The News Agents

Christiane Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Anchor, discusses the fraught dynamics between Israel and Iran, questioning whether the real goal is a regime change rather than nuclear disarmament. She shares insights on how Iranians feel amid escalating tensions. Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, tackles the controversial topic of abortion rights in the UK, emphasizing the need for legal reform. Their conversation sheds light on the intersection of geopolitical strife and social justice, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Mark Urban, a former Newsnight presenter and host of The Crisis Room, teams up with Zia Yusuf, a dynamic political figure who recently navigated a whirlwind of resignation drama, to dissect Israel's striking military actions against Iran. They dive into the strategy behind Israel's aggression and the chilling implications for nuclear threats. Zia shares insights on his recent political turbulence, raising questions about the future of reform in British politics. Their conversation encapsulates the urgency of current geopolitical tensions and domestic political landscapes.

Moses Swaibu, a former professional footballer turned convicted match fixer, shares his shocking insights into the underbelly of match-fixing. He reveals the intricacies of how matches are influenced, the telltale signs to watch for, and potential solutions to combat this pervasive issue. Meanwhile, Bryan Habana, the iconic South African rugby player, discusses his experiences at Soccer Aid, his evaluations of the Lions' chances on tour, and humorously ponders whether he can still outrun a cheetah. Expect riveting truths and engaging stories!

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, renowned for his advocacy on education and health, joins Bridget Phillipson, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, to discuss pressing issues in the UK. They delve into the recent riots in Ballymena, examining the underlying societal tensions and anti-migrant sentiments fueling unrest. Additionally, they emphasize the urgent need for dyslexia awareness in schools and the importance of educational reform to ensure all children receive equitable support. Their passionate dialogue bridges the gap between pressing social issues and the future of education.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, discusses the government's recent spending review, addressing the promise of increased funding for departments like the NHS. He explores the tensions between long-term fiscal responsibilities and immediate public service demands, raising the question of inevitable tax increases. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing ambitious political initiatives with community needs in a constrained economic landscape. Jones emphasizes the importance of public trust in navigating these complex fiscal dynamics.

Stephen Flynn, Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Westminster, discusses pressing political issues facing the UK. He debates the fairness of the winter fuel payment policy that benefits wealthy pensioners while young families struggle, highlighting generational inequality. Flynn also addresses the SNP's performance and Scottish politics' evolving landscape, while touching on the party's stance on recent UK sanctions related to Gaza. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for political reforms and genuine engagement with public concerns.

Tensions rise as Trump dispatches the National Guard to L.A. amid chaotic protests against his immigration policies, raising questions about federal versus state authority. A heated debate unfolds regarding whether this move is a power play against Governor Newsom or a test of emergency powers. The conversation intertwines with a light-hearted chat featuring comedian Tim Key, who discusses his film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' and reflects on the creativity behind filmmaking after years of challenges and personal anecdotes.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump's fallout takes center stage as Musk levels shocking accusations against the former president. The tension reveals the fragility of their once-strong alliance, with social media igniting the war of words. Meanwhile, the resignation of Zia Yusuf raises questions about Nigel Farage's political aspirations. The discussion even veers into the potential implications of a burqa ban in Europe, showing how intertwined politics and identity can be. A touch of humor emerges with Musk’s return to California finding unexpected political resonance.

This week brings a lively discussion on Michael Jordan's return and the NBA's struggle to gain traction in the UK. Comedian Lee Mack shares hilarious stories from playing with football legends ahead of Soccer Aid. Meanwhile, John Obi Mikel discusses the upcoming Club World Cup and the concept of players truly being on 'holiday.' The financial crisis in Ligue 1 raises questions about PSG's Champions League success, as insights from sports correspondent Tariq Panja unveil the league's hidden troubles.

Jeremy Hunt, a British politician and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses the aftermath of Liz Truss's controversial leadership and its fallout on the Conservative Party. He highlights the urgent need for the Tory leadership to reestablish economic credibility after Truss's misguided policies. The conversation also touches on the party's challenges in creating a unified narrative against Labour, the complexities of global migration, and the necessity for welfare reform, all while remaining relevant on the international stage amid changing alliances.