Best UK News Podcasts (2024)

1
From Nobel peace prize to civil war: how Ethiopia’s leader beguiled the world 33:32

1h ago33:32

33:32

When Abiy Ahmed took power in Ethiopia, he was feted at home and abroad as a great unifier and reformer. Two years later, terrible violence was raging. How did people get him so wrong? By Tom Gardner. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
A week of escalation in the Middle East 26:31

12m ago26:31

26:31

Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, in the Iranian capital, Tehran, are we on the edge of a regional war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Is Telling a Life Story as Easy as ABC? with Sheila Heti 32:28

22m ago32:28

32:28

Sheila Heti is a writer from Toronto who has published 11 books since the early 2000s. Those include Motherhood, Pure Colour, and How Should A Person Be? That latter title was a breakout work mixing memoir with fiction and self-help in a quest to examine her own authenticity. Her latest book is Alphabetical Diaries – a slim, elegant volume that com…

1
How disinformation is fuelling the far right 19:43

2h ago19:43

19:43

A judge has made the "exceptional" decision to name the 17-year-old suspect charged with the murder of three girls in the Southport stabbing attack, in an attempt to prevent further misinformation about him being spreading online. Reporting restrictions around the identification of a minor left an information vacuum into which disinformation spread…

1
Mission Impossible: Smashing The Class Ceiling 48:12

1h ago48:12

48:12

Keir Starmer says he's running a 'mission-led government', and this week Adam Boulton is looking at all five of his missions. Today it's his plan to break down the barriers to opportunity and smash the 'class ceiling'. Will it work, and what is oracy? Plus: Columnists James Heale and Rachel Cunliffe discuss whether the PM can risk taking a holiday,…

1
PSNI All Ireland celebration - should police be able to celebrate with the community? Or is impartiality more important? 1:19:28

41m ago1:19:28

1:19:28

PSNI All Ireland celebration - should police be able to celebrate with the community? Or is impartiality more important?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Keir Starmer’s plan to soften Brexit 41:56

1h ago41:56

41:56

This week: Keir Starmer’s plan to soften Brexit Katy Balls writes this week’s cover piece on Labour’s plans to establish close ties with the EU. Every member of Starmer’s cabinet voted Remain, and the government is trying to ‘reset EU relations through a charm offensive’. Brussels figures are hopeful: ‘There was no real goodwill for the Conservativ…

1
Gutsy Women- Exploring Fornethy With Natasha McCallum 49:18

37m ago49:18

49:18

Gutsy Natasha McCallum discusses her urban exploration of derelict Fornethy House, scene of the abuse of young Scottish girls over many years. Read the write-up at: https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/gutsy-women-exploring-fornethy-with-natasha-mccallumBy UK Column

1
How Southport’s horror and grief was hijacked by the far right 32:25

18m ago32:25

32:25

After the killing of three little girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, the town was in mourning. But after rumours and disinformation flooded social media a riot broke out. Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
BONUS: World Book Club - Edna O'Brien 26:32

30m ago26:32

26:32

Following the death of the acclaimed Irish author Edna O’Brien, who died aged 93 in July 2024, a bonus edition of World Book Club which was first published in 2008. Edna O’Brien was born in rural County Clare in 1930, and found her education by nuns suffocating. She moved to Dublin, and subsequently spent much of her life in London. The Country Gir…

1
Huw Edwards guilty: What questions now for the BBC? 16:00

1h ago16:00

16:00

Former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty to charges of making indecent images of children. The court heard Edwards had been involved in an online chat with an adult man on WhatsApp between December 2020 and April 2022, while he was still presenting on the BBC. On the Sky News Daily, host Liz Bates is joined by Sky correspondent Henry Va…

1
Mission Impossible: Keir, Crime Fighter? 48:59

1h ago48:59

48:59

Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government, today it's his plan to 'take back our streets'. Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Robert Crampton discuss how misinformation contributed to the Southport protests, who is to blame for misuse of social media, and why soap operas make us more tolerant. Host…

1
Pride at a historic night for Northern Irish Olympians 1:18:46

1d ago1:18:46

1:18:46

Until Tuesday, only three people from Northern Ireland had ever won gold.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
UK Column News Podcast 31st July 2024 1:02:03

8m ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Mike Robinson, Vanessa Beeley and Charles Malet with today's UK Column News.Katie-Jo Murfin joins for UK Column ExtraIf you would like to support our independent journalism, please join the community: https://community.ukcolumn.org/Sources: www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-31st-july-2024By UK Column

1
From the archive: From Game of Thrones to The Crown: the woman who turns actors into stars 41:26

2d ago41:26

41:26

We are raiding the Guardian Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2018: Nina Gold’s role is invisible, and yet her taste has shaped much of what we watch on film and TV. By Sophie Elmhirst. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
Rachel Reeves and the £22bn black hole 25:48

27m ago25:48

25:48

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has claimed that a £22bn shortfall in the public finances was “covered up” by the Conservative government. Larry Elliott reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Bonus: The Global Story - Divorce 24:36

1h ago24:36

24:36

In a bonus episode of The Global Story podcast - Divorce: The art of breaking up. The Global Story brings you one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world. Insights you can trust, from the BBC World Service. For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you get you…

1
CHANEL Connects - The Sparring Partners: William Kentridge and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev 35:13

2d ago35:13

35:13

This episode is brought to you by CHANEL. CHANEL Connects – the acclaimed arts and culture podcast – is back for its fourth season, with nine episodes featuring the artists, curators and thinkers shaping culture today. If you enjoy the episode, you can hear much more from the new season, just search CHANEL Connects now on your preferred streaming p…

1
Southport stabbings: What's the help for the people who helped? 21:51

33m ago21:51

21:51

On this episode, Liz Bates talks about the impact of the stabbings in Southport which killed three children at a summer holiday dance class. We hear Sky News' interview with Joel Verite, who came face to face with the alleged attacker. Liz talks to Gary Hayes, a former police officer who now helps emergency crews who have PTSD. Plus, correspondent …

1
Mission Impossible: Energy Superpower 42:13

1h ago42:13

42:13

Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government. Today it's his plan to turn Britain into a “clean energy superpower”. And after the launch of the government-owned GB Energy, we hear about the battle to host its headquarters. Plus: Columnists Tim Montgomerie and Anne McElvoy discuss the Labour-Conservat…

1
Irrefutable Evidence With John Beaudoin—Part 2 1:19:35

1h ago1:19:35

1:19:35

Debi Evans and Cheryl Grainger join John Beaudoin for Part 2 of ‘Irrefutable Evidence’. How do you get access to 1.4 million unredacted death certificates? You just have to ask for them! This is what engineer John Beaudoin Sr did, and since then he has been analysing the data, cross-referencing it with VAERS data on Covid injection adverse effects,…

1
The Chancellor makes announcements on pay deals & changes to winter fuel allowance – how will it impact NI? 1:19:36

1h ago1:19:36

1:19:36

The Chancellor makes announcements on pay deals & changes to winter fuel allowance – how will it impact NI? Also, Bob Ballard, the veteran Olympics commentator, loses his job after alleged 'sexist remark.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
The sisters Saudi Arabia tried to silence 35:49

3d ago35:49

35:49

Three siblings dared to challenge the kingdom’s restrictive rules for women – and it changed their lives for ever. Tom Levitt reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Bonus: HARDtalk - The Whistleblowers 23:32

22m ago23:32

23:32

In a special edition of HARDtalk Stephen Sackur looks back at some of the guests who have risked their personal freedom to disclose secret information. What motivates these whistleblowers? This is a bonus episode from HARDtalk, a show that brings you in-depth, hard-hitting interviews with newsworthy personalities. For more episodes search for HARDt…

1
Is there really no money left? 17:57

3h ago17:57

17:57

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she's discovered a "£20bn black hole" in the public finances left by the previous government. In the Commons, she set out her plans to address the funding shortfall through spending cuts, as shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt accused Labour of using the statement to lay the groundwork for a U-turn on tax rises in the Octobe…

1
Mission Impossible: Go For Growth 49:10

3d ago49:10

49:10

As Rachel Reeves addresses the nation with a warning about a £20 billion black hole in the public coffers, Adam Boulton is checking on the progress of Keir Starmer's five missions for the country, starting with the first: getting the highest economic growth in the G7. Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Matthew Syed discuss whether Labour is alre…

1
UK Column News Podcast 29th July 2024 1:06:55

1h ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Brian Gerrish, Ben Rubin and Prof. Diane Rasmussen McAdie 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-29th-july-2024By UK Column

1
Jubilation for Armagh fans as the men’s senior football side triumph in All-Ireland final 1:19:35

2h ago1:19:35

1:19:35

Armagh win the All Ireland football final for the first time in 22 years. It couldn't have been any tighter after they beat Galway by one point. It's only the second time in their history that they have won the Sam Maguire. But not everyone is happy, some unionists have criticised the police for appearing to take part in celebrations following Arma…

1
Chortle chortle, scribble scribble: inside the Old Bailey with Britain’s last court reporters 36:21

11m ago36:21

36:21

The cases heard at the Old Bailey offer a vivid, often grim portrait of England and Wales today. What happens when there is no one left to tell these stories? By Sophie Elmhirst. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Why Spain wants tourists to go home 27:11

34m ago27:11

27:11

For decades, Spain has been the destination of choice for Brits desperate for sun, sea and sand. But now there is a growing backlash against tourism. What went wrong? Sam Jones reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
In the Studio: Willard Wigan 26:29

3d ago26:29

26:29

Dr Willard Wigan MBE creates the smallest handmade sculptures in the world. He uses high powered microscopes and custom-made tools formed from shards of diamond, hypodermic needles, and paintbrushes made from eyelashes. Willard’s talent and determination propelled him to international acclaim. His work sells for six-figure sums, and he has exhibite…

1
A Story of Fine Art, Friendship and Fraud, with Orlando Whitfield 27:51

2d ago27:51

27:51

Orlando Whitfield started his career as a dealer in the feverish global art market but left it disillusioned and burnt-out a decade later. Today he works as a writer and his recent book is All That Glitters, a memoir that explores his experience as an associate of Inigo Philbrick, an ambitious art market player who in 2022 was sentenced to seven ye…

1
Former FBI Director James Comey on Trump, his new Crime Thriller and The Politics of Justice 1:19:01

1d ago1:19:01

1:19:01

James Comey is the former FBI Director turned crime novelist who has spent a career fighting organised crime and hostile threats to American democracy. In 2016 as head of the FBI, he reopened a previously closed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails from her time as Secretary of State, which is still a divisive moment that many say helped def…

1
Las Patronas 26:29

23m ago26:29

26:29

We visit the Las Patronas women 30 years on from when the young Romero Vazquez sisters first threw a loaf of bread onto the infamously dangerous La Bestia train. A train meant only for cargo, but which has become a dangerous mode of transport for more than 400,000 migrants every year. It begins from near the border of Guatemala, and along its 2000 …

1
The Fifth Floor: Make-up and rebellion 27:48

3d ago27:48

27:48

In countries like Somalia and Iran, where women are largely expected to present themselves with modesty, what role can make-up play? Bella Hassan of BBC Focus on Africa is from Somalia and Mina Joshaghani of BBC Persian is from Iran. They tell us about how make-up functions in a conservative society. Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean. (…

1
BBC OS Conversations: Supporters of Kamala Harris 23:09

1h ago23:09

23:09

Could a woman of colour be the next president of the United States? That is what much of America has been asking this week and it is at the heart of our conversations. Race remains a major political and social issue in the US and there is plenty of discussion about Ms Harris’s background as a black and Asian-American woman. We bring together three …

1
Are the Paris Olympics safe? 17:14

1h ago17:14

17:14

As Paris prepares for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, arsonists have targeted France's high-speed rail network causing travel chaos. The French government has mobilised its intelligence and security services in response to the "malicious acts", but questions are being raised over the preparedness for the games, and if a heavy securi…

1
UK Column News Podcast 26th July 2024 1:02:38

1h ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Mike Robinson, Mark Anderson, Debi Evans and Cheryl Grainger 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-26th-july-2024By UK Column

1
The Impressionists Are Back 51:23

4d ago51:23

51:23

It's Matt's last appearance on the podcast, and he's assembled comedians Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod and Nerine Skinner to give us their best political impressions - including the Tories in the running to lead the party. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss the Olympics, Strictly, and we find out whether Matt really has been bull…

1
Dispute over proposed new site for Irish language school in east Belfast 1:18:43

2h ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Irish language school in East Belfast prompts debate, Just Stop Oil activists handed sentences for non violent protests and All-Ireland fever grips Armagh.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
‘I’m good, I promise’: the loneliness of the low-ranking tennis player 25:18

1h ago25:18

25:18

I was once Ireland’s No 1 player, and tried for years to climb the global ranks. But life at the bottom of the top can be brutal. By Conor Niland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
The mother who forgave her daughters’ killer – but not the police 37:58

8h ago37:58

37:58

Mina Smallman’s world fell apart after the murder of her two daughters. Then came a shocking revelation about the police’s behaviour. She explains how she found the strength to fight back. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Heart and Soul: America’s Atheist Street Pirates 26:29

1h ago26:29

26:29

On a busy street in Los Angeles a group of people in yellow vests are holding a ladder against a lamppost. Up the ladder, 34-year-old Evan Clark is ripping down a sign that is nailed to the post. It reads “Jesus: The way, the truth, the life”. These are members of the Atheist Street Pirates, local activists who track and remove religious signs affi…

1
Generation One: The Climate Podcast | Brought to you by UCL 34:17

38m ago34:17

34:17

This is an episode of Generation One: The Climate Podcast, brought to you by UCL. Generation One is a collective of people committed to a new era of positive climate action. By turning science and ideas into action, they are working towards creating a positive, fair and progressive future. For us and for the generations to come. Hosts Professor Mar…

1
Stamping video: What justifies police officers using force? 21:13

37m ago21:13

21:13

A police officer has been suspended after a video showed a suspect being kicked in the head and stamped on at Manchester Airport. The police watchdog has started an investigation into the level of force apparently used by the officer. On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to our north of England correspondent Shingi Mararike and to former officer …

1
The curious rise of Kamala Harris 47:51

7d ago47:51

47:51

This week: Kamala takes charge. Our cover piece discusses the rise of Kamala Harris, who has only one man standing in her way to the most powerful position in the world. Her's is certainly an unexpected ascent, given Harris’ generally poor public-speaking performances and mixed bag of radical left and right-wing politics. Does she really have what …

1
The Tory Olympics 48:55

5d ago48:55

48:55

The starting gun has been fired and Conservative MPs have begun entering the race to become next leader of the party. Who will make it to the finish line? Matt speaks to supporters of some of the candidates, and hears advice from two Olympians-turned-politicians on how to go the distance. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell ask how the T…

1
Do we need to end the two child limit for universal credit and tax credits? 37:28

1h ago37:28

37:28

William Crawley is joined by guests Goretti Horgan, Peter Bryson and Matthew Robinson.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Poisoned Chalice—Part 2- Do You Know What Is Coming Out Of Your Tap? 1:08:44

41m ago1:08:44

1:08:44

How close is the UK Government to adding fluoride to water in England? What can you do to prevent it? Can you be sure what is coming out of your tap is safe to drink, and if not what measures can you take to protect your family? Read the write-up at: https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/poisoned-chalice-part-2-do-you-know-what-is-coming-out-of-your-tap…

1
West Belfast homeless centre forced to close after car rammed into building and threatening graffiti 1:18:56

3h ago1:18:56

1:18:56

West Belfast homeless centre forced to close after car rammed into building and threatening graffiti appeared. Stephen and the team get to the heart of the issue.By BBC Radio Ulster

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