The Fourcast

Epizodai

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  The HUMILIATION that Farage might NEVER recover from 14.08.2026 27min

  Nigel Farage has secured re-election in the Clacton by-election, but his political gamble to "stick two fingers up to the establishment" hasn’t gone according to plan. With novelty candidate Count Binface as Farage’s primary challenger, the self-described intergalactic space warrior secured nearly 10,000 votes.With Farage's personal favorability ratings dropping and accusations that he skipped the declaration to avoid being "humiliated by nobodies," has the Reform leader’s publicity stunt severely backfired? In this episode of The Fourcast, Alex Thomson speaks to Popular Conservatism director Mark Littlewood, columnist Sonia Sodha, and polling expert Luke Tryl (Reform UK were unable to find anyone from the party to appear on the podcast).They analyse whether Reform UK is losing its political momentum, how the ongoing standards investigation affects Farage's future, and whether Britain's political right is facing a deep crisis of credibility.
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  ‘THIS IS A LAND GRAB’ - Israeli settler West Bank siege explained 13.08.2026 35min

  In the West Bank village of Qusra, Israeli settlers have spent days besieging Palestinian homes, cutting residents off from food and water - an attack even Donald Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has condemned as a “horrific act of terror”. But this incident appears to be part of an escalation of settler violence in the West Bank this year. So can Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, who have at times condemned the violence but have also done so much to embolden settlers, reign it in? Or is the situation spiralling out of control? In a statement, the Israeli military said that soldiers had been deployed in Qusra since Thursday morning to protect residents and maintain security, and "were instructed that the Qusra residents will remain in their homes."The military added that "soldiers will not operate inside the Palestinian family's home located near the site where the tent that was evacuated and dismantled had been erected".On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by former Israeli ambassador to Canada Alan Baker, who was part of a commission set up by Benjamin Netanyahu to investigate the legality of settlements in the West Bank. He was also joined by Palestinian ambassador to Unesco Adel Atieh and Haaretz senior analyst Esther Solomon.
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  The Tories gave us NET ZERO - why have they given up on it? 12.08.2026 23min

  In 2019, Theresa May positioned the UK as a global climate leader by enshrining a legally binding Net Zero target by 2050. Fast forward seven years, and the political landscape on the British Right has transformed dramatically. With Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch proposing to repeal Net Zero targets and Reform UK labeling green policies "net-stupid-zero," the consensus around climate action is fracturing. All this comes as the UK endures repeated heatwaves, droughts, and severe economic impacts—with summer heatwaves costing an estimated £4.4bn in lost productivity alongside thousands of excess deaths. As extreme weather directly threatens agriculture and rural communities, is the Right out of step with voters, or are they tapping into growing cost-of-living concerns?In this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei explores whether Net Zero scepticism is pragmatic economics or climate denial in disguise. Matt is joined by former Energy Minister Graham Stuart MP, Net Zero Scrutiny Group member Lord Peter Lilley, and former NFU President Baroness Minette Batters to debate conservative ideology, economic reality, and the electoral risks facing the Right.
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  Have AIs GONE ROGUE? These cyber experts told us what's behind the recent hackings 10.08.2026 32min

  AI is increasingly being used to find vulnerabilities, exploit networks and carry out cyberattacks - but how autonomous are these systems really?On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei asks whether we are approaching a world where AI agents can conduct cyberattacks with little or no human intervention. Could an AI maintain access to a network, evade attempts to shut it down or even copy itself?Matt is joined by AI safety expert and author of Considerations on the AI Endgame, Dr Roman V. Yampolskiy, and Katie Moussouris, founder and CEO of Luta Security and a former contributor to the US government's ‘Hack the Pentagon’ programme.They discuss the latest AI hacking incidents, whether governments need tougher regulation, who should be responsible when AI causes harm, and whether AI could ultimately become both the biggest cyber threat - and the best defence against it.
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  ‘PUTIN’S NIGHTMARE’: how Ukraine can deliver ‘KILLER BLOW’ in Russia war | The Fourcast: Indicators 06.08.2026 34min

  The war in Ukraine appears to have entered a new phase, as Kyiv has launched increasingly ambitious long-range strikes deep inside Russia, put mounting pressure on Crimea and sought to bring the war closer to ordinary Russians and Vladimir Putin. But now the Kremlin is hitting back hard. In a missile attack on Kyiv this week, at least 17 people were killed. Now there’s reports of a Ukrainian plane in Leipzig, Germany, being targeted by an explosive-laden drone. It’s not clear who was behind the attack but reporting suggests it could be Russia. So are we witnessing a dangerous new phase of escalation? On this episode of the Fourcast Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban are joined by economist Timothy Ash from Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia programme.
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  Farage’s ratings PLUMMET: What’s going on with Reform? 05.08.2026 34min

  Just a few months ago, Nigel Farage and Reform UK looked unstoppable. After sweeping the local elections and topping opinion polls, many believed Reform was on course for government. But has the momentum already begun to fade?A string of controversies - including police investigations, questions over party finances, and a £5 million donation from a Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire - has put Reform under growing pressure. With the party slipping in the polls, are these scandals finally cutting through with voters, or is this just another setback Farage will survive?On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Tim Ross from Politico, former Reform UK spokesperson Gawain Towler and Labour strategist Claire Ainsley to examine what's gone wrong for Reform, whether Andy Burnham has given Labour a route back to power, why the Greens are also losing ground, and what the latest polling tells us about the future of British politics.
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  Moroccan Migrant incident: Why the right say UK could be invaded  03.08.2026 41min

  After around 50,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta, far-right politicians across Europe quickly branded the events an "invasion." But with most migrants already returning to Morocco and UK illegal boat crossings dropping to a five-year low—down 43% compared to 2025—what is actually driving the debate around European border control?On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Director of the Migration Observatory Madeleine Sumption, Director of Politics at Ipsos Keiran Pedley, and Austrian migration expert Gerald Knaus.They discuss whether the incident in Ceuta could drive a new surge for the far-right across Europe, how the UK could be affected and if immigration is still the hot topic for voters.
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  Will Gianni Infantino RESIGN over his botched World Cup deal? 31.07.2026 30min

  Despite his job seemingly looking assured just a few weeks ago, Gianni Infantino’s position as President of FIFA is now in jeopardy.With the footballing federations of Europe, North America and Asia all rejecting Infantino’s plans to sell off part of the World Cup to private investors, pressure is piling on Infantino. Even the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Infantino is the “wrong man” to lead FIFA.On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Channel 4’s Sports Reporter, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, as well as Abiola Ijasanmi the former Chief Operating Officer from the Confederation of African Football.They discuss whether Infantino has badly mis-read the situation and - could he actually could be forced out of this job?
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  The ROAD TO WWIII? The Iran war escalates | The Fourcast Indicators 30.07.2026 40min

  The war between the United States and Iran has spread across the Middle East. Fresh strikes in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt, alongside escalating Houthi attacks on international shipping, have raised fears that the region is entering a dangerous new phase. With Washington intensifying its military campaign and Iran relying on its network of allied militias, is this becoming a wider regional war?On this episode of The Fourcast: Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban are joined by Professor Madawi al-Rasheed from the London School of Economics Middle East Centre. They discuss why the Houthis are stepping up attacks, whether Saudi Arabia is being pulled into the fighting despite its efforts to avoid it, how Iraqi militias could become a new flashpoint, and whether the US has a long-term strategy, or is being drawn into another prolonged Middle East war.Is there still a path to de-escalation, or are we witnessing the beginning of a conflict that could engulf the wider region?
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  Why has EVERYONE FAILED to fix social care? 29.07.2026 38min

  Social care is the thorny issue which politicians have failed to solve for decades.Today though, the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham put it back on the political agenda as he called for a ‘National Care Service’, saying that social care in the UK is “as unfair” as the healthcare system in the US.On this week’s episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by the former Conservative Work and Pensions Secretary Damien Green, Professor Richard Humphries who is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Health Foundation and the Liberal Democrat MP and Chair of the Health Select Committee Layla Moran. They discuss why the current system is not fit for purpose, why previous efforts at reform have failed and whether Andy Burnham could be the one to finally solve it.
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  European wildfires RAGE: Are politicians fanning the flames? 27.07.2026 33min

  As thousands of people are forced to flee their homes amid devastating wildfires in France, Spain and Scotland, the climate emergency seems closer to people’s lives than ever.Despite this, governments around the world are seemingly rolling back their efforts to end the fossil fuel pollution that is driving the climate emergency.On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by environmentalist George Monbiot,  Professor Liz Bentley from the Royal Meteorological Society and Fiona Macklin, Head of Climate at Apolitical.They discuss what it will take to finally get politicians to start taking global heating  seriously. And whether even when disaster is staring us in the face, if we as a people are really ready to make the changes necessary?
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  ZOMBIE TARIFFS: Why Trump’s favourite idea won’t go away 24.07.2026 34min

  Months after many of his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs were declared illegal by the Supreme Court, Donald Trump has announced a fresh wave of tariffs against dozens of countries.This time, using the allegation of “forced labour” by America’s trading partners, Trump is hoping his new tariffs will be less open to challenge in the courts.But what will the impact be on American consumers already hit hard by the war in Iran? And can anyone take Trump’s trade policy seriously, when it can all change in an instant?On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Australian-American economist Justin Wolfers, as well as Financial Times columnist and co-author of the book How to Win a Trade War, Soumaya Keynes.
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  Could Trump deal lead to Saudi NUKES? 23.07.2026 29min

  The US and Saudi Arabia have reportedly signed a landmark deal that could pave the way for a Saudi nuclear programme, sparking fears it could eventually allow the Gulf kingdom to develop its own nuclear weapon.President Donald Trump has denied that the agreement permits Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, and says any deal is dependent on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and recognising Israel, a move many experts say remains unlikely.Meanwhile, tensions in the region have escalated after Houthi attacks on Saudi ships in the Bab el Mandab strait pushed oil prices higher. Trump has warned that further attacks could trigger “major military punishment” against Iran and the Houthis.On this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Channel 4 News foreign affairs correspondent Jonathan Rugman to examine the US-Saudi nuclear deal, the growing confrontation with the Houthis, and what it means for the future of the Middle East.
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  Zelenskyy SACKS top general - is this Ukraine's BIGGEST WARTIME CRISIS? | The Fourcast Indicators 22.07.2026 35min

  Why has Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled Ukraine's military leadership at a crucial moment in the war against Russia?As Kyiv ramps up its long-range drone campaign deep inside Russia, Ukraine's president has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the country's armed forces. Supporters say he's the innovative commander Ukraine needs for the next phase of the conflict—but why make such a significant change when the war appears to be swinging in Ukraine's favour?On this episode of The Fourcast: Indicators, Matt Frei and Mark Urban examine what Zelenskyy's military shake-up signals, whether Ukraine is rewriting the rules of modern warfare, and if drones can continue to shift the balance against Russia. They're joined by Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, to discuss the challenges facing Kyiv, what Vladimir Putin may do next, and the wider security picture, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the emerging US-Saudi nuclear agreement.
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  How RADICAL will Andy Burnham be on the economy? 20.07.2026 30min

  Andy Burnham is Britain's new prime minister.On his first day in Downing Street, he promised the biggest changes to Britain in 40 years, unveiled his vision for government and began assembling his cabinet. But what do those first decisions tell us about the kind of Prime Minister he wants to be?In this episode of The Fourcast, Anushka Asthana examines Burnham's first speech and the challenges waiting in his in-tray. Can he rebuild trust in politics? How different is ‘Burnhamism’ from the Starmer years? And with Britain's public finances under huge pressure, can he improve living standards without returning to austerity or breaking Labour's tax promises?Joining Anushka today are Neal Lawson, a close ally of Burnham’s who co-founded the influential left wing group Compass, political strategist Peter Hyman, who was at the heart of the Downing Street operation in the Blair years and a senior adviser to Keir Starmer in opposition, and Political Editor at the i Paper, Caroline Wheeler. 
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  Trump-Infantino: is this the World Cup that BROKE FIFA? 17.07.2026 34min

  The World Cup final is here. But could this tournament be remembered more for its politics than its football - from Donald Trump's travel restrictions, to soaring ticket prices and growing criticism of FIFA's relationship with the White House, controversy has followed this World Cup from the very beginning.At the centre of it all is FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Once elected promising to clean up football's governing body after the Sepp Blatter era, he's now facing mounting criticism from across the game. So, has Infantino gone too far? Could his grip on FIFA finally be weakening? Or is he more powerful than ever?On this episode of The Fourcast, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan is joined by broadcaster and football journalist Kate Mason and Carl Anka from the Athletic.
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  Iran war oil shock: world economy on brink of something ‘EVEN WORSE’ 14.07.2026 33min

  President Donald Trump has U-turned on his threat to charge cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as much as 20% - but the US and Iran have continued trading strikes as Trump has told the US Congress that war has resumed. So, can the US gain the upper hand? Will more US bombs and bullets really help? And has this whole episode proven that the memorandum of understanding, which was meant to end the conflict, was destined to fail.In this episode of The Fourcast Indicators, presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Defence and Intelligence Analyst, Mark Urban are joined by former US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, who is now a senior fellow at The Foundation for Defence of Democracies.
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  ‘OUR ECONOMY WILL COLLAPSE’- why Britain’s heatwaves are going to get worse 13.07.2026 41min

  Britain is getting hotter. But is the country ready?After another record-breaking heatwave, experts estimate that thousands of excess deaths may already have been linked to the extreme temperatures. From overheating homes and buckling railways to schools, hospitals and reservoirs struggling to cope, questions are growing over whether Britain's infrastructure was ever designed for the climate it's now facing.On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy asks why the UK remains so unprepared for extreme heat, what climate adaptation should actually look like, and whether the debate around Net Zero has become more political than practical.He's joined by Professor Rebecca Willis from the University of Manchester, environmental lawyer and Uplift Executive Director Tessa Khan, and architect Smith Mordak to discuss how Britain can prepare for a warmer future and whether the country is running out of time.
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  Tom Holland and Christopher Nolan on recreating The Odyssey 09.07.2026 37min

  Christopher Nolan’s newest blockbuster film The Odyssey, with a star-studded line up including Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland, hits the cinemas next week, and it’s already causing a stir. But what is the film really about? On this episode of the Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy sat down with Christopher Nolan and Tom Holland and explored the themes of revenge, the hero’s journey, homecoming, and asked how the Greek concept of Zeus’s law could be linked to the debate around immigration today. Later Krishnan spoke to classicist Edith Hall to delve deeper into the epic tale.
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  Trump says he’ll HIT IRAN HARD TONIGHT after ceasefire collapses 08.07.2026 34min

  Donald Trump says the ceasefire is over. After fresh US strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on American military bases in the Gulf, hopes that the conflict was winding down have been thrown into doubt. Trump has declared he no longer wants to negotiate with Tehran, raising fears that the Middle East could be entering a dangerous new phase.So what do these latest attacks tell us? Is diplomacy finished? Could Israel escalate its military campaign? And what does renewed instability mean for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the wider global economy?On this episode of the Fourcast Indicators Krishnan Guru-Murthy is joined by defence and intelligence analyst Mark Urban and also speaks to Hossein Kanani Moghaddam, founder of the Green Party of Iran and a former senior IRGC commander, to discuss Iran's response, the future of the regime, and whether there is any route back to diplomacy.