The Standard

The Evening Standard
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Sep 26, 2025 • 17min

Will digital ID cards stop illegal working?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said plans for a new digital ID held on people’s phones will be an “enormous opportunity” for the UK and make working illegally tougher. Digital ID will become mandatory as a means of proving the right to work under the plans, which will come into place within the next few years. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford joins us with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block is here to discuss whether Strictly Come Dancing can survive the latest scandals and what needs to improve, as the much-loved show returns for its 23rd series.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 17min

The old Etonian, his president father and brutal torture in an African jail

In this week’s special report, in the first of an exclusive three-part series, Noureddin Bongo tells The Standard’s Claudia Cockerell about his hell after his family were ousted in a coup in Gabon, Central Africa. And in part two, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is back with a period drama that applies his tried and tested formula to 19th-century Ireland. The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block joins us to review Netflix’s new show House of Guinness, which has been likened to familial saga Succession.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 24, 2025 • 15min

What's behind Trump's fresh attack on Sadiq Khan?

In his speech to the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump has made a fresh attack on Sir Sadiq Khan, and claimed London wants to “go to Sharia law”. A spokesperson for Sadiq, London’s first Muslim mayor said: “We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response." The US president also appeared to change his stance on Ukraine, speculating that Kyiv could win back its land due to Russia’s economic troubles.For analysis, we join The Standard's defence editor Robert Fox, who also tells us what he thinks Russia's plans are next.In part two, do you remember the Blitz Club?Forty years after its closure it's now being celebrated at the Design Museum.The Standard's head of culture, Martin Robinson, reveals everything you need to know, and why this exhibition will attract a large audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 23, 2025 • 13min

UK inflation to be highest in G7 this year

Economists are warning that the UK could face one of the highest inflation rates of any major economy this year.New data from the OECD predicts Britain will see the sharpest price rises among G7 nations - a huge blow to the cost of living and a key challenge ahead of the Government's autumn budget in November.In today’s episode, Rachelle Abbott is joined by the Standard’s chief political correspondent Rachael Burford to discuss how the UK compares with other G7 nations, and how Chancellor Rachel Reeves might balance the books.Plus, the Standard’s TV and gaming editor Vicky Jessop on what TV shows should we be curling up in front of this Autumn?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 22, 2025 • 14min

Gatwick's £2.2bn second runway plan gets green light

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved Gatwick’s plans for a second runway. UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the privately financed £2.2 bn project will create thousands more jobs.To find out everything, we're joined by the Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn.What are the plans, and is this a win-win for the government in the long-run?Plus, fancy eating like a mobster? Despite its price-tag, The Standard's Josh Barrie tells us all about the latest New York import to open in London, Italian-American restaurant Carbone.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 20, 2025 • 11min

Leading the Charge: Electric London – Clean Air at a Crossroads

London has made huge strides in cleaning up its air – with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels dropping sharply thanks to bold policies, investment in public transport, and the rise of electric vehicles. But proposed changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount could see EV drivers paying the congestion charge from Christmas Day, raising questions about the city’s next steps.It’s why the Electric London coalition, following The Standard’s Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to reverse the decision to scrap EVs’ exemption.In this 'Clean Air' episode, The Standard's Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Georgina McGivern and Valeria Pensabene from the London Clean Air Initiative, and Nick Smith from the Clean Air Fund, to explore what this shift could mean for businesses, residents, and the future of London’s air quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 17min

Migrant returned to France after government wins court challenge

The second deportation under the government’s ‘one in, one out’ deal with France took place early this morning, as hundreds more migrants risked their lives trying to reach the UK. An Eritrean man, who arrived in the UK on a small boat last month, was on an Air France flight to Paris, which left London Heathrow at 6.15 am. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump suggested Sir Keir Starmer should use the military to tackle the small boats crisis. The Standard’s News Editor Michael Howie is here with the latest.And in part two, journalist John Arlidge joins us to discuss what’s next for Vogue, as the longstanding editor Dame Anna Wintour steps down after 37 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 17min

Jimmy Kimmel talkshow taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments

ABC has pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely over comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. US President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, whilst media figures, unions and free speech organisations have expressed anger and alarm. The entertainer, drag artist and commentator Colin Seymour, who recently won a libel battle against the rightwing activist Laurence Fox, joins us to share his perspective. And in part two, The Standard’s Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell is here to discuss the new Netflix documentary on Victoria Beckham, and what viewers can expect.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 17, 2025 • 15min

Household budgets squeezed as food prices surge

Food and drink prices are rising at their fastest rate since January last year, whilst the overall headline rate of inflation remains unchanged at 3.8 per cent. Food prices are expected to peak in December as hot weather has led to a poor harvest and higher industry costs. According to ONS figures, the biggest price rises in food and drink include beef and veal, butter, coffee, chocolate and milk. Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and an arable farmer in Cambridgeshire, joins us to discuss how the current challenges mean consumers are paying more for everyday essentials. And in part two, The Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic, and host of The London Theatre Review podcast, Nick Curtis, joins us to discuss his five star review of The Producers musical at the Garrick Theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 17min

What’s at stake during President Trump’s state visit?

US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the UK for his unprecedented second state visit to the country. The trip has sparked controversy and thousands are expected to take part in a series of anti-Trump protests. He will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for talks on trade, investment, Ukraine and Gaza. Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now and spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition is here to discuss what’s at stake for the UK.And in part two, Transport for London (TfL) is celebrating 125 years of the Central line with a treasure hunt open to all on Saturday, at this year’s Open House Festival. We’re joined by Ann Gavaghan, Customer Experience Manager at Transport for London, to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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