The Standard

Could psychedelics be used to help tackle mental health issues like depression and addiction? In this preview episode of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev speaks to Professor David Nutt, one the leading researchers in this controversial field. He also speaks to Buzzfeed journalist Lara Parker who used ketamine assisted therapy to treat clinical depression. To hear the whole interview, including additional interviews with pioneers Robin Carhart-Harris and Amanda Feilding, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special Valentine’s Day cutdown episode from our sister podcast, London Love Stories with Katie Strick. Featuring an exclusive interview with none other than the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Listen to the full episode here: https://pod.fo/e/21d28e Find more episodes of London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: https://podfollow.com/london-love-stories-with-katie-strick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s judgement has come under fire over a delay in withdrawing his party’s support for its Rochdale by-election candidate, Azhar Ali, over remarks he made about Israel.It comes as The Standard reveals Labour faces a “brutal” battle in the party’s new London heartlands amid growing “movement” of local independent candidates enraged at the response to Gaza - with shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting’s Ilford North seat top of the list of targets.The Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, shares her analysis.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pressure is mounting on the Government to investigate the controversial single justice procedure, as The Standard uncovers more criminal cases brought against sick and vulnerable people.Our courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk, discusses our long-running investigation into this ‘behind closed doors justice’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out The Standard Theatre Podcast's review of Plaza Suite at the Savoy Theatre. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, it's the show we've all been waiting for...Click here to find the full episode which includes their interview with Ola Ince for Othello at The Globe and a review of Till the Stars Come Down at The National Theatre.For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk/news, or pick up a paper! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tube staff report more than 756,000 fare dodger cases in 2023. TfL reveals 56% rise in fare dodger prosecutions compared with 2022…but 10,000 fewer are prosecuted each year than at pre-pandemic levels. Fare evasions cost TfL £130m a year in lost income. Our Transport Editor Ross Lydall discusses the TfL figures, and explains why fare dodging is still a big problem. Plus Ross reveals the tube line with the highest dust levels on the underground. In this episode:Why TfL’s prosecution figures aren’t all they’re cracked up to beHow tube staff use tech to report fare dodgersBusiest train stations ‘notorious’ spot for fare dodgingWhy dust levels on the underground are improvingFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour under fire after cutting the budget for UK clean energy plans. Critics call the decision ‘economically illiterate’. Scale back reportedly due to 'tougher economic circumstances'. Our Deputy Political Editor Jitendra Joshi examines why Labour has cut funding to its green energy plans, and sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman explains why it's bad timing, as global temperatures exceed the agreed 1.5C limit for 12 months. In this episode:What has prompted Labour to change tack?How green policies are working in the USWhy we’re failing to limit global temperatures to 1.5CHow government policies, climate change and migration are all linkedFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data shows 24% of Londoners hate their commute. Average London commute takes 38 minutes. Central Line commuters affected by disruption ‘virtually every day’ since December. Our Arts Correspondent Robert Dex dissects the survey into commuters' woes, and our Transport Editor Ross Lydall reveals the latest from TfL on the Central Line chaos. In this episode:Strikes, train shortages and delays hit LondonersHow Covid has changed our attitudes to commutingWhat has caused the Central Line chaos?TfL’s update on Central Line’s return to normalFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM Rishi Sunak reveals cancer was 'caught early'. Buckingham Palace keeps cancer type private. President Joe Biden sends his well wishes. Our Royal Editor Robert Jobson discusses the King’s diagnosis, Prince William stepping in to cover public duties, and whether Prince Harry’s UK visit could prompt a family reconciliation. In this episode:How work-a-holic Charles will cope with being off-dutyWill the Royal Family announce more details about his condition?Why the King needs to ‘take it easy’Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-FGM campaigner Nimco Ali sits down with the Evening Standard's Alexandra Jones to talk about her eleven year battle to end the practice worldwide. To mark the UN International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, they talk about:Why ending FGM by 2030 is a ‘tangible reality’How 70 million girls born between now and 2030 are at risk of the practiceHow her family reacted when she began her activism in the Evening Standard 11 years agoHow at seven year’s old she “shocked” her teachers by telling them she was a survivor of FGMThe death threats and "emotional punch in the gut" she received through her campaigning.What it meant to go from being ignored as a child to being an adult with the Prime Minister’s backing.The positive steps the world can take to finally end FGMRead more from Nimco Ali in the Evening Standard newspaper, or standard.co.uk Hit your follow button so you never miss an episode of the Standard podcast, and please leave us a rating and review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taylor teases new 2024 album in Grammy acceptance speech. Jay-Z calls out the Grammys over Beyoncé album award snub. Why this year’s female-dominated ceremony is a positive sign. Our Celebrities Correspondent Lizzie Edmonds gives us the lowdown on the drama at this year's ceremony, and reveals whether she thinks Taylor Swift is unstoppable. Also in this episode:Could Taylor Swift secure a fifth album of the year Grammy award?Is Miley Cyrus finally getting the recognition she deserves?Have the Grammys maintained their credibility?Dua Lipa’s hope for an equal space for women in the industryFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special cut taken from our theatre podcast: Packed with Nineties hit music, we review the musical take on Cruel Intentions at The Other Palace, which is based on the 1999 blockbuster movie that starred Reece Witherspoon and Buffy actress Sarah Michelle Gellar. Plus, we revisit Six the musical as the show celebrates its sixth year on stage, and is now on at the Vaudeville theatre. Click here to listen to the full episode, or search for The Standard Theatre Podcast. This podcast is hosted by Nancy Durrant, Nick Clark and Nick Curtis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 66th Grammys are coming to Los Angeles on Sunday night - and we’ve got a round-up of the main contenders.Female musicians are set to win big at the celebrated night for musicians, songwriters, composers and producersWomen leading the Recording Academy’s 2024 nominations include SZA, Dua Lipa, Lana Del Ray and Miley Cyrus.Taylor Swift is hoping to scoop a 13th Grammy and take home the hotly-contest album of the year for a record-breaking fourth time, with her Midnights LP.Live performances include Joni Mitchell - singing at the event for the first time at the age of 80 - plus Billy Joel, Travis Scott and Burna Boy. For latest pre-awards nominations news, we’re joined by the Evening Standard celebrity correspondent Lizzie Edmonds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to live forever – and would you even want to? Evgeny Lebedev is joined by David Walliams to explore the science and ethics of age reversal. He also meets longevity pioneer Dr David Sinclair, who gives advice on how to extend lifespans - and tells David Walliams how to reverse his biological clock. This is a preview of our Brave New World series. To hear the whole episode search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The people of Britain have delivered a damning verdict on Brexit four years on from leaving the European Union.An exclusive Ipsos poll for the Evening Standard found 57 per cent of British adults believe Brexit has been more of a failure, with just 13 per cent saying more of a success.There are also warnings new red tape impacting fresh produce entering Britain from the eurozone will add £330 million a year in business costs and drive up prices for UK consumers or even lead to shortages.To discover more, we’re joined by Evening Standard deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi, who’s been reporting on the latest post-Brexit economic developments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of commuters defied union attempts to shut down key routes into London - but there was little sign of an end to the rail strikes.Train drivers in the Aslef union walked out at South Western Railway, Southern and Thameslink in the ongoing 20-month pay rise saga.We’ve got the latest with Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall, who’s been reporting from Waterloo station.Then, in part two, escape the polluted centre for London’s glorious green spaces - which have been valued at £8 billion by the City of London Corporation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The parent body for London’s local authorities reveals an exodus of families from the capital is driving increasing numbers of schools to close. A London Councils report says 8,000 fewer youngsters will need classroom places over the next four years due to a falling birth rate, families leaving the capital due to Brexit, the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.It means some schools, which are funded according to the number of pupils they have, will be forced to either close or to balance their budgets by cutting teachers, narrowing the curriculum or offering fewer pupil clubs.We’re joined by Evening Standard’s education editor Anna Davis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey) chats to our theatre podcast about her role as Elizabeth Taylor in The Motive and the Cue, directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes. Middleton, who stars opposite Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss, tells us about being in a play about putting on a play (Hamlet on Broadway in the Sixties), her experiences with obsessive compulsive disorder, and her new memoir. This is a cut-down, to hear the full episode click here.You can hear The Standard Theatre Podcast's interview with Mark Gatiss by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are growing calls for urgent action to tackle the capital’s issue with knife crime.Figures recently released from the Office for National Statistics, show a 22 per cent rise in knife crime in the capital in the 12 months to the end of September last year. It comes after the body of a teenager, 19-year-old Tyler Donnelly, was discovered by joggers in a park in Feltham on Thursday, he had been stabbed to death. Our Crime Correspondent, Anthony France, shares his insight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How The Traitors became Britain’s most talked about TV series. The BBC has said that series 2 has broken records to become the biggest entertainment show in two years in the UK - and it’s easy to see why. It’s given us some of the best TV moments of the year and we’re only in January. From truly Oscar-worthy traitors, a shocking secret son revelation, and an infamous poison chalice incident.El Hunt, our Commissioning Editor at the Standard, and unofficial The Traitors correspondent, discusses the standout moments of the series, explains the secret to its popularity, and gives predictions as to who will come out on top. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A much-loved LGBTQ+ venue in east London is about to close its doors for the final time.Based in the heart of Haggerston, The Glory has been a staple for the community for nine years. The place to go for those looking for the best up and coming drag performances, off the wall parties and quirky club nights - or even, just those who fancy a quiet pint in a friendly pub. The Glory founders, John Sizzle and Jonny Woo, share how it became the iconic venue it is today, discuss the struggles faced by the hospitality industry currently, and reveal details about their next project, ‘The Divine’.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The countdown is on to the London mayoral election, but with 2nd May fast approaching, is it all still to play for? Ross Lydall, the Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, explains the key issues the candidates will be battling over, and whether it’s expected to be a record-breaking third term for Labour’s Sadiq Khan, or if the Conservative's Susan Hall can make history as the first female Mayor of London.Also in this episode:The details behind Sadiq's 'fare freeze'Who the main candidates are and what they stand forHow the change to the voting system could impact the electionKey dates for the calendar for the candidatesFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The clean-up continues from Storm Isha after gusts of up to 99mph battered parts of the United Kingdom.A pensioner was crushed to death in Scotland by a falling tree and tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity.Areas of the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced their strongest winds in two decades.In London, Tube passengers faced travel disruption on TfL services from debris blocking tracks and mainline commuter routes into the capital also suffered delays.To discover more about the aftermath of Storm Isha, why the government must act on flood defences and the health impact of living in saturated homes, the Standard podcast’s joined by Sanjay Johal, community engagement manager at the National Flood Forum support charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jared Harris (Mad Men, Chernobyl) and Joe Cole (Gangs of London, Peaky Blinders), joined The Standard Theatre Podcast, at the Young Vic to talk about their time in Harold Panter’s The Homecoming, directed by Matthew Dunster.To hear the full episode click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oppenheimer received 13 Bafta nominations. Will it set a new awards record? How Barbie ‘won’ at the box office. Why Bradley Cooper could be a big winner at the Baftas & Oscars. Will Saltburn secure a Bafta? Our Arts Correspondent Robert Dex discusses which films will do the best during this year’s awards season. In this episode:Barbie Vs Oppenheimer - who will win?How voters could ‘spread to love’Does a big marketing budget = awards?Why epic blockbusters will hog the limelight this yearFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previewing our Brave New World series, in which Evgeny Lebedev delves deep into the ideas of thought leaders, scientists, and intellectuals who are shaping the future and transforming our culture. Tune in each week for captivating interviews with some of the brightest minds of our time, and explore the realms of longevity, neuroscience, biohacking and psychedelics like never before. For the full version of this interview search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' on your podcast provider.Our first episode features Dr Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and best-selling author recognised for his ground-breaking work in the fields of addiction and mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Sadiq Khan set for a smooth victory? How significant is Ulez for London voters? Will national politics influence voters? Our City Hall Editor Ross Lydall explains how he believes the 2024 mayoral election will unfold, and considers the factors that will make or break Sadiq Khan’s attempt to secure an historic third term as mayor. In this episode:Why this year’s mayoral election could be quite straight forwardCould national politics influence voters?Why the ULEZ expansion could be ‘the dog that may never bark’What would Ross do if he became Mayor?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospitality industry rakes in £46 billion to beat pre-pandemic income. How Beyoncé and The Weeknd brought huge numbers to the capital. Why are indy venues struggling to stay afloat? Our Local Democracy Reporter Noah Vickers explains the capital’s economic boost, and Arts Correspondent Robert Dex explains why smaller music venues are on a knife-edge. In this episode:Post-pandemic boom down to increased public confidenceWhy inflation suggests the sector’s still behindHow big events like Glasto hamper small music venuesWhy London’s at risk of losing musical talentFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best way to deal with Blue Monday 2024? Book your escape! Our Lifestyle Director Suzannah Ramsdale reveals where to go on holiday this year: The under-the-radar Greek island to explore, Sweden’s eco-friendly floating cabins, the new 2,090-mile bike trail across the Balkans and more. In this episode:‘Cool-cations’: why people are heading to cooler destinations Why Bhutan is the place to go for a truly eco-escapeThe Caribbean island everyone forgets aboutWhy London could have a bumper year for tourismFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Culture editor, Nancy Durrant, and chief theatre critic, Nick Curtis, review Macbeth starring David Tennant at the Donmar Warehouse.This is a special cut-down episode taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Tate’s famed for her eponymous sketch show, roles in the American version of The Office and as Donna Noble, Doctor Who’s outspoken companion.Now, Bloomsbury-born Tate is bringing a very London story to life - the Enfield poltergeist.Tate’s appearing in The Enfield Haunting at the Ambassadors Theatre, co-starring David Threlfall, famous as Frank Gallagher in Channel’s 4’s Shameless.In this special edition of the Standard podcast, you’ll hear the Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic and co-host of our Theatre Podcast, Nick Curtis, in conversation with Tate on-stage at the West End playhouse.They also discuss BBC’s Doctor Who, her years of collaboration with David Tennant, the sci-fi show’s reboot with new Time Lord played by Ncuti Gatwa, plus a certain well-known catchphrase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is in the grip of a shoplifting epidemic with a huge spike in crimes over the past year.In this episode, the Evening Standard's crime correspondent Anthony France reports how store theft in the capital now costs retailers over £9 million each month as offences soared by almost 50 per cent.The head of the British Retail Consortium says “violence, abuse and theft are all significantly up on pre-Covid levels”.At the same time, Londoners with high-value watches continue to be targeted in increasingly violent robberies - and we’ll have more on this in part two of the Standard podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak reveals the Government will introduce emergency legislation to exonerate and compensate hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted in the Horizon IT scandal.The Standard podcast hears the latest developments in part one with our political editor Nicholas Cecil at Parliament. Then in part two, senior features writer Katie Strick recounts the harrowing story of an innocent London former Post Office manager who was among victims jailed and later exonerated.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan appears to have signalled the start of the 2024 race for City Hall.The mayor’s promised free school meals for all primary school children in the capital to continue as his £140 million flagship policy if he wins a third mayoral termKhan's pledge is echoed by his Conservative rival Susan Hall to help parents struggling with the cost of living crisis.It’s marks a countdown to the mayoral elections in 2 May, which includes the capital's voters going to the polls to elect London Assembly members.The announcement came after a week of Tube strikes by the RMT union in a pay dispute was only averted on Sunday after £30 million was found - but no one’s giving a straight answer about where the mystery money’s come from.The Standard podcast has the latest from City Hall editor Ross Lydall and local democracy reporter Noah Vickers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollywood stars were out for the 81st Golden Globes - and we’ve got the highlights and red carpet gossip for you.The ceremony’s short-notice host was comedian Jo Koy, taking the helm for the first time - but some of his jokes fell pretty flat, with one particular lead balloon sparking a ‘death stare’ from Taylor Swift in the celeb-packed audience.So, who went home from the Beverly Hills Hilton with another trophy for the cabinet, and who left the three-hour ceremony disappointed?Plus, discover the contents of the celeb goody bags reportedly worth $500,000.The Standard podcast’s joined by Evening Standard celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oklahoma! actor Patrick Vaill - who plays scientist Dr Brenner as a young man in the stage adaptation of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre - joins us to discuss everything from the ‘Upside Down’.This interview is taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast and was recorded in December when the West End show opened.Vaill’s role was made famous in the Netflix sci-fi horror series by Hollywood star Matthew Modine - who’s also a Standard Theatre podcast alum.To hear Vaill’s full interview, click here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heavy rain and flooding have been causing chaos in London.On Thursday, a RNLI lifeboat, Met Police, and fire brigade vessels, had to rush to Temple Pier because a party boat sank that was moored there.Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to Hackney Road in east London because of severe flooding after a canal burst its banks.The Standard news reporter William Mata has been interviewing local residents and businesses impacted by the “knee-high” flood water. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Court documents relating to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have been made public.The Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, discusses the names, allegations and what it all means. The documents mainly consist of previously unseen legal arguments from the defamation case Virginia Guiffre, Epstein's main accuser, made against his former lover Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015. Last month, a US judge ruled documents relating to Epstein, which include the names of more than 170 people, should be made public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the longest strike in NHS history bring services to a standstill? Junior doctors in England - who make up roughly half the doctor workforce - walked out across the country at 7am this morning. It’s the start of a six-day walkout over pay involving thousands of medics in the British Medical Association.The Standard’s Health Reporter, Daniel Keane, explains everything you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s astrologer, Shelley von Strunckel, explains what this year has in store for all of us. Why 2024 is all about ‘breakthroughs’ and what each star sign can expect in the coming 12 months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the highlight of London’s arts calendar - the Standard’s pop culture review of 2023.Listen to what’s made our very ad hoc list of the cream of this year’s pop culture.From ‘Barbenheimer’ to Beckhams, double denim, warp-speed Tik Toks and Paltrow’s ski case to ‘Taylornomics’, Stormzy & Maya return, S Club reunited, Rihanna and ‘rizz’.You’ll hear Evening Standard producer Mark Blunden speaking with two leading commentators in this space - Standard arts writer and commissioning editor Vicky Jessop, and celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a festive cutdown taken from our Theatre podcast. Hear Nancy and the Nick’s reveal some of their top West End shows from 2023 and what they’re looking forward to in 2024. To hear the full episode hit this link: lnk.to/zHhmCdMerry Christmas, and have a happy New Year, with only the best kind of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special festive edition of London Love Stories with Katie Strick for The Standard podcast. Legendary British filmmaker Richard Curtis discusses his love affair with the capital and how it inspired his career. He also shares exclusive behind the scenes gems about Love Actually, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, About Time and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Want to hear more? Listen to London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: https://podfollow.com/london-love-stories-with-katie-strick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The total raised by the Evening Standard’s Winter Survival Appeal in partnership with Comic Relief has swelled to £2.4 million - thanks to a final surge in public donations to £200,000.With one million children in extreme poverty and at severe risk of being inadequately fed, clothed or kept warm this winter, the funds raised have been hailed by struggling charities and parents as a lifesaver, providing food and essentials to families in crisis.You can hear much more about some of the 20 outstanding charities and social enterprises being funded in this episode.The Standard podcast’s joined for a special episode by our campaigns editor David Cohen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a “nightmare” before Christmas at Hyde Park Corner tube station with “unsafe” scenes caused by train delays and “staggering levels of criminal and antisocial behaviour” from some people apparently returning from the Winter Wonderland event. TfL is investigating after a station worker described how dozens of people at a time barging through ticket barriers, plus threats to assault staff when asked to stop vaping in the station, during the incident earlier this month.It came as new laws went on the statute books requiring minimum service levels on strike days - just in time for a potential New Year strike by RMT members.You can hear Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall’s interview with transport secretary Mark Harper on strike strategy, plus his latest analysis on the Hyde Park Corner station chaos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHS bosses are warning London hospitals are under “extraordinary pressure” due to a “high volume of sick people” as junior doctors began their 26th day of strike action.Members of the British Medical Association began a 72-hour walkout from 7am on Wednesday in hospitals across England in a bitter dispute over pay.Hospital bosses in the capital say the strikes came at “the worst possible time” with rising demand for emergency services during the festive period.More than 1.1 million appointments have already been cancelled in the past year due to industrial action in the NHS.Junior doctors are demanding a 35 per cent pay rise to correct a real-terms fall in income since 2008.The BMA announced the strike earlier this month after talks between junior doctors and the Government broke down.Analysis, plus impact on London A&Es, with Evening Standard health reporter Daniel Keane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two emergencies are unfolding in China and Iceland.At least 126 people were reportedly killed in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in a freezing, mountainous region of north-western China, on the Tibetan Plateau.Search and rescue operations are under way in the country’s Gansu and neighbouring Qinghai provinces, as rescuers work in sub-zero temperatures.Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, the long-grumbling volcano erupted on south-west Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula after weeks of intense earthquake activity - but without casualties.The eruption shot lava and smoke more than 330ft into the air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Mone has admitted that she stands to profit from a contract between the Government and PPE firm Medpro, but insisted that she and her husband Doug Barrowman have “no case to answer”.The Conservative peer confessed to lying to the press after she repeatedly denied her links to a company that made million of pounds during the Covid pandemic.The discuss the scandal, the investigation and what’s next for Baroness Mone, The Standard podcast’s joined by Evening Standard health reporter Daniel Keane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga sit down with our Deputy Culture Editor, Nick Clark backstage at the Gielgud Theatre. The West End and Broadway legends are currently starring in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. This is taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast, click here to find out more.For all the latest news visit standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Alex Batty was found after six years. The British boy went missing in October 2017 when he was 11 years old. This week, the now teenager was picked up by a lorry driver after 'walking in the French mountains for days'. Our crime reporter John Dunne explains the details behind this incredible story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.