The Standard

People may have caught Covid-19 because an Excel spreadsheet failure stopped nearly 16,000 cases being transferred swiftly to the test-and-trace system. The mistake's baffled medics like former World Health Organisation doctor Professor Karol Sikora, who joins the podcast to tell us it's not the first error, and the entire system needs overhauled. He also explains how the updated set of figures, including the previously lost numbers, actually show the country doing as expected against the disease, with a lower number of people needing to be hospitalised than thought. And, James Bond's under fire, which is probably normal for him, but this time it's film critics taking aim. There's anger after cinema chain Cineworld decided to shut its theatres in the UK and US because the new Bond movie, No Time to Die, has been delayed again. Jack Shepherd, from Total Film magazine, tells us why movie bosses made the decision, and how constant delays of blockbusters are causing problems. He also gives recommendations for people who so still want to go to the movies this week.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The White House is insisting it's business as usual in the Oval Office, with Donald Trump continuing to work despite testing positive for coronavirus. But, already there are signs the country's going through a political and cultural upheaval. Julie Norman, from UCL's US Politics Centre tells us how the second debate with Joe Biden hangs in the balance, and even the election date of November 3rd is in doubt. It also looks like the President's previously mask-wary supporters are now more likely to take precautions, including mail-in voting.The UK has its own coronavirus row with SNP MP Margaret Ferrier admitting she took a 500-mile train trip after being diagnosed with the infection. She also gave a speech inside the House of Commons despite suffering symptoms. The Evening Standard's political correspondent Sophia Sleigh says members of the House, and staff in Parliament, are furious at her "recklessness" and the actions once more risk the public losing trust in its politicians at a time when they're being asked to follow an ever increasing lockdown rulebook.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have given an exclusive interview to the Evening Standard, where they mark the start of Black History Month with a call for Britain to grasp an opportunity for change. Speaking to us from their new home in California, Harry and Meghan warn that young people of colour will be held back "as long as structural racism exists". They also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement both in the UK and the US, including Harry's thoughts on the controversy over dance group Diversity performing a tribute on ITV's Britain's Got Talent. The couple have teamed up with the Evening Standard to launch the BHM Next Gen Trailblazers list of 20 people who are recognised for challenging prejudice and their positive contribution to British society. You can watch the full video of the interview on our YouTube channel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#CutHisMic has been all over social media after a US presidential debate that descended into chaos. Moderator Chris Wallace seemed unable to control Donald Trump, who repeatedly shouted at, insulted and interrupted Joe Biden in Cleveland. Christopher Phelps, associate professor of American studies at Nottingham University, tells us why the TV network would have been reluctant to silence a sitting president, but bosses looking at future debates might well be quicker on the trigger. He also says Mr Trump's aggressive strategy will likely have backfired, with those still undecided on how to vote looking for more substance on what's being done about coronavirus, the economy and a race crisis in the States. Also, France has decided to let restaurants stay open past the country's 10pm curfew, although the rules are unchanged for pubs. The Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says that's caught the attention of the hospitality trade here, which says lockdown rules are making it nearly impossible for them to get enough customers through the doors. Meanwhile, the curfew's also being partly blamed for a continuing lack of passengers on public transport in London. Ros Morgan, from the Heart of London Business Alliance, tells us why TFL needs a five year bailout deal to make sure services keep running through the pandemic and beyond.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of uncertainty students have been told they can go home for Christmas if they want, although they might have to self-isolate before leaving. The education secretary Gavin Williamson's announcement has eased the anxiety of thousands who feared being stuck in halls of residence during the festive season. But our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, says it leaves the government figuring out the headache of moving thousands of people during pandemic. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson's apologised after getting confused by his own lockdown rules during a press conference. Nicholas tells us saying sorry won't bring back public trust. Also, Tory rebel Steve Baker tells the Leader podcast why he thinks the government's going too far with its lockdown restrictions. He's among backbenchers who are voting against renewing the emergency coronavirus powers, with some calling them "intrusive and ridiculous". Mr Baker says that Downing Street will have to meet a list of demands, including allowing parliament a vote, before he'll back the PM's strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministers are not ruling out a new social clampdown in London and parts of England, which could see a ban on households mixing indoors, as well as pubs, restaurants and clubs closing for at least two weeks. It follows stark rises in coronavirus cases, including inside the Prime Minister' own constituency. Our associate editor Julian Glover says anxiety's raising across the country, and the government has to start telling the whole truth about what coronavirus is doing, and what Downing Street is really planning on doing about it. Also, it's claimed Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House. The Evening Standard's Susannah Butter says that's been seized upon by the Democrats, but there doesn't appear to be any sign of Mr Trump's supporters switching their votes. But with the first presidential debate due to take place this week, Susannah tells us there's going to be an ugly fight to scoop up those Americans still undecided about who they want in the Oval Office.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Urgent questions are being asked after a custody sergeant was shot dead by a suspect in a police station in Croydon. An investigation's underway into how the man, believed to have been arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition, was apparently able to take a gun inside, and whether the weapon was missed in a search. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, says an inquiry's underway, while Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick, says the death has sent "shockwaves reverberating" throughout the force. The Evening Standard's John Dunne tells the podcast, officers themselves are concerned about their safety. And, Boris Johnson is facing on trouble on two fronts. Some backbench Tory MPs are rebelling against the PM, claiming he's "ruling by fiat" by imposing lockdown regulations without a vote in Parliament. Meanwhile, an Evening Standard IPSOS Mori poll shows the public is questioning his leadership during the crisis. Our political editor Joe Murphy says the poll also shows strong support for the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, who has stronger ratings than both Mr Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak's urging the country to “live without fear” after unveiling a new part-time Jobs Support Scheme and other measures designed to prop up the economy until a coronavirus vaccine is ready. The Chancellor's announced a multi-billion pound package of help to replace the costly furlough scheme, allowing millions to go part time while keeping around four-fifths or more of their earnings. But the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn's warning the battered hospitality sector says it won't be enough to save restaurant and pub jobs – and the Chancellor himself ha admitted that “we can’t save every job”.Also, the long awaited Covid-19 track and trace app has finally been released, just as the health secretary Matt Hancock says the number of cases being recorded is nearly 10,000 a day. The smartphone app is supposed to be a game changer, but it's emerged people with older iPhones won't be able to use it. We speak to Dr Sarah Jarvis, who was among those who trialled the tech, to ask how it works and if it really will make the country safer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are divisions in the cabinet the cause of muddled messaging and seemingly contradictory guidelines being issued by the government on coronavirus? Senior editor of the Economist, Anne McElvoy joins us to explain what she calls the "Hawks and Doves" battling over whether to prioritise the economy or health as the country endures further, ever more complex, restrictions. She says Boris Johnson is trying to balance the two sides, while avoiding a Parliamentary showdown he fears he could lose, despite his 80-seat majority. You can also read Anne's column in the Evening Standard.And, six months after the first lockdown fell, a lot of people have had an awful lot of time to think about what’s changed in the UK. Evening Standard features writer Katie Strick has spoken to 10 key Londoners and asked them what they’ve learned during this pandemic. She tells us how mayor Sadiq Khan found it "incredibly tough" adjusting to lockdown, and why author and nurse Christie Watson had to rewrite her will when she signed up for the emergency Covid-19 register. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has revealed a swathe of new coronavirus restrictions, as the country tries to fend of the infection's apparent revival. There are curfews on bars, strict new face mask policies, even the halving of the number of guests you can invite to a wedding. Guidance on returning to the office has been reversed, with the government now urging people to stay at home if they can. The Prime Minister says it's not a full lockdown, but the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says the economic impact is going to be enormous. And, our health editor Ross Lydall explains why doctors think they're better prepared for a second wave than they were for the first. He's been talking to medics who say they have a better understanding of how to treat the illness. He also reveals how London's biggest hospital has re-opened a mothball intensive care unit to help the city cope with a feared influx of new patients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.