James O'Brien Daily

A discussion of Prince Andrew's arrest and what it means for the royal family's future. Examination of public reactions that mix protest and deference. Comparison with past royal crises and how the institution reinvents itself. Debate over media power, accountability, and whether monarchy sustains social hierarchy and privilege.

Today, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly known as Prince Andrew) was arrested by police. He remains in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While the police searched several of Mountbatten-Windsor's residences for evidence, including the Royal Lodge in Windsor, the King released a statement saying "the law must take its course".James speaks with LBC reporters on the ground at Windsor, host of The News Agents Podcast, Emily Maitlis, who's landmark interview with Mountbatten-Windsor about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein set the tone for much of the journalism that followed, and Simon Marks, to hear how the news is being received in the US.This episode was recorded on the 19th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In their election manifesto, Labour committed to increasing the minimum wage of 18 to 20 year olds inline with those over 21... however, it’s been reported these changes are being delayed. Is it fair for an 18 year old to be given the same minimum wage as a 50 or 60 year old?And, middle-class women in their thirties and forties make up the bulk of the over 2 million people taking weight-loss jabs in the UK, a study has revealed. Most pay hundreds of pounds each month for the jabs. Are these drugs really good for society?This episode was recorded on the 18th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Reform UK is no longer the bookmakers’ favourites to win the most seats at the next general election, according to new odds from Ladbrokes. This comes as a surprise to James, who asks why the Labour party appears to be doing so well.And, parents in Enfield, North London, have been told their children could be excluded from school if they are not fully vaccinated against measles, amid a recent outbreak. Should kids be excluded until they’re vaccinated? And, how do you handle a family member that is an anti-vaxxer?This episode was recorded on the 17th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Discussion of gaps in online safety law, especially missing protections for AI chatbots and addictive platform features. Debate over an under-16 social media ban and how fast-changing tech complicates regulation. Exploration of a joint UK-Germany push for rearmament and strategies to persuade the public that conflict with Russia could become real.

A sharp critique of a billionaire’s immigration rhetoric and why it targets Black and brown people. A look at why minority conservatives sometimes echo exclusionary politics. Connections drawn between corporate greed, worker harm and political opportunism. Callers share personal stories about assimilation, internalised bias and the costs of performing national identity.

Al (Sheffield) shares long-form community memories of racism and family strains. Boyowa (Croydon) gives a first-person account of racism and talks through choices about emigrating. They discuss Jim Ratcliffe's 'colonising' remarks, the resurfacing of racist language in mainstream debate, personal safety fears, and why public figures' words matter. Conversations are candid, emotional, and rooted in lived experience.

Simon Marks, Washington correspondent covering US politics and immigration. Ogor Winnie Okoye, immigration attorney representing Seamus Culleton. They discuss why Jeffrey Epstein's victims are often sidelined and how institutions protect the powerful. They also examine Seamus Culleton’s prolonged ICE detention and wider US immigration enforcement trends.

Debate over what the public now expects from the prime minister, especially after the Mandelson controversy. Discussion of whether decisive leadership means owning difficult decisions rather than delegating. Exploration of populism versus honest reality-telling as the political alternative. Reports on Reform UK controversies and local council finance problems with some lighter local colour.

Natasha Clarke, LBC political editor who reports on government developments, discusses Keir Starmer's leadership challenges. They cover cabinet support amid the Mandelson controversy. Conversations probe resignations in Downing Street, party loyalty, and whether Starmer can survive political turmoil.