Iain Dale - The Whole Show

Iain was once again in for James O'Brien, openining the show asking listeners for their festive traditions. Foreign Policy and Security Analyst Jimmy Rushton provided his expert opinion on Russia's Christmas Day missile attack on Ukraine, which President Zelenskyy branded as 'inhumane'. Iain also hosted an open-house hour, and, previewed the annual King's Christmas Speech.

Iain was standing in for James O'Brien, and asked callers for their thoughts on trail hunting, ahead of the mid-morning commencement of the annual tradition. Rachel Pearson, a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster, shared her story on the 20th anniversary. Former LBC Presenter Larry Lamb discussed his 'Gavin & Stacey' and 'Eastenders' roles. Iain also spoke with callers on private school fee increases, and with Professor Giles Yeo MBE from the University of Cambridge, to discuss the possibility of the weight-loss medication Ozempic being used for advanced Alzheimer's patients.

Iain is in for James O'Brien, where he reflects on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch's Christmas messages. He speaks with Political Impressionist and Comedian Rory Bremner, and asks callers what their messages are to political leaders. Nick Molden, Founder of Emissions Analytics, provides an explanation into the shift away from fossil-fuel powered cars to electric alternatives. Robbie Williams plans to resit his GCSE exams, and Iain speaks with ADHD expert Dr Tony Lloyd to discuss how the condition can affect school attainment. Tennis player Jack Draper revealed that he drives a second-hand car - Iain asks whether we are more materialistic than we used to be, and speaks with a Behavioural Economist to understand more.

Iain is in for James O'Brien, where he speaks with an executive member of Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors, David Greenwood. He also speaks with Jamie Gray, the son of Kevin Gray who lost his Rolex after collapsing at a West Ham football match.

How do we tackle the dangers of binge drinking?Plus, tremendous author Robert Harris takes your calls!

Will 2025 be a year for peace? Joining Iain Dale for this special end-of-year Cross Question are singer and songwriter Fuse ODG, comedian Ava Vidal, broadcaster and DJ Liz Kershaw and economist Linda Yueh.

What happens next if a truce is agreed in Gaza?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Lib Dem MP and health spokesperson Helen Morgan, Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny, political commentator Lin Mei and former Conservative adviser Tom Skinner.

Is China a threat to the UK? And should we ban smacking children?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour's leader in the House of Lords Baroness Smith, Conservative peer and former health minister Lord Bethell, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack and pollster and commentator Scarlett Maguire.

Do we need to spend more on the military? Security journalist Lizzie Dearden takes your calls. And should we ban homeschooling?

Are we sending too many people to prison?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are economist and former Observer editor Will Hutton, former Conservative MP Jo Gideon, Reem Ibrahim from the Institute of Economic Affairs & Labour MP Mike Tapp.