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Is Rwanda about to bring Rishi Sunak down?
7 december 2023 · 32 min
An impromptu Prime Minister's press conference this morning raised more questions than it answered. Lees meer
Rishi Sunak was responding to the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick last night - which blindsided the government - and left the PM defending his Rwanda policy and promising he would disapply human rights law to get it through. Today - a stark message for those in the party trying to cause trouble - from Tory backbencher and 1922 committee stalwart Sir Charles Walker - who joins us on the show.
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Boris Johnson: the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
6 december 2023 · 33 min
Boris Johnson’s appearance before the Covid Inquiry always had the feeling of the end of season pre-Xmas finale. It began with protests from the bereaved - who Johnson had avoided by arriving early. Lees meer
He offered his apology , insisted the UK death rate had been comparatively normal, and couldn’t quite explain what if anything he thought he’d got wrong.
Later- Suella in the Commons. What was that speech about?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Will you have to be rich to marry a foreigner under the new immigration rules?
5 december 2023 · 35 min
The Home Secretary will bring in tough new rules to curb legal migration next Spring. Lees meer
Workers will be required to earn nearly forty thousand pounds to come here. Care workers will be exempt but won’t be allowed to bring a loved one. What will the unintended consequences be? And can we afford it ?
Later, the Rwanda policy is looking for a defibrillator. What does the government have in mind?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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This week on The News Agents USA: What will a second Trump term actually look like for America?
5 december 2023 · 2 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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Why is Rishi Sunak less popular than Liz Truss?
4 december 2023 · 42 min
The Conservative Party has lost half a million voters since their October party conference - according to a brand-new poll of polls. Lees meer
They suggest Rishi's personal popularity is now lower than... Liz Truss.
Why is this happening and is it reversible or terminal?
Which political direction will it pull the PM in?
And later who is Keir Starmer talking to when he warns Labour will not be making big spending plans - and confesses his admiration for the controversial Margaret Thatcher?
The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Matt Hancock takes the stand
1 december 2023 · 37 min
Matt Hancock has had his moment in the Covid Inquiry's sun. In characteristic form, he's been an appropriate mix of quoteworthy, weird and often both. At the heart of his testimony lies some extraordinary allegations. We dig deep. Lees meer
And in the latest of our extended political interviews, we talk to veteran Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, about her battles with the far right, the far left and how identity politics has brought her own rising sense of Jewishness to the forefront of her politics.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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2008, Alistair Darling, and the day the world changed forever
30 november 2023 · 40 min
On 15 September 2008 the world changed forever. The collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank heralded the financial crash and the worst recession in 60 years. Lees meer
It would change our politics - perhaps forever. One man predicted the scale and depth of what was to come - the chancellor who fought to stabilise the UK economy on the brink of collapse.
That was Alistair Darling, whose death was announced this afternoon. Today we look at the impact that extraordinary time and his critical interventions had on this country - and we talk to his mentee - the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves about the man he was.
Later we reflect on the death of a statesman and foreign affairs titan - Henry Kissinger - at the age of 100 and ask if the man who witnessed an entire century will be better remembered for good or ill.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Does it matter who owns our news?
29 november 2023 · 38 min
With The Telegraph newspaper up for sale we are asking a wider question about who owns our news. Lees meer
Does it matter if foreign parties have a stake ? Does it matter if foreign governments do? And can an owner remain truly impartial when their business depends upon it?
We discuss the intersection between politics, newspaper coverage and big money.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Why has Rishi snubbed the Greeks?
28 november 2023 · 33 min
Rishi Sunak has cancelled a meeting with the visiting Greek PM. Downing Street says it was because he raised the issue of the return of the Elgin Marbles/Parthenon Sculptures on the BBC, after expressly being asked not to. Lees meer
The Greeks say no such deal was ever made, and they didn't fancy a downgraded meeting with the Deputy PM Oliver Dowden.
Meanwhile Keir Starmer's team say he had a very productive meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis on immigration and security - and they find it odd that a NATO ally was sent home empty handed. What does the row tell us about the PM's concerns? Also on the show, Lawrence Fox is fighting a libel case at the High Court to get his name cleared after he was called 'a racist' on twitter. We discuss.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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This week on The News Agents USA: Sean Spicer: Trump's Press Secretary on Trump, truth and 2024
28 november 2023 · 2 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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Why are the Tories arguing over immigration?
27 november 2023 · 42 min
Net migration is at an all-time high. Almost three times higher - ironically - than before the Brexit vote. Lees meer
If everyone agrees it’s unsustainable then which parts of it do we want cut?
And if migrants are actually plugging vital gaps in our economy then why can’t we say so?
Also today - New Zealand has just U-turned on its smoking ban. Will we stick to ours? And where is Labour now on that 28 billion pounds promised for green spending…
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Olivia Colman on domestic violence, paparazzi and The Crown
26 november 2023 · 30 min
Oscar-winning and BAFTA-winning actress Olivia Colman joins The News Agents in a rare broadcast interview to talk about her work: on screen, and off-screen with the charity she's a patron of: Tender. Together with Susie McDonald - CEO of Tender - she explains the importance of preventative efforts iin domestic violence cases in supplementing the work of charities supporting survivors of abuse. Lees meer
And she talks the new season of The Crown, the writers strike and how press intrusion has radically changed her personal life.
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Hostages in Gaza, riots in Ireland and (election) shockwaves in the Netherlands
24 november 2023 · 38 min
As Israel and Hamas exchange hostages for prisoners, the worst riots in decades break out on the streets of Dublin (at the egging on of one Conor McGregor) and a far-right, anti-Islam populist wins in the socially liberal, deeply pro-EU Netherlands - what's happened in the world after a fortnight of all-consuming British political psychodrama. Lees meer
Lewis talks to Secunder Kermani, Channel 4's Foreign Correspondent who's spent most of the last 2 months on the ground Israel, POLITICO EU's Dutch reporter Pieter Haeck and Virgin Media News Correspondent Richard Chambers.
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to:
https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Is worrying about public service cuts “left wing"?
23 november 2023 · 25 min
A quick trip to Downing Street for The News Agents today and an interview with the Chancellor fresh from his Autumn Statement. Lees meer
How does he explain those real term cuts to public spending? What does he make of todays immigration figures? And does he miss Suella?
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & James Cropper
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.The NewsAgentsStore.com
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Is Jeremy Hunt really cutting our taxes?
22 november 2023 · 33 min
The government is running out of chances to change the course of politics. Lees meer
Today’s Autumn Statement was one of them. It was billed by PM Rishi Sunak and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, as a tax-cutting budget, a reward for the tough economic decisions they’d taken earlier.
But have they really cut your taxes? And is the economic situation really much improved since they told us there was no room for cutting taxes?
Forget the spin, this is what the Autumn Statement really told us about where our economy and politics is going next.
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Is the Covid Inquiry coming for Rishi Sunak?
21 november 2023 · 42 min
In the past couple of days, the Covid Inquiry has seen the two most powerful scientists in the country during the height of the pandemic - Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - give evidence. Lees meer
What they've said has intensified the spotlight on Rishi Sunak - the architect of Eat Out to Help Out - of which testimony has revealed scientists weren't aware before the scheme was rolled out. Is this intensifying the pressure on the PM?
And, ahead of the budget - tax cuts. But what kind? Are they politically motivated? And will they actually leave you better off?
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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This week on The News Agents USA: Why is Joe Biden haemorrhaging support from young voters?
21 november 2023 · 1 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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Is the 'Suellafication' of the Tory party over?
20 november 2023 · 42 min
What should the government do if the Supreme Court calls their policy unlawful? Simples. Just change the law. Lees meer
It’s not the Christmas cracker joke answer for some in the Conservative Party who are actively trying to get the PM to do just that. Today, a former Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, spells out the damage that would do.
Later, we ask what the decapitation of Sam Altman at the top of OpenAI tells us. Was he going too fast towards an unregulated AI world? And is it too late to put the genie back in the bottle, if so?
And... MAGA. Argentine style.
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Sir Keir Starmer on Cameron, a Gaza ceasefire and Rwanda
17 november 2023 · 35 min
Lewis travels up to Aberdeenshire to speak exclusively - and at length- to the Leader of the Opposition - Sir Keir Starmer after the mother of all British political weeks. Lees meer
Editor: Gabriel Radus
Social Media Editor & Video Production: Rory Symon
Field Production: Gabriel Radus & Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch!
To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Has Labour's rebellion weakened Keir Starmer?
16 november 2023 · 38 min
Jess Philips - one of the 8 frontbenchers who voted against the Labour whip last night - gives her first interview to us since resigning last night from her position as Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding- to 'vote with her constituents and her heart'. Lees meer
Will this damage party morale and weaken Keir Starmer?
Or will it show a different side to the politics of disagreement?
Also, Rishi Sunak is undaunted by yesterday's excoriating judgmenet from the Supreme Court, making his Rwanda plan unlawful. He's got a new plan though don't worry! But will it actually get off (quite literally) the ground?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
And, The News Agents now have merch!
To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
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Is the illegal Rwanda plan dead for good?
15 november 2023 · 33 min
Within minutes of the Supreme Court ruling - that the government’s Rwanda scheme was ’unlawful’. Lees meer
Deputy chairman Lee Anderson was out of the traps saying ministers should ‘go ahead and put planes in the air to Rwanda anyway’. He has a way with words.
But 50 other Tory colleagues weren’t that far off the sentiment, urging Rishi to change UK immigration law to make it work. The government was warned - by the Lords - a year ago the whole scheme would be found unlawful. But perhaps this was never about Rwanda or policy, but about party confidence in the PM.
Where is he now? Why isn't the party talking about the drop of inflation on a day of good economic news? And does the new Home Secretary think the Rwanda plan was batshit?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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This week on The News Agents USA: Are Republicans changing their stance on abortion?
15 november 2023 · 2 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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One cabinet, two prime ministers
14 november 2023 · 33 min
Who is in charge of cabinet now, with two prime ministers sitting around the table? And are they aligned on domestic, as well as foreign policy? Lees meer
One day after Westminster was knocked off it’s feet by the reshuffle how is the move going down in the rest of the country. And what exactly IS a minister for common sense?
Later - those protests, the ceasefire and the Labour vote.
AND we have our own merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Cameron in, Suella out
13 november 2023 · 34 min
By 9am this morning, Suella began her own lifestyle choice of homelessness - sacked as Home Secretary. Lees meer
But the big news was still to come.
David Cameron emerged from Number 10 Downing Street as both a) the new Foreign Secretary and b) a Lord.
This reshuffle has definitely given the Rishi's cabinet a Pulp Fiction-style adrenalin shot to the heart.
But will it put him back in control of the political agenda? From what we've seen so far, the patrician centrists are back in control and the populists are being shown the door. But how long can the calm last?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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USA Special: Dispatch from the Deep South - is the US about to give Trump a second chance?
11 november 2023 · 45 min
Emily reports from Georgia, the eye of the Donald Trump legal storm, where he was caught on tape trying to get an election official to 'find' him more votes to win the 2020 election. A year out from 2024, is this purple state closer to staying blue or turning MAGA red? The latter could tip the election in Trump's favour. Lees meer
And she heads to South Carolina, to find out about the woman who could well be waiting in the wings in case Trump falls foul of his legal woes.
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Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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Who does Suella really speak for?
10 november 2023 · 37 min
Suella Braverman is (still) the Home Secretary. Lees meer
That's despite ongoing calls from within her own party for the Prime Minister to sack her for comments she made about the police and so-called 'hate-marches' in an article in The Times, which wasn't signed off by No.10.
We speak to senior backbench Tory Tim Loughton, author of The New Snobbery David Skelton, as well as More In Common's Luke Tryl - and we ask who Suella's extreme politics and language really speaks for.
Later, we look at the far-right Vox party in Spain after its co-founder Alejo Vidal-Quadras was shot in the face yesterday in an attempted assassination attempt.
Editor: Gabriel Radus
Senior Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Is Suella trying to get the sack?
9 november 2023 · 35 min
Suella Braverman is in trouble- again. It's almost like she invites it. Lees meer
This time she's written a piece for The Times which is being slammed as inflammatory.
She's compared the Gaza protests with The Troubles and suggested the police treat right-wing and left-wing protests by different standards, and strongly suggests this Saturday's should be banned.
She has called into question a very old principle, that of police independence from the government. To make it worse, it appears No.10 asked for changes to The Times piece, only for them to be ignored by Braverman's team.
On today's show, is Sunak finally about to sack his Home Secretary, and if not, why not?
Editor: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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How Putin is betting everything on Trump
8 november 2023 · 38 min
Fiona Hill is one of the most powerful British people of the 21st century but the chances are you haven’t even heard of her. Lees meer
She’s advised three presidents of the United States on foreign policy, especially on Putin’s Russia.
She gave evidence at Trump’s first impeachment. at this time of international chaos, of an America which feels inside and out, on the edge, there could be no better time to talk to this woman with a unique perch on American power, British decline, and how in the end, all roads lead back to the Kremlin.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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The King’s Speech and Suella’s disappearing tents
7 november 2023 · 42 min
Today we examine what was in the King's Speech - and what was left out. Suella's controversial "lifestyle choice" tents for the homeless were dropped. Lees meer
What does this tell us about the relationship between Sunak and his Home Secretary?
Also as Nikki Haley pushes into 2nd place in the Republican race to run for president, we are in her home town in South Carolina.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon, Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Why is Trump beating Biden in the polls?
6 november 2023 · 48 min
There are tremors amongst Democrats today - and the makings of a victory lap for Trump fans - after polling one year out from a Presidential election shows the challenge Biden is facing in key swing states. Lees meer
America should know their next president a year today, and in the key state of Georgia we are talking to voters and their politicians about why they’re ready to see Trump back in office.
Later, is homelessness a lifestyle choice ? Suella thinks so. Will taking away people’s tents actually make them leave the streets, or will they just get colder?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon, Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Is there hope for peace in the Middle East?
3 november 2023 · 32 min
In an extended interview, Jon speaks to Layla Moran, the only MP with Palestinian heritage and the Lib Dem MP for West Oxford and Abingdon. Lees meer
She talks about her family in Gaza, peace talks and how hope gets her through everyday.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Covid inquiry: Was Matt Hancock "playing God”?
2 november 2023 · 35 min
Did former Health Secretary Matt Hancock think the best person to decide who should live and die during the pandemic was... Matt Hancock? Lees meer
That was the accusation levelled by former NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens in the Covid inquiry. Luckily, the hypothetical situation never materialised but how happy do we feel about politicians playing god?
And… as the deputy cabinet secretary describes a Downing Street in which not a day went by without rules being breached, we ask whether it’s time for an amnesty on all those citizens still facing fines and trials?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Are the police getting the protests right?
1 november 2023 · 39 min
How should the police be responding to the government’s call to arrest more people on "hate marches" (sic Suella). Lees meer
Do laws need to change? Do specific chants cross the legal line? And what is the terror threat like over all in the UK right now?
We have an extended interview with Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley on protest, policing and public trust.
In response to Sir Mark's comments about the Attorney General's Office, an AGO spokesperson said: "There has been no delay in the charging process for the two women who were arrested on suspicion of displaying images in support of Hamas.
"CPS received a complete version of the police report in the early hours of this morning – this was passed on to AGO at midday today for permission to consent to prosecute and this is being dealt with this evening as a matter of urgency."
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSa9qnmyY/
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The Covid Inquiry: F***pigs, morons and c***s
31 oktober 2023 · 31 min
So, three guesses whose WhatsApps gave us our episode title today. Lees meer
That’s right, Dominic Cummings was up in front of the Covid inquiry where we were given a glimpse of his affection for cabinet colleagues...
We also heard from No10 Comms director Lee Cain - his pal - together they paint a picture of the dysfunction that dominated decision making in the early months of Covid.
What do the WhatsApp messages really tell us? And is any of this helping those who want resolution and an explanation for their loved one’s deaths?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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This week on The News Agents USA: America’s most conservative senator: The Exclusive
31 oktober 2023 · 4 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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What is Israel’s endgame?
30 oktober 2023 · 39 min
Israel began a prolonged ground invasion in northern Gaza this weekend, it continued targeted airstrikes in the region and temporarily cut off communications there. It says it wants to eliminate Hamas "surgically", but with so many civilians killed, what is Israel's endgame? Lees meer
Emily and Jon speak to Mark Regev - a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli ambassador to the UK.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Your questions answered: a listener special
27 oktober 2023 · 37 min
Is Suella Braverman nailed on to be the next Tory leader? Lees meer
Will Donald Trump win the presidency from a prison cell?
And...when are The News Agents going on tour?
Emily, Jon and Montana correspondent Lewis Goodall answer your questions in this special edition of The News Agents.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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What is Netanyahu's next move?
26 oktober 2023 · 36 min
Last night - after Israel's Prime Minister addressed the nation - the troops went into Gaza. Lees meer
It was a raid that paved the way for what Netanyahu promised would be the ground invasion to come.
But what is the end game here? And are any of Israel's allies prepared to try and stop them? We talk to the Economist's Defence Editor Shashank Joshi about how Israel is preparing for war and what the end game might be.
Also - has Keir Starmer done enough to reassure large Muslim communities - and others - he understands their pain over the loss of life in Gaza? What do they need to hear him say if a ground war begins?
And the US finally have a Speaker. And it's a guy that frankly, no one has ever heard of. Who is he?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Why is pressure mounting on Keir Starmer to call for a ceasefire?
25 oktober 2023 · 29 min
Labour Muslim MPs have had a long meeting with leader Keir Starmer in which they expressed their discontent with their leader for not explicitly calling on Israel to do more to save civilian life in Gaza. Lees meer
He’s also seen at least 23 councillors step down over their frustration with Labour's position.
Does the Labour leader need to do more to offer reassurance to Muslim voters and MPs?
And why is it so problematic to ask for a ceasefire?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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A year of Rishi - can he keep the Tories in power?
24 oktober 2023 · 46 min
Rishi Sunak’s premiership is almost one year old. Is this where the Tory party wants to be 12 months out from an election? Lees meer
Can a party that’s been in power for 13 years win again? And what has to happen to make that possible?
We talk to Ben Riley-Smith author of The Right to Rule and political editor of The Telegraph.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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This week on The News Agents USA: Is Liz Cheney coming for Donald Trump?
24 oktober 2023 · 1 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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Should it be a crime to shout "jihad"?
23 oktober 2023 · 33 min
Should it be a crime to shout "jihad" on the streets of London during a protest to support Palestinian rights? Lees meer
The Home Secretary had a meeting with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley to ask why the police weren't prepared to arrest those seeking to incite "violence or hatred" on Britain's streets.
Context is everything of course, and jihad can mean many things. So where does free speech collide with threatening behaviour - when hate crime has risen so sharply since the October 7th Hamas attacks?
We speak to one of the country's top voices on counter terrorism, Sir Peter Fahy - who warns politicians not to put community relations in jeopardy.
And - after historic by election losses last week what is the Tory strategy? And is the chancellor going to stick around to find out?
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Are the Tories heading for extinction?
20 oktober 2023 · 49 min
Two massive by-election losses in Tory heartland. Are Rishi Sunak's hopes of holding onto his premiership next year in tatters? Lees meer
They may still win Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire back in next year's general election, but that doesn't arrest the growing expectation that there is a distinct possibility the Conservatives could soon face electoral annihilation.
We speak to Lara Spirit, editor of The Times' Red Box, to understand the political implications for the Tories and Sunak in the wake of last night's results.
And - a voice from each party.
Tory MP Robin Walker, who, despite campaigning in Mid Beds is still confident his party can recover (though one might say there's a slight falter in his voice);
Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper tries to dampen her party's disappointment;
and Labour shadow secretary Peter Kyle, who led the Labour campaign in Mid Beds has a thing or two (or three) to say about the Lib Dem's campaign - which he calls 'filth'.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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The rise and fall of a crypto billionaire
19 oktober 2023 · 40 min
Just one day after the US president Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is on the ground in Israel pleading for the lives of British hostages and facing calls from Netanyahu for Britain’s “continuous support “. Rishi like Biden, is walking a fine line. Lees meer
We talk to Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor of The Economist about what's next as Western leaders scramble in the search for de-escalation.
And later - is Sam Bankman-Freid a crook or a victim of a political pile-on? Once anticipated to be the world's first trillionaire he’s now got a "99.5% chance" of going to prison for fraud for 115...years.
We speak to Michael Lewis - of 'Moneyball' and 'The Big Short' fame. He’s written a biography of SBF - Going Infinite - and talks to us about understanding the man many can't.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Producer: Phoebe Dampare-Osei
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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The misinformation of war
18 oktober 2023 · 39 min
A deadly inhumane attack on a Gazan hospital by Israeli forces killing hundreds. Lees meer
Or, a failed rocket by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aimed at Israel, landing accidentally in a hospital car park killing dozens.
We are at that inevitable stage of the conflict where truth has become another casualty.
How does Biden - who's just landed in Israel - attempt to forge a path of peace through such differing narratives? And what happens when the truth comes out, if no one chooses to believe it?
We talk to Lord Simon McDonald, who not only called time on misinformation in the Boris Johnson era - famously over what the former PM knew and denied - but was also Israel’s ambassador in the years of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in the mid 2000s.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Can there ever be peace in the Middle East?
17 oktober 2023 · 34 min
The Israeli military has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but there are now reports of people drinking toilet water to survive. Lees meer
So will Joe Biden's visit tomorrow make any difference in the hope for peace in the middle east, and help accelerate a resolution to the current conflict? And will the Rafah crossing open into Egypt to allow for food and medical supplies into Gaza, and for the safe passage of people out?
And as Humza Yousaf makes makes his first leader's speech at the SNP conference in Aberdeen today, we ask whether the party has really refocused its aim of independence.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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This week on The News Agents USA: Is Biden going to Israel a bad idea?
17 oktober 2023 · 2 min
Emily and Jon host a weekly US politics podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you. Lees meer
Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.
Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.
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The UK politics of Israel-Palestine
16 oktober 2023 · 37 min
Over the weekend, Palestinian flags flooded central London as thousands marched for 'Free Palestine'. But has legitimate support for the rights of Palestinian citizens been merged with more sinister support, or acquiescence of, the presence of Hamas, a deeply illiberal, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-semitic terrorist organisation, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories? Lees meer
And as Israel starts to evacuate parts of the north of the country - is Hezbollah - the Islamist militant group in Lebanon far stronger than Hamas with equal hate for everything Jewish and Israeli - about to get heavily involved in what could soon become a regional war? We ask former UK Ambassador in Beirut, British diplomat Tom Fletcher.
Poland went to the polls over the weekend - and voted in their masses for more pro-European, less far-right governance. We talk to Jakub Krupa, Polish journalist, about what this means.
And another MP is suspended for sexual misconduct. The train of sleaze in Westminster trudges on.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Ben Bate
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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Is Israel about to commit war crimes?
13 oktober 2023 · 41 min
Israeli officials have told Gazan citizens to leave the north and head south ahead of a potential ground invasion - retaliating after a week of war crimes perpetrated by Hamas on Israeli soil. 1.1million people - the number of people roughly in Birmingham, trekking largely on foot, down one of two roads, in the middle of a war. Is that possible? Most think not. Lees meer
Are many, many thousands of Palestinian civilians about to get caught up in warfare that will see so many lives, on both sides, lost? Israel say they're acting proportionately - but are they about to commit war crimes, and why are British politicians largely happy with this interpretation?
We speak to the former Director of Prosecutions at the International Criminal Court, Fabricio Guariglia, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Alicia Kearns, author of The Only Language They Understand: Forcing Compromise in Israel and Palestine & A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: A Palestine Story, Nathan Thrall, and military expert Michael Clarke.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producers: Rory Symon & Charlie Clinton
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".
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How does Israel get its hostages back?
12 oktober 2023 · 40 min
There are an estimated 150 hostages in Gaza - all ages, all nationalities, some taken from their beds as they slept. Lees meer
How does Israel even begin to contemplate ground war when so many of its people are the other side of that border?
And how do you begin to negotiate with terrorists when they've broken every rule of war with the sheer evil of their acts? We speak to an expert in hostage negotiation Rachel Briggs OBE.
Later, we discuss the SNP defection to- checks notes - the Conservative party, and we ask whether judges are going to let convicted rapists roam free because our prisons are now full. The former barrister who broke that story for the Times, Catherinke Baksi, is with us.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus
Producer: Laura FitzPatrick
Planning Producer: Alex Barnett
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Producer: Rory Symon
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".