James O'Brien Daily

James navigated an extraordinary moment in British politics with the breaking news of Angela Rayner’s resignation from Government.Before the announcement, James invited listeners to share their perspectives on the independent investigation led by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial standards. Although the story has dominated headlines since Wednesday, James sought insights directly from professionals within the field.Midway through the programme, the news broke: Angela Rayner had resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, following revelations she had breached the ministerial code over her underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. To help unpack the implications of this dramatic development, James was joined by LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre. Together, they explored what the resignation means for Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party, and the wider political landscape.This episode was recorded on Friday, the 5th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Pressure is mounting on the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, after she admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat. Should she stay, or should she go?And, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has testified before the US House Judiciary Committee to discuss freedom of speech. Democrat congressman, Jamie Raskin, referred to Farage as a "Putin-loving, free-speech imposter and Trump sycophant" - James analyses the extensive evidence backing this up.This episode was recorded on the 4th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor of The Guardian, joins the discussion, shedding light on the scrutiny faced by politicians. The conversation delves into Angela Rayner's tax oversight and its fallout within the political landscape. They tackle the controversial proposal of digital ID cards and their implications on privacy and security. The episode also touches on the alarming decline in birth rates in the UK and Greece, exploring how financial considerations impact family planning decisions. Together, they navigate the intricate world of politics with wit and insight.

The government is temporarily suspending new applications for a scheme allowing refugees to bring their family members to the UK. The move has been called out as another attempt to appeal to those swept up by growing anti-immigrant sentiment. How can this country operate when such views dominate so much of the discourse and who is Keir Starmer trying to appeal to exactly?And, Zack Polanski has been elected leader of the Green Party by a landslide. He campaigned with an agenda of radical eco-populism - this signals a clear shift to the left for the party. James speaks with LBC’s Political Correspondent, Aggie Chambre, to discuss the appointment.This episode was recorded on the 2nd of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

This summer, thousands of St George's flags have been seen painted on roundabouts and hung from lamp-posts across the country. Supporters say the flags are an expression of English pride, whilst critics say they're a nationalist expression of racism. What do you think, and how do the flags make you feel? And, the most comprehensive poll of British 16 and 17-year-olds has revealed that nearly 70 per cent of girls have skipped school because of anxiety. James is interested in the difference between children that can’t go to school because of poor mental health and those that just don’t want to - and how to help the kids that can’t.This episode was recorded on the 1st of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

To finish off LBC’s week-long guest series is Sir Ed Davey. He asks the callers what they think of his controversial boycotting of King Charles’ state banquet for Donald Trump’s visit next month. Do you think he was right to refuse the invitation because of Trump's inaction regarding Gaza?Next, Ed looks bigger. During his second term, Donald Trump has changed the world order. In Ed’s opinion, he is no longer a reliable ally to the UK. Of course, not everyone agrees with this - meaning Keir Starmer’s approach to Trump is a source of great debate. Ed thinks a different approach is needed, what do you think?This episode was recorded on the 29th of August. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Continuing LBC’s week-long guest series is James Cleverly, the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing. James’ colleague and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that children are being overdiagnosed with mental health conditions and that society needs to remember that growing up is naturally “messy and uneven”. Are we doing our children a disservice, and how helpful is a diagnosis if your child is genuinely struggling? And, the fertility rate for England and Wales has hit a record low according to the latest figures - our population is aging rapidly. Why is this happening and what can we do to try and fix it, beyond the obvious?This episode was recorded on the 28th of August. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Continuing LBC’s week-long guest series is Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Despite asylum hotel numbers dropping from 400 to just over 200 and new policies targeting the asylum claim back-log left by the previous government, this summer has seen more anti-immigration protests than ever before. Sometimes the simple questions have the most complex answers: why is it all kicking off now?And, Russia's military has crossed into the eastern industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk in Ukraine, the first attack of such a large scale in the region. Donald Trump seems to think he can end the war and is reportedly prepared to provide intelligence and air support as part of a Ukrainian post-war security guarantee - but do you trust Donald Trump to negotiate a peace?This episode was recorded on the 27th of August. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

To kick off LBC’s week-long guest series, former Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt stepped in for James O’Brien to tackle one of the most divisive issues in British politics: the small boats crisis. On the same day Reform UK unveiled their plans on illegal immigration, Penny asked listeners: Do you believe today’s politicians are capable of solving it—and if not, why not?Penny then widened the discussion, posing whether the UK is still a capable nation. From the NHS to benefits, shoplifting, the exodus of wealth from London, and even trolling from our closest allies. Penny asked listeners whether Britain’s institutions—and national pride—are faltering.And, Penny turned her attention to an issue close to her, the hospitality sector, where half of UK job losses are now concentrated. As entry-level roles disappear, is government policy stifling opportunity in what has long been a barometer of the wider economy?This episode was recorded on the 26th of August. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 14th August. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 26th August and will be presented all that week by very special guests! James returns on the 1st September.