The ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad has revealed the full scale of how he used the prison system to lock up, torture and execute his opponents.  What do we now know about what went on?   Producer: Eleanor Biggs Photography: Jon JonesHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and property tycoon Nick Candy have been named as considering multi-million-pound contributions, which could change the face of British politics forever. Reform could become the best-funded political party in the UK. Writer: Cat Neilan.Producer: Katie Gunning.Photography: Jon Jones. Executive producer: Rebecca Moore.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France’s government has been toppled, making Michel Bernier the shortest serving prime minister in the history of the modern French Republic. What does it mean for France – and the rest of Europe?Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than half a century, the Assad family ruled Syria with brutality and repression. It took less than two weeks for rebels to bring that rule to an end. What does this mean for Syria and the region?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests pitching an angle on the toppling of the Syrian regime - the only story leading the news. Guests:Charlene White, Loose Women panellistChloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Eleanor Biggs Executive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill has many more stages to pass before it becomes law. So what happens next? Writer: Phoebe DavisProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Patricia Clarke, a technology reporter, Cat Neilan, a political editor, and Chloe Hadjimatheou, a narrative editor, dive into pressing issues. They explore the political turmoil in France following a no-confidence vote against Macron and its EU implications. The discussion shifts to the controversial possibility of Elon Musk funding Nigel Farage's party and the lax rules governing political donations. They also address the skepticism surrounding innovative technologies claiming to reduce energy storage needs. A mix of humor and serious analysis makes for a captivating conversation!

The carmaker behind Fiat, Jeep, and Citroën says the closure of its Vauxhall factory in Luton is due to new zero-emission policies. But is that the full story?Writers: Barney MacintyreProducer: Matt RussellHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the transformative trends shaping our world, from the significant societal shifts post-Industrial Revolution to the growing role of AI in economies. Explore how generational divides are impacting politics, and reflect on how public expectations for state involvement are evolving. The talk also highlights progress in healthcare and women's opportunities, while recognizing the challenges that persist. Finally, get insights into the trends of 2024 and their implications across various sectors.

In a stunning turn of events, rebel forces swiftly reclaimed Aleppo from President Assad's troops, leaving many wondering about the regime's next move. The podcast delves into the impact of chemical warfare in urban combat, the emotional family reunions amidst chaos, and the rising influence of rebel groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. It also explores the complex dynamics that have shaped the Syrian civil war, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the significant challenges Assad now faces in re-establishing control.