The Standard

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. Prince Harry and Meghan initially stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in March 2020 in a quest for personal and financial freedom and now live in Montecito, California. We speak to royal observer Victoria Howard, from the Crown Chronicles, who tells us about the behind-the-scenes tensions at Buckingham Palace over the last 12 months, and why the Duke and Duchess are the real winners of the new arrangement.  Also, London Fashion Week is underway, but it's an all online, covid-safe affair with the usual glamorous parties cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic. But Evening Standard fashion editor Chloe Street tells us coronavirus isn't the only problem - Brexit's causing huge difficulties for the show, and the wider fashion industry itself. She also reveals what her highlights of the event will be, and how some designers are taking advantage of lockdown restrictions to come up with unique visions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talks have started between Britain and Greece which could pave the way for holidays this summer in the Mediterranean country. Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis has revealed preliminary discussions are taking place including on “vaccine passports”. Our Deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says Athens has been impressed by the UK's vaccine rollout, but the discussions may have been prompted by their dire economic situation. He also warns the cost of a trip to Greece may be prohibitive for many, with it likely families of four facing an additional £1000 bill to cover quarantine costs on their return. Meanwhile, Covid-19 infection rates are tumbling in Britain but Boris Johnson's still resisting pressure to speed up the lifting of lockdown. Nicholas tells us that may be down to variations in the rate of infection across the country, and lingering fears of as yet unknown mutations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boss of Easyjet, Johan Lundgren, sits down with the Evening Standard's Susannah Butter to explain how he thinks the UK's airlines can get off the ground again after nearly a year of pandemic restrictions. Right now, it's far from clear whether people will be allowed to travel this summer, and Mr Lundgren is calling for clarity on how lockdown will be lifted, saying that there is a "pent up demand" for people to get on flights abroad again. They also discuss vaccine passports, which he doesn't think "should be mandated".  And he talks about the future of flight, describing how battery powered planes are already powerful enough to cover 2,000km, which would be 80% of Easyjet's network in Europe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's hoping rapid coronavirus tests, being trialled at Porton Down, will allow Britain’s devastated entertainment and events industry to reopen in the summer. But our arts correspondent Rob Dex says venue managers and west end producers are only giving the plan a "cautious" welcome. There are concerns about the accuracy of the tests, how can they be delivered to potentially thousands of people queuing for a show, and who's going to pay for them? Will you get a free coronavirus check with your ticket?  Also, deputy arts editor Jessie Thompson reviews Framing Britney Spears which has just been released in the UK. The documentary's re-ignited the #FreeBritney movement over her conservatorship, and caused Justin Timberlake to apologise for his behaviour during his break-up with the singer. Jessie tells us the film will change people's minds about Britney herself, but it's also another example of how some of the world's biggest female stars were treated by their industry in the early 2000s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our political editor Joe Murphy tells us the government’s fears of a new, as yet unknown, coronavirus mutation are behind its “timid” approach to lifting lockdown. Despite pressure from some MPs in his own party, Boris Johnson’s resisting demands to speed up the process saying the way out “will be “cautious but irreversible”.We hear how that’s causing a row inside Downing Street, but measures such as “Covid Passports” are being ruled out.Also, features writer Katie Strick gives us the lowdown on pregnancy for the famous in LA, following the Duchess of Sussex’s announcement that she’s expecting a second baby. Learn about the hospitals where a “natural birth” means not wearing make-up and which celebrity pals might be God parents to the new arrival.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Democrats have rested their case against Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, now the defence begins. After three days of evidence, including the showing of emotive previously unseen footage of the Capitol Hill riots, Rep. Jamie Raskin asked the chamber “what is impeachable conduct if not this?” The former president’s legal team is now mounting their case, which is not expected to last long. It could be all over by Saturday night. From Washington, The Hill’s Juliegrace Brufke joins the show to assess the evidence so far. It’s unlikely 17 Republicans will switch sides, but has the trial torpedoed any chance of another Trump run for the Oval Office? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Hancock says he booked a summer holiday to Cornwall “months ago” but admits there’s “uncertainty” about whether he, or anyone else, will actually be able to make any trips. Our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, says the Health Secretary’s linking the success of the vaccine roll-out to whether lockdown restrictions will be lifted in time for the holiday season. We also talk about the rise of the ’Kent’ variant of coronavirus, which a leading scientist says could become the dominate strain across the world, for up to ten years. And we get an update on the vaccination programme itself, including good news about the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. On this episode of the Leader podcast Evening Standard columnist Jimi Famurewa, sits down with Stephen to talk about the profound effect the pandemic is having on everyone’s mental health, particularly for children, and his thoughts on the impact of social media in our lives.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.This episode is an adaptation from Evening Standard’s video series The Lockdown Sessions, you can watch the full interview here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democrats have set the stage for a historic battle in the Senate as Donald Trump faces allegations he “betrayed the American people” and is guilty of the “most grievous constitutional crime ever committed by a president”. We’re joined by UCL lecturer in politics and international relations Dr Julie Norman, who guides us through what will happen as the very chamber in which the January 6 Capitol riots takes place now holds the former president’s trial. Mr Trump’s lawyers say the entire thing is unconstitutional “political theatre,” but Dr Norman explains why legal experts have dismissed that, and what Democrats hope to achieve when a guilty verdict is thought unlikely. We also talk about how Joe Biden’s White House is trying to stay out of the drama, but that it’s exposed the biggest problem his administration faces: a deeply divided United States.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy joins us to explain the concerns over the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, as the Prime Minister says he says he has “every confidence” in the jab. It comes after a study of around 2,000 people suggested it only offers minimal protection against mild disease of the variant and, due to the young age of participants, could not conclude whether the jab worked against severe disease.Experts in the UK though say it does guard against the worst of the virus, but it’s possible the country will now need three injections to the ever evolving Covid bug at bay. Also, Joe tells us about the Standard’s exclusive IPSOS Mori poll, showing Britons would prefer Boris Johnson rather than Keir Starmer to be in charge of the rest of the pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery. He says it’s a problem for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who appears to be failing to make an impact with the public, even as the UK has a record coronavirus death toll.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health editor Ross Lydall joins us to explain how two major milestones in the fight against coronavirus are about to converge on a single day.1.5 million people from London’s most at risk groups should have been vaccinated by February 15, which is also the day the government will start putting UK arrivals into quarantine hotels. But those strict border rules are coming under criticism, with some hotels unhappy about being forced to take people in and at the same time turn other customers away. Labour’s also accusing the government of being too slow to implement the changes, which come 50 days after the ‘South Africa’ variant was first discovered.Also, the Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis gives us his five star review of 2021’s first theatrical blockbuster: ‘Handforth Parish Council’. He tells us how the cast of unknowns have made a “supreme” drama with their Zoom call set to the backdrop of a meeting in a small Cheshire town. He also predicts “You don’t have the authority, Jackie Weaver!” will become the catchphrase of video conferencing for the remainder of lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tells us how the coronavirus pandemic has “exposed the institutional racism” in the city, with BAME communities hardest hit by the infection. In an interview with Ayesha Hazarika, he describes how he recognised something was wrong as he wrote letters to grieving families and realised so many names were from ethnic minority backgrounds.He also calls for greater cross-party collaboration to beat the bug, citing the a video featuring MPs from all parties encouraging Black and Asian people to get the vaccine as an example of what can be done.Mr Khan also says he fears a mental health crisis is unfolding in London, comparing the trauma some are experiencing to that faced by the public during the Second World War. And he talks about how he’s using music, zoom calls and walks with the dog to help him get through an extraordinary time.The interview is adapted from the Evening Standard’s Lockdown Sessions series. The full-length video is available on our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s public health director, Professor Kevin Fenton, reveals the findings of his study into the spread of coronavirus in London through the pandemic so far. He’s discovered that the capital’s Asian community was hardest hit in the second wave of the infection’s spread, and in this special edition of the podcast he explains why that may have happened.Speaking to our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, he also reveals that more cases have been found in women than men, and discusses the ‘South African’ and ‘Kent’ variations of Covid-19.He also tells us about when he hopes lockdown restrictions might start to be lifted, and pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the Second World War Veteran who raised millions for the NHS and has died after testing positive for Covid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political reporter Sophia Sleigh joins the podcast as scientists warn there may be other versions of coronavirus emerging. The Government’s former chief scientific adviser has said he is "more worried" about the South American covid variant than the one from South Africa. Professor Sir Mark Walport, who held the top advisory post from 2013 to 2017, warned that different variants were “cropping up” around the world. Also, John Arlidge tells us about the one thing Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on: ‘Big Tech’ should have its powers curbed. But how can that be done? He explains the difficulties in tackling social media such as Facebook, and the overwhelming dominance of firms like Apple and Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political editor Joe Murphy’s back on the podcast as it’s revealed the more contagious ‘South Africa’ variant of coronavirus has been found in parts of London and Sussex. More than 100 cases have been discovered so far and surge testing is underway in eight postcodes, with everyone over the age of 16 being encouraged to get one whether they’re showing symptoms or not. It comes as the government announces its secured 40 million doses of a vaccine from French firm Valneva. Joe says the Prime Minister’s confident the UK will be the first country in the world to stockpile jabs for use next year.Also, our home affairs editor Martin Bentham discusses his interview with the Met’s deputy commissioner Stephen House, who says officers will continue “disproportionate” stop and searches of young black Londoners in an attempt to save lives. The robust defence of the Met’s approach came during a chat in which he also disclosed that around 300 knives a month were being seized during searches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil joins us as the EU dramatically ramps up a vaccines row with demands jabs made in the UK are sent to them. It follows European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen demanding AstraZeneca publish its contract with the EU to deliver 300 million doses. The company’s done that, with redactions, but Nicholas tells us the fine print contradicts Ms von der Leyen’s claim that the agreement was “crystal clear.” He also says the UK government’s trying to stay out of the battle, which Brexiteers claim shows the country was right to leave Europe.Also, economist and former trader Gary Stevenson explains what’s happening with Wall Street after struggling US retailer GameStop suddenly saw its share price rocket. He tells us how investors have been hit by a “classic short squeeze” and warns it will happen again as the effects of the covid pandemic start to hit economies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve all struggled with being confined to our homes for the past year. But what has it been like for Carrie and Boris? Freddy Gray joins the podcast to talk about the inside scoops he picked up for his article on life behind Britain’s most famous door for the Evening Standard. Learn all about the cabin fever, opaque political machinations and Rishi Sunak’s disapproval of his next door neighbour’s dog, Dilyn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special edition of the Leader looking at the decisions made by the government and others that have taken the UK past the 100,000 coronavirus-related deaths figure. Adapted from an Evening Standard article by Jonathan Prynn, we use interviews and archives to piece together what happened over the last 12 months and where things went wrong.From face mask controversies to the country’s obesity problem, we uncover a litany of issues that conspired together to pass that grim milestone. But we also highlight the progress being made including the new vaccines and the effect of the most recent lockdown to show there may be signs of hope emerging.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After vaccination minister Nadhim Zahawi advised millions of us to delay booking a summer holiday, the Leader podcast speaks to travel consultant Paul Charles about the state of the industry. He tells us there is “no plan” from the government to help a sector already struggling after last season was cancelled by Covid, and predicts more airlines and travel agencies will collapse.Paul also says so-called ‘quarantine hotels’ will be less effective in the UK than they have been in other countries and could lead to hundreds of millions of pounds being lost to the economy.Also, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, joins the show as pressure grows on the government to deliver a blueprint on how schools will re-open. He says there appears to be a division between the Department for Education and Downing Street over the best way forward, which is causing confusion for teachers and parents.And he warns further delays risk harming young people’s confidence, as they wonder if there will be any classes at all this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy tells us what the government’s planning with proposed ‘quarantine hotels’. Under plans being decided by ministers over the next 24 hours, some travellers will be put on buses and driven directly to isolation centres where they’ll stay for 10 days. Joe says there are divisions within the government over how stringently the rules should be applied, with some ministers wanting a blanket ban on all countries but others arguing it should only be applied to places known to have new dangerous mutations of the virus.It comes as Boris Johnson warns he’s concerned about as yet undiscovered “vaccine-busting” variations of Covid making their way into the UK.Also, the Michelin Awards are being held… but why? With restaurants across the country closed because of lockdown restrictions, some are wondering if the prestigious ceremony’s been rendered pointless by the pandemic.But our chief food critic, Jimi Famurewa says the prizes could bring a welcome spotlight to a beleaguered industry.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark the launch of our YoungLondonSOS campaign, we’re joined by investigations editor David Cohen whose reporting has revealed how badly the pandemic has affected schoolchildren. 500,000 teenagers and children who had no mental health problems before the lockdowns will now need support in 2021 – that’s on top of the 1 in 6 already identified by the NHS.The Evening Standard’s teaming up with Place2Be, a charity providing mental health support to schools. It currently works with 150 primary and secondaries in London. David tells us the campaign will help them “turbo-boost” expansion plans to double that figure by 2025, and how that will help the capital’s younger generation in a unique crisis.The Standard is calling on its readers, as well as corporates and charitable foundations, to give generously. Every £100 you donate could deliver a whole school service to one vulnerable child for one year.Go to standard.co.uk/YoungLondonSOS for more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top speechwriter for the Obama administration, Cody Keenan, says he would give Amanda Gorman a job at the White House after astonishing the world with her inauguration poem.The 22-year-old’s “The Hill We Climb” was a highlight of the ceremony marking the start of Joe Biden’s presidency, and has been hailed by critics for its themes of unity and togetherness. The advisor, who was director of speechwriting at the White House between 2013 and 2017, also gives us a behind the scenes glimpse of how to write a great political speech.Also, The Hill’s Capitol reporter, Juliegrace Brufke, joins us to discuss a lightning fast first day at the Oval Office with 17 executive orders dispatched from the Resolute Desk.Joe Biden’s already begun dismantling his predecessor’s work, signing off on the US re-joining the Paris climate change agreement, and halting construction of a wall on the border with Mexico.But will the pace slow down as the White House slogs through what it calls “four converging crises:” the Covid-19 pandemic, an economic crisis, climate change, and racial inequality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evening Standard columnist Ayesha Hazarika says new US vice president, Kamala Harris, “represents the two things Donald Trump hates the most: women and people of colour”. She tells the Leader podcast, the Trump administration was “founded on racism” and Ms Harris’s arrival at the White House is “karmic justice” for four years of turbulence. It comes as Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States at a ceremony in Washington. But how will he work with a woman who attacked him, including over issues of race, when she was an opponent in his run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination? Ayesha believes it was Ms Harris’s strength in those debates that most impressed Mr Biden, and the two of them have their work cut out to restore faith in the United States across the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s editor-in-chief, George Osborne says the Republican party will never allow Donald Trump to run for the White House again. Speaking to our columnist Philip Collins, he says Mr Trump has been “unique,” testing the US constitution and the country’s democratic process to its limits. He predicts the GOP will “shut out” the tycoon if, as he is reported to be considering, Mr Trump attempts a presidential run in 2024. With Joe Biden’s inauguration due to take place under intense security in Washington, George and Phillip also discuss what might be in the much anticipated speech. They also look at what the new administration will do with two crises, Covid-19 and the economy, already ongoing in the States.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s political editor, Joe Murphy, tells us why London may have turned a corner in the battle against coronavirus. We’ve learned case numbers for the infection are now falling in every one of the capital’s boroughs, in some cases up to 30 percent. But Joe also warns that, despite the good news, hospitals are still packed with record numbers of patients, and both the Health Secretary and Mayor of London are appealing for people “not to take their foot off the peddle”.Also, we look at what the first 100 days of a Joe Biden presidency might look like. The man who beat Donald Trump will be inaugurated at a ceremony in Washington with unprecedented security, including extra vetting for the National Guard amid fears of an “insider attack.”Once he gets to the Oval Office, though, what will President Biden do?We’re joined by Jack Kessler to look through the probable portfolio of executive orders and policy decisions that will be coming out of the White House from the very first day.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Evening Standard investigation has revealed half a million under-18s who previously showed no signs of mental health issues are now facing problems, due to the lockdowns caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Investigations editor David Cohen joins us to talk about his findings, which also show A&E wards are seeing increasing numbers of adolescents admitted for self-harm and suicidal thoughts. We also hear from a psychologist who tells us why social media cannot replace physically seeing friends and a headteacher describes seeing traumatised children forget lessons. With cases already at unprecedented levels, the Centre for Mental Health says a new cohort of 500,000 previously healthy children under 18 will require mental health care due to the devastating economic, health and family pressures caused by the virus crisis.For information and support call Mind on 0300 123 339 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard's Nicholas Cecil joins the show as pressure grows on the government to send more vaccine doses to London. It's emerged the city's delivered just one tenth of the jabs nationally, which mayor Sadiq Khan says has him "hugely concerned". But there appears to be hope on the horizon, with hospital admissions dropping and infections falling in some boroughs. Nicholas also discusses the possible threat of further lockdown restrictions, telling us the government's taking a 'wait and see' approach. Also, from Washington, we're joined by The Hill's Capitol reporter Juliegrace Brufke who was in the building when the riots broke out. She describes a city nervous about the upcoming inauguration of Joe Biden, especially after Donald Trump's second impeachment. And she relives the moment the Capitol was breached, telling us how she texted her family while hiding from rioters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health editor Ross Lydall joins the podcast as the Evening Standard reveals London’s getting fewer doses of coronavirus vaccine per head than other areas of the country. t’s down to a “fair share” system that’s distributing the Oxford and Pfizer doses equally between primary care networks. London has the highest infection rates in the UK, but is losing out because its population is more dense than some areas. On Tuesday night, London had a record number of Covid patients on ventilators, with the number of working-age adults with the virus taking total inpatient numbers in the capital above 15,000. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has asked Boris Johnson for additional supplies to help curb the pressure on hospitals.  Also, Donald Trump is about to become the first US President to be impeached twice in a historic vote in the House of Representatives. We hear from UCL politics expert Julie Norman who tells us, unlike the first time, there are increasing signs some within his own party will support the move in a Senate trial. That may include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who reportedly thinks impeachment will help the Republican party expel Mr Trump’s influence.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Evening Standard’s Sophia Sleigh tells us how her Sunday outing to a local park ended up with a political controversy. She spotted Boris Johnson out on his bike in Stratford with a security detail, seven miles away from Downing Street, at a time when the government’s telling everyone to “stay local”. Sophia says while the PM didn’t break any laws he has an “optics problem” with some claiming it’s a “do as we say not as we do” situation. The row’s also resurrected memories of Dominic Cumming’s eye test at Barnard Castle, leading to calls for ministers to clarify exactly what “local” means.Also, #FreeSchoolMeals has been trending on social media after pictures of what impoverished families are being sent to feed their kids started appearing. In lieu of £30 vouchers, they’ve been receiving boxes from private companies, but the meagre offerings only include some bread, a few vegetables and cans of baked beans. The department of education say’s its looking into it. Our columnist, Susannah Butter, tells us she thinks it’s “appalling” and wonders what would have happened if Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford hadn’t, once again, stepped in to help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Witty, is warning the health service will face unprecedented pressures as coronavirus continues to spread. In London, an estimated one in twenty have the infection. We speak to Lewisham GP Dr Louise Irvine who describes five hour waits for ambulances, poor co-ordination in the vaccine delivery system, and little support for those trying to stick to lockdown rules. Also, celebrity correspondent Lizzie Edmonds talks to us about the reboot of Sex and the City. The gang's getting back together for a new series on HBO Max, but Kim Cattrall's iconic Samantha Jones is not on the announced cast. Will it really be the same without her? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health editor Ross Lydall joins the show to explain why the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has "put up the biggest red flag he can" as coronavirus runs rampant through the city. Ross tells us what that means for hospitals where doctors have told him they are "horrified" by the rise in cases that Mr Khan describes as "out of control". There are more than 7,000 Covid patients in London hospitals — almost 2,000 more than the first peak last April — and almost 1,000 are on ventilators.Meanwhile, the Evening Standard's Susannah Butter has been talking to some of the nurses in the capital trying to cope with an onslaught of infected patients arriving in their wards. She tells us they're struggling to deal with the huge numbers, and it's causing enormous stress that inevitably many are taking home with them.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special edition of the Leader looks at the violence and rioting by Trump supporters at the Capitol in Washington. With contributions from reporters, historians, security experts and some of those who were in the building at the time, we examine the impact on democracy, US politics, and Donald Trump himself.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson’s under huge pressure to deliver a successful vaccine roll-out today as he promised MPs a “means of escape” from lockdown. Our political editor, Joe Murphy, says the Prime Minister’s announced that London’s ExCeL exhibition centre will host one of seven new mega-vaccination venues launched in stadia and halls next week. But he’s facing growing unease, including from within his own party, over how long the latest lockdown will last. Meanwhile, education secretary Gavin Williamson’s cabinet position may be in doubt after he cancelled GCSE and A-Level exams, days after a screeching u-turn on school closures.And, we speak to Dr Julie Norman, from UCL’s department of political science, as it appears the Democrats are taking the Senate off the Republicans. She tells us how activists and politicians rallied supporters to overcome voter suppression in what was once a deep red state. And she says some Republicans are blaming Donald Trump for the loss, risking a split in the party.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove appears to have contradicted the Prime Minister's suggestion that the new lockdown in England will end in February, by suggesting it'll be March before restictions are lifted. The Evening Standard's political reporter Sophia Sleigh tells us why the new rules may be in force longer than first thought, and how that's impacting the country's economy as well as morale. And Netflix says Bridgerton was watched in 63 million households in the first four weeks of its release. Katie Rosseinsky says the period drama, which uses contemporary music and has a diverse cast, is among several to try shaking up the genre.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our political editor Joe Murphy tells us why the “pitch is being rolled out” ahead of England being subjected to new, tougher, coronavirus restrictions. He says Boris Johnson’s been under huge pressure from within his own party, with former health secretary Jeremy Hunt among those calling for a national lockdown immediately. Meanwhile, education editor Anna Davis says headteachers are trying to work out how they can ever re-open schools, while the government continues to insist that exams will take place this year as planned.And Julian Assange will not be extradited from the UK to the US, and the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein in an American jail is one of the reasons why. Our courts correspondent Tristan Kirk says a judge at the Old Bailey ruled the prison service Stateside wouldn’t be safe enough for Mr Assange, who the court heard has been suffering from depression while at Belmarsh.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine months ago, when we launched Food For London Now from a standing start 72 hours after lockdown, we did it because we feared food poverty would soar as vulnerable families came under pressure. Initially we thought raising £3 million to support our partner the Felix Project would be enough, but as the hunger crisis deepened, we set the bold goal of raising £10 million and founding central London’s largest “social kitchen”. Today, our group executive editor Oliver Poole tells the podcast we have hit that goal, and provided 20 million meals across the city. We're also joined by the CEO of the Felix Project, Mark Curtin, who explains how food is distributed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A huge swathe of the South-East and London’s commuter belt is to be plunged into Tier 3 restrictions, meaning pubs and restaurants must close. Our political editor Joe Murphy tells us the decision will affect millions of people, but it's still been decided that Big Ben should ring out the New Year. That's even though the Prime Minister has urged people to stay away from Westminster as 2020 comes to a close. And a rail line is to return to London’s Tube map more than two decades after it was removed. Thameslink services, which were first displayed in 1987 but removed in 1999, will be back on the map from next month. We speak to Thameslink's Jenny Saunders who tells us why the change is being made, and about the company's hopes it will last more than the planned 12 months.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson's rejecting calls for him to scrap the relaxation of coronavirus rules, instead telling the Commons he wants people to "exercise extreme caution". Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says that's despite an alarming rise in cases, particularly in London. He also says Wales and Scotland are deviating from what was once a UK-wide agreed course, piling more pressure on the Prime Minister who refuses to budge.And the Wonder Woman 1984 reviews are in, and it's almost universal praise for the superhero sequel. Our critic Charlotte O'Sullivan gives her verdict, and says in ordinary times it would be a huge hit. But these are not ordinary times, and it's controversially being released for streaming in the US at the same time as it goes into theatres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An IPSOS Mori poll for the Evening Standard's revealed half the public thinks coronavirus rules over the Christmas period aren't strict enough. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson's under pressure to scale back the so-called festive “bubbles” as top scientists, medical experts and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt call for a review. But our political editor, Joe Murphy, says many people have already made their plans, and forcing them to be cancelled at this stage would be difficult. Also, Jonathan Prynn tells us how & why London's set to lose around £700 million under Tier 3. He says businesses are "angry" at the new restrictions, particularly in hospitality and retail which have spent thousands to make their premises covid-safe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock's told the Commons, the UK's identified a "new variant" of Covid-19 as he announced London and parts of the south east are going into Tier 3 on Wednesday. He said the mutation may be associated with a faster spread of the virus in recent weeks. Our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, tells us ministers had been trying to avoid the move, which will put businesses in jeopardy, but felt they had no choice as infection rates soar. He also says the government could come under pressure to drop plans allowing the rules to be relaxed over Christmas. And, education Anna Davis tells us why some schools in London boroughs are closing early. Greenwich and Islington have said they're moving classrooms online now, ahead of the planned Christmas break. Anna says it's to stop coronavirus spreading, but the last minute announcement's causing problems for teachers and parents. She also warns the closures may last into January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tens of thousands more Londoners are to be tested for Covid-19 in a bid to stem a rise in cases as the capital faces being plunged into Tier 3 restrictions. Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says Health Secretary Matt Hancock has ordered the emergency action, which will see some of the extra 75,000 tests taking place as soon as this weekend.And the Evening Standard's Nick Curtis explores Dame Barbara Windsor's deep connections to her home city, London. The Shoreditch-born actress has died at the of 83. Nick tells us how she started her career in the capital at a very young age, and was connected to some of its most famous, and controversial, figures. He also looks at her extraordinary career, and how the Carry On movies overshadowed her huge talent, until that legendary performance as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly half a century, and an estimated 14,000 meals, Fay Maschler's putting down the cutlery as the Evening Standard's chief restaurant critic. She talks to our Reveller editor David Ellis about her pioneering career, from the death threats she received as a young woman to the "compost of average restaurants" she had to wade through to find those true gems. What is her favourite restaurant. And is Marco Pierre White really the best chef this country's ever produced?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Boris Johnson insists there's still a Brexit deal emerging, the Evening Standard's Jack Kessler looks at why the negotiations have been so hard. Geography, politics and even personalities have been among the unexpected issues conspiring to cause a deadlock. And we look at why it could be said Brussels has already got what it wanted: what other country would want to leave the EU after all this? And, Nigella Lawson's been winding up her TV show audiences with her pronunciation of "microwave". It follows previous outrage when she made double-buttered toast. Our columnist Anne McElvoy's interviewed Nigella for the Economist Asks podcast, and she tells us why the chef still considers herself a journalist first and foremost, which is why she enjoys provoking people so much.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our health editor Ross Lydall's been speaking to some of the first people in London to receive the coronavirus vaccine. He tells us it's been an emotional moment for many of them, and even Health Secretary Matt Hancock couldn't hide his feelings as he was interviewed on TV about it. But, he also warns the number of cases and deaths in the capital is on the rise, leading to concerns the city could be plunged into Tier 3 restrictions when they're up for review next week. Also, mistletoe traders are reporting a collapse in demand this year as the pandemic persuades people to avoid traditional Christmas kisses. The Evening Standard's Rob Dex tells us social distancing rules also mean it's just about impossible to sell the plant at auction anyway. He also gives us some of the creative suggestions people have come up with to replace the tradition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our political editor Joe Murphy on the Brexit negotiations: what's real and what's just "theatre" at the roundtable in Brussels. He also discusses what's going on outside the room, with France and Germany bearing down on the talks. And he tells us why he believes it'll be Boris Johnson who will make the compromises needed to get a deal done. Also, people getting the first covid-19 vaccinations will also receive a card confirming they've had it. That's led to claims of a covert passport operation beginning, where those who have had the jab will get preferential treatment over others. But the Evening Standard's Nicholas Cecil says the cards are just reminders to make another appointment, and any kind of passport system would be impractical to put in place anyway. And, what's it really like on the royal train? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting to use it for the very first time as they begin a whistlestop tour of the country. Royal editor Robert Jobson says the inside is a lot more "practical" than you might think, but he suspects there's a subtle significance to William and Kate being given permission to use the carriages normally reserved for the Queen and Prince of Wales.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A public health chief's warning of the risk of London being plunged into Tier 3 restrictions as the squeeze on Covid-19 cases appears to be faltering. Professor Kevin Fenton, London director for Public Health England, has told the Evening Standard people must stick to social distancing and self-isolation rules ahead of the first weekend since lockdown was lifted. The Leader podcast talks to Dr Paul McKay, from Imperial College London, who warns that young people in particular appear to be being complacent about the disease, and may not appreciate just how badly it can affect even the healthy. Also, theatre critic Nick Curtis tells us about being in a live audience again, after seeing a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Bridge Theatre. He also talks about his delight that some, although not all, of London's Pantomime's will be going ahead under Tier 2 restrictions, saying it's one of this county's "only indigenous art-forms".  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International organisations involved in distributing Covid-19 vaccines have been targeted by possible state-linked cyber spies, according to IBM. The US tech giant says it's uncovered a “global phishing campaign” it believes started in September. We speak to security expert Professor Alison Wakefield who says there's been a rise in hacking attempts during the pandemic, and this latest one looks like it came from a nation state. Also, the Evening Standard's launched its Shop London campaign to encourage our readers to support our great city by shopping local this Christmas. Shopping editor Ellie Davis joins the podcast to explain what we're doing, and how to get up to fifty percent off participating brands. Find out more here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Covid-19 jab has been approved in Britain. The UK is believed to be the first country in the world to give the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approval and it will be available across the country from next week. Our health editor, Ross Lydall, says it's going to be a "challenge" to get the injection to everyone who wants it, but hospitals in London are being prepared right now. He also says doctors and government ministers are insisting "no corners have been cut" in ensuring the safety of the vaccine, despite the speed in which it's been prepared. And, London has sprung back to life on a frenzied “Wild Wednesday” of shopping and eating out after the four-week lockdown to control Covid-19 infections ended at one-minute past midnight. The capital returned to Tier 2 status that allowed “non-essential” retailers to open again as well as restaurants and pubs that serve drinks with a “substantial meal”. We speak to the editor of the Evening Standard's Reveller pages, David Ellis, who says people have been missing the "sense of occasion" that going out can bring, but warns even with a busy few weeks ahead some establishments may still close in the spring.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In four weeks, new laws will end the decades-old duty free regime for travellers from outside the EU. The result will be to make shopping here 20 per cent more expensive for them. Our city editor Jim Armitage has written an open letter to Rishi Sunak, urging the chancellor to drop the plans. He argues they will wreck the hospitality and retail sectors at a time when they need customers most.Also, Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas is You' is as much a Christmas classic as Jingle Bells, but it's never been to number 1 in the UK charts. This year, it looks like it will finally hit the top spot, but what's the story behind it. We speak to the Evening Standard's Jochan Embley who reveals the heart-breaking reason the singer loves the Festive season so much, and why the song is so important to her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Scotch egg may amount to a “substantial meal” so ordering one in a pub or restaurant could entitle people to drink alcohol under Covid-19 rules.  Environment Secretary George Eustice has said provided it was served as part of table service, he believes it would meet the criteria to be allowed to drink alcohol in pubs or restaurants in Tier 2. But our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil says Downing Street doesn't seem so certain. Meanwhile, he also tells us why the latest figures for coronavirus infection in London appear to how the city's heading in the right direction.Also, shops could stay open 24 hours a day in the run-up to Christmas in a Government bid to boost England’s ailing high street. We speak to the CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, Andrew Goodacre, who says even though smaller stores don't have the resources to stay open all night, extra hours might help some of them get through 'the most important December ever'. And, Rita Ora has apologised for “breaking the rules” to attend a “small gathering with some friends” to celebrate her 30th birthday. The pop star reportedly held a private event at Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, west London, on Saturday. The Evening Standard's Lizzie Edmonds says Rita's also volunteered to pay the maximum possible fine for breaking lockdown rules, despite not being charged with anything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.