Gavin Esler

Gavin Esler, the British journalist, author and broadcaster, joins a lively tour of the week’s political fault lines. They examine Reform’s unprecedented donations and Britain’s outdated funding rules, a high-stakes by-election, Trump’s Ireland remarks and the prospect of Brexit reversal. They also explore Russian drone warfare, NATO escalation risks and whether AI leaders’ safety warnings are really about regulation and power.

Gavin Esler, seasoned broadcaster and political commentator, breaks down Andy Burnham’s leadership style and priorities. Conversations focus on whether better communication can outpace slow politics, Burnham’s Manchester persona, policy signals like housing and digital ID, and wider global stories from Trump’s claims to Ukraine’s air-defence challenges.

Gavin Esler, a commentator and expert on geopolitical issues, delves into the intricacies of Russia's ability to navigate international sanctions with guests Maria Shagina and Ian Garner. They explore how Putin circumvents sanctions through strategic alliances, particularly with nations like China, Iran, and North Korea. The discussion reveals the impact of these dynamics on Europe's stability and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, they examine the challenges in enforcing sanctions and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to counter evasion tactics.