The News Agents
Global
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents.
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed.
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents"
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed.
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents"
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
Episodes
Mentioned books
103 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 44min
Has Trump invented his peace deal with Iran?
A surprise presidential post claims breakthrough talks with Iran, then Tehran immediately denies it, sparking a market rally and oil-price gyrations. Conversation explores whether the message was sincere, strategic brinkmanship, or market manipulation. Discussion also covers UK government reactions, trade implications with the US, and local security incidents linked to regional tensions.
123 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 40min
The case for Trump's war in Iran
Dr Muhannad Saloom, an international politics and security academic based in Doha, explains why he sees a coherent US-Israeli military strategy against Iran. He describes daily life under strikes and argues the campaign aims to degrade Iran’s forces and nuclear capabilities. He discusses regime impacts, surveillance of enriched uranium, and whether military pressure can force surrender or long-term constraints.
18 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 22min
How Morocco snatched Senegal's AFCON crown - The Sports Agents
Steven Caulker, former Sierra Leone international, offers a player’s perspective on the AFCON fallout. Zayn Naabi, sports commentator and pod co-host, breaks down CAF’s ruling and its legal quirks. They debate the slow ruling, medal awkwardness, historical precedents and political influence in African football. Short, sharp takes on what this controversy means for the game.
199 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 43min
Is Iran winning the war?
A sharp rundown of escalating strikes and damaged Gulf energy infrastructure. A look at asymmetric Iranian tactics and why control of shipping lanes matters. Debate over US military options, political divides at home, and the risk of wider escalation. Comparisons to 1970s energy shocks and the global fallout for markets, airlines and European economies.
80 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 41min
Why do the Conservatives have a problem with Muslims praying in public?
Alan Rusbridger, former editor of The Guardian and investigative journalist, joins to unpack a New World probe into GB News and Ofcom. He discusses how the investigation scored widespread impartiality failures. Short, sharp takes cover why regulators seem reluctant to act and what parliamentary scrutiny might do next.
189 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 44min
Has Trump lost it?
A deep dive into a chaotic presidential press conference and its baffling contradictions. Discussion of how allies and the world shrugged at aggressive rhetoric. Debate over strategic stakes around the Strait of Hormuz and the limits of military options. Exploration of false claims, political resignations, and the wider geopolitical and economic fallout.
128 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 36min
Is Starmer ending his abusive relationship with Trump?
A deep look at Trump demanding allies patrol the Strait of Hormuz and Europe's refusal to be dragged into war. Discussion of US troop moves, Iran's leverage over oil routes, and the economic risks from rising fuel prices. Exploration of shifting European attitudes toward America and how national politics shape foreign policy choices.
102 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 56min
Keir Starmer: Britain’s passive Prime Minister?
A deep profile of Keir Starmer's leadership style and political instincts. The conversation probes his procedural, cautious approach and moments where he seemed absent from key decisions. They unpack the role of advisers, a controversial appointment, and the fallout from a senior aide's exit. Local elections and looming scandals add urgency to the political portrait.
10 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 24min
Crowdfunding your way to a World Cup final - The Sports Agents
Sophie De Goede, Canadian international number eight who captained Canada to the 2023 World Cup final and won World Rugby’s Player of the Year after an ACL comeback. She talks about playing in front of 80,000 at Twickenham. She reflects on training with limited resources, Canada’s funding gap, players going abroad, and how the World Cup reshaped women’s rugby momentum.
107 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 33min
How bad are the Mandelson files for Keir Starmer?
Newly released files show rushed vetting and warnings about a high-profile appointment tied to Epstein links. Questions arise over who knew what and why concerns did not reach the prime minister. The conversation also covers potential payouts, missing messages that might change the story, and political fallout already absorbed. The episode closes with a wider look at Middle East strikes, oil and food security, and UK–EU strategic choices.
