The Standard

Tube drivers have been offered an enhanced pay deal that could take their salaries to around £80,000 a year, The Standard can reveal. The proposal, which TfL describes as a “full and final offer”, will be available to all 16,500 London Underground staff, and would mean their wages will rise faster than the cost of living. The Standard’s City Hall Editor and Transport Editor Ross Lydall is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Food & Drink Writer Josh Barrie joins us to taste test Subway’s new “breakwich” jacket potato, which combines two classic British dishes - a full english breakfast, and jacket potato with beans and cheese.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest unemployment figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the jobless rate has risen to its highest level since the pandemic in 2021 - but analysts also say the jobs market is stabilising after a year of volatility. Meanwhile, wage growth in the UK cooled slightly over the summer, from 4.8 per cent to 4.7 per cent. Does this mean that getting a job is becoming harder? And how do these statistics play out in the capital? Joe Evans, a researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank, is here to help us unpack the figures. And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to review Guillermo del Toro’s new Frankenstein film, which is in cinemas from October and on Netflix from November 7.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Israeli families are welcoming home hostages as hundreds of Palestinian detainees are freed, following Friday’s ceasefire agreement in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, and said that the “the war is over”, with today marking “a new beginning”. He then headed to Egypt for a peace summit with world leaders. Meanwhile, Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the horrors, genocide and famine in Gaza cannot be forgotten, as he announced an additional five million pounds for aid organisations in Gaza. Palestinian political commentator and writer Ahmed Najar, who has family in Gaza, is here with his reaction to the news.And in part two, The Standard’s Food & Drink writer Josh Barrie joins us to discuss how AI is being used in the ancient craft of beer brewing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On World Homeless Day, the government has announced a new £36.5 million funding package to help Londoners facing homelessness this winter. The money will be directed towards supporting families in temporary accommodation, and comes after London boroughs revealed they were collectively spending a staggering £5.5 million a day to tackle homelessness. The New Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern is here to discuss today’s announcement. And in part two, John Darlington, Director of Projects at the World Monuments Fund, joins us to talk about this week’s Hidden London destination, St Dunstan in the East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, a story of murder, fraud and a fugitive on the run. This week’s special report explores the fascinating tale of city poster boy Anthony Constantinou, who became known as London’s Wolf of Wall Street. Despite amassing a huge fortune with all the trappings of success, he was charged with financial malpractice and sexual misconduct - a spectacular fall from grace. He appeared in the dock for the start of his trial, but then suddenly disappeared. Now he's at the centre of a worldwide manhunt, and is attempting to evade a 28-year prison sentence in the UK. The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us with the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has promised to abolish stamp duty tax if the Tories form the next government, which will be welcomed by many London buyers. Speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, the embattled Tory leader thanked party members for ‘standing by’ her amid dire poll ratings, and announced a host of new proposed policies. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop joins us to discuss the first episode of tonight’s Celebrity Traitors on BBC One. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is the second anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel, which took place on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, with a further 251 others taken hostage. We’re joined by Maoz Inon, an award-winning Israeli peace activist and co-author of the forthcoming book The future is peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land, who lost both his parents in the Hamas attack. It comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned pro-Palestine student protests taking place today as unpatriotic. Meanwhile, indirect talks are taking place in Egypt between delegations from Hamas and Israel, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, as part of Donald Trump’s Peace Plan. And in part two, The Standard’s Food and Drink Writer Josh Barrie is here to discuss Nathaniel Morley - aka Natty Can Cook - and his soon-to-open pan-Carribean restaurant in Herne Hill, 2210. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has promised that the Conservatives would slash £47 billion from public spending as the party continues to battle dire poll ratings, with some surveys putting them in fourth place. Speaking at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, he outlined a “radical plan to rebuild our economy”. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford is here with the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Celebrity Correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to discuss the 40th anniversary of Les Miserables - the world’s longest running musical - which is on stage at London’s Sondheim theatre.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, with over 21,000 charging points across the city – nearly a third of the UK’s total. But to meet its 2030 net zero targets, London will need tens of thousands more, with significant investment required across all boroughs. Upcoming changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which would end EVs’ exemption from the congestion charge, risk slowing that progress.The Electric London coalition, following The Standard’s Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to protect London’s EV uptake and ongoing infrastructure growth.In this second special episode focusing on investment and infrastructure, The Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Matt Croucher, Chief Commercial Officer at ChargePoint operator Believ, and Judy O’Keefe, Director of Fleet at Openreach, who is overseeing one of the UK’s largest commercial EV transitions. They explore what it takes to electrify London at scale, the challenges facing fleet operators and charging providers, and what needs to happen to keep the city on track for a cleaner, electric future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re following the attack on worshippers at a Manchester synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Amos Schonfield, British Jewish Community activist and leader, joins us to share the devastation it’s caused in the Jewish community. And in part two, The Standard’s Culture Writer India Block joins us to review the much-anticipated 12th album from pop megastar Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl, which is expected to top charts around the world.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.