The Standard

Health experts and community leaders are joining forces to urge Londoners to get the Covid-19 jab after a shocking poll suggested a quarter of Londoners are unlikely to have it. The YouGov survey for the Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London, asked more than 1,000 Londoners in mid-November how likely or unlikely they were to have the Pfizer vaccine, which the pharmaceutical giant had recently announced was effective. We speak to Sophie Harman, professor of international politics specialising in global health at Queen Mary University, who tells us vaccines are safe and more must be done to ensure people trust them. Also, it's reported Arcadia Group, behind high street chains including Topshop and Burton, is facing collapse within days and is preparing to appoint administrators from Deloitte. Our deputy business news editor Joanna Bourke says the company's issued a statement saying it intends to open its stores next week, but has been hurt badly by lockdowns. She also says this year's Black Friday may not have been the revenue bonanza some retailers had been hoping for.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London has escaped the toughest Covid-19 restrictions with cases now falling in more than two-thirds of boroughs, according to official figures. But our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, says it was a "borderline decision" that politicians and health officials debated until the last moment. He takes us behind closed doors to reveal what was behind the judgement call, and just how close the capital was to being put into Tier 3.And, the Evening Standard has joined forces with TikTok to launch a £120,000 fund to support the next generation of theatre stars, who are struggling under the impact of Covid-19. Our arts editor, Nancy Durrant, tells us high-profile figures including award-winning actress Helen McCrory, theatre supremo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Young Vic boss Kwame Kwei-Armah have joined the panel to help decide who receives the 12 grants, each of £10,000.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Duchess of Sussex has described her “unbearable grief” after she suffered a miscarriage. In a moving account written for the New York Times, Meghan reveals how she lost her unborn baby in July while she and husband Harry were living in Los Angeles. We talk to Ruth Bender Atik, National Director at the Miscarriage Association, who tells us why it's important to break the taboo of talking about miscarriage, and praises the Duchess for coming forward. Also, our political reporter Sophia Sleigh on the "ominous" spending review announced by the Chancellor. Rishi Sunak's unveiled his vision for post-Covid Britain with a £4 billion "levelling-up" fund — but warned unemployment could first hit 2.6 million and borrowing more than £760 billion over four years.And, Katie Rosseinsky gives us her top tips to watch Netflix as the streamer announces its Christmas line-up, including Chadwick Boseman's final movie Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians and business leaders are pleading for London to stay out of Tier 3, as the number of covid-19 cases falls in the city as a whole. The Evening Standard's Lizzie Edmonds explains the "crippling" effect it could have if the capital faces the highest post-lockdown restrictions. She talks about the devastation live performance would face, with indoor events continuing to be banned.Also, football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick tells us why clubs are celebrating fans being allowed back into the grounds, even though the limited numbers will mean bigger teams could face financial losses. The new tier system will allow up to 4,000 people into stadiums, and is being seen as the first step towards larger groups of spectators at sports events, as the Evening Standard has been campaigning for.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK’s home-grown Covid vaccine is “highly effective” — and the first Britons are expected to receive it by the end of the year. Oxford University says its vaccine was found to be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing people falling seriously ill with coronavirus. Our deputy political editor says rollout is due to begin "within weeks" but the government has a job on its hands to make sure everyone who should take it actually does. Also, London appears to be heading for a return to Tier 2 restrictions when lockdown ends - but it'll feel like Tier 3. Pubs and restaurants are still due to face strict new measures, with businesses in Tier 2 having to serve sit-down meals with any drinks. That's not good news for bars like the Dodo Micropub in Ealing, which doesn't serve meals. Its bos, Lucy Do, tells us that it's "the worst" outcome for them at the end of a heartbreaking year.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading music industry figures are issuing an urgent plea to protect small venues facing collapse amid the pandemic. The coronavirus and lockdown measures have forced scores of live music homes in London to temporarily close since March. The CEO of the Music Venue Trust, Mark Davyd, tells us seven sites in London are now on red alert, with permanent closure imminent if action isn't taken. He says they've launched the #SaveOurVenuesCampaign to encourage the public to help. We also speak to Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones, whose band was supposed to be playing in Brixton this month as part of their 25th anniversary tour. He tells us about the London gig that led to them being signed in the first place. He also reveals how he persuaded acts like Belle and Sebastian and the Proclaimers to let their out of work crews re-record classic hits for the "Whole Lotta Roadies" album, which is raising awareness and money for a hardship fund to help the behind-the-scenes gig workers who haven't had a job for nearly a year.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Covid vaccine being made by Oxford university is safe and works well in older adults most likely to become seriously ill or die from the virus, its creators revealed today. In another major boost for hopes of bringing the pandemic to heel, they said the preliminary results for the UK’s main vaccine hope were “encouraging”. Our health editor Ross Lydall says there's optimism it will lead to elderly people currently forced to shelter finally getting to see their families again. He also says the injection seems to hurt older people less than younger ones. And, we speak to tech reviewer Tomi Adebayo - Gadgetsboy - about the new PS5 which has finally hit the shops, with the rush so great some stores saw their websites crash. He tells us how the new console is a huge leap in graphics, but you might have to shell out a small fortune on a TV to see all their benefits.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Families may be able to mix in “bubbles” at Christmas under plans for a brief relaxation of coronavirus restrictions over the festive period, according to reports. It comes as data shows the number of new cases in London appears to be stabilising and the R transmission figure heads towards 'one' in parts of England. But how would it work and would the risk of a post-festive season spike be worth it? We speak to MIND's CEO Paul Farmer who is imploring the government to consider the nation's mental health when making decisions, as he reveals the toll two lockdowns have had on the country. Also, it's emerged Dolly Parton is one of the funders behind the Moderna coronavirus vaccine, which has a 95% efficacy rate. Country music columnist Shiona McCallum tells us it's just one of the many philanthropic acts the singer performs every year from book donations to secretly producing the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mouthwash can kill coronavirus within 30 seconds of being exposed to it in a laboratory, a scientific study has found. The preliminary result comes ahead of a clinical trial into whether using over-the-counter mouthwash could to reduce the levels of Covid-19 in a patient's saliva. We speak to Professor Damien Walmsley, from the British Dental Association, who says the latest research from Cardiff University now joins a growing body of evidence that mouthwash can kill coronavirus. He explains how it works, and why the government should include dental hygiene in its anti-Covid messaging. Also, Barack Obama's revealed the 'Presidential Playlist' he says he used to get him through his time in the Oval Office. With tracks like Aretha Franklin's 'The Weight' and BB King's 'The Thrill is Gone' has he revealed what it's really like to be President? We talk to Professor John Street who has written a book on the connection between music and politics. He tells us how global leaders use their favourite tunes to help shape their public brand, and has anything like that Love Actually scene with Hugh Grant dancing in Downing Street ever really happened?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Crown is already a huge success for Netflix, but the drama's being criticised for taking liberties with the truth. Some leading historians are concerned about how Prince Charles is being portrayed as the drama moves into the 80s and the arrival of Princess Diana. The Evening Standard's Katie Rosseinsky has watched all of season 4, and says the writers definitely use artistic license but argues they've never claimed to be making a documentary, and that's why it's such a hit.Also, half a million children in London will go hungry in the run up to Christmas if nothing is done to help them, according to researchers at London South Bank University. The Evening Standard's launched a campaign to make sure everyone gets fed this festive season. Working with charity partners Food for London Now is getting hot meals to the capital. Leon Aarts, from the With Compassion charity, tells us how they saw huge demand for help when they set up just two days after the first lockdown began.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dominic Cummings has left Downing Street, but will he really have no influence over the government in future? We speak to Peter Cardwell, a former special advisor who worked with, and was fired by, Mr Cummings to find out what he's really like and what his legacy will be. Peter tells us Boris Johnson now has an opportunity to "reset Downing Street" and predicts a big reshuffle. Also, Evening Standard political reporter Sophia Sleigh gives us the reaction from Westminster. Who's being lined up as a potential replacement, and what will a new approach for the government actually look like?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson’s Downing Street operation's been thrown into turmoil following the dramatic resignation of his communications chief Lee Cain. We speak to our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil who explains how the departure was forced by an apparent power struggle involving both the new press secretary Allegra Stratton and the Prime Minister's partner Carrie Symonds. He also says Dominic Cummings is facing calls from within the Conservative party for him to quit too. But the resignations couldn't come at a worse time, with Brexit negotiations bearing down on Mr Johnson, and a change in the political landscape following Donald Trump's US election loss.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A row over a statue dedicated to feminist icon Mary Wollstonecraft is continuing, with protesters now covering up the silver sculpture featuring a naked woman in London. The artist behind it, Maggi Hambling, has told the Evening Standard she thinks some people are "missing the point", and it does have its defenders. We speak to historian Dr Christina Faraday who tells us why she thinks it works as a thought-provoking piece of art, and says there are lots of statues of naked men out there, too. And, Joe Wicks has told the Evening Standard he's "tired" as he picks up his PE classes for children in the second lockdown. The body coach has spoken to Susannah Butter, who tells us how the new level of stardom he achieved the first time round has led to him looking for more control and privacy in his life. She also says he's determined to carry on, taking on an exhausting challenge for Children in Need which will see him exercise for 24 hours, with just short breaks to go to the toilet and eat.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock's confirmed the UK's coronavirus vaccination programme could begin "from the start of December", but our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says it won't be available to everyone straight away. He also says a second vaccine, being researched in Oxford, could be just weeks away from being ready. As the world breathes a sigh of relief with the end of the coronavirus era in sight, Nicholas warns the UK government says it's not over yet. And, it's been widely reported that Dominic West’s marriage to Catherine Fitzgerald is “as good as over”. The 51-year-old star of the Affair is said to have admitted his “feelings” for 31-year-old actress Lilly James. The Evening Standard's Katie Law says the story of an older man leaving for a younger woman has been told many times, but in the modern age it's the wife who turns out to be the big winner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Experts are hailing “promising” news of a Covid-19 vaccine that trials show to be 90 per cent effective. Its makers, Pfizer and BioNTech are calling it a "great day for science and humanity" but, if it really does work, when could the general population get to see it? We speak to Professor Karol Sikora, a former director of the World Health Organisation's cancer programme, who tells us how the vaccine works, and reveals how difficult it will be to roll it out internationally. Also, our political editor Joe Murphy has been talking to Downing Street sources about when they think President-elect Joe Biden will give Boris Johnson a phone call. There has been speculation that the Prime Minister may have to wait in turn behind European Union leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Joe Biden has branded Brexit laws on the internal market as a threat to peace in Northern Ireland, but UK officials insist the two leaders agree on many issues including climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A growing number of Republicans are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump, who has doubled down on claims of voter corruption in the US election. Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, tweeted that the President's claims of fraud were "getting insane". The Evening Standard’s assistant news editor Michael Howie says some believe Mr Trump isn’t just making a bad moral decision but a bad strategic one, too.And, the devastation facing London’s economy has bosses warned some businesses will never emerge from the ‘body blow’ of a second lockdown. England is just one day into four weeks of restrictions but central parts of the capital were already feeling the impact. Evening Standard business journalist Joanna Bourke says the extension of the furlough scheme has some worried lockdown will also be extended past December 2nd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden is inching ever closer to the White House, but will his ambitions be dead on arrival if the Republicans hold the Senate? Our US correspondent, David Gardner, says the Democrat's going to struggle to get his big ideas, like healthcare reform, through without the upper chamber. He also says that Donald Trump's fighting tooth and nail to hold onto the top job, and even if the incumbent loses he will retain an extraordinary power in a divided country. Also, coronavirus cases are falling in swathes of London, so did the capital really need to shut up shop? The Evening Standard's deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says Covid-19 infections are down in 19 out of 32 boroughs and the widespread declines are an encouraging sign that the rise in cases is now starting to plateau. On the first day of a new lockdown in England, Nicholas tells us questions are being asked about whether London can exit it early?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's vowing to go to the Supreme Court as the US election hangs on just a handful of key states. Our editorial column says the move's "without legal standing" and "saying the quiet part out loud makes him no less a danger to democracy". We also talk to US politics analyst Julie Norman, from UCL, who explains how the Trump campaign has used its underdog status to scrape up votes, and why Joe Biden is still the most likely to be in the White House this January.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special early edition of the Leader podcast, we speak to the Evening Standard's Michael Howie who's been checking the results of a unique US election. With votes still being counted, there is still no clear winner, but that's not stopped Donald Trump from claiming victory. He's also threatening to go to the Supreme Court to get the continuing counting stopped. Meanwhile, Joe Biden's called on supporters to remain calm as a path to the White House does appear to be opening up for him.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America is going to the ballot box, with predictions Donald Trump's time in the White House is over. In this special programme, we're joined by Evening Standard columnist and senior editor of the Economist, Anne McElvoy. She tells us why pollsters are giving Joe Biden a more than 90% chance of victory, but says there are - very limited - ways for Trump to upset the odds as he did in 2016. CNN anchor Julia Chatterley also joins the show to explain what might happen next under either a new Biden or resurgent Trump administration. The big difference, she says, will be taxes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another warning from the Speaker about the number of leaks coming out of the government, Boris Johnson told MPs why England has to go back into lockdown. The Prime Minister insisted the plans are “time limited” and he hopes to lift the latest draconian restrictions on December 2 when the country will return to the coronavirus tier system. But there has been no clear exit strategy announced. Our editorial column gives a six point plan on how lockdown could finally be lifted, and economist Stephen King looks ahead to what the country could look like after Covid-19. Also, Johnny Depp’s Hollywood career lies in tatters after a High Court judge ruled he was a violent abuser of wife Amber Heard during their tumultuous marriage.  The Pirates of the Caribbean star played a high-stakes gamble when he sued The Sun for libel over a 2018 article branding him a “wife beater”. Mr Justice Nicol has now delivered a devastating judgment for Depp, finding he had attacked his wife on 12 occasions and dismissing Depp’s libel claim. The Evening Standard's courts correspondent Tristan Kirk says it's a "terribly damaging" moment for the film star.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Councils and charities today warned they could be facing an "unprecedented rise" in rough sleeping numbers over the winter as furlough ends and town halls struggle with funding. Councils, who housed thousands of people during the first wave, are now struggling with funding. The Evening Standard’s local democracy reporter Rachael Burford says they’re anticipating £97 million in spending to help manage homelessness. And, President Donald Trump and his democratic challenger Joe Biden are in their final days of the 2020 election campaign. The candidates are set to barnstorm across America’s heartland as they race towards the White House. The Economist senior editor Anne McElvoy tells us how Mr Biden’s lead in the polls is impacting Mr Trump’s campaign and whether the President could be the first big political casualty of the pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been suspended from the party after refusing to accept the findings of a bombshell report into anti-Semitism during his tenure. The Equality and Human Rights Commission found the party was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination and the party has now been served with an unlawful act notice requiring it to tackle the issue. Our political editor Joe Murphy tells how the events unfolded.And, The Duchess of Sussex’s High Court legal battle against the publishers of the Mail on Sunday has been delayed until autumn next year on secret grounds. Lawyers for Meghan argued in a private hearing that the trial should not happen in January, seeking a lengthy adjournment from Mr Justice Warby. Speaking in open court this morning, the judge ordered that the ten-day trial would now be heard nine months later in October or November 2021. Our courts correspondent Tristan Kirk tells us what we can expect to happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Environment Secretary George Eustice has called the current approach to coronavirus lockdowns in the UK right ‘for now’. As senior scientists warned of hospitals being overwhelmed with 25,000 coronavirus patients by the end of November, expectations are growing that Boris Johnson will reluctantly have to order a temporary major shutdown before the end of the year. Our political editor Joe Murphy tells us what the means for the Christmas break.And, Comic Relief has dropped trips to Africa for celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Stacey Dooley following criticism of “white saviour” charity appeals. For Red Nose Day 2021 the charity will hire local filmmakers and photographers for a “more authentic perspective”. Executive director or anti-poverty charity War on Wants Asad Rehman says it's a welcome move but, celebrities still have their place in raising awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are heading into their final days of an historic election campaign. Trailing Biden in national opinion polls, Trump will hold rallies in three states key to his relation hopes: Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska. Biden meanwhile will head to Georgia, just days after Trump was there and where the challenger believes he has a ‘fighting chance’. In the Leader US election special, Evening Standard journalist Michael Howie speaks with CNN International correspondent Robyn Curnow who says the battle for Georgia speaks to the political battles being fought across Trump’s America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While it used to be that when a footballer’s name was strewn across the front pages, it made for grim reading, now English footballers are dominating the headlines for all the right reasons. Manchester United forward 22-year-old Marcus Rashford is taking on the Government over its refusal to provide free school meal vouchers to pupils during school holidays. And, Manchester City’s 25-year-old Raheem Sterling has plants to create a foundation aimed at supporting disadvantaged young people. The Evening Standard’s football journalist James Robson says the authenticity behind their campaigns is driving real change.And, hidden pockets of water on the moon could be much more common than scientists previously thought, and the discovery could have potential implications for future lunar missions. Paul Hayne, assistant professor in the laboratory of atmospheric and space physics at University of Colorado Boulder, said this could not only have implications for future lunar missions, but also how we understand how we got water on Earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The founder of revolutionary charity Teach First has warned the coronavirus pandemic risks undoing years of work spent improving education for poorer children in London and could create an “educational underclass”. Our education editor Anna Davis tells us how Brett Wigdortz is worried about an impending national crisis as London risks “backsliding” on all the good work that has been done to narrow the gap between rich and poor children’s educational achievements.And, female film directors are changing the face of horror. Our arts commissioning editor Katie Rosseinsky says a new wave of female-led films are playing fast and loose with the genre as they take back ownership from what’s traditionally been a boy’s club of directors. As it turns out, they are the perfect opportunity for women to make their debut in the film industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 300 Tory MPs have been accused of “cruelty” after they voted against footballer Marcus Rashford’s bid to extend free school meals through the school holidays. Opposition figures branded the outcome ‘disgusting’ with many accusing the Government of “not caring” that the more than 1.4 million children eligible for free school meals would now go hungry. Our editorial column says hungry children need to be a priority. And, School Food Matters CEO Stephanie Slater is among the voices calling for a rethink on the decision.And, Rishi Sunak came to the rescue of millions of people fearing redundancy today with a multi-billion-pound package of support plus help for London’s struggling bars and restaurants. Rising to the crisis posed by a Covid winter surge, the Chancellor announced he was almost doubling the wage subsidy for workers forced to go part-time. The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy explains who the fifth coronavirus package will benefit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every US election is billed as one of the most important of our times, but 2020 really will shape the globe as it either consigns the Trump presidency to history or validates his time as the head of the world's most powerful nation. In the first of weekly Leader episodes that will focus on the US election in the run up to November 3, Evening Standard Editor-in-Chief George Osborne and journalist Philip Collins analyse various outcomes - including for Britain - of the seemingly likely Joe Biden victory or a come-from-behind win by the current President. Listen here and watch the video at standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In January, up to 90 volunteers could be deliberately infected with Covid-19 in a bid to speed up development of vaccines and learn more about the virus. The group will be kept at the Royal Free hospital for two-and-a-half weeks in the world’s first ‘human challenge’ study for coronavirus. Dr Chris Chiu, from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London and lead researcher on the human challenge study tells us why this is crucial to answering some of the big questions around the new disease.And, travel bosses have welcomed the roll-out of rapid Covid-19 testing for passengers leaving Heathrow for Italy and Hong Kong as a small ‘step in the right direction.’ The £80 test will allow them to enter the two countries without lengthy quarantine. But, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has refused to authorise the use of tests at airports on return from trips abroad, arguing that they are not effective in identifying passengers infected with the virus. Travel journalist Lisa Francesca Nand tells us airlines are calling for it to be rolled out more broadly to save the struggling industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading West End bar and restaurant operators warn they won’t survive the winter after a ‘horrendous’ first weekend of Tier-2 Covid-19 restrictions in the capital. Normally heaving streets were left desolate and ‘no mixing’ laws triggered tens of thousands of cancellations. The Evening Standard’s consumer business editor Jonathan Prynn spoke with restaurateurs and bar owners, saying the weekend was ‘as bad as anyone had feared’.And, President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are just over three weeks away from the November 3 US Presidential Election. Both have hit the campaign trail hard over the weekend as they try to flip key battleground states. Lecturer at the UCL centre for US politics Dr Julie Norman tells us what to expect this week ahead of Thursday’s debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has dramatically told Britain to prepare for a No Deal Brexit after a bust-up with Brussels on trade talks. The Prime Minister put the country on notice that its EU departure at the end of the transition period on December 31st could be without a trade deal with the European bloc. The Evening Standard's deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil tells the podcast why the fallout happened, and what to expect next.Also, restaurants, pubs and bars across London are scrambling to be ready for the new “high alert” restrictions coming into force as economists warn the measures would cost the capital an extra £10 billion. Hospitality industry leaders say the Tier 2 status ordered by Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday would be the “final nail in the coffin” for many venues. Our consumer business editor, Jonathan Prynn, says one industry boss is warning of up to 200,000 job losses this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tighter Tier 2 restrictions are being imposed in London to stop the Covid-19 epidemic worsening. But the government announcement hasn't stopped speculation that a much tougher 'circuit breaker' is still around the corner. Our education editor Anna Davis says the rumours have got headteachers worried that an effective 'lockdown 2' is on its way, with no way to prepare. Anna tells us how teachers are concerned another extended break could harm children who have already had a disruptive year. And, Donald Trump has threatened to remove protections for tech companies after Twitter and Facebook censored a story about Joe Biden's son, Hunter. The New York Post story claims Hunter Biden introduced his father to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm before the former vice president lobbied for the firing of a prosecutor who had investigated the company. It's been denied by Joe Biden and the Democrats. The story's the latest in a long line of what's called "October Surprises" in US elections. We speak to US politics historian Christopher Phelps on when they started and whether they ever have any effect on the result Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson's insisting his three-tier approach to tackling coronavirus just needs time to prove it works, but told the Commons earlier that he's "ruling nothing out" as pressure bears down on him to impose a "circuit breaker" approach. Some scientists, including the government's own SAGE advisors, say the draconian lockdown would be the most effective way to halt the infection's spread, but economists are warning it could have a catastrophic effect on businesses. Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil tells us why the PM faces a difficult balancing act, and why Sir Keir Starmer's calls for a circuit breaker are making it harder for the government to do it. Also, MI5 is having to protect research into a coronavirus vaccine from interference by saboteurs. Britain's top spy, Ken McCallum, also says the agency has been helping with building hospitals, and repurposing research originally done on toxic chemicals to help understand how Covid in droplets might disperse  The Evening Standard's Martin Bentham joins the podcast to talk about the new role the service finds itself working within in a post-pandemic world.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite the law making it mandatory, it's not uncommon to find people wandering around supermarkets without wearing a face mask. Now the big store bosses are being summoned to a meeting with government officials and the police to discuss why. An agenda for the meeting seen by the Evening Standard says it will be an  attempt to find ways to “collectively promote compliance” with the rules. Our city editor, Jim Armitage, tells us retailers say they don't have the powers to "put shoppers in a half nelson and march them out the store" if they don't wear a mask. But as the sector is one of the few making large profits during the pandemic, some are asking if shops are putting profits before safety? Also, the first black male chief crown prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service’s history has told the Evening Standard he does not want to be perceived as a “poster boy” and is vowing to bring about real change. Lionel Idan, whose team convicted two of Stephen Lawrence’s racist killers in 2012, grew up in Ghana where his father lectured in art and literature. He's spoken to our crime correspondent Anthony France, who says the appointment comes not a moment too soon amid calls for compulsory anti-racism training at every level of our legal system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's describing how the new lockdown system will work, with areas being placed under three different types of restrictions. Our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, tells us how the rules will operate and why some leaders in the north think they favour the south. He also reveals that a worrying rise in coronavirus cases in London means the city is likely to be put under Tier 2 limits, and why those will be imposed across the capital despite varying infection rates in different boroughs. Also, #Fatima has been trending after many working in the arts took offence to an advert encouraging a ballet dancer to retrain in cyber security. It's overshadowed the government launching its £1.57bn Cultural Recovery Fund, and reinforced concerns among some in the industry that their livelihoods aren't being taken seriously. The Evening Standard's Hattie Brewis explains how the advert was created in the first place, and why both the culture secretary and Prime Minister have condemned it as "crass" and "unacceptable". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new furlough scheme for areas affected by local lockdowns, paying two thirds of workers’ wages in businesses forced to close, is expected from Chancellor Rishi Sunak. But the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says "son of furlough" will only be available to limited sectors in very few areas. Meanwhile, it looks like the Eat Out to Help Out scheme didn't bring the economic bump it was expected to. Jonathan tells us why surprisingly low GDP figures have got some economists worried about when a financial turnaround for the country might come. Also, The Evening Standard’s launched a campaign to get sports fans back in stadiums. Backed by England and Arsenal football legend Ian Wright, it comes as our investigation reveals London alone has lost close to 1 billion pounds because the spending power of thousands of fans on football match days has vanished. Meanwhile, technology bosses tell us crowds of around 30 percent capacity could return safely with systems monitoring and controlling crowds. Sports journalist Marc Webber, from FC Business and BBC Final Score, tells us what it's like going to games without crowds, and how people could be allowed back in with safety measures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Commission on Presidential Debates says the next round between Donald Trump and Joe Biden will be held 'virtually;' but Mr Trump's refusing to have anything to do with it. He told Fox News the idea of the candidates being in separate locations is "not acceptable". It has, though, been done before when John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon faced off for the third time in 1960, 3, 000 miles apart. Julie Norman, from UCL's Centre on US politics tells us how a Zoom debate could work, and why it might be in Donald Trump's best interests to change his mind and take part. Also, EasyJet's posted its first ever financial loss and asked the government to help the aviation industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The group warned it was likely to make a loss in the year to 30th September of £815 million to £845 million compared to last year's pre-tax profit of £427 million. Travel journalist Simon Calder says the entire industry is calling on Downing Street to do something. He also talks to us about the final flight of BA's 747 fleet, saying it's time for the "gas guzzlers" to go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s hospitality industry has lashed out at Boris Johnson’s ‘misguided’ 10pm curfew, saying it's causing huge damage to the economy without the scientific evidence to back up the health benefits. The industry’s most influential leaders say that a staggered system of rolling closing times would be safe and give venues a better chance at operating profitably. The Caterer’s deputy editor Emma Lake says they want the government to work with the industry to plan a safer, longer-term approach, rather than enforcing a blanket rule. And, MPs have come under fire from virus experts for raising hopes that a Covid-19 vaccine will be a ‘one-shot wonder’ that will swiftly allow millions to return to normal life. The Evening Standard’s health editor Ross Lydall says they’re warning the government not to ‘overblow’ the impact, and say that a vaccine may not be widely available for another 18 months.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson promised to rebuild the nation from the ‘darkest moments’ of the Covid-19 pandemic as he addressed the Conservative Party conference. Following his huge election in, his speech should been the equivalent of a Roman triumph - instead the PM faced MPs who may be wondering if he is the man to lead them to the 2024 election? Our political journalist Sophia Sleigh says this is the time for him to lead the country through the crisis and while his speech was filled with hope, it was light on detailed policies. And, the UK’s 10pm curfew introduced to curb a second wave of coronavirus has seen thousands flood the streets as bars, restaurants and pubs close their doors for the night. As Boris Johnson faces a Conservative party rebellion over the measure, the Tory leader of the Westminster council has now ordered an investigation into its impacts. The Evening Standard’s consumer business editor Jonathan Prynn says there may be legitimate grounds for their concern. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People may have caught Covid-19 because an Excel spreadsheet failure stopped nearly 16,000 cases being transferred swiftly to the test-and-trace system. The mistake's baffled medics like former World Health Organisation doctor Professor Karol Sikora, who joins the podcast to tell us it's not the first error, and the entire system needs overhauled. He also explains how the updated set of figures, including the previously lost numbers, actually show the country doing as expected against the disease, with a lower number of people needing to be hospitalised than thought. And, James Bond's under fire, which is probably normal for him, but this time it's film critics taking aim. There's anger after cinema chain Cineworld decided to shut its theatres in the UK and US because the new Bond movie, No Time to Die, has been delayed again. Jack Shepherd, from Total Film magazine, tells us why movie bosses made the decision, and how constant delays of blockbusters are causing problems. He also gives recommendations for people who so still want to go to the movies this week.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The White House is insisting it's business as usual in the Oval Office, with Donald Trump continuing to work despite testing positive for coronavirus. But, already there are signs the country's going through a political and cultural upheaval. Julie Norman, from UCL's US Politics Centre tells us how the second debate with Joe Biden hangs in the balance, and even the election date of November 3rd is in doubt. It also looks like the President's previously mask-wary supporters are now more likely to take precautions, including mail-in voting.The UK has its own coronavirus row with SNP MP Margaret Ferrier admitting she took a 500-mile train trip after being diagnosed with the infection. She also gave a speech inside the House of Commons despite suffering symptoms. The Evening Standard's political correspondent Sophia Sleigh says members of the House, and staff in Parliament, are furious at her "recklessness" and the actions once more risk the public losing trust in its politicians at a time when they're being asked to follow an ever increasing lockdown rulebook.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have given an exclusive interview to the Evening Standard, where they mark the start of Black History Month with a call for Britain to grasp an opportunity for change. Speaking to us from their new home in California, Harry and Meghan warn that young people of colour will be held back "as long as structural racism exists". They also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement both in the UK and the US, including Harry's thoughts on the controversy over dance group Diversity performing a tribute on ITV's Britain's Got Talent. The couple have teamed up with the Evening Standard to launch the BHM Next Gen Trailblazers list of 20 people who are recognised for challenging prejudice and their positive contribution to British society. You can watch the full video of the interview on our YouTube channel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#CutHisMic has been all over social media after a US presidential debate that descended into chaos. Moderator Chris Wallace seemed unable to control Donald Trump, who repeatedly shouted at, insulted and interrupted Joe Biden in Cleveland. Christopher Phelps, associate professor of American studies at Nottingham University, tells us why the TV network would have been reluctant to silence a sitting president, but bosses looking at future debates might well be quicker on the trigger. He also says Mr Trump's aggressive strategy will likely have backfired, with those still undecided on how to vote looking for more substance on what's being done about coronavirus, the economy and a race crisis in the States. Also, France has decided to let restaurants stay open past the country's 10pm curfew, although the rules are unchanged for pubs. The Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says that's caught the attention of the hospitality trade here, which says lockdown rules are making it nearly impossible for them to get enough customers through the doors. Meanwhile, the curfew's also being partly blamed for a continuing lack of passengers on public transport in London. Ros Morgan, from the Heart of London Business Alliance, tells us why TFL needs a five year bailout deal to make sure services keep running through the pandemic and beyond.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of uncertainty students have been told they can go home for Christmas if they want, although they might have to self-isolate before leaving. The education secretary Gavin Williamson's announcement has eased the anxiety of thousands who feared being stuck in halls of residence during the festive season. But our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, says it leaves the government figuring out the headache of moving thousands of people during pandemic. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson's apologised after getting confused by his own lockdown rules during a press conference. Nicholas tells us saying sorry won't bring back public trust. Also, Tory rebel Steve Baker tells the Leader podcast why he thinks the government's going too far with its lockdown restrictions. He's among backbenchers who are voting against renewing the emergency coronavirus powers, with some calling them "intrusive and ridiculous". Mr Baker says that Downing Street will have to meet a list of demands, including allowing parliament a vote, before he'll back the PM's strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministers are not ruling out a new social clampdown in London and parts of England, which could see a ban on households mixing indoors, as well as pubs, restaurants and clubs closing for at least two weeks. It follows stark rises in coronavirus cases, including inside the Prime Minister' own constituency. Our associate editor Julian Glover says anxiety's raising across the country, and the government has to start telling the whole truth about what coronavirus is doing, and what Downing Street is really planning on doing about it. Also, it's claimed Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House. The Evening Standard's Susannah Butter says that's been seized upon by the Democrats, but there doesn't appear to be any sign of Mr Trump's supporters switching their votes. But with the first presidential debate due to take place this week, Susannah tells us there's going to be an ugly fight to scoop up those Americans still undecided about who they want in the Oval Office.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Urgent questions are being asked after a custody sergeant was shot dead by a suspect in a police station in Croydon. An investigation's underway into how the man, believed to have been arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition, was apparently able to take a gun inside, and whether the weapon was missed in a search. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, says an inquiry's underway, while Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick, says the death has sent "shockwaves reverberating" throughout the force. The Evening Standard's John Dunne tells the podcast, officers themselves are concerned about their safety. And, Boris Johnson is facing on trouble on two fronts. Some backbench Tory MPs are rebelling against the PM, claiming he's "ruling by fiat" by imposing lockdown regulations without a vote in Parliament. Meanwhile, an Evening Standard IPSOS Mori poll shows the public is questioning his leadership during the crisis. Our political editor Joe Murphy says the poll also shows strong support for the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, who has stronger ratings than both Mr Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak's urging the country to “live without fear” after unveiling a new part-time Jobs Support Scheme and other measures designed to prop up the economy until a coronavirus vaccine is ready. The Chancellor's announced a multi-billion pound package of help to replace the costly furlough scheme, allowing millions to go part time while keeping around four-fifths or more of their earnings. But the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn's warning the battered hospitality sector says it won't be enough to save restaurant and pub jobs – and the Chancellor himself ha admitted that “we can’t save every job”.Also, the long awaited Covid-19 track and trace app has finally been released, just as the health secretary Matt Hancock says the number of cases being recorded is nearly 10,000 a day. The smartphone app is supposed to be a game changer, but it's emerged people with older iPhones won't be able to use it. We speak to Dr Sarah Jarvis, who was among those who trialled the tech, to ask how it works and if it really will make the country safer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are divisions in the cabinet the cause of muddled messaging and seemingly contradictory guidelines being issued by the government on coronavirus? Senior editor of the Economist, Anne McElvoy joins us to explain what she calls the "Hawks and Doves" battling over whether to prioritise the economy or health as the country endures further, ever more complex, restrictions. She says Boris Johnson is trying to balance the two sides, while avoiding a Parliamentary showdown he fears he could lose, despite his 80-seat majority. You can also read Anne's column in the Evening Standard.And, six months after the first lockdown fell, a lot of people have had an awful lot of time to think about what’s changed in the UK. Evening Standard features writer Katie Strick has spoken to 10 key Londoners and asked them what they’ve learned during this pandemic. She tells us how mayor Sadiq Khan found it "incredibly tough" adjusting to lockdown, and why author and nurse Christie Watson had to rewrite her will when she signed up for the emergency Covid-19 register. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has revealed a swathe of new coronavirus restrictions, as the country tries to fend of the infection's apparent revival. There are curfews on bars, strict new face mask policies, even the halving of the number of guests you can invite to a wedding. Guidance on returning to the office has been reversed, with the government now urging people to stay at home if they can. The Prime Minister says it's not a full lockdown, but the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says the economic impact is going to be enormous. And, our health editor Ross Lydall explains why doctors think they're better prepared for a second wave than they were for the first. He's been talking to medics who say they have a better understanding of how to treat the illness. He also reveals how London's biggest hospital has re-opened a mothball intensive care unit to help the city cope with a feared influx of new patients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.