The Story

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times known for investigative political reporting, recounts the Labour Together inquiry and its aftermath. He explains how a commissioned probe targeted journalists, details the false allegations made about him, and describes the personal and political fallout that followed.

Ben Clatworthy, Whitehall editor at The Times, offers Westminster analysis. Emanuele Midolo, investigations reporter at The Sunday Times, outlines political probes. They trace a paid PR dossier aimed at discrediting reporters. Conversation covers how the dossier circulated in Westminster, APCO’s role, ties between Labour Together and ministers, and the reputational fallout in Number 10.

Mary Downer, Money reporter at The Times who investigated the UK student loan system. She reveals why many graduates see debts balloon despite repayments. Short, sharp accounts of punitive RPI plus 3% interest, frozen repayment thresholds, and who is worst hit. Discussion of life impacts like mortgage barriers and whether reforms or accounting fixes can repair a broken social contract.

Mark Sellman, technology correspondent at The Times, and Zoe Hitzig, a former OpenAI research scientist who resigned over ethics, discuss recent high-profile AI resignations. They talk about advertising on conversational AI, risks to user trust and privacy, AI capturing private thoughts, automation and job disruption, and where AI safety and regulation might head next.

Danny Finkelstein's mother survived Bergen-Belsen. When far-right activist Nick Fuentes began spreading antisemitic, pro-Hitler ideas, our writer challenged him. He wasn’t ready for the onslaught that ensued.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryReady by: Danny Finkelstein, Times columnist, author and Conservative peer.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Daniel Finkelstein: How the world’s antisemites turned on meClips: TalkTV, CBS.Photo: Tom Jackson for The Times Magazine.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Gibbs, Times reporter with deep Venezuela experience, recounts waking to helicopters and the shock of a US operation. He discusses empty Caracas streets, the shaky claim that America would run the country, and whether oil, not drugs, is the real prize. He also covers how seized oil flows affect Cuba, rapid law changes to attract investors, and what might come next for the region.

Josie Ensor, chief US reporter at The Times who spent six years investigating Jeffrey Epstein, walks through the newly released files. She outlines the scope and redactions, the strange gaps like missing FBI 302s, and how wealth and influence shaped recruitment, reputations and accountability. She also examines the Wexner connection, claims about foreign ties, and lingering questions around Epstein’s death.

Tom Calver, Data editor at The Times and author on Britain’s population trends, outlines falling birth rates and a possible reversal of migration. He explores why fertility is plunging and how emigration spikes were hidden in payroll data. He discusses the fiscal and political consequences of an ageing, shrinking population and the limits of policy to change family choices.

A Westminster crisis recap, from a frantic Number 10 war room to rapid damage control. Tension over leadership moves and whether a leftward shift is now inevitable. The Wes Streeting psychodrama and leaked WhatsApps spark claims of smears. looming Mandelson files promise further revelations and a slow-burn threat to the party's stability.

Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent at The Times, offers insider Westminster reporting and tactical analysis. He unpacks the resignations at Number 10 and the fallout from newly released Epstein-related files. He explores internal party tensions, calls for leadership change in Scotland, and who might benefit politically from the crisis.