The News Agents

Sean Combs, P Diddy and Puff Daddy - the names are as numerous as the allegations. The hip hop star is standing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in a legal suit that’s captured America. On today's show we bring you everything you need to know about the biggest trial since Weinstein.Later, we ask whether Keir Starmer is now treating Reform as the main party of opposition.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

In the 24 hours since giving his hard hitting speech on immigration, Keir Starmer and his cabinet have faced accusations his language was channeling that of the far right 1960s politician Enoch Powell. He of the 'River of Blood' speech, in 1968. We talk to Lord Alf Dubs, the child refugee and moral conscience of the nation, about how he sees the Prime Minister's language. And why the words matter. Later, Christiane Amanpour launches her new global podcast 'The Ex Files' with her Ex Husband, Jamie Rubin, a former State department diplomatic. You can listen to The Ex Files here: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L2sj/ The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Keir Starmer, sounding in tone closer to Nigel Farage than previous Labour prime ministers, has called immigration a failed lab experiment and decreed it’s time to take back control. Introducing the government's immigration white paper, the PM says that high net migration has done "incalculable damage" to the country. It’s language that suggests he has been spooked by Reform's recent successes. But language, he presumes, voters now want to hear from their leader. Is he right? And what happens to our most vulnerable if we don’t have NHS staff and care home workers to fill the job gaps no one here is taking? But we start with an extraordinary interview with Victor Orban's right hand man. In the week where Zelesnkyy and Putin could meet in Istanbul for a potentially crucial moment in attempts to bring the Ukraine war to an end, why is Hungary at odds with the rest of the EU over Russia? Why have Hungary and Ukraine accused each other of spying over the weekend? And is Starmer's language on immigration now mirroring Orban's a decade earlier?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

For half a century, Tina Brown has been a titan of journalism both here in the UK and in America. Editor of Tatler at just 25, she continued to take on Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, moving now into the digital age of journalism. Through the Reagan era to Trump, Tina Brown has seen it all. This Friday, Lewis is joined by Tina in the studio to talk about her vast career, Trump's drive for payback, and the future of journalism in the digital age. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Keir Starmer could only dial in to Donald Trump's press conference, hailing the new US-UK trade deal, but that didn't stop an Oval Office love in between the two leaders.Starmer praised a "historic" day for both countries, as Trump thanked Starmer, speaking warmly of the special “external and internal bond” between the two countries.The timing could hardly be better for the Prime Minister, some much needed good economic news after a brutal set of local election results and growing unease on his backbenches about welfare cuts. But is there actually that much to get excited about in this trade deal? Or does it still leave us in a worse place with the US than just a few months ago?Later, Jon and Emily speak to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of the Atlantic, and the man who was added to that infamous 'Houthi PC Small Group' Signal chat that ended up with the firing of America's National Security Advisor. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

For nearly a decade, Harvey Weinstein's former assistant, Zelda Perkins, has been exposing the way NDAs are abused by people of power, and trying to bring about change in how they are used in the workplace. Later in today’s episode we ask her why employers are still using NDAs to gag employees and why the government STILL hasn’t banned this practice. But we start on the border of India and Pakistan where shots have been fired between two nuclear powers. We’re going back to the start with Tim Marshall. Why do these countries hate each other so much? And how did it all begin? We have the explainer for those trying to make sense of the big geopolitical row in the subcontinent.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

In the latest round of “did I hear that correctly?“, the Prime Minister's spokesman has refused to rule out housing asylum seekers in tents. It’s a policy that's been touted by Reform's new mayor for Greater Lincolnshire, and, you'd think, should be an easy one for Labour to knock down. The fact they can’t - or won’t - speaks to a larger issue about how Labour deals with the Reform party in Britain and how progressive parties more generally should approach populist ideas. Should mainstream parties shun them or embrace them? Later, Netanyahu’s latest plan for political survival is to occupy and annexe Gaza in its entirety - right as food supplies in the Gaza strip are so low that civillians are just days away from starvation. Why isn’t there enough political momentum at home to stop him? We speak to Dahlia Scheindlin, an expert in Israeli public opinion. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

For the last decade, the spectre of Nigel Farage has been haunting British politics. From UKIP to the Brexit Party, he has loomed in the background of Westminster, threatening but never quite managing to pose a real threat to the two major parties. All that changed today. With just six votes in it, Reform took their first seat from Labour, in Runcorn - which had been one of the safest seats in the country. The party has secured other big council and mayoral wins too. Farage now claims that he, not Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the opposition. Is he right? How will Labour respond to this Reform victory in the by-elections? What does it mean for Keir Starmer's government? And does it mark the end of the two party system as we know it?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Trump has sent 50 million dollars of military aid to Ukraine - the first shipment of aid since he took power. The money started flowing after Ukraine signed that much discussed minerals deal: in it, America recognised Russia's “full scale invasion of Ukraine". So has the minerals deal finally made peace possible? Or is it little more than a shakedown of the Ukrainians?Later, the Labour MP who says he wouldn’t be disappointed if more UK universities closed. Do we have too many universities? And are some Labour figures now starting to parrot the language and talking points of Reform?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Today, America's GDP figures show the economy is dramatically contracting, and recession continues to loom. It’s not an ideal backdrop for Trumps 100 day celebration. Jon has been in Detroit, where Trump has been addressing autoworkers terrified by Trump's tariffs. So, with 100 days of Trump 2.0 under our belts, we answer your most pressing questions about how it's gone so far, and whether things are only going to get crazier. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Mark Carney’s election win in Canada has shown what a potent political force Trump can be - to those campaigning against his economic bullying. But could it have wider implications at home for Keir Starmer? Will the PM now feel more comfortable prioritising a trade deal with the EU over the US? And what does having an ally on America's border mean for the way the UK Government now deals with Trump? Jon's been at an election watch party and is now headed to Detroit across the border - as Donald Trump marks his 100 days in office. Later, Amazon vs Trump: why, according to the White House, it’s a "hostile act" for the consumer giant to tell its customers the truth about tariffs.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Polls have narrowed as Canadians head to the ballot box. Mark Carney has led a remarkable fightback for the Liberal party, driven in no small part by a newfound sense of Canadian nationalism - determined not to be cowed by Donald Trump, disgusted by his overtures to turn the country into America's 51 state.But with the election looking tightly contested, Jon's been on the Conservative party campaign trail in Oakville, Ontario, where "Maple Leaf MAGA" is also coming out in force - could Donald Trump have killed their chance of returning to government?Later, Emily speaks to Sacha Lord - the chair of The Night Time Industries Association and former advisor to Andy Burnham - on what's going wrong with the British economy, and why Keir Starmer unfollowed him on X.And, as Virginia Giuffre's family describe the ongoing pain and trauma she endured until she ended her life, Emily asks why it took her suicide for people to believe her account.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

A special edition of The News Agents this weekend as Canadians head to the polls for an election which may be decided by anti American antipathy for Donald Trump. But we begin in Rome after that meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Big questions for both leaders. Has Trump now recognised he’s been played by Putin? And will Zelenskyy have any choice but to agree to concede sovereign Ukrainian territory to bring the war to an end?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2025

Over ten years ago, Black Mirror burst onto our screens, bringing with it dystopian futures and exploring themes of how humanity would deal with rapidly evolving technology. Now in its seventh series, how much of this is a far-off future? And in 2025, are we now closer to the world of Black Mirror than ever before? Charlie Brooker joins Emily and Lewis in the studio to talk about how his own anxieties shape Black Mirror, the future of TV in a world of AI, and why he believes humanity will triumph in the end. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Overnight Ukraine's capital suffered one of its worst bombardments for nearly a year. Scores were injured by ballistic missiles. Since recording, the death toll has risen to twelve. Putin’s attack came just hours after Trump had berated Zelensky for being “the obstacle to peace". It’s hard not to see how Putin has been emboldened by Trump's words. Which may be why as America woke up, Trump issued an edict to Putin - sorry, Vladimir - saying STOP. Is Trump anywhere close to criticising his Russian pal? We speak to Ukraine-based journalist Conall Kearney. Later, Keir Starmer is facing pressure from sixty of his back benchers to open up a route for Britains young to work and travel in Europe. Is a new visa scheme imminent?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

London was expecting to host key players today for a Ukraine peace summit. Late last night the US Secretary of State pulled out - leaving many to assume there was no plan to sign off. All eyes are now on the Pope's funeral on Saturday, which may be one the de facto European summit, bringing President Trump and President Zelensky face to face. Is Trump serious when he says the plan has to be wrapped up by April 30th or else he walks away? Later, what does Robert Jenrick mean when he talks about a “coalition with Reform"? And what should Kemi Badenoch do about it?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

The IMF has just released a dire forecast for every major economy - predicting a sharp slowdown in growth on the back of Trump's tariffs plan. It comes as Trump is found trying to fire his central banker - the Federal Reserve Chairman ,Jerome Powell, whose job is completely independent of government. What happens if he goes? And why hasn’t Trump learnt from history? We speak to former senior advisor to Mark Carney at the Bank of England, Huw Van Steenis. Later, could the culture wars affect what happens now at the Vatican, as Conservatives and progressives vie for dominance of the Catholic Church?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Matthew Freud rarely gives interviews. He’s normally behind the curtain, on the end of the phone - helping A listers, politicians, and businesses navigate their way through a hostile and unrelenting media environment. But now, on the fortieth anniversary of his company, which has served many of the world's biggest brands and most famous faces - he sits down with Jon and Emily to discuss scandal, power, Succession and what it’s like to be part of both the Freud and Murdoch dynasties.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

After years of culture war debate over trans women and their rights, today the Supreme Court ruled that the word “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act refers only to “biological” women.So was this a victory for the women who brought the legal challenge? Does this change anything in real terms for trans-people going forward? And does it just give greater ammunition to those stoking the culture war debate?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

The night after one of the deadliest attacks on Ukrainian civilians since Putin's invasion, the American President has gone all block caps, tweeting: 'I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS WAR'. He's clearly a bit rattled. He'd been briefed over the weekend - following talks between his own envoy and Putin - that a ceasefire was significantly nearer. Things, he told us on Saturday, were heading in the right direction. That was before Putin dropped his missiles on Sumy, a bustling city going to church on Palm Sunday. So does Donald Trump have no idea of Putin's mindset or moves? And should this tell us he has no way to bring about a ceasefire? We speak to the Ukrainian MP and youngest governor of Odessa Solomiia Bobrovska.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Is China trying to sabotage British industry? That’s the warning from a group in parliament. Some ministers may quietly agree. But they can’t say it out loud. So what should our strategy be? As the UK Government takes over the running of a Chinese owned company called British Steel, where does that leave our trade relationship with Beijing? Are we embracing China or running a mile? And what exactly is China planning to build now in the heart of the city of London?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, parliament has been recalled for MPs to discuss the future of British Steel. In Scunthorpe, some 2,700 jobs hang in the balance after the Chinese owner of the steel works said its blast furnaces are "no longer financially sustainable".Thousands more jobs in the supply chain are also at risk - steel runs through the heart of Scunthorpe. Earlier this week, Keir Starmer declared that we have entered a "changing and completely new world" and promised to "rewire the state completely".Does this mark the end of the era of globalisation? Could we see a more active state, stepping in to take control of vital national industries? And if so, how does that tally with the PM's remarks to The News Agents, just last month, that he wanted to see a smaller and more agile state?Lewis has been in Scunthorpe for this special report of a town on the brink, a strategy, perhaps, turned on its head, and what it all means for Britain's industry, its people and its politics.This special report was produced by Louis Degenhardt and Rory Symon.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

At the precise moment Donald Trump was “pausing” his tariffs policy, his own trade negotiator was trying to explain to Congress who knew what when. Did those around Trump have prior knowledge, and take the opportunity to invest? Or did he leave his own team in the dark? Trump has tried to style his climb down as a win. But the soaring response of the stock markets suggest they think the tariffs trauma is now done. Has Trump boxed himself in? And will anyone believe him next time? Later, Trump’s revengeathon is alive and kicking. He’s now investigating two former officials for 'treason'. Because they dared criticise him and tell the truth about the 2020 election. And Lewis is in Scunthorpe ahead of that decision on British steel.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Trump's tariffs, combined with China's retaliation, are doing terrible things to stock markets around the world. People are selling off equity and assets in this increasingly uncertain time. But now something even more strange is happening - the bond market is tanking. And that’s a sign that confidence in the US government itself has hit the rocks. When Greece starts looking like a safer bet than America you know things are bad. Is Trump going to follow Liz Truss down the road to self immolation? And what happens next? Later, why the Birmingham bin strikes are about something much bigger than rubbish - and why they might soon hit the rest of England.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

As Trump threatens to double the tariffs on China the trade war between two of the world's biggest economies is escalating. China has said it will "fight to the end". Trump says he will not back down. As each side raises the stakes, will Trump have to concede that he's made mistakes? Who will back down first? And how will this trade war affect the rest of the world? Later, we speak to pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common about how all of this is going down with the voters in the UK - and how Starmer is coming out of all this mayhem. Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Hong Kong's stock exchange has just closed down 13% - to put this in context it's the worst day of trading since the Asian market crash of 1997. The FTSE 100 has plummeted here, Goldman Sachs has upgraded its probability of a US recession, and members of the US government are now taking to the airwaves to squabble about the plan ahead. Is this genuinely what Trump wanted? Is he still pretending it's going well? And is the plan to make the world come to the negotiating table? It can't - coherently - be both. What will Keir Starmer's plan for growth involve now? Who should we be trading with? And are those fiscal rules still ironclad?And later, why did Israel stop two UK MPs from entering the country?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

Trump's tariffs have caused chaos on the stock markets with a looming threat of recession. Rumours are swirling that the midterm elections could get cancelled. And tourists are re-thinking their travel to America. How worried should we really be? This Friday, Lewis and Jon answer your questions about Trump, the economy, and what the global impact will be. Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Declaring 'Liberation Day' for the USA, Donald Trump accused other countries of having "looted, pillaged, raped and plundered" America's economy. What he announced has sent tremors around the global economy and his own - Trump has set the stage for a global trade war. His tariffs start at 10% and go up to as high as 74% for an unlucky few states like Bangladesh and Serbia. It’s mathematical spaghetti. The UK has avoided the higher EU rate of 20% - so do Leavers have a point when they tell us that Brexit saved us? Or is it all a bit more complicated than that? Later, why are Elon and Donald consciously uncoupling. Is Trump starting to see Musk as a loser?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Has Trump just started to work out he’s being played by Putin? A light bulb moment is going on in the White House - Washington officials are privately admitting that the Ukraine peace deal is not going to plan. Whilst fifty senators have combined forces to seek new sanctions on Russia, we ask whether Trump has lost patience with Putin and whether this will make him double down or walk away? We hear what the Kremlin makes of this - with the BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg. Later, Senator Cory Booker breaks TikTok with his 25 HOURS long speech on the senate floor.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

It's 'Liberation Day' eve as Trump dangles his tariffs threat across the world again. How should Starmer respond to what could be a nail in the coffin to the UK economy? And how has one woman’s anti abortion protest now got tangled up in a free trade deal? We talk with a former Bank of England chief economist. Later, is Kemi Badenoch right about Adolescence? Should policy be made off the back of TV drama? And if so, what is it?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

The French Far Right leader Marine Le Pen is barred from standing in the country's next presidential election following her conviction for embezzlement. She’s beginning an emergency appeal straight away, and her party says “democracy has been executed“ in France today. Will that conviction silence them? Or could it be a rocket boost to their electoral fortunes? Plus, we have an exclusive interview with International barrister Philippe Sands on what happens when the law and politics clash, why Trump may cancel the next elections - and his new book '38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia'.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

The White Lotus - now in its third series has proved a recipe for a smash hit. Take a fabulously wealthy bunch of characters. Make most of them dreadful. And watch them fight it out in a tropical paradise. We’re joined in today’s episode by one of this series stars, Jason Isaacs AKA Tim Ratliff, to discuss whether getting roles now depends on your political persuasions. And whether it pays to be outspoken in MAGA America.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

No sooner had the Chancellor sat down after her Spring Statement than Donald Trump announced to the world that he was slapping 25% tariffs on all cars imported into America. Car manufacturers are livid - and scared. And the OBR has warned that if the US goes further and imposes blanket tariffs, they could wipe out any short term prospect of growth in the British economy. With her room for manoeuvre already tight, could Rachel Reeves now have to rip up her latest plans? Are tax rises on the way? And is the UK going to be knocked about at the whim of Donald Trump and whatever he decides next? Later, as the White House condemns criticism of the Yemen Signal security breach as “a witch hunt“, could it be that the US President is actually feeling more than a little bruised at the fallout from the revelations?Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Today, the Prime Minister was asked to directly express his confidence in the Chancellor. He did so without missing a beat. But how much support does Reeves have more widely in government, in her party and in the country at large? Later, as Trump's defence secretary insists no war plans were leaked when a group chat on the cusp of bombing Yemen accidentally invited a journalist to join. The journalist in question then publishes the war plans he received. Like shooting fish.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

In the days before a US bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, key members of Trumps administration began to plan the attack in a group chat. They accidentally invited a top journalist into the group - in what has become one of the all time best security fuck ups ever. Will anyone pay the price? What will Trump do now ? And do Europeans still trust America with their security? Later, we are joined by the Adolescence writer and creator Jack Thorne - what does he want to see happen for the future of young men and boys? Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

The jailing of Turkeys main opposition leader - President Erdogan's biggest rival - has sent thousands on to the streets in protest. Students who’ve never lived under anyone’s rule but Erdogan are now fearful this spells the end of democracy in the once great bastion of free secular expression and economic growth. Is Erdogan following the Putin playbook for staying in power? Is Trump about to follow both? And why is no one in NATO prepared to call it out? We speak to the main opposition party who are fearful the West has turned a blind eye. Later, what WAS that Tucker Carlson interview with Steve Whitkoff? Why do they both love Putin so much? And is anyone surprised they haven’t reached a peace deal?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

It has now been more than a year since plans for a compensation scheme were laid out for those affected by the sodium valproate scandal - and it is a state failure that stretches back decades.Sodium valproate is an effective treatment for epilepsy, but it has been linked to lifelong disabilities in around 20,000 babies born since the 1970s whose mothers were prescribed the drug while they were pregnant. Many were not properly warned of the risks, and a 2020 review concluded that thousands of mothers and babies had been exposed to "avoidable harm".In opposition, Labour said that financial redress for victims was "desperately needed" - so why has nothing happened since the party took office? And how much longer will those families be forced to wait?In a special report, Lewis talks to the families affected, including one for The News Agents not far from home.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

In dramatic fashion, The Sun reports that a leaked government memo claims that the UK's race to reduce carbon emissions could trigger a financial crash. Kemi Badenoch also ditched her party's commitment to net zero by 2050 this week, insisting that the target was now "impossible". So if the cross party consensus on Britain's climate targets are over - could Starmer's so far steadfast commitment to the green revolution come under pressure?Later, as Steve Bannon suggests a plan is being cooked up that would see Donald Trump running for a THIRD presidential term, what would it mean for American democracy - and what would it mean for JD Vance, the Vice President already taking up pole position as the MAGA successor?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

It seems that everyone is talking about the Netflix hit drama 'Adolescence'. It has been viewed 24 million times in just a few days, and is topping the chart in the UK. It deals with raw teenage toxic masculinity - and it’s hit a nerve. Even the prime minister is watching it. As Gareth Southgate warns of the dangers to and from young men who’ve got tangled up in Andrew Tates world we ask why it’s suddenly become a talking point? Later, is Trump being played by Putin? Is he bright enough to even know? And does driving a Tesla make you “a nazi twat“?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke for an hour and a half today - could they bring the Ukraine conflict and closer to a sustainable peace? Or is the Russian president only interested in carving up Ukraine and taking the West for a ride?While a ceasefire in Ukraine does appear to be edging ever so slightly closer, the fragile cessation in Gaza collapsed overnight. More than 400 Gazans were killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the strip. The White House confirmed that Washington had been consulted on the offensive. Trump's press secretary told reporters that: "All those who seek to terrorise not just Israel but the US, will see a price to pay, and all hell will break loose." Is Trump giving Benjamin Netanyahu licence to act with impunity in Gaza? And why is the British government contradicting itself on whether Israel is committing war crimes?Later, Labour MPs have spent the afternoon voicing their unease at the welfare changes outline today by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall. How much trouble is actually building on the backbenches?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Keir Starmer says he has a "duty" to fix welfare - and has described the current benefits system as "unsustainable" and "indefensible". But many of his own backbenchers fear that the noble rhetoric is an attempt to mask little more than a savings drive, and the backlash is growing. Andy Burnham became the latest Labour figure to voice his concerns, and there are indications that the government is looking again at some of the harshest measures expected to be unveiled tomorrow. But is the PM right to be sounding the alarm on the rising welfare bill, if 1.8m more people are claiming sickness benefits than before the pandemic?Later, Donald Trump claims to have overturned Joe Biden's presidential pardons - a power not bestowed upon any occupant of the Oval Office. Is he stretching the US constitution to breaking point?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

What is the likely endgame is for the Russia-Ukraine war? How can journalists hold politicians to account when gaining access to them requires towing an idealogical line? And will Rupert Lowe leave Reform? This Friday, Jon and Lewis answer your questions. Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Keir Starmer has spoken exclusively to The News Agents in Hull on a big day in both domestic and international politics. In his speech today, the Prime Minister pledged to abolish the biggest quango in the world - scrapping NHS England, the body which manages the day to day running of the health service. In the wide ranging speech in Hull, the PM lamented a state over stretched, inefficient and not delivering security for Brits. As he spoke, Russia came forward to publicly reject the ceasefire proposals worked out by President Trump and agreed by President Zelenskyy. Jon and Lewis got his first reaction to that news - and discussed his vision for a smaller state.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Sarah Wynn-Williams was a senior Facebook executive for most of the last decade. She had a front row seat as Mark Zuckerberg rapidly expanded the company and he grew in power and prominence. And she became increasingly alarmed by both his and the company’s actions. Now, she is telling her story - her memoir, ‘Careless People’, is out today. It has been described as “explosive”. Meta fiercely contest her account. And we’ve included their response too. Her allegations - on Facebook’s relationship with China, on its impact on elections, and on its decision making on content moderation and advertising, are striking. We thought you should listen for yourselves, to Sarah’s first ever broadcast interview.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

The origins of a peace deal have emerged in Saudi Arabia. There’s just one problem: whilst Zelensky is offering to sign up, there’s no word from Putin. How does a 30 day ceasefire work if the aggressor isn’t on board? And why is Trump convinced that he will be?Later, presidency or shopping channel? Why is Trump flogging Teslas on the White House lawn?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

There is growing uncertainty in the American economy as stocks fall, and Donald Trump refuses to rule out a recession. He's even said he will double metal tariffs against Canada and threatened to impose levies on its car industry. As the trade war heats up and Americans watch their market falter, will Donald Trump change his strategy? And how will the rest of the world respond?Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

"America is not Canada, and Canada never ever will be part of America in any way." The words of the chiselled ice hockey player and former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney who is Canada's new Prime Minister. He's unafraid of Trump, has mocked his economic policy, and his expansionist pretensions. He's put the Liberal Party of Justin Trudeau in poll position to win the next general election against the Conservatives, and against all the odds. Will he become the pin up for centrists around the world looking for a muscular response to Trump? Later, what's happening in the Reform party? Nigel Farage and Elon Musk's favourite Reform MP, Rupert Lowe, have fallen out badly. Who's lying? And what impact is it having on the party's fortunes? And for LBC's Online Safety Day we ask More in Common's Luke Tryl why the public is so ahead of the politicians when it comes to tougher action in this digital age. Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

In our first ever Live Q&A edition Jon and Lewis answer your most pressing questions. Is Trump working for Putin? Will a military coup overthrow the Trump administration? If Zelensky ends up going back to America, should he wear a suit? And why are we all so obsessed with Lewis's jumper? You can watch our Live Friday Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeOrLLSSBhc Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Trump is no fan of Zelenskyy. That much has been clear for months. But according to Politico, his administration is now tapping up Ukrainian opposition politicians and former leaders to try to push Zelenskyy out of power. Is America now interfering in Ukraine’s domestic policies as well as forcing its submission to Putin? We talk to CNN Correspondent and Chief International Anchor, Christiane Amanpour about her time with Zelensky. And what do European leaders have to offer Ukraine as they meet now in Brussels? Have they come to the conclusion Starmer hasn’t yet - that America can no longer be trusted?Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

A carefully worded letter from Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has made its way to Donald Trump - The News Agents have details on the role that the British government may have played in getting that message delivered to the American President. What's less clear is how Trump will respond - what happens now? He described Zelenskyy's letter as "important" - so why has he suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv? And will there be any punishment for Russia in this “deal”? Plus, we’re with the CEO of the Munich Security Conference, who led JD Vance on stage for that speech.Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducer: Natalie IndgeDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025