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
151 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 43min
Have the Greens just replaced Reform as Labour's main threat?
A surprise Green victory in Greater Manchester and what it means for Labour's grip on urban voters. Debate over whether recent losses weaken Keir Starmer and shift party strategy. Claims about sectarianism, family voting and targeted outreach among Muslim communities. Examination of Reform's performance and the wider impact of Gaza and foreign policy on local voting patterns.
19 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 28min
Are World Cup fans in danger after Mexico cartel violence? - The Sports Agents
Adam Crafton, Football journalist at The Athletic, gives on-the-ground reporting from Guadalajara after El Mencho’s killing. He describes the immediate chaos and the tense calm that followed. They discuss FIFA’s quiet risk assessments, how March playoffs act as a security rehearsal, cartel motives around the tournament, and the logistics of creating secure zones for fans.
97 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 41min
The Royal Family: Abolish, reform or carry on?
A heated debate on whether recent scandals mean the monarchy should be slimmed down, reformed or ended. Conversations cover opaque royal finances, the trade-off between many working royals and a leaner court, and how soft power and global recognition shape Britain’s standing. Polling trends, possible reforms under Charles and William, and playful ideas about national symbols are also discussed.
133 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 42min
Mandelson vs the Met: What the hell just happened?
Sarah Sackman, Labour MP and Minister for Courts and Legal Services, outlines the government’s courts 'blitz' and justice reforms. She discusses tackling the huge backlog, balancing faster listings with fair trials, and proposed jury changes. The conversation also touches on political fallout around recent high-profile arrests and the implications for a tense by-election.
178 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 49min
Mandelson arrested: Will Starmer pay the price?
Breaking news of a high-profile arrest and the political fallout for Starmer and his party. A tense discussion of alleged email links to Epstein and what government files might reveal. Concerns about by-election damage and whether New Labour’s reputation is dented. A minister talks transparency, SEND reform plans, and efforts to cut costly out-of-area special schooling.
98 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 35min
Has Trump just been humiliated by his own judges?
A landmark court decision strips presidential emergency tariff powers and sparks debate about separation of powers. Fiery public reactions and threats to the judiciary follow. International leaders weigh in and analysts discuss whether foreign governments will push back on US trade demands. Separately, a Commonwealth move to remove a royal from the line of succession raises questions about constitutional hurdles and royal transparency.
98 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 34min
How did Epstein make his money?
Anand Giridharadas, journalist and author who writes about money, power, and culture, explores the rise of the so‑called Epstein class. He maps a global elite network that enabled impunity. He traces how Epstein entered high finance, examines alleged schemes around client funds and control, and discusses how social rituals and power trading kept the system intact.
16 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 24min
Is Russia's ban from world sport over? - The Sports Agents
Matt Slater, The Athletic journalist who covers major sporting events, joins to unpack Russia's return to the Winter Paralympics. He traces the shift from 2014 bans to recent rulings. Short takes cover Ukraine's diplomatic boycott, anti-doping doubts, and whether Russia could reappear at future Olympics or World Cups.
113 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 34min
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andy Hughes, crime correspondent and analyst who explains police procedures and legal context. He walks through how the arrest at Sandringham was carried out and why Thames Valley believed they had grounds. He outlines differences between arrest and interview, the role of US-UK evidence sharing, and what 'misconduct in public office' legally requires.
109 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 37min
Why didn’t the BBC ask Prince William about Andrew?
A heated debate about why questions about Prince Andrew were avoided during William’s mental-health interview. A look at how palace red lines, off-the-record briefings and scarce royal access shape press accountability. A sharp pivot to US media: a fringe politician’s viral climb after being blocked by CBS and what that says about censorship and celebrity amplification.
