The News Meeting

As Trump and Putin negotiate a peace deal without Europe or Ukraine, where does this leave Nato members? Can Keir Starmer establish himself as a key figure in European defence? And as the US and Russia meet in Saudi Arabia this week, what does that tell us about the  future of geopolitics? Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Jasper Corbett, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th hereWe always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a single 90-minute phone call has Donald Trump sidelined Europe in the Ukraine discussion? Why is Donald Trump criticising South Africa’s land laws and what does Elon Musk have to do with it? With Cardiff University announcing major departmental cuts, will other institutions follow suit to save higher education in Wales? Giles Whittell is joined by the former opposition leader of South Africa and founder of Futurelect, Lindiwe Mazibuko, CNN presenter Max Foster and Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th hereWe always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the ethical dilemmas  of publishing a writer's private works after their death?  A new poll reveals that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party may be the UK’s most popular political party. How have Labour and the Conservatives responded to the news? What does the latest round of Trump tariffs tell us about the President’s negotiating tactics?Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Riley and Patricia Clarke as the pitch and battle it out for today’s top story. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th hereListen to Cat’s episode of the Slow Newscast - The Rwanda Plan: How to lose £70 million here from Tuesday 11th FebruaryWe always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Host: Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise.Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gang of young officials from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeted the US Agency for International Development. What does that tell us about his loyalty to Trump?Despite overseeing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump now demands the Taliban return 78 aircraft, 40,000 vehicles and 300,000 weapons left behind.As the US steps back  from a key NATO committee, is this the UK’s chance to get closer with Europe again? Basia Cummings is joined by Moby Media Groups’s Saad Mohseni, plus Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong and Giles Whittell as they battle to pitch the top story.**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th hereTo read the BBC’s analysis of Hollywoodgate, the documentary Basia mentioned about US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, click here.We always love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Host: Basia Cummings, editor at TortoiseProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the 180-year-old rules that prevent MPs from debating issues about the Royal Family? As Donald Trump floats the idea of “clearing out” Gaza, what lies ahead for Palestinians returning home? And President Trump promised tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - but how will this affect foreign relations with the US’ closest neighbours? Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent Lauren Frayer, plus Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-1Learn more about House of Lords with Tortoise’s Peer Review here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/intelligence/peer-review Read the Ezra Klein article that Giles recommended here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-trump-column-read.html Read The Observer Patricia based her pitch on here: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/feb/01/stop-shielding-uk-royals-from-parliamentary-scrutiny-says-labour-peer Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why were priceless ancient Romanian artefacts stolen from a Dutch museum and what does this tell us about the global black market in stolen art? Will the government’s latest plans to expand Heathrow airport bring the growth Rachel Reeves has been promising? And why did Donald Trump offer federal government employees money to quit their jobs?Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Claudia Williams and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-1Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Rutherford, a scientist and broadcaster, explores the bizarre tactics of tech millionaire Bryan Johnson's quest for immortality. Cat Neilan, Tortoise's political editor, shares eye-opening insights into Gen Z's inclination towards authoritarian governance, revealing that many prefer military leadership. Stephen Armstrong contributes analysis on the shifting politics of the West Bank amid a Trump administration. Together, they unravel the intertwining complexities of wealth, health, and political preferences in today's society.

James Harding, a contributor to Tortoise, shares his insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos, revealing the intricate ties between politics and business. Patricia Clarke discusses the resurgence of cryptocurrency, highlighting Bitcoin's recent boom amidst AI discussions. Katie Riley emphasizes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's heartfelt appeal to Donald Trump for compassion towards marginalized communities, igniting debates around mercy and political responsibility. The conversation reflects on the chaotic intersection of finance, politics, and social issues.

Katie Gunning, a senior audio producer at Tortoise, delves into the serious allegations against Neil Gaiman, discussing the challenges of consent in the context of power dynamics. Cat Neilan, Tortoise's political editor, and Chloe Hadjimatheou, the editor, analyze the recent ceasefire in Gaza, exploring its implications for peace in the region and the complexities of media representation in the conflict. The trio also tackles Donald Trump's potential plans upon returning to power, discussing impacts on foreign policy and international relations.

Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, share crucial insights on how the media must adapt to a potential second Trump presidency. They discuss the lessons learned from past coverage and the ongoing struggle with misinformation. Katie Riley, Tortoise’s data editor, emphasizes the need for innovative business models in journalism. The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity, navigating political fear, and focusing on serious issues rather than sensationalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.