The Standard

Can UK banks survive in the era of the US megabank? There are worrying signs with HSBC announcing 35,000 job losses, just days after a similar move at RBS. The Evening Standard’s business news editor Alex Lawson explains why it’s so important the UK negotiates hard with Europe for the city to remain the region’s finance capital.Has Sadiq Khan found a backdoor to EU Citizenship?London Mayor Sadiq Khan tells the Leader he has a solution for remain voters, mourning the loss of the right to live and work in the European Union. He’s been in Brussels trying to persuade Brexit negotiators to allow ‘associate citizenship.’ But the idea’s been dismissed as ‘unworkable’ by mayoral rival Rory Stewart, and a ‘gimmick’ by Shaun Bailey. London Fashion Week: ReviewedIs green the new black? London Fashion Week opened with a call for more environmentally sustainable practices in an industry that’s reportedly responsible for 10 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions. As the curtain now comes down on the catwalk, Evening Standard fashion editor Karen Dacre assesses whether the message got through, and relives some of the highlights from the shows.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US and Australia are among countries that have now vowed to get their citizens off a cruise ship moored off Japan, with coronavirus on-board. So far, the UK government’s not committed to the same action, but the Evening Standard’s deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil tells ‘The Leader’ British diplomats are scrambling to help the 80 British nationals on the Diamond Princess. Meanwhile, another 99 cases of the illness have been diagnosed on the ship, bringing the total number to more than 450.Assessing the Damage of Storm Dennis Also, Jonathan Prynn looks at the damage caused by Storm Dennis. London seems to have escaped the worst of it, although hundreds of commuter train services were cancelled or delayed as rail workers battled to repair the lines. More than 600 flood alerts remain in place across the UK, and storm season’s far from over.Superman flies in at Museum of ChildhoodAnd, the V and A’s Museum of Childhood, one of London’s favourite atractions, is about to get a £13 million pound refit. It does mean it will be shut for two years, but the reward at the end will be 2,000 objects going on show, including an original Superman outfit worn by Christopher Reeve. Arts correspondent Robert Dex has had a sneak preview, and speaks to the podcast about what’s happening and why. Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a worrying warning from grassroots lobbying group The Doctors’ Association UK that London’s hospitals are under-prepared for tackling a spread of coronavirus. Evening Standard features writer Sam Fishwick’s been investigating what would happen if the illness caused a pandemic in the city. He also advice for people to avoid the disease: do facemasks work? Also,the head of the British Fashion Council, Stephanie Phair, has opened London Fashion Week with a call for the industry to tackle environmental sustainability. It’s thought fashion makes up to 10 percent of the world’s carbon emissions and around 85 percent of all clothing is said to end up in landfill every year. The Evening Standard says the industry can use its creativity to overcome the problem, and we talk to ES magazine’s editor-in-chief Laura Weir about to what to expect on the catwalks. Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sajid Javid has resigned as Chancellor amid reports of a row between him and Prime Minister Boris Johnson. What really happened behind closed doors in Downing Street? The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy’s been finding out about the extraordinary battles between numbers 10 and 11, and reveals the nickname the PM’s advisors are said to have given Mr Javid. Also, city journalist Mark Shapland tells us how the markets gave their approval to the man moving into the job, Rishi Sunak and why the square mile’s happy another ex-banker’s taking on the role. And theatre critic Nick Curtis talks about Tom Stoppard’s new, and possibly last, play Leopoldstadt. He says it’s a contender for play of the year. Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus has been given a new name by the scientists trying to defeat it. In today’s podcast, we talk to Evening Standard deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil about why the World Health Organisation has decided to re-label the disease as ‘Covid-19’. We also look at the steps being taken by London Fashion Week after hundreds of Chinese buyers, stylists and models pulled out of Friday’s launch over fears about the virus.Bernie’s Bump in New HampshireAnd US Correspondent David Gardner analyses the results of the Democratic Party’s New Hampshire Primary. Bernie Sanders won a narrow victory and now hopes to gather enough momentum to propel him into the Presidential race, and eventually the White House. But is former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who didn’t take part last night, quietly becoming a serious challenger? Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 foreign national offenders are still in the UK after being pulled from a deportation flight that was supposed to take them to Jamaica. The Evening Standard's Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham explains how a legal row over mobile phones led to the Court of Appeal ruling the convicted prisoners had to stay. Also, it's over budget and behind schedule but HS2 has finally been given the go ahead by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the Evening Standard is backing him. And, ahead of the New Hampshire Democratic Party primary, features writer Sam Fishwick's been looking at Pete Buttigieg's time at Oxford University, including how he allegedly snuck onto a north sea freighter to do his coursework in peace.Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A British businessman is being linked to 6 Coronavirus cases in the UK and 4 more in other countries. The Evening Standard's Health Editor Ross Lydall explains how the so-called 'super-spreader' has been identified, and what action the British government is taking to stop the spread of the illness. The Health Secretary's declared it a "serious and imminent threat to public health". What does that mean? Also, South Korea film-maker Bong Joon-Ho's 'Parasite' is the first non-English language movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars. The Evening Standard's Film critic Charlotte O'Sullivan tells us why it will change the awards forever.Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are more than 30,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus around the world, but the number could much higher. Right now there’s a global race to produce a vaccine, as the death toll rises towards 700. Today’s podcast is about that effort.Featuring contributions from the scientists leading the pack, this special episode explores where the virus came from in the first place - and the obstacles doctors will face before they can start human testing of a vaccine.We also take a look at one unusual advantage scientists have against the virus, namely the 3,700 people trapped aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Japan. What started as a dream holiday has turned into a nightmare for thousands of passengers, but their ordeal may in fact help scientists understand the coronavirus more quickly.Subscribe, rate and review The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus is spreading fast with over 30,000 cases confirmed, and with a third case confirmed in the UK. UK health secretary Matt Hancock chaired a Cobra meeting to explain what the government are doing to help block the spread in the country. UK ministers are considering banning Chinese arrivals. The World Health Organisation have appealed for more funds to help countries battle the disease as more people remain quarantined. Including those 5,400 people currently quarantined on two cruise ships in Asia.A British citizen called David Abel has been quarantined on one of the cruise ships, the Diamond Princess, in Yokohoma Japan, live streaming his experience and revealing the fears of those on-board. From Westminster the Evening Standard’s Deputy Political editor Nicholas Cecil spoke to The Leader podcast.Trump impeachment failsThe President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been cleared of the charges against him bringing his impeachment trial to an end. Trump had been charged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.Joining The Leader podcast from America, US correspondent David Gardner explains what’s next and how the democrats could have just torpedoed their own election chances Kirk Douglas the Golden Age legendOne of Hollywood’s greatest actors and one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age, Kirk Douglas, has passed away at the age of 103. His son Michael Douglas broke the news and posted a moving tribute to his father on his Instagram page.“Kirk’s life was well lived, and he leaves a legacy in film that will endure for generations to come”Famous for films such as Spartacus the actor will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on. Please subscribe, rate and leave a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s all-out war between Republicans and Democrats in Washington, and Donald Trump appears to be winning. Nancy Pelosi may have ripped up the print-out of his State of the Union address, but the President’s approval ratings are at an all-time high and the impeachment trial against him is likely to end in his acquittal. Emerging from the debacle of the Democrats’ botched Iowa Caucus however, is a challenger whose campaign is being likened to Barack Obama’s. We speak to Evening Standard columnist Philip Delves Broughton about the outsider who could be making strides towards the White House, Pete Buttigieg.Shaun Bailey’s pitch for London MayorConservative Shaun Bailey is currently in the running for the London mayoral election. In a special interview Shaun Bailey speaks to The Leader podcast about the big problems facing Londoners, such as violent knife crime, transport and housing. Mr Bailey explains how he proposes to improve these areas, such as bringing in record policing numbers which he says the current mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn, removed. He explains why he will raise Transport for London fares to improve public transport, and reveals why being close to homeless himself gave him a personal understanding why housing and the cost of living needs to be fairer. Comment editor Susannah Butter also interviewed Shaun Bailey where for the first time he spoke about the sudden death of his brother.Please make sure to subscribe, rate and leave a comment.INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT:Shaun Bailey 0:04  I think when you speak to Londoners or you know, when people sit in their living room, what are the big issues for London? This is what I call the Trinity really. There's crime, there's housing and there's environment and for me, environment includes transport as well. Transport and environment are intimately wrapped up in London. But they're what I consider the trinity of the big ticket issues we're facing in London. David Marsland 0:23  All of those have been covered quite extensively in the Evening Standard. But recently, we've done a lot of front pages about violent crime in London. How do you solve that? Shaun Bailey 0:33  To me, it's quite clear. We need a tough and a tender approach. So on the tough end you hear me talking about a record amount of police from the money we already have in City Hall. You hear me talk about new technologies to help with stop and search, a full scan and search - you can scale up in people's pockets. And also hear me talk about giving the police the backing and the finances to do the job. I think our current mayor talked about, you know, reducing stop and search as much as he could when he became mayor. I've always felt that as a bit of a problem because although stop and search isn't the be all and end all by any means, it does send a signal alongside decent patrolling, that the police are here and visible. And that's how you you know, that's how you get across that no, it is not the Wild West, you... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has pledged that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2035 – bringing the government target forward by a full five years. But on Tuesday sacked environment minister Claire O’Neil accused the Prime Minister of ‘not getting’ climate change. Can the government meet the ambitious goals outlined today? The Evening Standard’s Associate Editor Julian Glover joins The Leader podcast to explain why that might prove easier said than done.Iowa Caucus chaosThe Iowa Caucus is billed as one of the biggest events on the Democratic Party’s White House campaign trial. It’s the first indication of who they’ll put forward to run for President. But the vote descended into shambles - with complaints over a new system being used, app technology possibly failing, and phone hotlines being jammed. The Evening Standard’s US correspondent David Gardner has been watching events unfold and joins The Leader podcast to explain what it could mean for the Dems and why Donald Trump may have cause to celebrate.Success for Homeless AppealThe Evening Standard’s homeless fund was launched two months ago, and is just coming to the end of its first phase – where we can reveal 900 thousand pounds has been raised. Oliver Poole has been running the campaign and joins the podcast.Please make sure you subscribe, rate & review.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thanks for listening to The Leader please subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode and share this too with anyone you think will enjoy our news commentary and analysis. Now, from the Evening Standard in London this is The Leader Hi I'm David Marsland, Boris Johnson's bringing forward a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.Boris JohnsonAnd let's make this year the moment when we come together with the courage and the technological ambition to solve manmade climate change and to choose a cleaner and greener future for all our children and grandchildren.David MarslandBut he's also being accused of not getting climate change by a sacked former Environment Minister. Can the pm prove his green credentials? Also,David Gardner 0:54  This is a huge embarrassment for the Democratic Party. And probably one of the worst things that could have happened.David Marsland 0:59  Our US correspondent David Gardner on the Democratic Party's debacle in Iowa. They're supposed to be choosing their presidential candidate, was the winner Donald Trump? And:Oliver Poole 1:09  We were amazed by how well it went. We were very aware that the general election on and Brexit is happening. David Marsland 1:16  The Evening Standard's Homeless Fund has raised 900,000 pounds. Oliver Poole tells us where the money's going and what's happening..Taken from The Evening Standard's editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment, Boris Johnson says the world should follow the UK climate change action. The former minister says he can't be trusted Sir David Attenborough 1:57  This now up... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another terror related incident took place on Streatham High Street yesterday, the second in London in the last three months. How do we stop these attacks becoming “normal”? The attacker has been named by police as Sudesh Amman and the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the stabbing attack. Sudesh was recently freed from prison where he had been incarcerated after possessing and distributing terrorist documents. The Leader podcast speak to the Evening Standard’s Julian Glover about how the system for dealing with convicted terrorists must change to keep us safe. BAFTA's EE Rising Star AwardWhat is it like to be a BAFTA judge? ES Magazine’s chief editor Laura Weir was on the panel choosing the EE Rising Star award which was last night given to Top Boy’s Micheal Ward. Laura tells The Leader podcast about her experience as a juror for one of the UK’s most prestigious award ceremonies, as well as the red carpet goss from the event last night.Please make sure to subscribe, rate and share the podcast.TRANSCRIPTDavid Marsland 0:00  Hello, I'm David Marsland and we have a lot of new listeners to the leader. Thank you for choosing our news commentary and analysis. And please do let others know about us too. You can share us through your podcast provider or let people know on social media, use the hashtag the leader podcast now, from the Evening Standard in London this is The LeaderHi, I'm David Marsland, another terror attack in London. How do we stop this becoming normal? Julian Glover 0:37  There's no good just being shocked or repulsed as the prime minister said he was by the London Bridge attack last year. We need to know the details of what the plan is and it's got to be a proper plan not just a political plan in order to make headlines, David Marsland 0:47  The evening standards associate editor Julian Glover on the tough choices our free society has to make to keep people safe and..Laura Weir 0:55  We all descend on the Savoy for a day of judging and the room is very impressive. It's industry producers, casting directors. There are some actors on the panel as well. And we all give each nominee a long discussion around the table. David Marsland 1:11  What's it like being a BAFTA judge? we asked ES magazine's editor in chief Laura Weir who was on the panel choosing the Rising Star award given to top boys Micheal Ward.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is the leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper for head to standard.co.uk/comment - in a moment, how should we respond to another terror attack in London?Not even 24 hours after a terror attack that made... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you sum up Brexit in one image? That was the challenge set to the Evening Standard’s cartoonist Christian Adams. To achieve it, he has delved into the archives, to take inspiration from one of the greatest illustrators in all newspaper history, Sir David Low and his iconic wartime ‘Very Well, Alone’ picture . This episode of the Leader follows Christian’s journey from sketch to publication, and includes analysis of the UK’s historic last day inside the European Union from our political editor Joe Murphy and comment editor Susannah Butter.  Please do subscribe, rate & leave a comment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last British Airways flight out of China landed in Heathrow on Wednesday night carrying some very relieved passengers. But an estimated 200 Brits remain trapped in Wuhan. The UK have sent a plane to get them but Beijing will not give it permission to land because they don’t want non-British people getting on it. This is splitting up families who wish to return to the UK together. The Leader podcast speaks to Evening Standard deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil who has been covering the story. Menopause drugs shortage: An Evening Standard exclusive reveals today that women going through the menopause are facing shortages of Hormone Replacement Therapy drugs. Some are waiting months for vital treatment. Health secretary Matt Hancock has pledged to intervene but drugs companies admit that some treatments will be out of stock until later this year. Health editor Ross Lydall broke the story and joins The Leader podcast. Secret report on anti-semitismLabour leadership contender Lisa Nandy is challenging the party’s high command to publish a secret report on anti-semitism. The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy speaks to The Leader from Westminster.Please do subscribe, rate & leave a comment.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thank you for listening to The Leader please do subscribe to your podcast provider and tell your friends about us too, now from the Evening Standard in London this is The LeaderHi I'm David Marsland.... trapped in the virus epicenter the British citizens China won't let leave some families. Nicholas Cecil 0:27  Some couples are facing some very difficult decisions. Some have young children and it looks like only one parent may be able to return back to Britain,David Marsland 0:37  Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil, on the extraordinary diplomatic wrangle over a repatriation flight. Also,Tania Snuggs 0:44  Why is there a shortage?Ross Lydall 0:45  It seems to be a combination of issues. Not everything is produced in the UK so many large pharmaceutical companies will have manufacturing plants all over the world David Marsland 0:54  Evening Standard health editor Ross Lydall talka to Tania Snuggs about his exclusive report into a shortage of hormone replacement therapy drugs. AndJoe Murphy 1:04  Lisa Nandy confirms in the interview that she asked to see it and was told noDavid Marsland 1:08  Political editor Joe Murphy has spoken to Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy and her demand for a secret anti semitism report, to be released.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to Standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment - why has China been stopping a UK flight from landing in Wuhan.The last BA flight out of China landed at Heathrow last night bringing home some very relieved passengersThe British government sent a plane to get them but Beijing won't give it permission to land because they don't want non-British people getting on it, which could mean... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today British Airways announced they are suspending flights to and from mainland China while they assess the coronavirus situation. The British government has said all repatriated citizens will be placed in quarantine on their return from China, and big brands such as Toyota and Starbucks have closed stores in the country. All attempts to hinder the spread of a virus which has already claimed 132 lives, the effects of which will have far-reaching economic consequences. The Evening Standard’s business editor, Alex Lawson, joins The Leader podcast to explore what the wider impact will be.Pompeo’s in London The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in London to meet the Prime Minister, just a day after Boris Johnson ‘defied’ Donald Trump by approving Chinese tech firm Huawei’s role in the UK 5G network. Mr. Pompeo will also meet UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, and is expected to discuss Anne Sacoolas, the US diplomat’s wife who killed teenager Harry Dunn before leaving the country claiming diplomatic immunity. The Evening Standard’s US correspondent David Gardener joins The Leader podcast to discuss what we should expect from this visit, and what it means for the ‘strained’ relationship between the UK and US.Protecting grassroots musicLondon’s 100 Club famously hosted early performances from music legends such as The Who, The Buzzcocks and The Rolling Stones – and now it’s to be given a special status and a 100% cut in business rates in a new scheme from Westminster council.Rob Dex, the Evening Standard’s arts correspondent, explains how schemes like this are vital to protect London’s cultural heritage and a lifeline for many up & coming bands.Please do subscribe, rate & leave a comment.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thank you for listening to The Leader we bring you the evening standards news analysis and commentary every day at 4pm you can subscribe through your podcast provider and please do share the show with your friends now from the Evening Standard in London this is The LeaderHi I'm David Marsland....... locking down doors and shutting up shop, how fear is following the corona virus spread in China.Alex Lawson 0:33  Toyota shut down several of its plants though since Starbucks, close to thousands of its 4000 shops over them. Donald's and KFC also closing stores David Marsland 0:43  The Evening Standard's Alex Lawson speaks to The Leader as the UK prepares to fly its citizens out of Wuhan and straight into quarantine. Also, David Gardner 0:52  When Boris Johnson became prime minister, I guess we all thought that the special relationship between Britain and the US will be improved through his friendship with Donald Trump, but it hasn't necessarily worked out that way.David Marsland 1:02  US correspondent David Gardner on tension between the White House and Downing Street with America Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in LondonRob Dex 1:10  The pistols, the clash the Buzzcocks, you know the Jam, the Stranglers, they... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a crunch meeting Boris Johnson has said that Huawei should be allowed a limited role in the new UK 5G infrastructure – despite lobbying from the Trump administration against Huawei’s involvement. Boris Johnson has now been warned that a US-UK trade deal could be blocked in Congress. Huawei have always denied having connections with the Chinese government.Amelia Heathman the Evening Standard’s tech columnist joins The Leader podcast to explain what 5G will mean for the UK, and discuss the security concerns around Huawei’s involvement. New migration rules:As Britain prepares to finally exit the EU this week, new migration rules are being announced – and official policy suggests that London will be less well-off with fewer jobs as a consequence. The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham joins the podcast to explain the proposed changes and discuss how they will impact London.Nicholas Parsons dies:One of the UK’s best known broadcasters Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96 following a short illness. The Evening Standard’s Nick Curtis celebrates the memory of a broadcasting great.Please do subscribe, rate & leave a comment.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thank you for listening to The Leader and please do share the podcast with your friends. You can like comment, rate and share through your favorite podcast provider now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland, China's Huawei will play a role in the UK is 5g network and the United States is not happy Amelia Heathman 0:31  Back in 2009-2011 Vodafone Italy discovered backdoors in some of the Huawei equipment, it just sort of added to those heightened suspicions around the company and what could possibly happenDavid Marsland 0:42  The Evening Standard senior tech journalist Amelia Heathman explains why there are so many concerns about the tech company. Also Martin Bentham 0:49  At the moment EU citizens have freedom of movement that is coming to an end because of Brexit. And so a new system is being designed David Marsland 0:56  Martin Bentham on the new migration rules so this newspaper says could hit London hard. And Nicholas Parsons 1:02  I mean you do something you enjoy and you work hard and you put your effort and if you've got some reward out of the work you do it's it's marvelous. I'm privileged. David Marsland 1:13  Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96. Our critic Nick Curtis pays tribute.Taken from the evening standards editorial column this is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Amelia Heathman on been on Huawei, is the Chinese from really a security risk?Before the National Security Council met to discuss the UK's 5g network the US sent a letter to Boris Johnson warning him not to include Huawei. Post-Brexit trade agreement could be at risk it said if the Chinese tech company was allowed into the UK data network - this... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 million Chinese people are currently locked in the Coronavirus-struck city Wuhan, along with other international citizens. Advice to American and French people within the capital is that to evacuate and they have been offered assistance to do so immediately. The UK government however have not yet offered the same advice and some British citizens feel left in the dark. Columnist Stephen King recently left China and has written about Coronavirus and other pandemics for the Evening Standard paper.How Brexit could change our diet:This week the UK will leave the European Union and a lot of change is going to come – including how we eat. Could this actually be good for our diet, and the environment? Associate editor Julian Glover tells The Leader podcast why this change could be good for our healthTributes for Kobe Bryant:Overnight the world began to mourn Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna yesterday. Thousands of fans have travelled to the LA Lakers home at the Staples centre in Los Angeles to pay tribute to the basketball hero. The Evening Standard’s sport correspondent Matt Majendie joins The Leader to discuss why Bryant was one of basketball’s greatest ever players.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thank you for listening to The Leader and remember, you can subscribe through your podcast provider and please do share us with your friends. Now from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland, British people in China's Hubei province are being encouraged to leave as the Coronavirus spreads, if they can:Stephen King 0:29  Well Wuhan an enormous city, it's the same size roughly speaking as London, and the controls are now in place in Wuhan is the equivalent of effectively trapping Londoners within the M25David Marsland 0:39  Economist and Evening Standard column as Stephen King's recently back from China, he speaks to The Leader about the impact of a global pandemic. Also, Julian Glover 0:47  We're not going to starve. And we're not just going to eat potatoes and lentils and tins of things we put it in the cupboard because the government bizarrely spent much the last year telling us to buy tin foodDavid Marsland 0:57  In the week the UK leaves the EU on a social editor Julian Glover explains how Brexit could change the way we eat for the better. And:Matt Majendie 1:06  As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver put it, he'll be remembered most for inspiring people around the world pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their abilityDavid Marsland 1:13  Sport correspondent Matt Majendie on the legacy of Kobe Bryant one of the world's greatest sports stars who has died in a helicopter crash.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death toll in China rose to 25 today and cities surrounding Wuhan – where the disease was first reported - have been locked down. Effectively 33 million people are now in quarantine. Chinese New Year brings concerns across Europe that the disease could travel further. The Evening Standard’s health editor Ross Lydall advises on what will happen if Coronavirus is found in the UK.London’s Facial Recognition: It has been announced today that facial recognition cameras are to be used across London by the Met police to help catch and solve crimes faster using databases of criminal images. Does this effect the public’s right to privacy? The Leader spoke to Martin Bentham on his exclusive report for the Evening Standard.The ‘fun’ side of Davos 2020:The World Economic Forum in Davos has wrapped for the year, with Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg dominating the headlines at the start of the week. But what else happened? Evening Standard columnist Anne McElvoy has been attending the forum – and the parties. She joins The Leader podcast to reveal what the world’s leaders get up to when they’re not discussing global economics.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  You can subscribe to The Leader through your podcast provider and please do share us with your friends so everyone can get the Evening Standard's news analysis and commentary every day at 4pm. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland - How do you stop a pandemic?Ross Lydall 0:28  Two of our elite hospitals St Thomas's in Lambeth and the Royal Free in Hampstead. They are on standby just now, to be the receiving centers should any of the patients suspected to have coronavirus have actually diagnoseDavid Marsland 0:43  The Evening Standard's health editor Ross Lydall explains what happens if Coronavirus is found in the UK.Martin Bentham 0:49  Also they spend a lot of time trying to track down people who are suspects in serious offenses using databases compiled from their custody suite images will help them to speed up that process. Martin Bentham on his exclusive story: facial recognition cameras are to be deployed across London.. and:Anne McElvoy 1:11  they're at one table Ivanka Trump walked byDavid Marsland 1:14  The other side of Davos, Anne McElvoy reveals the fun to be had at an economic forum as well as news on a US-China trade deal.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader for the whole thing. Pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment, in a moment Ross Lydall on Corona Virus.The streets are being sprayed in Wuhan China where the mysterious Coronavirus first emerged. Many of the city's 11 million people wear masks over their faces outside, and doctors are urging everyone to wash their hands frequently. Hospitals there have used the Chinese equivalent of Twitter Weibo to make appeals for supplies. 11 cities and four towns in the Hubei province are on a travel lockdown, that's 35 million people forbidden from leaving. Disneyland and Shanghai has been shut down to stop the spread. Will, any of this work? Our health editor Ross Lydall's covering the story and Ross, you were at people's question time where the London Mayor usually answers concerns about things... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem is the largest diplomatic event in Israel’s history. Marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, leader from countries including Germany, France and Russia are attending. The UK is being represented by the Prince of Wales, who gave a powerful, and prescient, speech reminding us of the lessons we must still learn from the Holocaust. Julian Glover joins The Leader podcast to discuss what parallels Prince Charles was drawing between the events of the 1940s and today.David Copperfield’s colourblind castingArmando Ianucci’s new movie, The Personal History of David Copperfield, does a lot of things differently – but the most noticeable one is the casting of Dev Patel in the title role. The Evening Standard’s Katie Rosseinsky’s spoken to Dev about that, and joins The Leader podcast to discuss what it means for the future of ‘colourblind’ casting in major movies.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Hello, it's David here before we start a quick reminder that you can subscribe to The Leader through your podcast provider. And we'd love it if you told your friends about us, also get in touch use the hashtag the leader podcast; now, from the Evening Standard in London. This is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland and Prince Charles has marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a speech in Jerusalem.Prince Charles 0:34  Ladies and gentlemen, almost a lifetime has passed since the horror of the Holocaust unfolded on the European continent and those who bore witness to it, sadly, ever fewer.David Marsland 0:48  And associate editor Julian Glover will take us through what he said and why those events resonate so much today.Also, Dev Patel 0:54  you know Armando says it better than anyone he's like why can't I just draw from 100% of the acting community they're actors, you know you watch a theater show and no one questions you know the color of anyone's skin and thatDavid Marsland 1:04  Dev Patel has spoken to the Evening Standard's Katie Rosseinsky about the colorblind casting of the new David Copperfield movie - could own period dramas feature non white actors in leading roles?Taken from the Evening Standard's editorial column This is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to Standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment, the lessons we must learn today about the horrors of Auschwitz.The World Holocaust forum in Jerusalem is the largest diplomatic event in Israel's history. Marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, leaders from countries including Germany, France and Russia are attending, the UK is being represented by the Prince of Wales.Prince Charles 2:03  For my own part I have long drawn inspiration from the selfless actions of my dear grandmother, Princess Allison Greece, who in 1943 in Nazi occupied Athens, saved a Jewish family by taking them into her home and hiding them.David Marsland 2:29  Our editorial column says the speech Prince Charles gave at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial contain powerful messages for today's audience.ES Comment 2:38  75 years ago, our country was nearing the end of a war fought for freedom. Auschwitz fell to the Soviets on January 27th , Buchenwald to the Americans on April... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK Health organisations have stepped up precautions over the outbreak of the new pneumonia-like Coronavirus. The World Health Organisation are likely to declare the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Heathrow airport will screen travellers from the Chinese region of the outbreak as they arrive. The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall, who was briefed today that the virus could be ‘as deadly as Spanish flu’.Lisa Nandy enters Labour race:Lisa Nandy has set out her stall for the Labour leadership race with plans to change to tax and welfare policies. Sophia Sleigh updates The Leader podcast from the Evening Standard’s Westminster office.Terry Jones diesMonty Python legend Terry Jones has died aged 77. Terry was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2016 leaving him unable to give interviews. Chief theatre critic Nick Curtis joins the Leader podcast to discuss the legacy of ‘one of Britain’s greats’.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thank you for listening to The Leader. Please do subscribe, rate, comment and like wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode. We've got some really good guests coming up in the days ahead, now from the Evening Standard in London, this is The LeaderHi, I'm David Marsland, Heathrow Airport's screening some passengers as doctors tried to halt a deadly mutating virus from China. But is it already here?Unknown Speaker 0:35  It's been a lot of work done since Sars that shows that in general, in formal airport screening of everyone's temperature has low efficiency. Well, actually, more cases, we'llDavid Marsland 0:47  get through the new pick up disease expert Professor Peter hoby. spoken to the Evening Standard health editor Ross Lydall. Also  Sophia Sleigh 0:53  She's just secured her place on the ballot paper. She's just won the endorsement of two unions and one affiliate groupDavid Marsland 1:01  Could Lisa Nandy upset the odds and become Labour leader after Jess Phillips pulled out of the race, we ask our political correspondent Sophia Sleigh.. And:Nick Curtis 1:10  He was a really extraordinarily sort of rounded and interesting individual and also I have to say a very nice manDavid Marsland 1:16  Critic Nick Curtis on Terry Jones, the Monty Python star who's died age 77.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or had to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment airports are now the front line in the defense against the Wuhan virus- why an expert doesn't think it'll workThe current virus outbreak started in a food market in China's Wuhan region. There are now more than 440 cases recorded in locations around the world, nine people have died. Now some British experts are warning it could have the same mortality rate as The Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which killed at least 20 million people, Heathrow Airport started screening some passengers coming from China. Our editorial column says it can be stopped if international leaders work together.ES Comment 3:15  In 2003, a viral... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg attended the Davos summit where the climate was top of the agenda. This is the first event they have both spoken at since last year’s UN climate change summit. From the Evening Standard’s Westminster office, Deputy Political editor Nicholas Cecil joins The Leader podcast to dissect the speeches.Trump misses first day of impeachment trial:As the President of the United States is in Davos he has missed his first day of his historic impeachment trial. Evening Standard US correspondent David Gardner has been keeping an eye on proceedings in Washington and joins The Leader podcast to discuss what it means for Mr. Trump. What Harry did next:Prince Harry has arrived in Canada to be with his son Archie and wife Meghan. But what will he do now? The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s royal correspondent Robert Jobson to find out.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Thanks for listening to The Leader but please don't keep it to yourself. You can share the podcast through your provider and get in touch with us on social media with the hashtag the leader podcast; now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The LeaderHi, I'm David Marsland, it's Donald Trump vs Greta Thunberg at DavosDonald Trump 0:29  We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypseGreta Thunberg 0:36  Without treating this as a real crisis. We cannot solve it and then we cannot see this from a holistic viewDavid Marsland 0:42  who won? we speak to the Evening Standard's deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil... Also,David Gardner 0:47  He calls it a hoax repeatedly called it a hoax and as demeaned it wherever he can,David Marsland 0:51  While the President's in Switzerland his impeachment trials underway in Washington, our US correspondent David Gardener what's happening on Capitol Hill and..Robert Jobson 0:59  He's already got a number of engagements in the diary established with the American friends of Sentebale.David Marsland 1:07  What did he do next? Royal editor Robert Jobson and exclusively reveals what the prince is actually going to do. Now he's not a senior royal.Taken from the Evening Standard's editorial column, this is The Leader. For the whole thing, pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment- in a moment. Greta against the Don' at Davos.Every flight into the Davos summit this year has been carbon offset, companies attending have been asked to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. How to save the planet is the key theme. they've invited Greta Thunberg to speak. And Donald Trump.Donald Trump 2:09  I am proud to report the United States is among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth.Greta Thunberg 2:14  But of course, if you see from another perspective, pretty much nothing has been done, emissions of co2 has not reducedDonald Trump 2:21  We must... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry has made his first public account for his and Meghan’s decision to step down as a senior Royal, in a speech to African leaders in London last night.  The Evening Standard’s Inside Editor Lucy Pavia watched the speech and explains to The Leader podcast what it means.Sexual Abuse on public transport:A new survey has claimed that more than half of women have been harassed on London’s public transport. Transport for London says that more than 1,500 suspected offenders have been arrested since 2015. Comment editor Susannah Butter talks to The Leader podcast about her own experience of abuse on London transport, as well as what more should be done to stop it.BBC’s director general steps down: BBC director general, Tony Hall, has stepped down - on the same day that it was revealed the BBC has paid out £400,00 to presenter Sara Montague in an equal pay row. Is there a connection? The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s Jonathan Prynn.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland 0:00  Hello, it's David here. Before we start with today's edition of The Leader, I just wanted to remind you that we're on social media and we really do love getting your comments on the show, contact us through the hashtag #theleaderpodcast, and let us know how we're doing. Even better give us a rating on your podcast provider. Just by doing that you'll encourage places like Apple to show us off to more people helping us grow our audience. So like, share, rate, comment wherever you get your podcasts. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. Prince Harry has revealed the leap of faith that led to him and Meghan quitting as senior Royals.Prince Harry 0:48  The decision that I made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. And I know I haven't always done it right. But as far as this goes, there really was no other option  David Marsland 0:59  What does it all mean? We speak to the Evening Standard Insider editor Lucy Pavia, alsoSusannah Butter 1:04  Around Westminster in the crowd I've had someone put their hand up my skirt and pinch my bumDavid Marsland 1:09  Editor Susanna Butter talks about sex pests on London's public transport, as a survey claims more than half of women have been harassed. Jonathan Prynn 1:18  And you can see the logic in the decision but there's no doubt that the gender pay route has cast a huge shadow over his leadership David Marsland 1:25  Jonathan Prynn on the resignation of the BBC Director General Tony Hall. Is it connected to the six figure path given to one of its top female presenters?Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co./comment. In a moment Lucy Pavia takes us through Prince Harry's speechPrince Harry 2:03  I want you to hear the truth for me as much as I can share, not as a prince,... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League star Mamadou Sahko is the latest celebrity to have his home raided, in a £500,000 heist. Following the burglary of TV chef Markus Wareing’s home by ‘burglary tourists’ from Chile, police suspect similar tactics are being used again. The Evening Standard’s crime correspondent Anthony France joins the Leader podcast to discuss the criminals’ tactics and offer advice on how to avoid falling prey to them.Christmas humbug for High Street:Retail sales fell for the fifth month in a row in December – and that’s after the British Retail Consortium had already said 2019 was the worst year since 1995. The Leader podcast speaks to consumer business editor Jonathan Prynn, who has been looking at the latest figures.Les Miserables revamp:Les Miserables has been given a “gritty reboot” – will the people still sing? The Leader podcast asks the Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it has been reported that Prince Andrew faces losing his round-the-clock security. A review by the Home Office is looking to downgrade his protection if he is no longer performing public duties.  Prince Andrew was essentially made to quit royal duties in November following his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Since then he has continued to use his round-the-clock security protection, paid for by the taxpayer.  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex independently announced their desire to ‘step back’ from senior Royal roles this week and want to become financially independent. Questions over who will support their security needs is currently in discussion. The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham speaks to The Leader podcast on whether or not someone can rightfully have taxpayer-funded security if they are no longer serving the public. Donald Trump Impeachment:On December 18th the US House of Representatives voted to begin an impeachment trial against President Donald Trump. Mr Trump will become the only third US president in history to face a legal challenge to his office. David Gardner has been watching the events unfold and joins The Leader podcast to explain how the president is handling this attention. Will Donald Trump be removed from office?Charlize Theron Bombshell:Charlize Theron plays Fox News host Megyn Kelly – about whom Donald Trump made allegedly sexist remarks - in the new film Bombshell. The Evening Standard’s Katie Rosseinsky interviewed Theron about playing a woman who once proudly announced herself a “not a feminist” – and yet found herself at the centre of a story about gender and discrimination. David Marsland 0:00  Hello, thanks for listening to The Leader. We hope you enjoy hearing the Evening Standard's, exclusive news interviews, commentary and analysis. But you don't have to keep it to yourself. We'd really appreciate it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might like it. And please do give us a rating and review. It's really helpful to us making it better. And it also shows podcast providers like Apple that people are really listening. So they then promote it to more people. And that helps us grow the show. So you can be a big part of our success just by liking, sharing, commenting, or reviewing. Thank you. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.TRANSCRIPT:Hi, I'm David Marsland. Prince Andrew may be stripped of state security. Martin Bentham 0:52  It's clearly an expensive cost for the taxpayer to fund. That's the critical thingDavid Marsland 1:00  Our Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham on the Evening Standard's royal exclusive. What does it mean for Prince... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were 149 murders in London last year, the highest figure in 11 years. The Conservatives say “crime is clearly the Mayor’s biggest failing” and claim figures show that Sadiq Khan, the police and the crime commissioner for London have failed to give the Met the support it needs.Greg Hands – former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and current MP for Chelsea and Fulham - has recently been appointed chairman of Shaun Bailey’s mayoral campaign and today pledged a New York-style crackdown on crime in a bid to regain the London mayoralty. The Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall joins The Leader podcast to explain why Shaun Bailey and his team believe solving crime is a winner for them. Museum of London to celebrate Dub Reggae:The Museum of London is celebrating Dub Reggae music and its culture in the capital, from its roots in Jamaican reggae to how it has shaped communities and culture over the last 50 years. Highlights will include a speaker stack from one of London’s leading reggae sound systems, a working custom-built record shop and images, memories and voices from the world of Dub Reggae music and culture both past and present.Terry Dhaliwal Davies is running the custom-built record shop at the exhibition and speaks to The Leader podcast.Dub London opens 8 May 2020 and will be free to view. Further details and information can be found here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/exhibitions/dub-londonTRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  The Leader brings you the best of the Evening Standard interview's, news and analysis every day at 4pm. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. The chairman of Tory mayor candidate Shaun Bailey's campaign has written for the Standard about London's crime problem.Greg Hands  Crime is clearly the mayor's biggest failing and that is the biggest area of public concern. David Marsland  Greg Hands has also spoken to our City Hall editor Ross Lydall. How will the Conservatives overcome Sadiq Khan's big lead heading into the election?And...Terry Dhaliwal Davies  Music that they have probably heard but not probably discovered, where it's come from, where it originated from and the influence it has on LondonersDavid Marsland  The Museum of London's opening its own record store to celebrate the city's links with dub reggae.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment: the Conservatives are attacking Sadiq Khan's record on crime as the London mayoral election approaches.David MaslandGreg Hands - the former government minister - has been appointed as Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey's campaign chairman, and he's written in the Standard about what he sees as the city's need for the mayor to relentlessly bear down on crime, just like Rudy Giuliani did with the zero tolerance approach that cleaned up New York in the 90s. Our editorial column said It's gonna be a hot issue in may's election.ES Comment  Past contests have focused on... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson is calling for the nuclear pact with Iran to be replaced with a new “Trump deal”. In an interview with the BBC, he says it’s time to “dial down” tension in the Middle East, after the US assassination of Iranian general Quasem Soleimani. The Evening Standard’s deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil’s covering the story and joins The Leader podcast. Harry and Meghan’s possible future home:Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are borrowing a $14 million mansion on Vancouver Island while their future is finalised. ES Magazine Editor-in-Chief Laura Weir wrote a piece in the Evening Standard today revealing why the destination is so desirable, and joins the podcast to discuss why the it could be the perfect place for the Sussexes to make a new life. BTS x Serpentine collaboration:Korean pop group BTS – the biggest boyband in the world – are releasing an art exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Evening Standard’s Arts Correspondent Robert Dex joins The Leader podcast to explain the motive behind the unusual move.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  From the Evening Standard in London, this is The LeaderHi I'm David Marsland, Boris Johnson's told America and Iran to dial it down and make a dealNicholas Cecil  Mr. Johnson did praise Mr Trump as a great deal maker,David Marsland  Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecile and the Prime Minister surprise intervention into US politics, also:Laura Weir  The ones I saw were pretty massive, you know, they're these amazing beautiful wooden structures often like mansions with, you know, various entrances for boats to more and platforms for people to dive off and BBQ gardens and terraces. David Marsland  We speak to ES magazine editor in chief Laura Weir about her time in the same area Harry and Megan are borrowing a $14 million mansion while their future is finalized. And:Robert Dex  It's a very unusual move and you can see why the serpentine said yes though.David Marsland  South Korea's BTS are the biggest boy band in the world, why are they collaborating with London's Serpentine on a massive art project? The Standard's Robert tax explains.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column, this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Nicholas Cecil on Boris Johnson's appeal to the US and Iran.David MarslandBoris Johnson's calling for the nuclear pact with Iran to be replaced with a new Trump deal. In an interview with the BBC he says it's time to dial down tension in the Middle East after the US assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil is covering the story. Nicholas, this seems like quite a surprising intervention.Nicholas... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Stewart writes in today’s Evening Standard that he ‘guarantees’ to reduce knife crime deaths in London if elected mayor – and has volunteered to resign if he fails. The Leader podcast speaks exclusively with the London Mayoral candidate to grill him on his claims. The Sandringham Summit:Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced a crunch summit today with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge Prince William and other senior royals. The subject: Harry’s future in the royal family following his and Meghan’s shock ‘resignation’ last week, and who will pay for it.An exclusive report in the Evening Standard reveals that Justin Trudeau has privately assured the Queen that Canadian taxpayers will foot the bill for the Duke and Duchess’s security while in the country. The author of that report, Royal Editor Robert Jobson, joins The Leader podcast to discuss Harry and Meghan’s future, and how Trudeau’s promise will go down in Canada.Flybe collapse:Europe’s largest regional carrier Flybe is reportedly on the brink of collapse, leaving around 2,000 jobs at risk. Travel journalist Simon Calder joins The Leader podcast to discuss what this means for passengers.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Welcome to The Leader the Evening Standards daily news, analysis and commentary podcast. It's released at 4pm every day, make sure you get it on time by subscribing through your preferred podcast provider. Now from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland, Rory Stewart's spoken to the Leader about his ambitions to be London mayor and lay down a challenge to Boris Johnson. Rory Stewart  I can criticize Labour, I can criticize Conservatives. The only thing that I care about is sorting out London. So I can say to Boris Johnson deliver those 6,600 police officers. You said you're going to do it. We want them now. David Marsland  He speaks about his commitment to bring down knife crime in the city. And will he really resign if he can't. Also...Robert Jobson  The Queen is the queen of Canada and this is her grandson, a of the relm, the Prime Minister's said that he will make sure that he's safe.David Marsland  Royal editor Robert Johnson as Harry is summoned to meet the Queen over he and Megan's resignation from the family and our exclusive report on Canada offering to pay for the rebel couple security and...Simon Calder  it's been going through a pretty rough time in terms of the slump in Sterling after the Brexit vote which means that their costs which are in US dollars have increased David Marsland  Travel journalist Simon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International pressure is bearing down on Iran, who are accused of shooting down the Boeing 737 Ukrainian Airlines plane that crashed minutes after take-off from Imam Kohmeini airport in Tehran. Several of the Western nations’ intelligence services believe that Iran may have accidently shot the plane down. Iran has invited manufacture Boeing to investigate the crash of the Ukrainian Airlines plane but still reject the claims and are refusing to answer questions.What is the truth? The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor Nicholas Cecil joins The Leader podcast from parliament.Meghan jets off to Toronto:Harry and Meghan ‘quit’ the Royal family in a bombshell announcement this week, and the Duchess of Sussex has already left for Canada to be with their son Archie. The front page of the Evening Standard today says they see themselves as “disrupters”. The Evening Standard’s Jonathan Prynn who has been reporting on the Royals speaks to The Leader podcast about Harry and Meghan’s emerging future plans. TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Released at 4pm every weekday The Leader brings you the best of the Evening Standard's news commentary and analysis. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode from the Evening Standard in London.... This, is The LeaderHi, I'm David Marsland. International pressure is bearing down on Iran accused of shooting down a passenger plane with 176 lives lost.Nicholas Cecil  There already appears to be signs of a possible cover up with debris from the plane having already been bulldozed away from the crash site.David Marsland  Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil on the questions Tehran refuses to answerAlso.Jonathan Prynn   the Sussexes see themselves as young, energetic challengersDavid Marsland  Jonathan Prynn speaks to The Leader as details begin to emerge of Harry and Megan's future plans. They want to be disruptors.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment, in a moment: why Iran must tell the truth about the plane crash thatlooks like a tragic mistake.Around 1030 at night on Wednesday and explosion it was heard over to run. Out of breath rescuers race to the site where the passenger plane had come down, but the only found flames, none of the 176 on board survived.Justin Trudeau  We have intelligencee from multiple sources, including our allies and our own intelligence, the evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface to air missile.David Marsland  Canadian president Justin Trudeau addressing a country that lost 63 of its citizens lay the blame at around that night at attack to us basis in Iraq.Donald... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world when they announced their desire to step back from ‘senior’ roles in the royal family. It has since emerged that Prince Harry defied both the Queen and Prince Charles in releasing the statement when he did. The move is dramatic, unprecedented, and controversially-timed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday. Was it the right thing to do? The Evening Standard’s royal editor, Robert Jobson joins The Leader podcast to discuss the on the timeline that led to an historic announcement – and the earthquake it’s sent through Buckingham PalaceRe-launching a new Royal brand:There has been much media speculation about the Duchess of Sussex’s role in the couple’s decision. Evening Standard columnist Anne McElvoy met Meghan Markle recently, and joins The Leader podcast with her impressions – was she a rebel desperate to escape ‘the firm’?Royals in America:Harry and Meghan have said they plan to balance their time between the UK and North America. Much has been made of a possible move to Canada, perhaps Toronto. However the Evening Standard’s US correspondent David Gardner says it seems the royal couple have another major coastal city in mind – and it’s even further away. Listen to the podcast to find out where it is, and how George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey might have had a hand in the Sussex’s decision.Subscribe to find us every week day from 4pm.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Thanks for listening to The Leader and before we start, thanks to the Publisher Podcast Awards who've just shortlisted us in their best news and current affairs category, they're following the leader and you can too by subscribing through your podcast provider. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. This is the inside story of how Harry defied the Queen to say he and Meghan acquitting the Royal family.Robert Jobson  What was clear, very clear is that she told Harry that he did not want him going public about any of these possible future plans until they've been fully discussed. Well, he didDavid Marsland  Our Royal editor Robert Johnson on the timeline that led to an historic announcement and the earthquake it sent through Buckingham Palace. Also,Anne McElvoy  The presence of Meghan Markel, the Duchess of Sussex in the equation is clearly a catalyst for something that's been very dramatic. But I don't think it's fair to say he's been led by his wife,David Marsland  Standard columnist and senior editor of The Economist Anne McElvoy speaks to The Leader about her meeting with Meghan last year. Were there any signs of what was to come? And...David Gardner  Meghan has been discussing the move with her celebrity friends. People like George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, they've been very critical about the kind of treatment to that Meghan and Harry have had at the hands of the British mediaDavid Marsland  From LA or US correspondent David Gardner and how the couple appear to be planning to build a base and perhaps a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran has launched rocket attacks on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. The missile strikes came in retaliation to the US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran’s supreme leader has said the missile attack was “not enough”. As tensions continue to rise between the two nations, The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s Defence editor Robert Fox. £1 million grant to cut school exclusions: To coincide with an in-depth investigation into secondary school exclusions, looking into the best way to improve grades and help curve sustained bad behaviour, the Evening Standard are launching a £1 million campaign to radically cut exclusions. Eliza Reberio founded the Lives not Knives campaign aimed at tackling youth crime and gang culture. Eliza was sent to a Pupil Refferal Unit when she was younger and tells The Leader podcast why teens are most likely behaving badly in school and why they need better support.Subscribe to find us from 4pm every week day.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Welcome to The Leader of the Evening Standard's daily news commentary and analysis podcast. We're here at 4pm, make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing. now, from the Evening Standard in London. This is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. Iran battered two US military bases in Iraq with at least 15 ballistic missiles, is war next?Robert Fox  What the Iranians are fervently hoping for is a pause because the real unknown for them is Trump and Trumps total unpredictabilityDavid Marsland  Our deffence editor Robert Fox as the Middle East and the world is waiting for the US to respond. Also,Eliza Reberio  if this happened when they were eight, nine and 10, why are we then waiting for when they're 14/15 to be excluded from school for us to support them?David Marsland  We talked to a young woman whose life was nearly ruined after being kicked out of school. As the Evening Standard launches a million pound campaign to cut exclusions.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment defence editor Robert Fox on the crisis in Iran...For half an hour from around 1030 at night Iran pounded two US bases in Iraq with ballistic missiles. Revenge said the country state TV for the White House ordered killing of General Qassem Soleimani. In Tehan crowds chanting God is great and death to America. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested Iran was just getting started. [Clip], David: Last night we slapped them, he said, and added these military actions are not enough for revenge.Boris Johnson  Our most reasonable people would accept that the United States has a right to protect its bases and its personnel. In the House of Commons Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave her support to the US, but called for de escalation in the Middle East. And for all the Ayatollah's tough words, there are some who believe a targeted strike that appears to have killed new... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A British teenager has been sentenced to a four month suspended jail sentence accused of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus. Judge Michalis Papathanasiou told her he was giving her a "second chance". The teenager has maintained that she was raped and said she was forced to change her account under pressure from Cypriot police.​ The Leader podcast spoke to courts correspondent Tristan Kirk on what the 19 year old’s family will do now once they’re home.Labour leadershipShadow business secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has announced her position in the Labour leadership race and has launched a thinly-veiled attack on Sir Keir Starmer over lack of confidence in regards to Brexit. The candidates join Clive Lewis, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry in the battle to lead the party. Political correspondent Sophia Sleigh joins us from the Standard’s Parliament office. Bafta nominationsThe Bafta nominations have been announced and for the seventh year in a row there are no women on the Best Director list. The Evening Standard’s film critic Charlotte O’Sullivan joins The Leader podcast to say BAFTA can’t get away with this.We're here each week day at 4pm - make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Welcome to The Leader, the Evening Standard's, daily news commentary and analysis podcast. We're here at 4pm make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The LeaderHi, I'm David Marsland, a British teenager convicted of lying about being gang raped in Cyprus avoids jail, and the campaign continues to clear her nameTristan Kirk  but her legal team made it very clear. She's going to continue maintaining our innocence and take the case to appeal David Marsland  Our courts correspondent Tristan Kirk and what the 19 year olds family will do now their daughter is coming home. Also,Sophia Sleigh  she was very much sort of nurtured in her career by shadow chancellor John McDonnell. She said you were likely to see me on the picket line as you are in the dispatch box.David Marsland  political correspondent Sofia slay on the Labour Party leadership is Rebecca long Bailey enters the run. AndCharlotte O'Sullivan  the Golden Globes awkwafina one so the farewell other bodies are starting to get with the times and it's basta he's looking a little bit out of dateDavid Marsland  Evening Standard film criticCharlotte O'Sullivan says BAFTA can't get away with having no woman on the Best Director nomination list for seven years.Taken from the Evening Standard's editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/ comment; in a moment what next for the Brit teenager who denies lying about being gang raped in Cyprus.Protestors chanted and held we believe you... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As thousands gathered in Iran for the funeral of General Qasem Soleimani, The Leader podcast speaks to the former chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt, and ask if there’s a way out of the crisis without conflict.UK drug crime and knife violence:Over last six months, The Evening Standard has been examining the damage caused by permanently excluding pupils from school. Our reporting shows a 70 percent surge in the numbers over the last 8 years, and reveals how that figure is connected to young boys ending up in prison, and knife crime increases in London. The Evening Standard’s Investigations Editor, David Cohen, joins The Leader podcast to discuss his findings. Golden Globes:Ricky Gervais shocked Hollywood again with his Golden Globe gags, but the Evening Standard’s Phoebe Luckhurst tells the Leader podcast it was the UK’s acting talent that really stole the show.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Thanks for listening to The Leader of the Evening Standard's daily news podcast bringing you the best of our analysis and commentary. Please like, subscribe, share and comment, wherever you get your podcast from. From the Evening Standard in London. This is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. Huge crowds have filled the streets of Tahran as Iran mourns the death of general Qasem Soleimani and Donald Trump is doubling down on his threats. Is there a way out of this crisis without conflict?Tom Tugenhadt  This can either get much worse which nobody wants or this can be a pivot point. This can be a moment when the relationship can change.David Marsland  The former chair of the UK is Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt has written for the Standard and speaks to The Leader about the options for the Middle East, alsoDavid Cohen  12 year olds, who I mean that's an extraordinary young age to be sent to a school where basically you're like in a day release prisonDavid Marsland  Our investigations editor David Cohen on his special report showing how England's system for dealing with disruptive school pupils is pushing many into crime. AndPhoebe Luckhurst  He had a had a pot shot at quite a few people in that kind of opening seven minutes, many of whom were sat in in the audience grimacing.David Marsland  Rivky Gervais shocked Hollywood with his golden globes gags but our deputy features editor Phoebe Luckhurst says it was the UK acting talent that really stole the show..Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column this is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment in a moment when next for the Middle East?With thousands listening in the streets of Tehran and millions said to be watching around Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini wept over the coffin of General Qasem Soleimani .He led the prayers for the man around considers a hero for the US denounced as a terrorist and killed in a targeted strike in Baghdad. The move is threatening to destabilize the Middle East. But writing in the Standard today, the former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugenhadt, says ridding the world of a source of violence could mark a turning point Mr Tugenhadt joins me now, and is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran have vowed to respond with ‘harsh revenge’ after United States forces killed Iran’s most powerful military leader, General Qasem Soleimani, in the early hours of Friday morning. Leaders around the world have weighed in on the attack, with Joe Biden comparing President Donald Trump’s attack order to ‘dynamite in a tinder box’. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged “all sides to de-escalate”. Donald Trump himself has responded with a mocking tweet aimed at Iran’s leadership. As the world waits to see how Iran will respond, The Leader podcast speaks to the Evening Standard’s US Correspondent David Gardner to ask: does Donald Trump have a plan?The Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has written in today’s Evening Standard announcing that more police will be dispatched to patrol London’s vibrant crime spots. Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham joins the Leader podcast to discuss Dame Cressida’s comments.Popular fashion store Next has given the high street some hope for fashion sales, Business Reporter Joanna Bourke explains why.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  The Leader is delivered to your podcast provider at 4pm every weekday, bringing you the best news analysis and commentary from one of the country's most trusted newsrooms, subscribe to make sure you get it on time. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.Hi, I'm David Marsland. The US has killed one of Iran's top generals.David Gardner  Now what there's a suggestion that there may be cyber attacks, there may be terror attacks. There is also a suggestion that allies of the United States could be in some danger.David Marsland  We speak to our US correspondent David Gardner as the world waits to see how Iran responds and whether President Trump has a plan.Also Martin Bentham  very young people who've hardly started their lives have there lives brought to an end.David Marsland  The Standard's Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham as met police commissioner Cressida dick writes for the paper to announce more police will patrol London's violent crime hotspots, and...Joanna Bourkeso they posted a 5.2% full price sales riseDavid MarslandBusiness reporter Joanna Burke on how next is giving hope to the high street the day before London men's fashion week begins.David Marsland  Taken from the evening standards editorial column This is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper had to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment Iran says it will take crushing revenge over the death of a top General, does Donald Trump have a next move? Donald Trump  Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that he's going to get reelected and assures you sitting there is to start a war with Iran. David Marsland  Donald Trump in 2011, claiming... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a bleak start to the year for London’s commuters travelling in on South Western Rail networks as more delays are to continue due to lack of staff. The guards who took part in the 27-day strike have been off duty for so long that they need to retrain for safety requirements. This put hundreds of trains out of action on Thursday and delays will continue into Friday. The Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall joins The Leader podcast to explain what we could expect over the next few months - as well as some good news for companions of disabled passengers from London's mayor Sadiq Khan.Also, London's most well-known burlesque nightclub and gig venue Madame JoJo's which shut down in 2014 is going to reopen, the Standard's Arts Correspondent Rob Dex joins the Leader podcast.TRANSCRIPT:David Marsland  Happy New Year and thanks for coming back to The Leader. We have a lot planned for the next few weeks, so make sure you subscribe through your favorite podcast provider and don't miss out. Now for the first time in 2020, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader...Hi, I'm David Marsland. The RMT South Western Railway strike is over, but some of the guards have been off for so long they need retrained,Ross Lydall  You wouldn't be happy to be coming back to work on a sort of chilly January first day back in the office. You're paying more for your travel and then you're standing on the platform waiting for the train to come and it doesn't come and you just think they just can't get any more ludicrous. David Marsland  Our City Hall editor Ross Lydall on a miserable return to work for thousands and the fares have gone up too. Also, Robert Dex  it'll be a bit of living history in a part of London that quite frankly is a bit careless with its history and is forever knocking things down and starting againDavid Marsland  Arts Correspondent Robert Dex on the resurrection of Madame JoJo's. We welcome the return of a Soho icon.Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column This is The Leader for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment the train debacle that's too serious to be a farce.The day had barely began at London Bridge station when the delay announcement started, a pretty miserable return to work for train commuters only made worse by this morning's average fare rise of 2.7%. That's a justified hike according to Robert Nesbitt from the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies Robert Nesbitt  We're an industry like any other that's facing rising costs the staff bill, for example, but also fuel costs as well. What we want to do is we want to cover the day to day running costs of the railway to free up billions of pounds of investment for the public and private sector. But this is an average figure. It's still just below the rate of inflation and that's for the third year running.David Marsland  But for some passengers using Southwestern Railways, the increased prices were compounded by cancellations, the aftershock of a 27 day strike by the RMT union, and our editorial column can't quite believe it.ES Comment  The reason for the latest cancellations is the guards who inflicted the strike have been off duty for so long they need to be retrained to ensure that they are properly refreshed in terms of all necessary safety activities, the same applies to some drivers. the situation would be farcical if it were not so serious. It is yet another reminder of the damage caused by the union's... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a ground-breaking investigation by the Evening Standard into the UK’s painkiller use, drug companies will now publish addiction warnings on opioid packets. The Leader speaks to the paper’s Investigations Editor David Cohen about how this small change will save lives for decades to come.Also, we welcome Andrew Bailey as the next Governor of the Bank of England. Our Business News Editor, Alex Lawson, looks at the career of the man picked by Chancellor Sajid Javid to replace Mark Carney. And we reveal why Mr Bailey’s been nicknamed “the Big Sexy Turtle.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Queen has delivered her speech, can Boris Johnson now deliver on his promises? Our political editor Joe Murphy looks at the government’s agenda. Brexit is the predictable priority, but why is there an overhaul of espionage laws, and what happened between the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn?Also, there’s been a dip in the number of people using public transport in London, but car use has gone up outside the city centre. The Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor, Ross Lydall, takes a look at the figures and predicts a major clash at next year’s mayoral election.And, Cats, the movie based on the musical, is being critically savaged. We speak to film critic David Sexton who says it’s “nearly as obscene as the Human Centipede”. Plus, a bonus Christmas message recorded for the Leader podcast by composer and pianist Stephen Hough. Can you believe in Christmas if you don’t believe in Christ?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been 135 violent deaths in London since the start of 2019. That's a high not seen for eleven years. The city is in the grip of knife crime epidemic that authorities appear powerless to stop. The Evening Standard’s crime correspondent Anthony France talks to the Leader podcast about what efforts have been made, and what more can be done.  Also, the 45th President of the United States is set to become only the third in history to be impeached. Ahead of the vote, Donald Trump's gone on the attack, sending a 6-page letter to Democrat Nancy Pelosi, and comparing the whole thing to the Salem Witch Trials. The Evening Standard's US correspondent, David Gardner, tells us what's happening on Capitol Hill.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who can beat Boris Johnson? It’s the question the Labour party has to answer, but will it make the hard decisions the Evening Standard thinks are necessary to make it a genuine competitor in a future election? Our Londoner Editor Ayesha Hazarika, once a Labour spin doctor herself, thinks Jeremy Corbyn’s leaving behind a mess that could take a decade or more to repair. Also, with traditional events like Wimbledon combining with the glamour of the NFL, along with competitions like the ATP tennis finals, London is proud to be ranked the world’s number one city for sport. But is that position at risk from usurpers like Paris? The Evening Standard’s correspondent Matt Majendie’s been investigating, and talks to the Leader about how Brexit and other concerns may be putting global sports bosses off the capital.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC is under fire again, with the government apparently boycotting the Radio 4 Today programme, and critics accusing it of bias. The Evening Standard’s reporting BBC bosses are planning a big expansion of broadcasts outside of London to show the broadcaster’s listening to the whole of Britain, but with attacks also being lobbed at the license fee, is this now the time for a much wider modernisation programme? The Leader talks to our comments editor, Susannah Butter.Also, we reveal the extraordinary story of the late Standard film critic Alexander Walker who quietly amassed a huge art collection including works by Picasso and Hockney. Our arts correspondent Robert Dex tells us how when experts when to Mr Walker’s small flat in Maida Vale they discovered valuable pieces leaning on the kitchen sink, and propped up in a cupboard next to the vacuum cleaner. The entire collection is now to go on display at the British Museum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s election special we bring you the latest from our newsroom, analyse the results and discuss the Prime Minister’s next steps after winning a massive Commons majority.Boris Johnson has led the Conservatives to victory, crushing Labour, breaking the ‘red wall’ and securing his position as Prime Minister. The Conservatives now have the largest majority of any government in the last 18 years, bigger even than Margaret Thatcher’s in 1983.Evening Standard Editor George Osborne, Londoner Editor Ayesha Hazarika and Associate Editor Julian Glover were following the election drama through the night, and join The Leader podcast for this special edition to offer their analysis of this seismic shift in the British political landscape.What does Boris Johnson’s enormous majority mean for Brexit and the UK economy? And what can Labour do now in the face of such a dramatic loss? Listen to the podcast to find out.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An convicted murderer named John Crilly challenged the London Bridge terror attacker with a fire extinguisher despite knowing that Usman Khan was wearing what he believed was a live explosives vest. John Crilly told the BBC he was prepared to die to protect others and insists he is not a hero. The Leader podcast spoke to our Crime Correspondent Anthony France to discuss what John Crilly shows us about the importance of prisoner rehabilitation.Boris Johnson has cast his vote - and took his dog Dilyn to the polling station. The Evening Standard today is urging everyone to make sure they vote.It’s that time of year again where theatres across the UK host a variety of different Pantomimes to celebrate the Christmas period. Our theatre critic Nic Curtis visited the Palladium theatre last night to watch ‘Goldilocks And The Three Bears’ staring a host of stars including Julian Clary and Paul O’Grady. Nic tells the Leader podcast why it’s “indecently good fun” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Evening Standard’s editorial today the paper urges voters to support Boris Johnson’s Conservatives on Thursday. George Osborne – himself a veteran of multiple elections as both senior politician and editor of the Evening Standard – joins The Leader podcast to discuss why the paper supports Mr. Johnson for Prime Minister. In the podcast, George Osborne reveals who he will be voting for – and why he might be tempted to vote for Independents David Gauke, Dominic Grieve or Anne Milton if he lived in their constituencies. Subscribe to The Leader podcast for the best in election comment and analysis. We’re releasing an election results special on Friday, in which our senior editors will dissect the result and ask – ‘What happens next?’TRANSCRIPTPRESENTER:                       From the Evening Standard in London, this is the Leader. PRESENTER:                       The Leader speaks to our editor George Osborne about how the newspaper came to its decision, and how he personally will vote in an election like no otherPRESENTER:                      In the very first episode of the Leader podcast, we spoke to the Standard’s Associate editor Julian Glover about the history, and purpose of the Editorial column – “It carries clear, sharp, opinions on key news stories of the day,” he told us. “to inform you and make you think…” And it was all leading up to this. On the eve of the General Election, this newspaper has traditionally backed a candidate to be Prime Minister – In December 2019… here’s what the Evening Standard thinks:ES COMMENT:This newspaper speaks for London when we say we’re unhappy with the two paths presented to us: Brexit under the Tories or national bankruptcy under Labour. Jeremy Corbyn is manifestly unfit to hold the highest office in the land. That has been obvious since Labour made the suicidal decision to choose him as their leader four years ago. The other person who could be PM on Friday is already in Downing Street. As with all prime ministers, the traits that propelled Boris Johnson to the highest office will inevitably be the ones that eventually force him from it. While he says he wants to “get Brexit done”, he knows that cannot happen: we are condemned to years of agonising negotiation which will end in us following EU rules we no longer control. But since Mr Johnson took office this summer, he has been more focused and more serious than anyone expected. And, just maybe, he can restore to the country the optimism and confidence that was lost in that referendum result he helped deliver. When it comes to the choice between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson, there is no contest. Corbyn would be a disaster for Britain. The Evening Standard backs Boris to remain as PM.PRESENTER:                      Shortly after the column went to print, I knocked on our editor George Osborne’s office door, and asked him how the Standard came to its decision:DAVID MARSLANDGeorge, the Leader today starts off by saying that the newspapers unhappy with the past proposed to the people. Why is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has written for the Evening Standard warning of “profound” economic damage if Jeremy Corbyn wins the election. But what about the Conservatives own plans? The Leader podcast ask the Evening Standard’s associate editor Julian Glover to take us through the Prime Minister’s proposals.A big accountancy firm called Grant Thornton has been hit with a fine of £650,000 over mistakes made in an audit of a stock-market listed company, however the identity of this company has been kept a secret. The Leader podcast spoke to the Evening Standard’s city correspondent Michael Bow who explains the background behind the story, and why the name of the company should be revealed.***TRANSCRIPTPRESENTERThanks for listening to The Leader you can subscribe to make sure you get the best news analysis and commentary at 4pm every day. Now, from the Evening Standard in London this… is The LeaderPRESENTERHi I'm David Marsland. Boris Johnson's written for the Standard warning of profound economic damage if Jeremy Corbyn wins the election, but what about the Tories plansJULIAN GLOVERUnderneath all the noise The Conservative economic proposals are pretty modest, except for one big catastrophic thing which is Brexit.PRESENTERAssociate Editor Julian Glover takes us through the PMS proposals and….MICHAEL BOWThe FRC has room to use its discretion not to name a company now one of the reasons for this is to do with public interestPRESENTERCity correspondent Michael bow on the city secret this newspaper should be revealed.PRESENTERTaken from the Evening Standard’s editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment: Why stopping Jeremy Corbyn is not the same as a Tory economic plan.PART 2PRESENTERYou've probably seen this Boris Johnson recreating a scene from love actually. [CLIPS USED] BORIS JOHNSON ELECTION CAMPAIGN ‘LOVE ACTUALLY’  JEREMY CORBYN READS MEAN TWEETS“I'll bet Jeremy Corbyn will be glad when this election is over, so he can go back to wearing his commy hat. The Labour leaders reading mean tweets about himself and his spending plans. Jeremy Corbyn isn't some kind of kind be magic grandpa. Quite the opposite in fact. Wow. Can someone tell me who Jeremy Corbyn is? the next prime minister”PRESENTERJoking aside the economy's been oddly absent from much of the election debate writing in the Standard today, the Prime Minister's trying to put it front and centre warning the damage to economic confidence would be profound if labour wins this week. Our editorial column agrees but argues Mr. Johnson has questions or his own to answer:LEADER COMMENTThe poll suggests there isn't going to be a majority Labour government. So a rather more important question is what a conservative government would do to the economy, what do we know? Ignore the noise. On spending, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies says, there would be little in the way of changes to tax, spending... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson is hitting Labour strongholds in the final days of this election. He says he’s taking nothing for granted despite a Survation poll showing him with a 14-point lead. In the Evening Standard, pollster Ben Page says a late swing from the Conservatives can’t be ruled out – and neither can a hung parliament. The Standard’s political editor, Joe Murphy, joins the Leader podcast from Westminster.London commuters have been counting down until the end of the RMT union’s 27 day South Western Railway strike. But more bad news came today as the RMT has threatened to continue the strike until after New Year’s Day. The Leader podcast thinks the Government should step in.Trafalgar Square became a sea of sleeping bags for the Big Sleep Out, as thousands of Londoners swapped warm beds for a night of rough sleeping to raise money for homeless charities. The Leader podcast spoke to journalists Hattie Brewis and Naomi Ackerman to tell find out why events like this are so important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dany Cotton's departure:London’s Fire Commissioner, Dany Cotton has been forced out of service by Mayor Sadiq Khan over her “insensitive” response to the tragedy in which 72 people who died. The Evening Standard’s Ross Lydall broke the story and spoke to The Leader podcast about the meeting with Grenfell families that forced the Mayor to act.Tackling extremism: The Evening Standard has been investigating measures to prevent extremism in the UK following the London Bridge attack last week. The dreadful attack has prompted a fierce debate about sentencing - but should there be more of a priority on tackling the problem at its root? Our Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham told the Leader podcast about his special report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson has made a big election pitch for London, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy. Joe joins The Leader podcast to reflect on his conversation with the Prime Minister who, Joe says, was ‘laser focused’ ahead of the election which will decide the country’s fate beyond Brexit. M&G fund hits trouble The City regulator is facing a storm of criticism for failing to beef up its rules, after M&G, one of the country’s biggest property funds, said it was temporarily suspending dealing in its shares. Our editorial column says the excuse given – Brexit – is a flimsy one:Paris rail strikesParis has been brought to a halt by massive strikes over pension reforms. Almost every train has been cancelled and all but five Metro lines have been shut down. The strike has also hit the Eurostar. The Leader podcast spoke to Antoinne Metten from Paris about how the city is reacting.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nato is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a summit in Watford, but after all these years, are the threads of the alliance starting to fray? Donald Trump's cancelled a press conference after Canada's PM Justin Trudeau was caught on camera apparently gossiping about the US President. France is asking questions about America's commitment. The Leader Podcast speaks to the Evening Standard's US correspondent David Gardner.Also, Arts Correspondent Robert Dex speaks to the Leader after the Turner Prize was given to everyone on the shortlist. Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani formed a collective at the ceremony in Margate. Has the competition that likes to shock gone too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump’s in townDonald Trump arrived in the UK on Monday night. He’s here for a NATO summit and will enjoy a reception at Buckingham Palace – but will not meet Boris Johnson. Our editorial today says Mr. Johnson is right to tread carefully this close to a general election, and Deputy Political Editor Nic Cecil joins The Leader podcast to explain why.Hope for brain cancerGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly adult brain tumour with 2,200 cases a year diagnosed in England. Former BBC executive Jana Bennett has spoken out to say that she is being treated for the disease and is working alongside the UK launch of the OurBrainBank app. The Evening Standard’s Health Editor Ross Lydall tells The Leader podcast how vital this initiative will be for patients and with researchers across the world – could it lead to a cure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flowers lay on the corner of London Bridge Walk this morning where on Friday two lives were lost due to the terror attack. Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, were attending the Learning Together programme when they were fatally stabbed by convicted terrorist Usman Khan.Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan joined the vigil at Guildhall Yard this morning to honour the victims, families, emergency services and those who stepped in to help stop the attacker.Many people are understandably unhappy with how our politicians have handled this attack, and want answers. The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham explains to The Leader podcast the failures that led to the London Bridge attack – and says we should be careful to learn the right lessons.*For the next 27 days commuters on routes to Waterloo will experience disrupted or cancelled services caused by an RMT strike. On Monday morning cancellations, delays and overcrowding had already begun. South Western Railway has cancelled almost half of its usual daily schedule of around 1,800 trains. The walkouts will last up to and including New Year’s Day with the only exceptions being December 12 for the general election, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.The Leader podcast spoke to Jonathan Prynn from the Evening Standard – he explains why the Evening Standard today says the strikes should be stopped.****TRANSCRIPTPRESENTER:       You can subscribe to The Leader through your preferred podcast providers, so you never miss out, every day at 4pm. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.PRESENTER:       Hi, I'm David Marsland. Our intelligence services work to keep the country safe. Sometimes they can't... MARTIN BENTHAM: There are 3000 active subjects of interest as another 20,000 or so, so called close subjects of interest unless you want to go down the road of having thousands of people pursued 24 hours a day, then you can't possibly have a fail safe system of trying to detect what's when somebody is going to do something so simple.PRESENTER:       Our Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham on why failure that led to the London Bridge attack must not lead to the wrong lessons being learned. Also...JONATHAN PRYNN:Overcrowding cancellation delays, not just for one day but for 27 workingPRESENTER:       The Standards Jonathan Prynn on the rail strike that's bringing misery to thousands.PRESENTER:       Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column, this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment the questions we should be asking in the wake of the London Bridge... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several people have been injured in a suspected terror attack and a man has been shot by police at London Bridge in London.For more information as the story develops visit https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-bridge-news-live-gunshots-reports-station-a4300626.html Met police officer, Superintendent Novlett Robyn Williams could be taken off the force after being sent, without asking, a video showing child abuse. She did not watch it, but she also did not report it. Now a former director of public prosecutions says Ms Williams should keep her job, and we agree. The Leader podcast spoke to the Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham.A fight at a Birmingham VUE cinema screening of the new London based Paramount film ‘Blue Story’ led to all Vue cinemas pulling the movie. They have now reversed that decision following a public outcry which was led by the director Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman. The Evening Standard’s film critic Charlotte O’sullivan tells us why everyone should see this movie.******TRANSCRIPTDAVID MARSLANDThank you for listening to The Leader and remember you can subscribe and rate us through your favorite podcast provider. As this podcast was being put together reports started coming in to the Evening Standards newsroom of an incident on London Bridge, that incident as we're recording this is still ongoing. But our journalists Suze Cooper from our audio news team is here working on the story. What do we know at this point in time?SUZE COOPER (GOOGLE NEWS)Well, we heard that just before two o'clock today police were called to London Bridge. They've now declared this a major incident. The reports initially were of gunshots. We've since found out that someone has been injured in a knife attack, possibly more than one person. As we say, this is a breaking story at the moment. We're not totally clear on all the details. And we believe a man has been shot by police at London Bridge and yeah, there's total confusion in that area of London at the moment.DAVID MARSLANDAnd we're seeing a lot of reaction on social media, a lot of people sharing videos and images. It does look like pandemonium over there.SUZE COOPER (GOOGLE NEWS)That's right. There's a lot coming through on social media at the moment, on Twitter. There have been videos and photos as well photos of lots of emergency service vehicles just parked up there on the bridge. Crowds of people being held back on the on the footpath there. But also a video of someone lying on the ground, kind of being... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.