Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins
Ian Collins hosts this daily talk show, offering a lively, no-nonsense perspective on the biggest stories in politics, current affairs, culture, and entertainment. He interviews expert guests, hears from outspoken commentators, and takes calls from listeners, providing sharp analysis and fresh angles on the news of the day.
Episodes
Is Britain Heading for a £3 Trillion Debt Crisis?
David Bull sits in for Ian Collins. Britain’s soaring welfare bill is pushing national debt towards the £3 trillion mark, while the political right remains divided over whether Reform UK should work with the Conservatives or Restore. We examine whether Britain’s spending and welfare system can continue on its current trajectory.Steve N Allen, comedian and broadcaster, looks at Reform UK’s ref
Is Britain Finally Getting Tough on Illegal Immigration?
Is Britain finally getting tough on illegal immigration? The Government is facing renewed pressure over asylum policy after a controversial migrant information booklet was reported to contain guidance explaining what rape is and telling asylum seekers not to commit sexual offences. We examine the wider row over immigration, deportation and whether the UK’s asylum system is failing victims.Peter Ba
Is Social Media Destroying Childhood?
David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Children are increasingly being exposed to extremist content online, with warnings that young people are becoming “intoxicated with extremism” through social media. At the same time, Meta is facing a landmark trial over allegations surrounding social media addiction in children, while Instagram and Facebook could be forced to change the way they operate. Is soci
Reform Welfare: Cruel or Kind?
David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Reform UK has unveiled plans for £50 billion a year in welfare cuts, including proposals to stop foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit. Robert Jenrick is also set to set out the party’s plans to overhaul the benefits system. Are Reform proposing necessary welfare reform, or are their cuts too harsh?Lord Daniel Hannan, Independent Peer and Director of the I
Burnham’s Immigration and Crime Crisis
Is Andy Burnham losing control of immigration and crime? The Prime Minister faces growing pressure on two of the biggest issues shaping British politics, with a row over asylum seeker accommodation intensifying as new figures suggest thousands more migrants could arrive under Labour’s small boats policy.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Editor at Spiked, examines Burnham’s demand that middle-class
Should MPs Have More Protection?
Should MPs have more protection? The murder of Ann Widdecombe and a police investigation into the Widdecombe suspect over an alleged arson attack at Nigel Farage’s home have renewed questions about the risks faced by Britain’s politicians. How much should we spend to keep MPs and high-profile political figures safe, and what price are we willing to put on protecting democracy?Security specialist W
Can Andy Burnham Win Back Britain?
David Bull sits in for Ian Collins.Can Andy Burnham win back Britain? The Prime Minister is taking his cost of living message around the country as new polling raises questions about the strength of Labour’s support and whether Burnham can turn his premiership around before the next General Election.David Wooding, columnist at The Sun, assesses Burnham’s cost of living tour, the latest bombshell p
Should Social Housing Be for British Families Only?
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins today, asking: Should social housing be for British families only? The Conservatives are proposing to stop foreign nationals from accessing council housing, reigniting the debate over who should qualify for Britain’s limited supply of social homes. Is this a fair response to the housing crisis, or does it risk creating a new divide?James Heale, Deputy Political E
Has Immigration Put Reform Back on Top?
Has immigration put Reform back on top? New polling suggests Reform UK has overtaken Labour once again, with immigration continuing to dominate voters’ concerns. As the Government defends its “one in, one out” migrant returns deal, is border control now the defining issue in British politics, and can any party convince the public it has a credible solution?Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop discus
Can the Navy End the Small Boats Crisis?
Should Britain deploy the Royal Navy to stop the boats? Reform UK has sparked a diplomatic row after proposing the use of British forces to return migrant boats and, if necessary, land troops on French beaches if France refuses to cooperate. Is this a serious solution to the small boats crisis or an unworkable political gesture?Andrew Tettenborn, writer and academic, discusses Reform’s proposals,
Should Reform and Restore Join Forces?
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins where we ask if the political right unite? Following Nigel Farage’s latest speech, speculation is growing over whether Reform UK and Restore could work together after Restore’s leader proposed a pact to unite the “patriotic Right” under a series of policy conditions, including a burka ban and a referendum on the death penalty.Former government adviser James Price
Can the Tories Win Back the Right?
Can the Conservatives win back the political right? With Reform UK facing internal turmoil and Kemi Badenoch pushing to reshape her party, is this the moment for the Conservatives to reclaim right-wing voters, or has British politics changed for good?Former Conservative Cabinet minister Sir David Lidington discusses whether the Conservatives have a credible route back to power, what the party must
Can Burnham Get Tough on Immigration?
Is Andy Burnham being naive on immigration? Just one week into his premiership, the Prime Minister insists Labour’s plan to stop small boat crossings is working, despite more than 900 migrants crossing the Channel during his first week in office. With questions also being raised over French authorities’ response at sea and claims the Home Office relied on flawed AI evidence in asylum decisions, is
Has University Failed a Generation?
Has university failed a generation? Andy Burnham has announced a major shake-up of England’s education system, signalling the end of the Blair-era ambition of sending 50% of young people to university and placing greater emphasis on technical and vocational education from the age of 14.Political commentator Charlie Rowley discusses what the changes mean for young people, employers and Britain’s ec
Has the Welfare State Gone Too Far?
Is Britain rewarding welfare over work? As Andy Burnham prepares to crack down on sickness benefits for young people, a wider debate is growing over welfare, social care, policing and whether Britain is becoming too dependent on the state.Ben Gregg, Head of Welfare at the Centre for Social Justice, discusses Burnham’s plans to tighten eligibility for youth sickness benefits amid concerns that too
Is Andy Burnham Dividing Britain?
Is Andy Burnham creating a two-tier Britain? Just days into his premiership, the Prime Minister is facing criticism over a growing North-South divide, a string of expensive spending promises, and mounting questions about how his government will pay the bill.Journalist and author Michael Crick discusses claims that Burnham’s agenda risks deepening regional divisions, why his government is already u
Burnham’s New Cabinet: Built to Win?
Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins.Andy Burnham’s cabinet: Built to win or to fail? On his first full day as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has unveiled a dramatically reshaped Cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor, Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, bringing Angela Rayner back into government after her resignation over a tax scandal, and handing senior roles to key allies as he promise
Burnham’s Vision: Will Britain Buy It?
Can Andy Burnham unite Britain? The Prime Minister has unveiled his 10-year plan for the UK, promising to tackle the cost of living, rebuild public services and reshape the economy. But with critics warning of a new era of big government and polling suggesting many southern voters question his legitimacy, can Burnham win over the whole country?Alex Deane, political commentator, breaks down Burnham
Can Andy Burnham Deliver?
Has Andy Burnham finally set out his vision for Britain? After delivering his first major speech as Labour’s incoming leader, Burnham says he will offer a “new path for the UK” and attempt to reset British politics after the collapse of the Starmer era.Anna Mikhailova, Political Editor at Times Radio, reacts to Burnham’s speech and the mood inside Labour as the party prepares for a new chapter. Wh
Are Reform Politicians in Danger?
Are Reform politicians in danger? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has raised fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives after police revealed the suspect may have targeted other Reform politicians as they investigate a suspected left-wing extremist motive.Political commentator Chloe Dobbs discusses the implications of the latest developments, including claims t
When Did Politics Get So Toxic?
When did politics get so toxic? The investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe has taken another dramatic turn after counter-terrorism police confirmed they are treating it as politically motivated. The decision has intensified concerns about the safety of politicians and the increasingly hostile climate surrounding public life in Britain.Political commentator Charlie Rowley discusses whethe
After Ann Widdecombe: Are Public Figures Under Threat?
Have we reached the point where being a public figure in Britain is simply too dangerous? Following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, the investigation has taken another dramatic turn after the suspect was re-arrested and the case was taken over by counter-terrorism policing. Detectives say there is currently no evidence of a political motive, but the attack has reignited serious questions about the
Remembering Ann Widdecombe
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian today as Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78. Britain is paying tribute to the former Conservative minister, broadcaster and one of the country’s best-known political figures after her sudden death. Police have launched an investigation after her death was initially treated as suspicious, as tributes pour in from across the political spectrum.Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Wri
Is Trust in British Politics Broken Forever?
Has your trust in politics completely broken down? With Nigel Farage’s resignation triggering a controversial Clacton by-election, new research suggests most Britons believe the country’s social contract has collapsed. Is confidence in politics at its lowest point in decades?Former government special adviser James Price examines whether Britain’s political system is fundamentally broken, why trust
Farage Resigns: Is This the End or a New Beginning?
Nigel Farage has resigned. What happens now? In a dramatic move, the Reform UK leader has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election that he says will be a battle between “the people and the establishment” as he seeks a fresh mandate from voters amid ongoing scrutiny over his finances.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to Farage’s bombshell announcement and what it means
Can Reform Survive the Farage Scandal?
Can Reform survive the Farage scandal? Nigel Farage is facing mounting scrutiny after fresh allegations over political funding, raising questions about transparency, standards and whether the controversy could damage Reform UK’s momentum.Dan Hodges, commentator at the Mail on Sunday, reacts after Farage issued a furious response to claims surrounding undeclared support from a close ally, while Ref
Are White Working-Class Children Britain’s Forgotten Generation?
Are white working-class kids being left behind? New claims that white working-class students are being excluded from some Oxbridge diversity schemes have reignited the debate over equality, opportunity and who is being left behind in modern Britain.Lord Tony Sewell, former Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, discusses reports that white working-class pupils are missing out on u
Britain’s Immigration Crisis: What’s the Answer?
How would you solve the immigration crisis? With the cost of the asylum system under growing scrutiny and fresh questions over border security, immigration is once again dominating the political agenda.Charlie Rowley reacts to reports that migrants using the ECHR to remain in Britain could cost taxpayers £4.9 billion, as ministers unveil plans to make asylum seekers repay the cost of hotel accommo
Burnham’s 10-Year Britain: Trust Him or Stop Him?
Would you give Andy Burnham 10 years? The Prime Minister says he needs a decade to transform Britain, but critics warn his plans could mean higher taxes, bigger government and little immediate relief for struggling families.Linda Duberley reacts after Burnham unveiled his 10-year vision for Britain, amid claims that middle-class taxpayers could be hit with fresh tax rises to fund Labour’s long-ter
Burnham’s Britain: Borders, Net Zero and the Trump Challenge
Is Andy Burnham already winning over Britain? New polling suggests Britons would rather see Andy Burnham in No.10 than Nigel Farage, as the new Prime Minister faces his first major tests on the economy, immigration and Net Zero.Mark Littlewood, Director of Popular Conservatism, reacts after Donald Trump branded Burnham “extremely liberal” during a White House appearance. Is Burnham heading for a c
Can Andy Burnham Turn Britain Around?
Can Andy Burnham turn our country around? Just days after Keir Starmer’s resignation, attention is turning from Labour’s leadership drama to a bigger question: is Burnham ready to govern?Giles Dilnot, Editor of ConservativeHome, reacts as Burnham and Starmer hold talks on an “orderly transition” amid reports that Burnham’s team is scrambling to prepare for power after being caught off guard by the
The Battle for Labour: Should Burnham Be Challenged?
Should Andy Burnham face a leadership challenge? Just hours after Keir Starmer’s resignation, Labour is already facing a fierce battle over who should take control of the party, with some MPs reportedly moving to stop what they fear could become a Burnham coronation.Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, joins us live as Westminster reacts to Burnham’s dramatic arrival in Parl
Starmer Resigns: Can Andy Burnham Save Britain?
Will Andy Burnham save Britain? Following the dramatic resignation of Keir Starmer, Labour is entering a new era as attention turns to who will lead the party, and the country, next.Martin Beckford, Policy Editor at the Daily Mail, reacts to Starmer’s emotional departure from Downing Street after months of political turmoil, Cabinet infighting and mounting pressure from Labour MPs. What finally br
700+ Migrants in a Day: Can Anyone Stop the Boats?
Can any party stop the small boats crisis? With more than 700 migrants crossing the Channel in a single day, the highest daily total of the year so far, pressure is mounting on the Government as critics argue that every major party has failed to get a grip on illegal migration.Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor, reacts to the latest Channel crossing figures and asks whether Labour, the Co
Toxic Britain? Politics, Public Anger and the Breakdown of Trust
How has politics become so toxic? Ten years after the murder of MP Jo Cox, concerns are growing that political debate in Britain is becoming increasingly angry, polarised and hostile, both online and offline.Charlie Rowley, political commentator, reacts to warnings that political discourse is more poisonous than ever, with growing concerns about intimidation, abuse and the impact of social media o
Social Media Ban: Protecting Children or State Overreach?
Should under-16s be banned from social media? With Keir Starmer unveiling plans for sweeping new restrictions on children’s access to social media, Britain is facing a major debate over online safety, parental responsibility, free speech and the role of Big Tech.Harrison Allman-Varty, Leader of Reform UK on Elmbridge Borough Council, reacts to the proposed ban and asks whether the Government is ri
Starmer Under Siege: Resignation, Belfast Unrest & Right-Wing Splits
Is Keir Starmer losing control of Britain? With a Cabinet resignation, growing unrest in Northern Ireland and fresh divisions on the Right, pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister from every direction.Former Conservative MP and military expert Bob Seely reacts after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned in a major blow to the Government, raising serious questions about Labour’s handling of def
Belfast Unrest: Why Don’t People Feel Heard?
How do Britons make their voices heard, and what happens when people feel nobody is listening? Following a second night of disorder in Belfast, questions are being asked about public anger, political representation and whether Britain’s institutions are responding to the concerns of ordinary people.Political commentator Chloe Dobbs reacts to the fallout from violent unrest after masked rioters set
Economic Decline & the Belfast Horror
Is Britain in complete economic decline? And what does the horrific Belfast attack say about the state of the country? As fresh warnings emerge that unemployment could soar towards two million, Britain is facing growing questions over economic competence, public safety and government accountability.Samara Gill reacts to explosive claims that billions of pounds in taxpayer-backed Covid loans and fo
JD Vance, Henry Nowak & US Influence: Should America Shape British Politics?
Should the United States stay out of British politics? After a public row between senior British and American politicians over the Henry Nowak case, questions are growing about whether US figures are increasingly shaping political debates in the UK.Ameer Kotecha and Freddy Gray react after J. D. Vance weighed in on the Henry Nowak case, prompting David Lammy to reveal he personally called the US V
Does British Politics Need More 'Normal People?'
Does British politics need more 'normal people?' As campaigning begins for the Makerfield by-election, Ian Collins examines the state of UK politics, the public mood, and whether Westminster is becoming increasingly disconnected from voters.He's joined by broadcaster and journalist Michael Crick to analyse the situation so far, following some of the candidates appearing on Question Time.Meanwhile,
Justice for Henry Nowak? Two-Tier Policing and Protests
What does justice for Henry Nowak look like? Ian Collins examines the Southampton protest near the home of the 18-year-old's killer, where eleven police officers were injured, and asks what the unrest reveals about public anger, policing and community safety.Former policing minister Damian Green and former government political violence adviser Lord Walney discuss Keir Starmer’s response to Nigel F
Could Reform UK Take Power? Plus Henry Nowak Bodycam Footage Sparks Questions
Do you believe Reform will win the next general election? The UK's leading pollster says it is increasingly likely.Ian Collins is joined by Sir John Curtice, Professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and polling expert, to discuss Reform UK’s rise, the latest general election polling, and the shifting landscape of British politics.Meanwhile, chief political writer at Spiked, Brendan O
Mandelson Files Day: What’s About to Be Exposed and Should We See the Henry Nowak Footage?
What are we about to learn from the Mandelson files and should the Henry Nowak bodycam footage be released? With hundreds of messages, emails and internal communications reportedly due to emerge, Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure over what ministers knew, what warnings were ignored and whether the full truth about Peter Mandelson’s vetting will finally come out.Political commentator Alex Deane
Policing on Trial? Political Correctness, Henry Nowak & Manchester Airport
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian CollinsHas political correctness destroyed British policing? Fresh controversies have reignited questions over whether officers are being distracted by institutional culture, fear of accusations and bureaucracy instead of focusing on public safety.Writer and broadcaster Emma Trimble reacts to outrage after Hampshire Police apologised over claims officers treated a dying
Britain’s Lost Generation? Youth Jobs, Migration & the Henry Nowak Case
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins where we ask the question: Has Britain thrown young people under the bus? With warnings that one in six young people could be out of work, education or training within five years, fears are growing of a lost generation locked out of jobs, housing and opportunity.Tina McKenzie, UK Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, reacts to alarming new warnings
Britain Out of Control? Starmer Crisis, Migrant Surge & Reform Row
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins today as we ask the question- Has Keir Starmer lost control of Britain? With fresh criticism from Tony Blair, rising migrant crossings, Reform infighting and new questions surrounding Nicola Sturgeon, pressure is growing on Keir Starmer from every direction.Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans and Isabel Oakeshott react after Blair reportedly warned Starmer has “no
Can Farage Save the Right? Makerfield, Musk & the Battle to Defeat the Left
Is Nigel Farage the only politician capable of defeating the Left in Britain? With the Right facing growing division, questions are mounting over whether Nigel Farage can unite anti-Labour voters or whether infighting will hand power back to the Left.Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins, as Sun columnist David Wooding reacts to Farage’s warning that Elon Musk’s support for the new Restore movement r
Adult Crime, Adult Time?
Petrie Hosken fills in for Ian Collins this scorching Bank Holiday Monday, asking: Should adult crime equal adult time? Helen Fields, former barrister, gives her thoughts on the lenient sentencing of two teenage boys who were spared jail by Judge Nicholas Rowland for the rape of two teenage girls. Also on the show, Dr Sanjiv Nachani OBE speaks with Petrie about a potential social media b
Cost of Living Crunch: Reeves Under Fire Over Energy Bills & Holiday Tax
Is Labour making the cost of living crisis even worse? As the fallout from the Iran conflict continues to hit household finances, Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans to give families “breathing room” by cutting VAT on days out and attractions, while offering no direct help on soaring energy bills.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop reacts to accusations Labour is prioritising headline-grabbing gimmick
Politics, Posts & Power: Social Media Wars, Grooming Gangs & De-Extinction
Is social media now deciding British politics? With online campaigns dominating the headlines and parties fighting for viral moments, we examine how X, TikTok and digital activism are reshaping elections, political narratives and public opinion.Gawain Towler from Reform UK and Adam Cherry from Guido Fawkes react to the growing influence of online politics, including the latest twists in the Makerf
Burnham Surges as Starmer Sinks: Labour Leadership War Explodes
Is Andy Burnham now the favourite to replace Keir Starmer? New polling suggests Andy Burnham would comfortably beat Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest, while support for Wes Streeting among Labour members appears to have collapsed.YouGov’s Patrick English breaks down the numbers behind Burnham’s surge, what Labour voters really think about Starmer’s leadership, and why Streeting’s leaders
Labour Brexit Civil War: Streeting, Burnham & the Betrayal Backlash
Is Labour tearing itself apart over Brexit again? A furious row has erupted after Wes Streeting was accused of using the EU issue to undermine Andy Burnham, triggering fresh civil war inside Labour.Political commentator Alex Deane reacts as Burnham faces backlash over claims he wants Britain closer to Europe, before appearing to retreat under pressure amid accusations of a “Brexit betrayal”.At the
Burnham Rising: Starmer Weakens as Reform Circles Labour
Is Andy Burnham preparing to replace Keir Starmer and could Reform destroy Labour’s plans? With Wes Streeting now backing Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, speculation is growing that Labour is preparing for life after Keir Starmer.Former Labour adviser Henri Murison and HuffPost UK Political Editor Kevin Schofield discuss the escalating leadership tensions, the Burnham succession rumours, and
Starmer Resignation Watch: King’s Speech Crisis & Labour Leadership Battle
If you don’t support Labour: who should be the next Prime Minister? With reports of a looming Starmer–Streeting showdown, Labour infighting escalating, and fresh speculation over Keir Starmer’s future, Westminster is gripped by resignation rumours and succession plotting.Author and journalist Alexander Larman and Telegraph commentator Annabel Denham react to claims that Buckingham Palace has enter
Starmer on the Brink: Labour Civil War Erupts
Is Keir Starmer’s premiership entering its final days? With reports of Cabinet unrest, leadership manoeuvring and almost 80 Labour MPs allegedly urging him to quit, the pressure on Keir Starmer has reached boiling point.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop reacts to the growing Labour civil war, the battle over Starmer’s future, and what’s happening behind closed doors in Downing Street.Meanwhile, A
Starmer Fighting for Survival: Labour Coup Plots & Britain’s Political Crisis
Is Keir Starmer fighting for Britain’s future, or fighting for his own survival? With reports of leadership plots, Cabinet unrest and growing Labour rebellion, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer after his dramatic speech declaring he “won’t walk away from the battle for Britain’s soul”.Isabel Oakeshott reacts to the escalating Starmer leadership crisis, as claims emerge of moves inside Labour to
Local Election Shockwaves: Starmer Under Pressure as Reform Surges
Are the local elections the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer? With Labour under pressure, Reform surging, and voters turning against the political establishment, tonight we break down what the results mean for the future of Britain.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant reacts to the local election fallout, Tory collapse and the battle on the Right, while Dan Hodges assesses whether this is
Compulsory Voting, Starmer Plot & Gen Z’s VE Day Blind Spot
Should voting be compulsory in Britain, and would it fix a broken political system? Giles Dilnot makes the case against forcing people to the ballot box, as turnout, trust and engagement in UK politics come under scrutiny.Meanwhile, speculation grows over a potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer, with claims of a “Trojan Horse” plan to bring Andy Burnham back to Westminster. John Power rea
Welfare Crisis, Small Boats Surge & Starmer’s EU Reset Row
Is Britain’s welfare system spiralling while borders remain out of control? New figures suggest one million children could soon be claiming disability benefits, raising urgent questions about welfare dependency, public spending and long-term sustainability.Andrew Allison and Callum McGoldrick debate the benefits surge, economic impact and whether the system is being stretched too far.At the same t
Starmer Veers Closer to Brexit Betrayal & Welfare Pays More Than Work
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins this bank holiday Monday. He is joined by Liam Deacon and Dr Mike Galsworthy to discuss Keir Starmer telling European leaders that the UK’s “national interest” lies in deeper EU ties - even as the bloc demands £1 billion a year for greater access to the single market.Then political power couple Neil and Christine Hamilton break down the shocking new figures showi
UK on High Alert: Golders Green Terror Attack & Threat Level Raised to Severe
Britain on high alert: the terror threat level has been raised to “severe” following the Golders Green attack, with warnings the risk of further attacks is high and the public urged to stay vigilant.Former Head of Counter-Terrorism at the MoD Chip Chapman joins alongside social cohesion expert Fiyaz Mughal and extremism specialist Paul Stott to assess the security response, terror threat, and risk
Golders Green Terror Attack & Starmer–Rayner Labour Meltdown
Is Keir Starmer’s leadership collapsing as Britain faces a growing terror threat? Allies of Angela Rayner are reportedly turning on Keir Starmer, with the Mandelson–Epstein scandal fuelling a full-blown crisis inside Labour.In the studio, Alex Dyke is joined by Hull East MP Karl Turner to ask whether Starmer can survive and what comes next for the party.Meanwhile, Nigel Farage opens the door to a
Population Crisis, Starmer Scandal & Golders Green Terror Attack
Is Britain facing a demographic tipping point and a growing security crisis? New projections warn of millions more migrants, a falling birth rate, and deaths set to outnumber births, putting pressure on the UK economy, housing and public services.Laurie Wastell and economist Paul Johnson break down the migration surge, population growth and economic impact.Meanwhile, the political pressure ramps u
Reform Surge, Tory Pact Pressure & Coalition of Chaos Warning
Is Britain heading for a united Right or a left-wing “coalition of chaos”? A major new poll suggests Reform UK could need the Conservatives to govern, raising the stakes for the future of the Right and the direction of UK politics.Former newspaper editor Neil Wallis and political strategist Peter Barnes break down the numbers, the electoral maths, and what it means for Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch,
Starmer’s ‘Plastic Patriots’ Row, St George’s Day Clash & France Migrant Deal
Harry Cole from The Sun sits in for Ian Collins, asking: is Keir Starmer redefining English identity, or weaponising it? A row over “plastic patriotism” has ignited a fierce debate about national identity, patriotism and what it means to be English.Keir Starmer’s St George’s Day comments are under fire, with Suella Braverman arguing Labour is out of touch with traditional values as Reform pushes f
Starmer Crisis Deepens: Labour Infighting, Mandelson Fallout & Cabinet Revolt
Is Keir Starmer’s leadership unravelling? Labour infighting is exploding, with MPs warning of a “toxic culture”, Cabinet dissent growing, and the Mandelson vetting scandal refusing to go away.David Maddox breaks down the political chaos as pressure mounts on Keir Starmer, with senior figures like Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper reportedly showing signs of dissent.Former diplomat Ameer Kotecha assess
Mandelson Scandal Explodes, Starmer vs Civil Service & Security Row
Is the Mandelson scandal spiralling out of control for Keir Starmer? Explosive claims suggest Downing Street put pressure on officials to approve the appointment, raising serious questions about vetting, accountability and national security.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant, Labour peer George Foulkes, and journalist Isabel Oakeshott debate the fallout for Keir Starmer, as a row with senior
Starmer Trust Crisis, Mandelson Row & UK Security Fears
Is Keir Starmer facing a growing crisis of trust? With mounting pressure over the Mandelson vetting row, calls are intensifying for Keir Starmer to come clean about what he knew — and when.Former No.10 adviser Oscar Reddrop and Jill Rutter from the Institute for Government assess the political fallout, including demands from Kemi Badenoch for transparency and accountability over alleged red flags.
Broken Britain? Policing, Asylum Row & Justice System Under Fire
Has the establishment broken Britain and is the justice system still serving the public? With growing anger over policing, transparency and immigration enforcement, we ask whether trust in institutions is collapsing.Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant reacts to calls for tougher action on asylum fraud, including proposals that lawyers who assist false claims could face jail, as well as mounti
Migrant Housing Crisis, Asylum System Row & UK Under Pressure
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins as we ask: Is moving migrants out of hotels and into local communities really the solution, or just shifting the problem? With Keir Starmer’s government reportedly relocating thousands of asylum seekers, concerns are growing over cost, integration and pressure on public services.Former Home Office minister Norman Baker reacts to the policy, alongside revelations
Southport Failures, Policing Fears & Immigration Tensions
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins asking a deeply controversial question: does fear of racism allow dangerous individuals to slip through the cracks? In the wake of the Southport murders, serious concerns are being raised about whether institutions failed to act and why.Political strategist Peter Barnes and Rakib Ehsan examine claims that warnings were missed, including reports that concerns abou
Starmer Under Fire, EU Rules Row & Reform Surge
Is Keir Starmer governing in the British national interest? With fresh polling suggesting more than half of Keir Starmer’s Cabinet could lose their seats at a general election, pressure is mounting on Labour’s direction, priorities and political strategy.David Wooding joins Mark Dolan, as he sits in for Ian Collins, to assess the political fallout, including the rise of Reform UK and warnings of a
Divided Britain, Small Boats Crisis & Cost of Living Pressure
Why is Britain more divided than ever? New polling suggests the country is now even more split than during Brexit, with deep divisions over politics, immigration, the economy and national identity.Former Home Office minister Ann Widdecombe and commentator Liam Deacon debate what’s driving the divide, from cultural tensions to trust in government and institutions.Peter Wilding, who coined the term
Starmer’s Ceasefire Role, Trump’s Iran Deal & UK Energy Exposure
What can Keir Starmer contribute to the Iran ceasefire? After Donald Trump announces a two-week ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries and claims the Strait of Hormuz will reopen attention turns to Britain’s role in securing long-term peace in the Middle East. With Keir Starmer set to visit the region, we ask whether the UK can still act as a serious diplomatic player.Isabel Oakeshott and Pete
Trump’s Iran Threat, Middle East Peace Gamble & UK Benefits Row
Can Donald Trump bring peace to the Middle East or risk a wider war? As tensions with Iran escalate, Donald Trump has issued stark warnings, claiming he could “wipe out” Iran if it refuses a deal. We ask whether Trump’s approach is deterrence or dangerous escalation, and what it means for global stability, Israel, and the wider region.Former US Navy intelligence officer Malcolm Nance and Greg Swen
Bank Holiday Bonanza: Is Crime Out of Control?
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins on the Afternoon Empire. He's joined by Mike Neville, former Met Police DCI, to discuss crime in Britain - as Waitrose has sacked an employee who stopped a shoplifter from stealing Easter eggs. Hilary Fordwich, US political commentator, shares her analysis of the rescue mission of a crew member after a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, and reacts to Do
Make Britain Great Again: Economy, Energy & Starmer VS Trump
How do we make Britain great again? With the economy under pressure, energy costs rising and questions over leadership growing, we ask what it will take to restore growth, confidence and national strength.Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith joins alongside The Spectator’s Michael Simmons and businessman Lance Forman to debate how Britain can boost productivity, cut costs and regain econom
Who Are the Far Right? Protest, Labels & Free Speech Row
Who are the “far right” and who gets to define it? After thousands gathered in London for an anti-far-right march, we examine how the term is being used in modern Britain, and whether it’s becoming a political label rather than a clear definition.Former Number 10 adviser Oscar Reddrop joins to break down how governments and the media classify extremism, while Montgomery Toms from Freedom Watch GB
Fuel Price Fury, Inflation Surge, Mandelson Files & Migration Crime Row
Mark Dolan sits in for Ian Collins. Fuel prices, inflation and political controversy is Britain heading for another economic squeeze? As the Iran war drives up global energy costs, critics accuse Rachel Reeves of acting as a “petrol profiteer”, with warnings the UK could be hit harder than any other major economy. Maurice Cousins from Net Zero Watch, Sir Michael Fabricant, and Annunziata Rees-Mogg
