Faisal Islam

Dame Jenny Harries, former Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, discusses pandemic preparedness and vaccine hesitancy challenges. Faisal Islam, the BBC's Economics Editor, analyzes the landmark UK-India trade deal, exploring its potential impact on costs and Indian student numbers in the UK. The conversation also delves into how this agreement reflects shifts in economic and political dynamics post-Brexit, wrapping around issues of public health and economic strategy.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlines Labour's ambitious plans to address the UK's migration crisis, including new degree requirements for workers and stricter English tests for visa applicants. BBC economic editor Faisal Islam and China correspondent Laura Bicker dive into the recent US-China agreement to reduce tariffs, shedding light on intriguing trade dynamics. Ben Connah, Secretary to the COVID Inquiry, discusses the ongoing investigation and the emotional 'Every Story Matters' initiative, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping future policies.

Faisal Islam, the BBC's Economics editor, dives into urgent discussions on global debt, highlighting a Vatican initiative aimed at aiding poorer nations. He critically evaluates the role of the IMF and World Bank, suggesting the need for reform in debt management. The talk shifts to Russia's economic claims amidst sanctions, before exploring Grok's ambitious challenge to Nvidia in the AI chip race. Listeners also learn about British retirees opting for affordable care in Thailand, painting a vivid picture of their new lives in this sunny paradise.

Join Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor, Caitriona Perry, chief presenter in Washington, and Faisal Islam, economics editor, as they unpack Zelensky's remarks about working with Trump for a peace deal amid U.S. military aid uncertainty. They discuss Europe’s anxiety over aid pauses and how Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico are shaking global markets. The conversation navigates the complexities of trade dynamics and the implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations, providing deep insights into this turbulent geopolitical landscape.

Chris Mason, the BBC political editor, teams up with Sarah Smith, the North America editor, to analyze the newly cordial relationship between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer following their first conversation. Meanwhile, Faisal Islam and Marc Cieslak dive into the competitive tension between US and Chinese AI developments, questioning the impact of China's rising tech firm on global markets and the implications for major US tech companies. They discuss underlying economic shifts and the evolving landscape of AI, comparing it to a new space race.