The Story
The Story is a daily podcast that delves into the biggest stories of the day, offering in-depth analysis and reporting from some of the world's best journalists. Hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, it is published seven days a week and is ready for listeners every morning. The podcast is produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, and is supported by their readers.
Episodes
How Britain drove America to independence - The Saturday Story
Today America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. It’s an epic tale of revolution, rebellion and the making of a global superpower. But how did Britain end up fighting, and losing, the war that gave birth to the most powerful nation on earth?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/the
Will Farage's finances lead to his downfall?
Nigel Farage has drawn increasing political and public scrutiny for a £5 million personal gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in 2024. Farage says it’s for his security and nobody else’s business, but has he made a political misstep which risks his future aspirations to be PM? And do extra revelations about his property portfolio and his lucrative role with a gold bullion compan
Trump v the Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court has finished a momentous term with some ground-breaking rulings on a raft of issues from trans rights to birthright citizenship. And one case has greatly expanded presidential powers. So is this term a win for Trump? And what does it mean for the country’s future?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Defence spending: too little, too late?
After a year of waiting, the defence investment plan was finally released yesterday. The plan will take defence spending to £80 billion a year by 2029, but some have criticised it for still leaving Britain's military under-funded. So will this plan do enough to make the country more secure? And what role should Britain be carving out for itself in the new geopolitical world we find ourselves in?Th
‘It’s galling, as a bereaved parent': Britain's maternity scandal
After a series of reports about individual failing maternity trusts in England, a national report is published today. It says women are not being listened to, racism is systemic, regulators are failing and triage is not working. So how did things get so bad? What do families think of the report's findings? And will it finally force a change in England’s woeful maternity care?This podcast was broug
Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?
Andy Burnham now looks a shoo-in for number 10, and he has grand plans for the UK economy. One thing many have been crying out for is scrapping the triple lock on pensions, which has been a boon for pensioners, but a drag on public finances. So will Burnham be brave enough to get rid of it? And what else might he do to boost our stagnating economy?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the supp
The Surgeon of St Helena - The Sunday Story
The British island of St Helena in the South Atlantic lies more than 1,000 miles from the nearest landmass. Recently, it's been gripped by scandal. When a surgeon arrived in 2015, he was meant to transform healthcare on the island. Instead, patients suffered catastrophic harm. So what happens when a dangerous surgeon arrives on one of the world’s most remote islands?The Surgeon of St Helena is an
My Killing Kittens sex cruise diary - The Saturday Story
What happened when Times feature writer Sophia Money-Coutts was invited onboard the first ever Killing Kittens sex cruise ship in the Mediterranean? Well, strap in, as Sophia’s takes us below deck, metaphorically, mostly, to find out.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Sophia Money
One twin fought for Ukraine - the other is in Putin’s army
When the Boshyn twins’ hometown was occupied by Russia at the start of the Ukraine war, their lives took drastically different turns; one fought for Ukraine, the other for Russia. How did they end up on opposing sides? And as both Russia and Ukraine make territorial gains, who currently has the upper hand? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday
Q&A: Departures, diplomacy, and an unused motorhome
With peace talks continuing between the US and Iran, what are the big sticking points and what does this all mean for Israel? Following Starmer’s resignation, what should we expect next from Downing Street? And after Peter Murrell was sentenced for embezzlement this week, is the SNP finally drawing a line under the affair?Luke is joined by four of The Times’ finest journalists to answer your quest
‘It’s a disaster’: Leave voters on 10 years of Brexit
It’s been ten years, six prime ministers and one pandemic since Britain voted to exit the European Union. So what do Leave voters think of the choice they made? Is the country any better off now than in 2016? We decided to ask some of them.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver W
Have PM resignations become a new British disease?
Sir Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister yesterday morning, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to take the top job. But how did a leader who won a historic landslide election just 2 years ago become the shortest serving Labour prime minister in history? Is Burnham offering anything fundamentally different? And with 7 leaders in the past 10 years, have prime ministerial resignations become a new
LATEST: Starmer resigns
After weeks of intensifying pressure from ministers, backbenchers, and former allies, Keir Starmer made the only decision he really could – to resign. If Andy Burnham runs unchallenged to replace him, we could have a new prime minister as soon as July. So what do the next few weeks look like for this lame duck leader? And what does this latest bout of political turmoil do to Britain’s standing in
Starmer's final days
The Prime Minister has been hunkered down in his Chequers residence, trying to decide what to do: resign or fight. The pressure on him to step down has now reached fever pitch since Andy Burnham’s by-election win last week. But as ministers jostle for position in a potential new government, who is still telling him to fight on? And if he does give in, how much would actually change under a Prime M
The men who made the World Cup - The Sunday Story
Nearly 7,000 men have played in the World Cup since it began in 1930. To capture some of their extraordinary stories, The Times' football reporter James Gheerbrant set out on a quest to track down 48 players from the 48 countries playing in this year's tournament. We hear the remarkable memories of 3 of them: One of the old surviving players, another who trained under the shadow of gunfire in Viet
I found my birth father at 24. Then we fell in love - The Saturday Story
Sophia Greenwood was adopted as a baby and spent years searching for her biological parents. When she finally met her father at the age of 24, neither could have predicted what happened next. Their relationship would spark controversy, lead to criminal proceedings, and shape the rest of their lives.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times.
The State of It: Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now?
Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield makes him Labour leader and prime minister in waiting. How will the next days and weeks play out? Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered. So does that mean a bloody contest rather than a coronation? In a special episode recorded live on Times Radio with Ed Vaizey, we go through the possible scenarios.Hosts:Ed Vaizey, pre
What Iranians really think of Trump's peace deal
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding this week to begin negotiations toward a broader peace agreement in the Middle East. But what does the deal look like inside Iran? And how are ordinary Iranians responding to this moment?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGues
The 'mastermind behind UK arson attacks'
Eighteen firebombings across Europe, including in London, have all been allegedly traced back to one man. Iranian-backed Mohammed al-Saadi was finally caught by the FBI last month. But how did a man no one had heard of come to allegedly execute these orders? And how was he finally caught? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subsc
Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?
As England kick off their World Cup campaign tonight, one man will be impossible to ignore: FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Hailed by supporters as the man who transformed football’s governing body and accused by critics of chasing power and influence, he's become one of the most powerful figures in global sport. But who is the man at the centre of football's biggest stage?This podcast was brough
UK social media ban: an end to brain rot and doomscrolling?
The government has announced a ban on some social media platforms for under-16s. It’s a move that echoes a similar ban introduced by the Australian government, which came into effect in December. So what are teens actually looking at on social media? And will a ban help? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http:/
LATEST: Will Trump’s Iran peace deal hold?
Donald Trump has announced that his much trailed peace deal with Iran is to be signed this Friday, bringing an end to hostilities between the two countries and opening up the strait of Hormuz. With the fine print still to be worked out, many questions about the deal remain. Can it bring some stability to the world economy? And will it actually bring peace to the Middle East in the long term?This p
The G7 v Donald Trump
The annual G7 summit starts today in France. The normally stuffy, formal affair has been shaken up in recent years by Donald Trump, who has sparred with nearly all of America’s allies. So is the G7 still the powerful, united global force it once was? And with China building its own alliance, how should it respond? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times a
Ghost Mountain: part three - The network
Following months of police inaction over the disappearance of British tourist Lorna McSorley, we reveal a high-tech breakthrough. A new digital trail reveals potential suspects who might hold the answer to what happened - and seems to confirm the worst of local fears.This is the final episode of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and vi
Ghost Mountain: part two - Strong medicine
With the South African police’s search for missing British tourist Lorna McSorley gone cold, locals take matters into their own hands. Their investigation uncovers extraordinary and deeply troubling facts about her disappearance, linking it to a string of other missing people in the area.This is part two of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of m
Ghost Mountain: part one - Beware, crocodiles
Seventy one-year-old British tourist Lorna McSorley went out for a walk near South Africa's Ghost Mountain. She never returned. In the first part of this three-part investigation, we travel to the remote, superstitious heart of KwaZulu-Natal to retrace Lorna’s final steps. As the police search hits a dead end, bizarre rumours begin to emerge - including talk of witchcraft and an illicit trade
LATEST: Defence secretary resigns
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned this afternoon, over the government’s much delayed defence funding plan. In a letter to the prime minister, Healey said Keir Starmer had been “unable” to commit resources that the UK desperately needs. So what does this mean for Starmer’s leadership? And will taxpayers ultimately be left to foot the bill? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the sup
Belfast on fire
There has been a second night of riots in Belfast following a knife attack in the Northern Irish city on Monday. Yesterday authorities called for calm after vehicles and houses were set alight. As violent anti-immigration protests continue, what’s it like on the ground and what can the government do going forward?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The
The ticking time bomb Netanyahu faces at home
The fragile ceasefire in the Middle East appears to be unravelling, with Iran and Israel exchanging missile strikes. The violence has been met with fury from President Trump, who’s been pushing to get a peace deal over the line for weeks. So why is Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu risking his relationship with his greatest ally? And how much are pressures at home dictating Israel's stance
West Ham owner accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour
The billionaire David Sullivan has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by several women dating back to the 1980s. In a joint investigation with the BBC, The Times has spoken to seven women about their experiences. In his statement on 4 June, Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham, saying the “false allegations” had been “
Nigeria is killing its own civilians
On Sunday 10 May, the Nigerian military bombed a crowded market in the north of the country. It claimed terrorists were the target, but in reality, more than 100 civilians were killed and dozens more injured. The Sunday Times has gone to northern Nigeria to speak to survivors and investigate the attack. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sund
The big coup: How a small-time horse trainer took on the bookies - The Sunday Story
There’s an old saying in horse racing: “You can’t beat the bookies.” But what happens when a trainer uses inside information to try and prove that saying wrong? Is it right to do something that might be slightly questionable to beat the bookmakers who would do everything to beat you? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe
How infinite scrolling damages our brains - The Saturday Story
What starts as a quick check of social media can quickly turn into an hour lost to scrolling. The culprit is infinite scroll, a feature once built for convenience that has become one of the most powerful tools ever created for holding our attention. In fact, it's now thought the average Brit will spend five years of their waking lives doomscrolling. So how did infinite scroll come to dominate our
What Henry Nowak's murder means for policing
In December 2025, 18 year-old Henry Nowak was stabbed in the street. This week, his murderer Vickrum Digwa was given a life sentence. The case has ignited a debate about whether so-called 'two-tier policing' exists in the UK. So where does this leave our police forces?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetime
Makerfield: the by-election which could decide the next prime minister
It’s the Makerfield by-election on June 18th and one of Keir Starmer’s key challengers - Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham - is vying for a seat. If he becomes the MP it’ll enable him to challenge Starmer for the top job. Elsewhere there’s a battle on the right as Reform and Restore Britain face off. But who's got the best chance of success, in this complicated constituency that’s more than meets t
“Everyone hates you now” - Could Lebanon cost Trump his Iran deal?
An alleged expletive-filled phone call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu has laid bare deep tensions over the war in Lebanon. As the conflict escalates, could it derail Trump's hopes of securing a deal with Iran?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Dr Lina Khatib, Asso
LATEST: Henry Nowak murder sparks outrage
A student, Henry Nowak, who had been stabbed repeatedly told police “I can’t breathe” as they handcuffed him minutes before he died, newly-released bodycam footage has revealed. His attacker, Vickrum Digwa, falsely alleged that Nowak had racially abused him and knocked his turban off, prompting police to handcuff the teenager.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The
The Mandelson files released
On Monday, the government released more than a thousand documents related to Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the US. It’s one of the largest publications of secret documents to parliament in UK history. The files contain insights into how Mandelson operated and what he, and ministers, really thought of the prime minister. So what does all this mean for the embattled Ke
How to prepare for the AI job apocalypse
As AI continues to grow, its innovators have warned of its potential impact on jobs. Meanwhile, young people in the UK are facing record levels of unemployment. Fearing for his own teenage daughter’s future, one Microsoft veteran has taken matters into his own hands and used data to identify the most AI-proof jobs.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and Th
Gisele Pelicot: "I don’t want to be a victim anymore" - The Sunday Story
Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of dignity, courage and defiance after waiving her anonymity and insisting her trial — in which dozens of men were accused of raping her while she was drugged unconscious by her husband — be held in public. In a rare interview, she speaks to Jane Garvey about why she no longer wants to be defined as a victim.This episode originally aired on Off Air with Jane an F
How George Michael changed my life - The Saturday Story
Pressures of migrant parents, the shackles of family expectation, and the urge to reinvent yourself in 90s Britain - all themes that connect writer Sathnam Sanghera with George Michael. Growing up in Wolverhampton as the son of Sikh immigrants, Sanghera was a teenage Wham obsessive, later finding unexpected parallels with the pop star’s life, and his own.This podcast was brought to you thanks to t
Q&A: Iran latest and the Makerfield by-election
As discussions - and tensions - rumble on in the Middle East, what are the stumbling blocks that have prevented a peace deal so far? And the Makerfield by-election which could help decide our next prime minister is fast approaching; we’ve got all you need to know on both topics, in our monthly Q&A.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Time
Fordingbridge rape victim: “I’m the one being punished”
In January last year, a 14 year old girl we’re calling Olivia, was attacked by three boys in Fordingbridge in Hampshire. Two were aged 14 and one just 13 years old. One of the boys raped her while the other two filmed the attack. Just two months earlier, the older boys had attacked another girl in an underpass in the same town. The three boys were convicted of ten rape charges related to the
Is Trump being out-negotiated over Iran?
Iranian officials remain in Qatar, negotiating the details of a possible peace plan for the region. Discussions continue even after American strikes hit targets in southern Iran late on Monday. So, is peace actually within reach? What’s really on the table? And after months of escalation and bluster, could President Trump end up the biggest loser in all of this?This podcast was brought to you than
Unrest in the Falklands
A leaked Pentagon memo suggesting the US could withdraw support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands has thrust the remote territory back into the global spotlight. The controversy revived memories of war in 1982, when the Argentinian junta attempted to assert their own claim to the islands. The scars of that conflict are still deeply felt – so could US statements renew fears of invas
Inside the Femosphere: No hook-ups and men must pay
With the manosphere in mainstream, make way for the "femosphere". A movement urging women to rethink love entirely. Less romance and more strategy, no splitting the bill and no over-investing emotionally. But is it a bleak vision of dating, or the future of feminism?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.
She convicted her rapist years after her death - The Sunday Story
Sue Firth did all she could to bring the man who raped her to justice. Within hours of the assault, in the early morning of September 7 1985, she had reported it to police. A manhunt ensued, but yielded nothing. In 1997, aged 39, Firth died. But this was not the end of her story. Three decades after her death, all that she did on the night of the attack has helped to convict her rapist. This
I made reality TV; it's even more extreme now - The Saturday Story
Former contestants on Married At First Sight this week made serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. All men accused deny any wrong doing. For TV producer and writer Daisy Goodwin, creator of shows like Grand Designs and Victoria, it’s another sign that reality TV is losing its grip, with people getting hurt. So how did we get here?Ready by: Daisy Goodwin, TV producer and writer for The
LATEST: Andrew inquiry looks into 'sexual misconduct' allegations
Two significant developments surround the story of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. First, detectives investigating Andrew could examine allegations of sexual misconduct and corruption as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Andrew has not been charged and denies all wrongdoing. Secondly, newly released government files show that it was the late Queen’s wish for Andrew to t
How did Pakistan become the peacemakers?
For decades, Pakistan was viewed by Western leaders with deep suspicion. They were accused of taking billions in US counter terrorism funding, while allegedly harbouring Taliban networks at the same time – even Osama Bin Laden himself. Now, that same country finds itself at the centre of efforts to broker peace between the US and Iran. So how did Pakistan pull off one of the most dramatic geopolit
Has Britain become ungovernable?
With Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership on the brink, the revolving door of Number 10 feels like it has never been more pronounced. But is this true? Why is Britain burning through leaders at record speed? And has the country become fundamentally ungovernable?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestor
The return of Ebola
A new Ebola outbreak, driven by a rare strain of the virus, has struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The rapid rise in cases and deaths suggests that the virus had been circulating for some time before the alarm was raised. So why wasn’t it detected sooner? And have recent international aid cuts made us more vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases? This podcast was b
Labour's Brexit conundrum
Andy Burnham, a potential leadership challenger to Sir Keir Starmer as PM, has said that re-running Brexit arguments is "the last thing we should do right now" after Wes Streeting put the EU back on the agenda. Ahead of one of the most significant by-elections in recent political history, could the Brexit debate define the future of the Labour party, as well as the country at large? This podc
Why Svalbard could be in Putin’s sights
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is home to a Russian settlement where signs are in cyrillic and inhabitants pay for their groceries in rubles. It’s also at the heart of the scramble between global powers for resources, so as the Arctic sea ice melts opening up the region, could Svalbard become the next geopolitical flashpoint?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers o
Sunday Times Rich List: Britain’s Billionaire Exodus - The Sunday Story
This year’s Sunday Times Rich List offers a revealing snapshot of modern Britain’s fortunes, from the Gallagher brothers returning after their sell-out comeback shows, to David and Victoria Beckham officially joining the billionaire club. But beyond the celebrity headlines lies a much bigger story: Britain’s accelerating wealth exodus, as billionaires, investors and entrepreneurs increasingly move
How the hantavirus cruise ship nightmare unfolded - The Saturday Story
The luxury cruise ship, MV Hondius, became a floating nightmare when passengers aboard the contracted hantavirus, leaving three people dead and triggering an international emergency response. But what really happened? And could the outbreak have been contained sooner?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes
Labour at war
The Labour psychodrama continues. Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary on Thursday afternoon, stating that it was clear Sir Keir Starmer would not lead the Labour Party into the next general election. However he has not yet triggered a leadership contest. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he’ll plan to run for a parliamentary seat in a by-election. So, where does thi
Trump meets Xi - what's at stake?
Donald Trump is in Beijing for his much-anticipated trip to see President Xi - the leaders meet today. But with the US seemingly stuck in a frozen conflict in the Middle East, does Xi see Trump as a lame duck? Will he help Trump persuade Iran to end the war or could the conflict embolden Xi’s pursuit of Taiwan? And how could the trip affect the Asian pivot away from the USA and towards China?This
LATEST: Is Wes Streeting about to resign?
This morning the Times broke the news that Wes Streeting had told allies he was preparing to resign as Health Secretary tomorrow to trigger a leadership contest. The story emerged just ahead of the King’s arrival in Westminster for the state opening of parliament. What do we know now? And what does this mean for Starmer’s future?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers
Inside Farage’s political earthquake
As Keir Starmer clings on to his premiership, there’s one man continuing his victory laps. Nigel Farage’s party Reform UK was the big winner in last week’s local elections, picking up more than 1,450 council seats. So, what’s behind this? Is this just a blip – or the start of a new phase of British politics?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunda
The State of It: Keir Starmer: the end game
An extraordinary day in British politics: Keir Starmer vows to fight on, but the resignations keep on coming. How long can the prime minister survive? What's next, and who will move first? Wes Streeting has one shot: will he take it? What is Andy Burnham's plan?Recorded at Temple Church as part of the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words.Hosts:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick
How Maga fell out of love with fast food
Republican voters across the United States are rejecting ultra-processed foods, marking a striking political and cultural shift. But, how did the ‘bread basket of America’ get so ultra-processed in the first place? And is this the moment Big Food faces a reckoning?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co
LATEST: Starmer speaks as over 50 MPs tell him to go
More than 50 MPs have publicly urged Keir Starmer either to resign immediately or set out a timetable for his departure as PM, after he made a speech this morning attempting to save his premiership after last week’s disastrous election results. So has he done enough to prove the doubters wrong for now?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Time
"Keir Starmer couldn't run a bath". What next for Labour?
Labour suffered historic losses in Thursday’s elections, triggering dozens of the party’s MPs to call for Keir Starmer’s resignation. And yet, even with the party in disarray, the PM has so far remained defiant. So, can he survive? And what do the election results tell us about the country’s political future? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and Th
Amanda Knox: Why I’ve turned my life into an Edinburgh comedy show - The Sunday Story
Amanda Knox was at the centre of one of the most gruesome murders and sensationalised trials of the 21st century. Accused of killing her flatmate, she transformed into a global media obsession almost overnight. Now, nearly two decades later, she’s turning that experience into an Edinburgh Fringe comedy show. Is it brave, morally questionable, or both?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the s
Attenborough at 100: "Working with him was utterly thrilling" - The Saturday Story
Very few people get to see David Attenborough behind the scenes. Tony Lee Moral did, starting out as a young researcher alongside him at Bristol’s legendary Natural History Unit. As Attenborough turns 100, what's it like to observe him in his natural habitat? Tony reflects on the charm, curiosity, exacting standards and quiet humanity that made him such a remarkable person to work with.This podcas
The State of It: Reform shake Labour to its core
For now, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to stay as the Reform leader Nigel Farage calls this a “truly historic shift in British politics”.Steven and Lara caught up at the Times office in Westminster just after 4pm to unpack the results from England’s local council and mayoral elections, alongside national contests in Scotland and Wales, as Reform and the Greens surge and Labour suffer huge&n
Why Putin’s big parade will be a damp squib
In Moscow, preparations are complete for tomorrow’s Victory Day celebrations. This year’s military parade will be pared back amid fears of Ukrainian drone strikes. So as the country marks its biggest celebration in muted style, five years into a grinding war, how are Russians feeling about their government and the economy? And what’s been the true impact of the war in Iran?This podcast was brought
When Andrew met Mandelson
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has been poured over by the press – but what about their relationship with one another? New Times reporting reveals they met for the first time in 1999 at an NSPCC charity event, and continued a mutually advantageous relationship for a decade. So how do the people who brought them together feel about it now? And wha
The end of the ceasefire in Iran...or not?
This episode was recorded before the latest announcement from President Trump pausing 'Project Freedom'.Earlier this week President Trump launched his latest move in the Iran war... 'Project Freedom' was designed to get ships through the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort. But Iran said the plan meant the US was breaking the ceasefire and the two countries began trading missiles again. The
Could Reform surge in Scotland?
This week Scottish voters will head to the polls for the Holyrood parliamentary elections. To understand what's on people's minds, we visited Motherwell - a town where, for decades, Labour used to dominate. This year Labour appear to be haemorrhaging support across Scotland and may even fall to third place. And an unlikely party is emerging from the fallout.This podcast was brought to you thanks t
NHS spending is higher than ever. Why isn’t it working?
NHS spending has reached record highs and shows no sign of slowing down. The government poured in £205 billion last year, yet waiting lists remain stubbornly high and patient satisfaction is at an all time low. So where is all the money going? And if spending isn’t the solution, what is?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe to
A rugby legend. A dementia diagnosis. And the game that failed him - The Sunday Story
At his peak, Carl Hayman was widely regarded as the world's best tighthead prop. Then, in 2021, at just 41, he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable CTE, a disease he believes was caused by the sport he loves, and one that has torn his life apart. In this intimate and devastating interview with David Walsh, Carl describes what happened, what he’s doing for the players who come after
"Ugly ideological baggage": Why I will never get married - The Saturday Story
Marriage rates are at their lowest since 1850, and it's predicted by 2050 just 3 in 10 of us will have tied the knot. Cohabiting is now the fastest-growing family type in the UK. So what’s happening? Feminism, atheism, a mistrust of state intervention, or just an old fashion 'trend' dying out? And should cohabiting couples get the same rights as married ones?This podcast was brought to you thanks
England’s first five-party election?
Could Thursday’s local elections herald the end of two party politics in England? Labour are expected to lose heavily to parties on the left and right. So how bad would it need to be for the party to replace the prime minister?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Joe Twyman, co-
LATEST: An antisemitic terror attack in London
Police have declared a terrorist incident after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, is in custody and the two men are stable. Plenty of questions remain as the Jewish community reels from the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents. How can Jewish communities be protected? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times a
Q&A: more pain for Starmer but 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' for Iran
Sir Keir Starmer has dodged a bullet on the Mandelson vetting scandal but did he expend too much political capital in the process? With local elections around the corner he’s not out of the woods yet, so what can we expect from next week's results? And more than 60 days into the Iran war, Trump has proclaimed there's 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' - so are we about to see renewed military action from the
‘The punishment election’: Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?
South Wales has been a Labour heartland since the party formed over a century ago, but speak to people there today and you'll find support leaving in droves. So can Labour avoid an electoral car crash? Could the other main parties capitalise? Ahead of the Welsh Senedd elections next week, we travelled to Swansea to take the political temperature.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the suppor
The State of It: Mandelson, Starmer’s original sin comes back to haunt him
Morgan McSweeney has told MPs that the revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were like a knife through his soul. The more we learn about the appointment process, the madder it sounds. And the odd thing is that crucial decisions were not written down: there are no receipts. There's a mood building in the Labour Party that Keir Starmer will need to go big or go home:
Is political violence America's new normal?
White House correspondents' dinner shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president. The White House says Saturday’s attack is the third 'assassination attempt' on Donald Trump in the last two years. But what do we know about Allen? And what does this all tell us about the rise of political violence in America? This podcast was brought to you tha
