The News Agents

Latest Episodes:

Israeli ministers accuse Starmer of emboldening terrorists May 22, 2025

Show notes

Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside the Jewish museum in Washington DC. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody. World leaders - including the PM - have condemned the killings. He said in a statement: "Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears."

Earlier this week, the UK, France and Canada issued a statement about the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in Gaza, and threatened sanctions against Israel. That response has led to some Israeli ministers blaming Keir Starmer, Emanuel Macron and Mark Carney of emboldening the forces of terror, and of making "false accusations" which paved the way for the violence. Why?

Later, Emily speaks to the chair of the independent sentencing review. David Gauke is proposing radical changes to the way we treat offenders in an attempt to stop our prisons from bursting and to get reoffending rates down. Will it work?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Starmer's first big U-turn May 21, 2025

Show notes

At PMQs, Kemi Badenoch asked Keir Starmer when “the inevitable U-turn on winter fuel" would come. Unfortunately for her, he’d already announced it. Admittedly, it was quietly done. With a bit of hedging and fudging. But if you were following closely, you’d have heard him commit to a rethink at "the next fiscal statement" to a Labour MP who stood up before the Tory leader. When will the backtrack come into force? And does this alleviate pressure on the Treasury on benefits - or just ramp it up? We speak to the Labour backbencher Brian Leishman, who wants to see his leader go further and faster.

And ahead of a major shakeup in our prisons and justice system - does the government want to reduce prisoner numbers out or principle, or is it just a result of a system on its knees? Aggie Chambre has the exclusive.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Britain suspends trade talks with Israel May 20, 2025

Show notes

The frustration in Keir Starmer's voice was palpable. He’s joined forces with France and Canada to pressure Israel to stop the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. How far are these leaders prepared to go? And will Trump support them?

Later, what is the political fallout from the EU trade deal? And what would the Lib Dem’s do differently? We hear from Ed Davey on Brexit, Nick Clegg and his new book “Why I care“.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Gary Lineker, the BBC and impartiality: what really happened? May 19, 2025

Show notes

Late on Friday, the Newsagents learnt that Gary Lineker could part ways with the BBC as soon as Monday. On today’s episode we piece together the conversations that explain the timing, and ask where it leaves both parties. More widely, do the BBC rules work when it comes to talent tweeting? And was this relationship already over?

Later, the big EU - UK reset has provoked a lot of white flag rhetoric of surrender and defeat. But 8 years on from Brexit, might the problem really be that the government hasn’t been braver in terms of jump starting our economy?

And we look at the rumours of a cover up as Joe Biden announces his cancer diagnosis.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Live Q&A: Reform surge, Starmer's successor and reporting from nightclubs May 16, 2025

Show notes

Jon and Lewis are back for a second News Agents live Q&A taking your questions.

In the week of the PM's "island of strangers" speech, they discuss why some voters feel "hoodwinked" by Keir Starmer's government, who in Labour ranks is in prime position to succeed him when the moment arrives, and whether the media is responsible for the spike in Reform's poll numbers - or if liberals need to figure out a better way to take the fight to the populist right. They also reveal the weirdest places they have been sent on assignment...

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Weekend Edition - The Sports Agents May 16, 2025

Show notes

Two big exclusive interviews this week on The Sports Agents...

The new face of rugby, Henry Pollock, joined us in the studio. With two tries from one England cap, and now a Lions call up - this 20-year-old is on a rapid rise, and he’s using that fame to make rugby cool again with his try celebrations. (03:45)

Gabby and Mark also sat down with Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola. Under his guidance the club could qualify for Europe for the first time ever, and he and his players, like Dean Huijsen, are catching the eyes of Real Madrid! (12:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rupert Lowe - in his own words: “Farage, bullying and grooming gangs” May 15, 2025

Show notes

MP Rupert Lowe was kicked out of the Reform party earlier this year after a very public spat with Nigel Farage. He claims “lawfare“ and says Farage was trying to jail a political opponent. Reform say he was dropped for his behaviour after bullying allegations came to light.

Yesterday the CPS announced no further action would be taken against Lowe, concluding that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

We speak to him on today’s episode about bullying, grooming, and the accusation that Farage was trying to get him locked up.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Sex trafficking and freak offs: Diddy on trial May 14, 2025

Show notes

Sean Combs, P Diddy and Puff Daddy - the names are as numerous as the allegations. The hip hop star is standing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in a legal suit that’s captured America. On today's show we bring you everything you need to know about the biggest trial since Weinstein.

Later, we ask whether Keir Starmer is now treating Reform as the main party of opposition.

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Is Starmer using the language of Enoch Powell? May 13, 2025

Show notes

In the 24 hours since giving his hard hitting speech on immigration, Keir Starmer and his cabinet have faced accusations his language was channeling that of the far right 1960s politician Enoch Powell. He of the 'River of Blood' speech, in 1968.

We talk to Lord Alf Dubs, the child refugee and moral conscience of the nation, about how he sees the Prime Minister's language. And why the words matter.

Later, Christiane Amanpour launches her new global podcast 'The Ex Files' with her Ex Husband, Jamie Rubin, a former State department diplomatic.

You can listen to The Ex Files here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L2sj/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Keir Starmer: the immigration experiment is over May 12, 2025

Show notes

Keir Starmer, sounding in tone closer to Nigel Farage than previous Labour prime ministers, has called immigration a failed lab experiment and decreed it’s time to take back control. Introducing the government's immigration white paper, the PM says that high net migration has done "incalculable damage" to the country. It’s language that suggests he has been spooked by Reform's recent successes. But language, he presumes, voters now want to hear from their leader. Is he right? And what happens to our most vulnerable if we don’t have NHS staff and care home workers to fill the job gaps no one here is taking?

But we start with an extraordinary interview with Victor Orban's right hand man. In the week where Zelesnkyy and Putin could meet in Istanbul for a potentially crucial moment in attempts to bring the Ukraine war to an end, why is Hungary at odds with the rest of the EU over Russia? Why have Hungary and Ukraine accused each other of spying over the weekend? And is Starmer's language on immigration now mirroring Orban's a decade earlier?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

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