James O'Brien Daily

Downing Street was "on alert" last night amid suggestions that Health Secretary Wes Streeting was leading a plot to oust the Prime Minister. Today, Streeting labeled these reports as "ridiculous". However, there is serious dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer, both within and outside of the government. Why is this? Do you want Starmer to go? And, James is joined by LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks to talk through everything from the UK halting intelligence sharing with the US to the threat from Donald Trump to sue the BBC for $1bn.This episode was recorded on the 12th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Rachel Reeves has hinted that she is planning to remove the two-child benefit cap in the November budget, in a move that could cost more than £3bn but lift 350,000 children out of poverty. Why is the cap removal so unpopular with the public? Also, Black and Asian NHS staff who do home visits fear some areas have become “no-go zones” for them - areas strewn with St George’s flags. Was this the point all along?And, Prince William has said that he and Kate decided to be as open as possible in answering “difficult questions” from their children after she was diagnosed with cancer… James hears about your personal experiences around diagnosis.This episode was recorded on the 11th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness resigned last night after criticism that Panorama misled viewers by editing a speech by Donald Trump. Trump has since threatened legal action against the BBC… James breaks it all down.And, it’s highly probable that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be raising income tax in the upcoming Budget. Considering she promised not to do this in Labour’s manifesto of course, how will we know if it’s the right decision?This episode was recorded on the 10th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

An internal Metropolitan police review has found the “racial harm” the force inflicts on black people is “institutionally defended”. Also, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned of a “rising tide” of “1970s and 1980s style racism” in the NHS and Britain more widely. What is the difference between racism and institutional racism?And, the parents of the three girls murdered by Axel Rudakubana have condemned the parents of the killer for their failures to prevent the Southport attack. Indeed, Rudakabana’s father stated he was aware of the “small arsenal of weapons” his son had collected and was “ashamed” he hadn’t called the police. What is it like to be frightened of your own child and what help can parents get? This episode was recorded on the 7th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Two prisoners were mistakenly released from Wandsworth Prison in the last week. William Smith handed himself back in to HMP Wandsworth today, while a manhunt is still underway for Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian national who is a sex offender. How can this be happening?Also, 15 local areas have closed ADHD support waiting lists and another 31 that have introduced tighter criteria, making it more difficult to access support. What impact will this have on people with ADHD and what difference did a diagnosis make for you?And, James speaks with Tom Cheshire, Sky News correspondent, who explains the investigation that has revealed that X’s (formerly known as Twitter) algorithm amplifies right-wing and extreme content and, in turn, right wing UK politics.This episode was recorded on the 6th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following the first review of the national curriculum in over a decade, children will be taught about budgeting, mortgages and how to spot fake news and AI generated content. Sounds dangerously useful. What do you wish you’d been taught in school, and how do you teach disinformation discernment?And, Zohran Mamdani is the new Mayor of New York City - the first South Asian and muslim person to be so. This is a significant blow to Donald Trump and the Republicans. James speaks with Ross Barkan, who collaborated with Mamdani on his own New York Senate campaign, to find out more about the Mayor.This episode was recorded on the 5th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Rachel Reeves has “no regrets” over potential breaches of Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise certain taxes in the upcoming Budget… why has she only addressed this and the fallout from 14 years of Conservative austerity, Brexit and Covid-19 now?Also, experts have stated that women must be given clearer warnings on the potentially fatal dangers of giving birth at home. Is it selfish to demand a home birth?And, Former US Vice-President Dick Cheney has passed away last night, at the age of 84. LBC’s Washington correspondent Simon Marks compares Trump’s Republican Party to that of Cheney’s, and updates us on the New York Mayoral election.This episode was recorded on the 4th of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A “32 year old black British national” has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder following a knife attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday evening and a separate incident in London hours before. Following new guidance, police are now being forced to disclose the ethnicity of suspects in response to a rise in far-right speculation on social media. Why do people want to know the ethnicity of police suspects and should the police be telling them?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of November. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Andrew is to lose his prince title and will be leaving his Royal Lodge home in Windsor. What are the Royal Family for, what impact will Andrew have on the monarchy and why are we expected to bow for them?James is also joined by Emily Matlis, presenter of The News Agents podcast, whose 2019 interview with Andrew was a catalyst for his downfall.This episode was recorded on the 31s of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for an investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves after she apologised for breaking housing rules when renting out her family home… Is it just party politics driving this story or should she have known better? Also, Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, leaving dozens dead. The storm was fuelled by warming oceans, while the UN confirms that ‘humanity has missed its 1.5C climate target’... Why aren’t we taking more action on climate change?And, a university academic is to receive "substantial damages" after a portrayal of him in a Steve Coogan film about the discovery of Richard III's remains was found to have a defamatory meaning. Steve joined James in the studio to explain it from his perspective.This episode was recorded on the 30th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Labour's Employment Rights Bill, which would protect workers against zero-hour contracts and unfair dismissals has been sent back to Commons after large defeats in the House of Lords. James digs into the details and asks why employers would vote against this.And, the Government is defending its plan to use military barracks to house asylum seekers, despite these looking set to cost more than the hotels currently in use. They think it’s worth it to quell public disquiet around asylum hotels. But is it, and will it?This episode was recorded on the 29th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Treasury is considering a “mansion-tax” for owners of higher-value properties to help pull the country out of its multi-billion pound hole. Is this fair?And, hundreds of asylum seekers could be housed in two military barracks as the government seeks to end the use of “asylum-hotels”. Is this good or bad politics from Sir Keir Starmer?This episode was recorded on the 28th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

“It drives me mad when I see adverts full of black people, full of Asian people”. Reform MP Sarah Pochin’s racist comments have even drawn widespread criticism - but many from her party refuse to label the comments as racist. How can we best discuss the increase of racism in our public discourse?And, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a former asylum seeker and convicted sex offender who was released from prison in error is back in custody and faces deportation. Shockingly, accidental releases of prisoners have doubled in a year - how?This episode was recorded on the 27th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With a potential tax rise on the horizon, James asked whether Rachel Reeves could handle the political and economic fallout. The UK currently relies on roughly 500,000 taxpayers for a third of all income and capital gains tax revenue, raising big questions about fairness, fiscal policy, and whether Labour risks breaking another key pledge if income tax increases.And, James turned to a stark new finding: the number of 16–24 year olds in England reporting symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has more than tripled in the past decade. But James wanted to open the floor to what it is really like living with obsessive compulsive disorder in today’s world?This episode was recorded on the 24th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The grooming gangs inquiry has been plunged into disarray this week - before it has even started - with four survivors quitting the panel and two frontrunners for chairperson withdrawing. Why is this, and what should the success of the inquiry look like?And, one in 12 secondary pupils report being put into school isolation rooms at least once a week where they often spend in excess of eight hours, missing more than a full day of lessons, according to research. Why is that, and what impact is it having on kids?This episode was recorded on the 23rd of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The family courts will no longer work on the presumption that having contact with both parents is in the best interests of a child. Campaigners say this will save many children’s lives. James asks his listeners to share their experiences and is joined by Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno, Director and Founder of SHERA, whose research was instrumental for this ruling.Also, Rachel Reeves has stressed the long term damage done to the British economy by Brexit in her remarks to the IMF. When will the government finally start telling the truth about Brexit and its effects?And, President Donald Trump is reportedly demanding the Justice Department pay him $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him – a settlement that could ultimately face approval by one of his former lawyers, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche... LBC’s man in Washington, Simon Marks, has the details.This episode was recorded on the 22nd of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in front of the Covid Inquiry today, speaking about the effect of the pandemic and his own policy decisions on young people. How did the lockdowns affect you or the young people in your life?And, The Economist has argued that legalising cocaine would have myriad societal benefits, eliminating the price premium that incentivises dangerous gang activity, freeing up space and resources within the criminal justice system and ensuring the product itself was safe for users. Two questions: Would legalisation of cocaine decrease or increase the amount of peril that we’re exposed to? And, why are drugs illegal?This episode was recorded on the 21st of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Parliament is under mounting pressure to examine what the royal family knew about Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein and strip him of his titles. Why do we care so much about this shameful story?And, Conservative MP Katie Lam says that all immigrants in the UK legally that have indefinite leave to remain should be deported. Her comments have gone largely unchallenged - how do you feel about this?This episode was recorded on the 20th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a decision banning fans of Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv from supporting their Europa League fixture against Aston Villa in November. The decision has been taken because of the perceived potential for violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli fans. Was this the right decision?And, new research shows that millennial fathers want to spend more time looking after their kids - but workplaces are yet to catch up. What’s it like being a Dad that wants to be more present, but with an employer who doesn’t let you?And, James is joined by Simon Marks, who explains why US news outlets are rejecting the Pentagon's new reporting restrictions.This episode was recorded on the 17th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK government is facing questions after a case against two men accused of spying for China collapsed just weeks before the trial was due to go ahead, when prosecutors unexpectedly dropped the charges. No one seems to fully understand this story, but luckily enough, James knows who to ask…Also, James speaks with James Ball, the Political Editor of the New World, who tells the story of the man who controls the political right and is set to become the most influential non-politician in the country.And, the late sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre alleged in her memoir that Prince Andrew was "entitled" and "believed having sex with me was his birthright". What should the Royal Family do about him?This episode was recorded on the 16th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

According to recent UK data, nearly a million young people are not in education, employment, or training, with the graduate job market becoming increasingly scarce. What are the causes of this?And, vets in the UK could be forced to cap prescription prices after an investigation by the markets watchdog found pet owners may be paying twice as much for some common medicines from practices than online. Why is the vet so expensive?This episode was recorded on the 15th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump spoke alongside Benjamin Netanyahu, in front of the world’s leaders, to declare the war in Gaza over as a result of his peace-deal. The speech had to be heard to be believed. James breaks it all down with the callers.And, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he is delighted that the government can now speak about the problems caused by Brexit, specifically, its catastrophic impact on the UK economy. Is it finally time for the government to punish their opponents for Brexit, will it work if they do?This episode was recorded on the 14th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Earlier today, President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset, declaring the end of the war in Gaza and the “age of terror”, as a result of the US-brokered ceasefire. The bombing has stopped, the final 20 Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas and almost 2000 detained Palestinians, including 22 children, are due to be released by Israel. Despite Trump's numerous and egregious misdeeds, could this peace deal have been any better? And, James plays Trump's speech and provides analysis in real time.This episode was recorded on the 13th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Palestinians are beginning to return to Gaza's north following the Israeli government’s approval of the first phase of Trump's ceasefire and hostage return deal. What happens now? Will justice actually be brought to those who’ve committed war crimes? And, how much damage Netanyahu has done to Israel's reputation? And, public support for digital IDs has bombed following Keir Starmer announcing plans for their compulsory introduction. How on earth did Keir Starmer manage to turn an initially popular idea into such an unpopular policy?This episode was recorded on the 10th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

An Israel-Hamas ceasefire is expected to begin within 24 hours of an Israeli government sign-off - a move that is expected to happen today. In the meantime, explosions have continued being reported in Gaza. Is this finally a time for optimism, or will this go the same way as previous ceasefires? James speaks with Noga Tarnopolsky, the freelance reporter in Jerusalem who’s guided LBC through the last 2 years of this conflict, to hear exactly what the peace deal involves for both sides of the conflict.This episode was recorded on the 9th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

During her speech at the Conservative Party Conference today, Kemi Badenoch said the party will scrap stamp duty on main home purchases if she comes to power. James analyses this speech with LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, and asks whether the Conservative Party is over as we know it.And, James is joined by Simon Marks, LBC’s Washington Correspondent - is President Donald Trump taking the US closer to civil war?This episode was recorded on the 8th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Today marks two years since the October 7th terror attacks in Israel by Hamas. Sir Keir Starmer is urging students not to join today’s planned pro-Palestinian protests, saying it would be "un-British" for the rallies to go ahead given the anniversary. Does he have a point, or not? Also, James is joined by peace activist Magen Inon, whose parents Bilha and Yakovi were killed during the October 7th attacks.And, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick’s highly controversial comments about the Handsworth area of Birmingham included a complaint about not seeing “another white face” in the area. What's he really trying to say?This episode was recorded on the 7th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced additional police powers that will be used to restrict repeat protests, a day after nearly 500 Palestine Action protesters were arrested. Has the government gone too far?And, Gary Neville, football pundit and former England and Manchester United footballer, revealed on social media that he removed a Union Jack flag from one of his development sites as it was being “used in a negative fashion”. What do you think of this? And, why are people putting flags up now?This episode was recorded on the 6th of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Yesterday, two people were killed in a terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, a synagogue in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, their families, and the three people that remain in hospital. Today saw a highly distressing development to the tragedy - one of the victims killed was hit by police gunfire, as was one of the survivors who remain in hospital. Now, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and the Met Police have called for tomorrow’s Palestine Action protest to be postponed, given the circumstances. Would this be right, or the result of a dangerous conflation between yesterday’s events and anti-zionism?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley says the sexist and racist police behaviour uncovered by BBC secret filming, broadcast yesterday, is "reprehensible", but stopped short of saying these problems were institutional. What’s the difference between racism and institutional racism in the police and other workplaces? And, two people from the Jewish community were killed and four patients are in hospital after a car and stabbing attack took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester this morning. Reporting from the scene is LBC reporter Liam Gotting. James receives an eyewitness account from local residents and is also joined by Andy Hughes, LBC's Crime Correspondent. Developments to this story may have occurred since the time of recording. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It seems that the UK is becoming more racist. The far-right have hi-jacked the St George’s flag, protests led by Tommy Robinson spread fear and division, and newspapers are criticising the Prime Minister for calling out Nigel Farage. Why is this? And, if you’re part of a minority group, what experiences have you had that show things are getting worse?This episode was recorded on the 1st of October. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Hamas says they’re reviewing the Gaza peace plan announced by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference yesterday. James digs into what’s actually in this plan, what it might mean for the people of Gaza, and why, despite understandable cynicism, he thinks it should at least be tried.This episode was recorded on the 30th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has labelled Reform UK's policy of scrapping indefinite leave to remain as "racist" and "immoral". This morning, the Daily Mail ran with the headline: “If you worry about migration Labour will call you racist…”. Has Starmer made a mistake in telling the truth?Rachel Reeves that she no longer stands by a pledge last year not to raise taxes , saying “the world has changed” due to a mixture of conflicts, US tariffs and higher borrowing costs. Do you agree?This episode was recorded on the 29th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s Speak to Sadiq! James was joined in-studio by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who took your calls and shared his thoughts on President Trump’s claim that he was “a terrible mayor” who was ushering in “sharia law”, Tommy Robinson’s far-right protest (with an appearance from Elon Musk), Gaza and more.And, Sir Keir Starmer's used his keynote speech at today’s Global Progress Action Summit to criticise the far-right and announce the introduction of mandatory digital ID cards. He called out lies spread by Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, while picking out illegal immigration as the main problem the UK currently faces. Is he right? And, will ID cards change anything?This episode was recorded on the 26th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The British Chambers of Commerce says the UK must tackle its status as the sick man of the G7 if it wants to grow the economy. Around 7% of the UK workforce are currently out of work due to long-term sickness, compared to 3.5% in Japan. What are we getting wrong?Also, deprived areas of the UK will be given tens of millions of pounds each from a new regeneration fund to address Britain’s neglected communities, and, Starmer hopes, tackle the threat posed by Reform UK. And, James plays a film from the BBC in collaboration with other international news agencies that calls on Israel to allow foreign journalists into Gaza.This episode was recorded on the 25th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly yesterday to attack the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. After saying Khan, born to Pakistani parents, was a “terrible mayor”, Trump claimed he’d introduced “sharia law”, an Islamic system of law, to the capital. This is of course entirely untrue. Is it time to call out racism as racism?This episode was recorded on the 24th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Donald Trump has claimed a link between common over-the-counter painkillers and autism, contradicting major medical groups. Is there any strategy in this apparent idiocy?And, GPs in England are being urged to "think again" if they see a sick patient three times but can't pin down a diagnosis, or find their symptoms are getting worse. “Jess's Rule” is named after Jessica Brady, who was diagnosed with long Covid, but was actually suffering from cancer, which she died from shortly after. Whether doctor or patient, what’s your reaction to this?This episode was recorded on the 23rd of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state yesterday, alongside Canada, Australia and Portugal. Around 151 UN member states now do so. Benjamin Netanyahu said the recognition is "a huge reward to terrorism". How do you greet this moment, and what do you think it’ll actually mean?And, several of Europe's busiest airports have spent the past few days in chaos after a major cyber-attack. In recent years we’ve also seen Marks & Spencers, Jaguar Land Rover, the Co-Op and NHS trusts brought to their knees by hackers, but with relatively little public reaction. Is this getting out of control? And, should we care more?This episode was recorded on the 22nd of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Trump’s state visit to the UK has come to a close. For some, Starmer’s played a blinder. He’s secured a new technology prosperity deal that’s set to draw in billions in investment and strengthened his relationship with Trump. For others, he’s capitulated to an immoral, fascistic President. How do you think it went?And, the French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are suing right wing influencer Candace Owens for promoting her belief that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man. Why has Owens done this and are the Macrons responding correctly?This episode was recorded on the 19th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has had his programme axed after suggesting that President Donald Trump used Charlie Kirk’s assassination to score political points. Arriving in Chequers today as part of his UK state visit, Trump described the decision to axe the show as “great news for America”.  How serious is this moment for freedom of speech? James discusses this and more LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks and Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.This episode was recorded on the 18th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK has rolled out the red carpet for Donald Trump on his second state visit, with Keir Starmer preparing to welcome him to Chequers tomorrow for talks on tariffs, steel, and aluminium. But has Starmer played a stellar game in managing his relationship with Trump, or should he have stood up more firmly to the US president’s demands? James put the question to his listeners: Is Keir playing his cards right, or not?Meanwhile, Health Minister Wes Streeting has condemned the weekend’s far-right marches, saying the scenes were “not the kind of country any of us want to live in.” James asked his audience to share their lived experiences of being on the receiving end of far-right hostility.This episode was recorded on the 17th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

A United Nations inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. It is the first time the allegation has been made publicly by a UN body, and has been greeted with fury by the Israeli government. With this conclusion, James asked listeners: What has Benjamin Netanyahu done to Israel’s reputation?And, currently in America, a growing number of organisations have fired workers over comments made online about remarks they made about Charlie Kirk's death or his political beliefs. Among them, Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah lost her job after posts on gun control and race in the aftermath of Kirk’s killing. To unpack the implications, James spoke with LBC’s Washington Correspondent, Simon Marks.This episode was recorded on the 16th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Over the weekend, Elon Musk made a speech online for the Far-Right “Unite the Kingdom” march in London, organised by Tommy Robinson. Musk told attendees to “either fight back or you die”, remarks that Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has condemned as dangerous incitement to violence. Today, James turned his focus to Musk’s words and asked listeners: how should Keir Starmer respond?And the political landscape shifted again as Tory MP and shadow minister Danny Kruger defected to Reform. Accusing the Conservatives of clinging to “defunct institutions” and “sham unity” since their election defeat, Kruger declared the party stuck in “stasis.” James asked his audience: is this truly the end of the road for the Tories?And finally, presenter and broadcaster Roman Kemp joined James in the studio to talk about his new Premier League-backed initiative aimed at breaking the taboo around mental health.This episode was recorded on the 15th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Despite Keir Starmer’s insistence that he has full confidence in his “top team”, his leadership faces fresh scrutiny after losing two key allies: his Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and, more recently, US Ambassador Peter Mandelson, who resigned following revelations of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. But while Downing Street backs Keir, does the country still back him?James also turned to international news, reflecting on the death of Charlie Kirk and the fallout surrounding MSNBC’s firing of political commentator Matthew Dowd over on-air remarks just minutes after the event. Beyond the headlines, James asked: will America truly change in response?This episode was recorded on the 12th of September. Catch James O’Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC. 

A manhunt is ongoing for the “college age” killer of conservative activist and influential Trump ally Charlie Kirk, who died after being shot at a university in Utah yesterday. Donald Trump has blamed the killing on "radical left political violence" - yet next to nothing is known about the killer. What did Charlie Kirk stand for and why has his killing prompted this extraordinarily political outpouring? And, the UK Ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, has been sacked by the Prime Minister over links to his “best pal” and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. James discusses what these links are and what the ramifications of the sacking will be with LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks and reporter Henry Riley.This episode was recorded on the 11th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has launched a strike on Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital, Doha, reportedly including the group’s chief ceasefire negotiator, who was meeting there to discuss the potential for a ceasefire in Gaza. Is there any point in negotiating with Israel?And, Sir Keir Starmer has rejected growing calls to sack the UK’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over his dealings with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. These indlude claims that Epstein brokered a deal involving Mandelson after Epstein had been convicted of child sex offences, and a 50th birthday from the ambassador calling Epstein his “best pal”. Should Peter Mandleson stay, or go?This episode was recorded on the 10th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The NHS has for the first time published league tables ranking every trust in England. Is this really a good idea?And, the London tube strike concludes its second full day, with a union leader warning that industrial relations have "totally collapsed". How do you decide whether or not to support a strike?This episode was recorded on the 9th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s Online Safety Day at LBC - James discusses what unfettered access to pornography has done to children and how we can know if the Online Safety Act is actually working to protect kids from harmful content.Also, the Met Police arrested almost 900 people at a protest against the proscribing of Palestine Action as a terror group on Saturday. Has the government made a mistake in banning the group and should they reverse it?And, James speaks with Meetali Jain, Director of the Tech Justice Law Project, which is supporting a family who are suing OpenAI over the death of their teenage son. They allege that Chat GPT encouraged their son, Adam Raine, to take his own life.This episode was recorded on the 8th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James navigated an extraordinary moment in British politics with the breaking news of Angela Rayner’s resignation from Government.Before the announcement, James invited listeners to share their perspectives on the independent investigation led by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial standards. Although the story has dominated headlines since Wednesday, James sought insights directly from professionals within the field.Midway through the programme, the news broke: Angela Rayner had resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, following revelations she had breached the ministerial code over her underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. To help unpack the implications of this dramatic development, James was joined by LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre. Together, they explored what the resignation means for Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party, and the wider political landscape.This episode was recorded on Friday, the 5th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Pressure is mounting on the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, after she admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat. Should she stay, or should she go?And, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has testified before the US House Judiciary Committee to discuss freedom of speech. Democrat congressman, Jamie Raskin, referred to Farage as a "Putin-loving, free-speech imposter and Trump sycophant" - James analyses the extensive evidence backing this up.This episode was recorded on the 4th of September. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.