The Standard

PM defends Rwanda asylum bill at tetchy emergency press conference. Why the Rwanda deal can’t be ‘pushed’ any further. What will happen if MPs block the PM’s Rwanda bill? Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the Prime Minister's future ahead of the crucial vote on the Rwanda asylum bill next week. In this episode:The PM’s immigration policy explainedWhy did Rishi Sunak seem agitated at the press conference?Why the PM didn’t opt for the ‘back me or sack me’ routeHow the updated Rwanda bill impacts people’s human rightsFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former prime minister questioned over 5,000 missing WhatsApp messages. How has Mr Johnson dealt with the questioning so far? Why the Covid Inquiry won’t lead to any form of punishment. Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane discusses Boris Johnson’s first day at the Covid Inquiry. In this episode:Have there been any revelations from day one?The full story behind the missing WhatsApp messagesWhat could arise on day two of Boris Johnson's questioningThe true lessons to come from Covid explainedFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak with Tom Hanks and co-writer Christopher Riley about their new show chronicling the Apollo missions of the ‘60s: The Moonwalkers. They tell us why they chose Lightroom in London as the venue for the show and how original footage from the moon was remastered to create the visuals. Plus, Andy Saunders, the man who remastered original footage from the missions explains how he did it. In this episode:How the idea for the show was bornTom explains his ‘fascination’ with the ‘60s moon landingsWhy the Lightroom venue is uniquely positioned to tell the storyHow original Apollo footage was frozen in liquid nitrogen to protect itWhat to expect from The MoonwalkersFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who has caused a stir in the fashion world of 2023? The woman behind the rise of a high street brand at top spot. Why TV show costume designers have made the list. Our Fashion Editor Victoria Moss reveals the names on the Standard’s top 100 fashion power list, and discusses the fashion trends that got them there. In this episode:What’s the criteria for this year’s list?The most surprising names revealedHow Beyoncé and Taylor have set fashion trendsWho’s going to make a name for themselves in 2024?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dust off your crystal balls and look to the future of travel: bikini beach holidays in the Baltics, sewage-powered flights abroad, and rail miles instead of air miles?Our sustainable-travel expert Juliet Kinsman talks to Jon Weeks about how extreme weather is already impacting ski resorts and island retreats, how eco-laws can help us help the planet, and why cheaper renewable energy should leave us feeling optimistic about the future.Plus, the Evening Standard's Lifestyle Director, Suzannah Ramsdale reveals the beaches slowly getting shorter, why a rise in demand for cruises is a bad thing, and explains why she thinks the UK is the destination of the future.Check out Juliet's accompanying article on how climate change will transform your summer holiday here.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The King’s warning over climate inaction. $5 trillion needed each year to “drive the transformation we need”. What was different about Charles’s speech this year? Our Royal Editor Robert Jobson discusses how King’s speech was received, and whether he was distracted by the saga around Omid Scobie’s new book. Plus our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explains the key points from the speech, and where the UK stands in the mission to tackle climate change.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Without free speech, is it truth that is at stake? Philosopher Sam Harris and Evgeny Lebedev discuss one of the most important questions of our time.As part of The Standard's free speech inquiry, Harris and Lebedev discuss the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the battle with fake news, the future of media, and the importance of free ideas. This episode comes ahead of Brave New World, a new Standard podcast hosted by Lord Lebedev on the future of humanity – and the scientists, thinkers and innovators, who are rising to the occasion to lead us into it, which is launching in January.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crime on London’s transport network surges 30% in six months. TfL reports robbery on the Tube is up 107%. Which areas are the worst for crime? Our City Hall & Transport Editor Ross Lydall talks through the TfL data, why we’ve seen such a spike, and how it’s impacting passenger numbers. In this episode:Thefts, abuse, violence and robberies: the crimes explainedTory mayoral candidate Susan Hall ‘bang on target’ with tube thefts warningThe tube line deemed ‘worst’ for crimeHow passengers are avoiding the tube because of high crime ratesFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patient recovers from the UK’s first confirmed human case of a new strain of swine flu. Health officials track down close contacts to measure spread. Should we be worried about this new strain? Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane explains what has happened, and whether this new strain could lead to the next pandemic. In this episode:Do we know how this person contracted it?Dr Andrew Catchpole’s 'Don’t panic but stay alert' advice explainedWhat scientists are saying about this new strainWhy we need to ‘keep an eye’ on developmentsPlus: The latest on ‘mystery’ respiratory illness in ChinaFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the film's release in cinemas tomorrow. How will Timothee Chalamet’s Wonka compare with Johnny Depp’s and Gene Wilder’s? Film Critic for the Standard Nick Howell’s discusses his expectations for the new movie, how it’ll compare with its predecessors, and what it needs to do to win over British hearts. In this episode:Another Wonka? Go ahead and do it!Is this a Wonka origin story?The all-star cast examinedWhy Paul King is up against good competitionIs Wonka just part one of a wider franchise?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.