The Standard

The Conservative Party conference kicks off in Birmingham - throwing the race to become the next opposition leader wide open. And as the hopefuls promote themselves to the Tory membership, there’s an unusual array of candidate promotional ‘merch’ being offered.The Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, has the details.But is it actually helping convince members that they should back James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick?The jury’s out, but there’s also been some very interesting polling on who the public’s thinks has what it takes to become a future prime minister.In part two, as the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station shuts down, is it possible to ensure clean energy while cutting consumer bills - and how would this power grid of the future operate?We’re joined by climate scientist Simon Lewis, professor of global change science at UCL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For your next trip, why not explore closer to home? Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks discuss the benefits of visiting nature-positive escapes such as Sussex's Knepp Estate, which was transformed from a working farm into a 3,500 pioneering rewilding project. Isabella Tree, who led the transformation, explains how giving the site back to nature saw it grow into an incredible natural landscape, and help re-establish animal species. Ned Burrell, director of the site's Wilding Kitchen restaurant explains how they're using food to promote the benefits of rewilding endeavours in the UK.Juliet also describes her trips to the 42 acres wellness retreat in Somerset, and the Reeds at South Lodge in the south east.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has met with the US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for the first time.The meeting has sparked quite a bit of backlash though, considering what prominent Labour front benchers have said about the former president in the past. Our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, discusses everything we know about the meeting so far, and shares his insight into whether this could be the beginning of an unlikely friendship. In part two, our features & culture writer, Emma Loffhagen, explains the Sally Rooney divide amongst book lovers and critics. Plus, gives her review of Rooney’s latest novel Intermezzo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister has told the London Standard, he wants to make London the artificial intelligence capital of the world, and the opportunities to create wealth are endless.Our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, discusses whether the UK can compete with the US when it comes to leading the way with this rapidly developing technology, and what spurred Sir Keir Starmer on to focus on AI now.In part two, cyber security expert Richard Bingley, shares his insight after a Wi-Fi cyber attack hits major UK stations - with ten of them in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want something to brighten up the gloomy autumn days? We’ve got the definitive list of all the best entertainment to keep you busy.From exciting films, shows, TV, exhibitions and gigs, there’s so much coming up. We give you a sneak peek at the BFI London film festival, Gladiator II, Wicked, the ITV series Joan, Disney+’s Rivals, Janet Jackson at the O2, Dua Lipa at the Royal Albert Hall, through to The Devil Wears Prada musical.For a special treat The Standard’s Head of Culture, Nick Clark, has put together the ultimate autumn culture guide.With a summer of Taylor Swift can the UK’s music scene compete this season?Listen to find out… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK Prime Minister has delivered his first Labour party conference speech since coming to power. Sir Keir Starmer reassured the UK that despite difficult decisions ahead there is light at the end of the tunnel. He went on to promise to “build a new Britain” with a crackdown on benefit fraudsters, a promise to house all veterans, and by reducing the UK’s reliance on foreign workers.The Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, joins the podcast from Liverpool and unpacks everything covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour party conference is fully underway and today’s big speech was from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.The Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, joins us from Liverpool to discuss the key points from the speech, and reveals the findings of our Ipsos poll which indicate the honeymoon might already be over for Sir Keir Starmer after less than three months in power.   In part two, we speak to Maurizio Roccato, criminal historian at the University of Turin in Italy and the curator of London’s controversial new exhibition about serial killers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks on a captivating journey through Vietnam's cultural treasures. They share tales from overnight train rides and eco-resorts, highlighting how community tourism empowers local youth through hospitality training. Discover how responsible travel not only enhances local economies but also conserves Vietnam's rich heritage. They further explore sustainability practices in hospitality and the vital role of women within local communities, blending adventure with meaningful impact.

Fears are growing over the potential of a full-scale war after Israel hit southern Lebanon with its most intense air strikes in nearly a year, raising tensions with Hezbollah.Our Defence Editor, Robert Fox, discusses what the latest developments mean for this conflict, where this leaves the Western allies, and reveals the wider impact of the Middle East crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, discusses what happened when he spoke to Louise Haigh about her plans for the future of British transport, including how they are going to ‘modernise outdated work practices’ on strike-plagued railways and get trains running on time. Plus, more on the Sir Keir Starmer gifts row and Sue Gray's salary reveal.In part two, our Chief Political Correspondent, Rachael Burford, explains why Global Radio are taking Westminster council to court over Leicester Square buskers in a first of its kind case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.