The Daily T

General Lord Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army and defence commentator, critiques UK capability and credibility. He discusses Starmer’s Gulf trip and whether Britain influenced the US–Iran ceasefire. Dannatt highlights decades of defence underfunding, naval maintenance problems like HMS Dragon, and how control of the Strait of Hormuz shaped Iran’s leverage.

Elon Levy, former Israeli government spokesman now in Tel Aviv, offers a concise Israeli perspective. He discusses Trump's bellicose Iran rhetoric and how it shapes deterrence. He examines Britain’s stance and the politics of leadership absence. Short, punchy takes on regional strategy and diplomatic pressure.

Gavin Ashenden, former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and commentator on religion and the monarchy. He debates whether Prince William’s private, “quiet” Christianity is consistent with the constitutional role of monarch as Church leader. Conversation covers claims William treats faith strategically, the Church of England’s political origins, risks of a credibility gap between private belief and public duty, and the contested future of Anglican establishment.

Tony Travers, academic and local government expert, offers analytical perspective. Lyndon Kim-Karen, leader of Kent County Council, discusses finances and tough local choices. They cover Reform-run councils’ tax decisions, cost-cutting moves, controversies over flags and migration, and what local performance could mean for national ambitions.

Victoria Ward, Deputy Royal Editor at The Telegraph, offers sharp royal analysis in this conversation. She discusses Trump’s claim that King Charles would have backed him over Iran. The King’s upcoming US state visit and its diplomatic symbolism are explored. The conversation covers Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s public position amid Epstein fallout and developments in Prince Harry’s legal battle with the Daily Mail.

The BBC has admitted to the Telegraph that it knew of allegations against Scott Mills almost a year ago but failed to investigate.The corporation had claimed it terminated the Radio 2 presenter's contract as soon as it learned of the allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000.But as The Telegraph's associate editor Gordon Rayner tells The Daily T, a former BBC presenter contacted the corporation in May 2025 to say she had received information about alleged “inappropriate communications” involving Mills.She did not receive a response, and today the BBC admitted her information “should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions”. We explore what this latest scandal means for the beleaguered broadcaster.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducers: Georgia Coan and Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Andy MackenzieStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Media Producer: Nada Aggour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Coutinho, Conservative MP and Shadow Energy Secretary, outlines her take on UK energy policy and North Sea drilling. She argues for domestic production, critiques net zero priorities and discusses plans to cut household electricity costs. The conversation also touches on nuclear, land use and concerns about offshoring emissions.

Zia Yusuf, Reform's home affairs spokesman known for pushing tougher immigration and border controls. He debates migration rules, visa bans and replacing indefinite leave with renewable work visas. He also argues for leaving certain human rights frameworks, cuts to foreign aid, and a public ban on face coverings to boost security and social cohesion.

Nick Timothy, a former Conservative political adviser and Shadow Lord Chancellor, discusses his controversial description of a Trafalgar Square iftar. He explains why he saw the azan and cordoned prayer as a public proclamation. The conversation touches on faith in public life, Britain's secular traditions versus public religion, and the political fallout over free speech and party reactions.

Richard Tice, Reform UK deputy leader and MP, explains why his party walked out of PMQs and rails against what he calls Sir Keir Starmer's arrogance. He discusses the small boats controversy and immigration policy. The conversation also touches on a mysterious lost government phone and questions about how it was handled.