The Standard

US President Joe Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday as concerns grow that the Israel-Hamas conflict could expand into a larger regional conflict.It’s whilst the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip becomes more dire, the UN says a million Gazans have already been displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Power is out, drinking water is running scarce, and fuel supplies for hospital generators are low.Our Defence Editor, Robert Fox, shares his insight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a growing humanitarian crisis at the crossing point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt as more than a million people, including many Britons, desperately head south to flee air raids and threatened imminent Israeli invasion.Rafah border crossing is currently the Palestinians’ only route out of the enclave, with Hamas, Egypt and Israel all having a degree of control over who can pass through it.Anthony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said on Sunday the crossing would open to allow aid in and evacuation of some foreign passport holders - but Cairo says Tel Aviv’s not cooperating.Now, thousands of people have gathered at the border in a bid to flee Gaza, which has been cut off since Hamas gunmen launched a wave of deadly, torturous terror attacks and hostage snatches in Israel to spark the crisis.Latest with Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a cut down bonus episode taken from our business podcast, How to be a CEO.Charlie Bigham is the founder of the food company that bears his own name. Created in 1996 in his own kitchen, it now employs 700 people and sells dishes from chicken and mushroom pies you put in the oven to pan-fried Pad Thais. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s two decades since the launch of the contemporary art fair that secured London’s place at the centre of the modern creative world.Frieze London celebrates 20 years since its first event for high-end art buyers who’ve got at least a few thousand - and much more - to splurge.As well as the contemporary fair in Regent’s Park with works by artists including Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Yinka Shonibare and Grayson Perry.Meanwhile, this year’s event marks a new campaign backed by the Standard to salute the capital’s successes in the arts, called London Creates.It was established to promote the our visual arts scene and is being supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan and artists including, Gilbert and George.The influential Spitalfields-based duo contributed two special collector’s editions Evening Standard ‘Art for All’ front pages.This episode with Frieze London director Eva Langret and Evening Standard arts correspondent Robert Dex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London relatives of pensioners kidnapped by Hamas in Israel told how their elderly parents were forced from their beds and taken to Gaza as hostages.Noam Sagi, whose 75-year-old mother, Ada, along with Sharone Lifschitz’s mum and dad, aged 83 and 85, were kidnapped as squads of heavily-armed Hamas gunmen launched terror attacks across southern Israel.The British-Israelis spoke out to highlight the desperate plight of 17 Britons, including children, are dead or missing - while at the London press conference it was revealed a six-month-old baby is among Hamas captives.As Israel’s war with Hamas escalates with retaliatory rockets pounding the Gaza Strip and infrastructure’s cut off for Palestinians living there, what now the military strategy - and chances of rescuing what’s believed to be around 150 hostages? In-depth analysis with Evening Standard defence editor Robert Fox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The glamour of international air travel is bouncing back - and Heathrow Airport bosses say they’ve got the passenger numbers to prove it.LHR revealed on Wednesday that the number of travellers was back above pre-pandemic levels for the first time.Airport bosses say more than seven million passengers took off or landed over September, soaring past 2019’s figures of nearly 6.8 million travellers.The Leader podcast’s joined by Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn.Plus, latest on a major fire sparked by an exploding car at Luton Airport, where five people were taken to hospital and firefighters spent 12 hours battling the flames.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service say their current hypothesis is the blaze started accidentally in the £20million Terminal Car Park Two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This edition of the Leader podcast examines safety concerns for Jewish Londoners following the weekend’s attacks that saw squads of heavily-armed Hamas gunmen launch a massive terror attack in southern Israel.More than 10 Britons are feared dead or missing - among over 900 hundred now believed to have been killed - with Hamas threatening to kill hostages if Israeli forces continue bombarding the Gaza Strip, with more than 700 Palestinians already dead and descent into war.We’re joined by Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, to discuss their work in this crisis and Evening Standard crime correspondent Anthony France on the Met police response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s day two of Labour’s conference in Liverpool as the party faithful congregate in the hope it will be their final gathering before Sir Keir Starmer’s installed in Downing Street.After the weekend’s devastating attacks in Israel, we ask about reaction on the conference floor and among the shadow cabinet.There’s also been domestic big picture speeches, including shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves on the economy.For the latest from the conference floor in Liverpool, the Leader podcast’s joined by Evening Standard political editor Nicolas Cecil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a repeat taken from our Let Girls Learn series. This is episode is brought to you from Zimbabwe with journalist Farai Shawn Matiashe. Street Set Football Club in Bulawayo, equips girls not only with skills in dribbling and passing, but also helps them to navigate adolescence in an environment where early marriage, teen pregnancy and drug abuse are rife. Farai finds out from those involved and families who have benefited from the organisation about the difference it’s making to the community. You can find out more about this story online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Mozambique’s brutal civil war, nearly all of the wildlife in Gorongosa National Park was destroyed by soldiers and poachers. We discover how an unusual rewilding project - with women’s empowerment at its heart – has helped nature to roar back to life.Ros Russell presents a special episode as part of the Let Girls Learn series, where the Evening Standard is hearing stories from around the globe that shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to healthy, productive futures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the ‘Paris bed bug infestation’ hit London?The Deputy Mayor of Paris, has warned that the French Capital is in the midst of a 'bed bug infestation', calling it  “widespread”, and adding that “in reality no one is safe”. There are now growing concerns in London that the creepy critters could soon be on their way here. Eurostar has announced preventative methods are in place to stop the spread of the pests.Dr Richard Naylor, entomologist, and director of the Bed Bug Foundation - which provides free advice on what to do about the pests, explains just how worried we should be about the insects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, gives his analysis of Rishi Sunak’s high-anticipated speech at the Conservative Party conference.From the cancelling of the Manchester leg of HS2 for a new ‘Northern Network’ and redevelopment around Euston Station, to a proposed change in the legal age of smoking, and the replacement of A-levels. Nicholas Cecil, runs through the key announcements, breaks down all the reaction so far, and gives his thoughts on where this all leaves the Conservatives now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 about to be scrapped? The Prime Minister has refused to confirm a decision either way but speculation is rife around potential changes to High Speed Rail 2. In part one, our Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, discusses why Rishi Sunak is considering the amendments, and what the political ramifications could be of this move. In part two, Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor and Transport Editor, explains what the potential changes could mean for Londoners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Party conference is officially underway. The Chancellor has announced an increase to the National Living Wage and tougher sanctions for people on benefits who do not take steps to find work. But, despite usually being high on the Tory priority list, Jeremy Hunt has said tax cuts won't be coming this year.The Evening Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, shares his insight from the conference in Manchester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a cut down of the full interview with BT Business CEO Bas Burger, on our How to be a CEO podcast. To hear the full thing click here.When BT Business was officially launched in April this year, Bas Burger was the man entrusted to take the reigns. He’s in charge of 24,000 people, and a multi-billion pound strategy to make the UK’s broadband infrastructure fit for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Michael Gambon described as a ‘titan of the stage and film’. How his mischievous side came out during interviews. Dumbledore versus his earlier film and theatre roles. How London’s theatres will pay tribute. Nick Curtis, our Chief Theatre Critic, discusses Sir Michael Gambon’s career, character, and how he will be remembered.Follow us on Twitter or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double-whammy strikes warning for Wednesday 4th October. Commuters expected to write off most of next week. RMT Union’s Mick Lynch warns staff cuts will lead to more disruption. Our City Hall Editor & Transport Editor Ross Lydall explains the October tube strikes, and how intermittent action is changing work culture in London. In this episode:Most lines affected but good news for Elizabeth Line travellersTube staffing issues explainedIs Sadiq Khan between a rock and a hard place?How low staff numbers are impacting small stationsAre strikes impacting season ticket purchases?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A huge UK oil and gas field, Rosebank, has just been given the green light for development and production.The controversial decision has been made despite widespread criticism. The field contains up to 350 million barrels of oil and is currently one of the largest untapped discoveries in UK waters.We’re joined by Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit think tank. She shares her analysis on what this means for the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The outcry over armed police officers continues as Sir Mark Rowley appears at the first meeting of the new policing board.The Scotland Yard chief admitted that there is "significantly less" armed police cover than normal in London, and the force was facing "difficult choices''. It’s after hundreds of officers stood down from firearms duties following a murder charge against one of their colleagues.The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs Editor, Martin Bentham, explains how we got to this point, the protections currently in place for armed police, and whether this is going to be an ongoing issue moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New data reveals that hybrid working has become a permanent way of life, and millions less rail journeys are being made in and out of the capital on weekdays. The stats come as Sadiq Khan calls on Londoners to return to the office and make the most our of our great city. Ross Lydall, our City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, takes us behind the data and looks at the potential repercussions of this new normal.In part two, the Evening Standard’s Financial Editor, Simon English, discusses what this all means for the City’s economy and why there's now a change of tone from the capital's big banks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special ‘Let Girls Learn’ episode, we’re finding out about life for pregnant teenagers in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Being a girl here can be tough, they can often be exploited for sex by men and boys offering them ways to jump the extremely long queue for the water pump line, something known locally as ‘water for water’. Teenage pregnancy can be common here but the girls are often rejected by their families, making them extremely vulnerable.The Evening Standard’s Radhika Aligh visits the 2YoungLives project in the capital Freetown to hear how a mentoring scheme is helping young mothers in the community.In the #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the end of the line for one of London’s iconic public transport fares - the day Travelcard.The special tickets offering unlimited journeys on Tubes and buses are being withdrawn after 40 years by Mayor Sadiq Khan from January in a bid to raise Transport for London an extra £40 million annually. Some 65,000 daily Travelcards are bought on most days, and these will be cut in a push for passengers to instead use contactless or Oyster.The Leader podcast is joined by the Evening Standard’s transport editor, Ross Lydall, and Dr James Fowler, a University of Essex Business School lecturer and author of Strategy and Managed Decline: London Transport 1948-87.We discuss the Travelcard’s history, the cut's wider financial impact on London's economy and the European cities offering best value public transport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s day two of King Charles’ French trip - and he’s made history as the first British monarch to address the Senate in Paris.The symbolic tour is his first visit across La Manche since Brexit, and he’s set out his hopes for improving Franco-British relations.His speech, in French, focused on combating climate change - potentially leaving him on a crash course with Rishi Sunak after the PM put the brakes on Britain’s plans to cut carbon emissions?The historic address to the French parliament’s upper chamber came after the king and queen Camilla dined on blue lobster and lychee-flavoured cheeses at a celebrity-packed black tie banquet hosted by President Emmanuel Macron in the Palace of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors.The Leader podcast is joined by Professor Peter Jackson from the University of Glasgow, an expert on Franco-British relations, along with historian and royal commentator Dr Ed Owens, who’s author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak is to weaken some of the government’s key green commitments in a major policy shift.The Prime Minister reckons it’s possible to meet 2050 net zero carbon emissions goals but in a “more proportionate way”.With an eye on a general election expected next year, Sunak risks triggering a feud with Conservative party members who are progressive on green issues.His speech on Tuesday was pushed forward after a leak to the BBC suggested major u-turn include delaying a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, and the phasing out of gas boilers.While the government’s 2030 target for banning new internal combustion engine cars could also reportedly be pushed back by half a decade.The Leader podcast’s joined by Luke Murphy, associate director for energy and climate at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exclusive Ipsos poll for the Standard finds six in ten adults want the next election to take place before the end of next June. Rishi Sunak V Keir Starmer: who’s in the driving seat? Does an earlier or later election benefit the Conservatives? Ipsos Director of Politics Keiran Pedley discusses the survey results, and when the PM might call the next general election. In this episode:Why there’s still everything to play for ahead of the general electionChances of a hung parliament explainedSunak V Starmer: popularity ratingsWhy the ball is in Labour’s court to convince the public to vote for themFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Ian McKellen and Roger Allam discuss their new play Frank & Percy at The Other Palace, London. Talking to our culture editors, Nancy Durrant and Nick Clark, Allam describes the show as a 'gay rom com', and McKellen says it ‘will appeal to anyone’. This episode is a cut down version of an in-depth interview from the The Evening Standard Theatre Podcast, to hear the full interview click here. For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special episode taken from our business podcast, How to be a CEO.Tjodolf Sommestad is the President of King Games, creators of Candy Crush. One of the earliest 'freemium' games, over the last decade it's become the most downloaded match game in the world, with three billion downloads across platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Winslet, Stormzy, Victoria Beckham and Princess Beatrice all feature at Vogue World event. Burberry’s Bond Street takeover and more. How emerging designers are dealing with the cost of living crisis. Our Fashion Director Victoria Moss discusses the up-and-coming fashion designers to look out for this year, and why London Fashion Week is so significant for the city. In this episode:How Burberry’s taking over parts of LondonThe home-grown emerging talent featuring at the eventDesigner’s innovative ways of dealing with the cost of living crisisHow LFW boosts London’s economy and imageFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than half of all London roads now have 20mph limits. Do the stats back the low-speed zones? Air quality, MPG and community benefits explained. Our City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall and Jeremy Leach from 20’s Plenty For Us discuss the rationale behind the 20mph zones, and whether they’re working for London. In this episode:How do we know that 20mph zones work?Why London drivers are opposed to the low-speed zonesMayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitions targets for collisionsCould 20 become the new 30 everywhere?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Vladimir Putin trying to secure arms from Kim Jong Un? Reports North Korea want Russian satellite technology in return. How will western leaders respond? Our Defence Editor Robert Fox describes the significance of these talks, and considers what they may lead to. In this episode:Why the meeting was a ‘marriage driven by necessity’What weaponry could North Korea provide for Russia?How a successful satellite would make North Korea more dangerousCould the consequences of this meeting affect upcoming US and UK elections?Should we be worried about this meeting?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Mark Rowley: still ‘hundreds’ of Met officers who should’ve been sacked. London crime stats for the past 12 months revealed. Why the Daniel Khalife re-arrest showed ‘what the Met Police can do’. Our Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham and our Crime Correspondent Anthony France discuss the Met Police Chief’s first twelve months as commissioner, and look ahead to what he’ll have to deal with next. In this episode:‘No sign’ of government officials losing confidence in Sir MarkHow the Met Police will be used as a ‘political football’ ahead of the general electionThe Met Chief’s priorities for the next yearHow crime figures stack up over the last 12 monthsSir Mark’s mission to ‘cut the cancer’ of rogue officers out of the forceFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite the grim economic outlook, London’s enjoying an unprecedented boom in luxury hotel launches that will see thousands of lavish new rooms opening over the next two years.The Standard’s front page reports at least 13 high-end hotels are scheduled to open by 2025, many from world-renowned operators launching in the capital for the first time, while others get major refurbishments to tempt elite customers from their cash.It comes as the £1.1 billion Peninsula London near Hyde Park Corner prepares to open its doors, with the starting price at £1,300-a-night - but does that include breakfast?The Peninsula will be followed by the £1.5 billion Raffles London, which has been built in Whitehall’s cavernous former War Office building, rebranded Raffles London at The Owo, The Leader podcast is joined by Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn and John O’Ceallaigh, founder of luxury travel consultancy Lute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode we’re finding out how vital school supplies are giving Ukrainian children ‘the routine of a regular, normal day’.The Evening Standard’s Kate Rice visits UNICEF’s giant warehouse in Copenhagen to find out how a simple ‘School in a Box’ is helping Ukrainian students return to the classroom. Then we travel to a high school in Oleksandria in central Ukraine to hear 15-year-old Sofia and her teacher Valentyna discuss their experiences of the war and the difference these vital supplies are making. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live from the Evening Standard Art Prize announcement at Cromwell place. We talk to the winner of the competition, Iman Sidonie-Samuels and CEO & Artistic Director of Cromwell Place, Helen Nisbet, who was also the head judge. We also talk to Frédéric Malle, the perfume publisher who supported the event, about his own art collection and what he believes its true value is.  Iman Sidonie-Samuels won for her work 3049 Calls, 19,401 Minutes, made from 81 paper phone bills collected from her grandmother’s house in St Lucia. Work by all 12 shortlisted artists will be displayed at Cromwell Place until Sunday 10th of September.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Evening Standard investigation's revealed a staggering 2.9 million tons of good-to-eat farm produce is being dumped in landfill, incinerated or sent to waste treatment plants that produce biogas as soaring numbers of people go hungry nationwide.  In this episode of The Leader podcast, our Investigations Editor, David Cohen tells us what he's discovered, and how a crisis is leading to children and mothers resorting to shoplifting to feed themselves.  We also speak to the CEO of food redistribution charity FareShare, George Wright, who is calling for government subsidies to help the farming industry cover the cost of extracting surplus crops to be sent to people who need them.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a disappointing July and August, we’re finally getting some sunshine, and with it a heatwave driven economic boost for the capital. But, is it enough to make up for a subpar summer? Hospitality bosses and economists are welcoming the unexpected boost in sales for September as temperatures climb towards 32C, and Londoners head to beer gardens to make the most of the weather. The Evening Standard’s Daniel Keane explains how the post summer heat is benefiting London’s economy, why we’re finally getting the sunshine now, and shares top tips for staying safe in the sun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following an Evening Standard investigation into the single justice procedure, Tristan Kirk, our courts correspondent, reveals the truth behind this 'conveyor belt' system. Some of the scandals uncovered are a sick pensioner convicted of breaking the Covid lockdown with a visit to his allotment, parents unlawfully fined in dark corners of the justice system over truancy allegations, and women who attended the vigil for Sarah Everard prosecuted while oblivious to criminal cases against them. We take an in-depth look at what is happening with our courts system and how it’s being used to prosecute Londoners 'behind closed doors'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new term officially begins, there’s a row over who will shoulder the burden of paying to repair all the schools affected by the concrete crisis. The start of the new academic year saw dozens of schools in England fully, or partially closed, due to potentially unsafe reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete - also known as RAAC.Now, the government is under pressure to publish a full list of buildings that are impacted, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hit back at those blaming him for the crisis.The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, shares his insight from Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After taking WordPress from a small blogging site in the 2000s to an all-in-one website creation platform, which is now the backbone of around a third of all websites, Matt Mullenweg has now set his sights on social media. Now as CEO of Tumblr, Matt reveals his plans to revamp the site, welcome disillusioned ex-Twitter and Reddit users, and create a social site that is, at its core, open-source. In this episode:Matt’s battleplan for making Tumblr betterHow social media sites copy features from competitorsMaking Tumblr’s algorithm open-sourceHow AI will play a role in improving TumblrListen to the full interview here.For more news, interviews and analysis go to standard.co.uk/business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a nightmare start of term for many pupils heading back to class on Monday - with warnings that over 100 schools, nurseries and colleges in England have been built with ageing concrete leaving buildings at risk of collapse.Now thousands of children face a return to lockdown-style online learning at home or in temporary cabins.The new crisis follows years of underinvestment in school infrastructure and follows reports of sewage bubbling up through floors and one classroom baking in over 30C heat.Now, some headteachers will have to relocate children to other classrooms or temporary cabins after potentially crumbling steel-reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found, which was used in school construction between the 1950s and 1990s.The Department for Education, which will fund the work, has not given a timeline for replacing the Raac, and school leaders have called for an “urgent plan” to fix buildings.So, how’s it come to this and what now for lessons after the trials of learning through the pandemic?The Leader podcast’s joined by Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, and Billy Huband-Thompson, policy associate for The Centre for Education & Youth.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We examine Ukraine’s long-range drone war penetrating deep inside Russian territory - both in the air and underwater.But first, there’s more on Rishi Sunak’s mini cabinet reshuffle and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps being parachuted into the Ministry of Defence.The former six-day Home Secretary replaces Ben Wallace, who was the longest serving defence chief of this latest Conservative government, having worked under three prime ministers.The Leader podcast’s joined by Professor Tim Willasey-Wilsey, visiting professor of war studies at King’s College London to discuss what the appointment means for British defence strategy.In part two, Professor Willasey-Wilsey tells us about his research trip to Ukraine where he met commanders in charge of the programme for building vast squadrons of drones to bomb Russian targets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s air traffic control data meltdown has left thousands of Britons marooned in foreign airports.It’s forced the relatively lucky ones to pay for hotel rooms, while other passengers bed down on floors in terminals - with many running low on prescription medication.Nats (National Air Traffic Control Services) blames a vague “technical glitch” caused by a rogue flight plan.But was this catastrophic IT failure linked to Nats' ageing digital infrastructure?The Leader podcast’s joined by Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn and travel consultant Paul Charles, who’s CEO of Mayfair-based The PC Agency, and was formerly Virgin’s Atlantic’s communications director. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cometh the day, cometh the Ulez as London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s flagship scheme to fight pollution in the capital goes live.It means drivers crossing the boundary into outer London will have to pay a £12.50 fee if their cars don’t meet exhaust emissions requirements.There have been protests against the expanded Ultra low emissions zone, now boundaried by the North Circular and South Circular, while vandals also targeted enforcement cameras.Supporters say it’s crucial for improving Londoners’ respiratory health but critics call it an anti-car tax, saying the scheme will hit the poorest, hard-working Londoners who rely on a daily runabout vehicle. The Leader podcast’s joined by the Standard's local democracy reporter covering City Hall, Noah Vickers, along with Karina Fernandez, a mother of two young sons and a campaigner for clean air group Mums for Lungs, plus Brian Mooney, spokesman for the Alliance of British Drivers in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're in El Salvador with local journalist, Julia Gavarrete, takes us to ‘the Power of the Red Butterflies’ project in Chalatenango, where they are aiming to dispel myths around female bodies.  Menstruation is viewed here as a subject only for women, it’s seen as dirty and believed that when someone is experiencing one, they should hide themselves away. In the Evening Standard’s #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over a million people are set to attend Notting Hill Carnival this bank holiday weekend, as the event marks Windrush 75, but could train strikes dampen the festivities?The Evening Standard’s Arts Correspondent, Robert Dex, explains why this year’s carnival is extra special, how the train strikes could potentially impact the festivities, and reveals what the Mayor of London had to say in his exclusive op ed for the newspaper about the event.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s Defence Editor, Robert Fox, explains the significance of the reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, and what this means for the future of the Wagner group. He also discusses the latest developments with the Russia/ Ukraine war, as well as his predictions on what Vladimir Putin will do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a restaurant has been open more than half a century, closing doesn’t come easily. “Emotionally I’m drained,” Michel Roux Jr's told the Evening Standard newspaper “I'm knackered.” Last Friday, he announced that 56 years after its first, Le Gavroche would run its final service in January of next year. In this episode we speak to our Reveller editor David Ellis, who hasn't just eaten in the famous dining room - he's cooked in the kitchen there too!  For more news, analysis and opinion pick up the Evening Standard newspaper or go to standard.co.uk. The Leader podcast is released every weekday at 4pm, follow on your podcast provider to get it delivered straight away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A YouGov poll of 1,000 Londoners suggests that the Mayor of London’s popularity is languishing in the suburbs, with a negative rating of -24. The results come ahead of the controversial expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone across Greater London next week. The question is though, with the Mayoral elections coming up in 2024, does Sadiq Khan have enough time to win back the suburbs? The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, Jitendra Joshi, shares his analysis from Westminster.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should England get an open-bus parade? Is the extra bank holiday dream over? Are plans already underway to recognise the Lionesses’ efforts? Our Arts Correspondent Robert Dex explains why the celebration should be about much more than just England’s performances throughout the World Cup, and describes what an appropriate celebration would look like. In this episode:Will the royals & government want to provide a hero’s welcome for the Lionesses?Should they be allowed an open-top bus parade?Will England get a good reception when they land in the UK?Why the squad deserve ‘some form of celebration’Will this team’s legacy last?What needs to happen to elevate the women’s game even furtherFollow us on Twitter or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever had a text reminding you about a hospital appointment, there's a good chance it'll have come via DrDoctor. The platform was built in 2012 and allows patients to book or cancel visits. When co-founder Tom Whicher was developing the idea, the concept of sharing data, and using AI in healthcare was controversial. Now, it's commonplace and the company started this year by winning £10 million of funding. So, how did they do that?To listen to the full episode click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.