Darshini David

Ben Chu, a policy correspondent at BBC Verify, and Darshini David, the BBC's Deputy Economics Editor, delve into the intricacies of the recent budget announcement. They discuss the £26.1 billion in tax increases laid out by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the implications for households. Highlights include the controversial pension salary sacrifice cap and how the income threshold freeze could affect low earners. They also explore reactions from various political parties and the challenges that still loom ahead for the Chancellor.

Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent with deep conflict expertise; Darshini David, BBC deputy economics editor on markets and energy; Jim Reid, BBC health correspondent covering the Covid inquiry. They discuss strikes on Gulf gas fields and regional retaliation. They explore soaring LNG prices, market shocks and central bank worries. They also cover the Covid inquiry findings about NHS strain and surge-capacity lessons.

Chris Mason, Westminster political analyst; Darshini David, economics editor; Jane Corbin, Middle East filmmaker. They discuss Trump’s public attack on Keir Starmer and the Diego Garcia row. They cover UK legal and military calculations, market reactions with oil and gas moves, and unfolding strikes and regional targets in Iran.

Chris Mason, BBC political reporter on the PM’s road trip; Laura Bicker, BBC China correspondent in Beijing and Shanghai; Darshini David, BBC deputy economics editor. They recount the Beijing meeting’s tone and ceremonies. They cover the visa-free travel announcement and what deals actually materialised. They explore China’s step-by-step approach, trade prospects in services and the geopolitics of balancing ties.

Dominic Casciani, BBC Home and Legal Affairs correspondent, unpacks the legal minefield of Donald Trump's potential defamation case against the BBC, discussing the implications of a $1 billion claim. Darshini David, Deputy Economics Editor, highlights the UK's rising unemployment and its effects on the labor market and economic policy. Political journalist Henry Zeffman sheds light on the political ramifications, including possible changes to child benefit policies as government decisions are scrutinized ahead of the budget.