James O'Brien Daily

Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien at the end of a week where the temporary ceasefire in Iran seems increasingly out of reach. With the US and Iran willing to have talks and a possibility of relative stability in the Middle East on the horizon - why is Israel pressing ahead with attacks on southern Lebanon? Is there anything that could persuade Netanyahu to sign up for a ceasefire that includes Lebanon, and if not, what is his game plan? Ayala Panievsky, presidential fellow at City University gives her view. Melania Trump delivered a surprise statement from The White House about Jefferey Epstein - where she said she neither had a relationship with him nor was she his victim. She also called on congress to give his victims a hearing. Why has she made this statement seemingly out of the blue? Jon Sopel joins the conversation from Washington and Jaimi Shrive from Victim Focus explains the impact this could have on Epstein’s victims. This episode was recorded on Friday 10th April. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien as the US-Iran ceasefire is called into question. Within 24 hours of the ceasefire agreement, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Israel and the US say that Lebanon wasn’t covered by the ceasefire - Iran disagrees. So, which side do you believe? And why has this agreement crumbled so quickly? Alex Gandler, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in London, and Lord Ricketts, UK National Security Advisor under David Cameron share their views.Mark Rutte has said that the world is now safer than before the Iran war. Do you feel safer now? And is NATO worth anything while Trump is in The White House? This episode was recorded on Thursday 9th April. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien as yet more momentous events unfold in the Middle East. A two-week ceasefire has been agreed: the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, and the guns, bombs and rockets have fallen silent across Iran. So, who is the winner here? Did Donald Trump blink, or will he claim this as a victory? And does this change the US’s political standing on the world stage?As Keir Starmer heads to talks with Gulf leaders - we reflect on the UK government’s response to the war in Iran. Will this change the public perception of Starmer? Sir Sadiq Khan joins from a community centre in south London - where he is launching a new £30m scheme for youth clubs in the capital - and he responds to James Cleverly’s criticism of the PM’s handling of the war.This episode was recorded on Wednesday 8th April. Catch James O’Brien on LBC weekdays from 10am.

Lewis Goodall sits in for James O’Brien on the eve of the day that Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz. With the president threatening moves that could be considered as war crimes against the Iranian civilian population, and given the president’s profane statements made over the Easter weekend: has Trump lost what’s left of his mind? And if that is the case, is there any route left for the US to get rid of him? The government has announced that they are capping interest rates on student loans at 6%. Is that enough for graduates or is this a sticking plaster for a bust system? And does this illuminate the approach that the government is planning on taking to tackle rising interest rates as a result of the war in Iran? The crew of the Artemis II shuttle have travelled further from earth than any humans before them, Dr Meganne Christian from the European Space Agency and Zoe Williams from The Guardian discuss whether or not there is any point to space exploration.

Time for your next Easter instalment of Mystery Hour, the game in which James invites his callers to ask and answer questions about absolutely anything. You are guaranteed to learn something new after listening to this (however please note James cannot guarantee the usefulness of any newly acquired knowledge).The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 7th April. Have a very happy easter!

While indulging in your Easter eggs, why not also tuck into another instalment of Mystery Hour! It's the feature in which James' callers ask and answer questions about absolutely anything... the type of questions that Google doesn't even know the answer to (well, Google might know, but it's much more fun this way). Enjoy!The James O'Brien Daily podcast is back from the 7th April. Have a very happy Easter!

Trump has threatened to pull the US out of NATO over lack of support shown for his attack on Iran. Have we reached a point where we need to treat his words with some level of plausibility? And if so, what happens if he pulls the trigger and withdraws the US from the NATO alliance? Kanye West has announced three headline dates at Wireless Festival in London in July. Ed Davey has called on the government to ban him from coming to the country and performing at the festival. Should he be banned on account of his antisemitism? And how do we respond to his claims that bipolar disorder affects his behaviour? This episode was recorded on Thursday 2nd April. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In an address to the nation, Keir Starmer has set out his two priorities in response to the war in Iran: deescalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. So, is it time for us to make a deal with Iran? And if negotiation isn’t on the table, what are our other options? LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks joins James in the studio ahead of this evening's presidential primetime address. Should we be taking Donald Trump seriously when he says that he is strongly considering pulling out of NATO? And should we believe his claims that the US could ‘finish the job’ in Iran in two weeks? This episode was recorded on Wednesday 1st April. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As oil prices hit above $112 a barrel, the IMF has warned that the United Kingdom will be left particularly vulnerable to the impact of the war in Iran. We’re left to ask - how does the war end? And with the media and right-wing politicians diverting blame for the price of petrol to Keir Starmer - what would an end to the war look like for the UK? Keir Starmer has given the BMA 48 hours to call off their planned six-day strike, or else face losing 1000 extra training places. Whose side are you on: the doctors’ or the governments’? Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem where public support for the war with Iran remains high but has dropped since the start of the conflict. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 31st March. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

After Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Donald Trump attacked Iran, it became clear that the UK has a potentially crippling dependency on fossil fuels. When it comes to energy we cannot afford to be beholden the unpredictability of the world, so why is the move toward sustainable energy the subject of political debate?Following reports that 92% of burglaries went unsolved in Britain last year, why is burglary no longer being taken seriously? Has it always been like this and is there a way to turn this around?A former head of Harrow school has said that stress is ‘good’ for GCSE pupils. Is there a difference between good stress and bad stress - and what is the best way to deal with stressed students?This episode was recorded on Monday 30th March. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Today, as thousands of U.S. troops head towards the Gulf and speculation grows over whether Donald Trump could order “boots on the ground” in Iran, James asks what would a major escalation really mean?James is also joined by Simon Marks, LBC’s Washington Correspondent, for the latest from the U.S., as tensions rise and the stakes reach a potentially catastrophic new level.This episode was recorded on the 27th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Meta and Google have been found liable for social media addiction in a landmark trial in Los Angeles. A young woman sued the companies saying that the addictive design features of their platforms Facebook, Instagram and YouTube caused her harm and worsened her depression. When does social media use become a problem and cross the line into addiction? What happens when we shift our focus from dangerous content on social media to the platforms themselves? And when can wholesome content become harmful? This episode was recorded on Thursday 26th March. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump declares the war with Iran “won” - even while deploying thousands more troops to the region and requesting military support from NATO states. What have the past three weeks of the war in the Middle East taught you about the modern world?And despite the chaos, one statistic refuses to budge: 36% of American voters still back Trump. Why? What explains this enduring loyalty in the face of war, controversy, and contradiction?This episode was recorded on the 25th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It's looking like the President of the United States could very well have lied through his teeth about the supposed peace talks with Iran. We’re being asked to decide who to believe out of Donald Trump, or the remaining leaders of a tyrannical theocratic regime - tricky. What in the world will happen next?Also, Conservative MP, Charlie Dewhirst, has said more needs to be done to address the "underachievement" of white working class boys in the UK. What should - and what could - society be doing?And, LBC reporter and presenter, Henry Riley, is back with James for Riley's Reform Round-up!This episode was recorded on the 24th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James unpack today's breaking claims from Donald Trump that the United States and Iran have held “very good and productive” talks on a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East—prompting a temporary pause in planned military strikes. But with Tehran denying direct negotiations and the region still on edge after weeks of escalating conflict, what's really going on?This episode was recorded on the 23rd of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Benjamin Netanyahu says that true regime change will not be achievable through military force alone - despite supposedly undertaking this war with that ambition. With the U.S. and Israel now deep into a war that has destabilised global energy markets and triggered deadly retaliation across the Middle East, James asks the question at the heart of it all: why did Donald Trump go to war in the first place?This episode was recorded on the 20th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has called on Kemi Badenoch to sack shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy after he described a mass Muslim public prayer as an "act of domination and division". Why haven’t the Tories sacked Timothy yet, and how does it feel that many in the political establishment promote bigoted views?And, James is joined by Simon Marks for an update on the US - specifically Donald Trump’s attempts at distancing himself from Israel’s strikes on Iranian oil sites.This episode was recorded on the 19th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A meningitis case has been confirmed at a second Kent university, with officials believing the outbreak originated at a Canterbury nightclub. Of the 20 confirmed cases thus far, two people have died. James asks his listeners who’ve suffered with meningitis what it was like and what processes are in place to protect people from it.Also, James is joined by LBC reporter Henry Riley, for the next instalment of Riley’s Reform Round-up, complete with listener-made jingles.And, former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has backed a large group of Labour MPs lobbying the government against its right-wing immigration reforms, which she has says risk being “un-British”. Is it indeed time for Labour to change course?This episode was recorded on the 18th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James has been waiting for this one… today he asks why it’s so hard for society and the media to call out President Donald Trump as the “deranged liar” that the evidence suggests he is. Then, if we did, would it even matter?And, the Government has set out plans to tackle the spiralling number of young people not in employment, education or training, including a £3000 grant for each company that hires unemployed under 24 year olds… James asks young people and employers how this sounds to them.This episode was recorded on the 17th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Trump urged Britain and other countries to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping passage that is vital for global oil supplies, that Iran has closed to enemy states.In response, Sir Keir Starmer today confirmed that the UK is working with the US and other allies on a "viable, collective plan" to reopen the passage. Is this the right decision?This episode was recorded on the 16th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As the media increasingly turns against the war in Iran, even those publications that, until very recently, were criticising Sir Keir Starmer for not joining in with America and Israel's attacks, James asks if it’s a waste of time trying to figure out why Trump started this war - and what we should do if the President is simply mad.This episode was recorded on the 13th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has attacked Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance on the war in Iran, accusing both of U-turning on their support for Donald Trump. Could this be a turning point for Keir Starmer?And, the head of the Treasury Select Committee has warned that young adults in the UK face a “perfect storm” of economic challenges, as it launches an inquiry into student loans. What is it like to be a young adult facing today’s economic challenges?This episode was recorded on the 12th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian who was detained as a political prisoner in Iran for 6 years, has joined more than 100 Iranians living in the UK urging Sir Keir Starmer not to draw Britain further into America and Israel’s war in Iran. James speaks with his listeners across the Iranian diaspora and asks where this leaves us now.And, James is joined by former diplomat Arthur Snell, who’s first book How Britain Broke the World documented how the Iraq war helped fuel sectarian violence, regional chaos, and created the conditions which later fed ISIS. He discusses the war in the Middle East today, and his new book Elemental: The New Geography of Climate Change and How We Survive it.This episode was recorded on the 11th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

British public opposition to US and Israeli military action against Iran up ten points since last week - why have we got it right this time? And, why is our political and media establishment dominated by those who want Sir Keir Starmer to bomb Iran with Donald Trump?And, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey says that King Charles should not go ahead with his scheduled trip to the US next month, during which he’d meet President Donald Trump, because of the president’s criticism of Starmer and his response on Iran. What should the King do?This episode was recorded on the 10th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Tony Blair - yes, disgraced Iraq-war orchestrator Tony Blair - has allegedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer for not joining Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s attacks on Iran. You can imagine James’ reaction - what was yours?Also James is joined by LBC reporter and presenter Henry Riley for the newly coined Riley’s Reform Round-Up, and speaks with Alex Tait, co-founder of the campaign group Reform Political Advertising, to hear more about why we desperately need greater transparency and accuracy in election advertising.This episode was recorded on the 9th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s the seventh day of the war in the Middle East. President Trump has stated that, other than an "unconditional surrender", there will be no deal made with Iran.The UK’s corporate media is largely supportive of active British involvement in the war, but YouGov polling shows that only 8% of Brits feel the same. Why is much of the British media supportive of America and Israel’s war with Iran - and why isn’t this working on the public?This episode was recorded on the 6th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The White House press secretary has said President Trump’s decision to attack Iran was grounded in “feeling based on fact”. So, as the sixth day of the war in the Middle East rages on, the Trump administration continues to change its story as to why it even started this war. Why do you think it started it?This episode was recorded on the 5th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James breaks down the latest from the war in the Middle East, asks why President Trump really started this conflict, discusses whether Sir Keir Starmer’s belittling by Trump is actually a very good thing and receives Washington Correspondent Simon Marks’ analysis.Also, James also speaks with Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon and one of the many medics who say they have been barred from Gaza after speaking out against Israel.And, James is joined by Usman Shah, the London man who was racially abused online after appearing on a welcome to Heathrow poster - and then met the people the trolls that did it.This episode was recorded on the 4th of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US has warned of an "imminent" Iranian attack in the Saudi city of Dhahran, a major centre for the oil industry and where a US consulate is located. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tells Iran it's "too late" to talk, adding their armed forces are “gone”.The death toll continues to sky rocket, and Trump has again criticised Sir Keir Starmer for initially denying access to British bases.How can anyone oppose Starmer’s actions thus far, and, more importantly - how does this war end?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer "stands by" his decision not to join in with Israeli and US strikes on Iran, stating that the UK had learned lessons from the "mistakes of Iraq" - but has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites.Has Starmer got this right?This episode was recorded on the 2nd of March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

34-year-old plumber Hannah Spencer marked her victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election with an apology to her customers, saying: "I think I might have to cancel the work that you had booked in, because I'm heading to Parliament. Is something seismic happening in the Green Party? This episode was recorded on the 27th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A damning report published on England’s maternity care revealed systemic problems, including bereaved mothers facing cruelty from maternity staff, shocking incidents of racism, and a lack of accountability. Hospitals that have caused harm to women and babies were often found to “cover-up” their mistakes, falsify medical records and deny bereaved parents answers. James’ callers share their experiences.This episode was recorded on the 26th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Time to discuss the Green Party. No scaremongering, no lazy stereotypes, just these simple questions: Why are the Greens surging in popularity, and how are they reaching parts that no other parties can?Also, James is joined by LBC’s Washington Editor, Simon Marks, for a breakdown of Donald Trump’s longest State of the Union address yet, in which he claimed the US would see an “economic turnaround for the ages”.And, James speaks with Evan Edinger, the YouTuber whose video Something Very Strange Is Happening To London documents how the capital is being misrepresented online.This episode was recorded on the 25th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The head of the British Armed Forces and the Chief of MI6 have warned of the distinct possibility that Britain will be pulled into war with Russia. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that Putin has already started World War 3. Why then, are we all so relaxed about it?And, the BBC has apologised for not editing out the n-word racial slur from its BAFTA Film Awards coverage, after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted it out when two of film’s biggest stars, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were on stage. What should have been done differently?This episode was recorded on the 24th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

“I’ll ensure no child with special needs is left behind”... Sir Keir Starmer has set out a £4 billion package to reform special needs education, as he states that the current system supporting disabled children in schools “does not work”. James’ callers bravely share what it was like to be at school before special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.This episode was recorded on the 23rd of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released from custody after 11 hours last night, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in relation to the Epstein Files.Will the Royal Family survive this scandal? And, why do we even still believe in the Monarchy?This episode was recorded on the 20th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Today, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly known as Prince Andrew) was arrested by police. He remains in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While the police searched several of Mountbatten-Windsor's residences for evidence, including the Royal Lodge in Windsor, the King released a statement saying "the law must take its course".James speaks with LBC reporters on the ground at Windsor, host of The News Agents Podcast, Emily Maitlis, who's landmark interview with Mountbatten-Windsor about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein set the tone for much of the journalism that followed, and Simon Marks, to hear how the news is being received in the US.This episode was recorded on the 19th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In their election manifesto, Labour committed to increasing the minimum wage of 18 to 20 year olds inline with those over 21... however, it’s been reported these changes are being delayed. Is it fair for an 18 year old to be given the same minimum wage as a 50 or 60 year old?And, middle-class women in their thirties and forties make up the bulk of the over 2 million people taking weight-loss jabs in the UK, a study has revealed. Most pay hundreds of pounds each month for the jabs. Are these drugs really good for society?This episode was recorded on the 18th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Reform UK is no longer the bookmakers’ favourites to win the most seats at the next general election, according to new odds from Ladbrokes. This comes as a surprise to James, who asks why the Labour party appears to be doing so well.And, parents in Enfield, North London, have been told their children could be excluded from school if they are not fully vaccinated against measles, amid a recent outbreak. Should kids be excluded until they’re vaccinated? And, how do you handle a family member that is an anti-vaxxer?This episode was recorded on the 17th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The government has announced a crackdown on tech firms to protect children from harmful online content that could open the door to an Australia-style social media ban… but what is it specifically that makes social media so harmful?And, Britain and Germany’s highest ranking military leaders have made an unprecedented joint appeal to the public to accept the “moral” case for rearmament and the preparation for war with Russia. How can you convince the UK public that war with Russia is a possibility?This episode was recorded on the 16th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The former Conservative Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, who is now a member of Reform UK, said on LBC that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is right on immigration. Why don’t black and brown right-wing politicians realise that when Ratcliffe claims immigrants are “colonising the UK”, that he’s talking about them?This episode was recorded on the 13th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Monaco-based billionaire and Manchester United co-owner,Jim Ratcliffe, has faced a barrage of criticism since saying in an interview that the UK was being “colonised” by immigrants and citing inaccurate statistics, labelled as hypocritical and reminiscent of “far-right narratives”. What's it like as an ethnic minority person living in a country where racism is back in fashion?This episode was recorded on the 12th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

King Charles has said he’s “ready to support” the police as they consider allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his brother. Shouldn’t the public be holding the Royal Family - which paid an estimated £12m to settle a sexual abuse case brought by Virginia Giuffre against Andrew in 2022 - under the same scrutiny as Sir Keir Starmer? Why doesn't society care more about Jeffrey Epstein's victims?Washington Correspondent Simon Marks shares the most important developments from the US and James discusses Seamus Culleton, the Irish national who’s been detained by ICE for five months, despite having all necessary documents, with his lawyer, Attorney Ogor Winnie Okoye.This episode was recorded on the 11th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has said he’ll "never walk away from the country that I love" and thanked his cabinet for their support after Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar called for him to stand down over the Mandelson-Epstein disaster. What does Starmer need to do now? What do you want from the Prime Minister? And, what's the opposition of populism?Plus, LBC Reporter Henry Riley is in the studio for always illuminating "Reform UK Watch".This episode was recorded on the 10th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Several cabinet ministers have publicly backed Keir Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on the PM to resign over the Epstein-Madelson controversy. James asks why Keir Starmer is seemingly ill-suited for the role of Prime Minister, and is joined by LBC's Political Editor Natasha Clark to run through the resignation of Starmer's former director of communications, Tim Allan.This episode was recorded on the 9th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.