The Standard

As the number of people in the UK prescribed antidepressants continues to rise, a review of the drugs has led to brand new guidance for the doctors who prescribe them.University College London and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have worked together on the review, looking into the role of antidepressants and how to help patients stop using them.They have recommended that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods of time, and also argued that long-term use for many is probably inappropriate.Mark Horowitz is a clinical research fellow in psychiatry from University College London who worked on the review.He discusses their recommendations for doctors, how patients should stop using the drugs, and the evidence around serotonin levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From today, a new treatment for vulnerable patients at greater risk of Covid-19 is being offered at London hospitals.The drug, called Sotrovimab, has been manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, which says it appears to work against the Omicron variant, and can cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by almost 80 per cent.Medicine Development Lead for the drug Dr Amanda Peppercorn explains how the drug works, how effective it is against Omicron, and why it is so significant in the fight against Covid-19. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The classic musical Cabaret has returned to the London stage starring Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne.The hit musical, famously made into a film starring Liza Minnelli as the cabaret singer Sally, was inspired by the novels of English writer Christopher Isherwood based on his own experiences in the German capital as the Nazis rose to power.Redmayne plays The Emcee alongside Jessie Buckley as Sally Bowles in the show set in the fictional cabaret venue the Kit Kat Club. The Evening Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic Nick Curtis joins The Leader podcast to discuss why he’s garlanded the West End musical revival with a rare five-star review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School days…spare a thought for 21st Century teenagers thrown into the lion’s den of social media, often poorly prepped to deal with bullies, trolls and the dreaded cancel culture.Until now - because Sutton High School in London is piloting debate classes for girls from 11 years old that focus on internet culture, to help them confidently express their opinions and encourage discussion. And it all starts with pizza toppings.We speak to school head Beth Dawson about her innovative course that’s already in demand from neighbouring schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has just faced his biggest Tory rebellion since becoming Prime Minister. A total of 99 Conservative MPs opposed Johnson’s plan to introduce Covid passes but the move passed due to support from the Labour Party.Tory rebels spoke publicly today saying Johnson needs ‘to change’ but how much will this have shaken the PM?The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, explains the significance of the rebellion and whether it's time for Mr Johnson to worry about a potential leadership challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the race to get a Covid-19 booster jab continues and long queues form outside vaccination centres, how realistic is the government’s target to get everyone triple vaccinated by the end of the year?In London, already more than half of all coronavirus cases are of the Omicron variant, and the number of coronavirus patients in the capital’s hospitals is at its highest level since March.And in Scotland extra measures have been brought in to try and limit the spread of Omicron - including a limit on socialising to three households.The Evening Standard’s Health Editor Ross Lydall discusses how the UK’s booster programme is going, and how big a risk the Omicron variant poses to the nation and the NHS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK Government says it’s ‘throwing everything’ at beating Omicron as it brings forward the target date for all adult booster jabs to be delivered by the end of December. It comes as the first UK death has been recorded with the variant. But with huge queues outside vaccination centres and many reporting issues with the online booking system, will the new target be achievable?Nicholas Cecil, the Evening Standard’s Political Editor, walks us through the new campaign to ‘Get Boosted Now’ and its potential challenges.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the key to Succession’s success?  The hit US TV comedy-drama - with a heavy British influence - follows the incredibly powerful Roy family and the inner workings of their company Waystar RoyCo. The family fight amongst themselves over who will take over the global media and entertainment conglomerate after their father, Logan Roy. It’s won countless awards and an adoring global fan base - so much so that a fourth series has already been confirmed. As season three draws to a close, we speak to one of Succession’s former writers - Anna Jordan - about being in the writers room and what the key is to the show’s success. We also ask her thoughts on series four and whether or not she thinks it will be the last...   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the drama continues around alleged Christmas parties at Downing Street last year, an NHS doctor is warning public trust in the government is waning.The Conservative Party has now admitted an event took place in the party’s Westminster headquarters on December 14th last year.An investigation continues into allegations that the party held more events last year, when covid rules at the time stated they weren’t allowed.Dr Sonia Adesara discusses her reaction to the allegations, a potential rise in people not following covid measures, and the health risk that poses for UK hospitals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a tough day at the office for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as he faced a fiery PMQs largely focused on claims of a Christmas Party at Number 10 last year, when such gatherings had been banned under pandemic restrictions.One of Boris Johnson’s advisors at the heart of the scandal, Allegra Stratton has resigned and offered her “profound apologies”, after footage emerged of her joking about a Downing Street Christmas party.The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor David Bond discusses the alleged party, how the Prime Minister coped during today’s fiery PMQs and whether Boris still has the public’s trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.