The News Meeting What will be the biggest stories of 2026?
13 snips
Dec 29, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Cat Neilan, Whitehall editor and political oracle, predicts a Labour leadership challenge while humorously suggesting Jeremy Corbyn might defect to the Greens. Erica Wagner, Deputy Opinion Editor, foresees trials of age-based social media bans and warns of a major backlash against low-quality AI content. Meanwhile, sports expert Andrew Butler optimistically bets on England clinching the World Cup and laments the fading relevance of the Commonwealth Games. The trio crafts a thought-provoking outlook on the pivotal stories shaping 2026.
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Model Other Nations For Social Media Rules
- Erica Wagner predicts trials of social-media age-limits or bans like Australia's on 16‑year‑olds will spread.
- Consider policy models abroad when designing domestic digital regulation and trials.
Timing And Numbers Drive Leadership Bids
- Cat forecasted a formal leadership challenge to Keir Starmer with timing after local elections as strategic.
- She noted a wide possible field, including newer MPs like Alastair Cairns gaining influence through cohort numbers.
Commonwealth Games' Waning Status
- Andrew Butler predicted the UK will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026 and suggested it might be the UK's last hosting.
- He noted the Games' fading relevance despite sporting merits for niche sports like netball.