The News Agents
Global
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents.
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed.
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents"
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed.
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents"
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 34min
The bombshell interview that's rattled MAGA
This discussion reveals the surprising candor of Susie Wiles in her Vanity Fair interviews, where she labels Trump as having "an alcoholic’s personality" and critiques the administration's handling of various scandals. Wiles’ motivations—whether to secure her legacy or influence future campaigns—are debated. The conversation shifts to Kemi Badenoch's impact on the Tory party, her messaging strategy, and the potential for a political revival amidst fragmented voter sentiments. Lastly, insights on party dynamics and electoral outcomes highlight the challenges the Conservatives face.
46 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 36min
Trump v The BBC: who will the British public back?
Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC raises questions about free speech and media integrity. The hosts analyze the edit of his Panorama speech, considering claims of malice under US law. They debate whether the BBC should settle or stand firm, weighing public sentiment and institutional trust. Polling reveals mixed feelings on the BBC's credibility, showcasing a decline in trust since 2010. The future of public broadcasting and the licence fee also sparks discussion, highlighting changing audience habits.
68 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 31min
The Bondi massacre and the rise of anti-semitism
The recent Hanukkah massacre at Bondi Beach shocked the world, with hosts discussing its emotional weight and implications. They explore rising antisemitism globally, comparing this attack to previous incidents. Insights on community responses range from resilience to fears of emigration. Online antisemitism trends are alarming, especially post-October 7. The debate over free speech and intimidation raises challenging questions for governments. A harrowing eyewitness account and a heroic intervention highlight both the dangers and solidarity in these times.
58 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 53min
What America's first dictator could teach Keir Starmer
Patrick Maguire, Chief political commentator for The Times, dives deep into the lessons Keir Starmer could learn from Huey Long, the controversial Louisiana populist. He critiques Labour's current narrative, arguing that Starmer’s managerial approach lacks a compelling vision. Maguire explores Long's outspoken populism and his revolutionary public works, highlighting how aspirational tradespeople historically fueled such movements. As Maguire predicts potential leadership changes in Labour, he emphasizes the party’s cultural disconnect with voters and the need for a clearer economic direction.
8 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 23min
Pippa York: "I want the world to leave trans people alone" - The Sports Agents
Pippa York, a former professional cyclist and the first transgender woman to compete in the Tour de France, shares her incredible journey from Robert Millar to Pippa. She discusses the emotional challenges of her transition, the mental pressure of racing with gender dysphoria, and the coping mechanisms she developed. Pippa critiques the current debates around trans women in sports, emphasizing the need for acceptance and understanding rather than political turmoil. Her powerful wish is simple: to leave trans people alone and stop debating their existence.
50 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 37min
Trump - Pirate of the Caribbean?
Unpacking the shocking US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, the hosts ponder the legality and potential motives behind this bold move. They explore whether it's a strategy for regime change or simply asset grabbing. The conversation dives into Trump's penchant for direct action over diplomacy. Shifting gears, the podcast also discusses Tony Blair's intriguing chat with Shabana Mahmood at his festive gathering—could it be a subtle endorsement in light of leadership dynamics within the Labour Party?
44 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 41min
Exclusive: Did the Met “cover up” a paedophile ring?
Andy Hughes, a crime correspondent and investigative reporter, dives into disturbing allegations against a former Metropolitan Police officer tied to a grooming gang. He uncovers striking similarities in victim accounts, a questionable case closure, and missing records from the Met. Serving Justice Minister Jake Richards discusses potential reforms to the ECHR in light of these issues, advocating for modernizing legal frameworks to address migration and justice system backlogs. The conversation sheds light on systemic problems and the urgency for change in both policing and political reform.
63 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 42min
The $100bn media battle that could change everything
Noah Oppenheim, a television producer and former NBC News president, joins the conversation to discuss his film, A House of Dynamite, which tackles the harrowing theme of a nuclear strike on America. He delves into the Pentagon's pushback over the film's depiction and highlights the importance of bringing nuclear risk back into public discourse. The discussion also touches on the impact of recent crises on public interest in catastrophic narratives and how films can spark ideologically diverse conversations on nuclear policy.
104 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 34min
Why is Trump warning about "civilisational erasure" in Europe?
Tensions rise as Trump criticizes Zelensky's approach to his proposed Ukraine peace plan. A controversial US National Security Strategy claims Europe faces 'civilisational erasure' and controversially supports far-right parties. The document hints at a major shift in US foreign policy, echoing Great Replacement theory while stirring unease among NATO allies. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer's leadership faces scrutiny with a new TikTok strategy, reflecting a changing political landscape in the UK.
73 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 40min
How lawyers ruined Britain
Dan Wong, a technology analyst and author of 'Breakneck', shares insights from his time in China from 2017 to 2023. He contrasts China's proactive engineering state with the lawyer-driven stagnation of the US and UK. Wong critiques the legal frameworks that obstruct progress, highlighting Europe's stagnation and America's shift from builders to blockers. He urges the West to adopt pro-growth policies while recognizing China's successes and flaws. His views spark a conversation on the future of global competitiveness and the need for mutual understanding to prevent conflict.
