James O'Brien Daily

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.

Bulama Burkati, an expert on Islamist extremism and radicalisation, offers concise specialist perspective. The conversation digs into shifting official rationales for the Iran strike. It highlights mixed messages from politicians, the risks of nuclear escalation, and how ambiguity serves political and strategic aims.

Usman Shah, market-stall entrepreneur known as the 'Date Sultan', speaks about facing and responding to online racial abuse. Victoria Rose, consultant plastic surgeon and charity trustee, describes medical needs, access problems, and blocked supplies in Gaza. Simon Marks, Washington correspondent, offers on-the-ground analysis of US foreign policy and motives behind the Iran strike. Short, urgent conversations on race, medicine, and geopolitics.

The conversation examines the risk of Iranian strikes on Saudi oil hubs and US warnings. It debates whether lessons from Iraq should shape UK decisions about joining action. Media pressure and pro-war narratives are scrutinised. Callers compare intervention outcomes from Kosovo to potential regime-change risks in Iran.

Discussion of the UK allowing use of its bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. Debate over political messaging, legal ambiguity and timing of a Cyprus drone attack. Comparison to past regime removals and worries about regional escalation and lack of post-strike planning. Listeners share personal impacts and political reactions, including criticism from US figures.

Hannah Spencer, 34-year-old plumber-turned-politician and newly elected Green MP for Gorton and Denton. She apologizes to clients as she heads to Parliament. Conversation covers her authentic victory speech, the campaign’s focus on cost of living, public services and housing, and whether this result signals a wider Green surge in UK politics.

Kate, a former police officer and mother, recounts a distressing labour where race appeared to shape care. David, a father and campaigner, discusses systemic failures revealed by the Nottingham inquiry. Rovina, a hospital worker, describes pain being minimised and racial stereotyping. They talk about cover-ups, neglect, racism, and the need for accountability and change in maternity services.

Simon Marks, Washington Editor and US politics analyst, explains Trump’s State of the Union and American political theatre. Conversations probe why the Greens are surging: their appeal to young voters, wealth‑tax messaging, local green policies and media backlash. Also covered: how online negativity about London spreads and the real harms of viral misrepresentation.

The head of the British Armed Forces and the Chief of MI6 have warned of the distinct possibility that Britain will be pulled into war with Russia. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that Putin has already started World War 3. Why then, are we all so relaxed about it?And, the BBC has apologised for not editing out the n-word racial slur from its BAFTA Film Awards coverage, after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted it out when two of film’s biggest stars, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were on stage. What should have been done differently?This episode was recorded on the 24th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Luke, who describes a late ADHD diagnosis plus OCD and Tourette's tics, recounts school exclusion and ongoing work challenges. Sam, who lives with dyslexia and ADHD, shares humiliation from withdrawal and long-term shame. They discuss undiagnosed struggles at school, inclusion versus separate provision, and the need for real classroom support and teacher training.