Best UK Current Affairs Podcasts (2024)

1
The shapeshifter: who is the real Giorgia Meloni? 47:33

1h ago47:33

47:33

She’s been called a neo-fascist and a danger to Italy. But she has won over many heads of Europe, including the UK prime minister. Should we be worried? By Alexander Stille. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
One man on his grief for Gaza 42:38

15m ago42:38

42:38

Journalist Ahmed Alnaouq on losing 21 family members in an Israeli airstrike. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Heart and Soul: Reclaiming yoga 26:29

1h ago26:29

26:29

With a global market worth more than $100 billion dollars a year, yoga is a massive industry. With its origins in India, Yoga is often considered to be part of the Hindu tradition, as well as being influenced by other religions including Buddhism and Islam. Yet with modern studios and teachers offering a plethora of styles from fitness to beer yoga…

1
Labour’s China pivot, Yvette Cooper’s extremism crackdown and the ladies who punch 48:09

1h ago48:09

48:09

Successive governments have struggled with how to deal with China, balancing them as a geopolitical rival yet necessary trade partner. Recent moves from Labour have sent mixed signals, from the free speech act to the return of the Chagos Islands. Further decisions loom on the horizon. As Rachel Reeves seeks some economic wiggle room, can Labour res…

1
Milton: The hurricane scientists were dreading 17:26

1h ago17:26

17:26

Hurricane Milton has torn through Florida bringing 100mph winds, flooding and storm surges with it. Several people have lost their lives, and more than three million homes and businesses have been left without power. On today’s Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our US correspondent James Matthews from the heart of the storm in Tampa, Florida, about t…

1
The Tory Identity Crisis 34:39

1h ago34:39

34:39

With James Cleverly out of the Conservative leadership contest and Boris Johnson teasing a possible return to frontline politics, does that party know what it stands for? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Tax Resistance And A Declaration Of Sovereignty With Chris Coverdale 1:07:02

9m ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Chris Coverdale tells Charles Malet what led him to withhold tax from the British Government, in the name of peace, and how the state will no longer contest his legal position on the matter. Read the write-up at: https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/tax-resistance-and-a-declaration-of-sovereignty-with-chris-coverdale…

1
LCC meet DUP – should a group, which represents the UVF and UDA, have access to the top levels of government? 1:18:39

4h ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Stephen also talks about the return of popular 80's dart show BullseyeBy BBC Radio Ulster

1
‘I am your retribution’: Trump’s radical plan to remake the presidency 27:58

13m ago27:58

27:58

Guardian US’s chief reporter, Ed Pilkington, explores Donald Trump’s plans for a second term as president if he wins next month’s election, and how they would give him unprecedented power. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
BBC Trending: The curse of the blessing scam 17:51

2h ago17:51

17:51

Female con artists are exploiting superstition and family love to swindle women with Chinese heritage living in the west. The blessing scam is an elaborate piece of criminal street theatre, which over the last few months has claimed victims across North America and the UK. It begins with an apparently random meeting with a stranger in the street, a…

1
Original Sins: A History of Sex and Christianity, with Diarmaid MacCulloch 47:18

43m ago47:18

47:18

Academic, author, broadcaster and ordained deacon Diarmaid MacCulloch is Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University, and Fellow of St Cross College and of Campion Hall. His latest book is Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity, which explores how Christianity or historically Christian societies have witne…

1
What's gone on with the Tory leadership contest? 19:45

4h ago19:45

19:45

On Tuesday afternoon, James Cleverly got the most votes from Tory MPs in the party’s leadership contest. One day later and the next round of voting went a different way. Cleverly failed to make the final two. Party members will now choose between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick in a clear indication that the party will shift towards the right in t…

1
PMQs: It's Like She's Voldemort 38:19

18m ago38:19

38:19

PMQs is back, with Keir Starmer facing questions about freebies and the budget - but why is everyone afraid to say Sue Gray's name? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber, with the help of Patrick Maguire and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
UK Column News Podcast 9th October 2024 1:00:06

2h ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Mike Robinson, Vanessa Beeley and Charles Malet with today's UK Column News.If you would like to support our independent journalism, please join the community: https://community.ukcolumn.org/Sources: www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-9th-october-2024By UK Column

1
More traffic chaos due on the roads around Belfast Grand Central Station 1:19:14

1d ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Stephen also talks to two people about experiencing homelessnessBy BBC Radio Ulster

1
10 years of the long read: Farewell to America (2015) 41:15

5h ago41:15

41:15

As the Long Read turns 10 we are raiding the archives to bring you a favourite piece from each year since 2014, with new introductions from the authors. This week from 2015: After 12 years in the US, Gary Younge is preparing to depart – as the country’s racial frictions seem certain to spark another summer of conflict. By Gary Younge. Help support …

1
Unleashed: John Crace digests Boris Johnson’s memoir 30:55

7h ago30:55

30:55

The former PM probably hoped this book would make the country fall in love with him again, but it will only revive the resentment, John Crace tells Helen Pidd. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Bonus: The World Debate: What is the path to peace in the Middle East? 42:32

1d ago42:32

42:32

Mishal Husain is joined by a panel of guests to discuss whether this is a path to peace in the Middle East. Joining Mishal are Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's international editor; Lord Ricketts, who served as a British diplomat for many years, including being on the Foreign Office Middle East desk during Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982; Afif Safieh, …

1
Can special advisers be too powerful? 19:26

18h ago19:26

19:26

The departure of Sue Gray, as Sir Keir Starmer's most senior adviser in Number 10, has shone a spotlight on the role of special advisers in government. So on today’s Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates to find out exactly what role these advisers, often known as SpAds, play in the running of the countr…

151
Crackdown On Cronyism? 35:37

20h ago35:37

35:37

Ministers are drawing up plans for political parties to have to publicly justify why they are appointing peers to the House of Lords. Will it help combat “cronyism” in the second chamber? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other stuff, with Times columnists James Marriott and Melanie Reid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

1
Common Sense? Request Denied – With Dr Robert Evered, Retired Occupational Physician 57:35

21h ago57:35

57:35

Get up close and personal with one of our expert UK Column members, Dr Robert Evered. What is an Occupational Physician? Why should we listen to him? Can we trust any medical professional? Direct answers to direct questions. Let’s bring back common sense and logic. Read the write-up at: https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/common-sense-request-denied-wit…

201
First Minister apologises to charity over McMonagle scandal - but does the party have more questions to answer? 54:00

23h ago54:00

54:00

Stephen talks to an academic from University of Tehran - a year since October 7 attacksBy BBC Radio Ulster

1
Sue Gray is out: will this solve Labour’s problems? 23:46

1d ago23:46

23:46

It’s coming up to 100 days since Labour took power, but its honeymoon period was cut short by a flurry of negative headlines. Will getting rid of Starmer’s highest-paid aide help? Jessica Elgot reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Bonus: People Fixing the World 23:17

1d ago23:17

23:17

A bonus episode from the People Fixing the World podcast. Concerns are growing about the effects of smartphones on both adults and children, so we're looking at ways to reduce our dependence on these ubiquitous devices. Presenter Myra Anubi attempts to ditch her smartphone for a week, while she finds out about a fast-growing campaign in which local…

1
Can there be a peaceful solution in the Middle East? 20:34

1d ago20:34

20:34

It's one year on since Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel, which was followed by Israel's mission to eradicate the terror group in Gaza. In short, what followed was a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Iranian attacks on Israel, and Israel fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon. With the region yet to find a sustainable path away from conflict, on the Sky News Da…

1
UK Column News Podcast 7th October 2024 1:05:15

2d ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Brian Gerrish, Ben Rubin and Alex Thomson with today's UK Column News.If you would like to support our independent journalism, please join the community: https://community.ukcolumn.org/Sources: www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-7th-october-2024By UK Column

1
Gray Matter 34:11

2d ago34:11

34:11

How and why was Sue Gray ousted from Downing Street, and what does it tell us about Keir Starmer's government? Times columnists Patrick Maguire and Hadley Freeman join Hugo Rifkind to discuss the inside story of the reshuffle at No 10. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
One year on from the 7th October attacks on Israel by Hamas, William and guests discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict 55:19

2d ago55:19

55:19

What needs to happen in the Middle East to bring about a ceasefire and true peace?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
What does Sinn Féin's handling of McMonagle scandal say about the party? 1:18:40

2d ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Stephen also talks to the chair of the Safeguarding Board in Northern Ireland.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Bonus: The Conflict: Israel and Gaza one year on 27:22

2d ago27:22

27:22

Lyse Doucet reflects on some of the biggest moments from this conflict with BBC colleagues Jeremy Bowen, Anna Foster and Rushdi Abualouf, who have been reporting from around the region and they discuss what could happen next in the Middle East. for more search The Conflict wherever you get your BBC podcasts…

1
The cocaine kingpin’s wildest legacy: what can be done with Pablo Escobar’s marauding hippos? 34:00

2d ago34:00

34:00

The Colombian drug lord’s exotic menagerie fell apart after his death, and now wild hippos are breeding out of control. By Joshua Hammer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
7 October, one year on: a return to kibbutz Nir Oz 29:49

2d ago29:49

29:49

Bethan McKernan visits Nir Oz in southern Israel to talk to survivors about Hamas’s attack on 7 October last year, and to discuss what has happened to their kibbutz and the wider region since. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
US local news 2024: On the front page frontline 26:30

2d ago26:30

26:30

Gary O'Donoghue meets local newspaper editors in America to hear about the challenge of reporting during a divisive presidential election campaign. In Kansas, Gary visits Eric Meyer, the owner and editor of the Marion County Record. In August 2023 the paper’s offices, and the home of its 90-year-old owner, Eric’s mother Joan, were raided by the tow…

51
Archive: Secrets of the Sprakkar, with Eliza Reid 50:10

2d ago50:10

50:10

This discussion is a dip back into the extensive Intelligence Squared archive, first aired in early 2022. 'Sprakkar' is an ancient Icelandic word meaning extraordinary or outstanding women. It forms the basis of a book by Eliza Reid, author, co-founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat, and at the time of recording was also the nation's First Lady. Ro…

1
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Paul Johnson, Part Two 47:18

3d ago47:18

47:18

Paul Johnson is the economist who has set the terms of so much political debate over the past few decades in Britain. Having served as Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies since 2011, his expertise on matters of public spending and global economic trends have provided invaluable insight to the public and policymakers alike. Johnson’s column…

1
The Fifth Floor: Mollywood's MeToo 18:25

4d ago18:25

18:25

Rampant abuse and 'mafia' style intimidations: these are the conditions thousands of women working in one of India's film industries allegedly faced for years. Following a damning report into Kerala’s Malayalam-language movie scene, BBC India reporter Sumedha Pal has been talking to actors, directors and producers to understand what's going on, and…

1
BBC OS Conversations: My year in Gaza 23:10

4d ago23:10

23:10

On 7 October 2023, Hamas gunmen attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 more hostage. Israel responded with airstrikes and by sending troops into Gaza. The aim was to destroy Hamas’s military and governing capabilities and to secure the release of the hostages. The impact in Gaza has been devastating. Thousands of people have been kill…

1
USA 24: Vice Presidents, hurricanes, and war in the Middle East 31:11

5d ago31:11

31:11

With only a month to go until the US election, Sky’s dedicated team of correspondents goes on the road to gauge what voters in key swing states make of the choice for president. This week a series of unexpected events have been derailing the campaign. Iranian ballistic missiles poured into Israel, putting foreign policy at the top of the agenda at …

1
Boris Johnson, Chagos and 'Cash For Croissants' 28:07

5d ago28:07

28:07

Patrick Maguire is unpacking the politics of the day with Rachel Sylvester and Timandra Harkness. They discuss Boris Johnson's new memoir 'Unleashed', the government's decision to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and why businesses were asked for £30,000 for breakfast with the business secretary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

1
UK Column News Podcast 4th October 2024 1:01:27

5d ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Mike Robinson, Mark Anderson and Debi Evans with today's UK Column News.If you would like to support our independent journalism, please join the community: https://community.ukcolumn.org/Sources: www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-4th-october-2024By UK Column

1
Chief Constable dismisses Sinn Féin prejudice claim over ex-press officer McMonagle 1:18:37

5d ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Stephen also talks about Stormont increasing rates slightly to try and raise revenueBy BBC Radio Ulster

1
‘Like a cheese grater raking across my nipple’: why I kept trying to breastfeed for so long 28:27

5d ago28:27

28:27

My commitment to breastfeeding exclusively was related to shame. If I couldn’t do it, I felt I would be letting the baby down. By Niamh Campbell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Do Israel and Iran really want to go to war? 25:12

5d ago25:12

25:12

For years the two countries have been engaged in a shadow war. Why, and will it finally explode into a direct confrontation? Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Heart and Soul: Father Adamski 26:28

5d ago26:28

26:28

Peter Adamski seemed to have it all. At 19, he had met Kathy, the love of his life and the woman he would marry. In his 20s, he landed a prestigious job with the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, jetting around the world in first class for business meetings. He had a healthy baby boy, John, his wealth soared into the millions, and he owned th…

1
The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, with Paul Johnson, Part One 45:29

5d ago45:29

45:29

Paul Johnson is the economist who has set the terms of so much political debate over the past few decades in Britain. Having served as Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies since 2011, his expertise on matters of public spending and global economic trends have provided invaluable insight to the public and policymakers alike. Johnson’s column…

1
Israel's revenge, farewell Fraser, and the demise of invitations 37:02

7d ago37:02

37:02

This week: Israel’s revenge and Iran’s humiliation. As the anniversary of the October 7th attacks by Hamas approaches, the crisis in the Middle East has only widened. Israel has sent troops into southern Lebanon and there have been attempted missile strikes from the Houthi rebels in Yemen and from Iran. Is there any way the situation can de-escalat…

1
On the ground in Lebanon and Israel: What happens next? 20:51

6d ago20:51

20:51

With the Middle East on the edge of an all-out war, Sky News Daily takes a look at how the situation looks for civilians on the ground, and what could happen next. Niall Paterson is joined by special correspondent, Alex Crawford, who is on the ground in the old city of Tyre in the south of Lebanon. He also speaks to Deborah Haynes, our security and…

1
Starmer's Freebie-Geebies 34:09

6d ago34:09

34:09

Keir Starmer's decision to repay some of the hospitality and gifts he received since entering No. 10 has reignited the discussion about freebies in political life. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Janice Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…