James O'Brien Daily America after the ICE killings & heinous UK leaseholds
Jan 28, 2026
Simon Marks, Washington correspondent who reports on US politics from the ground. He breaks down the fallout from the Border Patrol and ICE killings and the White House reaction. He also explains how political distractions, blame-shifting and calls for accountability are playing out in Washington. The conversation highlights immediate US political pressure and international implications.
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Leasehold Is A Modern Feudalism
- Leasehold is a feudal, medieval system that lets freeholders own land forever while leaseholders buy only time-limited rights to live there.
- James O'Brien argues this arrangement entrenches inherited wealth and strips real ownership from many homeowners.
Shared Ownership Trap: Huge Extension Bills
- A caller described buying shared-ownership leasehold and missing the 80-year threshold, triggering a massive lease extension bill of £27,000.
- She also described solicitor, valuation and counterparty fees that made extending unaffordable and stalled sale options.
Hidden Fees On Freehold Properties
- Alec recounted being hit with unexpected management fees buying a house because the garage was leasehold and required a management pack costing hundreds.
- He later paid £400 for administration when remortgaging and faced confusing annual service charge breakdowns including a 'terrorism insurance' line.