James O'Brien Daily

Simon Marks, Washington correspondent who reports on US politics and international affairs. He discusses Donald Trump’s shifting stance on Israeli strikes and the US intelligence reaction. The conversation covers conflicting public statements and scrutiny in Washington. Short, sharp updates on geopolitical fallout and political manoeuvring.

A meningitis case has been confirmed at a second Kent university, with officials believing the outbreak originated at a Canterbury nightclub. Of the 20 confirmed cases thus far, two people have died. James asks his listeners who’ve suffered with meningitis what it was like and what processes are in place to protect people from it.Also, James is joined by LBC reporter Henry Riley, for the next instalment of Riley’s Reform Round-up, complete with listener-made jingles.And, former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has backed a large group of Labour MPs lobbying the government against its right-wing immigration reforms, which she has says risk being “un-British”. Is it indeed time for Labour to change course?This episode was recorded on the 18th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James has been waiting for this one… today he asks why it’s so hard for society and the media to call out President Donald Trump as the “deranged liar” that the evidence suggests he is. Then, if we did, would it even matter?And, the Government has set out plans to tackle the spiralling number of young people not in employment, education or training, including a £3000 grant for each company that hires unemployed under 24 year olds… James asks young people and employers how this sounds to them.This episode was recorded on the 17th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Trump urged Britain and other countries to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping passage that is vital for global oil supplies, that Iran has closed to enemy states.In response, Sir Keir Starmer today confirmed that the UK is working with the US and other allies on a "viable, collective plan" to reopen the passage. Is this the right decision?This episode was recorded on the 16th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As the media increasingly turns against the war in Iran, even those publications that, until very recently, were criticising Sir Keir Starmer for not joining in with America and Israel's attacks, James asks if it’s a waste of time trying to figure out why Trump started this war - and what we should do if the President is simply mad.This episode was recorded on the 13th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has attacked Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance on the war in Iran, accusing both of U-turning on their support for Donald Trump. Could this be a turning point for Keir Starmer?And, the head of the Treasury Select Committee has warned that young adults in the UK face a “perfect storm” of economic challenges, as it launches an inquiry into student loans. What is it like to be a young adult facing today’s economic challenges?This episode was recorded on the 12th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian who was detained as a political prisoner in Iran for 6 years, has joined more than 100 Iranians living in the UK urging Sir Keir Starmer not to draw Britain further into America and Israel’s war in Iran. James speaks with his listeners across the Iranian diaspora and asks where this leaves us now.And, James is joined by former diplomat Arthur Snell, who’s first book How Britain Broke the World documented how the Iraq war helped fuel sectarian violence, regional chaos, and created the conditions which later fed ISIS. He discusses the war in the Middle East today, and his new book Elemental: The New Geography of Climate Change and How We Survive it.This episode was recorded on the 11th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Discussion focuses on growing British opposition to military action against Iran and why public opinion shifted. The programme critiques media and political pressure for intervention and examines Trump's inconsistent war rhetoric. Conversations cover legal and humanitarian consequences, veterans' reluctance to fight, and debate over whether the King should proceed with a US state visit amid the tensions.

Alex Tate, co-founder of Reform Political Advertising, campaigning for clearer, searchable political ads. Henry Riley, LBC reporter who reviews local and national political stories. They debate Tony Blair urging action against Iran, run through Chilcot-style checks on war, expose Reform UK donor links and crypto ties, and push for rules on deepfakes, ad transparency and election advertising reform.

Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and former RAF officer who commanded expeditionary air operations, discusses UK media support for war with Iran and why the public disagrees. He reflects on Iraq and Chilcot lessons and stresses the need for clear military objectives and realistic logistics. Conversations cover media influence, public scepticism, legal and coalition complexities, and the risks of repeating past planning failures.