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The Standard

1,794 episodes — Page 12 of 36

Headteacher’s prayer ban ‘lawful’ & London primary school places

A high court judge has ruled that a prayer ban at one of the highest-performing state schools in England - run by ‘Britain’s strictest headteacher’ - was not unlawful.Following the decision, Katharine Birbalsingh, who founded Michaela Community School, a free school in Brent, posted on social media saying it was a "victory for all schools".It comes on the same day that primary school places are announced. Almost 10,000 children failed to get a place at their first choice primary school despite a drop in applications partly caused by families fleeing London.The Evening Standard’s Education Editor Anna Davis shares her insight & analysis.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 202411 min

London's Ulez battle at 2024 Mayoral election

Sadiq Khan’s expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone out to the capital’s outer roads is one of his most controversial policies.The Mayor says the charging scheme will improve air quality and health, but critics claim it's a stealth tax on Londoners hampering their choice to drive.In this episode of the Standard’s series focussing on the 2024 race for City Hall, Hamish MacBain explores both sides of the argument at two of London’s busiest traffic locations.Hear interviews with Imperial College London pollution expert Professor Frank Kelly by the A501, Marylebone Road, and motoring journalist Shahzad Sheikh - AKA YouTuber the BrownCarGuy, by the A10, Shoreditch High Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 202412 min

The Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau (How to be a CEO)

In a special episode taken from our business show, How to be a CEO, the Evening Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn speaks with 2011 The Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau, whose business is thriving, 13 years later.To hear the full interview just search How to be a CEO wherever you find your podcasts, or via this link: lnk.to/TAWjEL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 13, 202413 min

London’s chaotic mayoral hustings explained

Independent candidate Andreas Michli evicted from hustings. Disruption halts debate for 20 minutes. Sadiq Khan & Susan Hall’s feisty exchanges. Our City Hall Editor Ross Lydall explains the drama at the first hustings in the race for City Hall, and discusses which of the candidates came out on top.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 202413 min

Wim Hof & Rita Ora: Braving the Ice (Brave New World Preview)

In this preview edition of our Brave New World series, Evgeny meets Wim Hof to learn more about the Dutch athlete’s ‘Method’; a combination of breathing and cold-water immersion that he claims can have health and psychological benefits. Rita Ora also joins the show and talks about her own experience using Wim’s techniques as part of her wellness routines.To hear the whole show, and listen to previous episodes, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 202419 min

Cass Report ‘watershed moment’ for children's gender care

Report finds children have been let down by NHS care and have been receiving treatment that’s not based on evidence. Dr Hilary Cass calls for long-term research into use of hormone treatments. How Dr Cass received abuse from both sides during the review. Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane explains the Cass Report’s key recommendations for the NHS. In this episode:Why was the Cass Report commissioned?The need for more research & studies into gender careReport highlights a need to ‘dial down’ anger in gender debate, and put children firstHow soon will the NHS implement the report’s recommendations?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 202412 min

Will David Cameron’s US visit be successful?

The foreign secretary’s ‘surprise’ visit to see Donald Trump. Calls for $60billion of extra aid for Ukraine. What else is Lord Cameron hoping to achieve in the US? Our Deputy Political Editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the foreign secretary’s plan to secure more cash for Ukraine, and what else he plans to gain from his trip over the pond. In this episode:David Cameron & Donald Trump’s history explainedHow Lord Cameron will ‘appeal to Trump’s vanity’Trump’s attempts to undermine Joe Biden in the run-up to the US electionHow $60billion funding will help Ukraine “go on the offensive” in 2025Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 202412 min

We have to talk about London’s housing crisis

In this week’s episode of Who Wants to be a London Mayor, Hamish Macbain heads to a London Renters Union rally to look at the capital’s ongoing housing crisis.Londoners face fierce competition for accommodation and endlessly soaring rents, the waiting lists for social housing is in the hundreds of thousands, and there’s widespread poor conditions even if you manage to secure a home. Can the next Mayor of London do more to tackle these issues? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 202413 min

Solo round the world sailor Pip Hare (How to be a CEO)

Taken from our How to be a CEO podcast, here's an extract taken with solo round the world sailor Pip Hare.Pip's 30 year journey to become a round the globe sailorWhat is “flow state” and how did it help her accomplish her dream?Why she’s the ultimate home worker, and the advice she can give to businessesTo hear the whole interview just search How to be a CEO wherever you find your podcasts, or via this link: lnk.to/TAWjEL.Pip’s going to be appearing at the Watercooler, a two day event about workplace wellbeing being held alongside the Evening Standard’s SME Expo on April 23rd and 24th at Excel London. To register and get FREE tickets to the Watercooler go to watercoolerevent.com, and and to learn more about the SME Expo, head to smexpo.co.uk.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 6, 202412 min

Why house prices are dropping in UK but rising in London

This edition of The Standard podcast examines the current state of London’s property market - from the top of the ‘prime’ action, to areas attracting first-time buyers.What factors are impacting decision-making, and is it possible to negotiate anything resembling a bargain right now?The latest Halifax figures show an average UK drop in property prices of almost £3,000 per transaction - but in London, Nationwide says prices are up 1.2 per cent. Why?We’re joined by Alex Goldstein, managing director of Alex Goldstein Property Consultants, and India Block, deputy editor of the Standard’s Homes & Property section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 202413 min

Jonathan Haidt: What has social media done to our children? (Brave New World preview)

In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny Lebedev talks to Jonathan Haidt. Together they look at the impact of tech and social media on the child and adolescent brain. Jonathan's new book, 'The Anxious Generation' is available now. To hear the whole interview, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 202419 min

How National Insurance tax cut impacts you

The Standard podcast is in Westminster as we focus on the critical pound in our pocket.The Evening Standard’s reports that disposable income for households in the capital is set to rise by a meagre £110 on average this year’ with National Insurance cuts and stealth taxes.But South East England will be the hardest hit by the combination of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s fiscal changes.Plus, Professor Tony Travers, of the London School of Economics, warns the Tories risk a “near death experience” in London following a shock poll showing the party having zero post-election MPs in the capital.For the latest political and economic insights, Mark Blunden is joined by Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil at Parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 202410 min

Could London’s bus Superloop help beat train strikes?

London’s ‘Superloop’ spans some 85 miles of road - just 30 miles shy of the length of the M25.Now, a new south London section of the capital’s orbital bus network is being proposed by Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan - but his Tory rival, Susan Hall, says Khan should focus on delivering an unfunded £10 billion Bakerloo line extension.It comes as commuters brace for days of fresh travel misery as a wave of train and Underground strikes were announced.For the latest, Mark Blunden’s joined on this episode aboard a route SL1 bus, linking Walthamstow Central and North Finchley, by the Standard's transport editor, Ross Lydall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 202410 min

Mayoral election: London’s knife crime epidemic

Mayor Sadiq Khan’s critics say he’s failed to get a grip on London’s knife crime epidemic - so, what more can be done?In this episode of Who Wants to be a London Mayor, Hamish MacBain is joined by Evening Standard crime correspondent Anthony France.Their discussion includes the Labour mayor’s record on law and order, his Tory rival Susan Hall’s policies, police numbers, and the effectiveness of stop and search.We also feature a special investigation and film commissioned by ES Magazine focussing on Londoners impacted by the capital’s knife crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 202413 min

Ben Greenfield: The Human Guinea Pig (Brave New World Preview)

What is biohacking and are you already doing it without realising? Evgeny spends a day with the ‘world’s fittest man’, Ben Greenfield, to learn how exercise, diet and light contribute to wellness. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 28, 202419 min

Fears over ‘uninvestable’ London stock market

Is the City’s status as a leading financial centre under threat?There are fears over the London stock market as more major companies are tipped to leave.A huge gap in the value of similar companies in London and New York is putting pressure on chief executives to switch their listing - something that could be devastating to the capital. The Standard’s Financial Editor, Simon English, shares his analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 202412 min

Julian Assange extradition ruling: What happens now?

Looks like we’re going to have to wait a little longer to find out what will happen to Julian Assange. The Wikileaks founder faces a delay to the decision on whether he can bring an appeal against his extradition to the US. However, UK judges did block his immediate transfer for trial on hacking and espionage charges.  The Standard’s courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk, explains the ruling and where things go from here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202412 min

Young London has some questions for the mayor

Hamish MacBain visits London Youth, a charity running for 135 years, in episode four of Who Wants to be a London Mayor.He meets with Hanna, 18, and Elizabeth, 17, who are members of their youth board, and asks what young Londoners want from their next mayor.The charity worked with Partnership For Young London on their Young Londoners’ Manifesto 2024, which includes a series of requests for the London Mayor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 202414 min

Theo Paphitis (How to be a CEO)

Kickstarting a season of shows looking at the SME market, we speak to Theo Paphitis, the former Dragon's Den star whose retail group includes companies like Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre. He's also the man behind the phenomenally popular Small Business Sunday network, which he started from his kitchen table in 2010. Search How to be a CEO or hit this link, to hear the full episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 23, 202410 min

New poll on Sadiq’s performance as MP plans ULEZ revolt

Sadiq Khan 24 points ahead of main rival Susan Hall. But poll suggests majority of Londoners believe mayor’s done badly on crime, homelessness and housing. The bill designed to reverse the ULEZ expansion gets second reading. Our Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford explains why the poll results are bitter-sweet for Sadiq Khan, and why MP Graham Johnson’s ULEZ result is more about point-scoring than real action. In this episode:Why the latest poll may be bitter-sweet for Sadiq KhanWhat MP Gareth Johnson’s ULEZ bill meansWhy the bill won’t impact the mayoral electionIs the bill likely to become law?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 22, 202410 min

London’s council tax bombshell: £2,000 annual bills on the rise

Wandsworth council tax the lowest in London at £961-a-year. Neighbouring Kingston taxes residents the most at £2,374. Just how badly are councils struggling? Are Sadiq Khan’s tax hikes behind the latest rise? Our Local Democracy Reporter Noah Vickers explains the capital’s council tax rises, and discusses what needs to be done to better support local authorities in London. In this episode:Are many London councils struggling financially?Why is there such a disparity between local authorities' tax rates?What can the government do to support them?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 21, 202410 min

Inflation drops to 3.4%: how long before we're all better off?

Fastest 12-month fall in inflation since 1978. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hints at further National Insurance cuts. When will the Bank of England cut interest rates? Financial journalist Michael Hunter explains how significant the latest drop in inflation is, and what it means for our pockets. In this episode:How significant is this drop in inflation?What has caused it?How soon could the BoE cut interest rates?Why falling inflation doesn’t mean an imminent drop in pricesFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 202413 min

Why Sir Keir Starmer’s shied away from Sadiq Khan’s policies

Sadiq’s calls for rent controls in the capital. Labour leader fails to directly back ULEZ expansion. Will Keir and Sadiq need better synergy to win their respective elections? Our Local Democracy Reporter Noah Vickers discusses his interview with Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer at the mayor's re-election campaign launch on Monday, and considers whether they will need better synergy to win their respective elections. In this episode:Noah’s key take-aways from Sadiq’s re-election campaign launchIs Sadiq’s 40,000-council home target legitimate?Which of Sadiq’s policies does Keir Starmer disagree with?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 202412 min

Polls suggest mayoral election is a done deal. Is it?

In episode three of the mayoral election series, ES Magazine’s Deputy Editor, Hamish MacBain, asks is this year's election a done deal?Hamish is joined by Ross Lydall, our City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, and Noah Vickers, our Local Democracy Reporter to discuss the polls, Sadiq Khan's popularity, and his main rival Conservative candidate Susan Hall.Ross & Noah also discuss the prospect of the other candidates causing a stir, and whether votes for them could impact Sadiq's bid for an historic third term as London's Mayor.Every Monday until election day on 2nd May, we’ll be looking at the key issues and talking points that matter most to Londoners before choosing our next mayor. Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 202414 min

Ola Ince on Othello at The Globe (The Standard Theatre Podcast)

Our chief theatre critic meets director Ola Ince at The Globe for her new revival of Othello and she tells him why she decided to relocate the Shakespeare tragedy from 16th century Venice to the Metropolitan Police of the present day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 202410 min

Six Nations Super Saturday: Lawrence Dallaglio and Gordon D’Arcy preview

In highlights from the Evening Standard’s Rugby Podcast, Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by former Ireland centre, Gordon D’Arcy, to review England’s Six Nations win over the defending champions in a magnificent game at Twickenham, as the pair also look ahead to Super Saturday and the final round of the tournament. Plus Steve Cording and Nick Purewal from the Evening Standard are on hand to debate the predicted winners and losers and offer insights into the progress of the home nations.  To hear the full episode search Evening Standard Rugby Podcast with Lawrence Dallaglio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 15, 202417 min

Bryan Johnson: Turning Back Time (Brave New World Preview)

Evgeny meets ‘anti-ageing poster boy’ Bryan Johnson, the entrepreneur whose ‘Project Blueprint’ aims to extend the human lifespan. He also talks to the 46-year-old’s doctor Oliver Zolman, who details how they’re approaching a controversial area of emerging science. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 202420 min

Joe Biden vs Donald Trump presidential election rematch

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both secured their parties’ nominations to seal the first White House election rematch in almost 70 years.Both candidates dominated Tuesday’s primaries in swing-state Georgia, deep-red Mississippi and Democratic-leaning Washington.The Standard podcast examines the issues set to frame this blockbuster 2024 race for the White House.Insight with Evening Standard deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 202412 min

Royal transparency, privacy & Kate’s photo gaffe ‘sadness’

The Princess of Wales is said to be “saddened” over the doctored photo which has engulfed the royal family in controversy.Kate has publicly taken the blame for the manipulated image released by Kensington Palace and issued a personal apology for the “confusion”.In this episode of the Standard podcast, we’ll examine what happened, why it’s hit the front pages and balancing privacy with transparency of the royal family’s business.Kate underwent surgery at the London Clinic on January 16, but details of her condition have been kept private, and she is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.Latest with Evening Standard reporter Robert Dex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202410 min

🗳London mayor election: your transport hopes

This second episode of Who Wants to be a London Mayor - a special series for The Standard podcast - focusses on transport, from road to rail.ES Magazine deputy editor Hamish MacBain meets a cabbie, rides London’s deepest Tube and hears voters’ commuting concerns.Hamish is joined by black cab driver Suzanne Sullivan, Campaign for Better Transport’s Michael Solomon Williams and a cast of Londoners, who reveal their verdicts on the capital’s public transport.Every Monday until City Hall election day on 2 May, we’re looking at the key issues before the capital chooses its next mayor. Follow us on X or Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 11, 202410 min

Six the musical creators on new show Why Am I So Single? (The Standard Theatre Podcast)

Taken from our theatre podcast, joining us from the launch of their new musical, Why Am I So Single?, Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, the creators of Six the musical, talk to our chief theatre critic Nick Curtis.To hear the full episode of The Standard Theatre Podcast click this link: lnk.to/zHhmCd.This interview took place in February 2024.For all the latest theatre and culture news head to https://www.standard.co.uk/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 9, 202410 min

International Women’s Day: Celebrating women’s history in London

To mark International Women’s Day 2024, Becky Laxton-Bass, Company Director of Women of London, takes us on a trip back in time to discuss the pivotal events and pioneering female figures from around the capital that helped shape history. Becky also shares some stories of lesser known groundbreaking women, discusses the dangers of lost stories, and explains why more needs to be done to ensure women’s history is always remembered.Read more from The Standard about IWD here: https://www.standard.co.uk/topic/international-womens-day Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 8, 202412 min

Budget 2024: A deep dive into the housing & property announcements

We take a deep dive into all the housing and property related announcements from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget with India Block, The Standard’s Homes & Property Deputy Editor. Stamp duty, non-dom status, capital gains tax, regeneration schemes and a crackdown on short-term rentals - they were all in there, but what exactly does it all mean for you?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 7, 202412 min

Budget 2024: Billions of pounds of tax cuts unveiled

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Budget and how it affects you. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt comes out swinging with billions of pounds of personal tax cuts to boost his party’s electoral hopes - and box in Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, discusses whether or not it’s a blockbuster Budget for the Conservatives, and if it’s enough to win over voters ahead of the upcoming general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 6, 202410 min

Celebrity Big Brother UK: Is there a place for it in 2024?

Once one of the biggest shows on television, Celebrity Big Brother UK is back after six long years. Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and even Kate Middleton’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, are in the house this time around, but can the reboot deliver the same reality TV gold of its predecessor? Emily Phillips, Associate Editor of ES Magazine, gives her verdict on the lineup and whether or not CBBUK has a place in TV in 2024.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 202412 min

What’s the point of the London Mayor?

In the first episode of a special series for The Standard podcast called ‘Who Wants to be a London Mayor’, ES Magazine’s Deputy Editor, Hamish MacBain, asks what’s the point of the position? Hamish is joined by Ross Lydall, our City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, and Noah Vickers, our Local Democracy Reporter to discuss the history and powers of the role.Every Monday between now and election day on 2nd May, we’ll be looking at the key issues and talking points that matter most to Londoners before choosing our next mayor. Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 202414 min

The Hills of California by Jez Butterworth and director Sam Mendes reviewed (The Standard Theatre Podcast)

From The Standard Theatre Podcast Nancy and the Nicks review Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes's production of The Hills of California at the Harold Pinter Theatre. To hear the full episode, which includes their interview with Felicity Huffman for Hir, click this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 202410 min

Will big Friday discounts make London boom again?

Businesses set to offer Friday discounts and deals. Which restaurants are promoting offers? Will cut-price deals tempt more people back into the city. Our City Hall & Transport Editor Ross Lydall reveals the businesses offering deals on Fridays so far, and discusses whether cut-price fares, food and drink will tempt people back into the office. In this episode:Revealed: The business offering deals alreadyWhy cafés and restaurants are ‘piggybacking’ off the mayor’s cut-price faresWill cheaper train and tube tickets win Sadiq Khan votes?The special Friday deal that would tempt Ross back to the cityFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 1, 202411 min

My Ayahuasca Journey (Brave New World Preview)

In this preview edition of our Brave New World, series Evgeny Lebedev describes his experience at a psychedelic retreat in Costa Rica where he encountered Ayahuasca, a plant-based brew used by indigenous healers. Psychedelics researcher Professor David Nutt also returns to the show to explain what’s happening to the mind when DMT is used and how some believe it can help with recovery from trauma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 29, 202417 min

Busking auditions return for London Underground licence

London buskers audition to perform on the tube for the first time since pre-pandemic. TfL’s search for talent whose music “reflects the sounds of London”. Why busking on the tube is unlike any other gig. We speak with hopeful musicians hoping to secure a licence to perform on the London Underground. Plus, judge Anjali Perin explains what kind of musicians they’re looking for. In this episode:Audio and interviews with buskers: Francesco Masone, Cedar Rose Johnson, Aaron Wiggett and Hide TakemotoJudge Anjali Perin describes how buskers need to ‘adapt’ to changing mood on the tubeFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 202412 min

Sadiq Khan strides into 25-point poll lead

Latest YouGov poll shows the Labour candidate is on 49% and his Tory rival Susan Hall is on 24%. Patrick Diamond, Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, outlines the three key areas that could impact Sadiq Khan's campaign, and explains why there needs to be a ‘more constructive relationship’ between London's mayor and central government. In this episode:Which key areas could dent Sadiq’s reelection hopes?How a Labour government could boost investment in LondonHow important will ULEZ be in the mayoral election race?What is Susan Hall’s ‘trump card’?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 202414 min

City Hall rivals call for unity after Lee Anderson “Islamophobia” row

Sadiq Khan and Susan Hall each release statements calling for unity. Rishi Sunak condemns Lee Anderson’s remarks, but refuses to call them ‘Islamophobic’. Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the mayoral candidates’ calls for unity, the ‘tense’ nature of UK politics in 2024, and why social media is making political division worse. In this episode:The Lee Anderson fallout explainedWhy UK politics are ‘very heated’ at the momentWhat next for Lee Anderson?How the Gaza conflict will continue to impact UK politicsFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 202410 min

Hadestown musical's Anaïs Mitchell on West End return (The Standard Theatre Podcast)

Anaïs Mitchell, the creator of Hadestown, joins us to chat the musical's return to London, and in a very special first for The Standard Theatre podcast, Mitchell played two songs from the show such as Way Down Hadestown. (To hear both songs listen to the full episode on The Standard Theatre Podcast.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 202410 min

Energy bills: how much will you save this year?

Households in Britain will soon potentially be saving over £200 on those sky-high energy bills.Gas and electricity charges are set to fall by 12.3 per cent in April to their lowest level since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago.Regulator Ofgem announced the cap for the average annual household dual fuel bill will be £1,690 - that’s a saving of £238 over one year, which applies to the April to June quarter.Plus, how City economists predict cutting the energy tariff cap will help inflation drop to as low as two per cent in April.Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest in this episode of The Standard podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 202410 min

What is ‘Just Stop Hoyle’ plot after Gaza vote chaos?

House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle faced a no confidence motion signed by some 59 MPs in a neutrality row over a Gaza ceasefire vote.He was under pressure over his handling of a tinderbox debate on an SNP motion that resulted in the passing of a Labour amendment - potentially helping Sir Keir Starmer head-off a rebellion among his own MPs.Chaos descended on the chamber as the motion was approved, with Scottish National Party and Conservative MPs walking out in protest.It came as crowds of protesters outside beamed pro-Palestine slogans on to Big Ben.Sir Lindsay said his actions were meant to help protect the safety of a number of MPs being targeted by activists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 22, 202410 min

Sleep in the sky...BT Tower sold in £275m hotel deal

Popping up 600ft above London’s skyline, the BT Tower has been a West End landmark since the 1960s.Now, the once high-tech monolith that began its life as the Post Office Tower is being transformed into a hotel in a £275 million sale.BT has agreed to sell the nearly 60-year-old, Grade-II listed tower to American chain MCR Hotels, offering future punters the chance to sleep in the clouds.To find out more about this end of an era - and the beginning of a new one, we’re joined in the studio by the Evening Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 202410 min

How London’s school ‘ghost areas’ destroy communities

A headteacher warns school closures are creating “ghost areas” across London and destroying communities as so many families leave the capital.The Evening Standard’s education editor Anna Davis joins us in the studio after interviewing Helen Connor, executive head of Rhyl Community Primary in Camden, who says London risks “dying from its roots” as growing numbers of families cannot afford to stay in the city.It comes after research revealed 8,000 fewer children will need school places in London over the next four years.London Councils - the parent body for the capital’s local authorities - blames a falling birth rate, Brexit, the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and lack of affordable housing.Plus, latest on the government’s classroom mobile phones crackdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 202411 min

London Fashion Week, ‘officecore’ & Baftas

It’s one of the glitziest weeks in London’s style and entertainment calendar - as this year’s Bafta awards ceremony dovetails with the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week.On Sunday night, celebrities headed to the annual gala at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall.But who were the sharpest dressed stars on the red carpet - and what are the trends to look out for later this year?Plus, as the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week kicks off, hold on to your loafers and suits for the post-pandemic return of “officecore”.Insight with Evening Standard fashion director Victoria Moss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 202412 min

Desperate Housewives Felicity Huffman on Hir at the Park Theatre (The Standard Theatre Podcast)

This special cut is taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast, our chief theatre critic Nick Curtis meets former Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman to discuss her role in Hir at the Park Theatre. To hear the full episode click this link, or search for The Standard Theatre Podcast.For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk, or pick up a paper! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 202410 min

Tory by-elections bloodbath as Sunak & Starmer countdown to polls

It was a double by-election bloodbath for the Conservatives as the party suffered defeats at the ballot box just months before Britain goes to the polls.Rishi Sunak lost both the Kingswood and Wellingborough constituencies in a humiliating night for the Conservatives - with celebrations for Labour as Sir Keir Starmer’s party scooped both seats.To analyse what this means for the parties’ general election strategy as we hurtle towards May, we’re joined by the Evening Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 202410 min