James O'Brien Daily

Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to broadcast a firing-squad execution. James asks what happens when state killing becomes a public spectacle - and why the presence of a camera makes it feel still more horrifying. Plus, James examines a major new review of young people’s mental health. Its message is clear: they are not weak, overdiagnosed or “snowflakes”. They are facing pressures previ...

Brexit, Covid lockdowns and Liz Truss's mini-budget have all taken a lasting toll on Britain's mental health, according to new research. James explores how major political decisions and global events can shake our sense of security, hearing from callers about anxiety, personal trauma and the moments that changed how they see the world. Plus, who exactly is Kemi Badenoch trying to win over? Followi...

Inheritance tax affects a small proportion of estates, so why does it provoke such a powerful reaction in almost everyone else? James asks whether it is morally wrong to tax wealth passed down through families, or whether those receiving large inheritances should see themselves as fortunate. Plus, James unpicks Kemi Badenoch’s latest speech and speaks to LBC's Washington Editor Simon Marks about m...

Cancer is increasingly affecting people under 50 - but what does it feel like to receive a diagnosis at an age when you never imagined it could happen to you? From missed symptoms and life-saving persistence with GPs to treatment, anxiety and the long road afterwards, this is an honest conversation about the reality of cancer at a younger age. Plus, business owners respond to Jeremy Clarkson’s cla...

The Green Party has voted to define Zionism as a form of racism, prompting concern from Jewish members who fear it could stigmatise people simply for attending synagogues or identifying with Israel’s right to exist. James explores the crucial distinction between condemning the Israeli Government’s actions in Gaza and defining Zionism itself as racist. Then, after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood say...

Half of prisoners in England and Wales are functionally illiterate. James asks what prison is actually for when education, rehabilitation and support on release are so limited - and why a system meant to reduce crime can leave people more likely to return. Then, James examines Suella Braverman’s comments on Englishness, hearing from callers who ask how a former Home Secretary can tell people born...

Brexit has “done more harm than good”, says Andy Burnham, as he opens the door to a new national conversation about Britain’s future relationship with Europe. James asks if the country is ready to confront the consequences of leaving and whether the familiar lies could win again. Then, James explores Burnham’s proposed commission on electoral reform. Would proportional representation make votes co...

Andy Burnham’s conference speech sets out a vision for a healthier, wealthier and kinder Britain - from social care, housing and water to electoral reform and a closer relationship with Europe. James reflects on a speech that put hope back at the centre of politics, and asks whether Burnham can deliver the scale of change he has promised. Plus, LBC Political Editor Natasha Clarke reports live from...

Could ending the state pension triple lock help fund a social care system that is free at the point of use? James examines Andy Burnham’s reported plans, asking whether pensioners could accept smaller annual increases in return for protection from devastating care costs. Then, after Martin Lewis asked fellow passengers to turn down a loud serial-killer documentary, James explores the growing probl...

Sadiq Khan wants Britain to start work on rejoining the EU, while Andy Burnham refuses to rule it out. James asks whether it is politically wise to reopen the Brexit argument — and whether the EU would trust Britain to stay. Plus, would you support Burnham’s proposed tax-funded social care system? Callers explain the devastating financial reality of care, from families selling homes to fund dement...

Not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom, but is vocational education a route to opportunity or an early label that limits ambition? Plus, more than 52,000 people are claiming benefits for back pain with no specific cause - but why are so many of them treated with suspicion rather than compassion? This episode was recorded on the 25th of September. James O'Brien Daily is a Global...

A child leading chants of “let them drown” at a protest over Channel crossings leaves James asking what is happening to Britain. Why is hatred being taught instead of challenged? James hears from callers who describe the fear felt by people of colour as anti-migrant rhetoric becomes more open, more extreme and increasingly detached from the facts. This episode was recorded on the 24th of September...

Why is it harder to be young today? James asks why so many young people are experiencing mental distress - from insecure work and unaffordable housing to social media, climate anxiety and a future that feels impossible to plan for. Then, James examines one of Westminster’s enduring mysteries: why aren’t the Liberal Democrats making more of an impact when British politics feels so fractured? This e...

Donald Trump has shredded the diplomatic rulebook - so what is a British Prime Minister supposed to do when meeting him? James examines the impossible task of dealing with a US President who demands loyalty, thrives on flattery and can reverse his position overnight. Then, as migration figures fall sharply, James asks why the politicians and newspapers who demanded lower numbers are refusing to ce...

What does it mean to lose someone while they are still physically there? James hears powerful accounts from families affected by dementia, as the disease is now being described by leading experts as Britain’s greatest health and social care crisis. Plus, women and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson has said that “all of us as women in society are unsafe”, prompting a conversation about women’s...

A lifeboat station in Portsmouth has halted operations after RNLI volunteers faced abuse for rescuing people in distress at sea. What does it say about Britain when those who risk their lives to save strangers are branded “traitors” and targeted by masked protesters? Then, Charles Spencer has made new claims about King Charles’s reaction to Princess Diana’s death. James asks whether the Earl is ho...

The people at the heart of artificial intelligence are warning that its development could pose a threat to humanity. James asks what we should really fear - from cyberattacks to the prospect of systems we may no longer be able to control. Plus, what is the difference between good strict and bad strict? As a headteacher sparks backlash after suspending 25 pupils in the first week of school, James h...

A village votes to leave the UK over plans to house asylum seekers nearby. What is really behind the anger in Piddington and what does the reaction reveal about the debate over asylum, safety and integration? Plus, thousands of people are being pushed out of paid work to care for sick family members. With around 1,500 Britons reportedly leaving their jobs every day, James looks at the human cost o...

The UK’s political future is back in the spotlight as nationalist parties push for greater independence. What would actually happen if Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland went their separate ways and what would it mean for the rest of Britain? And, are we scrolling our brains away? Reading for pleasure can boost memory, empathy and mental health, but as TikTok and short-form content take over our...

Reform has been handed a record-breaking £72 million by two crypto billionaires. Who are they, what are they buying with that influence and does this mark a shift towards the kind of billionaire-funded politics we’ve seen in the US? And, self-driving cars could put thousands of jobs at risk. A thinktank is calling for them to be taxed to help offset the impact. Is this fair or is it simply the pri...

Twenty-five years after 9/11, James O’Brien asks how the attacks changed the world - from America’s sense of security to the suspicion and hostility faced by Muslim communities. James speaks to Michael Lomonaco about his extraordinary story. As executive chef at Windows on the World, he was due to be at the top of the North Tower, but a last-minute visit to an optician saved his life. This episode...

What does 'working class' mean in Britain in 2026 and can a government genuinely build education policy around it? James O’Brien explores social mobility, poverty, privilege and the children most in need of support. Then, AI is being hailed as a potential cure for cancer. At the same time, leading researchers are warning it could kill us all. James O’Brien explores the extraordinary contradiction...

Ed Miliband has declared that Britain will no longer treat illegal Israeli settlement activity as business as usual. James asks whether sanctions are a long-overdue assertion of international law, and why calling out the Israeli Government is so often wrongly conflated with antisemitism. Plus, what does occupation mean for children trying to get to school, access healthcare and live without fear?...

As the UK moves to sanction goods from illegal Israeli settlements, James explores the arguments from all sides: is it a long-overdue response to injustice in the West Bank, an inadequate symbolic gesture, or a damaging political mistake? Then, Nigel Farage wants to ban face coverings after masked men terrorised communities in Dover and Portsmouth. But why does his answer appear to focus on Muslim...

Reform claims to stand for women’s safety and free speech. So why was a young woman assaulted for heckling Nigel Farage and why did party figures respond with mockery rather than condemnation? Plus, callers reflect on the “other life” they might have lived if their ADHD, autism or learning needs had been recognised at school. This episode was recorded on the 7th of September. James O'Brien Daily i...