The Standard

A major data breach which led to thousands of Afghans being secretly relocated to the UK became public knowledge for the first time this week. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Apple TV’s The Studio, the must-watch, Emmy-nominated satirical show from Seth Rogen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today unemployment rates have risen to 4.7%, which is the highest rate since the second lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. But what’s the truth behind the figures? Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at the Institute of Public Policy Research, is here to unpack the data. And in part two, The Standard’s dance critic David Jay explores the uncertain landscape of youth dance, ahead of Sadler’s Wells and Sadler’s Wells East YFX festival.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK rate of inflation has increased to an 18-month high of 3.6% to the shock of economists - and households are facing a new squeeze, with accelerating food, drink and fuel prices. The Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s comedy critic, Bruce Dessau is here with a preview of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an unprecedented trial at The Old Bailey, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who went on the run with their newborn daughter, have been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest. And in part two, writer Charlotte Ambrose explores the enduring appeal of Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City fashion, which is now reaching new Gen Z audiences via social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treasury minister Darren Jones has left open the prospect of freezing the thresholds for paying income tax beyond 2028, as the government scrambles to balance the public finances. Pranesh Narayanan, a research fellow within the Institute for Public Policy Research, explains what the impact of this would be, and explores other ways to raise tax revenues. And in part two, lifestyle journalist Jessica Salter reveals why London gym Before the Lights has become a celebrity hangout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Standard’s latest special report, reporter Jacob Phillip has been investigating the capital’s vanishing schools, with more than 30 primaries in the capital set to shut or merge before the next academic year. He joins us to unpack the reasons behind this trend, which is also affecting other parts of the UK. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reviews Justin Bieber’s new surprise album, Swag - which the Canadian singer says is his most personal to date.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a policing blitz on London’s 20 most blighted town centres for shoplifting, robbery, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. The Standard’s Crime Editor Anthony Frances has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, gives his verdict on the latest Superman film which is out in cinemas on Friday 11 July.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the first volume of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report delivered a devastating assessment of the damage done by the scandal, which is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. It focuses on the “disastrous” impact of false accusations made against at least 1000 postmasters. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk has the latest.And in part two, The Standard’s Food and Drink writer Josh Barrie shares how NYC-style pizzas are taking centre stage in the capital, after more than a decade of floppy Neapolitan style pizzas - plus where to get a slice of the action. *This episode was amended on 09 July 2025 to change the reference to Kap and Jess running Chatsworth Bakehouse, which is incorrect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been 20 years since the 7/7 bomb attacks in the capital which killed 52 people and injured several hundred. The Standard is joined by Islamic scholar Thomas Small, and survivor Mustafa Kurtuldu, to discuss the aftermath. You can hear more from Thomas Small in Conflicted - 7/7 The Inside Story, produced by Message Heard for Wondery. And in part two, is Scandinavia the new Mediterranean? Travel writer Alicia Miller joins us to discuss where you might want to visit for a ‘coolcation’ this summer to escape the European heatwave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.