The News Agents (Global)

Mark Zuckerberg launched his new platform, Threads, this week. It's designed to knock Twitter - owned Elon Musk - off of its perch.

This story is a parable of our age. Men of unbelievable wealth and unbelievable power locking battle. Whoever wins, if anyone wins, it will have reverberations on our culture, on our politics, on the tapestry of our lives.

And Lewis also talks to the SNP leader for Westminster, Stephen Flynn MP, about his political make-up.

In less than a week America will head to the polls for the midterms - the first national elections of the Biden presidency since the January 6th insurrection.

Biden has told Americans that democracy is on the ballot - with hundreds of Republican candidates refusing to say whether they’ll accept the election outcome next week. Many more within the GOP continue to accept and propagate ‘The Big Lie’- that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump.

And yet the Republican Party is rising, not falling in the polls in the final week. Have Democrats misjudged this campaign’s message? And what will it mean for the Biden presidency if he loses one or both chambers of Congress?

Emily and Lewis will also discuss dire warnings about the economy from the Bank of England and the prospect of a recession which lasts until 2024.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

After a long battle against the tabloids, Prince Harry has won an 8 figure settlement from Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers. For the first time, a lengthy apology admits the paper group used unlawful activities at The Sun, and hired private investigators to get their stories. Will anyone be held responsible?

Later, President Trump dials into Davos. What is the rest of Europe thinking? Can he really end the war in Ukraine? And will he ever get a Noble Peace Prize?

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

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

British politics has been dominated by race this week. The big picture is that certain ideas which would once have been unsayable are now commonplace within the Conservative Party.

Sayeeda Warsi was at the centre of the Cameron modernisation project, where he sought to bring ethnic minorities into the tent. Now she’s in the wilderness and gives us a perspective of the changes which have taken place in her party. Among other things she calls some Tory ministers “arsonists” who seek to divide and that Michael Gove should be “nowhere near” communities and extremism policy.

And the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to resign or be replaced by elections as he is a “block” on the peace process. Will Biden be next to call for Israeli elections? Jon was bored at home so made a rare Friday appearance

Editor: Tom Hughes

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Production: Rory Symon and Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

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

The government is running out of chances to change the course of politics.

Today’s Autumn Statement was one of them. It was billed by PM Rishi Sunak and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, as a tax-cutting budget, a reward for the tough economic decisions they’d taken earlier.

But have they really cut your taxes? And is the economic situation really much improved since they told us there was no room for cutting taxes?

Forget the spin, this is what the Autumn Statement really told us about where our economy and politics is going next.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Childcare in Britain is broken and yet it is almost never talked about. Why? In this episode, Lewis dissects why Labour thinks this could be the key to a majority at the next election and why in 21st century Britain having children is fast becoming a luxury item.

We talk you through how the system has become so expensive and the fact that families increasingly find themselves wondering whether it’s worth both parents staying in work - or worth even having children at all. 

We also bring you up to date with the ongoing set of scandals engulfing sexual crimes and the Metropolitan Police and- horrifyingly- whether there may be even more to come. 

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Germany's hard right party the ADF have made astonishing gains in two regions of the country - the first time the hard right has seen substantial electoral gains since the Nazi era. What is propelling the rise? And what do the governing coalition parties do to combat them.

Later, we sit down with Nadhim Zahawi - former chancellor, and former child refugee to talk about his party's rhetoric on immigration. And why he owed the treasury 5 million pounds of unpaid tax.

Also, excitingly, there's a competition to win an special prize to come into the studio and watch the News Agents in person. All you need to do to enter is pre-order a copy of Jon's book from the link below.

https://www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw

Andy you can now buy your own News Agents merch in our online store

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Twenty four hours after a jury cleared sergeant Martyn Blake of all charges relating to the murder of Chris Kaba, the questions have only intensified.

Why did this case ever come to court? What did the CPS know that made them think he’d be found guilty? And how does Chris Kaba’s family now respond to the not guilty verdict?

At the heart of this story is a question of trust that has fallen apart - between the police and the public. Between the senior management and the rank and file and between whether we believe the wheels of justice are driven by evidence or public perception. We speak to a leading investigative journalist, a former director of the CPS, and a Gold firearmers commander in the Met.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge 

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents 

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

And you can grab your News Agents merch, including t-shirts, hoodies and water bottles at the link below.

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

What were three spies living in Great Yarmouth and Harrow doing in the UK? Today it was revealed that three Bulgarian nationals were arrested in February and they've been in custody since - they were apparently working for Russian security services. They're awaiting trial but yet to enter any pleas.

They'd been in the country for years, even baking cakes for their neighbours. So what were they up to? And how common is it for Russian spies to be hanging around in Britain? Jon asks former head of the MI6 Russia desk, Christopher Steele.

And exactly two years on from the Taliban taking back power in Afghanistan, we talk to journalist Yalda Hakim about the conflict and discuss her work to get Afghan women back into education.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Gary Lineker tells us about the burger he shared with David Beckham in a hotel bar in Zurich the night before England was knocked out of the bid to host the 2018 Football world cup.

What happened next, he says, was unbelievable. Qatar - against virtually every single odd - was chosen to host the 2022 tournament. The REST, as they say IS HISTORY. Fast forward 12 years and Gary speaks of his responsibility to tell it like it is when he's out there - even if it annoys his Qatari hosts. We talk gay rights, UK gov response, Elon Musk and yes, even a bit of football.

Alicia Kearns, the new Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, joins us in the second half to talk about the importance of taking a burner phone to the World Cup. And she gives her thoughts on the controversial reinstatement of current Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

And Lewis brings us up to date with the Brazilian eletion result - a knife edge result that sees the 'Trump of the Tropics' removed from power.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

As Israel and Hamas exchange hostages for prisoners, the worst riots in decades break out on the streets of Dublin (at the egging on of one Conor McGregor) and a far-right, anti-Islam populist wins in the socially liberal, deeply pro-EU Netherlands - what's happened in the world after a fortnight of all-consuming British political psychodrama.

Lewis talks to Secunder Kermani, Channel 4's Foreign Correspondent who's spent most of the last 2 months on the ground Israel, POLITICO EU's Dutch reporter Pieter Haeck and Virgin Media News Correspondent Richard Chambers.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: 

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

The disastrous "mini budget" of Liz Truss' short time in Downing Street will go down in history. But did she really consider stopping the NHS treating cancer patients in a bid to find the savings to clean up the fallout?

Jon and Lewis speak to political biographer, Sir Anthony Seldon, about the dramatic 49 days of the shortest serving British Prime Minister.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Within minutes of the Supreme Court ruling - that the government’s Rwanda scheme was ’unlawful’.

Deputy chairman Lee Anderson was out of the traps saying ministers should ‘go ahead and put planes in the air to Rwanda anyway’. He has a way with words.

But 50 other Tory colleagues weren’t that far off the sentiment, urging Rishi to change UK immigration law to make it work. The government was warned - by the Lords - a year ago the whole scheme would be found unlawful. But perhaps this was never about Rwanda or policy, but about party confidence in the PM.

Where is he now? Why isn't the party talking about the drop of inflation on a day of good economic news? And does the new Home Secretary think the Rwanda plan was batshit?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

For the first time ever, voter ID will be required at the polling stations next week for the May local council elections in England.

It may not seem like a big ask - many countries in Europe already demand it. Yet it's triggering alarm bells.

Why has the government introduced a solution to a problem (voter fraud) that didn't exist? Why has it restricted the kinds of ID you're allowed to bring? And why has it refused to accept the advice - even from senior Conservatives - saying the changes could lead to massive disenfranchisement and disillusionment with the democratic system.

We'll be talking about how to vote, and what these elections could tell us about the political winds.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The Sports Agents...

Imagine flying on EasyJet and seeing the men's team on private jets. That's one of the many gaps the England women's team experienced before Baroness Sue Campbell stepped in and five years later, the women won the Euros. One of the greatest trailblazers in UK sport joins us for International Women's Day (02:15).

After Emma Raducanu spoke out about crying when she saw her stalker at a match, we found out what it's like to have a stalker with former GB middle distance runner Sabrina Sinha (08:45).

Did you know North Korea show the Premier League? They do it in a very strange way, as Martyn Williams from 38 North, a US-based think-tank analysing North Korea, explained. (15:30)

And we've just turned one! We celebrate our first anniversary by picking our favourite moments from the last year. (20:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rishi Sunak accused Keir Starmer of planning to put people's taxes up by £2,000 if he got into power - sums he said had been independently verified. This morning we learned they werent, after a top civil servant put the record straight.

Labour are calling the PM a liar (he repeated his claim 11 times), but the Tories are standing by their figure - and say all's fair in love and campaign war.

We discuss what TV debates do for viewers' understanding of policy, and find out what voters in Leigh took away from the TV clash. Later, Richard Holden, the actual Tory chairman, seems to be vacating one seat and parachuting himself into a safer one down south. His colleagues are up in arms.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

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

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

Sir Tony Blair speaks exclusively with The News Agents.

He has words that may surprise Matt Hancock and Liz Truss, and a gentle message for Keir Starmer to go further.

He talks about gesture politics over the banning of Qatar state advertising - and he tells us he thinks he's kissed at least one Tory.

Watch the full interview with Tony Blair exclusively on Global Player.

https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSYUgsZkC/?category=the-news-agents/

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Production: Sophie Snelling & Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

Fiona Hill is one of the most powerful British people of the 21st century but the chances are you haven’t even heard of her.

She’s advised three presidents of the United States on foreign policy, especially on Putin’s Russia.

She gave evidence at Trump’s first impeachment. at this time of international chaos, of an America which feels inside and out, on the edge, there could be no better time to talk to this woman with a unique perch on American power, British decline, and how in the end, all roads lead back to the Kremlin.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says he is a "place first" not a "policy first" politician.

In a week where the Greater Manchester Police have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Lewis travels to Manchester to meet the Mayor and ask him whether he has confidence in the force.

In today's The News Agents, we talk about his relationship with Keir Starmer and the central Labour party, the potential Qatari takeover of Manchester United and the Mayor's political ambitions going forward.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior producer: Gabriel Radus

Field producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video producer: Will Gibson Smith

Social media editor: Georgia Foxwell

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Keir Starmer has made his first major speech as Prime Minister and he had an uplifting message for the public: things can only get worse.

Jon and Lewis, firmly ensconced back in News Agents HQ analyse what the PM is up to and ask whether British politics can really sustain another project built on pessimism.

They also discuss rumoured changes of the Labour Party’s leadership rules (if that doesn’t make you click, what will?) and Oasis’ imminemt return to the stage.

Jon, predictably, swears from the start.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

After weeks of rising tension and violence across the country, we take a deep dive inside the mind of the far right.

Lewis speaks to a former friend of Tommy Robinson - the man who made him go viral. What made him turn his back on their ideology? And what is the future of the far right in the UK?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

The National Grid has warned that British households could face power blackouts this winter, if the energy crisis exacerbates. But Liz Truss' government has ruled out any energy conservation campaign. Why?

And it's been a hectic few weeks at the major party conferences, but what do the voters really think of the state of politics? Lewis went to a focus group in Swindon to ask what they make of Liz Truss and her opposite number Keir Starmer.

Polly Billington, former Special Advisor to Ed Miliband, and Luke Tryl, former special advisor to ex-Conservative minister Nicky Morgan, and current director of public opinion research agency More in Common are with him to dissect the results.

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Today saw one of the biggest political U-turns in the UK for decades. The new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt appeared on our TV screens announcing a raft of economic changes. Liz Truss, our Prime Minister, was nowhere to be seen.

We ask four questions today:

1) What just happened?

2) Why has the Government done it?

3) What does it mean for you, the listener?

4) And what does it mean for Truss and the chances of premiership?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Vision Mixer: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Social Editor: Ollie McGrath

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Gary Lineker has responded to the furore surrounding his tweet on the government's asylum policy with the promise to 'keep speaking for those with no voice'.

It's being reported on the BBC News website - whist - we understand - the BBC is currently trying to give Lineker 'a frank talking to' for breaking impartiality rules.

How do the BBC rules on impartiality work? We speak here from a little experience... And can Suella Braverman defend her language - and her policy more generally - to the country?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Donald Trump was indicted for a third time this week and a fourth is on the way. He emerged from a DC courthouse this week actually inviting more - he thinks it's helping him, feeding into a long-established persecution complex which he feels will been a key asset in his bid to be re-elected.

In this episode, we ask a simple question: is he right? And is he right everywhere? If it is helping him secure the Republican nomination, will all this actually end up hurting his chances of obtaining the thing he truly craves - the presidency itself?

And in the latest of our extended political conversations Lewis talks to Labour peer and refugee champion Lord Alf Dubbs about a political life which stretches back to Clement Attlee and Nazi-occupied Prague.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Suella Braverman is in trouble- again. It's almost like she invites it. 

This time she's written a piece for The Times which is being slammed as inflammatory.

She's compared the Gaza protests with The Troubles and suggested the police treat right-wing and left-wing protests by different standards, and strongly suggests this Saturday's should be banned.

She has called into question a very old principle, that of police independence from the government. To make it worse, it appears No.10 asked for changes to The Times piece, only for them to be ignored by Braverman's team.

On today's show, is Sunak finally about to sack his Home Secretary, and if not, why not?

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Jack McKay & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

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 Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

https://linktr.ee/thenewsagents

The News Agents now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents

In an extended interview, Lewis Goodall speaks with the former speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

They discuss his difficult relationships with various Tory PMs (Cameron, May and Johnson), his switch from the far-right to the centre left, the bullying allegations that ended his political career. Plus, the TV show Traitors. He's in the next series.

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

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: 

https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

Is America prepared to elect a president found to have sexually abused a woman in a department store?

A New York civil court took just three hours to find Trump liable for abuse and defamation although it cleared him of rape.

The response to the verdict has been achingly familiar. Senior Republicans calling the case a witch hunt and the jury "a joke".

Trump probably isn’t the first sex abuser to have held high office. But he’s the first to have been found to have done so by a US jury. He's going to appeal the decision but if his own party are willing to tolerate it and denigrate the rule of law anyway - what does that tell us about America?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Lancashire Police have come under-fire for the revelations they made overnight about the missing mother Nicola Bulley who's not been seen for nearly three weeks. Why did they say so much - after weeks of near silence?

And how damaging has that been to trust in the police?

And we look at another communications disaster in the making - a train derailment in Ohio is threatening environmental catastrophe. Yet the authorities are accused of a cover up - and conspiracy theories are starting to flourish.....

You can watch our episodes in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

We were about to publish this episode... and then the Home Secretary resigned. It came amidst a backdrop of a day in which an embattled prime minister had to face a series of tough questions from members of her own party, and the party opposite, at Prime Minister's Questions.

The chaos in British politics continues.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Ollie McGrath

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Donald Trump has been indicted. Again.

But this is the most serious of the lot - a series of conspiracies against the republic itself and an attempt to subvert an election. Emily and Lewis talk what it means for America, Trump and 2024.

Jon got bored on holiday and couldn’t resist popping up either.

We speak to Trump's former Deputy Press Secretary, Hogan Gidley.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson Smith

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Keir Starmer has admitted the Labour party will 'move on' from his original commitment to abandon tuition fees.

What does that mean? Is there a solution to what is essentially a bad graduate tax? And why should we believe pledges that keep on getting torn up?

Also, as Princess Anne unironically endorses the current size of the monarchy, we ask how we feel about the Coronation and the pledge of allegiance to our King.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The week on The Sports Agents...

Gabby and Mark Pougatch play darts with the world's best, teenage superstar Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries (3:49).

Do they act like rivals or friends? How's it been for Littler becoming famous so young and so quickly? And what darts tips can they give us?

Lawyer to the likes of David Beckham and Alex Ferguson, Nick Freeman, aka 'Mr Loophole', joined us (11:01) to tell some entertaining stories from court and discuss whether high-profile stars have it easier than others.

Liverpool could lose their star player Mo Salah in the summer, as well as captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. We ask Paul Machin, founder of The Redmen TV, if alarm bells are ringing and what price the club should pay to keep them (16:59).

And Mark's favourite golfer, Bryson DeChambeau, hits a hole in one... over a house! Could this set off a new trend in golf and beyond? (21:08)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

America's First Lady has just flown in for the King's coronation - without her husband the President. Donald Trump calls it 'disgraceful'.

But today on The News Agents we get reaction from the Ambassador herself.

Why are Americans so obsessed with our monarchy? Is Biden too old to run again?What mistakes have been made within the special relationship? And what is her favourite British swear word?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Donald Trump has blamed Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's rhetoric for the latest assassination attempt, calling them 'Marxist communists'. So how is the rhetoric changing in American politics? And is political violence on the edge of tipping over again?

Later, Keir Starmer is cosying up to Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. And Jon asks about those donations for the Prime Minister's wife's clothes.

Tickets to see the News Agents Live on Stage at the Royal Albert Hall go on sale this Friday, September 20th. They will be available via Global Player at the link below.

https://articles.globalplayer.com/2GXq4afyiJDx1xqP7ZMiP9ZVkWQ

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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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:

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A second minister in two weeks faces serious allegations of bullying. Are our corridors of power a breeding ground for bullyboy behaviour? We speak to Liz Bates, political correspondent at Sky News, who has delved deep into the alleged toxic culture that appears endemic in Westminster.

And we're joined by the former Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, George Eustice, who stood up in the House of Commons yesterday to brandish a trade deal he endorsed last year when he was in government 'a not very good deal'. He still says Brexit has gone well.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

William Wragg, the MP who found himself blackmailed by a person to whom he'd sent explicit photographs - last night resigned the Conservative party whip.

It means Sunak has lost another MP - Wragg will quit parliament anyway after the next election. He was the victim of a honeytrap which lured him into believing the messages he was receiving from a stranger.

But he was also unwise enough to share colleagues contact details when pressured by his blackmailer. Today we go back to the origins of the honeytrap story with the Politico journalist who broke the story, Aggie Chambre.

Later we look at Sunak's relationship with the voter - as revealed in this morning's LBC interview with various callers. What does it tell us about his campaigning strategy?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

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Keir Starmer was asked live on LBC how far he'd be prepared to see Israel go in response to Hamas.

Would he support a blockade? A siege of Gaza? And that's where the questions get tough. Israel has the world's sympathies right now - but no one wants to see this escalated into an existential middle east war. Who is prepared to say so?

And later, we talk about the new BBC drama about Jimmy Savile and "hiding in plain sight" with Meirion Jones, the journalist who first tried to tell the world Jimmy Savile was a monster.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Charlie Clinton

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The incoming chair of the BBC, Samir Shah, has suggested that Gary Lineker may have breached BBC guidelines with his 'ad hominem attacks' on two Conservative MPs.

It was only two months ago that the BBC drew up its new social media guidelines - Do they make sense? Does Lineker care? And how much is the corporation responding to pressure from the right wing papers? Later - Mark Drakeford is stepping down as Wales First Minister - and is Rishi out of trouble now after winning last night's Rwanda vote?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

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It's manifesto week - Lib Dems announce theirs on Monday. Tories Tuesday. And Labour Thursday.

But the cloud of Sunak's speedy D Day departure still hangs over him. Will this be terminal for Sunak?

Later Lewis is in Leigh with North West voters there.

And we have a QUIZ for you. Stay to the end.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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Emily, Jon and Lewis review 2022; at home and abroad. They talk Ukraine, Partygate, and having a fresh start. Part 2 out next week!

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

You can watch our interviews in full at https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

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Prime minister Liz Truss closed her conference with a speech about things she hated. These included people from north London townhouses who taxi to the BBC, tweet and go on podcasts. So Jon - who is all of these - is feeling slightly wounded.

She coined a new phrase for her collective dislikes, “the anti growth coalition“ - a phrase that rather reminded us of Donald Trump's old playlist,“enemies of the people". As she talked, protests from Greenpeace tried to disrupt the speech - but may actually have given her more purpose.

We look at the ideology behind the speech, whether it can unite the country and save her own political fortunes.

And we talk to Mark Littlewood, the head of free market think tank IEA, and yes - we do ask him who funds them.

Production: Ellie Clifford

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

What should the government do if the Supreme Court calls their policy unlawful? Simples. Just change the law.

It’s not the Christmas cracker joke answer for some in the Conservative Party who are actively trying to get the PM to do just that. Today, a former Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, spells out the damage that would do.

Later, we ask what the decapitation of Sam Altman at the top of OpenAI tells us. Was he going too fast towards an unregulated AI world? And is it too late to put the genie back in the bottle, if so?

And... MAGA. Argentine style.

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

This week on The Sports Agents...

It's Grand National weekend! ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin was among our guests, as Gabby & Mark explored how viable a more 'ethically-conscious' version of the sport is, when it relies so heavily on gambling? (02:04)

Former World Champion sprinter Darren Campbell is involved in the development a new 'Super Track' that promises to help athletes break Usain Bolt's 9:58-second 100m record. Darren joined us in the studio to explain. (06:00)

After Chelsea sold their own women's team - to themselves - to avoid punishment for breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules, Miguel Delaney (The Independent) helped explain why the loophole was just the tip of the iceberg. (11:00)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

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:

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It was only 8 years ago that Mark Zuckerberg found himself apologising for misinformation posted and shared by the Facebook algorithm, acknowledging the harm and damage it was capable of causing, and putting forward the steps to rectify it. But eight years is a long time. Particularly when you have faced threats of imprisonment from the incoming administration. And yesterday, the CEO went full MAGA and decided that following Donald Trump's election it was time to scrap the fact check operation - that will save them huge amounts of money - and allow for a similar process of 'content moderation' to the kind Elon Musk is happy to use on X. Did the damascene conversion come as a result of those threats? 'Probably, yes'. Trump agreed. So has Facebook given up on Fact? And who will be the next tech giant to cave to Donald Trump?

Later, we speak to Wes Streeting about election interference and why he thinks Tommy Robinson is now providing a template for some Tory MPs.

Tickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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Sir Paul Marshall is a Tory donor, hedge fund millionaire, co-owner of GB News and - according to his anonymous Twitter account - amplifier of far right conspiracy theories and extremist views on the Great Replacement Theory.

In today’s episode, Hope Not Hate has worked with The News Agents to ask why a front runner bidding to buy the Telegraph has been engaging with anti Muslim statements by Britain First - and has - since we first approached him - deleted hundreds of likes and retweets from his now empty account.

Sir Paul has said they are not aligned with his views and represent 'a small proportion’ of his social media posts. Will the government find him a fit and proper person to own media in the UK?

Later, chaos in the Commons. What did last night’s ruckus really mean? Will the Speaker survive? Are our MPs safe ?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

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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/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalist: Michael Baggs

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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This week on The Sports Agents,

As we enjoy a brief post-Olympic break, we paused to reflect on an unforgettable summer of sport...

From England's run to the final of the Euros in Berlin, to all of Team GB's success in Paris and so much sporting drama in between - The Sports Agents have been there for all of it.

Plus, before leaving France, Gabby & Mark sat down to wade through all of your questions on everything from the rivalry between broadcasters, which sport they'd compete in at LA 2028 and how to stop a new Premier League season from casting a shadow over all the other sport we've fallen in love with at The Olympic Games.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Vladimir Putin’s “Results of the Year “ was a marathon televised chat show where for 4+ hours he answered none of the questions the Russian public desperately wished they could ask.

“When will the war end? When are our soldiers coming home? Are you as ill as the rumours suggest? Why is the Russia on TV not the real Russia?"

Today we ask if Putin’s buoyant mood suggests he thinks he’s about to win the Ukraine war.

We talk to those from the Bush and Obama administration who know all about Putin's methods well and ask if América is going to give up on Ukraine.

Later we discuss disgraced Scott Benton - the Blackpool South MP who could be out of a job … cue *another* by-election..

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

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"The battle for the General Election is getting started" - that was the message from Labour's Deputy Leader today.

Angela Rayner made also a promise to change anti-strike laws within the first 100 days of a Labour government, in her speech to the TUC.

So on the day that Labour gets serious about the next election, Emily hears from Labour's Peter Kyle - the new Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

He's also running their campaign in the Mid Bedfordshire by-election and claims the Lib Dems there have launched "personal attacks" on the Labour candidate there.

The Lib Dems say no personal attacks have been made. A source said:  

"People in Mid Bedfordshire are disappointed that Labour have chosen a London councillor as a candidate to represent their rural towns and villages. After Nadine Dorries, people want a local MP, not someone who has been parachuted in." 

And could there be a spy for China in Parliament? If so, how did they get there and what damage could be done? Christopher Steele, former head of the Russia desk at MI6 joins Emily in the studio.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Trump is found guilty in New York.

Just before 5pm on Thursday New York time the airwaves started cracking with news of an imminent verdict. Twenty minutes later the jury in a Manhattan court returned. And pronounced Donald Trump guilty on each one of the 34 counts.

Donald Trump can still run for president. So in one respect this may change nothing.

But let’s not let this moment of history escape - a former and possible future president who is now a convicted felon. What happens to his freedom, his vote and his temper now? And how should the Democrats play it?

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon

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The BBC have told Gary Lineker he won't be presenting Match of the Day on Saturday night. Emily, Jon and Lewis bring you their immediate reaction.

Protests against drag queen story readings for kids have been gaining momentum in the US and increasingly the UK. This week in London there was a clash between protestors, arguing about whether these kinds of activities - where drag queens read stories to children - should be allowed to take place. Lewis asks what happens at these readings, why people are concerned, and looks at why this might develop into the latest frontier in a culture war.

And is Georgia running back to sugar daddy Russia?

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The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Rishi Sunak has pledged to end the 'political correctness' that stops police arresting child sex abusers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The scandals of Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford show how badly things can go wrong for victims when the perpetrators are seen to be beyond the law.

But Labour's West Yorkshire mayor has called it 'dog whistle politics' - and some are wondering why the Conservatives are borrowing the far right language of Tommy Robinson. Is it possible to have a nuanced debate?

And the Italian newspapers are writing today about our 'Fifteen Hour Dover Brexit queues'. Is everyone pointing to Brexit except the British government?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Last night police in Southport were pelted with bricks and rocks as hundreds of people gathered in protest outside a mosque - after disinformation about the suspect of the stabbing attack was spread online.

Today we talk about the power of ‘disinfluencers’ and the menace they create - for money, power or clicks - destabilizing vulnerable communities at a time of grief.

How should we deal with ‘shared’ misinformation? And what responsibility do our leaders have to make sure conspiracies aren’t spread through their words?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"

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After the small matter of his federal indictment, Trump went back to doing what he does best - fundraising and shouting about witch hunts and pretending to be a political prisoner of sorts.

Jon is in Miami, James Comey - the former FBI Director who created such a stir in the 2016 presidential election with his reinvestigation into Hillary Clinton - is in News Agents HQ.

And Lewis has been catching up with PMQs and Peerages.

Rishi Sunak is in a dark room in Paddington talking about the decisions he made as Chancellor to the covid inquiry.

Meanwhile, various huddles of Tory MPs are meeting to decide whether or not to vote through the key Rwanda bill tomorrow, one backbencher, the ERG leader Mark Francois, has told the government to rip it up and start again. We ask former deputy chair of the party Paul Scully if Rishi could lose the vote.

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Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

And, The News Agents now have merch! To get yours, head to: https://www.TheNewsAgentsStore.com

A day after announcing that she was a 'fighter, not a quitter', Prime Minister Liz Truss quits. A disastrous 24 hours for the Conservative government culminated in the PM's ousting at lunchtime today. She's the shortest serving Prime Minister in British political history.

Today's episode looks at the events that led to Truss’ resignation after just 45 days in office, the candidates in the running to take over, and the likelihood of an early general election.

Joining all three News Agents are Conservative Health Minister Robert Jenrick and former Tory party MP and now Editor of Conservative Home, Paul Goodman.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Editor: Will Batchelor

Production: Gabriel Radus & Ellie Clifford

Executive Producer: Tom Hughes

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Did former Health Secretary Matt Hancock think the best person to decide who should live and die during the pandemic was... Matt Hancock?

That was the accusation levelled by former NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens in the Covid inquiry. Luckily, the hypothetical situation never materialised but how happy do we feel about politicians playing god?

And… as the deputy cabinet secretary describes a Downing Street in which not a day went by without rules being breached, we ask whether it’s time for an amnesty on all those citizens still facing fines and trials?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

Mason Greenwood was one of the most exciting talents in world football two years ago. A superstar in the making.

But in January 2022, a social media video surfaced of Greenwood - he was arrested on suspicion of rape, coercive behaviour and assault - suspended by United, and he's not played since.

But, charges were dropped earlier this year and the club now have a decision to make. Should Greenwood play for their club again? Or should they take a moral stand? We talk to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, and Em, who's protesting at tonight's Premier League opener.

And we look at the government ditching cancer screening targets. Is this a good idea if they're constantly being missed... or does this just mean that more people will not be seen before it's too late? We speak to former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Rishi Sunak has refused to answer whether his government is set to scrap the Northern leg of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester.

The indecision is already creating division within the Conservative Party ahead of the party conference next week. So today we ask whether Rishi Sunak really cares about the north of England.

And we look at the latest "flip-flop" from Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

The MP for South West Norfolk has made a speech in Taiwan urging the UK Government to treat China as a security threat.

She's the first former PM to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher.

China - which is seeking 'reunification' with Taiwain - has called it a 'dangerous stunt'. Many in Truss's own party feel the same way.

But is there sense in her message even if she's the wrong one to deliver it? And what is she hoping to achieve - for the world, her party and herself?

And, later, we speak to Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz about playing twins in her drama 'Dead Ringers', moves to curtail women's rights in the US, her husband James Bond, and Lewis' acorn.

This week on The Sports Agents,

We brought you an exclusive interview between The News Agents' own Jon Sopel and the Arsenal and Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko - who reflected Arsenal's season and waning support for the war.

A special insight into how world title fights are actually scored from the referee at the centre of what was described as the 'biggest robbery in boxing history'.

Gabby & Mark then sat down with the Football League Chairman Rick Parry to discuss the widening gulf between the Premier League and The Championship, ahead of this weekend's Play-Off final.

Plus, reaction to Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for this summer's Euros with Joe Cole and much more...

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

A week today your Twitter feed will be filing up with dogs at polling station memes.

Yes dear listeners the marathon is almost done.

On today's episode we will be looking at two TV debates - last night we saw the prime ministerial candidates on stage for the last time.

Tonight it’s the turn of the US presidential candidates in Atlanta, Georgia. Do these debates ever change minds or just let audiences get things off their chest?

We will hear from the Trump campaign team and ask if the stakes are higher for Biden or Trump, or Sunak or Starmer?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media: Jacob Paul

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

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Exclusive footage of Boris Johnson from the One Decision Podcast has been shared with The News Agents.

He was facing questions from hosts Julia Macfarlane and Richard Dearlove about Ukraine, democracy and global security.

Towards the end, Julia asked him about his own response to British democracy - his refusal to accept the findings of the 'kangaroo court' privileges committee into his wrongdoing.

She also asked him about Chris Pincher - the deputy chief whip who resigned from government over sexual assault allegations - and that's where Johnson's answers got really odd...

Later on the show we talk about the escalating violence in Israel and Jenin, and why Netanyahu's personal fortunes may be influencing his military moves...

Joining The News Agents today were freelance journalist Julia Macfarlane, Channel 4's foreign correspondent Secunder Kermani, & Cambridge Gates Scholar and expert on populism, Ayala Panievsky.

TW: This episode includes discussions around suicide. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans listen. Call them on 116 123.

Last week, The National Union of Education voted overwhelmingly at their conference to 'abolish Ofsted' - saying it causes more harm than good and needed urgent and fundamental reform.

They can't, of course, but today we - with your help - are asking if Ofsted is fit for purpose.

We hear from teachers and heads - our listeners - who tell us what needs to change.

We speak to Julia Waters, the sister of Ruth Perry, the Head of Caversham Primary who killed herself in the aftermath of an 'inadequate' rating and inspection, and finally we speak to Ofsted's new head - Sir Martyn Oliver.

Does he think Ofsted has made mistakes? Did he fire anyone following the coroners verdict into Ruth's death? Would he change the one word summary ruling of 'outstanding' down to 'inadequate'.

And how does he reflect upon words and actions of Amanda Spielman, his predecessor at Ofsted - criticised by many teachers for failing to find the right, compassionate tone in the face of that tragedy.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producers: Laura FitzPatrick & Shane Fennelly

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly and Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"!

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Is it sexist to call Kamala by her first name? What happens to the election if Trump loses? Who’s the best president America never had? 

After a full on crazy week in America we answer your questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Can Yuce

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

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What does the MAGA movement sound like second time around? Dan Cox is a Republican legislator, heavily backed by Donald Trump for Maryland governor last time around. On today’s episode he tells us he believes in Stop the Steal, the deportation of migrants, the freeing of January 6th insurrectionists, and is anti-vax. He’s waiting by the phone to see if he’s getting a job in the next administration.

Later More in Common's Luke Tryl on where the Democrats went wrong. Was it message or messaging? And will the party now recoil from social issues they think put many voters off?

Lastly, a mystery letter is opened live on air....

Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Louis Degenhardt

Producer: Natalie Indge 

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in Florida here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFE

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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Rishi Sunak launched the Conservative manifesto today at Silverstone. We’ve been trying to swerve the racing metaphors but the odd one crept in. He talked a LOT about tax cuts - doubling down on his disproven claim of Labour tax rises, but offered few new policies.

The performance was polished. But has the public stopped listening? We talk to Home Secretary James cleverly and Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell.

Later WE HAVE THE QUIZ RESULTS. And A WINNER is crowned.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Can Yuce

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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Welcome to The News Agents USA - a new weekly podcast hosted by Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel.

Episodes are available every Tuesday on Global Player and on all other platforms from Wednesday.

Last night the final exit polls of the French election were revealed to a collective stunned gasp.

The far-right RN party of Marine Le Pen - and Jordan Bardella - is in third place.

Macron's centrist grouping is in second place - but the dominant bloc emerging is a collective of radical left parties - with the controversial figurehead of Jean-Luc Melenchon at its helm. Macron's PM has stayed on -for now - as caretaker.

But there is a collective political fog over the shape of France’s next parliament. Has Macron's gamble paid off? Macron will argue he kept fascism at bay - but for how long?

Later, what will Labour's planning changes mean for young people trying to buy houses? Can it work?

And how does the Speaker of the house learn 334 brand new MP's names... by next week?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Zeynel Yuce & Natalie Indge

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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This week on The Sports Agents former England defender Rio Ferdinand joined us to discuss the stigma around mental health in football and whether teams are now better equipped to work with players who are struggling.

We were also joined by Jadon Sancho's former youth coach and mentor Sayce Lewis-Holmes to find out more about the level of pressure on aspiring footballers today.

Plus, with a huge final couple of days in the Premier League and WSL seasons this weekend, football writer Henry Winter talked us through a whole host of topics including the 115 charges for Manchester City over alleged breaches of financial fair play.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday

We are on the ground in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, where Europe and Asia meet. For weeks hundreds of thousands of (overwhelmingly) Gen Zs have taken to the streets to protest against their government. The gates of Parliament have been stormed, tear gas repeatedly deployed, protesters beaten up and with even a fist fight among MPs thrown in.

The clash has centred on the governing Georgian Dream Party’s “Foreign Agent” law, which opponents fear will be a tool to suppress political opponents. But the divisions being exposed in Georgia are far more fundamental and go much beyond than that. At the beating heart of it all is the influence of Russia, Vladimir Putin and a question which haunts many of the Soviet successor states- are we the next Ukraine?

Lewis reports from Georgia in this special extended episode, where he tells a tale of geopolitical intrigue, of misinformation and conspiracy, and of a generation yearning for a different future.

Field Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Producer: Rory Symon

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Tom Parker Bowles is a food writer and critic with strong views on coronation chicken, UK farming and... of course, quiche. His mum is about to be crowned Queen - so today we chat about the monarchy, the dos and don'ts of royal food, protest and a certain Harry.

And we chat through the political ramifications of Rishi Sunak's response to the bullying inquiry into Dominic Raab.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Boris Johnson's long-awaited resignation honours list has been published. It means some of his closest aides throughout the partygate scandal will sit in the House of Lords for life, and his list also honours former cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel.

Just minutes before the list came out, Nadine Dorries - the former culture secretary and a close ally of Boris Johnson - quit as an MP with immediate effect, triggering a by-election in her Mid-Bedfordshire seat, hours after she said on TV that she didn't want that...

And the Labour party are also causing a stir after watering down their flagship pledge to spend £28 billion a year on green technology.

The policy was supposed to power Britain’s next industrial revolution. But now Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rowed back the plans - blaming the Conservative party for “crashing the economy”. Lewis asks what it means for Labour, as they aim for election victory.

With now less than a week to go, we answer your General Election questions.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: : Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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Another high profile arrest in the SNP. This time, Party Treasurer Colin Beattie - who was called in for questioning in the inquiry into party finances - specifically the concerns over £600,000 raised by supporters to fund a second independence referendum.

It's been a rocky few weeks since Sturgeon announced her resignation in February. The arrest of her husband and Chief Executive of the SNP, the blue evidence tent in their garden, the removal of a camper van from the in-laws in Dunfermline, leaked conversations that surfaced two years ago and now the second arrest.

What is this doing to the party, to independence and to Scottish voters?

And we ask what power Russia has in Africa and how it's channeled through the many tentacles of the Wagner group.

These Russian mercenaries are thought to be behind the violence in Sudan, and wield huge power all over the continent - fighting that is paid for in gold and diamonds. How close are they to Putin?

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

In 2024 Britain nearly 140,000 kids are homeless. Just because you don’t see them on the street doesn’t mean they’re not there. This is Britain’s temporary accommodation crisis, one which is worsening.

Temporary accommodation was once a safe harbour for a few days, a week, a month or so at most.

Now, thanks to rocketing rents and inadequate housing supply, more and more families find a single room in a hotel or accommodation block their permanent home.

In this latest News Agents Investigates series, Lewis hits to road to find out just how big a problem it is, where it comes from and why so many working class kids may find themselves ruined by forces outside their control.

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Video Production: Rory Symon

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The Labour freebies story “broke“ over a month ago. Yet last night whilst Keir Starmer was meeting with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels he found himself fielding questions about what free stuff he was handing back after agreeing to repay 6k.

Why is Labour being so weird about this? Does it tell us something more about labours naïveté? Or perhaps their unreadiness for government? Or is the media environment just a whole lot more complicated since they were last in power.

Later, new documents have been released overnight in the US claiming Trump “resorted to crime" in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Will this change the Supreme Court view that he’s “immune from prosecution?”

And lastly, the Chagos Islands - Where are they and what’s going on?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Producer: Natalie Indge

Digital Editor: Michaela Walters

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

Digital Journalists: Michael Baggs & Jacob Paul

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:

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This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby & Mark took a closer look at a controversial new rule in cricket - the impact player in the IPL - and whether it's introduction became a threat to the fabric of the sport.

The Telegraph's Nick Hoult joined us in the studio to discuss it's impact on the game and whether the current domestic schedule demands too much from players.

And with the 'fight of the century' a week away between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, just how big is the latest drug scandal to hit boxing?

Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton and broadcaster Adam Catterall explore how sensation Ryan Garcia is making headlines.

Catch up with full episodes for more on how much Declan Rice's West Ham depature impacted David Moyes and his final season at the club, and just how do Real Madrid always find a way in the Champions League?

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

On 15 September 2008 the world changed forever. The collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank heralded the financial crash and the worst recession in 60 years.

It would change our politics - perhaps forever. One man predicted the scale and depth of what was to come - the chancellor who fought to stabilise the UK economy on the brink of collapse.

That was Alistair Darling, whose death was announced this afternoon. Today we look at the impact that extraordinary time and his critical interventions had on this country - and we talk to his mentee - the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves about the man he was.

Later we reflect on the death of a statesman and foreign affairs titan - Henry Kissinger - at the age of 100 and ask if the man who witnessed an entire century will be better remembered for good or ill.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Rory Symon

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

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This week on The Sports Agents,

After Rory McIlroy's dramatic decision to take a break from Golf, following his collapse at the US Open, Gabby & Mark were joined by 2010 Ryder Cup winning captain and five-time major runner up Colin Montgomerie, to debate whether golf is the most mentally-challenging sport out there and to re-live the US Open he himself 'threw away' back in 2006. 

Later in the week, as Scotland kept their hopes a place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2024 alive, David Moyes joined Gabby for a morning coffee in Berlin, to discuss Tartan Army spirit, his own managerial future and player welfare as the number of games they're expected to play each season, continues to grow.

Plus, with the new season's Premier League fixtures announced, we explored how the televised calendar really comes together with Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes. 

Don't forget to rate, follow or subscribe so you never miss a show.

Send your questions (or voicenotes) for our upcoming Euro 2024 Q&A to us at thesportsagents@global.com or via our socials.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Donald Trump is insisting he was set up by Kanye (Ye) West over that dinner party he accidentally hosted for a white supremacist leader. NBC News is reporting Trump's fury at West - who he thinks is deliberately trying to embarrass him off the electoral map. But some think Trump can do that all by himself. Today, we hear from a former advisor to two Bush presidents (George H.W & George W.) who tells us the stringent security around ex-presidents means NO ONE could turn up to dinner without clearance.

And talking of former populist leaders, Boris Johnson has announced he will stand again in his relatively marginal West London seat. He could very well lose. What's that all about?

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Social Media: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

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It's 2024. (Almost certainly) election year. Parties are in election mode and the pressure is on the PM to demystify when he will call the public to the polls.

When will he? Why would earlier or later suit him? And will any date change the Tories' stuttering chances?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Arvind Badewal & Shane Fennelly

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

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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:

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The Met Police - so says the explosive Casey Review released today - is a bullying boys club in which predators flourish.

Rape evidence is thrown out - because of broken fridges.

Eye-watering force is used against Black people.

Gay officers are scared of their colleagues.

So what happens now? And will this diminish public trust in the force even further? The author of the review Baroness Louise Casey joins us.

Plus we get hold of Boris Johnson's defence dossier. He argues he didn't mean to mislead Parliament, only called it a party because the media did and doesn't understand why he's accused of breaking rules when everyone else did too. So yes. that one.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

Fourteen years is a long time for any one party to be in government. Today we reflect on some of the moments of the last five Conservative governments and how things have shifted - societally, economically and in the media.

We also bring you news of George Galloway's big donor - a man accused of human trafficking - and discuss the missing postal vote saga and the impact it might have.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Video Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly, Arvind Badewal

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When Liz Truss was looking to galvanise not just the Tory party but the nation in her conference speech, she turned to Just Stop Oil protesters for help. She believed their fractious, disruptive, an d potentially dangerous tactics would make her 'anti growth' point better than any positive messaging she had hitherto used. As it turned out, she's now gone and they are still here - this morning blockading several more parts of the M25 motorway in the UK as the COP27 climate conference got underway in Egypt.

So on today's The News Agents we ask whether extreme protest makes you sit up...or throw up. Jon and Emily have a (mini) row about whether shock tactics can ever bring the public on side.

And we have veteran protestor Peter Tatchell in the studio- recently detained in Qatar - who has a message of his own for Just Stop Oil.

Planning: Melissa Tutesigensi

Socials: Georgia Foxwell

Video: Will Gibson-Smith

Production: Gabriel Radus

Deputy Editor: Tom Hughes

Executive Producer: Dino Sofos

For exclusive daily videos from The News Agents visit Global Player: https://www.globalplayer.com/videos/brands/news-agents/the-news-agents/

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This week on The Sports Agents...

The first refugee to win an Olympic medal, Cindy Ngamba, joined Gabby and Mark before her professional boxing debut to talk about her incredible story from a shock arrest to the hilarious moment she discovered boxing (03:00).

The story of fleeing Afghanistan and getting no support from cricket's governing body (the ICC) with Afghanistan women's cricketer, Firooza Amiri, and international cricket journalist Alison Mitchell (09:00).

Former England women's football captain Steph Houghton talked about how she helped pioneer the rise of women's football from £4,000 per year salaries to winning the Euros and beating World Champions Spain this week (13:30).

And we reveal our karaoke songs... Mark's wasn't what we expected! (22:15)

Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Chaos reigns in the Democratic party. In a virtually unprecedented move President Joe Biden has stepped aside from the presidential race weeks before he was due to become the Democrats’ candidate at their national convention in Chicago.

Biden has endorsed his VP Kamala Harris. But is she assured of the crown?

In a hastily assembled emergency podcast Jon, Emily and Lewis discuss the implications for the Dems, the election and the rest of the world.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

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Zac Goldsmith, one time energy minister, who resigned from Rishi Sunak's government, has accused his old boss of delivering a 'moment of shame' after he revealed plans to adjust (water down) his commitment to green policies.

Rishi Sunak was propelled into explaining his new position in a hastily arranged press conference after details were leaked to the BBC. What effect will these changes have environmentally, economically, and politically.

And why are Tory MPs now tearing strips off each other? We speak to Lord Greg Barker - former energy minister and Anna Valero who advises the chancellor.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.

This week on The Sports Agents...

A Sports Agents exclusive - Mark & Gabby had a first-look at an independent report into diversity at the senior levels of sport across every major National Governing Body in UK - Sporting Equals Chief executive Arun Kang joined them in the studio to unpack the findings...

Former Lioness Eni Aluko then reflected on her own experiences - after becoming the first black woman in Italy to own a football club.

Plus, how damaging were Manchester City & Arsenal's Champions League exits for English football's chances of a fifth qualifying spot in next season's competition?

And after Lord Seb Coe announced he had chaired the first meeting of The Old Trafford Regeneration taskforce - Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sat down with Mark to talk about public money, opportunity and London 2012.

Here's some of our favourite bits - new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

James O'Brien joins us in The News Agents bunker to talk all things client journalism, talk radio, and whether he'll be as harsh on Labour as he has been this Conservative government, should Starmer win July's election.

A final hurrah from... Laura FitzPatrick

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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Emily and Jon host a weekly podcast; giving you everything you need to know about the world of US politics and how it affects you.

Episodes are available every Tuesday, on Global Player.

Find the latest episode of News Agents USA here on Global Player.

Each Thursday during the election campaign we are answering your questions.

Do MPs get paid after Parliament breaks up? Why do majorities shrink so fast these days? What is purdah and what’s Farage up to?

Later, Salman Rushdie talks to Emily about the knife attack that nearly killed him and the premonition he had that it would happen. We discuss censorship, hate, Gaza and Iran. And whether the attack has changed his political leanings.

The best producer we could have asked for!: Laura FitzPatrick

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

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Rishi Sunak was on his feet in a speech that was frankly too long.

It ripped up HS2 and replaced it with a nebulous Northern Network pledge. It promised to rethink A levels and ban young people from smoking.

There was nothing on housing, energy, social care , the environment - it felt, indeed, like the end of the road.

Has he convinced anyone he is the future ? And what will Labour do with the cancelled project now?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Producer: Will Gibson-Smith

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

A mystery is afoot: in a critical week for the Government's Rwanda policy - with a looming Commons vote in 24 hours - a YouGov poll has emerged which spells Tory election disaster for Rishi.

Look closely and you see that the poll started on December 12th - the same day the Rwanda policy last went through the Commons. Could it be the two are in fact related? In other words, are senior conservatives trying to spell out to Sunak that he must harden up his policy or face wipeout? Or even replacement?

And if so, how should Rishi respond?

We talk to former Levelling Up Minister Sir Simon Clarke, and Conservative Home's Editor Paul Goodman. And with Iowa temperatures down at -28 degrees celsius, will the big winner of the first Republican caucus be... the sofa?

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly & Arvind Badewal

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents".

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Andrew Malkinson was convicted of rape in 2003 and it took nearly two decades for this miscarriage of justice to be corrected. But it could have happened much earlier, were it not for the police repeatedly bungling the case, or perhaps worse. Andrew joins Jon and Lewis for an extended conversation about his time in jail, what the police did wrong and what it tells us about the justice system itself.

A content warning - the episodes contains mentions of rape and suicide.

Editor: Tom Hughes

Senior Producer: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Planning Producer: Alex Barnett

Video Producer: Rory Symon

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.