Novara Live

Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the UK, discusses his controversial plan to significantly boost defense spending at the expense of overseas aid. He addresses the stark contrast between military funding and pressing social needs like child hunger and housing crises. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of this funding shift, critiques of military strategy amidst ongoing conflicts, and the impact of proposed policing reforms on community relations. Starmer navigates the complexities of international alliances while facing public discontent.

Germany’s centre-right Christian Democratic Party has won the most seats in the General election – but the full results show a deeply polarised electorate. Plus: More Israeli captives freed; and Gary Stevenson debates Dave Rubin. With Michael Walker, Grace Blakeley and Loren Balhorn.

The far-right AFD party are gaining traction in the German election. Plus: Steve Bannon becomes the latest high-profile right-winger to perform a Nazi salute in public. With Michael Walker, Aaron Bastani and Katja Hoyer.

Stephen Methven, a political commentator and analyst, provides valuable insights into the recent return of Israeli bodies by Hamas, reflecting the deep sorrow within Israel. The discussion touches on the humanitarian crises affecting Gaza and the stark contrasts in how deaths are handled on both sides. The group also dives into the backlash against a BBC documentary, addressing the scrutiny of the network’s bias in reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such topics highlight the ongoing challenges in media representation and the implications for public understanding.

Trump has called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a dictator. Plus: Argentinian President has been involved in a crypto scam. With Michael Walker and David Adler.

Russian and US officials have met in Saudi Arabia for peace talks without a representative for Ukraine. Plus: Talks on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire are set to begin; and the right-wing ARC convention is underway in London. With Aaron Bastani and Kieran Andrieu.

Keir Starmer has said he will send troops to Ukraine to serve as peacekeepers if a deal with Russia is reached. Plus: Shocking new details if Israeli war crimes come to light. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.

Trump’s foreign policy shift is unsettling Europe, the Gaza ceasefire narrowly avoided collapse, and Dominic Cummings wants to DOGE the UK. With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani

We speak to Anatol Lieven about Donald Trump’s role in the start of a new Ukraine-Russia peace process. Plus: Hamas agrees to follow through with planned hostages releases; and Keir Starmer has a run-in with some angry farmers. With Steven Methven and NoJusticeMTG. https://x.com/StevenJMethven

Helena, a sharp political commentator, and Anel Shaleen, a former State Department official turned critic of U.S. support for Israel, dive into the escalating tensions in Gaza. They discuss Netanyahu's threats of renewed military action and King Abdullah’s concerns about ethnic cleansing proposals. The duo critiques the humanitarian crisis and navigates the complicated geopolitics surrounding Palestinian displacement. Their conversation also touches on misinformation in public discourse and the contrasting treatment of Palestinian and Ukrainian refugees.