The Standard

Following Wednesday’s PMQs, the Government has responded in full to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out what they call tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability.58 recommendations made by Sir Martin Moore-Bick when he published his long-awaited report in September are to be accepted in full.Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing some of the bereaved, said it will be ‘paying close attention to these words and intentions’.To walk us through their pledge we’re joined by The London Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was T.S. Eliot telling the truth when he wrote “April is the cruellest month”? Perhaps he had foreseen today, as news broke that millions of people are facing a perfect storm of rising bills on or around April 1 - including energy, water, council tax, train fares, mobile, and broadband bills. Helena Wadia is joined by The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn, to explain the predicted energy bill rises for millions of households.In part two, Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop gives us a look-ahead to this Sunday's Academy Awards - which films are leading the Oscar nominations, is there a clear frontrunner, and what controversies have created a storm? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, millions of children have had their education disrupted. To mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we’re joined by Sarah Brown, Chair of charity TheirWorld, to discuss how the organisation is supporting education and children throughout the conflict. Sarah has been working at Ukrainian President Zelensky's request directly with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as well as First Lady Olena Zelenska’s Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of patients across London will now have access to urgent dental appointments as the Government begins efforts to rebuild NHS dentistry.However, leaders in the profession insist ministers should have “fired the starting gun” last summer.To learn more, we’re joined by Len D’Cruz from the British Dental Association, a practice owner and dentist in Woodford Green, East London. He explains the harrowing situations he has witnessed, including cases of DIY dentistry.In part two, The London Standard’s food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, visits Forty Hall Vineyard, a hidden gem just a few miles from the heart of the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do Koreans live longer than the rest of us? According to research from Imperial College London, South Korea is on track to lead the world in longevity, with average life expectancy set to exceed 90 years. So what’s their secret? In today’s episode, Nicola Barron is joined by Michelle Jungmin Bang, author of Sun and Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness, and Longevity. Michelle shares insights into the Korean approach to well-being, from the role of tradition and sustainability to the mindful self-care rituals that contribute to a longer, healthier life.Watch Michelle’s MasterclassMichelle’s session is available on demand as part of The Bigger Life Festival. Get access at standard.co.uk/masterclasses.Pre-order Michelle’s bookSun and Ssukgat is out on 25th February. Pre-order your copy here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachelle Abbott joins The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn as the rate of UK inflation jumped to 3% in January, in a blow to hopes of early further interest rate cuts. The rise on Wednesday exceeded expectations, with City forecasters predicting inflation to be 2.8%. The Conservatives have accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of being 'out of her depth'. So why have we seen such a rise? Who will feel the hit most, what does this mean for interest rates, and when do we expect inflation to fall? For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talks today in Saudi Arabia saw the US and Russia discussing a peace deal to end Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Helena Wadia is joined by The London Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil, to discuss the aims of the talks and what we can expect going forward. The meeting was the first face-to-face discussion between the two countries since the war began in 2022. But who was involved in the peace talks? Crucially, not Ukraine.In part two, Rachelle Abbott and The London Standard’s Defence Editor, Robert Fox, discuss how a dramatic shift in US policy impacts UK defence spending and military reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced he'll raise penalty charge notices meaning some fines could hit £160. But why the hike? How will the money be used? And where do the fines apply?Rachelle Abbott's joined by The London Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall, to break down all you need to know.In part two, we explore the scents of ancient Egypt. Researchers from University College London and University of Ljubljana have uncovered the smells of nine mummified bodies. Dr Cecilia Bembibre, co-author and lecturer at UCL’s Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources, joins us to explain how they extracted and analysed the ancient aromas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Birth rates are falling faster in London than the rest of the UK since the 2000s. To find out why, whether it’s a concern, and what can be done, Rachelle Abbott sits down with Kate Wills, who has been investigating the topic for The London Standard. Plus, we continue to celebrate some of the capital’s hidden gems. This week we turn to The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead with John Darlington, director of projects for the World Monuments Fund. Is this the perfect spot for a Valentine's weekend stroll? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Nicola Barron is joined by Will Storr—an acclaimed journalist, bestselling author, and storytelling guru. Will is widely regarded as one of the leading experts on how stories shape human behaviour, decisions, and relationships.In his latest book, A Story is a Deal, Will uncovers the hidden psychological contract between storytellers and their audiences. He explains why stories are so powerful, not just for entertainment, but for persuasion and connection. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how storytelling can change the way people think and act.He’ll also be hosting a live online masterclass where he’ll share the storytelling techniques that can make your business messaging, presentations, and content stand out.Don’t miss Will’s Masterclass:Join Will for The Science of Storytelling for Business and Persuasion on February 20th—the same day A Story is a Deal is released! For more details, head to standard.co.uk/masterclasses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.