Today in Focus
The Guardian
Today in Focus brings you closer to the Guardian's journalism. Our award-winning morning edition hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal and Annie Kelly combines on-the-ground reporting, insightful analysis and personal testimony from the people at the heart of the stories that matter, to give you a deeper understanding of the world we live in. And to make sense of a rapidly-changing news cycle, our new evening edition 'The Latest' hosted by Lucy Hough, brings you up to speed on the big news story of the day in just 10 minutes. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms.
Episodes
Mentioned books
42 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 31min
Zack Polanski on the Green party boom
Zack Polanski, the dynamic leader of the Green Party, discusses the party's explosive growth, citing a surge in membership focused on climate justice and economic equality. He shares insights on engaging disillusioned voters and balancing core supporters with new appeals. Randeep Ramesh analyzes the implications of this trend for Labour and the political landscape. They delve into the Green Party's policies on housing and wealth tax, while Randeep commends Zack's communication skills as vital for sustaining momentum in a shifting political environment.
22 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 13min
Is Putin about to go to war with Europe? – The Latest
In this discussion, Luke Harding, a seasoned foreign correspondent for The Guardian with extensive experience in Russia and Ukraine, delves into the current geopolitical tensions. He highlights the stalled US–Russia peace talks and Putin’s provocative claims of being ‘ready for war’ with Europe. Harding elaborates on Kremlin propaganda strategies aimed at dividing NATO and discusses the dwindling US support, which could escalate Russian aggression. He also paints a vivid picture of daily life in Kyiv amid ongoing violence, underlining the human toll of the conflict.
18 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 28min
The 27-year-old white supremacist radicalising MAGA
Where is Nick Fuentes trying to lead the Republican party? J Oliver Conroy reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
6 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 12min
Juries out? Why Labour is scrapping some jury trials – The Latest
Joining Lucy Hough is Alexandra Topping, a Senior reporter at The Guardian focusing on crime and social issues. They explore David Lammy's proposal to replace jury trials with judge-only hearings for minor offenses, aiming to tackle court backlogs. Alexandra sheds light on the implications for victims, particularly in sexual assault cases, and discusses systemic failures in the justice system. They also address public trust concerns and the broader impact on legal diversity, raising profound questions about the future of justice.
18 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 26min
Your Party: leaderless or just hopeless?
Geraldine McKelvey, a Guardian field reporter, provides firsthand insights from the chaotic inaugural conference of Your Party in Liverpool, expressing delegates' frustrations over organization. Peter Walker, the Guardian's senior political correspondent, discusses deep-rooted divisions and factionalism within the party. Delegates express their grievances on issues like Gaza and austerity, while debates swirl around leadership models. The future remains uncertain as they weigh potential pacts and electoral strategies amidst internal strife.
17 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 10min
Has Rachel Reeves been economical with the truth? – The Latest
Archie Bland, National news editor and political analyst, joins to dissect the controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves and the autumn budget. He reveals how Reeves may have misrepresented economic forecasts to justify tax increases. The discussion highlights Keir Starmer's urgent need to clarify the situation, as well as Reeves' responses to accusations. Is her conduct ethically questionable, or just standard political maneuvering? Tune in for insights on public trust and the political ramifications of this unfolding drama.
10 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 28min
The Iranian women defying the law
Kiana Hayeri, a photojournalist focused on Iran and women's rights, shares her eye-opening return to Tehran, where defying hijab rules is becoming increasingly visible. Deepa Parent, a journalist for The Guardian, analyzes the aftermath of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, detailing the societal shifts and the harsh repression that followed. They discuss the surprising defiance seen on the streets, the complex reality of life in Iran post-protests, and the evolving dynamics within the regime as economic pressures mount.
18 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 32min
The NGO worker on trial for people-smuggling in Lesbos
Sean Binder, a former volunteer who faced trial in Greece for aiding refugees, shares his harrowing experience of rescue operations on Lesbos. Katy Fallon, a migration reporter, provides insights into the shifting local climate and the criminalization of NGOs. They discuss the serious charges against Sean, including smuggling allegations, and the alarming trend of political narratives turning volunteers into targets. Together, they illuminate the risks posed to humanitarian aid in Europe and the broader implications of a potential guilty verdict.
20 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 25min
Mansions, milkshakes and the minimum wage: Labour’s 2025 budget
Heather Stewart, the Economics editor at The Guardian, dives into Labour's budget unveiling by Rachel Reeves, dissecting its potential impact on the UK economy. She discusses the challenges Reeves faced, including political pressures and spending reversals that could affect families. Stewart explains controversial measures like the mansion charge and increased taxes on unearned income. With rising minimum wages and theatre in the Commons, she evaluates whether this budget can truly support working people and restore public trust.
Nov 26, 2025 • 25min
The frantic push to bring peace to Ukraine
Piotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter for The Guardian, dives into the complex landscape of ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine. He discusses three competing peace proposals and the contrasting moods in Kyiv and Moscow. Sauer reveals the contentious demands from Russia, including troop caps and amnesty, while detailing Ukraine's priorities for any deal. He examines the impact of public sentiment on both sides, the challenges of diplomacy led by unconventional figures, and the pressing need for a resolution amid war fatigue.
