James O'Brien Daily
James O'Brien Daily features the best moments from James O'Brien's LBC phone-in show, condensed into a 60-minute daily episode. The podcast covers major news stories and thought-provoking topics, offering a mix of commentary and listener calls. It is produced by Global, a UK-based media company.
Episodes
Why are we not more excited about the World Cup?
Why does Elon Musk want racist violence on Britain’s streets?
James confronts the horror of anti-immigrant violence on UK streets after homes are attacked in Belfast, asking how crimes committed by individuals are being twisted into collective punishment against entire communities. He also turns to the role of Elon Musk, social media and far-right agitators in stoking hatred — and asks why this is being allowed to happen in plain sight.This episode was recor
Is University still worth it?
James asks a deeply uncomfortable question: is university still worth it? For generations, higher education was sold as the great route to opportunity, independence and a better life - but with soaring fees, huge debt and shrinking returns, James wonders whether that promise still holds true, or whether it now belongs to a different era.This episode was recorded on the 9th of June. James O'Brien D
Will tech giants ever protect kids from social media?
James asks why politicians, including Keir Starmer, still seem so timid in tackling the harm social media can do to children. With callers from the tech world weighing in, he explores whether the safeguards already exist and why the biggest platforms so often fail to act. Later, he analyses an extraordinary interview between NBC's Kristen Welker and Donald Trump, which the president ended abruptly
Is Twitter for the far-right and should the government come off it?
After misinformation spread on Twitter by Elon Musk and others about the police officers involved in the tragic murder of Henry Nowak, is it time the government, politicians and media companies come off the platform? In today's episode James takes passionate calls from the nation who give their verdict.And should we teach boys and girls differently in schools to help them reach their maximum poten
Farage disrespects Henry Nowak’s parent’s wishes - why?
Reflecting on the reaction to the killing of Henry Nowak, James examines how parts of the media and public life seize on race, policing and grievance - and asks what they really want when they sideline the truth.Later, he also speaks to Labour MP Jess Asato about taking legal action over the sexualised images of her created and published on X using the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, and what that sa
Kemi Badenoch says Henry Nowak's murder is a "Stephen Lawrence moment"
James contrasts the dignified plea from Henry’s father not to use his son’s death to fuel “division, hatred or tension” with Nigel Farage’s inflammatory intervention, asking why so many were willing to ignore the family and the judge’s remarks... and why in the world is Kemi Badenoch drawing comparisons with the racist killing of Stephen Lawrence?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of June. James
How Nigel Farage hijacked Henry Nowak's murder
James reflects on the killing of Henry Novak, the appalling police response in his final moments, and the anguish of a family now forced to watch their son’s death turned into a weapon of divison by Nigel Farage. James takes passionate contributions from listeners, including the former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu.This episode was recorded on the 2nd of June. James O'Brien
Do you believe Nicola Sturgeon?
James unpacks the fallout around Nicola Sturgeon and asks the million dollar question: do you actually believe she knew nothing about her husband’s embezzlement of SNP funds? Later, the focus shifts to recent reports of NHS maternity care failures - from understaffed wards to traumatic postnatal experiences, callers share heartbreaking stories that reveal where the system is falling short.This epi
What has Trump actually done in Iran?
James tries to make sense of a week in which the White House line on Iran seemed to change by the day: ceasefire, threats, victory, retaliation, then talk of a "deal". James asks how Donald Trump has taken us here.Later, James turns to figures showing tens of thousands of school suspensions in England linked to racist, homophobic and ableist abuse. Parents share heartbreaking accounts of what happ
1M young people out of work & Carol Vorderman vs Reform
As new figures show more than a million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, James opens the phones to hear from the people living it: young jobseekers, parents and employers. What actually happens to young people when they leave educattion and try to find work?Later, James speaks to Carol Vorderman after she called for an apology from Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon ove
The day Tony Blair sounded like Trump
Tony Blair has stuck his neck back out, warning that Labour risks "relegating Britain" from the premier league of nations. Do you care what Tony Blair has to say any more? If you do, how do you explain the 180-degree change in his politics? And… is he right?And, as climate scientists sounded the alarm, the UK experienced its two hottest ever May days over the bank holiday weekend. The European hea
Two UK teenagers spared jail after rape - can this be right?
Today, top doctors warned that social media may be as harmful to young people as smoking — but what actually is the worst thing about it? Is it addiction, anxiety, misinformation, vanity, or something even harder to define?And after two boys avoided jail for rape because a judge feared prison would “damage” their futures, listeners try to make sense of a decision that has sparked outrage and confu
Mystery Hour: How do football commentators remember players?
Time for your bank holiday instalment of Mystery Hour, the game in which James invites his callers to ask and answer questions about absolutely anything. You are guaranteed to learn something new after listening to this (however please note James cannot guarantee the usefulness of any newly acquired knowledge).The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 26th May.
Plummeting immigration & Brits abused in Israel
Immigration is plummeting - so why is the right-wing press screaming about a "brain drain"? James unpacks the ONS figures the Mail and Telegraph don't want you to understand.Plus, the disturbing footage of Israel's Security Minister abusing detained British citizens — including a 72-year-old RAF veteran whose hands were tied around his neck. James asks: why did he film it, and why hasn't he been s
Do the racists know that immigration has dropped off a cliff?
Net migration has plummeted to 193,000 - down more than 80% in just three years. So will it actually make any difference to the national conversation, or has the immigration debate moved beyond the reach of facts?Plus, James speaks with Claire Zugar, who's father, Malcolm Ducker, a 72 year-old-British RAF veteran, has been filmed being detained and taunted by Israel's far-right security minster, I
Gen Z haven't got any money
Life for young people seems to be harder than ever. How are young people coping with the astronomical cost of living, soaring house prices and rising youth employment?And, with AI use on the rise as it infiltrates daily life, James ponders the question, when does AI use become cheating? As judges of a writing competition can’t be sure that AI wasn’t involved – where is the line for ‘proper’ use of
Is 10 years old too young to be criminally responsible?
HS2 could cost up to £102.7bn (up from £32bn) and may not open until 2039. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also explained today that the so-called “high-speed” trains will likely be ran slower, to trim costs. Why is HS2 taking so much time and money and why has the UK become so bad at building things?And, Justice Secretary David Lammy is to consider raising the age of criminal responsibility a
Did Labour just put Brexit back on the table?
Brexit is back in the political spotlight thanks to the two biggest threats to Keir Starmer’s leadership - former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Streeting has advocated for a return to the EU, whereas Burnham believes re-running Brexit would leave the UK in rut.Do you welcome this renewed national conversation about rejoining the EU?This episode was re
Why is Andy Burnham so popular & will he challenge Keir Starmer?
Today, James tackles the political bombshell shaking Labour: MP Josh Simons has resigned, clearing a path for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster - and potentially mount a future leadership challenge. Is this a smart political move, blatant career choreography, or exactly what Labour needs right now? And if you’re from Manchester, why does Burnham remain so popular? From the Bee Network to his “
Does the country need stability or a full reset?
Has Keir Starmer developed a credibility problem with the public? As frustration grows across the country and speculation intensifies over divisions inside Labour, is there actually a real appetite for a leadership challenge right now? And if change did happen, would any alternative genuinely connect better with voters, or risk making things worse?Plus, the rumours and rising political pressure su
A coup in the air and The King's big promises
Keir Starmer came into office promising a clean break. An end to the chaos, the incompetence, and the slow decay that’s defined British politics since 2016. But the sense of political rot hasn’t gone away. Public trust is still shattered, institutions are fragile, and voters across the spectrum are more cynical than ever. So what went wrong? Why hasn’t Starmer managed to turn things and now as he
"I will not walk away" Starmer faces mounting pressure
The tide appears to have turned on Kier Starmer with reports that 81 Labour MPs want him to stand down. But Starmer says he won't go down without a leadership challenge. So, what’s actually gone wrong? And if Labour did move on from him, who could realistically step up and change the party’s direction?Plus, Zack Polanski admits he made a mistake after failing to pay council tax, adding to a diffic
Is Starmer's survival speech too little too late?
Keir Starmer is under pressure after Labour’s bruising losses last week.In an impassioned defence of his leadership, Starmer insisted he is “not going anywhere,” warning Labour MPs that changing leader wouldn’t solve the party’s problems. He also laid out priorities including closer ties with Europe, taking control of British Steel in the national interest, and renewed support for working people a
Labour’s terrible night as Reform & Greens surge
Britain’s political map is shifting, and Labour is feeling the backlash. The party has lost many council seats across the country, even in traditional strongholds.With gains for Reform and The Green Party, a big question looms: was Labour wrong to tact to the right, or is something deeper reshaping politics?Who’s gaining momentum, who’s on the back foot, and what do these first signals tell us abo
The accidental star of TV’s biggest mix-up
It started as a job interview, and ended as live TV history. Congolese finance graduate Guy Goma was mistakenly pulled into a BBC interview and thrust on air as a tech expert. What followed was panic, confusion, and accidental viral fame that still echoes 20 years later. Guy joins James in the studio to relive the moment that turned him into an internet legend.Plus, a Sainsbury’s worker has been s
Is Iran calling Trump's bluff?
Oil is spiking, ships are stranded, and the world’s most critical shipping lane is on edge. Now, President Trump says a peace deal with Iran is within reach. But is this real diplomacy, or just a pause before the next escalation, and who really wins if a deal happens?And, who is Zack Polanski really? The Green Party leader has quickly risen into the spotlight and is in the headlines for a second t
How did £5m gift to Farage slip under the radar?
Why isn’t this front-page news? Nigel Farage reportedly pocketed £5 million from a billionaire donor before becoming an MP, and yet the story has barely made a ripple.Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East are escalating. Iran warns “we are just getting started” after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, putting global security on edge.And back home, a major crackdown on antisemitism is underway. Univ
Why are there so many breads?
As it's a Bank Holiday Monday, we wanted to give you a dose of James O'Brien still - so here's a special Mystery Hour where he's discussing all about bread...as you were.James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Has Zack Polanski inflamed antisemitism fears?
Met police defend the “extraordinary” response in the Golders Green terrorist attack after fierce backlash to Zack Polanski’s post accusing officers of violence. Was this a reckless misstep or a justified call for scrutiny? James breaks down the fallout as the stabbing suspect appears in court.Plus, Police review London pro-Palestine marches amid rising terror concerns, reigniting heated debate. W
How do we stamp out antisemitic violence?
Yesterday’s antisemitic attack in Golders Green has shaken London’s Jewish community, prompting urgent calls for “more protection.” But with little agreement on what that actually means in practice, the tragedy is already being pulled into political point-scoring.And, just a week after warnings about the dangers of cryptocurrency money flowing into politics, explosive revelations have emerged abou
What happened in the Golders Green terrorist attack?
A targeted stabbing in Golders Green has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, with Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” as counter terrorism steps in. Fears are growing over rising antisemitic attacks, online radicalisation, and the dangerous blurring of lines between political rhetoric and real-world violence.Plus, The King’s US Speech lays out a vision of unity, diversity, and su
Should the government freeze rents because of the Iran war?
The King has met Trump with a message: Britain and America willl always find common ground. But why now? And what does Keir Starmer really wants out of this high-stakes moment on the world stage?And, former Foreign Office chief says there was “absolutely” pressure to rush vetting. Meanwhile, criticism mounts over Mandelson’s ambassador appointment called a “serious error of judgement.”Plus, Rachel
King Charles is off to visit Trump… what’s the worst that could happen?
King Charles embarked today on his US state visit to the White House, despite gunshots being fired at a dinner attended by Donald Trump on Saturday night. Assassination attempts aside, what’s the best and worst case scenarios for his time spent with the US President?And, over the past decade, healthy life expectancy in the UK has dropped by around two years to just under 61. Why the UK? Why the la
Should assisted dying be legal? And, Starmer rejects Trump’s warmongering
A proposed law to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales will run out of time on Friday, almost 17 months after MPs first voted in favour of it…although the their may be another attempt to get the bill through in the next session of Parliament. James’ callers candidly share their experiences, and whether people should, under certain circumstances, be allowed to end their life.And, James beli
Is the UK-US "special relationship" over?
James unpacks growing doubts over the future of the UK-US “special relationship”, after stark warnings from former NATO figures were met by firm reassurances from the American ambassador. Is the alliance over? If so, how should Britain respond?Then, as social media executives deny their platforms are inherently addictive to children, the callers share whether social media mirrors more traditional
Has the Mandelson scandal shown that Starmer can't hack being Prime Minister?
Considering how the Peter Mandelson scandal has been dealt with over the last few days, is Sir Keir Starmer actually up to the job of Prime Minister?And, half of young people have said they would categorically never fight for Britain, according to the Youth Poll. If that's you - why?This episode was recorded on the 22nd of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
Who is actually at fault in the Starmer-Mandelson scandal?
Today, former Foreign Office official, Olly Robbins, sacked by Sir Keir Starmer for not disclosing Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure, told the Foreign Affairs Select Committee that No 10 had a "dismissive" approach to Mandelson's vetting - Downing Street denies this.James is joined by LBC’s Political Editor, Natasha Clark, to break down the 2.5 hours of evidence provided by Robbins, and asks the li
What's the evidence that Trump has gone mad?
With Keir Starmer facing MPs in the Commons over the Peter Mandelson scandal, James asks how serious the mounting pressure really is - and what today’s showdown could mean for his leadership.And, as three very different columnists separately conclude that Donald Trump has “gone mad”, what evidence do you see of mental decline?This episode was recorded on the 20th of April. Catch James O'Brien week
The Peter Mandelson debacle: Should Starmer go?
The Foreign Office's most senior civil servant has been effectively sacked by the Prime Minister, who claims the office failed to inform him that Peter Mandleson had failed his security vetting for the role of US ambassador. Does is even matter whether Starmer knew or not - and should he go?This episode was recorded on the 17th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
Why the rich live longer
New findings reveal that well-off people can expect to live 20 more “good years” than those with financial stress. Why does this gap exist, what drives it, and what practical steps could help close it? And, LBC’s Political Editor, Natasha Clark, joins James to discuss her interview with the Prime Minister today, during which Sir Keir Starmer told her there is an “overwhelming case” for tighter soc
Should those who failed to stop the Southport killer be named and shamed?
Following the Southport Inquiry, the lawyer for the murdered girls’ families says that the local authority officials at fault should be “named and shamed”, unless suitable disciplinary measures are taken. Would this be fair?Also, James is joined by the UK's leading money saving expert, Martin Lewis, who, alongside his charity, is set to fix the currently vicious council tax debt collection system.
Southport Inquiry: What is it like to fear your own child?
The Southport murders could have been prevented by the killer’s parents and the authorities, according to an inquiry. What could have been done differently, and what is it like to fear your own child?And, a former Nato secretary general, Lord George Robertson, has warned that the UK’s security is "in peril". How do we know we’re at risk of military attack, and why isn’t the public more concerned?T
Trump's Iranian blockade has begun
The US blockade of Iran’s ports has begun, while the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, with oil prices surging above $100 a barrel. What's going to happen next? Joining James to break it all down is the inimitable Simon Marks, LBC's Washington Correspondent.This episode was recorded on the 13th of April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
Is Israel driving the Iran war?
Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien at the end of a week where the temporary ceasefire in Iran seems increasingly out of reach. With the US and Iran willing to have talks and a possibility of relative stability in the Middle East on the horizon - why is Israel pressing ahead with attacks on southern Lebanon? Is there anything that could persuade Netanyahu to sign up for a ceasefire that includ
US-Iran ceasefire in chaos
Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien as the US-Iran ceasefire is called into question. Within 24 hours of the ceasefire agreement, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Israel and the US say that Lebanon wasn’t covered by the ceasefire - Iran disagrees. So, which side do you believe? And why has this agreement crumbled so quickly? Alex Gandler, sp
Has Iran won the war?
Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien as yet more momentous events unfold in the Middle East. A two-week ceasefire has been agreed: the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, and the guns, bombs and rockets have fallen silent across Iran. So, who is the winner here? Did Donald Trump blink, or will he claim this as a victory? And does this change the US’s political standing on the world stage?As Keir Star
Has Trump lost his mind?
Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien on the eve of the day that Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz. With the president threatening moves that could be considered as war crimes against the Iranian civilian population, and given the president’s profane statements made over the Easter weekend: has Trump lost what’s left of
Mystery Hour: Why are there so many breads?
Time for your next Easter instalment of Mystery Hour, the game in which James invites his callers to ask and answer questions about absolutely anything. You are guaranteed to learn something new after listening to this (however please note James cannot guarantee the usefulness of any newly acquired knowledge).The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 7th April. Have a very happy easter!
Mystery Hour: Why don't I burn when I'm cycling?
While indulging in your Easter eggs, why not also tuck into another instalment of Mystery Hour! It's the feature in which James' callers ask and answer questions about absolutely anything... the type of questions that Google doesn't even know the answer to (well, Google might know, but it's much more fun this way). Enjoy!The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 7th April. Have a very happy
What happens if Trump leaves NATO?
Trump has threatened to pull the US out of NATO over lack of support shown for his attack on Iran. Have we reached a point where we need to treat his words with some level of plausibility? And if so, what happens if he pulls the trigger and withdraws the US from the NATO alliance? Kanye West has announced three headline dates at Wireless Festival in London in July. Ed Davey has called on the gover
Is it time to make a deal with Iran?
In an address to the nation, Keir Starmer has set out his two priorities in response to the war in Iran: deescalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. So, is it time for us to make a deal with Iran? And if negotiation isn’t on the table, what are our other options? LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks joins James in the studio ahead of this evening's presidential primetime address. Should
Trump’s war in Iran: how does it end?
As oil prices hit above $112 a barrel, the IMF has warned that the United Kingdom will be left particularly vulnerable to the impact of the war in Iran. We’re left to ask - how does the war end? And with the media and right-wing politicians diverting blame for the price of petrol to Keir Starmer - what would an end to the war look like for the UK? Keir Starmer has given the BMA 48 hours to call of
Is the Net Zero debate the new Brexit?
After Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Donald Trump attacked Iran, it became clear that the UK has a potentially crippling dependency on fossil fuels. When it comes to energy we cannot afford to be beholden the unpredictability of the world, so why is the move toward sustainable energy the subject of political debate?Following reports that 92% of burglaries went unsolved in Britain last year, wh
What happens if Trump put boots on the ground in Iran?
Today, as thousands of U.S. troops head towards the Gulf and speculation grows over whether Donald Trump could order “boots on the ground” in Iran, James asks what would a major escalation really mean?James is also joined by Simon Marks, LBC’s Washington Correspondent, for the latest from the U.S., as tensions rise and the stakes reach a potentially catastrophic new level.This episode was recorded
When does social media become an addiction?
Meta and Google have been found liable for social media addiction in a landmark trial in Los Angeles. A young woman sued the companies saying that the addictive design features of their platforms Facebook, Instagram and YouTube caused her harm and worsened her depression. When does social media use become a problem and cross the line into addiction? What happens when we shift our focus from dange
What has Trump's war shown us about the modern world?
Donald Trump declares the war with Iran “won” - even while deploying thousands more troops to the region and requesting military support from NATO states. What have the past three weeks of the war in the Middle East taught you about the modern world?And despite the chaos, one statistic refuses to budge: 36% of American voters still back Trump. Why? What explains this enduring loyalty in the face o
Who do you believe, Donald Trump or Iran?
It's looking like the President of the United States could very well have lied through his teeth about the supposed peace talks with Iran. We’re being asked to decide who to believe out of Donald Trump, or the remaining leaders of a tyrannical theocratic regime - tricky. What in the world will happen next?Also, Conservative MP, Charlie Dewhirst, has said more needs to be done to address the "under
Has Donald Trump completely bottled it on Iran?
James unpack today's breaking claims from Donald Trump that the United States and Iran have held “very good and productive” talks on a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East—prompting a temporary pause in planned military strikes. But with Tehran denying direct negotiations and the region still on edge after weeks of escalating conflict, what's really going on?This episo
Why has Trump started this war?
Benjamin Netanyahu says that true regime change will not be achievable through military force alone - despite supposedly undertaking this war with that ambition. With the U.S. and Israel now deep into a war that has destabilised global energy markets and triggered deadly retaliation across the Middle East, James asks the question at the heart of it all: why did Donald Trump go to war in the first
Does the Tory party have a “problem with Muslims?”
Sir Keir Starmer has called on Kemi Badenoch to sack shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy after he described a mass Muslim public prayer as an "act of domination and division". Why haven’t the Tories sacked Timothy yet, and how does it feel that many in the political establishment promote bigoted views?And, James is joined by Simon Marks for an update on the US - specifically Donald Trump’s attem
Is Rayner right about Starmer?
A meningitis case has been confirmed at a second Kent university, with officials believing the outbreak originated at a Canterbury nightclub. Of the 20 confirmed cases thus far, two people have died. James asks his listeners who’ve suffered with meningitis what it was like and what processes are in place to protect people from it.Also, James is joined by LBC reporter Henry Riley, for the next inst
Would anything change if the world called out Trump’s lies?
James has been waiting for this one… today he asks why it’s so hard for society and the media to call out President Donald Trump as the “deranged liar” that the evidence suggests he is. Then, if we did, would it even matter?And, the Government has set out plans to tackle the spiralling number of young people not in employment, education or training, including a £3000 grant for each company that hi
Keir Starmer rejects Trump's Strait of Hormuz request
President Trump urged Britain and other countries to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping passage that is vital for global oil supplies, that Iran has closed to enemy states.In response, Sir Keir Starmer today confirmed that the UK is working with the US and other allies on a "viable, collective plan" to reopen the passage. Is this the right decision?This episode was recorded o
Is Donald Trump simply a mad man?
As the media increasingly turns against the war in Iran, even those publications that, until very recently, were criticising Sir Keir Starmer for not joining in with America and Israel's attacks, James asks if it’s a waste of time trying to figure out why Trump started this war - and what we should do if the President is simply mad.This episode was recorded on the 13th of March. Catch James O'Brie
Farage and Badenoch U-turn on Iran - and Starmer slams them for it
Sir Keir Starmer has attacked Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance on the war in Iran, accusing both of U-turning on their support for Donald Trump. Could this be a turning point for Keir Starmer?And, the head of the Treasury Select Committee has warned that young adults in the UK face a “perfect storm” of economic challenges, as it launches an inquiry into student loans. What is it li
What Iranians think about Trump and Netanyahu’s war
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian who was detained as a political prisoner in Iran for 6 years, has joined more than 100 Iranians living in the UK urging Sir Keir Starmer not to draw Britain further into America and Israel’s war in Iran. James speaks with his listeners across the Iranian diaspora and asks where this leaves us now.And, James is joined by former diplomat Arthur Snell, who
Why has the UK right failed to convince us to bomb Iran?
British public opposition to US and Israeli military action against Iran up ten points since last week - why have we got it right this time? And, why is our political and media establishment dominated by those who want Sir Keir Starmer to bomb Iran with Donald Trump?And, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey says that King Charles should not go ahead with his scheduled trip to the US next month, during whic
Tony Blair wants Britain to fight in the Middle East… again
Tony Blair - yes, disgraced Iraq-war orchestrator Tony Blair - has allegedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer for not joining Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s attacks on Iran. You can imagine James’ reaction - what was yours?Also James is joined by LBC reporter and presenter Henry Riley for the newly coined Riley’s Reform Round-Up, and speaks with Alex Tait, co-founder of the campaign group Reform
UK media is pro Iran-US war… why aren’t the public?
It’s the seventh day of the war in the Middle East. President Trump has stated that, other than an "unconditional surrender", there will be no deal made with Iran.The UK’s corporate media is largely supportive of active British involvement in the war, but YouGov polling shows that only 8% of Brits feel the same. Why is much of the British media supportive of America and Israel’s war with Iran - an
The Trump administration can't get its story straight on Iran
The White House press secretary has said President Trump’s decision to attack Iran was grounded in “feeling based on fact”. So, as the sixth day of the war in the Middle East rages on, the Trump administration continues to change its story as to why it even started this war. Why do you think it started it?This episode was recorded on the 5th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
Why did Trump really start this war?
James breaks down the latest from the war in the Middle East, asks why President Trump really started this conflict, discusses whether Sir Keir Starmer’s belittling by Trump is actually a very good thing and receives Washington Correspondent Simon Marks’ analysis.Also, James also speaks with Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon and one of the many medics who say they have been barred from G
How will the war in the Middle East end?
The US has warned of an "imminent" Iranian attack in the Saudi city of Dhahran, a major centre for the oil industry and where a US consulate is located. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tells Iran it's "too late" to talk, adding their armed forces are “gone”.The death toll continues to sky rocket, and Trump has again criticised Sir Keir Starmer for initially denying access to British bases.How
Starmer agrees to support the US and Israel against Iran
Sir Keir Starmer "stands by" his decision not to join in with Israeli and US strikes on Iran, stating that the UK had learned lessons from the "mistakes of Iraq" - but has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites.Has Starmer got this right?This episode was recorded on the 2nd of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
From plumber to Parliament - the Green Party’s new MP
34-year-old plumber Hannah Spencer marked her victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election with an apology to her customers, saying: "I think I might have to cancel the work that you had booked in, because I'm heading to Parliament. Is something seismic happening in the Green Party? This episode was recorded on the 27th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.
NHS maternity care report: cover-ups, cruelty and racism
A damning report published on England’s maternity care revealed systemic problems, including bereaved mothers facing cruelty from maternity staff, shocking incidents of racism, and a lack of accountability. Hospitals that have caused harm to women and babies were often found to “cover-up” their mistakes, falsify medical records and deny bereaved parents answers. James’ callers share their experien
Why are the Green Party doing so well?
Time to discuss the Green Party. No scaremongering, no lazy stereotypes, just these simple questions: Why are the Greens surging in popularity, and how are they reaching parts that no other parties can?Also, James is joined by LBC’s Washington Editor, Simon Marks, for a breakdown of Donald Trump’s longest State of the Union address yet, in which he claimed the US would see an “economic turnaround
The N-word at the BAFTAs
The head of the British Armed Forces and the Chief of MI6 have warned of the distinct possibility that Britain will be pulled into war with Russia. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that Putin has already started World War 3. Why then, are we all so relaxed about it?And, the BBC has apologised for not editing out the n-word racial slur from its BAFTA Film Awards coverage, after a
What’s it like having special educational needs, but no support?
“I’ll ensure no child with special needs is left behind”... Sir Keir Starmer has set out a £4 billion package to reform special needs education, as he states that the current system supporting disabled children in schools “does not work”. James’ callers bravely share what it was like to be at school before special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.This episode was recorded on the
Will the Royal Family survive Andrew & why do we still believe in the Monarchy?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released from custody after 11 hours last night, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in relation to the Epstein Files.Will the Royal Family survive this scandal? And, why do we even still believe in the Monarchy?This episode was recorded on the 20th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on L
