100m record. Darren joined us in the studio to explain. (06:00)
AfterChelsea sold their own women's team - to themselves - to avoid punishment for breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules, Miguel Delaney (The Independent) helped explain why the loophole was just the tip of the iceberg. (11:00)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 - 15min - 768 - Has Brexit really saved us from Trump's trade war?
Declaring 'Liberation Day' for the USA, Donald Trump accused other countries of having "looted, pillaged, raped and plundered" America's economy. What he announced has sent tremors around the global economy and his own - Trump has set the stage for a global trade war.
His tariffs start at 10% and go up to as high as 74% for an unlucky few states like Bangladesh and Serbia. It’s mathematical spaghetti. The UK has avoided the higher EU rate of 20% - so do Leavers have a point when they tell us that Brexit saved us? Or is it all a bit more complicated than that? Later, why are Elon and Donald consciously uncoupling. Is Trump starting to see Musk as a loser?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 - 43min - 767 - Is Trump turning against Putin?
Has Trump just started to work out he’s being played by Putin? A light bulb moment is going on in the White House - Washington officials are privately admitting that the Ukraine peace deal is not going to plan.
Whilst fifty senators have combined forces to seek new sanctions on Russia, we ask whether Trump has lost patience with Putin and whether this will make him double down or walk away? We hear what the Kremlin makes of this - with the BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg.
Later, Senator Cory Booker breaks TikTok with his 25 HOURS long speech on the senate floor.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 - 39min - 766 - Has a free speech row derailed our US trade deal?
It's 'Liberation Day' eve as Trump dangles his tariffs threat across the world again. How should Starmer respond to what could be a nail in the coffin to the UK economy? And how has one woman’s anti abortion protest now got tangled up in a free trade deal? We talk with a former Bank of England chief economist.
Later, is Kemi Badenoch right about Adolescence? Should policy be made off the back of TV drama? And if so, what is it?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 - 46min - 765 - Will Marine Le Pen's conviction embolden the Far Right?
The French Far Right leader Marine Le Pen is barred from standing in the country's next presidential election following her conviction for embezzlement. She’s beginning an emergency appeal straight away, and her party says “democracy has been executed“ in France today. Will that conviction silence them? Or could it be a rocket boost to their electoral fortunes?
Plus, we have an exclusive interview with International barrister Philippe Sands on what happens when the law and politics clash, why Trump may cancel the next elections - and his new book '38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia'.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 - 37min - 764 - Exclusive: The White Lotus star on mega wealth, the MAGA divide and Brits in America
The White Lotus - now in its third series has proved a recipe for a smash hit. Take a fabulously wealthy bunch of characters. Make most of them dreadful. And watch them fight it out in a tropical paradise. We’re joined in today’s episode by one of this series stars, Jason Isaacs AKA Tim Ratliff, to discuss whether getting roles now depends on your political persuasions. And whether it pays to be outspoken in MAGA America.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 - 25min - 763 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
Britain's biggest boxing promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren made a rare appearance together. How is it being partners after 15 years of rivalry? Could boxing gyms help with issues raised in 'Adolescence'? And could Anthony Joshua fight influencer Jake Paul? (02:15)
Leaving your boyhood club in search of a Ballon D'Or - is Trent Alexander-Arnold a traitor or should we admire his ambition? Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague and John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap debate it out. (12:30)
And we all love jeopardy in sport but has the Brisbane 2032 Olympics taken it a bit too far... did someone say crocodiles?! (20:30)
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 28 Mar 2025 - 23min - 762 - Has Trump just undone the Chancellor's Spring Statement?
No sooner had the Chancellor sat down after her Spring Statement than Donald Trump announced to the world that he was slapping 25% tariffs on all cars imported into America. Car manufacturers are livid - and scared. And the OBR has warned that if the US goes further and imposes blanket tariffs, they could wipe out any short term prospect of growth in the British economy. With her room for manoeuvre already tight, could Rachel Reeves now have to rip up her latest plans? Are tax rises on the way? And is the UK going to be knocked about at the whim of Donald Trump and whatever he decides next?
Later, as the White House condemns criticism of the Yemen Signal security breach as “a witch hunt“, could it be that the US President is actually feeling more than a little bruised at the fallout from the revelations?
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 27 Mar 2025 - 31min - 761 - Has Rachel Reeves lost the dressing room?
Today, the Prime Minister was asked to directly express his confidence in the Chancellor. He did so without missing a beat. But how much support does Reeves have more widely in government, in her party and in the country at large?
Later, as Trump's defence secretary insists no war plans were leaked when a group chat on the cusp of bombing Yemen accidentally invited a journalist to join. The journalist in question then publishes the war plans he received. Like shooting fish.
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 26 Mar 2025 - 35min - 760 - How Trump's secret war plans were leaked in a group chat
In the days before a US bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, key members of Trumps administration began to plan the attack in a group chat. They accidentally invited a top journalist into the group - in what has become one of the all time best security fuck ups ever. Will anyone pay the price? What will Trump do now ? And do Europeans still trust America with their security?
Later, we are joined by the Adolescence writer and creator Jack Thorne - what does he want to see happen for the future of young men and boys?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 25 Mar 2025 - 39min - 759 - Turkey slides towards dictatorship. Why is the West so quiet?
The jailing of Turkeys main opposition leader - President Erdogan's biggest rival - has sent thousands on to the streets in protest. Students who’ve never lived under anyone’s rule but Erdogan are now fearful this spells the end of democracy in the once great bastion of free secular expression and economic growth. Is Erdogan following the Putin playbook for staying in power? Is Trump about to follow both? And why is no one in NATO prepared to call it out? We speak to the main opposition party who are fearful the West has turned a blind eye.
Later, what WAS that Tucker Carlson interview with Steve Whitkoff? Why do they both love Putin so much? And is anyone surprised they haven’t reached a peace deal?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 - 31min - 758 - Special report: A scandal 'bigger than Thalidomide'
It has now been more than a year since plans for a compensation scheme were laid out for those affected by the sodium valproate scandal - and it is a state failure that stretches back decades.
Sodium valproate is an effective treatment for epilepsy, but it has been linked to lifelong disabilities in around 20,000 babies born since the 1970s whose mothers were prescribed the drug while they were pregnant. Many were not properly warned of the risks, and a 2020 review concluded that thousands of mothers and babies had been exposed to "avoidable harm".
In opposition, Labour said that financial redress for victims was "desperately needed" - so why has nothing happened since the party took office? And how much longer will those families be forced to wait?
In a special report, Lewis talks to the families affected, including one for The News Agents not far from home.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Fri, 21 Mar 2025 - 44min - 757 - Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents
This week on The Sports Agents...
First up, an exclusive interview with the most important man in English rugby union, Bill Sweeney,CEO of the RFU. He faces a vote of no confidence next week after accepting a £350,000 bonus, taking his pay to £1.1m, when clubs are going bust, redundancies have been made and the community game is crying out for help (02:30).
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer celebrated with Gabby (and Sam Fender) as they won their first domestic trophy in 70 years (13:30).
And we talked about Lewis Hamilton's back seat driver and a big win for Lando Norris at Formula One's opening weekend with one of the world's most decorated female racing drivers and Sky Sports F1 Analyst, Jamie Chadwick(20:30).
Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Fri, 21 Mar 2025 - 26min - 756 - Kemi crashes Net Zero. Will Starmer be next?
In dramatic fashion, The Sun reports that a leaked government memo claims that the UK's race to reduce carbon emissions could trigger a financial crash. Kemi Badenoch also ditched her party's commitment to net zero by 2050 this week, insisting that the target was now "impossible". So if the cross party consensus on Britain's climate targets are over - could Starmer's so far steadfast commitment to the green revolution come under pressure?
Later, as Steve Bannon suggests a plan is being cooked up that would see Donald Trump running for a THIRD presidential term, what would it mean for American democracy - and what would it mean for JD Vance, the Vice President already taking up pole position as the MAGA successor?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Thu, 20 Mar 2025 - 42min - 755 - Why has “Adolescence” touched such a nerve?
It seems that everyone is talking about the Netflix hit drama 'Adolescence'. It has been viewed 24 million times in just a few days, and is topping the chart in the UK. It deals with raw teenage toxic masculinity - and it’s hit a nerve. Even the prime minister is watching it. As Gareth Southgate warns of the dangers to and from young men who’ve got tangled up in Andrew Tates world we ask why it’s suddenly become a talking point?
Later, is Trump being played by Putin? Is he bright enough to even know? And does driving a Tesla make you “a nazi twat“?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 - 38min - 754 - Trump and Putin’s crucial phone call
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke for an hour and a half today - could they bring the Ukraine conflict and closer to a sustainable peace? Or is the Russian president only interested in carving up Ukraine and taking the West for a ride?
While a ceasefire in Ukraine does appear to be edging ever so slightly closer, the fragile cessation in Gaza collapsed overnight. More than 400 Gazans were killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the strip. The White House confirmed that Washington had been consulted on the offensive. Trump's press secretary told reporters that: "All those who seek to terrorise not just Israel but the US, will see a price to pay, and all hell will break loose." Is Trump giving Benjamin Netanyahu licence to act with impunity in Gaza? And why is the British government contradicting itself on whether Israel is committing war crimes?
Later, Labour MPs have spent the afternoon voicing their unease at the welfare changes outline today by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall. How much trouble is actually building on the backbenches?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 - 36min - 753 - Will Labour go to war over welfare?
Keir Starmer says he has a "duty" to fix welfare - and has described the current benefits system as "unsustainable" and "indefensible". But many of his own backbenchers fear that the noble rhetoric is an attempt to mask little more than a savings drive, and the backlash is growing.
Andy Burnham became the latest Labour figure to voice his concerns, and there are indications that the government is looking again at some of the harshest measures expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
But is the PM right to be sounding the alarm on the rising welfare bill, if 1.8m more people are claiming sickness benefits than before the pandemic?
Later, Donald Trump claims to have overturned Joe Biden's presidential pardons - a power not bestowed upon any occupant of the Oval Office. Is he stretching the US constitution to breaking point?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt
Producer: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs
Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:
https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 - 41min
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