James O'Brien Daily

How do we tell the difference between the relatively tiny number of people who take advantage of the welfare state and those who suffer from serious mental health issues? Once that is established - what will really help them?Also, French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Brexit has drastically worsened the UK's small boats crisis, because the UK no longer has a migratory agreement with the EU. Considering this and the stats, James states that those who orchestrated and voted for Brexit are in fact the ones who’ve caused the illegal immigration crisis. And, James hosts an incredible interview with Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, to discuss Israel’s assault on the people of Gaza, and her new report: “From economy of occupation, to economy of genocide”.This episode was recorded on the 11th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Major building projects in the UK take two and half years longer to complete than in the rest of the developed world, according to new analysis. Why is the UK so slow?Also, pubs across Britain will close down at a rate of more than one a day this year, according to new research. Why are pubs dying off, and this a natural, or unnatural death?And, James speaks with Donie O'Sullivan, senior correspondent at CNN, whose podcast, Persuadable, seeks to guide people whose loved ones have fallen into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories.This episode was recorded on the 10th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned junior doctors that the public will “not forgive them” for launching another wave of disruptive strikes as he made clear that a pay rise was off the table. Is he right?Also, James speaks with James Ball, Political Editor of The New World, who explains how and why Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot praised Hitler on X (formerly known as Twitter). And, James is joined by Lara Lewington, whose new book Hacking Humanity reveals how we can harness the power of technology to improve our lives now and transform our healthcare system for a better future.This episode was recorded on the 9th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The government has declined to rule out a wealth tax, following former Labour leader Lord Kinnock championing the policy. Such a tax remains public enemy number 1 for many right wing figures and their supporters. How are poor people persuaded to protect the interests of the super rich by opposing a wealth tax?And, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing has said the smell of cannabis made him feel unsafe in his own community and that police “ought to do something about” it. Is he right?This episode was recorded on the 8th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Today is the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, when four bombers attacked central London, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more. James remembers those who lost their lives, plays back LBC audio from the day itself and speaks with several brave people who were deeply impacted by the attacks.First, Emma Craig, a survivor, who was 14 years old and travelling into the city for work experience when an explosive went off in the carriage next to hers. Next, Marcelle Stroud, former Met Police CCTV Coordinator DC, who investigated the attacks in the aftermath of the bombings and discovered footage of the bombers.Finally, Azuma Wundowa, who was 16 years old when her mother Gladys was killed in the bus which was blown up at Tavistock Square. This episode was recorded on the 7th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has set out a digital overhaul of the NHS, centred around a new NHS app. He said “The NHS app will become a doctor in your pocket, bringing our health service into the 21st century”.  ​​Will this work?Also, prolific shoplifters are to be barred from stores and prosecuted using the first national database of repeat offenders. Why has there been an epidemic of such successful shoplifting?And, the producer of a documentary, Gaza: Doctors under Attack, that was dropped by the BBC has accused the corporation of trying to gag him and others over its decision not to show the documentary. James analyses this in the context of the BBC’s so-called “impartiality” regulations.This episode was recorded on the 4th July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

In her first public comments since crying at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she was having a "tough day", but that she is "totally" up for the job. How did you respond to the Chancellor's tears and how do you think she’d been treated in the media since?And, The Health Secretary has announced he will give more people access to weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, stating that “the jabs are a route not just to lower weight, but lower taxes”. Are weight loss jabs going to change the world?This episode was recorded on the 3rd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Keir Starmer was humiliated during yesterday’s welfare reform vote, losing control of the Commons and swathes of his own MPs. What has Starmer done that has led him here, after winning an unassailable majority just a year ago? To James chew this over, he speaks with Tom Baldwin, former Labour Party advisor, journalist and author of the upcoming “Keir Starmer: The Biography.”And, the cost of the UK’s obesity epidemic has soared to £126bn a year according to a new study. Why don’t we make the obvious and necessary changes to fight obesity?This episode was recorded on the 2nd July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The government's welfare bill passed by 335 votes to 260 today, after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid a possible defeat. What would actually help you get back to work?Also, a criminal investigation has been launched into the Glastonbury performances of both Bob Vylan and Kneecap after the police reviewed footage. Is anyone more outraged by Bob Vylan's words than civilian deaths at the hands of the IDF?And, three former senior staff at the hospital where nurse Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill seven others have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. James speaks with Liam Gotting, LBC's reporter in the North West, for the details.This episode was recorded on the 1st July. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has criticised the ‘appalling’ anti IDF Chants made by Bob Vylan during their Glastonbury performance at the weekend. Today, James asks how is it that we are still discussing a festival chant rather than how many people have been killed in Gaza since the incident happened?And, new research has revealed the number of entry level jobs in the UK has dropped 32% since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. James asked listeners how their lives and jobs have been impacted by AI.This episode was recorded on 30th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Another U-turn from Sir Keir Starmer, and this time on the controversial welfare bill. Today, James asked his listeners what these constant policy shifts mean for the public’s perception of the Prime Minister? Can a government change its mind this often without losing credibility?In a deeply troubling story, James also discussed the dismissal of two Met Police officers after a tribunal into the inappropriate strip-search of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2020. James heard from listeners — including Sam from Acton, whose own daughter was recently searched — about the disturbing patterns of bias in our institutions.After a heavy week of headlines, the show closed with some lighter fare, including some of the most-changed names in the UK, and James was joined by writer and producer Patrick Dalton, whose film Chicken Town hits cinemas this weekend.This episode was recorded on 27th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In today’s episode, James O’Brien unpacks another political crisis for Sir Keir Starmer’s government. With over 100 Labour MPs demanding a delay to the controversial Welfare Bill, pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister to perform yet another policy U-turn. What’s going wrong inside Number 10 — and why is Labour’s grip on power already showing signs of strain?Then, on a lighter note, James dived into the surprising decline of dating apps among Gen Z. Why is the generation raised online suddenly swiping left on digital romance?This episode was recorded on the 26th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country’s nuclear program, as President Trump claims, and likely only set it back by months, according to a leaked US intelligence report. Despite this, the head of NATO has referred to Donald Trump as "daddy" as he lauded the US president over the Israel-Iran “ceasefire”. Is sycophancy inevitable?And, a growing number of Labour MPs are supporting a bid to block the government's planned welfare changes, which would cut disability benefits to save £5bn a year by 2030. Are these welfare cuts fair?This episode was recorded on the 25th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire, which Iran has denied, hours after the deal brokered by Donald Trump and Qatar came into effect. When questioned about it on live TV, Trump attacked both countries and said the f-word. What should Keir Starmer be doing here?Also, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, has launched a national investigation into NHS maternity services in England. This has come after a series of high profile failures and preventable losses of life, including several infants. What is wrong with maternity care services in England? And, it’s Daniel Hannan Day! To "celebrate", James speaks with John Springford, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre For European Reform and Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade, to analyse the infamous post-Brexit predictions from the wrongest man in the world. This episode was recorded on the 24th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Iran claims it has after launched missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar and Iraq, in response to the US dropping "bunker buster bombs" on three key nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. Why did Trump decide to hit Iran?This episode was recorded on the 23rd June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The White House says Donald Trump will decide in the next fortnight whether the US will get involved in Israel’s war against Iran. Do you think he’ll do it?And, following the 8th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire last Saturday, James speaks with Ed Daffarn, Grenfell survivor whose blog catalogued a series of concerns about the tower block before the disaster occurred. He features in the new documentary, Grenfell: Uncovered.This episode was recorded on the 20th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up whether to provide the US with military support if Donald Trump decides to attack Iran. If we do get involved, what would it mean to you, the world, and our future?And, HS2 will be delayed again, beyond its target of 2033, and will not be completed on its already enormous budget. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander blamed previous Conservative governments - but how has this happened?This episode was recorded on the 19th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is reportedly considering joining Israel's strikes on Iran. As this conflict escalates, comparisons will be drawn with the disastrous US military intervention in Iraq - is history repeating itself? Also, a new study named “Sleeping with the Enemy” found that the risk of splitting up with your partner if you disagree on Brexit increases by more than 60 per cent. Can you love someone and hate their politics?And, James speaks with Tim Gregory, nuclear chemist working at the Sellafield nuclear site, who sets out the argument in his new book “Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World”.This episode was recorded on the 18th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has defended his decision to hold a national inquiry into grooming gangs. Baroness Louise Casey’s report recommends both a national police operation to review cases of child exploitation not acted on, as well as a national inquiry. Today, James asks victims of sexual abuse as a child to share what happened when they told someone about it.And, Baroness Casey shared evidence from her report with MPs and asked that the results not be used for political ends - James is also joined by LBC’s Political Correspondent, Aggie Chambre, for the details.This episode was recorded on the 17th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Israel says it has "full aerial operational control" over the Iranian capital Tehran, after four days of intensifying strikes between the countries, with growing casualties on both sides. Is it possible that Israel's actions are unconscionable in Gaza, but justified in Iran? And, importantly, James asks his listeners what the reality of being a citizen of modern Iran actually is.This episode was recorded on the 16th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Israel launched strikes across the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear programme last night, killing senior military figures, scientists, and according to Iranian state media, civilians and children. Iran then struck back, sending around 100 drones to Israel, most of which were intercepted. Is this Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest attempt at self-preservation, or is this action morally justified? And, James is joined by David Challen, whose mother killed his father after a lifetime of coercive control. David successfully campaigned for his mother’s release and has been a prominent domestic violence campaigner ever since. His new book, The Unthinkable, tells his story.This episode was recorded on the 13th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

James discusses the warning that police forces will struggle to fulfil Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to recruit an additional 13,000 officers. Why aren't people joining the police? Would you?Also, earlier today, a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed in Ahmedabad, western India. On board were 169 Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. James is joined by two aviation experts to try and understand how this might have happened. Please note this story is ongoing and there may have been developments since the time of recording.And, a new report has found that the bonnet height of new cars in the UK and Europe is rising relentlessly, significantly increasing the death rate when pedestrians are struck and especially dangerous for children. James can’t stand SUVs - why do people drive them in the first place?This episode was recorded on the 12th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

The UK has sanctioned two extremist far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over "repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities" in the occupied West Bank. Is this too little, too late? Or a major step in the right direction?And, government ministers are planning to scrap the 200 years old Vagrancy Act, which outlaws rough sleeping in England and Wales. James’ listeners share their personal stories about how easy it is to end up homeless. This episode was recorded on the 11th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Yesterday's U-turn on the controversial winter fuel payment cuts restored the allowance to all pensioners with an income of £35k or less a year. Does this U-turn make the government look better, or worse? How does that £35k threshold sit with you?And, Israel has said it’s deported Greta Thunberg, a day after the IDF intercepted The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s aid boat, arresting Thunberg and the other 11 campaigners on board. What would Israel have done if Greta wasn’t there, and was her mission a success?This episode was recorded on the 10th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles continued for a third day yesterday, with Donald Trump calling in the National Guard against the wishes of California's Governor Gavin Newsom, who has said he’ll be suing the President for doing so. What’s Trump’s plan? James breaks it down with the callers and LBC’s Washington Editor, Simon Marks.And, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts, reinstating the payment for more than three-quarters of pensioners. Natasha Clark, LBC’s Political Editor explains the significance of this policy change.This episode was recorded on the 9th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall stepped in for James O’Brien for the final day, bringing you a packed episode that examines major fractures on the political right, on both sides of the Atlantic.In the United States, Elon Musk has publicly broken ties with President Donald Trump, marking the end of a high-profile alliance that had become increasingly influential in conservative political circles. The rift follows Musk’s recent departure from the Department of Government Efficiency and signals a significant shift in the dynamics of the American right.Meanwhile, in the UK, Reform Party chairman Zia Yusuf has resigned, stating that he no longer believes working in politics is a good use of his time. The decision comes after comments from newly elected MP Sarah Pochin regarding banning the burka sparked internal tensions.With both events unfolding within hours of each other, today’s episode looks at what these developments signal about the broader direction—and disarray—of populist movements in the UK and the US.This episode was recorded on the 6th June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s U-turn on the controversial winter fuel payment cuts that were set to come into play this winter. Lewis thinks this fiasco shows that old, rich people in the UK have too much political power - do you agree?And, Lewis is joined by Ali Milani, National Chair at the Labour Muslim Network, to speak on its recent survey showing that one in three Muslim Labour MPs, councillors and mayors described the party as institutionally Islamophobic. Ali also shares the shocking islamophobia that he’s allegedly received from within the party.This episode was recorded on the 5th of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Rachel Reeves is announcing £15bn in spending for public transport outside London, saying the UK will not see a return to austerity. Do you accept this? And why have we been prevented from developing infrastructure in recent years? Lewis is joined by Sam Dumitriu, Head of Policy at Britain Remade, which campaigns to promote economic growth via infrastructure, for his thoughts.Also, police cuts will mean ‘some crimes must be ignored’, according to head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, who wrote to Sir Keir Starmer in light of the spending review. What do you think of this, and have you had recent experiences where the police haven't done their job? Lewis is joined by Stephen Roberts, Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Met Police.And, Gaza aid points have closed for the day after Israel killed at least 27 Palestinians trying to access food from one yesterday. Lewis is joined by Amira Nimerawi, Senior Programmes specialist at the Palestinian Medical Relief Society and CEO of Health Workers 4 Palestine, to hear what this means on the ground.This episode was recorded on the 4th of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

A major deal that hoped would save Thames Water has collapsed, with US private equity group KKR pulling out of negotiations that would have seen them inject £4 billion in fresh equity into the company. What is next for Thames Water - do you believe it will be successfully nationalised?And, a man who burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London has been convicted. In a statement, the man said his conviction was "an assault on free speech”, with others in the public sphere echoing this sentiment, including Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. Was this conviction fair? And can one hate a religion, but not its followers?This episode was recorded on the 3rd of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Today, Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled the government's new defence spending plans, stating that the UK military is moving to "war-fighting readiness", but he's being criticised for a lack of urgency in hitting the promised 3% spending increase. To help work out whether this is the case, Lewis is joined by Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells and a member of the Defence Select Committee and Natasha Clark, LBC's Political Editor.And, Reform UK has launched a new Elon Musk-style “Doge” unit to crack down on waste and inefficiency in English councils. The party has pledged to slash spending on diversity, equality and inclusion programmes - but their figures simply don‘t add up. Lewis speaks with Reform Chairman Zia Yusuf and asks the callers why Reform aren't scrutinised as heavily as other parties.This episode was recorded on the 2nd of June. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has posted a video of himself delivering “vigilante justice” to people he accused of fare dodging in London. Why do we find petty crimes like fare jumping so enraging and what is Honest Bob Jenrick’s plan?Also, new figures show that almost 2.5 million people are likely to have ADHD in the UK. James explores the possibility of himself having ADHD and asks what difference a diagnosis can make to your life.And, James speaks with Dr Alonso Gurmendi, a fellow in human rights at LSE's Department of Sociology, to discuss why he and other lawyers are making the case that Israel is committing genocide.This episode was recorded on the 30th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

In today’s episode, James drew on analysis from across the political spectrum, as he explored the Conservative Party’s current decline and questioned whether a route to recovery remains viable. Listeners, particularly former Conservative voters, were invited to reflect on whether the party has passed the point of no return and what a future revival might entail.James then turned to a harrowing investigation by LBC into the rise of knife crime among young people. With exclusive data revealing a 60% surge in incidents involving blades on school grounds over the past two years, he considered the deeper societal context behind this alarming trend. In search of understanding, James examines the root causes that may drive young people to carry weapons in modern Britain.Finally, attention shifted to major developments in the United States. Overnight, a federal court in Manhattan blocked former President Trump’s sweeping international trade tariffs, ruling that the emergency powers cited did not grant unilateral authority for such measures. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has stepped down from his role within Trump’s administration. James spoke with LBC’s Washington correspondent, Simon Marks, to unpack the implications for international trade and political dynamics in the US.This episode was recorded on the 29th of May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10 am on LBC.

Thames Water has been fined £122.7m for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts - the biggest penalty in water company history. How did we let them get away with it and whose fault is it that we're only waking up to this now?And, people caught driving illegal e-scooters will see their vehicles crushed within 48 hours under new police powers. James thinks they’re a scourge on society, but is painfully aware he sounds like an old git in saying so - what do you think?This episode was recorded on the 28th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

50 people, including four children, are injured after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade yesterday. The suspect has been described as a “53 year old white British man” - but what if he wasn’t a white British man? In telling us this, have the police accepted that far-right violence in response to crimes committed by none-white people are guaranteed? Also, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said the government is looking at scrapping the two-child benefit cap. What was the cap designed to do, and what are your thoughts on its scrappage?And, James speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, to discuss the evolution of the Ukraine War, including German Chancellor’s Merz’s backing of Ukrainian military strikes.This episode was recorded on the 27th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Data shows that 52% of first-time buyers can only get on the ladder with help from the 'Bank of Mum And Dad', it feels inevitable that this figure will continue to rise, but what does that mean for society as we age? What happens when those who have been stuck renting forever want to retire? And, it's looking very likely that Sir Keir Starmer is due to change his winter fuel payment policy, and it got James thinking about the importance of being able to change your mind and opinion. Is it something you can easily do? 

From the war zones of Bosnia to the frontlines of Gaza, Christiane Amanpour has reported from the epicentres of global upheaval for over three decades. Her commitment to being “truthful, not neutral” made her one of the most respected correspondents of her generation and a sharp, unwavering voice in the age of misinformation.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Christiane to explore the emotional and political terrain of her career. They trace her journey from Tehran to CNN’s international anchor desk, discussing the deep personal impact of motherhood, the shifting challenges for women in journalism, and the influence of her high-profile marriage to diplomat Jamie Rubin. From candid reflections on the media’s role in Trump-era America to her evolving understanding of clarity, empathy and leadership, this is a conversation shaped by the past but rooted firmly in the turbulent present.Christiane also opens up about her new podcast, The Ex Files, co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. Told through the prism of their 20-year marriage and subsequent divorce, the series explores the biggest issues of the day and the historical moments that shaped them- from Donald Trump’s return to office, to the escalating global economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine- all examined through lived history on opposite sides.Listen to The Ex Files here

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that UK net migration almost halved in 2024. As significant as this sounds, will these numbers make much difference to our political discourse, especially to those most vocal in their resentment of immigrants?And, Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, such as paedophiles, according to government sources. James approves, do you?This episode was recorded on the 22nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called out Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as "morally unjustifiable", demanding an end to its aid blockade, suspending trade talks and imposing sanctions. From support to disgust - how did it get to this?This episode was recorded on the 21st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With the media responding to Sir Keir Starmer's new landmark UK-EU deal, the question that James wants answered is, can we avoid falling into old traps, or are we destined to bow to the right-wing media like before?With several businesses publicly confirming that this new deal will benefit the majority of us, will the nation move forward and listen to those trusted voices, or will they be swayed by those with the most to gain? This episode was recorded on the 20th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has finalised a landmark UK-EU deal that’ll make trading with the European continent easier and hosted a summit with the EU leaders in London today. The Conservatives and Reform UK have described the deal as a "surrender". Is it time for James to abandon the attitude of "contempt for the conmen, compassion for the conned"?Also, Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade and author of the book, ‘Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It', explains the the facts of the deal.James also listens to and reflects upon Gary Lineker’s statement on leaving the BBC.This episode was recorded on the 19th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Interest from American buyers in UK property has reached its highest level in eight years, with Edinburgh emerging as the most popular destination, according to new figures. James asks why Scotland has such a different attitude towards immigrants than the rest of the UK.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, consultant plastic surgeon, who is currently working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, South Gaza. Today alone, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had reportedly killed at least 93 people. This episode was recorded on the 16th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit 'reset' talks with Brussels have met a hitch over fishing. British fishing waters were one of the most effective tools of the Leave Campaign, but what’s actually happened to our fishing industry since Brexit, and why did fishing become so important before disappearing overnight? James also speaks with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor of the Financial Times, for his take on the UK’s relationship with the EU. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details on Keir Starmer’s asylum seeker “return hub” plans.And, analysis from the University of Oxford has shown that people taking weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro can expect to regain the weight within a year of stopping. James ask his callers who use these drugs whether they’re just too good to be true.This episode was recorded on the 15th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Downing Street has defended Sir Keir Starmer’s language on immigration, which some on the left has likened to that used by Enoch Powell. The questions remain, who exactly is Starmer targeting and how does it feel to be on the receiving end?Unsurprisingly, Starmer is grilled on his speech in today’s Prime Minister’s Questions - James and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark listen and analyse.And, James speaks with Lucy Easthope, international adviser on disaster recovery, to discuss her new book “Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis”, detailing how one can apply the lessons from her career to everyday, smaller disasters.This episode was recorded on the 14th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Starmer’s speech on the government’s immigration white paper in which he warned that “we risk becoming an island of strangers” has been likened to Enoch Powell’s infamous Rivers of Blood speech. Who is the Prime Minister speaking to with this?Also, it’s Speak to Sadiq - the Mayor of London joins me in the studio to answer James and the callers’ most pressing questions - Keir Starmer’s speech, Gaza and Thames Water were on the agenda.And, James speaks with Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the Democracy for Sale, with an exclusive story on the US spy-tech firm Palantir and its data platform that NHS hospitals have been rejecting.This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer will be drastically tightening immigration policy. He says the reforms will see net migration drop even further, but do the numbers actually matter to the people this new policy is supposed to please?And, UN-backed assessment has said that Gaza's population of around 2.1 million Palestinians is at "critical risk" of famine, as an Israeli blockade on food and humanitarian aid continues. Why are we closing our eyes to Gaza’s horror?This episode was recorded on the 12th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer says the new UK-US trade deal will save thousands of jobs in the car and steel industries. James breaks down the detail with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of Explain Trade, and asks if Starmer could have done any better.Also, two men have been found guilty of felling the world famous Sycamore Gap Tree, a crime that enraged the nation. As a country, why were we so emotionally invested, and should the men be sent to prison for chopping down a tree?And, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old is a Chicago native and the first American to hold the papacy. How much influence and importance does the Pope have in the 21st Century?This episode was recorded on the 9th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Even in the wake of the UK-India trade deal, an actual benefit of Brexit, many Brexiteers are forgoing celebrations and instead painting Indian workers as the winners, and UK workers as the losers. In this anti-immigrant political climate, how can Labour prove to the electorate that it is benefiting them?Also, migrants coming to live and work in the UK will be required to speak A-Level standard English under a new proposal from the Government. Who is this policy designed to appease, and will it work?And, James also speaks with historian, broadcaster and host of the History Hit Podcast, Dan Snow, who shares some very important lessons from the past as we honour VE Day.This episode was recorded on the 8th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

India launched air strikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir last night, leaving many civilians dead, in the worst fighting between the two nations for decades. This has coincided with the near completion of a UK-India trade deal. What are the stakes here and what happens if the conflict escalates?Also, a new report into last summer’s far-right anti-immigrant riots has found that the police force is ill-equipped to tackle the impact of online misinformation - which fuelled the disorder. Why do people spread misinformation? Is the battle with the tech platforms that have the power to restrict such content already lost?And, James speaks with journalist Harry Shukman, author of “Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right”, to hear exactly what he learned while working undercover with various far-right groups.This episode was recorded on the 7th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Government is rethinking its controversial winter fuel payment cut as anxiety grows at potential electoral repercussions. How big a deal is the winter fuel allowance, and how would you fix it?The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to 'capture' Gaza, in which troops will indefinitely occupy the region and forcibly relocate the 2.1 million Palestinians living there to the southern enclave. Was this the plan all along?This episode was recorded on the 6th May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 1st May. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 6th May. Have a wonderful weekend!