The Standard

After six seasons, 60 episodes and three incarnations of the Queen, Netflix’s The Crown is abdicating its throne. But, will fans be satisfied with its ending? Columnist Melanie McDonagh gives her verdict.In part two, our senior feature writer & editor, Katie Strick, discusses the newest episode of London Love Stories with Katie Strick featuring none other than the much-loved filmmaker Richard Curtis.For details on the Evening Standard’s Winter Survival Appeal visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ‘historic deal’ has been reached at the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai. For the first time, the agreement calls on all countries to ‘move away’ from using fossil fuels, but is it enough?Sustainability expert and presenter of our Sustainable Travel podcast series, Juliet Kinsman, shares her insight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storm clouds gathered over 10 Downing Street as Rishi Sunak tried desperately to quell mutiny among Conservative party rebels ahead of a make-or-break immigration vote on his flagship Rwanda asylum bill.It came as the Prime Minister saw his public ratings on managing immigration hit a new low in an Ipsos UK survey for the Standard.Analysis with Standard political editor Nicolas Cecil.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak won’t like Mondays like this oneThe Prime Minister will have woken up at Number 10 battling two fronts, as his decision-making is probed at the Covid-19 Inquiry in Paddington before facing a crunch vote on Tuesday over his highly divisive Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.The next two days are arguably the most critical of Sunak’s barely year-long premiership.Insight with the Standard’s courts correspondent Tristan Kirk and chief political correspondent Rachael Burford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special cut down episode from our latest podcast London Love Stories with Katie Strick.A real-life Sliding Doors meet-cute. Host Katie Strick meets Londoners Aaron and Rachel, who fell in love and moved in together just five weeks after a chance encounter on the Tube.Make sure you're following London Love Stories with Katie Strick wherever you get your podcasts to hear more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was a 25-year-old ‘bodge job’ to blame? Passengers left without lighting, heating or toilets. Rachel Riley & James Blunt among those stuck. Our Editor-in-chief Dylan Jones describes his experience stranded on the Elizabeth line, and our travel editor Ross Lydall reveals what may have caused the travel chaos. Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM defends Rwanda asylum bill at tetchy emergency press conference. Why the Rwanda deal can’t be ‘pushed’ any further. What will happen if MPs block the PM’s Rwanda bill? Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the Prime Minister's future ahead of the crucial vote on the Rwanda asylum bill next week. In this episode:The PM’s immigration policy explainedWhy did Rishi Sunak seem agitated at the press conference?Why the PM didn’t opt for the ‘back me or sack me’ routeHow the updated Rwanda bill impacts people’s human rightsFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former prime minister questioned over 5,000 missing WhatsApp messages. How has Mr Johnson dealt with the questioning so far? Why the Covid Inquiry won’t lead to any form of punishment. Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane discusses Boris Johnson’s first day at the Covid Inquiry. In this episode:Have there been any revelations from day one?The full story behind the missing WhatsApp messagesWhat could arise on day two of Boris Johnson's questioningThe true lessons to come from Covid explainedFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak with Tom Hanks and co-writer Christopher Riley about their new show chronicling the Apollo missions of the ‘60s: The Moonwalkers. They tell us why they chose Lightroom in London as the venue for the show and how original footage from the moon was remastered to create the visuals. Plus, Andy Saunders, the man who remastered original footage from the missions explains how he did it. In this episode:How the idea for the show was bornTom explains his ‘fascination’ with the ‘60s moon landingsWhy the Lightroom venue is uniquely positioned to tell the storyHow original Apollo footage was frozen in liquid nitrogen to protect itWhat to expect from The MoonwalkersFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who has caused a stir in the fashion world of 2023? The woman behind the rise of a high street brand at top spot. Why TV show costume designers have made the list. Our Fashion Editor Victoria Moss reveals the names on the Standard’s top 100 fashion power list, and discusses the fashion trends that got them there. In this episode:What’s the criteria for this year’s list?The most surprising names revealedHow Beyoncé and Taylor have set fashion trendsWho’s going to make a name for themselves in 2024?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dust off your crystal balls and look to the future of travel: bikini beach holidays in the Baltics, sewage-powered flights abroad, and rail miles instead of air miles?Our sustainable-travel expert Juliet Kinsman talks to Jon Weeks about how extreme weather is already impacting ski resorts and island retreats, how eco-laws can help us help the planet, and why cheaper renewable energy should leave us feeling optimistic about the future.Plus, the Evening Standard's Lifestyle Director, Suzannah Ramsdale reveals the beaches slowly getting shorter, why a rise in demand for cruises is a bad thing, and explains why she thinks the UK is the destination of the future.Check out Juliet's accompanying article on how climate change will transform your summer holiday here.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The King’s warning over climate inaction. $5 trillion needed each year to “drive the transformation we need”. What was different about Charles’s speech this year? Our Royal Editor Robert Jobson discusses how King’s speech was received, and whether he was distracted by the saga around Omid Scobie’s new book. Plus our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explains the key points from the speech, and where the UK stands in the mission to tackle climate change.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Without free speech, is it truth that is at stake? Philosopher Sam Harris and Evgeny Lebedev discuss one of the most important questions of our time.As part of The Standard's free speech inquiry, Harris and Lebedev discuss the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the battle with fake news, the future of media, and the importance of free ideas. This episode comes ahead of Brave New World, a new Standard podcast hosted by Lord Lebedev on the future of humanity – and the scientists, thinkers and innovators, who are rising to the occasion to lead us into it, which is launching in January.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crime on London’s transport network surges 30% in six months. TfL reports robbery on the Tube is up 107%. Which areas are the worst for crime? Our City Hall & Transport Editor Ross Lydall talks through the TfL data, why we’ve seen such a spike, and how it’s impacting passenger numbers. In this episode:Thefts, abuse, violence and robberies: the crimes explainedTory mayoral candidate Susan Hall ‘bang on target’ with tube thefts warningThe tube line deemed ‘worst’ for crimeHow passengers are avoiding the tube because of high crime ratesFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patient recovers from the UK’s first confirmed human case of a new strain of swine flu. Health officials track down close contacts to measure spread. Should we be worried about this new strain? Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane explains what has happened, and whether this new strain could lead to the next pandemic. In this episode:Do we know how this person contracted it?Dr Andrew Catchpole’s 'Don’t panic but stay alert' advice explainedWhat scientists are saying about this new strainWhy we need to ‘keep an eye’ on developmentsPlus: The latest on ‘mystery’ respiratory illness in ChinaFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the film's release in cinemas tomorrow. How will Timothee Chalamet’s Wonka compare with Johnny Depp’s and Gene Wilder’s? Film Critic for the Standard Nick Howell’s discusses his expectations for the new movie, how it’ll compare with its predecessors, and what it needs to do to win over British hearts. In this episode:Another Wonka? Go ahead and do it!Is this a Wonka origin story?The all-star cast examinedWhy Paul King is up against good competitionIs Wonka just part one of a wider franchise?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, it's the big question: why do we “need” to travel?Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discuss how travel can significantly support local communities, and even help destinations impacted by extreme weather get back on their feet. Juliet reveals all about her time spent in Mallorca investigating the behind-the-scenes sustainability of Iberostar resorts, the sponsor of this podcast series.Global Director of Sustainability at Iberostar, Dr Megan Morikawa talks about the importance of protecting oceans and local environments, and their journey to zero waste, including the Winnow AI-powered tech in their kitchens which has reduced their food waste by 28%. Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As climate change heats up London and the capital’s population grows, we’re going to need some upgrades to the deepest-level sweaty, stifling Tube carriages.The Piccadilly Line is the first deep-level route - that’s over 20 metres below ground - to get proper air-conditioning in the coming years, as part of a redesign with futuristic new rolling stock.So sweltering commuters on the Heathrow airport to Cockfosters route cutting through the West End should have the same level of comfort as Overground and Elizabeth Line passengers.At the test facility of design contractor Siemens, near the German town of Mönchengladbach, the Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall tests the next generation of air-cooled, walk-through London Underground trains.He also examines Transport for London's infrastructure and financial challenges to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special edition of the Standard, in support of the Evening Standard and Comic Relief’s Winter Survival Campaign.The cost of living crisis has become so entrenched that for many, Christmas is effectively cancelled.According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the number of UK families categorised as destitute has more than doubled in the last five years.In the Rowntree study, 3.8 million people - including 1 million children - are at severe risk of being inadequately fed, clothed, cleaned or kept warm.There is increasing alarm at the impact this severe hardship is having on children as the cost of living crisis enters a second winter.That is why the Evening Standard has today combined forces with Comic Relief to launch our Winter Survival Appeal Christmas campaign, with Comic Relief pledging £500,000 to get us underway.The money will be given to charities in London and across the UK that help people struggling with food insecurity as well as children’s health and well-being.To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Hunt reveals his Autumn Statement to MPs in the House of Commons.The Chancellor’s package of economic measures to boost growth, cut taxes and secure the pensions triple lock marked a highly political mid-financial year speech.His key statement was delivered with an eye on a looming general election expected next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to unveil his much-anticipated Autumn Statement - so what do we know, what about those tax cuts and plans for economic growth?Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott has already raised expectations of a easing the tax burden for households, as well as for businesses.In this episode, we examine the Conservative government’s financials and their pre-election policy gymnastics, with Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil and Jo Michell, professor of economics at the University of the West of England’s Bristol Business School. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stars of London’s stage celebrated in Mayfair at the 67th annual Evening Standard Theatre Awards.Tom Hiddleston, Sheila Atim, Hayley Atwell, Jenna Coleman and David Tennant joined Sir Elton John and Boy George among celebrities attending Sunday’s Claridge’s extravaganza.The event was hosted by the Standard proprietor Lord Lebedev with help from Ian McKellen, and presented by Susan Wokoma.Find out who triumphed, with the Standard’s culture team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a fully fledged eco-nomad or merely eco-curious? Do you belong to the B-Corp Bleisure tribe or the 'Greener-Than-Thou Family'? This week our Sustainable Travel podcast series gets personal about what it means to be a more responsible traveller. Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks reveal there is significantly more than one way to engage with sustainability, and the way you do it says much about which tribe you belong to.  Zina Bencheikh of Intrepid Travel explains B-Corp accreditation, and why B-Corp businesses are likely to appeal most to ethical explorers.Plus, Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives) explains how destinations can learn from each other's experiences to become more eco, and the task she gives her children every time they travel abroad.Find out what type of traveller you are via Anna Hart's accompanying article here.Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why some critics have given one or two star reviews of Season Six Part One. How The Crown is ‘attempting the impossible’. Did it do Diana’s story justice? Why the Netflix show's better than some critics think. The Standard’s Melanie McDonagh shares her review of Season 6 Part One, and explains why she’s not looking forward to Part Two. In this episode:Elizabeth Debicki’s ‘moving’ portrayal of Princess DianaHow the actors captured the 'internal selves' of their charactersThe historical accuracies compared with dramatised elementsWhy Season Six Part Two isn’t on Melanie’s to-watch listFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard’s senior feature writer and editor, Katie Strick, reveals what she’s learnt whilst hosting the capital’s newest dating and relationships podcast - London Love Stories with Katie Strick.Katie meets real couples from around the capital, who share their uplifting real stories of romance - along with the dating lessons and relationship wisdom they’ve learnt along the way. How dating app culture has impacted our city, the secrets to making it work, the importance of timing, the role choice plays in everything, and why ultimately in life you make your own luck. Listen to episode 1 of London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: Locked Eyes On The District LineListen to episode 2 of London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: You Had Me At 999 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rwanda policy deemed unlawful after 18 months of legal battles. The ‘powerful’ evidence that Rwanda isn’t safe. What will the government do now? Our Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk explains what the Supreme Court’s ruling means for the Rwanda Policy, and how Conservative MPs and the government might respond. In this episode:Why judges deemed the policy unlawfulHow the policy went through the legal processWhy MPs would be wrong to suggest leaving the EU convention of human rightsHow will the government react to this ruling?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our monarch celebrates his milestone birthday with the launch of a food-poverty campaign. King Charles’s choice to continue his royal work on his birthday. Why he’s in a rush to ‘make up for lost time’. The Standard’s Robert Dex describes how the King celebrated his birthday, and columnist Melanie McDonagh discusses how King Charles has featured on the Evening Standard front pages over the years. In this episode:The King’s ‘fascinating’ work examinedHis relationship with Prince HarryWill Charles pass the environmental campaign baton to Prince William? Charles’s ‘awkward’ look on becoming a young PrinceToday’s front page cover explainedFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suella Braverman sacked as Home Secretary in Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle. A surprise return for David Cameron. Is his appointment democratically legitimate? Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explains the controversy around Mr Cameron’s return, and what Suella Braverman might do next. In this episode:Did Suella orchestrate her sacking to begin leadership bid?How David Cameron’s return stole the headlinesWhy MPs might be frustrated with the former PM’s returnIs this a sign of the Conservatives going more centrist?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where to go and why some spots are better...you might be surprised by what makes some places greener.Our sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discuss what makes some countries and regions a better choice if you’re striving to be an eco-friendly adventurer and Juliet explains why the key to more economically and environmentally sustainable trips can be venturing off-season.In part two, Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, explains how they determine which destinations are doing the right thing, the importance of 'speaking up' and how they're targeting mainstream travel firms to make sustainable changes.Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets of London on Saturday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.The demonstration coincides with Armistice Day, when a number of large events are already due to take place. Including a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in Westminster for fallen servicemen and women. Nicholas Cecil, our Political Editor, discusses the division of opinions from different sides of the political spectrum, as well as the backlash over the Home Secretary’s public criticism of the police.In part two, John Dunne, the Standard’s crime reporter, analyses the scale of the task the Met faces when it comes to policing London this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Lewis reveals its venus flytrap mascot. Dancing dolls, a raccoon and singing oven gloves. Bublé, Reynolds and Astley: this year’s celeb-filled features. How brands are ripping off the same story line. Are people getting sick of annual xmas ads? Our Culture Writer Vicky Jessop reviews this year’s Christmas TV ads, and considers how they’ve evolved over the years. In this episode:Clothing brand Barbour’s Shaun the Sheep collabHow this year’s ads are ‘celebrities galore’John Lewis’s venus flytrap character reviewedHas this year been a stand-out year for Xmas ads? Check out our new weekly podcast series featuring London love stories with Katie Strick here.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s 54 super luxury restaurants are up from 37 last year. The £900 14 oz Tajima beef waygu steak. Restaurant clientele explained: Lambo owners, awkward couples and celebs. Business Editor Jonathan Prynn and Going Out Editor David Ellis discuss the recent rise in hyper-luxurious restaurants, and how food culture is changing. In this episode:More & more high-end restaurants opening ‘every year’Showboating, crowds, and quiet couples Why celebs avoid some high-end establishmentsOmakase: the rise in high-end Japanese sushiThe world’s wealthiest people ‘like to spend time in London’Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles III delivers first King’s Speech. Smoking, criminal sentencing and tackling consumer rip-offs. Rishi Sunak’s last-minute edit. King Charles’s body language observed. Our Politics team, Nicholas Cecil, Rachael Burford and Jitendra Joshi explain the highlights. In this episode:How will the King’s Speech be received by the public?The government's proposed leaseholds shake-upCriminal charges changingWhat happened to Suella Braverman’s proposed tent ban?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sadiq Khan leads his Tory rival Susan Hall 50% to 25% in an exclusive poll. Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the latest poll results and Sadiq Khan’s chances of securing a third term as London Mayor. In this episode:Is Sadiq riding the wave of Labour’s popularity? Why Susan Hall’s ULEZ campaign might not help her in the long runWhat could go wrong for Mr Khan in the next six months?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we see more of the world for less?Our sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman joins Jon Weeks in the studio for another uplifting conversation about what it means to seek out greener getaways - reminding us they can be eco-friendly and also economical. In part two award-winning writer and broadcaster Phoebe Smith shares tips on how our travel money can stretch further in some destinations while also helping the places we visit.Phoebe explains why we should avoid the typical ‘instagrammable’ destinations, and reveals the benefits of asking questions while on holiday. Check out the wild camping enthusiast's feature “How to travel sustainably on a budget” here, and find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rick Astley’s famed for hits including Never Gonna Give You Up - which sparked the Rickrolling internet meme craze.But recently, the 1980s star enjoyed a renaissance thanks to a collaboration as frontman with indie band Blossoms, as a tribute supergroup playing The Smiths’ back catalogue.In this episode, you’ll hear Astley in conversation with Evening Standard commissioning editor and writer El Hunt.They discuss the Rickrolling web phenomenon, how a chance encounter with Simon Pegg led to a blockbuster music video, gigging with Foo Fighters, his views on Morrissey, researching the competition, Astley’s ninth studio album Are We There Yet? - and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of homes were left without power, rail lines brought down and hundreds of schools closed as Storm Ciarán caused chaos across the south of England.Amid 100mph gales, torrential downpours and monster waves around the coast, nearly 9,000 homes in Cornwall had their electricity cut, while major incidents were declared in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and in the Channel Islands, where roofs were blown off with Jersey residents told to evacuate their homes.In London, pictures show flooding around Brent Cross as cars drove through considerable standing water.What can be done to protect properties from future extreme weather?Standard reporter Anthony France has the latest on Storm Ciarán, then we speak with with resilience and recovery expert Mary Long-Dhonau OBE - AKA ‘Flood Mary’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk jetted into the UK to join US vice president Kamala Harris for an international conference focussing on the threats and opportunities of artificial intelligence.The AI Safety Summit at the Second World War top secret code-breaking HQ at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, features tech moguls and politicians representing countries including Germany, Japan and China.In this episode of the Standard podcast, we’ll look at the significance of the Bletchley Park conference, future legislation - and how close we are to passing the Turing ‘intelligence’ test.We're joined by Dr Jeni Tennison, executive director of Connected by Data, who’s a specialist in data and AI governance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one month since the launch of London’s expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone - and we examine how much cash has been generated as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s flagship pollution-fighting scheme. About £26 million has been generated from more than 57,000 daily vehicles - but what’s the extra money being spent on?Transport for London says the Ulez expansion has cut the number of older, more polluting vehicles driven by nearly half, and reduced the overall amount of traffic.The £12.50-a-day levy for vehicles not meeting emissions requirements is enforced by a network of surveillance cameras ringing the capital - and Ulez refuseniks can expect a £180 fine.Plus, transport news extra with the latest on the government’s railway ticket office closures u-turn, with the Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Standard launched its first ever fertility survey we had an idea about what the results would tell us.  We thought we’d hear from people concerned about reproductive health and access to fertility treatment. We did! But that wasn’t top of the list… it was money. We partnered up with Peanut, the app and online community for prospective parents, and asked 400 people what they were thinking about when considering starting a family. Over a third told us they felt pressured to remain childfree, even though they wanted one, because of financial instability. It’s the cost-of-living. It’s being unable to buy a house. That’s what’s stopping, or delaying people having children. And that’s before they take into account how much childcare itself will take out of their pocket. In this episode we speak to our Executive features editor Alexandra Jones and we’re also joined by Gemma Bolton who’s being treated for fertility complications. You can read more from our survey at standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel journalist Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discuss how to be a climate friendly traveller for episode one of the Standard's sustainable travel series, sponsored by Iberostar Hotels and Resorts. In this episode we explore how to be a climate friendly traveller, and speak with Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and author of 'How To Save Our Planet: The Facts' about planning a sustainable holiday, choosing the right destination, and his best travel experience.In this episode:Seeing sustainable travel as 'being helpful'Why longer term holidays could be the more environmentally friendly optionChoosing local food ahead of imported optionsUsing reusable water bottles and choosing anti-plastic hotelsEmpowering women through your spendingFind out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachael Burford, our Chief Political Correspondent, takes us behind the controversy over the Met police’s use of live facial recognition technology.The faces of thousands of fans on their way to watch Arsenal v Tottenham were scanned by live facial recognition last month. In a bid to catch criminals and supporters barred from attending games because of their previous behaviour.Now, the Standard can reveal that this type of technology, which was used by the Met Police at a Premier League football match for the first time, has resulted in three arrests.However, concerns have been raised over the use of this technology. Privacy campaigners say by using these methods police are treating football fans like suspects. Claiming “it erodes public freedoms, wastes public money” and is “not an efficient crime-fighting tool.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Strick, our senior feature writer and editor, on the shocking rise of LGBTQ+ hate crime in London.In August, there was the late-night incident at the Two Brewers, followed by the Brixton bus stop assault on a couple heading home from Black Pride.Since then, there have been several more similar incidents in the capital, with a man in his 50s the victim of physical homophobic assault on a bus in Clapham, and two men in their 20s reportedly assaulted by six men on High Road in Chadwell Heath.Also in this episode, Robbie de Santos from the charity Stonewall, reveals how the LGBTQ+ community is feeling in the wake of this highly concerning trend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak marks one year as Prime Minister but a poll for the Standard suggests people think Sir Keir Starmer is the candidate for change at the next general election. Director of Politics at Ipsos, Keiran Pedley, takes us behind the findings and reveals whether public opinion has changed over the past 12 months. In part two, our Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, on what Rishi Sunak exclusively told the Standard on his first anniversary as PM. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel journalist Juliet Kinsman joins us as we preview the launch of our Sustainable Travel series on the Standard daily podcast. From this weekend, we'll be talking to experts across the globe, getting advice on how and where to take holidays without ruining the environment. In this episode we look at places like Sacred Valley in Peru, get advice on low economic impact flying, and learn how tourism can be transformative for local communities. The Sustainable travel series, sponsored by Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, starts on Saturday October 28th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The Standard contains bad language and sex, drug and alcohol references throughout.Before writing the hit movie 'Kinky Boots,' Geoff Deane had been a chart-busting pop star with Modern Romance in the 1980s. His memoir 'From Mohair Suits to Kinky Boots' charts his journey from being a Brick Lane Market trader to world touring musician, journalist and Hollywood screenwriter. For the next three days, Standard.co.uk is running extracts from the book, but you can hear Geoff read this chapter right now. 'An Okie from Muskogee' recalls the 80s gay club scene in London and the US, and how Geoff found himself and Boys Town Gang singer Cynthia Manley being pursued by police on a desert road outside Los Angeles. From Mohair Suits to Kinky Boots: How Music, Clothes and Going Out Shaped My Life and Upset My Mother by Geoff Deane is published by Muswell Press (£16.99). This audiobook version is published by WG Howes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taken from The Standard Theatre Podcast, hear deputy culture editor Nick Clark chat to Bafta-winner Joseph Fiennes for his role as Gareth Southgate in Dear England.This play has just opened in the West End after a sell-out run at the National Theatre.To hear the full episode click this link.For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rugby World Cup semi-finals 2023 are here. Only four teams remain in the competition and this weekend sees New Zealand face Argentina, while England take on the title holders, South Africa. The Springboks are the favourites but if this tournament has taught us anything it’s that nothing is guaranteed.The Standard’s Rugby Correspondent, Nick Purewal, joins us from France to discuss England's chances, the team power ranking, and whether or not this is the best South Africa team ever.In part two, we hear from the Evening Standard’s Rugby Podcast with Lawrence Dallaglio, as they look ahead to the semifinals, with Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Curtis, Nancy Durrant and Nick Clark from our culture team run through the incredible shortlist for the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards. Showcasing the best productions and performances to grace the capital over the past 12 months. Find out all the details about the event, the stars attending, and most importantly, who is in the running for a highly coveted prize.Be sure to listen to the Standard's Theatre Podcast for all the latest news, reviews and interviews straight from Theatreland. New episodes drop every Sunday, make sure you follow so you never miss a thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Afua Hirsch hit forty years old, she had an encounter that made her rethink her own, and society’s, attitudes towards body image and ancestry. That’s now the basis of her new book Decolonising My Body, which follows her year-long journey through what she calls “Radical Unlearning”.In this episode of the Standard, Sagal Mohammed talks to Afua about her book, and we have an exclusive extract from the audiobook version involving a life-changing encounter with Oprah Winfrey. You can find the video of this interview on our Youtube channel and there's also a further extract from the book at standard.co.ukExtracted from ‘Decolonising My Body: a Radical Exploration of Rituals and Beauty’, by Afua Hirsch, published by Square Peg at £20. Copyright Afua Hirsch 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.