James O'Brien Daily

From the war zones of Bosnia to the frontlines of Gaza, Christiane Amanpour has reported from the epicentres of global upheaval for over three decades. Her commitment to being “truthful, not neutral” made her one of the most respected correspondents of her generation and a sharp, unwavering voice in the age of misinformation.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christiane to explore the emotional and political terrain of her career. They trace her journey from Tehran to CNN’s international anchor desk, discussing the deep personal impact of motherhood, the shifting challenges for women in journalism, and the influence of her high-profile marriage to diplomat Jamie Rubin. From candid reflections on the media’s role in Trump-era America to her evolving understanding of clarity, empathy and leadership, this is a conversation shaped by the past but rooted firmly in the turbulent present.Christiane also opens up about her new podcast, The Ex Files, co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. Told through the prism of their 20-year marriage and subsequent divorce, the series explores the biggest issues of the day and the historical moments that shaped them- from Donald Trump’s return to office, to the escalating global economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine- all examined through lived history on opposite sides.Listen to The Ex Files here

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that UK net migration almost halved in 2024. As significant as this sounds, will these numbers make much difference to our political discourse, especially to those most vocal in their resentment of immigrants?And, Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, such as paedophiles, according to government sources. James approves, do you?This episode was recorded on the 22nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called out Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as "morally unjustifiable", demanding an end to its aid blockade, suspending trade talks and imposing sanctions. From support to disgust - how did it get to this?This episode was recorded on the 21st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With the media responding to Sir Keir Starmer's new landmark UK-EU deal, the question that James wants answered is, can we avoid falling into old traps, or are we destined to bow to the right-wing media like before?With several businesses publicly confirming that this new deal will benefit the majority of us, will the nation move forward and listen to those trusted voices, or will they be swayed by those with the most to gain? This episode was recorded on the 20th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has finalised a landmark UK-EU deal that’ll make trading with the European continent easier and hosted a summit with the EU leaders in London today. The Conservatives and Reform UK have described the deal as a "surrender". Is it time for James to abandon the attitude of "contempt for the conmen, compassion for the conned"?Also, Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade and author of the book, ‘Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It', explains the the facts of the deal.James also listens to and reflects upon Gary Lineker’s statement on leaving the BBC.This episode was recorded on the 19th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Interest from American buyers in UK property has reached its highest level in eight years, with Edinburgh emerging as the most popular destination, according to new figures. James asks why Scotland has such a different attitude towards immigrants than the rest of the UK.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, consultant plastic surgeon, who is currently working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, South Gaza. Today alone, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had reportedly killed at least 93 people. This episode was recorded on the 16th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit 'reset' talks with Brussels have met a hitch over fishing. British fishing waters were one of the most effective tools of the Leave Campaign, but what’s actually happened to our fishing industry since Brexit, and why did fishing become so important before disappearing overnight? James also speaks with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor of the Financial Times, for his take on the UK’s relationship with the EU. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details on Keir Starmer’s asylum seeker “return hub” plans.And, analysis from the University of Oxford has shown that people taking weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro can expect to regain the weight within a year of stopping. James ask his callers who use these drugs whether they’re just too good to be true.This episode was recorded on the 15th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Downing Street has defended Sir Keir Starmer’s language on immigration, which some on the left has likened to that used by Enoch Powell. The questions remain, who exactly is Starmer targeting and how does it feel to be on the receiving end?Unsurprisingly, Starmer is grilled on his speech in today’s Prime Minister’s Questions - James and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark listen and analyse.And, James speaks with Lucy Easthope, international adviser on disaster recovery, to discuss her new book “Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis”, detailing how one can apply the lessons from her career to everyday, smaller disasters.This episode was recorded on the 14th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Starmer’s speech on the government’s immigration white paper in which he warned that “we risk becoming an island of strangers” has been likened to Enoch Powell’s infamous Rivers of Blood speech. Who is the Prime Minister speaking to with this?Also, it’s Speak to Sadiq - the Mayor of London joins me in the studio to answer James and the callers’ most pressing questions - Keir Starmer’s speech, Gaza and Thames Water were on the agenda.And, James speaks with Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the Democracy for Sale, with an exclusive story on the US spy-tech firm Palantir and its data platform that NHS hospitals have been rejecting.This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer will be drastically tightening immigration policy. He says the reforms will see net migration drop even further, but do the numbers actually matter to the people this new policy is supposed to please?And, UN-backed assessment has said that Gaza's population of around 2.1 million Palestinians is at "critical risk" of famine, as an Israeli blockade on food and humanitarian aid continues. Why are we closing our eyes to Gaza’s horror?This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.