The News Agents
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: GlobalStudiosSales@global.com You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
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Episodes
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Could Andy Burnham be the most important PM since Thatcher?
Friday, 24 July 2026
There's been a flurry of policy announcements in Andy Burnham's first week as PM - but there is something more significant in the words he has been using to describe his mission. He's talked about reversing forty years of neoliberalism, about re-industrialising Britain, ending trickle down economics - fundamentally reshaping the British State and its driving purpose.He promised, on the steps of Downing Street, to be a "circuit breaker", delivering the biggest change to the country since Thatcher. It's big talk - and the stakes are high. But how can he put that into action? How can he demons...
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Are Farage and Polanski already yesterday's men?
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Whisper it quietly - but are we witnessing the strange rebirth of good, old-fashioned two party politics?Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch are now the only party leaders with net approval ratings among the public. Labour and the Tories are both within touching distance of Farage's Reform in a number of polls. Burnham has had a strong first week, and he and Badenoch are dominating the political airwaves at the moment in a classic row around tax and the State.Nigel Farage's £5m donation and Claction by-election backfire seems to have taken the wind out of his sails. Zack Polanski too has struggl...
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Xavi Simons: TRUTH about Barcelona, the original WONDERKID & Why Spurs feel different - The Sports Agents
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Spurs & Netherlands star Xavi Simons sits down with Gabby for an exclusive, in depth interview.As he recovers from the ACL injury which robbed him of a place at the World Cup, Xavi opens up on the pressures of being a 12-year-old social media star watched by millions of followers, growing up without a father, and the truth behind his controversial exit from Barcelona at just 16 years old.Xavi reveals all about his extraordinary footballing life, a life spent alongside Mbappe, Messi & Neymar, a life of incredible highs and bruising lows, one which led him from La Masia to London and the Prem...
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HackGPT: How AI escaped the lab and went rogue
Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Have we just crossed the AI Rubicon? OpenAI has revealed that one of its models was involved in an "unprecedented cyber incident". One of its AI programs escaped a controlled testing environment, got onto the internet, and hacked into another AI start up without being asked to do so.It's caused shockwaves in the tech industry - are we losing control of the AI we create? And whart should we make of OpenAI's admission that this type of incident is likely to become "more commonplace". We speak to LBC's tech correspondent Will Guyatt.Later, Andy Burnham's bus pledge lands well but there are loo...
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Burnham's bloodbath of the Starmerites
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Andy Burnham has gathered his cabinet, with several prominent Starmer allies shown the door and Burnham loyalists taking their place around the table. The cost of living is to be the defining mission of his premiership - announcing a cut to VAT on energy bills as his first major policy and a scrapping of Starmer's digital ID scheme to pay for it. But Former Chief Secretary to Starmer, Darren Jones, was quick to point out that the scheme itself was unfunded, highlighting the tough choices to come for Burnham's new Chancellor John Healey.Does his intervention speak to a wider disgruntlement a...
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Prime Minister Burnham - Labour's last hope?
Monday, 20 July 2026
This week started like so many others - with a brand new British Prime Minister. At least Andy Burnham had the grace to acknowledge the speed with which this keeps happening, as he promised to end the circus (ie. stay longer in the job).As the afternoon drew to a close we still had no clear idea of the shape of his cabinet - only those being sacked from it. It could signal a leak-proof government - or does it speak to difficulties in getting the right people to accept their new roles? All should be revealed shortly. One thing is for sure, Labour is praying that Burnham gets this right. Ther...
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Why Starmer failed - and what Burnham needs to get right
Friday, 17 July 2026
On the day that Keir Starmer prepares to hand over the reins to the King of the North, Westminster is still reeling from the murder of Ann Widdecombe. This Friday, Jon sits down with Labour MP Sarah Sackman, a close friend and ally of Starmer, to reflect on his legacy and the mistakes that defined his premiership.What does Andy Burnham need to do to get Labour back on track? And has politics in Britain become too dangerous for those who serve in public life?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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Did Thomas Tuchel cost England a World Cup Final? - The Sports Agents
Thursday, 16 July 2026
With Gabby & Mark being shuttled around the USA (first class), Nedum Onuoha takes the reins of today’s show alongside football writer Julien Laurens and it’s explosive!The boys pull no punches after England’s abject surrender against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Julien's explains why he thinks England have a "loser’s generation” and Nedum reveals why head coach Thomas Tuchel is to blame for their collapse after going 1-0 up.Elsewhere there’s a World Cup Final to look forward to and Spanish author Guillem Balague joins the boys to discuss where it all went right for Spain ahead of ...
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Will Argentina be punished for their Falklands stunt?
Thursday, 16 July 2026
The last minute defeat by Argentina was a hard cross to bear if you’re an England fan. But what happened afterwards propelled the game into a whole different sphere. Argentine players paraded a banner that fans threw onto the pitch calling for Las Malvinas to be returned to Argentina.It is a highly political message. The kind FIFA is normally quick to ban. But at the time of writing FIFA has said nothing. Why? And what happens when politicians get in on the act too?Later, Keir Starmer flies into Kyiv as protests break out on the streets of Ukraine. Zelenskyy has just fired a highly popular ...
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Starmer hands the torch to Burnham - does he have a plan?
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
There were tears, there was gags, there were plenty of World Cup references. Keir Starmer's final PMQs had something of the last day of school about it as he and Kemi Badenoch shared some rare bonhomie and Starmer reflected on his time in No 10.Tributes to Ann Widdecombe were paid at the start of Starmer's last trip to the Chamber, and there was a rare friendly atmosphere in parliament with MPs clearly keen to show that there is common ground despite the weekly mudslinging.Will some Labour MPs be wondering why they've just sacked the man they stood to applause? Will normal service resume at...
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Gary Lineker on the most toxic rivalry on Earth
Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Maradonna's 'Hand of God'. The Falklands war. The Beckham hissy fit. The religion of Messi. The backdrop to tomorrow's World Cup semi-final is steeped in intensity and passion - so much so that the FBI has judged it to be the highest risk match of the tournament. Just how much is riding on tomorrow’s game - and how do the geopolitics of our two nations affect what happens on the pitch? We speak to Gary Lineker who was playing for England against Maradonna in that game, Peter Frankopan - just back from the Falklands - who takes us through the historic rivalries of our countries, and Andy Mit...
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Was Ann Widdecombe the victim of a political assassination?
Monday, 13 July 2026
The murder of Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through Westminster and beyond. News came today that counter terror police have now taken over the investigation following "new information and evidence". So what has changed? What have detectives found? And how do police steer the fine line between informing the public and telling us too much too soon? We talk to the host of the Crime Agents podcast, Andy Hughes.Later, how does this feel if you’re a highly visible MP? Does the relationship between the public and our politicians have to change? And what part, if any, should political donation...
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Bridget Phillipson: "Spiteful class warrior" and proud
Friday, 10 July 2026
Recently, the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, has seemed particularly exercised by one woman on Labour's front bench. Yes, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and one of Keir Starmer's closest allies, has become something of an obsession for the Leader of the Opposition. Interviews come and interviews go, yet somehow Badenoch always seems to find a way to bring Phillipson into the conversation.Much of the hostility stems from Phillipson's determination to impose VAT on private school fees, a policy she has defended without apology. For that, Badenoch has branded her a "spiteful class wa...
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The day Infantino & Trump BROKE the World Cup - The Sports Agents
Thursday, 9 July 2026
Can Gianni Infantino survive his friendship with Donald Trump?The presidents of both FIFA and the USA have been busy this week ensuring that USA could field top scorer Folarin Balogun in their Quarter-final match against Belgium.Trump’s incredible intervention into football has rocked the sport and left FIFA’s credibility in tatters - particularly after England defender Jarell Quansah’s own red card ban is extended - is it one rule for Trump’s team and another for the everyone else?As FIFA stands accused of losing control of their own World Cup, and world leaders begin to ask questions, how...
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Is Nigel Farage's career unravelling before our eyes?
Thursday, 9 July 2026
The bad news isn't stopping for Reform and Nigel Farage. He's facing fresh questions about the timeline surrounding the £5m gift from a crypto billionaire. The police are investigating a separate donation made to Robert Jenrick (who has described the claims as a politically motivated smear). The party has urged volunteers to divert from the Greater Manchester mayoral contest - in an effort to shore up Nigel Farage in a contest against a bin that he himself has triggered.Just a few days ago, Farage thought his by-election gamble would put the focus squarely on him and pit his as a champion o...
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Farage vs Binface: How Nigel humiliated himself
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Within hours of the Farage resignation statement all the main parties made it clear they would not be fighting his by-election and called the whole attempt a gimmick. Unity amongst the parties is a rare beast indeed - but they've all found their common enemy in a man who appears to resist transparency or accountability. What happens to the Clacton circus now? And more pressingly, what is the process for parliamentary scrutiny if the enquiry is temporarily suspended for a campaign? We ask anti-corruption campaigner and Kensington MP Joe Powell to explain the charges and the investigations no...
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The temper tantrum that triggered Farage's by-election
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Nigel Farage says he's "never been angrier in his life". He's accusing the media of intimidating his family. He's claimed standards are being weaponised to go after him. And for that, he's asking the people of Clacton to stomach a by-election and re-elect him as their MP. Farage is framing it as a 'People vs The Establishment' contest - but is it more of a smokescreen to move the conversation away from the growing questions around his finances?Will the gamble work? And will it actually solve anything for Farage - or is this a Trumpian tactic taken from a point of weakness?The News Agents is...
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Has Trump just trashed his own World Cup?
Monday, 6 July 2026
Jon has woken up in Mexico City with a fever dream about an epic England win and a football shirt covered in beer and tequila. Elsewhere the game doesn’t feel quite so beautiful - after it emerged that Trump's political meddling got a red card overturned for US player, Folarin Balogun.Why did the FIFA president cave to Trump's swagger and pressure? How has it left the players feeling as they head into the next stages? And what does it tell us about Trumps tendency towards tyranny as America celebrates its 250 years of independence?Later, why is Nigel Farage called “daddy“ by a convicted cri...
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Why everything you feared about Trump is true
Friday, 3 July 2026
It feels different this time around. Donald Trump's second term is more ferocious, more feral, more imperial. There are two chroniclers of the Court of Trump who know this better than anyone. And they have just published 'Regime Change' - the authoritative account of the White House under Trump 2.0.Their access is remarkable. Inside accounts of the discussions, arguments, and fawning taking place inside the incredibly small circle of people truly in Trump's orbit. Trump has slated the book as a "Fake News...Con Job!". Its contents have led to calls for inquiries and subpoenas.As America cel...
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What makes Mexico 'INVINCIBLE' at the Azteca & Maresca's Man City - The Sports Agents
Thursday, 2 July 2026
After Harry Kane got them out of jail against DR Congo, Nedum believes this is the start of a glorious run for England at the FIFA World Cup.It’s Mexico next at the iconic Azteca stadium, altitude, pollution, and an army of noisy fans await. Nedum & Gabby discuss performing at altitude, Mexican welcoming committees and what makes this the “hardest game that can be played at this tournament”Elsewhere the guys reveal new Man City manager Enzo Maresca’s coaching philosophy - with insights from Guillem Balague - and they talk Nottingham Forest too, who have just sacked their 4th manager in a ye...
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Why can’t Nigel Farage be clear about his finances?
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Nigel Farage has become the face of Direct Bullion. Not a surprise to those of you buying gold, perhaps, but it probably is to those who don’t. And it earned him £270,000 in the process.He’s also amassed a five-house property portfolio (three undeclared) and then there’s the small matter of the 5 million crypto donation. Again undeclared.How is this sitting with a man who voted against the Employment Rights Act and wants to scrap the current minimum wage? Is it hurting Reform UK? Or is it just confirming he's as a maverick politician who can get away with stuff that others can’t?Later, Luke...
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Is Starmer trying to screw Burnham before he even starts?
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Everyone understands the need to leave on a high - whether it’s Prime Ministerial legacy or a sense of completing the job.But the new defence investment plan that Starmer's signed off leaves Burnham with an unexploded bomb in the shape of a five billion pound debt.Does Burnham stick to the plan? Or does he rip it up? And how does he fill the hole if he goes along with it?We ask TUC secretary general Paul Nowak what unions want from a Burnham premiership.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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Exclusive: The whistleblower silenced by Facebook hits back
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
How do you interview someone who’s been gagged? That’s the task we set ourselves on today’s episode. Sarah Wynn-Williams - a former Facebook executive turned whistleblower author - is not allowed to talk about Facebook, or her book, Careless People. She’s not allowed to.She’s not even allowed to discuss the lawsuit that’s been slapped on her. Or how she’s finally responded with one of her own.This is her story - told by another woman who knows how silence can be used to control and intimidate - Amy Wallace.A spokesperson for Meta has said, "This former employee is trying to use the legal pr...
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Can Andy Burnham's revolution fix Britain?
Monday, 29 June 2026
Andy Burnham has made his first prime ministerial speech to the nation, even though he’s not yet PM. He spoke of the need for a "circuit break". Handing power back to people locally. Taking it away from Westminster. It was dynamic, bold and it was energising. But is Britain ready for electric shock therapy? And how does devolution not end up with badly run parts of the country becoming even worse off?Later, what state is the Reform party in? Could they survive without Farage if he went? And would any of this hasten a general election?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is...
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Q&A special: Burnham's coup, his future cabinet and "duplicitous" colleagues
Friday, 26 June 2026
On the week of Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister, Jon and Lewis host a special Q&A edition of The News Agents, answering the questions you have about the future of the country.How will Andy Burnham's cabinet take shape? What will his policies look like? And is he surrounded by "duplicitous" colleagues?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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How Pochettino convinced USA they can win the World Cup - The Sports Agents
Thursday, 25 June 2026
After Scotland’s humbling at the hands of Brazil, Mark has his say on FIFA’s “crap way to qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup”...Former USMNT, Spurs & Aston Villa Goalkeeper Brad Friedel joins Gabby & Mark to talk about the sporting miracle which is inspiring Mauricio Pochettino and his USA team’s belief that they can go all the way at their home world cup.And with qualifiers set to end today, we meet Wimbledon wildcard Marcus Willis to talk about the gruelling realities of qualifying for the big slams if you’re a player outside the top 50.📩 Got a question for The Sports Agents? ...
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How will Burnham deal with Trump?
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Overnight, President Trump offered his first slither of a thought on the incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, calling him “extremely liberal" and a mayor of a "town” - which - arguably could have been much worse.Does Burnham need to put his relationship with Trump centre stage? Or just ignore him? Will Trump be as relevant to Burnham as he was to Starmer?Later, has the water closed over the Starmer premiership without a ripple? Why have we moved on so quickly? Are we in danger of turning the office of prime minister into a pop up shop?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://...
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Is Kemi Badenoch too brutal for her own good?
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Kemi Badenoch looked like - not for the first time - she was going to make the Chancellor cry in the Commons today. She accused her of treachery and betrayal in her behaviour towards the PM. Badenoch then turned her sights on Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, and accused her of being a spiteful class warrior. Why was the Tory leader so vicious in her seeing off of Keir Starmer and his team? Is this the result of being terminally online? Is it a reflection of a more authentic politics? And if the public disapprove of this discourse why has her popularity seemingly improved?Later, ...
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What will Burnham's Britain actually look like?
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
You’re going to hear from a staunch Burnham ally today - a blunt speaking man at the heart of his last leadership campaign - and an MP who recently lost the whip from Keir Starmer.Can Karl Turner tell us what Andy Burnham thinks? And what he wants to do? And isn’t there hypocrisy in anointing another leader without going to the country first?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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Starmer resigns - is Burnham unstoppable?
Monday, 22 June 2026
And just like that, Keir Starmer became the sixth British prime minister to resign in ten years - triggering a leadership contest it’s increasingly likely no one will enter. Wes Streeting has pulled out of the race. Andy Burnham is arriving at Parliament where he will be sworn in as MP. If there is no challenger, he could be PM in just over two weeks' time. Is this the most perfect heist in political history? Does Starmer have a right to feel aggrieved? And does Burnham have an actual plan?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc...
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Could Andy Burnham be the most important PM since Thatcher?
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AmericastThe anti DEI MAGA activist Christopher Rufo