Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Epizodai

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  Kemi Predicts an Early Election 02.10.2026 34min

  Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins, who returns on Monday. Kemi Badenoch has predicted Andy Burnham could call a general election as early as May of next year.Jonathan Haslam, former director of communications at No.10, joins to give his thoughts on who might win, and whether the prime minister has blown his chances of being elected with his stance on the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Lags On the Loose 01.10.2026 40min

  Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins. As Labour’s early release scheme begins, campaigners warn that victims will be left living in fear if adequate protections are not put in place. Former prison governor Vanessa Frake and rape survivor Jade Belgrove join Charlie to criticise the scheme. In other news, Andy Burnham has said a second Brexit referendum is an option for the UK. David Campbell Bannerman, former Conservative MEP, joins the show to slam the idea. And finally Sally Jones, former BBC presenter, and Caroline Dinenage, chair of the DCMS, give their thoughts on the future of the licence fee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham Says Re-Joining The EU Is 'On The Table' 30.09.2026 28min

  Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins. In his speech to Labour Party Conference yesterday, Andy Burnham announced a major review of the UK’s long term relationship with the EU. Today he said all options were on the table, including re-joining the bloc. Fraser Myers, deputy editor of Spiked Online, and Lance Forman, former Brexit MEP, join the show for analysis. In other news, watchdogs have warned that stalkers are being freed on bail despite repeatedly breaching their tagging orders. Danny Shaw, police and crime commentator, joins to discuss the worrying figures as Labour’s early release scheme is set to begin tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham Betrays Brexit & Vows to Scrap Triple Lock 29.09.2026 28min

  Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins as the Labour Party Conference gets into full swing.Following Andy Burnham’s headline-grabbing, lectern-free speech, Benedict Spence, Sebastian Salek, Matt Vickers and Richard Tice share their reactions and analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  RAF Fairford Under Threat 28.09.2026 36min

  Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins. Police are investigating an incident outside RAF Fairford after five men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences on Sunday. Charlie is joined by Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former British Army colonel, who says the unfolding events should be a very uncomfortable wake-up call. Meanwhile, the Labour Party Conference is well under way in Liverpool, and Ryan Shorthouse from Bright Blue joins to comment on Chancellor John Healey's speech.Finally, Fred de Fossard, Director of Strategy at Prosperity Institute, blasts Sadiq Khan's demands that Burnham launch an immediate push for Britain to rejoin the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Heading for an Early Election? 25.09.2026 27min

  Duncan Barkes sits in for Ian Collins. Downing Street advisers are reportedly pushing for an early general election, while Kemi Badenoch is putting the Conservatives on notice for a possible election within months. Steve N Allen, Comedian & Broadcaster, joins us to ask whether Britain could be heading back to the polls sooner than expected.Kevin Schofield, Political Editor at HuffPost UK, joins the debate over the Government’s election strategy, the Conservatives’ preparations and whether Keir Starmer’s position is becoming increasingly difficult.We also examine Andy Burnham’s response to the continuing small-boat crisis, including his claim that the “only thing to do is to get numbers down”, alongside criticism from Nigel Farage that the Mayor is simply “dithering and waffling”. With more than 83,000 small-boat arrivals since the last general election, the number of arrivals has now surpassed the strength of the regular British Army.Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council and Reform UK Councillor for Maidstone South East, joins us to discuss the impact of the Channel crossings on Kent, the Government’s immigration policy and whether Britain is facing a national emergency.Cllr Adrian Pascu-Tulbure, Conservative Councillor for Parsons Green and Sandford and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Hammersmith and Fulham, joins us after fury over reports that Abu Hamza’s former family home in west London received a £70,000 taxpayer-funded refurbishment. We ask how such spending can be justified and who should ultimately foot the bill.We also look at the political row over Burnham being photographed running past a homeless man, and the wider debate over Labour’s record on homelessness, immigration and public services.Early election, general election, Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, Conservatives, Labour, Andy Burnham, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, immigration, small boats, Channel crossings, Kent, Abu Hamza, taxpayers, British politics, homelessness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Britain, Europe or America: Where Does Our Future Lie? 23.09.2026 30min

  As Andy Burnham opens the door to Britain potentially rejoining the EU, we ask whether the UK’s relationship with Europe is becoming more important than the Special Relationship with America.Matthew Bryza, former White House Official, and Mike Galsworthy, Chair of the European Movement UK, debate Britain’s future between the US and EU, the strength of the Special Relationship and whether Brexit is really being reversed.We also ask a more fundamental question: what makes someone English? Montgomery Toms, Founder of Freedom Watch GB, joins us to discuss English identity, patriotism and what it means to belong to England today.And Ben Habib, Chairman of Great British PAC, joins us after a packed migrant dinghy made the 38-hour journey from Normandy to the UK under French naval escort. We examine the latest Channel crossing, protests following the arrival and the wider debate over illegal migration — as an anti-migrant activist is accused of slashing a dinghy while a rescuer was still on board.Andy Burnham, EU, Brexit, rejoining the EU, Special Relationship, America, European Union, English identity, immigration, Channel crossings, migrant boats, France, British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Would You Tactically Vote to Stop the Left? 22.09.2026 40min

  With the next election already shaping the political battle lines, could tactical voting be the key to stopping the left? David Wooding, Columnist at The Sun, joins us to discuss a new poll suggesting Restore Britain could damage Reform’s election hopes — and whether voters on the right will put party loyalty aside to defeat Labour.We also examine Britain’s growing welfare bill, with official figures showing one in five working-age adults are now receiving Universal Credit. David Wooding and Charlie Rowley, former Conservative Special Adviser, discuss the rise in benefit claims and what it says about work, welfare and the state of the economy.New analysis has also found ADHD and autism benefit claims rising fastest in some of England’s wealthiest areas. We debate what is driving the increase and whether the benefits system is being stretched beyond its original purpose.Charlie Rowley also joins us to discuss the latest Channel crossings, after an unescorted dinghy reportedly evaded Border Force and landed at Folkestone, with several migrants allegedly fleeing before police arrived. We examine claims that the Government is losing control of the Channel and why £222 million in fines against firms accused of employing illegal migrants remains uncollected.Tactical voting, Reform UK, Restore Britain, Labour, Conservatives, Universal Credit, welfare, ADHD, autism, immigration, Channel crossings, Border Force, illegal immigration, Home Office, British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Andy Burnham Planning a Tax Raid? 21.09.2026 28min

  Andy Burnham is reportedly considering an early election as he looks for a mandate for higher taxes, with claims of growing concern over the state of the public finances. We examine proposals for a potential £14 billion capital gains tax increase and what higher taxes could mean for businesses, investors and households.Andrew Allison, Head of Campaigns at Popular Conservatism, Dale Vince, Founder of Ecotricity and a Labour donor, and Kevin Byrne OBE, Founder of Checkatrade, join the debate over Burnham’s tax plans, the economy and the future direction of British politics.We also examine the latest figures showing migrant households receiving a record £12 billion in Universal Credit. Guy Dampier, Senior Researcher on Nationhood at the Prosperity Institute, discusses immigration, benefits and the impact of migrant households on Britain’s welfare system.Andy Burnham, capital gains tax, Labour, early election, public finances, UK economy, taxation, Universal Credit, migrant households, benefits, immigration, British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Would you ever vote Tory again? 18.09.2026 30min

  With the Conservatives struggling to rebuild after years of electoral turmoil, Oscar Reddrop, former No.10 Adviser, joins us to ask whether the party can claw its way back — and whether there is still a future for the Tories as the right of British politics fragments.We look at Andy Burnham’s continued popularity, whether other parties can seriously challenge Labour, and whether the Conservatives and Reform could ever unite the right. We also examine claims that Burnham has borrowed policies from Keir Starmer’s previous survival plan, despite promising a “new path for Britain”.Giles Dilnot, Editor of ConservativeHome, joins the debate on the future of the Conservative Party, Burnham’s political appeal and what the Tories need to do to win back voters.And with Burnham reaffirming his commitment to reaching net zero by 2050, Ben Pile, Co-Founder of Climate Debate UK, examines the future of Britain’s net zero strategy and whether the economic and environmental case for the policy stands up.Conservatives, Tory Party, Reform UK, Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, Labour, British politics, unite the right, net zero, climate policy, Conservative Party, UK politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Piddington: Is This the Turning Point on Migration? 15.09.2026 23min

  Piddington: Is this the turning point on migration? Villagers in Piddington are mounting a growing revolt over plans to house migrants in their community, with campaigners warning that the fightback could spread across the country. Reform and the Conservatives have backed calls for a local referendum, while residents are demanding answers over the impact of migrant accommodation on their communities.Charlie Rowley, former Conservative Special Adviser, joins us to discuss the growing anger in Piddington and whether this could mark a wider turning point in Britain’s immigration debate.Joy Morrissey MP, Shadow Minister for Women & Equalities, examines concerns raised by local women about the proposed migrant camp, including claims that female Labour MPs have failed to respond to residents asking for help. Should women living near migrant accommodation have greater protection and a stronger voice in decisions affecting their communities?We also discuss whether the Piddington campaign could become a national movement, and what it means for Reform, the Conservatives, Labour and the future of Britain’s asylum policy.Finally, Alan Miller, co-founder of the Together Declaration, joins us to discuss proposals for digital ID checks for pubgoers buying alcohol. Would digital ID make the system safer, or is Britain heading towards unnecessary surveillance and restrictions on everyday life?Piddington, migrant camps, immigration, asylum seekers, migrant accommodation, Reform UK, Conservatives, Labour, women’s safety, ECHR, digital ID, pubs, alcohol and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Reform Party Conference Special Part 1: Is Farage Ready to Govern? 04.09.2026 23min

  Reform Conference Special: Can Farage really deliver? Peter Cardwell hosts. Reform UK is gathering for its conference amid fresh controversy over claims the party breached foreign donor rules, with aides standing down as questions mount over its finances and internal discipline.Alex Deane, political commentator, examines the latest Reform scandal and the growing questions around the party’s funding, as Nigel Farage prepares to make the case that Reform is ready for government.Farage is expected to promise to declare a national emergency on his first day as Prime Minister, sack ministers who fail to deliver and stop the boats within 100 days. We examine whether Reform’s plans to tackle illegal immigration, slash benefits and cut taxes are actually achievable.Duncan Barkes, Talk presenter and host of Prick With a Fork, joins us from the Reform conference to bring us the atmosphere, arguments and personalities on the ground.Alex Phillips, Talk presenter, also joins us for our Reform Conference Special Part 1, ahead of the second part of the conference coverage on the show that follows.Is Reform genuinely ready to govern, or are the latest funding allegations exposing a party that still has serious growing pains?Reform UK, Reform conference, Nigel Farage, Reform scandal, foreign donations, foreign funding, political donations, funding rules, national emergency, stop the boats, immigration, benefits, tax cuts, Reform government and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Should the State Own More of Britain? 01.09.2026 25min

  Is more public ownership the answer to Britain’s economic problems? Andy Burnham is calling for greater public control of key parts of the economy, arguing that a bigger role for the state is necessary to deliver growth. But would more public ownership actually improve Britain’s economy, or simply leave taxpayers picking up the bill?David Buik, financial adviser and markets commentator at Aquis Exchange, examines Burnham’s economic agenda and what greater state intervention could mean for investment, businesses, taxpayers and Britain’s already stretched public finances.Fraser Myers, Deputy Editor of Spiked, joins us to debate Burnham’s push for more public ownership and whether Labour’s economic direction represents a return to the politics of the big state.We also examine the latest Conservative shadow cabinet reshuffle. With Kemi Badenoch attempting to rebuild the party and put her stamp on the Conservatives, which figures have been promoted, who has been pushed aside, and can the Tories finally find the ruthlessness needed to take on Reform UK?Jake Wallis Simons, author and columnist, joins us to discuss the reshuffle and his argument that Kemi Badenoch needs to show the ruthlessness required to revive the Conservative Party.Andy Burnham, public ownership, nationalisation, state control, British economy, economic growth, taxpayers, Labour, Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, Tory reshuffle, Reform UK and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Fight on the Right? 28.08.2026 30min

  Reform UK is calling for restrictions on voting rights for people who cannot speak English, while Kemi Badenoch has vowed to deport all illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, Green Party gains in Dover highlight how a divided right-wing vote could benefit the Greens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What is the appropriate age to start using social media? 27.08.2026 30min

  For years, experts have warned about the impact social media can have on young minds. Now, Big Tech is facing the consequences. Meta has agreed to an $18 billion settlement over lawsuits involving Facebook and Instagram, leading to new limits on screen time for millions of teens.Ian Collins is joined by tech journalist Guy Cocker to discuss the issue, followed by child safeguarding consultant and former detective Jonathan Taylor, who spent 15 years investigating child abuse cases, to further assess the dangers of children being exposed to social media.Later, Ian is joined by Ryan Shorthouse, Founder and Chair of Bright Blue, to discuss a leading think tank's suggestion that Andy Burnham should start charging pensioners National Insurance, arguing that it is the fairest way to protect working people from further tax hikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Covering Up the True Scale of Migrant Crime? 26.08.2026 32min

  Is Britain covering up the true scale of migrant crime? Victims are demanding answers as claims emerge of a migrant crime wave being hidden from the public. We examine the latest allegations and the growing political pressure to publish more data on crimes committed by foreign nationals.Orla Minihane, from Restore Britain and a member of Pink Ladies, discusses the campaign for greater transparency around migrant crime and the impact of immigration on communities. Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s Mayoral Candidate for London, joins us at 13:40 to discuss the issue and the findings from the latest undercover investigation into the Channel crossings.We also look at the Talk undercover documentary, following the extraordinary investigation in which a journalist posed as a migrant and crossed the Channel in a dinghy, uncovering claims that French police were giving people smugglers lifts back towards migrant camps.Maurice Cousins, Campaign Director at Net Zero Watch, examines the growing cost of Britain’s pursuit of net zero. With claims that the drive has failed to reduce household energy bills and warnings that households could face hundreds of pounds in additional costs, is net zero making energy more expensive for ordinary families?Finally, Nuriyah Khan, broadcaster and podcast host, discusses Labour’s decision to open the door to a potential ban on cousin marriage. What is driving the debate, and could legislation restricting cousin marriage have wider consequences for British society?Migrant crime, immigration, small boats, Channel crossings, undercover investigation, Reform UK, London, net zero, energy bills, climate policy, cousin marriage, Labour and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Talk Exclusive: Inside the Migrant Dinghy Heading for Britain 25.08.2026 25min

  Talk International Editor Isabel Oakeshott reveals the extraordinary undercover operation arranged by Talk which saw a journalist trick his way onto a migrant dinghy preparing to cross the Channel from France to Britain. The Telegraph has today published its write-up of the exclusive.What did the investigation uncover about the smugglers, the migrants attempting the crossing and the dangerous journeys being made across the Channel? And what does it tell us about the scale and reality of Britain’s small boats crisis?We also speak to David Shipley, investigative journalist and former prisoner, following claims that Muslim gangs are forcing white prisoners to convert to Islam. What is happening inside Britain’s prisons, how organised are these gangs, and are prison authorities doing enough to tackle intimidation, religious extremism and gang culture?Talk International exclusive, Isabel Oakeshott, migrant dinghy, small boats, Channel crossings, illegal immigration, asylum seekers, France, Britain, people smugglers, migrant crisis, prisons, Muslim gangs, forced conversion, Islam, extremism and prisoner safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Wasting £500,000 a Day on Illegal Migrants? 24.08.2026 33min

  Is Britain wasting £500,000 a day on illegal migrants? The Government is facing fury over the reported cost of detaining migrants and moving them around the country, as Shabana Mahmood comes under pressure to push ahead with tougher migration reforms despite opposition from Labour MPs. Is the asylum system becoming an unsustainable burden on taxpayers?Matthew Syed, columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, examines the staggering cost of the UK’s migration system, the political battle surrounding Mahmood’s reforms and whether Labour MPs opposing tougher immigration measures are out of step with the public.Sir Peter Fahy, former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and former National Lead of Prevent, reacts to calls from the Greens for police to lose access to Tasers and pepper spray. Would removing these powers make policing safer or put officers and the public at greater risk?Finally, Nick Wallis, broadcaster and journalist, discusses claims that another Tavistock-style scandal is developing in Wales, examining concerns surrounding gender medicine, hormones and surgery and asking whether lessons have been learned from previous controversies.Illegal immigration, asylum seekers, £500,000 a day, Shabana Mahmood, migration reform, Labour, Reform UK, policing, Tasers, pepper spray, Green Party, Tavistock, gender medicine, Wales and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Heading for a £3 Trillion Debt Crisis? 21.08.2026 28min

  David Bull sits in for Ian Collins. Britain’s soaring welfare bill is pushing national debt towards the £3 trillion mark, while the political right remains divided over whether Reform UK should work with the Conservatives or Restore. We examine whether Britain’s spending and welfare system can continue on its current trajectory.Steve N Allen, comedian and broadcaster, looks at Reform UK’s refusal to make deals with Restore or the Conservatives, the latest immigration chaos in Europe, and the growing pressure on Britain’s public finances. We also examine the extraordinary case of Infected Blood victims being told to return compensation.Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at Popular Conservatism, reacts to claims from Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson that racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain. Is the country genuinely becoming more prejudiced, or has the language around discrimination become increasingly politicised?We also discuss the welfare bill and national debt, the latest clashes between French police and migrants attempting to launch Channel boats, and the continuing divisions between Reform UK, Restore and the Conservatives.Reform UK, Suella Braverman, Nigel Farage, Restore, Conservatives, welfare, national debt, £3 trillion debt, immigration, migrants, Channel crossings, France, racism, sexism, Infected Blood compensation and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain Finally Getting Tough on Illegal Immigration? 20.08.2026 33min

  Is Britain finally getting tough on illegal immigration? The Government is facing renewed pressure over asylum policy after a controversial migrant information booklet was reported to contain guidance explaining what rape is and telling asylum seekers not to commit sexual offences. We examine the wider row over immigration, deportation and whether the UK’s asylum system is failing victims.Peter Barnes, political strategist, joins us to assess the biggest immigration stories of the day, including reports that a migrant convicted of raping a sleeping woman has been allowed to remain in Britain because of human rights protections. We also examine Shabana Mahmood’s plans to spread asylum accommodation more evenly around Britain and proposals for a Rwanda-style system to remove failed asylum seekers. Can the Government actually regain control of the asylum system?Fraser Myers, Deputy Editor of Spiked Online, looks at the latest turmoil surrounding the Government and Labour, following claims from former No.10 chief of staff Sue Gray that working under Keir Starmer was “unbearable”. We also examine Angela Rayner’s argument that civil servants can be more productive working from home, and what this says about the modern Labour Government.We also have the latest from Reform UK, including its apprenticeships press conference and fresh revelations about the feuding at the heart of the party. Can Reform maintain discipline as it attempts to build itself into Britain’s next governing party?Finally, we examine reports that Muslim charity schools are being investigated over alleged links to Hamas, raising further questions about extremism, safeguarding and the role of charities and schools in Britain.Illegal immigration, asylum seekers, Shabana Mahmood, Rwanda, deportations, ECHR, Reform UK, apprenticeships, Nigel Farage, Labour, Sue Gray, Angela Rayner, civil servants, Hamas, extremism and British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.