The Standard

If you’re working in the City, data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics, shows you’re probably doing very well indeed with a nice pay rise.But bankers' pay is now growing three times faster than the wages of NHS nurses and teachers, showing how unequal the Covid economic recovery really is.To unpick the ONS data, we’re joined by Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre, a London-based independent think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Insulate Britain are warning they will bring the UK to a 'standstill' when they resume their protest action this Spring.The environmental campaign group announced on Tuesday that they are collaborating with Just Stop Oil, another eco campaign group, who are calling for the government to stop all licences for fossil fuel production.The group has threatened to ‘intervene’ if the government doesn’t halt all future licences by the 14th of March.Jon Weeks speaks with Insulate Britain spokesperson Craig Scudder about the group's plans for 'extreme protest' this year, why they're continuing their campaign, and what their new collaboration with Just Stop Oil means for them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The working week started with another blow for Londoners struggling with the cost-of living-crisis - the worst Tube and bus ticket increases for 10 years.Passengers must soon pay between 10 to 30 pence more per journey - an average of almost five per cent - as Transport for London tries to claw back a huge deficit after its finances were “decimated” by Covid.So how can TfL and Mayor Sadiq Khan justify such inflation-busting hikes, and how come we’re the world’s most expensive city to travel around?We’re joined by Emma Gibson, chief executive of London TravelWatch, the capital's transport watchdog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you find yourself in a position of influence perhaps unimaginable from when you were young? This is an invitation to meet Peter Flavel, the CEO of Coutts – the Queen’s bank.We’re going to talk about how a kid who grew up in Adelaide became the boss of one of the UK’s largest private banks, with an office looking down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.Since taking the helm six years ago, he’s been behind a transformation of the bank that’s seen it join the B-Corp movement, which aims to promote “business for good” with conservation at its heart. You can learn about what B-Corp status means, how to get it, and what opportunities there are for members.We also talk about entrepreneurship, Cop26, and the responsibilities that those about to create considerable wealth have to their communities.You can find the full un-cut interview by clicking here or by searching for 'An Invitation to Meet' wherever you stream your podcasts.Peter will be speaking at the Evening Standard's SME EXPO at Olympia London. You can learn more about the free event, being held over two days on May 25th and 26th, here.You can see the rest of the B-Corp Movement video here"Spider-Man: No Way Home": Sony Pictures Releasing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions have grown between the London Mayor and the Home Secretary, after Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick resigned from her role.She announced her resignation on Thursday night, after being given an ultimatum by Sadiq Khan to fix problems in the Met Police, and restore public trust.The Evening Standard understands Home Secretary Priti Patel is angry after being blindsided by the mayor, and left with a void at the top of Scotland Yard.City Hall Editor at the Evening Standard Ross Lydall discusses the events that led to Cressida Dick's resignation as Met Police Commissioner, Sadiq Khan's power move over Priti Patel, and what it means for the future of the met. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New property data suggests London flats are back in fashion again, after demand for apartments in the city dropped during the pandemic.According to one survey flat prices are now outpacing the overall property market in five London boroughs; including Barking & Dagenham, Greenwich and Hackney.Meanwhile, Rightmove says it’s seen a complete reversal in demand from bigger houses to flats since the second half of last year.The Evening Standard’s Associate Editor Jonathan Prynn, and Homes and Property Editor Prudence Ivey discuss this sudden rise in demand for flats, and what it means for the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick she has just “days and weeks” to save her job.She’s been tasked with rooting out racist and sexist officers and restoring public trust in the force.It follows the outcry over the racist, misogynistic and other abusive misconduct by officers at Charing Cross police station, which was exposed last week by the IOPC.The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham discusses Sadiq Khan's warning to the Met Police Commissioner,  and whether this is the beginning of the end for Dame Cressida Dick.Meanwhile - Check our our brand new business podcast An Invitation to Meet: https://pod.fo/e/10a2d1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several MPs are calling on the Prime Minister to apologise for comments he made about Sir Keir Starmer in the commons, after the Labour Leader was mobbed outside Westminster.Last week the PM made a discredited claim that Sir Keir ‘failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile’ when he was director of public prosecutions; a comment repeated by a group of protestors who surrounded the Labour leader yesterday.Tory MP Tobias Ellwood has warned the UK is moving towards a ‘Trumpian style of politics’ and the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, Kim Leadbeater tweeted “Words have consequences, leaders have a duty to behave responsibly & politics is not a game”.The Evening Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses the calls for Boris Johnson to apologise, whether politics is moving into a ‘Trumpian era’, and whether the Savile slur was a political tool to divert attention away from ‘Party-gate’.Check our our brand new business podcast An Invitation to Meet: https://pod.fo/e/10a2d1  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the documentary about the Tinder Swindler reaches number 1 on the Netflix viewing charts, we talk with Cecilie Fjellhoy - one of the main victims of Isreali fraudster Shimon Hayut.What started with a date in a posh London hotel led to Cecilie being conned out of hundreds of thousands of pounds by a man she thought was her lover.Now, Cecilie has vowed to support future fraud victims and has set up the Action Reaction Foundation to provide help to those who fall victim to fraud.Cecilie tells the Evening Standard what she went through in the documentary, why she set up the foundation, and discusses her plans to support fraud victims in London in the future.Check our our brand new business podcast An Invitation to Meet: https://pod.fo/e/10a2d1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Queen is about to make history as she marks 70 years on the throne. Elizabeth II is the first ever British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee and although most festivities are planned for the summer, the actual anniversary is this Sunday 6th February.Seven decades in any job is no easy feat, nevermind it being a period of time that has seen 14 Prime Ministers, numerous wars, we’ve joined the EU then left, and there’s that global pandemic we’ve all had to deal with too.The Evening Standard’s Royal Editor, Robert Jobson, takes a look back at the Queen’s reign and looks ahead to what the future could hold for the royal family.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The day that millions of households have been dreading has arrived, Ofgem has confirmed there will be a £693 rise to the energy price cap, taking the new threshold to £1,971, meaning an increase of 54 per cent. The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has outlined support measures of a £200 discount on all electricity bills from October - which will later be repaid - and a £150 council tax rebate for those in bands A to D… but does it go far enough in terms of help?It comes as the Bank of England announced that its benchmark interest rate will go up from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent, making mortgages more expensive for many borrowers.The Evening Standard’s Consumer Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, walks us through how this will all impact the people of London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest plans to ‘level up’ the country have just been announced by the Government. The white paper largely addresses inequality between major cities… but what about people in the capital who are struggling? One in four Londoners live in poverty and the unemployment rate is higher than average… it doesn’t seem that ‘level’ here either.Paul Swinney, Director of Policy and Research at the independent think tank ‘Centre for Cities’  explains what this means for London, as well as what he would like to see to help make things more level for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A senior Tory MP's warned Boris Johnson his future is "on hold" while Scotland Yard completes its investigation into ‘partygate’ … does that mean Boris can breathe easy for now?Former chief whip Mark Harper laid out the stark reality for Mr Johnson ahead of the Prime Minister jetting out to Ukraine for diplomatic talks.The Evening Standard’s Political Reporter, Rachael Burford, shares her insight about what’s happening in Westminster, when we can expect the findings of the police investigation into 'partygate' and what this all means for the PM. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new Francis Bacon exhibition at the Royal Academy in London is considered so extreme it’s been given a ‘trigger warning’. ‘Francis Bacon: Man and Beast’ explores the artist’s fascination with animals, their traits, instincts as well as human animalistic behaviours. It’s definitely not one for the faint of heart. We hear from Michael Peppiatt, writer, art historian and curator of the exhibition. He was also a friend of Bacon’s for 30 years. We hear about the inspiration behind this collection as well as his incredible insight into the world of Francis Bacon...  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another January comes to a close, we're looking back at one of the month's fastest growing trends: Veganuary.Since it started in 2014, when around 3-thousand people signed up to do it, more than 2 million people have taken part in total.It appears to be having an impact on what we see on supermarket shelves and in cafes and restaurants - as Veganuary promotions have boomed in recent years.Now in its ninth official year, we speak with Veganuary founder Matthew Glover, to discuss how it's grown, why it's been so successful, and how London has become the biggest city for vegans in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s big return to the workplace and public transport is continuing apace after Covid restrictions were lifted.How are you feeling about the prospect of the sardine tin commute?We speak to Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.Professor Eley is an authority on environmental factors affecting anxiety and gives us her advice for getting back into the world.We ask how it’s possible to better cope with new everyday challenges that can fuel Covid-era anxiety.The Leader also talks to Londoners about how they’re feeling as the Tube, trains and buses start to fill up again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s London’s biggest rail project in a long time, eclipsing the Overground upgrade and Jubilee Line extension.We’re promised Crossrail will be up and running in the not-too-distant future this year...and although the powers-that-be are staying schtum over exactly when, there’s suggestion that May’s the month.The central part of the new purple £19 billion Elizabeth Line is now being tested to eventually whizz commuters from Abbey Wood in south-east London into Paddington.As offices grind back into post-Covid life, how busy will the Elizabeth Line be at rush hour, and how much does cash-strapped Transport for London hope to squeeze out of passengers?The Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall went on a test return trip between Paddington and Liverpool Street, and onboard he quizzed Mayor Sadiq Khan, Crossrail CEO Mark Wild and TfL boss Andy Byford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re collectively gritting our teeth with April approaching, preparing for energy bills soaring in a crisis fuelled by surging demand in Asia, Russia-Ukraine tensions and a spike in natural gas prices.But after years of Conservative austerity policies and a drop in life expectancy caused by Covid, the UK’s top health inequalities expert is warning London’s poorest families are going to be hit hardest by the energy crisis.Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a highly-awarded epidemiologist and director of UCL’s Institute of Health Equity has been researching for decades how social factors influence health, particularly the body's cardiovascular system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the hottest new driving manoeuvre you’ve probably only just heard about. But what is the ‘Dutch reach’ and can it help keep the roads safer?The technique is part of new safety rules in the updated Highway Code to help better protect cyclists and pedestrians, although the AA says a third of motorists don’t even know it’s been revamped.It follows many years of safety campaigning by Cycling UK, and we’re joined by their head of campaigns, Duncan Dollimore, to discuss the changes as legions of commuters get back on their bikes after WFH guidance was scrapped. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the success of UK police drama Line of Duty, a new TV show has arrived, promising to shed more light on counter-terror policing.Trigger Point is a new ITV thriller set in London, following the Metropolitan Police’s bomb disposal unit.It has been compared with Line of Duty, in part because it features LOD writer Jed Mercurio as producer, and actor Vicky McClure is the main character, who played Kate Fleming in the drama. We speak with the writer of Trigger Point Daniel Brierley about these comparisons, what the new thriller has to offer, and why we love police dramas in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark its 35th anniversary, the Evening Standard’s ES magazine has undergone a rebrand, starting with a special issue celebrating the milestone.The new-look publication, which originally launched in 1987 as a monthly magazine, has promised to bring ‘an added dimension of living to our great city’.Ben Cobb is the new editor behind the rebrand, and says he wants it to be witty, confident and opinionated.He discusses what has changed for ES Magazine in 2022, what’s to come, and why he loves London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has announced Plan B measures, including work from home guidance and compulsory mask wearing, will be lifted next week.His decision will be well received by many people, but it comes as the latest YouGov poll puts Labour 32 points ahead of the Conservatives in London.In a series of other shocks for the Tories, it also showed that two thirds of Londoners believe the Prime Minister should resign.The Evening Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explains what the poll results mean for the Conservatives, and what Boris Johnson must do next to win over MPs and the general public after the ‘Partygate scandal’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has spoken with the Leader about his proposal to replace the congestion charge and ultra-low emission zones in the city with a pay-per-mile system instead.He told us some form of smart road user charging system is 'inevitable' as London aims to cut pollution and congestion.Other proposals include an extension of the ULEZ to cover the whole of London, and charging drivers of vehicles registered outside London for entering the capital.In this interview, Sadiq explains why he’s looking at these options, how it can be affordable, and why he’s planning such extensive action to tackle air pollution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs and business leaders have piled more pressure on Boris Johnson to end Plan B and the work from home advice.Some have warned of catastrophic long-term damage to some London districts, as a result of lockdowns, trading restrictions and guidance not to commute to the office over the past two years.Government officials are due to review the Plan B guidelines on the 26th.Chairman of the Conservatives Oliver Dowden hinted on Sunday that the restrictions could be lifted at the end of the month.The Evening Standard’s Associate Editor Jonathan Prynn discusses what business groups are calling for, how long they can survive under Plan B measures, and what the future holds for guidance on working from home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a week to forget for the Prime Minister and with allegations of even more government covid rule breaks, he’s still not out of the woods. After a family member tested positive for covid, Boris Johnson is now stuck isolating in Downing Street giving him time to think about his next move. The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, explains what we know so far about the numerous controversial parties, how much clarity the Sue Gray inquiry will bring to the situation and whether there’s a way back from this for Boris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel to France is back again. The country has announced it will lift its ban on UK holidaymakers from tomorrow.It means an end to controversial restrictions brought in last month for British travellers to curb the rapid spread of Omicron. These included; having ‘a compelling reason’ to enter the country and a requirement to isolate on arrival.It all sounds like good news but it’s not actually that straight forward as Simon Calder, the Independent’s Travel Correspondent explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London could be about to face a different health crisis - congestion. The city’s Mayor has issued a warning that the capital could soon be overrun by filthy air and gridlock because of a shift towards driving as transport during the pandemic. However, with the ongoing TfL funding crisis and fare increases on the horizon, Sadiq Khan has a big job on his hands if he wants to convince people to ditch their cars. Also, with positive signs of covid cases in the city easing, can we expect a return to the office soon? Our City Hall Editor, Ross Lydall, has been speaking to Mr Khan about what this could all mean for Londoners, if the end is near for working from home and whether we can expect any changes when it comes to the law on cannabis.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New findings from Imperial College London could help future-proof covid vaccines.The study found that high levels of T-cells from common cold coronaviruses could provide protection against covid - which could give a blue print when it comes to creating new jabs to target the virus. Dr Rhia Kundu is the study author from Imperial College London. She explains the findings and how Londoners played a crucial role in this important research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New hope for thousands of people impacted by the ongoing cladding crisis. The Housing Minister, Michael Gove, says developers must agree to a £4 billion plan to fix dangerous cladding on low-rise flats by early March or risk new laws forcing them to act. The Evening Standard’s political reporter Rachael Burford explains what exactly the plans mean, how they could help and what happens next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve already been hit with the highest inflation rate in 10 years - and there’s more financial heartache in store for Londoners...The capital and South East are set to bear the brunt of National Insurance increases, and your household bills are forecast to spiral by hundreds of pounds.How do we get this under control, and can anything be learned from history?David Bond, the Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, unpicks the economics and examines what all this means for the Prime Minister's electoral prospects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re still nursing the post-New Year blues or hope to cut down your drinking a bit for ‘22, London’s first alcohol-free off-licence has opened as a pop-up in the West End.The shop is run by former Islington Liberal Democrat councillor Laura Willoughby, who founded her Club Soda startup to help people with “mindful drinking”, spurred by an energy boost after giving up alcohol herself a decade ago.Now, the month-long pop-up on Great Portland Street is stacked with low and no-alcohol drinks, from beer to vodka and even pre-mixed negronis.It comes as the British Beer & Pub Association said Britons were set to drink nearly 8 million pints of low-and no-alcohol beer this month amid Dry January resolutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Bowie has posthumously earned his estate what’s reported to be about £185 million ($250 million), and the Starman joins the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Tina Turner among artists selling the rights to their back catalogues for hundreds of millions.But why, how does it work, and is there anything in all this for younger artists? The Evening Standard’s City Editor, Oscar Williams-Grut, dissects Bowie’s mega-deal and discusses how in the 90s, the singer sold his own royalty-backed ‘Bowie Bonds’.Fans of Brixton’s famous son can also enjoy a month-long celebration of his legacy at the BFI Southbank, with a new show called The Starman and the Silver Screen, showcasing his roles in film and television. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commuter rail routes groaned back into the service today, but suffered cancellations and Covid-linked train staff shortages. Prepare yourself for hefty fare increases in 2022...but could Crossrail, AKA the Elizabeth Line, finally open?The Standard’s City Hall Editor Ross Lydall examines the year’s public transport issues ahead. Mainline fare increases of 3.8 per cent are incoming, while Tube passengers can expect a 4.8% hike. Commuters are also set to face future travel chaos after the RMT union voted for a six-month strike from January 7. The RMT action will see members walk-out from the Victoria and Central lines at 8.30pm on Friday until 8am on Saturday, and from 8.30pm on Saturday until 8am on Sunday. Transport chiefs say they are “disappointed” at the planned strikes, warning it will “cause unnecessary disruption”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve covered the covid-19 pandemic in the UK a lot this year, but we’ve also looked at how the virus is affecting other countries. In this edition of the Leader, first published on July 30th, we met with a Malawi musician, Maggie Mkandawire, who became a hero in her home country for her efforts to tackle the bug. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing our look back at the year, this special episode of the Leader commemorating the death of Prince Philip was published on April 9th. It features the Evening Standard’s Royal Editor Robert Jobson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re looking back at some of our favourite interviews of 2021. Just over one year since lockdown began, the Leader sat down with o2 business boss Jo Bertram to hear how companies were coping. This interview is from March.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing our series of looking back at some of our favourite episodes, here’s the Evening Standard’s Jimi Famurewa talking to Professor Green about mental health, food banks and ‘tone deaf’ influencers in Dubai. Stephen Manderson, aka Professor Green, is a big advocate for opening up the conversation around mental health, having presented documentaries on everything from suicide to child poverty. Speaking from his London home, the rapper spoke about working from home and juggling two new businesses Aguulp, a supplement company, and Giz n Greens, a pizza business that he set up with his close friend and chef Gizzi Erskine during the pandemic.It’s from February 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the Christmas break, we’re looking back at some of the big events of 2021. The year started with the inauguration of President Joe Biden - an event that arguably became better known more for the break-out performance of poet Amanda Gorman. On the 21st of January we spoke to Barack Obama’s former speechwriter Cody Keenan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another year largely dominated by the pandemic draws to a close, we take a look back at some of the highlights of the year from the world of art and culture.The Evening Standard’s Arts Editor Nancy Durrant takes us back through some of the things that have helped us through the past twelve months, and proved to us that not even a pandemic can stop our arts and culture flourishing.Nancy reviews some of the best films, TV shows and theatre performances, while previewing some of the things we can look forward to in 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are some positive signs that the rise in cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant is slowing in London.For the sixth day in a row, cases have been between 20,491, and 26,608, with the lowest of those numbers recorded on Tuesday.But the number of coronavirus patients in the city’s hospitals has jumped by 830, or 77 per cent, since the start of the month to over 1,900.The Evening Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses what a potential slowing of cases could mean for London, and how current measures are stacking up against the virus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the number of people in the UK prescribed antidepressants continues to rise, a review of the drugs has led to brand new guidance for the doctors who prescribe them.University College London and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have worked together on the review, looking into the role of antidepressants and how to help patients stop using them.They have recommended that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods of time, and also argued that long-term use for many is probably inappropriate.Mark Horowitz is a clinical research fellow in psychiatry from University College London who worked on the review.He discusses their recommendations for doctors, how patients should stop using the drugs, and the evidence around serotonin levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From today, a new treatment for vulnerable patients at greater risk of Covid-19 is being offered at London hospitals.The drug, called Sotrovimab, has been manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, which says it appears to work against the Omicron variant, and can cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by almost 80 per cent.Medicine Development Lead for the drug Dr Amanda Peppercorn explains how the drug works, how effective it is against Omicron, and why it is so significant in the fight against Covid-19. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The classic musical Cabaret has returned to the London stage starring Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne.The hit musical, famously made into a film starring Liza Minnelli as the cabaret singer Sally, was inspired by the novels of English writer Christopher Isherwood based on his own experiences in the German capital as the Nazis rose to power.Redmayne plays The Emcee alongside Jessie Buckley as Sally Bowles in the show set in the fictional cabaret venue the Kit Kat Club. The Evening Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic Nick Curtis joins The Leader podcast to discuss why he’s garlanded the West End musical revival with a rare five-star review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School days…spare a thought for 21st Century teenagers thrown into the lion’s den of social media, often poorly prepped to deal with bullies, trolls and the dreaded cancel culture.Until now - because Sutton High School in London is piloting debate classes for girls from 11 years old that focus on internet culture, to help them confidently express their opinions and encourage discussion. And it all starts with pizza toppings.We speak to school head Beth Dawson about her innovative course that’s already in demand from neighbouring schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has just faced his biggest Tory rebellion since becoming Prime Minister. A total of 99 Conservative MPs opposed Johnson’s plan to introduce Covid passes but the move passed due to support from the Labour Party.Tory rebels spoke publicly today saying Johnson needs ‘to change’ but how much will this have shaken the PM?The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, explains the significance of the rebellion and whether it's time for Mr Johnson to worry about a potential leadership challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the race to get a Covid-19 booster jab continues and long queues form outside vaccination centres, how realistic is the government’s target to get everyone triple vaccinated by the end of the year?In London, already more than half of all coronavirus cases are of the Omicron variant, and the number of coronavirus patients in the capital’s hospitals is at its highest level since March.And in Scotland extra measures have been brought in to try and limit the spread of Omicron - including a limit on socialising to three households.The Evening Standard’s Health Editor Ross Lydall discusses how the UK’s booster programme is going, and how big a risk the Omicron variant poses to the nation and the NHS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK Government says it’s ‘throwing everything’ at beating Omicron as it brings forward the target date for all adult booster jabs to be delivered by the end of December. It comes as the first UK death has been recorded with the variant. But with huge queues outside vaccination centres and many reporting issues with the online booking system, will the new target be achievable?Nicholas Cecil, the Evening Standard’s Political Editor, walks us through the new campaign to ‘Get Boosted Now’ and its potential challenges.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the key to Succession’s success?  The hit US TV comedy-drama - with a heavy British influence - follows the incredibly powerful Roy family and the inner workings of their company Waystar RoyCo. The family fight amongst themselves over who will take over the global media and entertainment conglomerate after their father, Logan Roy. It’s won countless awards and an adoring global fan base - so much so that a fourth series has already been confirmed. As season three draws to a close, we speak to one of Succession’s former writers - Anna Jordan - about being in the writers room and what the key is to the show’s success. We also ask her thoughts on series four and whether or not she thinks it will be the last...   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the drama continues around alleged Christmas parties at Downing Street last year, an NHS doctor is warning public trust in the government is waning.The Conservative Party has now admitted an event took place in the party’s Westminster headquarters on December 14th last year.An investigation continues into allegations that the party held more events last year, when covid rules at the time stated they weren’t allowed.Dr Sonia Adesara discusses her reaction to the allegations, a potential rise in people not following covid measures, and the health risk that poses for UK hospitals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a tough day at the office for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as he faced a fiery PMQs largely focused on claims of a Christmas Party at Number 10 last year, when such gatherings had been banned under pandemic restrictions.One of Boris Johnson’s advisors at the heart of the scandal, Allegra Stratton has resigned and offered her “profound apologies”, after footage emerged of her joking about a Downing Street Christmas party.The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor David Bond discusses the alleged party, how the Prime Minister coped during today’s fiery PMQs and whether Boris still has the public’s trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.