James O'Brien Daily

Nigel Farage’s Reform has this afternoon taken control of seven councils, just hours after dramatically beating Labour in a by-election for Runcorn and Helsby.Is Keir Starmer Labour’s main problem? How can Nigel Farage, a politician with such a bad track record, enjoy such public support?And, James speaks with the Co-Founders of Project Pure Hope, an organisation that helped bring two girls from Gaza over to the UK for urgent medical treatment. These children are the first to be granted temporary UK visas and healthcare since the beginning of the war.This episode was recorded on the 2nd May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Met Police officer who was cleared of murder after shooting and killing Chris Kaba is now going to be investigated for gross misconduct by the independent police watchdog. James asks if this investigation is necessary. And, James speaks with Phillips O’Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, about the resource deal that’s been finalised between Ukraine and the US. What does it mean for both parties?This episode was recorded on the 1st May. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James and LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks fact-check Donald Trump’s speech in Michigan celebrating the first 100 days of his second presidency. The Met Police officer who was cleared of murder after shooting Chris Kaba will face a gross misconduct hearing, the police watchdog has said. James speaks with LBC’s reporter Fraser Knight for the details.It’s been reported that men are to blame for the so-called “motherhood penalty”, and that men still don't do enough housework in comparison to women. Why has so little changed, and is this the case in your household?And, LBC Correspondent Emma Corr joins James to break an exclusive story on the farmer who was forced to bin 300 tonnes of strawberries due to Brexit border delays.This episode was recorded on the 30th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK and the EU have outlined a “new strategic partnership” intended to improve trade and security in Europe - totally at odds with Donald Trump’s alignment with Russia. Should Keir Starmer lean to Europe, or America?James is joined by LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks, to analyse the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term.And, after years of posting cycling videos, broadcaster Jeremy Vine will stop sharing his content, as he’s been the victim to huge amounts of anti-cyclist trolling, including death threats. What is it about the UK that makes us a bunch of anti-cyclist road ragers?This episode was recorded on the 29th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Ultra-processed foods, including processed meats, breakfast cereal and fizzy drinks are causing almost 20,000 premature deaths in the UK each year, a study has suggested. Why are Brits so susceptible to junk food?And, experts in child development told MPs today that children may struggle to maintain relationships as an adult if they experience verbal abuse as children - the most prevalent form of child maltreatment. Have you been affected by verbal abuse as a child?This episode was recorded on the 28th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Can we get the social media genie back in the bottle? Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is considering a social media curfew for kids, but has said no decisions will be made unless all the data backs it. Do we need a social media curfew? How bad is the impact of social media?And, Sir Keir Starmer and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met yesterday to discuss plans for a new UK/EU defence pact. Contrastingly, 10 years ago, Brexiteers such as Nigel Farage used the idea of a European Army as a highly effective tool to convince the public to vote to leave the EU - but what were we meant to be scared of?This episode was recorded on the 25th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In the wake of a deadly Russian drone attack on a bus in Ukraine, which killed 9 people, Donald Trump has accused the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of harming peace negotiations by refusing to relinquish sovereignty of Crimea to Russia. James believes the US and Russia are now allies. What does this mean for both Ukraine and the world?James is also joined by LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares her interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, during which they discussed the potential for a UK-US trade deal.This episode was recorded on the 24th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The list of states, institutions and people around the world that US President Donald Trump offends grows by the day - but why does Trump never do a single thing that upsets Vladimir Putin's and the Kremlin?And, as he marked St George’s Day, Sir Keir Starmer urged the public to reclaim the English flag from the far-right. James asks a question that is simultaneously simple and complex - what is Englishness and why do you feel English?This episode was recorded on the 23rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Pope Francis died in the early hours of Easter Monday. His funeral will take place on Saturday, which will start the first of nine days of global mourning. A liberal Pope, his attitudes were both loved and controversial. James asks what it means to be Catholic, and why Pope Francis’ death has generated such an extraordinary response.Also, for the first time, the Home Office is to publish the nationalities of criminal immigrants in the UK. Why are Labour doing this and why would anyone welcome this policy?And, James speaks to Fatima Whitbread MBE, former javelin world record holder and x2 Olympic medalist, about her campaign to improve the lives of children in care and care leavers.This episode was recorded on the 22nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 17th April. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 22nd April. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, has said the West as we know it no longer exists. Given Donald Trump’s rejection of America’s role as leader of the free world, James thinks she’s right - do you? And, in an open letter in the Financial Times, dozens of members of the largest body representing UK Jews have condemned Israel's government for the war in Gaza. How significant is this moment?This episode was recorded on the 17th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Supreme Court has ruled that "woman" in UK law refers to biological sex, rather than one’s gender identity. This is being celebrated by some, while others feel dismay and that trans-people are being erased from society. What does the court ruling mean and what are people celebrating?James is also joined by the journalist and author David A Graham, to speak about his upcoming book “The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America”, which explains why many people believe that a mysterious document by a conservative think tank is the blueprint for Donald Trump’s America.This episode was recorded on the 16th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Birmingham bin collector strikes will continue after the latest pay offer by the city council was "overwhelmingly" rejected. Do you support the strikers? What would you do if your boss wanted to cut your wages?Also, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks for the latest from the US, including Donald Trump blaming the Ukraine war - again - on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.And, the Prime Minister has pledged to give 16 year olds the right to vote, which would extend the franchise to around 1.5 million young people. Is he right to do so?This episode was recorded on the 15th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A report by MPs has found no evidence for “two tier policing” during last summer’s violent far-right riots, following the murder of three little girls by the Southport killer. The report also stated that the law preventing the police revealing more information about the suspect, who was a British Christian, should be reviewed, as the truth could have countered the disinformation claiming that he was a Muslim asylum seeker, which fuelled much of the violence. Shouldn’t the government be focusing on punishing those who spread false information, rather than changing the system? Does the report’s findings insinuate that, if the killer had been an asylum seeker or a Muslim, that the riots would have been less wrong?And, research has found that stress is taking an “immense toll” on the lives of teachers in England, with only 1.5% of those working in schools being unaffected. Why is teaching in 2025 so stressful and what has changed to make it so?This episode was recorded on the 14th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US-China trade war has deepens - again. Beijing retaliates to yesterday’s 145% levy with a 125% tariff on US goods, with President Xi Jinping calling on the EU to join China in opposing "bullying" from the US. With the future global economic and political landscape hugely uncertain, James asks whether Keir Starmer should take bold action to protect the country’s interests by softening Brexit?And, James discusses the BBC’s reinstallation of a statue sculpted by the paedophile and artist Eric Gill, on the outside of its London HQ. Can the artist ever be separated so far from the art that such a works, by such a man, should be on public display?This episode was recorded on the 11th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump paused his tariff hike on all global economies bar China’s, where the trade war has deepened even further - at the time of writing, tariffs on China stand at 145%. Why has Trump done this? What does the future look like? Should these actions prompt Keir Starmer to rebuild bridges with the EU?James also plays back an interview with psychologist, writer, and Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, in which she describes what she claims are her uncle’s worsening delusions.And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks, who brings insider details analysis the capital.This episode was recorded on the 10th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump continues to dismantle democratic institutions, defy court orders, deport innocent green card holders and facilitate cronyism. Time for James to ask the big question - is the Trump administration fascist?And, the UK government is developing a “murder prediction” programme which it hopes will identify members of the public most likely to become killers. Is this pragmatic, or dystopian?This episode was recorded on the 9th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following days of tariff turmoil, US stocks rally, while European and Asian markets also stabilise. China, so far, is refusing to withdraw its retaliatory tariffs, saying it will “fight to the end”. Trump has threatened to hit Beijing with an additional 50% tariff if they don’t withdraw their levy by the end of today.How do you make sense of what Trump is doing? Are we wasting our time trying to analyse him using the normal methods? What comes next? This episode was recorded on the 8th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The head of the Muslim World League says young British Muslims are growing more disillusioned because of the war in Gaza, while the shocking video of Israeli forces opening fire on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, before killing 15 medics, contradicts the IDF’s initial explanation for the killings. How much damage has Benjamin Netanyahu’s government done to the Israeli cause?Also, health workers will be sent into the community door-to-door, under drastic new NHS plans to tackle sickness rates across England. Will the scheme work?And, James speaks to Dmitry Grozoubinski, founder of Explain Trade and author of “Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It”, about the fabled US-UK trade deal.This episode was recorded on the 7th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, should Keir Starmer retaliate or negotiate? James also tackles another possibility - how long could it take for this all to blow up in Trump’s face?And, James speaks with Neil Henderson, the father of Jim Henderson, an aid worker and former Royal Marine that was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza last April. Neil shares his son’s story and legacy.This episode was recorded on the 4th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Stock markets across the world dropped today after Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements. Sir Keir Starmer has said this will "clearly" have an economic impact on Brits, but that the UK will keep a "clear head", while also considering retaliatory measures. What should Starmer do?James is also joined by Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American journalist and author, for a brilliant conversation about the dramatic reaction to his latest book, “The Message”, which explores destructive nationalist myths and describes the segregation he witnessed first hand in Israel and the West Bank.This episode was recorded on the 3rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is set to announce his global tariffs at 9pm tonight. Can Keir Starmer, who’s being urged to fight back with retaliatory tariffs, stand up to Trump? James also analyses some of the New Jersey Senator Cory Booker’s record breaking anti-Trump speech from yesterday.Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said she opposes protest-free buffer zones around abortion clinics and thinks they undermine free speech in the UK. Why are certain powerful individuals so against abortion and are the buffer zones actually an assault on free speech?And, James speaks with Nebal Farsakh, Spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, about the killing of several Palestinian medics by Israeli forces last week in Gaza. This episode was recorded on the 2nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that the UK is likely to be hit by Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs, as the US refuses to sign an economic deal with Britain. James gets into the nitty gritty: What's the reason for tariffs? When did they originate? How will these tariffs affect us?The Prime Minister has described Netflix’s hugely influential series Adolescence as something that the entire nation is talking about. Yet today on LBC the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that she hasn’t watched it. James and his listeners break this down.This episode was recorded on the 1st April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The number of men becoming secondary school teachers has plummeted to a record low, while conversations about the effects of online misogyny and healthy role models are being had more than ever. Do boys need male role models specifically, and if so, why?NHS bosses have decided to shut the maternity unit at a major London hospital in response to a dramatic fall in the birthrate in its area in recent years. If you’re child free - why? And how do people react when you tell them?This episode was recorded on the 31st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Labour has come under fire from its welfare cuts, with affected families forecasted to lose £1,720 on average a year. James and his listeners look to identify exactly who Labour is trying to appeal to right now.Also, mid show, Keir Starmer’s director of communications quit - after just 9 months in the job. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details.And, Just Stop Oil is to cease its campaign of civil resistance after 3 years of climate action. The group stated that its initial demand to end new oil and gas is now Government policy. Did it succeed in its mission?This episode was recorded on the 28th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

More than 3 million UK households will lose out as a result of the government’s cuts to welfare, according to official analysis, with an extra 250,000 people forecasted to fall into relative poverty by the end of the decade. How will this impact you?And, the Netflix drama Adolescence has brought much needed attention to toxic masculinity and dangerous online influences such as Andrew Tate. James speaks to women about their thoughts on the show and the conversations it's opened up.This episode was recorded on the 27th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As well as plans to bomb Yemen's Houthis being leaked in the US security breach yesterday, messages also revealed a contempt toward America's European allies. One of US Vice President JD Vance’s messages stood out: "I just hate bailing Europe out again". Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied: "I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It's PATHETIC". Why does JD Vance have this attitude towards Europe?James also speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who explains why yesterday’s US-negotiated "Black Sea Ceasefire" is a betrayal of Ukraine.This episode was recorded on the 26th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on which the US Government was planning the bombing of Yemen's Houthis. The chat included US Vice President JD Vance, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and the leaders of US national security and intelligence. When questioned this morning, Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it. Is this indicative of the incompetence of the Trump administration?And, the Palestinian director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” has been arrested by the IDF after being attacked by Israeli settlers. James speaks with Raviv Rose, a jewish activist of the Centre for Jewish non-violence, who witnessed the attack. This episode was recorded on the 25th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK’s first live facial recognition cameras, intended to make fighting crime easier, are being set up in south London. Would you be comfortable with these cameras arriving on your street, or is this an invasion of privacy?Brits spend less time in the office than workers in every other country bar the Philippines, research claims. Why are Brits resisting the call back to the office?Elton John, Stormzy and Coldplay are among a group of artists backing Ed Sheeran’s call for Keir Starmer to commit £250m to music education. Would you be the same person you are now without having been introduced to music?This episode was recorded on the 24th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is considering a smartphone ban in England schools. Pressure mounts from MPs to act on the effect of social media on teenagers, encapsulated by the viral Netflix drama, Adolescence. Is totally banning phones from schools possible?Also, there’s been a huge rise in women working beyond the state pension threshold simply in order to survive. Simple question here - will you ever be able to retire?And, James speaks with LBC’s Scotland Political Editor, Gina Davidson, for the details on Nicola Sturgeon’s clearance of wrongdoing in regards to the case investigating alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.This episode was recorded on the 21st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has suggested the US takes over ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of a truce between Ukraine and Russia. Is Trump’s second term changing the West beyond all recognition?Also, James speaks with LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares the highlights from her recent interview with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey.Also, James speaks with Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky, who details why Israeli protestors are saying that Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest bombardment of Gaza is ‘cover’ for his campaign to retain power.And, Labour’s long-awaited curriculum review would see UK pupils sitting fewer GCSE exams, with an increased focus on applied skills. Does our system currently put too much emphasis on academic subjects?This episode was recorded on the 20th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Over 1 million disabled people could be set to lose thousands of pounds under the government’s welfare overhaul. James asks his listeners if these changes go too far.Also, Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate says that young men are suffering from a lack of positive role models and are being influenced by toxic online figures, gambling and pornography. Why are young men so susceptible to these dangers?And, James speaks with Suzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author of “The Age of Diagnosis: Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Far”, to ask whether we’re being over diagnosed by doctors in today’s world.This episode was recorded on the 19th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Despite the ceasefire, more than 400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes overnight, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Humanitarian organisations have expectably been overwhelmed. James speaks with Rosalia Bollen, spokesperson for Unicef, who is in Southern Gaza and asks listeners what the likelihood is that Benjamin Netanyahu will continue this war until Gaza is entirely destroyed?Also, millions of people in England and Wales should have their BMI checked regularly to curb obesity, an NHS watchdog is recommending. What was your wake up call to lose weight and what does it feel like to have loved ones refuse to hear that wake up call?And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks, who shares the latest on Donald Trump and the US.This episode was recorded on the 18th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

According to a new study, almost 4 in 10 members of Generation Z are considering leaving their job, with mental health identified as a “major driver” of this. Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Also, the author of the new book, “Why I Would Never Fight for My Country”, argues that ordinary people should never be sent into battle. The 27 year old German states that he’d “rather be occupied than dead.” Why is he wrong?And, I speak with Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA), which has had almost all of its staff placed on administrative leave after Donald Trump signed an order to dismantle it.This episode was recorded on the 17th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Kier Starmer announced yesterday his intention to abolish NHS England to bring the healthcare service back under government control to reduce bureaucracy and costs. Today, James searched for the lived experiences of those who have worked with NHS England, to highlight why the abolition may be welcome. Following Monday’s focus on online safety, James also returned to this topic as the UK Schools Leader announced that social media platforms must be held accountable for their role in bullying and the spread of “deepfakes.” He asked his listeners a unique question, how much damage has social media done?Furthermore, as reported by The Times, creative subjects such as art, music, and drama are at risk of being removed from the school curriculum. Listeners gave their testimonies that reflect the impact access to arts has on individuals, when exposed at a young age.This episode was recorded on the 14th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocidal acts and sexual violence in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s systematic destruction of women’s healthcare facilities during the conflict. However, this raised the question of whether the world has ceased monitoring the situation in Gaza. What implications does this have for global affairs?  James also reflected on Jamie Oliver’s call for increased government support for individuals with dyslexia. As one of the most prevalent learning difficulties affecting approximately 1.2 million children in the United Kingdom, Jamie has criticised the current system as inadequate for dyslexic and neurodivergent children, highlighting the number of individuals who are falling through the cracks. Today, James heard from individuals who live with dyslexia and shared their experiences of receiving a diagnosis later in life.James also spoke with Adam Ratner, a paediatric infectious diseases physician in New York City, who provided insights into the anticipated outbreak of measles in West Texas, given the recent spread of measles myths perpetuated by RFK.This episode was recorded on the 13th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has intensified his trade war and implemented a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports to the US, while the EU has retaliated. The president also used the White House driveway to promote Tesla cars after shares in the firm slumped. Is there method in the madness? To help us digest Trump’s second term so far, James speaks with Donie O'Sullivan, Senior Correspondent at CNN, who’s recently interviewed Steve Bannon, stood amongst supporters of the January 6th Insurgent criminals pardoned by Trump, and visited the people of Greenland, which Trump has stated he wants to annex.And, James speaks with Emma Holten, a gender policy consultant and the author of “Deficit: How Feminist Economics Can Change Our World”, and asks whether the world’s economies properly account for the contributions women make to them.This episode was recorded on the 12th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has called the current benefits system unsustainable, indefensible and unfair. He’s vowed to cut £3bn over the next three years and is expected to announce billions more in savings from the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability benefit. How hard or easy is it to claim disability benefits, and how worried are you at the prospect of cuts?Also, James speaks to Guy Shrubsole, author of “The Lie of the Land” and “Who Owns England”, for the details on the potential for Britain’s land registry to be opened to the public.And, James speaks with Mohamed El-Erian, Former Deputy Director of the IMF, who explains why US shares fell sharply again on Monday and why President Donald Trump has refused to rule out a recession.This episode was recorded on the 11th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s Online Safety Day at LBC, as James asks whether the new laws to be implemented under the Online Safety Act will be enough to protect children. LBC polling has found that almost three-quarters of people in Britain back the idea of raising the minimum age of social media use to 16.James speaks with with Ellen Roome and Lisa Kenevan, two mothers suing TikTok over their  TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children.Also, LBC reporter Henry Riley shares all the details from the his investigation into what a 13-year-old girl can be exposed to on TikTok.And, Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, UCL associate professor and author of the upcoming book “Smartphone Nation: why we are all addicted to screens and what you can do about it”, shares her expertise.This episode was recorded on the 10th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prosecutors argued in court that Andrew Tate’s online misogyny fuelled Kyle Clifford’s triple murder, in which he raped his ex-girlfriend and killed her along with her mother and sister. When did you, as a woman, notice the effects of this type of misogyny on your life?Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI and James discuss whether Europe can successfully fight Russia without the US.Also, James is joined by Sadiq Khan following a new report revealing the London boroughs most opposed to his expansion of the ULEZ Zone have seen the largest reductions in harmful gases thanks to the policy.And, James speaks with Oz Katerji, a Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv, who shares how Ukrainians are reacting to Donald Trump.This episode was recorded on the 7th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

EU leaders are to gather for an emergency defence summit to discuss Ukraine and wider European security, with France's President Emmanuel Macron warning that the continent is at a "turning point of history". No representative from the UK will be in attendance because of Brexit. Where does this leave us and what should Starmer do?Top doctors have urged the government to implement an outright ban on smacking children as evidence shows it offers no benefit and causes physical and emotional damage. James asks whether you were hit by your parents in a way that, although acceptable at the time, caused you trauma? Or did you hit your kids and now regret it?This episode was recorded on the 6th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US Vice President JD Vance has denied insulting British troops after describing a UK-backed proposal as "20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years". Does the UK actually have any power to influence the Ukrainian peace process? Why does Vance keep attacking the UK specifically?Also, Donald Trump has imposed the latest round of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. James speaks with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of ExplainTrade and author of "Why Politicians Lie About Trade", to explain what this means.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon who’s been to Gaza to provide medical support several times, before Israel denied her access on three occasions in February. This episode was recorded on the 5th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Donald Trump has paused US military aid to Ukraine, in a shocking move that has been welcomed by the Kremlin. Can Europe cope without America’s support? Why is Donald Trump aligning with a nation that has historically been the sworn enemy? And, has the need for a re-armed and re-unified Europe ever been more urgent?This episode was recorded on the 4th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance’s Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky descended into a huge row, such that the Ukrainian President was asked to leave without signing a deal with the US that would have jointly developed Ukraine's valuable minerals as part of a peace-settlement. What, if anything, did Trump and Vance achieve on Friday, and what does their vilification of the Ukrainian president mean?This episode was recorded on the 3rd March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James analyses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Donald Trump yesterday with the help of LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who was one of the journalists at the White House, and Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews. Was the meeting a success?A 14-year-old boy has lost a court case he brought against his own parents after they moved him from London to a Ghanaian boarding school. He claims they tricked him into the move by saying he’d just be visiting a sick relative. Do you approve of what the parents did? Should parents be allowed to do this at all?This episode was recorded on the 28th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. He intends to negotiate for a US security guarantee in Ukraine. What will success look like for Starmer and, by association, Ukraine?Teachers want guidance on schooling children about the “manosphere” to tackle the spread of Andrew Tate-style misogyny in classrooms. How has online misogyny manifested itself in your life?This episode was recorded on the 27th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Defence Secretary John Healey has said the “world has changed” and that Britain must prioritise “hard power” over “soft power”. What actually is soft power, and is he right?Donald Trump has shared an AI generated video of “Trump Gaza”, featuring golden Trump statues, bearded belly dancers and Benjamin Netanyahu on a sunbed. James and his listeners try to work out exactly what the US Government hope to achieve with this.And, it’s Wednesday, which means James and LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre analyse Prime Minister’s Questions. This episode was recorded on the 26th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US has sided twice with Russia in votes at the United Nations on resolutions marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What does this mean for Ukraine, and the free world?Also, James presses play on some of Keir Starmer’s announcement of the "biggest sustained defense budget increase since the Cold War", in which the Prime Minister specifies how he intends to support peace in Ukraine.And, Labour’s 1.5 million new homes pledge is in doubt due to a shortage of skilled workers. James asks about the reality of working on building sites, the likelihood of Labour achieving its pledge and how we should attract workers to come here to do the work.This episode was recorded on the 25th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The far-right AfD Party has made historic gains in Germany’s federal election, winning a record 20.8%, but does the AfD offer anything to its supporters other than anti-migrant rhetoric? And, polling shows almost a third of children in the UK have refused to go to school at least once in the past year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has indicated that this is linked to “casual parenting”, but what is the difference between “I won't” go to school and “I can't”?This episode was recorded on the 24th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that spending cuts will have to be found to fund a boost to the defence budget. How do you persuade the public that we need to spend more on defence and what is the current state of the British military? Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with Donald Trump next Thursday, in his first visit to the White House since the President’s inauguration. How should Starmer approach this visit and the lies that Trump has told about Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week?And, LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre will be explaining just what the Alliance for Responsible Citizens - the right wing conference at which Jordan Peterson, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have been in attendance - is all about.This episode was recorded on the 21st February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.