The News Meeting

What do you do all day? Data suggests the average time people spend on leisure has decreased since the 1980s. John and Rachel explain what’s going on and what they spend their time doing.Email: [email protected]: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is on the campaign trail for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, so why did he take time out to promote a new Trump-branded footwear range? To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The business known for its natural and ethical beauty products has been a staple of the British high street for the past 50 years. Now it’s closing half of its UK stores and reducing the size of its head office, leading to hundreds of job losses.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kremlin critic and Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has died in prison. As questions swirl about his death and world leaders condemn Vladimir Putin, what does it mean for Russia?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.The team discusses what we know about Alexei’s Navalny’s death in a Russian penal colony, why fake restaurants are being registered on Companies House and Labour’s position on a ceasefire in Gaza ahead of a vote in the House of Commons later this week.Email: [email protected]:Graham Barrow, host of the host of The Dark Money Files podcast and an expert who investigates fraud on Companies HouseCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseChloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, editor-in-chief at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Joe Biden won the election in 2020 he was seen by many as the ‘safe’ option compared to Donald Trump. But during his presidency he’s become well-known for his gaffes and occasional stumbles. Many US voters are wondering: is 81 too old to run for president?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.In this episode the Tortoise team are joined by food critic and podcaster Jimi Famurewa. They discuss the news that the UK is officially in an economic recession, a huge rise in antisemitic abuse since the Hamas attack on Israel and what the closure of the last two Veggie Prets tells us about our commitment to a plant-based diet.Email: [email protected]:Jimi Famurewa, journalist, food critic and host of Where’s Home Really?Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseStephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defending Labour’s long-held seat in Rochdale should have been a walk in the park. But with a fortnight still to go before the by-election there, the party has been forced to drop its candidate. How did Labour end up here?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest policy challenges Britain faces right now is its housing crisis. How did we get into such a mess and how do we get out of it? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by Dr Tim Leunig who advised three secretaries of state on housing policy. If you want to hear more from Tortoise on housing, listen to Making sense of social housing.  Email: [email protected]: John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a year of tension between the two men, the Ukrainian president fired his top military commander. What does it tell us about Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan for the next stage of the war with Russia?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of January almost 400 asylum seekers were given less than a week to leave the hotel they were being housed in. Where did they go and what does it tell us about the UK’s asylum system?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farmers across the European Union are throwing eggs at buildings and setting tires on fire. What do they want?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.In this episode he’s joined by journalist and author Donald Macintrye, political editor Cat Neilan and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar to discuss the prospect of an Israeli ground operation in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, allegations of antisemitism against Labour’s candidate in the Rochdale by-election and Taylor Swift’s private jet.Email: [email protected]:Donald Macintyre, journalist and author of ‘Gaza: Preparing for Dawn’Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer finally killed off Labour’s £28bn green plan. This may have ended months of will-he-won’t-he speculation about the future of the policy - but it has sparked a new debate about what the Labour leader stands for.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor James HardingIn this episode the team discuss the news that Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the Gaza peace deal, Labour has dropped its £28 billion green investment plan, and the hydroelectric dam that could power a lot of AfricaEmail: [email protected]:Giles Whittell, Tortoise's deputy editorChloe Hadjimatheou, Tortoise's reporterPhil Collins, author and columnist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new class-action lawsuit is accusing the genetic testing company 23andMe of failing to protect the privacy of millions of its customers after the data identifying their ethnicity was posted on the dark web.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The number of university graduates has never been higher, but what does that mean for social mobility? Has it stalled and if so, what does that reveal about inequality?Email: [email protected]: John Curtice and Rachel WolfExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula 1 driver in history. At the age of 39, he has decided to make the biggest move of his career, to Ferrari. To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once a world famous cricket captain and playboy, Imran Khan became Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018. Now, ahead of the county’s election on Thursday, he’s been imprisoned for 14 years. Why?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Tory MPs casting around for solutions to their anticipated election defeat, cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch’s name keeps coming up as a potential leader. Just a few days ago she was denying any involvement in a plot to oust Rishi Sunak, it emerged she was in a WhatsApp group called the Evil Plotters. So what is the business secretary planning?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.The Tortoise team is joined by Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. They discuss the new wave of strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, the Clapham chemical attack and the number of wealthy adults being prescribed ADHD medication.Email: [email protected]:Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham HouseChloe Hadjimatheou, narrative audio editor Jess Winch, news editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, editor-in-chief at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca Moore and Imy HarperExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A young woman died on the flight home after having weight loss surgery in Turkey. She’s one of at least 25 British people to die in similar circumstances since 2019. What’s going on?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the IRC, discusses another death in the Channel, EU aid for Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Elon Musk’s pay.James also asks him about US concerns about Israel’s war in Gaza and the role of diplomacy.Email: [email protected]:David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former UK foreign secretaryCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJess Winch, news editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, editor-in-chief at TortoiseProducer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When sexually explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media her loyal fans tried to drown them out with other content about the pop star, but it didn’t stop the fakes spreading like wildfire.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Europe the radical right is making progress and winning elections. To understand why, Rachel and John speak to Professor Sara Hobolt from the London School of Economics.Email: [email protected]: John Curtice and Rachel WolfProducer: Lewis VickersExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party after senior figures attended a meeting where Martin Sellner allegedly presented a proposal for mass deportations.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode the Tortoise team are joined by Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of ‘Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters’.They discuss a joke at Donald Trump’s expense, the mood swings of politicians and why a thin layer of cloud saved one Japanese city from an atomic bomb. The producer was Rebecca Moore.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the head of the British Army raised the prospect of conscription and what he was trying to say about the state of our military.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent study found measuring levels of protein through blood tests could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early. What could that mean for how we treat the disease?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.In this episode the team discuss the US troops killed in a drone strike, the first ever execution by nitrogen inhalation and Donald Trump’s defamation trial.Email: [email protected]:Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of 'Fluke: Chance, Chaos and Why Everything We Do Matters'Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseStephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After his victory in New Hampshire last week, it looks almost certain that Donald Trump will win the race to become the Republican party’s presidential candidate. How did he secure such a convincing lead?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell.In this episode the team are joined by journalist Jane Martinson and an audience in the Tortoise newsroom. It was recorded on Wednesday 24th January.Email: [email protected]:Jane Martinson, journalist, academic and author of ‘You May Never See Us Again’Stephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseJess Winch, news editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseListen to Jane’s Slow Newscast about the battle for The Telegraph here.Read more of Stephen’s reporting about the state of Britain’s military here.Read more of our reporting about Donald Trump’s win in New Hampshire here.Producer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has declared a national incident in response to one of the worst measles outbreaks since the 1990s. Why are cases rising? To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across the western world birth rates are declining. Why aren’t we having as many children as we used to? Is there still a link between marriage and having children? And what can policy makers be doing about the falling birth rate?   Email: [email protected]: John Curtice and Rachel WolfProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The University of York has lowered the bar for some international students. What does it tell us about the state of higher education in the UK?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Japanese technology giant has apologised for its role in one of Britain’s most widespread miscarriages of justice. How much damage could it do to the company?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After almost 20 years of trying the British government has finally succeeded in banning the Islamist group Hizb’ut-Tahrir. But will the ban stick and is it really enforceable?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell.In this episode the team discuss the news that Tata steel has decided to shut its Port Talbot blast furnaces with the loss of 2,800 jobs, Britain’s measles outbreak and a judge’s ruling against a manager who wanted to work from home.Email: [email protected]:Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and author of ‘The Inequality of Wealth’Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It used to be one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America. Now its president says it’s in a “state of war” against drug gangs. How did Ecuador descend into violence?Listen to episode of The News Meeting to hear more about what's happening in Ecuador: pod.fo/e/212c58To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor Ceri Thomas.In this episode the team discuss the Conservative infighting over the Rwanda bill, Pakistan’s missile strike on Iran and Fujitsu’s apology for the Horizon Post Office computer system.Email: [email protected]:Katy Balls, political editor at The SpectatorJess Winch, news editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseHost: Ceri Thomas, editor at TortoiseProducer: Imy HarperExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Molten lava from a fissure in the ground flowed into an Icelandic town on Sunday, setting several houses on fire. Is the country facing a new period of volcanic activity?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quarter of all government spending goes on welfare, including pensions, housing and incapacity benefit. What challenges does the next government face when it comes to welfare?Email: [email protected]: Robert De Vries, senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of KentHosts: John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 22 year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees was found not guilty of having an illegal at-home abortion. She is one of six similar cases this year. Why is this happening?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabriel Attal is the country’s youngest and first gay head of government. What does his appointment tell us about France?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The billionaire investor led a successful campaign against the president of Harvard following her guarded response to accusations of antisemitism on campus. What does he plan to do next?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to special guest host Liz Moseley.Leslie Vinjamuri from foreign affairs think tank Chatham House explains the Iowa caucuses as the US presidential race kicks off.The team also discuss 100 days of the Israel-Hamas war and continuing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to [email protected] producer was Imy Harper and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to estimates by the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 79 have been killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.He’s also joined by Iona Craig, a journalist specialising in Yemen, about what we know so far about the strikes against Houthi rebel targets.What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to [email protected] producer was Lewis Vickers.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British Library suffered a devastating ransomware attack in late October. Its recovery will cost millions of pounds. What went wrong?The British Library did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but after this episode was published it asked Tortoise to clarify the claim that "the British Library themselves are saying that they are going to have to dedicate 40 per cent of their reserves". In a statement, the British Library said:"The final costs of recovering from the recent cyber-attack are still not confirmed. The British Library and its government sponsor, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), remain in close and regular contact. The Library always maintains its own financial reserve to help address unexpected issues and no bids for additional funding have been made at this stage."Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the opinion polls are right the Conservatives could face one of their worst electoral defeats in their history in the upcoming general election. Can anything change that?  To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.