James O'Brien Daily

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.

Is Sir Keir Starmer’s time up? Some journalists are saying that it is, but James wants to look into how the situation might unfold and asks listeners to answer the question ‘Just why is Keir Starmer in so much trouble?’. In his final hour, James steps away from Keir Starmer, to talk about racism after an image that’s been shared online. This episode was recorded on the 6th February. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer today apologised to Jeffrey Epstein's victims and says he is "sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies", ahead of appointing him as US Ambassador, saying he gave the impression he "barely knew" Epstein. James analyses the speech and asks his callers what they think… is this the end of the road for Starmer?This episode was recorded on the 5th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Keir Starmer said today that Peter Mandelson has "lied repeatedly" about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, that he regrets appointing Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024, and that he’ll release all material relating to the appointment - with some exemptions in the interest of national security. Kemi Badenoch has accused Starmer of trying to "sabotage" this file release, and opposition MPs are demanding answers. Will Keir Starmer survive this?This episode was recorded on the 4th of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Peter Mandelson is to step down from the House of Lords after the latest release of Epstein files appear to show he leaked sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 - after Epstein’s conviction of procuring a child for prostitution in 2008. What is wrong with the former Lord Mandelson?On a rather different note, the charity National Landscapes is undertaking government funded plans to remove barriers to ethnic minorities in each of its 46 “areas of outstanding natural beauty”. Why is it so important to have a connection to nature? This episode was recorded on the 3rd of February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Millions of the so-called “Epstein Files” have been released by the US Department of Justice, the largest number of documents shared by the government since a law mandated their release last year. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), President Donald Trump, Peter Mandelson, Bill Clinton and Elon Musk are just a few of the vast number of rich and powerful people implicated. So… why hasn’t the world stopped yet?This episode was recorded on the 2nd of Feb. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has brushed off criticism from Donald Trump after a visit to China, during which he negotiated the lifting of sanctions on British MPs. Should we be doing business with China, and why do we know so little about the world’s second biggest economy?And, Kemi Badenoch has said that centrist ideas are no longer wanted in the Conservative Party, arguing that one nation-type Tories or those who have qualms over the party's move to the right “need to get out of the way”. Where do old-school Tories go now?This episode was recorded on the 30th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf. The risk of military intervention edges closer... so James asks his listeners with connections to Iran whether they’d support an American attack.And, James is joined by LBC Reporter Henry Riley, with an exclusive story - Reform Leader Nigel Farage has opened an investigation into a Reform candidate, Mike Manning, after he was accused of “antisemitic and xenophobic” social media posts by a senior Liberal Democrat MP.This episode was recorded on the 29th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Freeholders may “resort to lawfare” to block the government’s £250 cap on ground rents, Angela Rayner has warned, as leasehold experts urged ministers to speed up the “glacial” pace of reform. James digs into the truth around leaseholds - is it a heinous system that protects the interests of the wealthy?And, James is joined by Washington Editor Simon Marks who shares the latest from the US following the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by ICE, as well as Donald Trump’s warning to Iran today ‘that time is running out’ for them to avert an American military intervention.This episode was recorded on the 28th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Around 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in a forthcoming by-election. Is he acting for the greater good?Shockingly, a quarter of UK GPs are seeing obese children aged 4 and younger. Why do we still have such an alarming problem with childhood obesity, and how should parents and doctors tackle it?Also, talented white working-class pupils “lose ground” at secondary school, compared with their black and Asian peers, a study has found. If you grew up in a household where education wasn't valued, what is that like, and how do you break the cycle?And, in honour of Holocaust Memorial Day, James shares some powerful words from the late Lilli Pohlmann, who was a holocaust survivor and James’ dear friend.This episode was recorded on the 27th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Two killings in Minneapolis by ICE in two weeks… Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who supported veterans with life threatening illnesses. The Trump administration labelled Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” who was looking to cause harm - this is at odds with the footage of the incident, a video that has caused global outrage.James is pretty certain that the US has crossed the line into fascism… how should this be covered in the media and what does it mean for our greatest historical ally to be a fascist state? This episode was recorded on the 26th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Donald Trump has claimed NATO troops avoided the front lines during the Afghanistan War and that he “wasn’t sure” troops would support the US in the future. 457 British service personnel were killed in the conflict. James speaks with those who’ve served in the forces to discuss just how wrong - and offensive - Trump’s claims are.And, James is also joined by Emily Maitlis, who’s been in Minneapolis reporting on ICE’s activities, including the detainment of a 5-year old boy in Minnesota yesterday.This episode was recorded on the 23rd of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Trump has backed down on his tariff threats against the European states who opposed his plans to take over Greenland. He then announced a Gaza “Master Plan” and his Board of Peace, inviting world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, to join after paying an entry fee of £1b each. What can we actually learn from this?This episode was recorded on the 22nd of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.