Bloomberg UK Politics

 A surge of arrests, trials, and looming prison sentences is threatening to overwhelm the UK's judicial system. 'Operation Early Dawn' will see defendants held in police cells because there are no prison places available. What will it mean for already over-stretched prisons and courts? With Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates' Association. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the day: thousands of students across the UK receive their A-Level results. But as many students celebrate, universities are grappling with mounting financial pressures. We discuss the state of higher education with Edward Peck, Acting Chair of UCAS' Board and Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manchester is booming. The city has become a UK success story with its tech sector and vibrant cultural scene helping it to grow faster than London. We discuss Manchester's secret and what it can teach struggling rivals, with author and columnist Julia Hobsbawm. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Modern politics is entangled with X, aka Twitter. But in the wake of the UK riots, and Elon Musk's support of right-wing causes, some Labour MPs say they're leaving the site. We ask social media consultant Matt Navarra and Daniella Lebor, from global advisory firm APCO, how the platform has changed, the challenges it poses, and if disgruntled MPs have anywhere else to go. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour government will, as promised, apply VAT to private school fees from January. Schools and parents have been considering their options, with some consulting financial advisers about the changes. Our finance reporter Charlotte Hughes-Morgan explains the reasoning behind the policy, and what parents and educational institutions are doing about it. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and James Woolcock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Anti-racism protesters turned out in their thousands last night, to counter far-right riots that failed to materialise. So, as the disruption abates - what now? Bloomberg legal reporter Jonny Browning discusses how the focus is shifting to the courts. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening discussion, journalist Siraj Datoo delves into the alarming role of social media in inciting recent UK riots. He reveals how foreign actors and domestic extremists manipulate online platforms to spread misinformation and amplify racial tensions. The conversation also highlights public concerns over rising right-wing extremism and the balance between free speech and regulation. Datoo sheds light on community safety measures and the growing impact of disinformation on political discourse, painting a vivid picture of today’s media landscape.

Rachel Reeves is in the United States to drum up investor interest in the UK, which she says is "open to business". But as riots continue at home and a £22 billion government spending hole looms, can she sell the UK's investment potential? Bloomberg put these questions and more to the Chancellor in New York. We discuss what her answers tell us about the future. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says those taking part in the riots around the UK will face the "full force of the law" as he meets ministers, prison and police chiefs. We discuss the police response and challenges facing the government with Labour councillor Roy Bailey, who's a criminal justice researcher and former police superintendent. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keir Starmer has described the overcrowding in prisons as the UK's most urgent crisis, but will his plan to fix it by releasing prisoners early work, and can the public be convinced to support it? We discuss with Pia Sinha, who worked in the prison system for more than two decades, and is now CEO of the Prison Reform Trust. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.