The News Agents
Daily News
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed. Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents" The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: [email protected] You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
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Recent Episodes
Is Starmer ready to take on Trump?
Mar 04, 2026Trump is furious with Starmer over his delay in granting the US access to UK bases as part of their military operation against Iran . He's called the UK "very uncooperative" and says Starmer has ruine...
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In this episode, Donald Trump publicly criticizes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with his infamous "no Winston Churchill" comment after the UK delayed granting access to military bases for operations against Iran. The hosts analyze Starmer's careful positioning on Iran, examine Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement revealing soaring welfare costs, and highlight rising Democratic star James Talarico's Texas primary victory.
- Trump's Churchill Insult and UK-US Tensions Over Iran
- The Chaotic Origins of Trump's Iran Strike
Has Trump just ended the 'Special Relationship'?
Mar 03, 2026You might think, just days into a major conflict in the Middle East, that Donald Trump and Keir Starmer would be speaking regularly, supporting each other, and coordinating among allies. That's how it...
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This episode focuses on the significant diplomatic rift between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump over military strikes in Iran. The hosts analyze Starmer's refusal to support the American operations, Trump's public criticism of the UK, and the broader implications for the 'special relationship.' The episode also covers domestic UK politics, including a striking poll showing the Green Party surge and Reform's momentum, plus Hillary Clinton's combative testimony before Congress on the Epstein files.
- The UK-US Rift Over Iran Strikes
- Diverging Worldviews: International Law vs. Might Makes Right
Is the UK at war with Iran or not?
Mar 02, 2026Keir Starmer has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites. But the Prime Minister said the UK has learned lessons from the "mistakes of Ira...
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The News Agents analyze the rapidly escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran following weekend strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. The UK's position has shifted from refusing military support to allowing American use of British bases for defensive purposes, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism from multiple sides. The hosts also discuss the controversy surrounding John Davidson, a man with Tourette's syndrome who involuntarily used offensive language at the BAFTAs, highlighting stark differences in progressive attitudes between the UK and US regarding disability and race.
- Iran Conflict Escalates Into Regional War
- UK's Shifting Position on Supporting US Military Action
Iranian state television confirmed this morning that the country's supreme leader had been killed by joint US-Israeli strikes. President Trump addressed the world from his beach resort Mar-a-Lago to d...
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This special episode of The Newsagents analyzes the monumental killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by US and Israeli forces, and Donald Trump's extraordinary appeal to the Iranian people to rise up and seize control of their government. The hosts examine the strategic implications, Trump's contradictory foreign policy history, questions of international law, and the UK's delicate positioning between supporting allies and avoiding endorsement of potentially illegal military action. The discussion explores whether this represents genuine regime change opportunity or a dangerous gamble that could destabilize the entire Middle East.
- Trump's Unprecedented Call for Iranian Uprising
- The Strategic Significance of Khamenei's Death
For all Labour's insistence that the Gorton and Denton by-election was a straight fight between them and Reform - the Greens demonstrated in Greater Manchester that they are now a fighting force on th...
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The News Agents analyze Labour's devastating by-election loss in Gorton and Denton to the Green Party, marking a historic moment in British politics. Hannah Spencer's victory with 41% of the vote represents the Greens' best-ever by-election performance and signals a credible threat to Labour's left flank. The result has sparked fierce debate about sectarianism, Muslim voting patterns, and Keir Starmer's leadership, while Reform UK finished second but blamed their loss on 'sectarian politics' despite improving their vote share.
- Labour's Historic Defeat in Safe Seat
- Return of the Left-Wing Threat
The recent killing of Mexican drug lord ‘El Mencho’ has caused unrest and cartel violence across the country. Guadalajara - one of Mexico’s host cities in this summer’s World Cup - was one of the wors...
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The Sports Agents examines the recent surge in cartel violence in Guadalajara, Mexico, following the killing of drug lord El Mencho, and its implications for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The discussion explores safety concerns, FIFA's response, ICE operations in the US, funding challenges for host cities, and the unique power dynamics between FIFA and the Trump administration. The episode provides comprehensive analysis of security, financial, and political issues surrounding this multinational tournament.
- Understanding the Cartel Violence in Guadalajara
- FIFA's Response and Safety Assurances
The Royal Family: Abolish, reform or carry on?
Feb 26, 2026The Royal family is no stranger to headlines, scandal and existential crisis. But with the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the mood has shifted leaving the future of the Royals more uncertain th...
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Mandelson vs the Met: What the Hell just happened?
Feb 25, 2026In a dramatic statement to MPs this morning, Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle revealed that he had felt "duty-bound" to report to the police what he had heard on a recent trip to the British Virgin I...
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A tumultuous 24 hours in British politics dominated by the fallout from Peter Mandelson's arrest, as questions swirl about who tipped off police and whether he was a flight risk. Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle admitted he passed information to police after receiving a tip while in the British Virgin Islands, contradicting Mandelson's 4am texts blaming the Lord Speaker. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Sarah Sackman unveils plans to tackle the massive court backlog with 'blitz courts,' while acknowledging the system won't return to even pre-COVID levels until 2035. The episode also previews Thursday's critical Gorton and Denton by-election, where polling shows a three-way dead heat between Labour, Greens, and Reform.
- The Mandelson Arrest Saga: Speaker Hoyle's Confession
- The Epstein Files: Elite Corruption and Living History
Mandelson arrested: Will Starmer pay the price?
Feb 24, 2026Late yesterday afternoon Peter Mandelson was led from his London house by two plain clothes police officers with very visible body cameras into an unmarked police car. In the bland euphemism that foll...
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The News Agents analyze the shocking arrest of Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to Washington, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The episode examines alleged emails sent to Jeffrey Epstein during Mandelson's time as Business Secretary, his 4am message claiming the arrest was improper, and the fallout for Labour's government. The hosts also interview Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson about SEND reforms and the broader challenges facing Keir Starmer's administration.
- Peter Mandelson's Arrest and Allegations
- Mandelson's 4am Message: Fighting Back Against the Arrest
Has Trump just been humiliated by his own judges?
Feb 23, 2026Trump is not a happy bunny. It all started on Friday when the Supreme Court declared his tariffs - the backbone of his economic policy - illegal. By this morning it was worse. He’s stomping around thr...
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The News Agents examines the Supreme Court's historic ruling against Trump's tariff policy, which struck down the backbone of his economic agenda by a 6-3 vote. The justices ruled Trump illegally used emergency powers to impose tariffs without Congressional approval, forcing him to collect them under a 150-day limit instead. This represents a significant check on presidential power and has sparked questions about Trump's political authority heading into midterms. The episode also covers Australia's move to remove Prince Andrew from the royal line of succession, ahead of any UK action, and what this signals about changing attitudes toward the monarchy.
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Policy
- Trump's Erratic Response and Doubling Down
How did Epstein make his money?
Feb 20, 2026The tentacles of Epstein’s billionaire paedophile ring crossed continents, age, political persuasion and profession. That much is all clear from the files. But what we are still piecing together is ho...
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This episode features journalist and author Anand Giridharadas discussing the 'Epstein class' - a powerful global elite network revealed through the Epstein files. The conversation explores how Jeffrey Epstein connected influential figures across politics, business, and royalty, creating a network that operated above normal accountability. Following Prince Andrew's arrest, the discussion examines how this elite maintains power through mutual protection, information sharing, and operating outside normal systems, while regular citizens are encouraged to fight among themselves over ideology rather than challenge those truly shaping their lives.
- The Epstein Class and Age of Impunity
- A Cross-Ideological Network Beyond Political Tribes
Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to represent their countries at the upcoming Winter Paralympics. For the first time since 2014, since Russia’s state-sponsored doping programme and the ...
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The Sports Agents podcast examines the controversial decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Winter Paralympics for the first time since 2014. Athletics reporter Matt Slater analyzes the political and sporting implications of this move, Ukraine's threatened boycott, and what it means for Russia's potential return to major international competitions including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
- Russia's Return to Paralympic Competition
- Ukraine's Threatened Boycott and International Reaction
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Feb 19, 2026A man in his sixties has been arrested in Norfolk. The mundanity of the police statement belies the monumental significance of what just happened. The eighth in line to the crown, the former Prince An...
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In an unprecedented moment for the UK, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking the first arrest of a royal family member in over 300 years. The arrest relates to alleged sharing of confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as trade envoy, not to sexual abuse allegations. This represents what hosts describe as the biggest crisis for the royal family in a century, raising fundamental questions about accountability, the monarchy's future, and whether anyone is truly above the law.
- Breaking News: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested
- Understanding the Charges: Misconduct in Public Office
Introducing: Up To Speed
Feb 19, 2026News Agents listeners, we've got a new podcast we think you'll love. Step inside sport’s greatest soap opera, Formula One, with a brand-new podcast Up To Speed. Hosted by Drive to Survive star Will B...
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This transcript contains only promotional content for a Formula One podcast called 'Up to Speed.' The entire audio is a trailer introducing the show's hosts and format, with no substantive discussion or educational content to analyze. It serves as an advertisement for the podcast series.
- Podcast Trailer Introduction
Why didn’t the BBC ask Prince William about Andrew?
Feb 18, 2026Prince William gave an interview to BBC Radio 1 to talk about men’s mental health and the importance of speaking out. It’s a vital topic - and it affects millions of people. What was noticeable, howe...
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This episode of The News Agents examines the disconnect between the royal family's public statements on mental health and their silence on Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Hosts John Sopel and Emily Maitlis dissect Prince William's Radio 1 interview about mental health, questioning why he wasn't asked about the Epstein files despite off-the-record briefings showing concern. They explore whether traditional deference to royals is becoming anachronistic as public demands for accountability increase. The episode also covers Trump's attempted cancellation of Texas politician James Talarico from Stephen Colbert's show, which spectacularly backfired.
- Royal Family's Mental Health Focus Amid Epstein Silence
- The Machinery of Royal Media Control
Today we have an exclusive investigation into the relationship between the Metropolitan Police Royal Protection officers and the royals they served. Did things become too cosy? Were they encouraged to...
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In this revealing episode, Virginia Roberts' brother Sky Roberts and his wife Amanda discuss the ongoing investigation into Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein's network, while Crime Agents reporter Andy Hughes exposes how Met Police protection officers may have covered up royal misconduct. The episode explores systemic failures in investigating powerful figures, the relationship between the Royal Family and police, and survivors' fight for justice against a web of influence involving governments, law enforcement, and the elite.
- The Royal Protection Unit's Culture of Silence
- How Protection Officers Operated with Prince Andrew
The Prime Minister has called for an investigation by the Cabinet Office into the campaign group Labour Together which helped get him into power. The think tank is accused of having dug up dirt on jou...
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The News Agents dissect two major political scandals: Labour Together's controversial investigation into journalists that involved examining their backgrounds and motivations, and the ongoing Epstein files controversy where Attorney General Pam Bondi faces bipartisan pressure to release more documents. The episode explores questions of governmental accountability, press freedom, and political cover-ups on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Labour Together's Investigation Scandal
- The Pattern of 'I Knew Nothing' Defense
What a week we’ve had here on The Sports Agents, from penis-gate, to Winter Olympics heartbreak and Premier League managers getting sacked. This weekend sees Scotland host the Auld enemy at Murrayfie...
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The Sports Agents podcast features Gabby Logan bringing her husband, former Scotland rugby winger Kenny Logan, to discuss the upcoming Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield. The episode covers Scotland's disappointing loss to Italy, England's dominant win over Wales, the pressure on Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, and the state of Six Nations rugby. The discussion includes personal anecdotes from Kenny's playing days, analysis of current team dynamics, and the importance of depth in modern rugby squads.
- Kenny Logan's Calcutta Cup Heartbreak
- Scotland's Crisis After Italy Defeat
It has been a dizzying week in UK politics since the publication of the latest of the Epstein files, and the revelations of his links to Westminster. But as the politics took over, it is the voice of ...
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Labour MP Natalie Fleet discusses the tumultuous week in Westminster surrounding the Epstein documents, Peter Mandelson's appointment, and violence against women. Fleet, who represents Bolsover and is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, offers a deeply personal perspective on the government's handling of these issues, her own journey to Parliament, and her determination to use her platform to advocate for victims. She defends Keir Starmer's commitment to tackling violence against women despite recent controversies, while acknowledging the emotional toll the week has taken on women MPs.
- The Worst Week as an MP
- Selective Outrage and Political Opportunism
Jim Ratcliffe, the part owner of Manchester United, multi-billionaire and Monaco based non dom, has taken the government to task for allowing immigrants to “colonise“ the U.K. Does he realise he’s usi...
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This episode tackles Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments describing the UK as being 'colonised' by immigrants, examining how far-right language has become normalized in mainstream discourse. The hosts also discuss the vetting crisis in Downing Street, with Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald's departure and controversy surrounding his potential replacement Antonia Romeo, before addressing how the Epstein-Mandelson scandal has overshadowed the real victims of sexual abuse.
- Jim Ratcliffe's 'Colonisation' Comments Spark Outrage
- The Irony of Colonisation Language