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
Robert Kenyon, Reform's candidate in Makerfield, was a week on from defending his Facebook Nazi friend when things got ugly. Over the sunny bank holiday weekend old tweets resurfaced showing not only ...
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The News Agents dive into the controversy surrounding Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon in the Makerfield by-election, examining his history of sexist posts, transphobic slurs, and COVID misinformation. The episode also explores the emerging threat from the hard-right Restore party to Reform's dominance, Peter Murrell's guilty plea for embezzling SNP funds, and Tulsi Gabbard's resignation from Trump's cabinet amid the Iran crisis.
- Rob Kenyon's Controversial Social Media History
- The Brexit Contradiction and Political Identity Crisis
As billionaire wealth soars to unprecedented heights, calls to “tax the rich” are getting louder across the world. But while politicians on the left often champion wealth taxes, governments have repea...
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What Hulk Hogan taught Trump about politics
May 21, 2026Before he was ever taken seriously as a politician, Donald Trump was very much taken seriously in the world of wrestling. His relationship with WWE stretches back as far as the 1980s - he went on to ...
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This episode explores how Donald Trump's deep involvement with WWE wrestling has fundamentally shaped his political style and messaging. Comedian Munya Chihuahua presents the thesis that Trump essentially applied wrestling's playbook—with its heroes and villains, smack talk, and blurred reality—to American politics. The show also covers recent UK immigration statistics showing a dramatic drop in net migration, and discusses why Labour struggles to communicate these policy wins effectively.
- Wrestling as Trump's Political Playbook
- The Wrestling Mechanics: Foreign Heels, Smack Talk, and Kayfabe
Is Trump still running scared of the Epstein files?
May 20, 2026You might not know the name Thomas Massie. But you will know what he did. The Kentucky Republican congressman was one crucial part of the campaign that forced Trump to release the Epstein files last N...
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This episode examines Republican Congressman Thomas Massey's primary election defeat after losing Trump's support, exploring how it reveals the former president's iron grip on the GOP despite declining approval ratings. The episode also features an in-depth interview with Professor Jeffrey Winters about his book 'The Blind Spot,' which argues that modern democracies are structurally designed to accommodate oligarchy rather than prevent it.
- Thomas Massey's Downfall and Trump's Vendetta
- The Epstein Files and Cross-Party Cooperation
Is there more to Andy Burnham than just the vibes?
May 19, 2026Andy Burnham has launched his campaign video for the Makerfield by-election. The first thing you notice is how comfortable he sounds in it. It’s a level of human communication almost unfamiliar in tod...
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Andy Burnham launches his campaign for the Makerfield by-election with a compelling video that positions him as an insurgent outsider taking on Westminster, despite his long history as a Labour insider. The episode explores Burnham's unique political positioning, his 'Manchesterism' approach of business-friendly socialism and devolution, and whether his success in Manchester can translate to Number 10. With polling showing him leading potential Labour leadership candidates by massive margins, the party faces what some call an existential crisis.
- Andy Burnham's Campaign Launch and Political Brand
- The Theory of Manchesterism: Devolution and Power Distribution
Has Labour reignited the Brexit debate by mistake?
May 18, 2026Andy Burnham has ruled out making a Makerfield by-election contest another Brexit referendum. But will it end up being one anyway? The Greater Manchester Mayor has already had to clarify his position ...
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In this episode, The News Agents dive into the Labour Party's Brexit turmoil following Wes Streeting's declaration that he wants Britain to rejoin the EU during his lifetime. The discussion focuses on Andy Burnham's impending by-election in Makerfield, where he must navigate Brexit politics while positioning himself as a potential Prime Minister. The episode also features an extended interview with Jess Phillips, who recently resigned from government over frustrations with the slow pace of child protection legislation, revealing deeper concerns about Keir Starmer's inability to drive through meaningful change.
- Brexit Returns: The EU Debate Reignites
- Makerfield By-Election: A Critical Test
Is Andy Burnham about to become Prime Minister?
May 15, 2026In a week of endless rumours and leadership speculation, Westminster is once again in turmoil - with both everything and nothing seeming to happen at the same time. Yesterday saw the resignation of M...
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In a historic week for British politics, the Labour Party finds itself in turmoil as Andy Burnham secures a path back to Parliament through a by-election in Makerfield. Josh Simons resigned his seat to enable Burnham's candidacy, with Keir Starmer acquiescing despite having blocked similar attempts previously. This sets up an unprecedented by-election where 70,000 voters will effectively choose the next Prime Minister, with Burnham positioned to challenge Starmer's leadership if he wins the Reform-threatened seat.
- The Unprecedented Makerfield By-Election Setup
- The Strategic Challenge of Makerfield
Gabby is joined by rugby legends Ugo Monye and Katy Daley-McLean ahead of Red Roses' Grand Slam decider this weekend - 37 games unbeaten, on the cusp of their 8th Six Nations in a row - does the sport...
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Katie Daly-McLean and Ugo Monye join to discuss the Women's Six Nations finale, where England and France battle for the Grand Slam. The episode explores England's extraordinary 37-match winning streak, their vulnerability due to injuries, and whether the sport needs England to lose for competitive balance. They also debate controversial topics like smaller rugby balls for women and the Southampton 'spygate' scandal.
- Arsenal's Title Challenge and Premier League Pressure
- Southampton 'Spygate' Scandal
Wes Streeting cited the unprecedented local election results and the unpopularity of the government as his reason for resigning as health secretary this lunch time. What he did NOT say was that he was...
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In this episode of The Newsagents, the hosts dissect the dramatic resignation of UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting amid ongoing turmoil within the Labour government. Streeting's departure comes after days of speculation about a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though he ultimately stopped short of formally challenging. The discussion also covers questions about Nigel Farage's financial dealings, including a £1.4 million cash house purchase linked to a £5 million donation from a Thai crypto billionaire.
- Wes Streeting's Resignation Letter and Strategy
- The Failed Leadership Challenge Mathematics
Could Labour's leadership chaos make Ed Miliband PM?
May 13, 2026A key cabinet member, Hilary Benn, was asked this lunch time if Wes Streeting was still the Health Secretary. Astonishingly he said he did not know. Is Streeting about to launch a leadership campaign?...
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The News Agents discuss the escalating political crisis facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Health Secretary Wes Streeting reportedly prepares to resign and trigger a leadership contest. Against the backdrop of the King's Speech, Westminster is consumed by speculation about whether Streeting has the 80 MPs needed to mount a challenge, while Labour's internal tensions threaten to destabilize the government just months after taking power. The episode also covers investigations into Nigel Farage's undeclared £5 million donation and Trump's advice to Starmer.
- The Wes Streeting Question: Will He Resign?
- King's Speech Against Backdrop of Political Chaos
Starmer refuses to go: Crazy? Or courageous?
May 12, 2026Anyone who thought Keir Starmer was about to succumb to pressure from the 80 strong list of MPs who turned against him were in for a shock this morning when they found a PM defiant and refusing to eve...
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This episode captures a pivotal moment in UK politics as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign, with 80+ Labour MPs calling for his departure. Recording at 2pm, the hosts analyze Starmer's defiant refusal to step down despite cabinet turmoil, ministerial resignations, and questions about Health Secretary Wes Streeting's potential leadership challenge. The drama unfolds on the eve of the King's Speech, raising questions about governmental stability and whether Labour can avoid its seventh leadership change since Brexit.
- Starmer's Defiant Stand Against Resignation Calls
- Jess Phillips' Devastating Resignation Letter
Starmer's make or break speech: Will it save him?
May 11, 2026It's always risky when a Prime Minister's speech becomes billed as a 'reset' and 'make or break' but Keir Starmer's address this morning was exactly that. Facing a surprise possible leadership challe...
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The News Agents dissects Keir Starmer's crucial speech to Labour MPs following devastating local election results, where the Prime Minister attempted to save his premiership but left many unconvinced. With over 50 Labour MPs calling for his resignation, the hosts analyze whether Starmer can survive, explore the potential leadership challengers including Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, and feature an explosive interview with London Mayor Sadiq Khan who calls for rejoining the EU single market and customs union.
- Starmer's Make-or-Break Speech Falls Flat
- Historical Context and Leadership Crisis
Election Special: Is it change or die for Labour?
May 08, 2026The morning after elections, political parties send their leaders out to areas where they outperformed expectations to try and sell a narrative about their results, even on the bruising nights. Such ...
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The 2025 UK local elections delivered catastrophic results for Labour, with the party losing hundreds of seats to Reform UK and the Greens in what observers described as less of an election and more of an 'arson attack' on the political establishment. Reform UK emerged as the clear winner with nearly 600 gains, becoming a truly national force for the first time. Labour lost control of councils they'd held for 50 years, bleeding support in both directions - to Reform in the north and Midlands, and to the Greens in urban areas. Despite calls for his resignation, Keir Starmer insisted he would lead Labour into the next election, though his despised status among voters left his position deeply vulnerable.
- Labour's Catastrophic Night and the End of Two-Party Politics
- Reform UK's Breakthrough as a National Force
It’s polling day in elections across Great Britain. Labour is braced for a battering, at the hands of insurgent forces on every side. Birmingham is a microcosm of that picture: an unloved Labour admin...
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This special episode explores Birmingham's chaotic local politics as a microcosm of Britain's political future. With Labour's decade-long control facing collapse amid bankruptcy, bin strikes, and rising crime, the city now faces a multi-party fragmentation including Gaza independents led by controversial figure Ahmed Yacoub, Reform UK, Greens, and traditional parties. The episode argues Birmingham's political chaos—characterized by identity politics, declining services, and insurgent forces filling the vacuum left by ineffective mainstream politics—represents the national trajectory of UK politics in the coming years.
- Birmingham as Britain's Political Future
- Labour's Defensive Position
Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Empire of Pain and Say Nothing, is back asking questions of those in power. His new best-seller investigates the mysterious death of young Zac Brettler in the heart of ...
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Patrick Radden Keefe discusses his book 'London Falling,' which investigates the mysterious 2019 death of 19-year-old Zach Brettler, who fell from a London apartment balcony. The book explores how Zach fabricated an identity as a Russian oligarch's son, the dangerous criminals he encountered, the failures of the Metropolitan Police investigation, and what this reveals about London's transformation through Russian money and the erosion of truth in the 21st century.
- The Mystery of Zach Brettler's Death
- Zach's Dual Life: The Fabricated Russian Oligarch
Donald Trump launched "Project Freedom" over the bank holiday weekend - a "humanitarian gesture", aimed at guaranteeing the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz still stubbornly being co...
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The News Agents analyze the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump declares a 'red, white and blue dome' to protect commercial shipping, while the Iran ceasefire appears to be collapsing. The episode covers rising diplomatic tensions between the US and UK, concerns about anti-Semitism in Britain ahead of local elections, and troubling signs about the independence of Trump's judicial appointments.
- Trump's 'Red, White and Blue Dome' Over the Strait of Hormuz
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves Confronts US Treasury Secretary
In the last weeks, the funding of the Reform party has attracted more and more attention. This is a party which tells us they are heading to Downing street, a party tipped to the top the poll in next ...
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This episode of The News Agents investigates Reform UK's extraordinary financial dependence on a single donor, Thai-based crypto-billionaire Christopher Harbourn, who has given over £12 million to the party and a previously undisclosed £5 million personal gift to Nigel Farage. The investigation reveals concerns about political influence, cryptocurrency interests, and the adequacy of UK political donation rules as Reform positions itself as a potential party of government.
- The Rise of Reform UK and Its Populist Image
- Christopher Harbourn: The Crypto-Billionaire Bankrolling Reform
How Trump's failed war in Iran screwed Britain
Apr 30, 2026The Bank of England Monetary Policy Report might sound like a dry and dusty economic report - and often it is - but today's made for truly shocking reading for Britain. Its analysis shows living stan...
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The News Agents discuss the escalating economic crisis caused by Trump's Iran war, with the Bank of England warning inflation could hit 6% and food prices rising 7%. Despite Trump's claims of military victory, the conflict remains at a stalemate with no clear end in sight, causing global economic devastation. The episode also covers mounting problems with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, from astronomical ticket prices to security demands, and concludes with news of America loosening gun laws despite the recent White House shooting attempt.
- Iran War's Economic Devastation
- The Stalemate with No Exit Strategy
Has antisemitism become a national emergency?
Apr 29, 2026Two men stabbed in broad daylight in Golders Green this morning became the latest victims of what Kemi Badenoch has called a national emergency of antisemitism. The last month has seen multiple attack...
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This episode examines the escalating wave of anti-Semitic attacks in North London, particularly in Golders Green where two people were stabbed in broad daylight. The hosts discuss the pattern of violence against British Jews, the potential Iranian connection, and interview Justice Minister Sarah Sackman about the government's response. The episode also analyzes King Charles III's politically charged speech to US Congress, where he delivered subtle rebukes to Trump on NATO, Ukraine, and executive power, and concludes with coverage of the Trump administration's arrest of former FBI Director James Comey over a seashell photograph.
- Pattern of Anti-Semitic Attacks in London
- Government Response and Political Pressure
Morgan McSweeney was called before MPs to explain HIS version of how Mandelson was hired: was he just finding a great job for a mate? Why hadn’t he responded to all the red flag warnings? Was due proc...
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In this episode, the News Agents examine Morgan McSweeney's testimony before a parliamentary committee about his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. The former chief of staff to Keir Starmer defended his decision-making while notably distancing himself from Mandelson, whom he blamed for not being fully transparent about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The discussion explores whether this was a political mistake that Starmer should have owned, the lack of proper vetting procedures, and the broader concerns about Starmer's leadership style. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer and friend, joins to express frustration with the Prime Minister's inability to admit mistakes and his tendency to blame others, arguing that Starmer needs to be more confident in his instincts and give the party a clear agenda to unite around.
- Morgan McSweeney Breaks His Silence
- The Mandelson Self-Promotion Machine