The Standard

Millions of homeowners were handed a boost today when the Bank of England cut its interest rate from 4.25% to 4%. The reduction is the fifth over the past year, and brings borrowing costs down to their lowest since March 2023. Theo Harris, an economist at the New Economics Foundation joins us to discuss the news. And in part two, Nick Curtis, The Standard’s Theatre Critic and co-host of The London Theatre Review Podcast, reviews broadway show Good Night, Oscar, which features Will & Grace star Sean Hayes as troubled pianist Oscar Levant.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Metropolitan Police plans to close half of its front desk to save money. In a list published overnight, Scotland Yard confirmed it will break its pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day, in each of the 32 boroughs. It comes amid an epidemic of knife crime, mobile phone snatches, shoplifting and bike theft across the capital. The Standard's Crime Correspondent Anthony France reacts to the news.And in part two, features journalist Katie Strick delves into the grim reality of modern dating, after the women's safety app Tea was targeted in a revenge attack by the right-wing anti-women group 4Chan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron's migrant deal comes into force today, with detentions set to begin from tomorrow. The ‘one in, one out’ pilot scheme allows the UK to send some people who have crossed the Channel back to France, in exchange for asylum seekers with ties to Britain. Daniel Sohege, a specialist in international refugee law and protection, and the director of human rights organisation Stand For All, joins us to discuss whether it will deter people from crossing the Channel. And in part two, The National Gallery has announced that a citizens’ assembly will help shape its future. The Standard’s columnist and arts critic, Melanie McDonagh shares her thoughts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Met Police could be “tested to the limit” as hundreds have been urged to declare support for Palestine Action in central London this weekend. Protesters are being urged to turn up en masse to test whether the state can respond to such a big endorsement for the recently proscribed terror group, with organisers saying “there is safety in numbers”. Tim Crossland, a former government lawyer, who now campaigns with the civil liberties movement Defend Our Juries, has the latest. And in part two, freelance journalist Arielle Domb joins us to discuss the demise of late night dining.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today US President Donald Trump has slapped steep tariffs on exports from dozens of trading partners around the world. At 10 per cent, the UK has been promised the lowest US tariff rate so far. But what does this all mean? Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now - an organisation that campaigns for a fairer global economy - is here to unpack the news. And in part two The Standard’s Going Out Editor and Restaurant Critic David Ellis explains why so many New Yorkers are swapping the Big Apple for the Big Smoke.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard’s special report this week examines a worrying pattern of crime taking place in the capital. Shops across London are repeatedly having their windows smashed - yet nothing is stolen. Is it just broken glass, or a shattering conspiracy? The Standard’s Claudia Cockerell has the latest. And in part two, if you’re still craving a summer holiday, freelance travel writer Alicia Miller is here with a roundup of some of the best trips to take before the season ends.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knife crime has soared by 86% in London in a decade, according to a report from the Policy Exchange think tank. Just 20 streets around Oxford Circus and Regent Street accounted for one in every 15 knife attacks across the capital, it found. Former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector David Spencer shares the findings and explains what needs to happen to tackle the capital's crime epidemic. And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop shares her thoughts on the Channel 4 documentary about adult content creator and controversial figure Bonnie Blue - 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired an emergency cabinet meeting and announced that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza. Before the announcement, Dr David Wearing, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sussex and an expert on UK foreign relations in the Middle East explained what needs to happen to resolve the conflict. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson shares the wild true story behind the new musical Brixton Calling, which is on at Southwark Playhouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Donald Trump at his golf course in Scotland, Turnberry for talks.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was top of the agenda, but the US President also doubled down on his controversial comments that an “invasion” of migrants is “ruining” Europe. And in part two, The Standard’s Football Writer Simon Collings shares what’s next for The Lionesses after the team won the Women’s Euro 2025 championship yesterday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today new measures as part of the Online Safety Act mean people will need to verify that they are over 18 to access harmful and toxic content online - with the intention of restricting children from accessing material such as pornography, and content referencing self-harm, suicide, hate speech and violence. Cyber security expert Chelsea Jarvie explores whether these ‘age gate’ measures go far enough. And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, joins us ahead of tonight’s Oasis gig, as the band return to the capital’s Wembley Stadium for the first time since 2009.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.