The Standard

The Home Office has announced plans to crackdown on VISA applications to the UK. Under the proposed crackdown, applications from people who fit the profile of someone who may claim asylum and who are from countries with high rates of asylum claims will be rejected. The London Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford discusses the ins and outs of the plans, and considers whether the...

The Government has been urged to take action after new research has found that more than half of London’s short-term holiday let properties are rented unlawfully.   The London Standard’s Local Democracy Reporter, Noah Vickers, is here to explain the rules around these sort of property rentals and examine why they are causing issues. Plus, as part of The Standard’s Hidden London series, a...

The United States and Ukraine have announced an economic deal which will tie the two countries together in a joint reinvestment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. But what are the finer points of the deal and how could it impact any peace plan with Russia? The London Standard’s Rachael Burford is here with all the latest. Plus, we’ll find out about a major new food hall which is set to open in the...

New research that reveals people hit by SUVs are 44 percent likely to die than if they were struck by a conventional car, while children are 82 per cent more likely to suffer fatal injuries. But SUVs are some of London's most popular vehicles. The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall joins the podcast. (edited)  In part two, Hiroshige: artist of the open road, at the British Mu...

With firefighters in London battling a huge blaze at an electrical substation, just over a month since a similar incident brought Heathrow Airport to a standstill, how worried should we be about the frequency of these substation fires?    And, in light of the recent events in Spain and Portugal, are there greater concerns about the stability of the UK’s power network?    John L...

The NHS is set to overhaul how it supports young people with gender dysphoria, with new proposals to screen for autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Leaked plans suggest a move away from a purely medical model towards a more holistic approach to care. The London Standard’s Daniel Keane explains what’s behind the changes, how they link to the Cass Review, and the reaction from cam...

Cyclists who kill pedestrians by dangerous cycling could now face life imprisonment in England and Wales under proposed changes to the law which are currently going through Parliament.    The London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh, who has herself been knocked down by a cyclist in the city, is here to tell us how the law has been amended and whether she thinks there’s still more to be done w...

Hackney Council has agreed plans to close four schools in the borough at the end of the school year, and more boroughs look to be following suit including neighbouring Islington where parents are anxiously awaiting an update on the potential closure of a further two primary schools in the area.    We join the London Standard’s Jacob Phillips who has been reporting on the story plus we he...

After signs of recovery last week, new data is painting a far gloomier picture for the global economy . The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn explains how Donald Trump’s tariffs are sparking fears of a worldwide recession and what it all means for the UK. Plus, The London Standard’s features writer and columnist Maddy Mussen joins us to discuss the latest Beckham family drama being...

With the announcement that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place at the Vatican this Saturday, the London Standard’s Melanie McDonagh joins us to explain some of the customs and traditions which are taking place during this time and explore who could be named as the next pope. And in part two, as Beyoncé’s mum, Tina Knowles, releases her memoir, ‘Matriarch’, what will we learn about the root...

Although Sharia law councils, often referred to as courts, have no legal jurisdiction within the UK, many people of Muslim faith turn to them for guidance on aspects of their everyday lives. With their number in the capital on the rise, award winning journalist, David James Smith, joins us for an in-depth conversation about his special report for The Standard into how these councils operate and wh...

Astronomers believe they have discovered the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system. A group of scientists, led by the University of Cambridge, have published the results of their study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. One of the co-authors is Dr Subhajit Sarkar, a lecturer and astrophysicist at Cardiff University, and he joins us to explain more about...

UK inflation has dropped to 2.6% - the lowest since December. The fall, driven by cheaper fuel and hotel rates, is being hailed as a sign of economic stability. But is this just a blip or a sign that we’re past the cost of living crisis? The Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, explains what it means for wages, interest rates, and the wider economy. Plus, Arsenal face Real Madrid in tonight...

Police have been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the felling of an ancient oak tree in North London. Reports were made to Enfield Council on the 3rd April that the tree, in Whitewebbs Park, had been damaged, sparking local outrage and immediate concerns by the council.   Local business owner and campaigner for woodland protection, Lawrence Thor Stephen, from  Thors...

Visitor numbers to the UK’s leading art institutions have fallen sharply since the pandemic - with the Tate galleries alone seeing a drop of more than two million visitors in the last five years. In this episode, we hear from Rosie Kay, co-founder of the campaign group Freedom in the Arts, about her opinion piece for The London Standard . She shares her concerns that ideological messaging is...

High prices, rising utility bills, rogue landlords and poor living conditions are all contributing to a growing crisis in London’s rental market and it is young people who are bearing the brunt. With 2.7 million people renting in the city, paying on average around 40% of their income on rent alone, does this make London the worse place to be renting? Jacob Phillips joins us to talk about the chall...

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a raging blaze that tore through a block of east London flats late last night. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but witness accounts suggest the fire was started by a faulty e-bike battery. It’s not a unique story - a Standard investigation found fires sparked by “dangerous” e-bikes and e-scooters in London have doubled in ju...

More than 11,000 millionaires have left London in the last 12 months . It’s the biggest exodus of the super-wealthy from any city in the world, second only to Moscow. In this episode, The Standard’s news reporter Bill Bowkett joins us to discuss what’s driving the trend and what it means for London’s economic future. Plus, cuts to the Metropolitan Police mean  the end of officers in schools ....

A baby girl has made history as the first child in the UK to be born from a womb transplant. Amy Isabel Davidson was delivered at the end of February after her mum, Grace, received the womb from her older sister, Amy, in 2023. The pioneering transplant procedure follows decades of work by surgeons Professor Richard Smith and Isabel Quiroga. Daniel Keane, Health Correspondent for the Standard joins...

The FTSE 100 plunged to its lowest level in a year as markets reacted to sweeping new US tariffs, including a 25% charge on imported vehicles.  The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn breaks down what’s driving the market turmoil, what it could mean for wages, pensions and jobs, and whether the UK’s emergency reforms will be enough to cushion the blow. We also hear from Transport...

Government proposals could see Sir Sadiq Khan having the final say on whether pubs and clubs can stay open late into the night. But will this help boost London’s night time economy or cause conflict between local councils and the London mayor? The Standard’s Transport and City Hall Editor, Ross Lydall, is here to explain the situation. Plus, as we edge closer to the much-anticipated season finale...

US President Donald Trump unveiled a series of new tariffs today, potentially escalating a global trade war and reversing trade arrangements that have been in place for nearly eight decades. A 10% tariff has been placed on the UK, as a post-Brexit Britain escaped the far harsher tariffs levied on the EU. The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn talks through the responses and repercuss...

The Metropolitan Police is facing a £260million funding shortfall, prompting sweeping cuts across the force. 1,700 jobs are at risk , including officers, PCSOs and support staff. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has pledged to protect frontline response units and increase funding from City Hall, but public trust and service levels could be under pressure. The London Standard’s crime editor Anthony Fran...

A three day hearing has commenced at London’s High Court as pupils, their parents and a collection of independent and faith schools appeal against Labour’s policy to impose VAT on school fees. In this episode, Tristan Kirk, the Court Correspondent for The Standard outlines who is bringing the challenge, explains why the hearing has been fast-tracked, and sets out the potential implications of a su...

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has opened a major summit on illegal migration, bringing together officials from over 40 countries at Lancaster House in London. In this episode we hear from The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford about Labour’s strategy to crack down on people smuggling and the role of social media in tackling online exploitation. Plus, as London prepares to open...