The News Agents

Afleveringen

• 
  Are Farage and Polanski already yesterday's men? 23.07.2026 42min

  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 struggled with questions around his tax and appears unable to force himself into the conversation in the way he did when he first took over the Green party.Later, we speak to Labour MP Chris Curtis about Labour's new chapter and why he thinks growth still lies at the heart of what Burnham needs to achieve.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  HackGPT: How AI escaped the lab and went rogue 22.07.2026 43min

  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 looming questions about his Budget - are tax rises coming? And will he need a fresh mandate?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Burnham's bloodbath of the Starmerites 21.07.2026 39min

  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 among Starmer’s allies? And is Burnham off to a good start? Or is he at risk of making more dangerous enemies than useful friends?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Prime Minister Burnham - Labour's last hope? 20.07.2026 38min

  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. There is a general consensus that the party can't roll the dice again.And what of Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street with what he insisted was a smile on his face? Does every political career end in failure and tears - or does real political legacy begin twenty years after the event?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Why Starmer failed - and what Burnham needs to get right 17.07.2026 37min

  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/
• 
  Did Thomas Tuchel cost England a World Cup Final? - The Sports Agents 16.07.2026 35min

  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 their dream match up with Leo Messi’s Argentina in Sunday’s final.📩 Got a question for The Sports Agents? https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod📱Follow us on socials:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagentsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesportsagents/X - https://x.com/sportsagentspod📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com💭 Take our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducers: David Finch & George Sexton-KerrVideo Producer: Samuel Trudgill & Tomi OkeowoSocial Media Editor: Jasmine WissartTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents
• 
  Will Argentina be punished for their Falklands stunt? 16.07.2026 32min

  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 defence minister who’s credited with propelling Ukraine into 21st century drone technology. Why did he get the boot?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Starmer hands the torch to Burnham - does he have a plan? 15.07.2026 30min

  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 the next PMQs? And why don't we know almost anything about what Andy Burnham's plan for government is?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Gary Lineker on the most toxic rivalry on Earth 14.07.2026 46min

  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 Mitten - on the veterans of both war and football. And we cross to Buenos Aires to find out how Argentinian fans are gearing up for the game.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Was Ann Widdecombe the victim of a political assassination? 13.07.2026 37min

  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 donations play in public life? We talk to Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Bridget Phillipson: "Spiteful class warrior" and proud 10.07.2026 43min

  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 warrior."So we thought this might be the perfect moment to get Bridget Phillipson into The News Agents studio. Is she really the "spiteful class warrior" her critics claim? And if she is, does she wear the label with pride?The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  The day Infantino & Trump BROKE the World Cup - The Sports Agents 09.07.2026 40min

  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 does Trump’s close friend, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, survive this one?Elsewhere as England prepare to face Norway in their quarter-final match, two of the best strikers in the business take to the field in Harry Kane & Erling Haaland - but how do you stop Haaland and Kane from scoring? Nedum has a plan and it doesn’t involve a shotgun…📩 Got a question for The Sports Agents? https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod📱Follow us on socials:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagentsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesportsagents/X - https://x.com/sportsagentspod📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com💭 Take our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducers: David Finch & George Sexton-KerrVideo Producer: Samuel TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Jasmine WissartTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents
• 
  Is Nigel Farage's career unravelling before our eyes? 09.07.2026 37min

  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 of the people wrestling against the establishment? Has that backfired in the most almighty way? And his the entire Farage project imploding?It was Rupert Lowe - and not Farage - who became the first UK politician to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast yesterday. Over two hours he said stuff that was weird, inaccurate and inflammatory - but will his comments about the Dunblane massacre come back to haunt him?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Farage vs Binface: How Nigel humiliated himself 08.07.2026 38min

  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 now.The News Agent is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  The temper tantrum that triggered Farage's by-election 07.07.2026 31min

  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 a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Has Trump just trashed his own World Cup? 06.07.2026 39min

  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 criminal who appears to be bankrolling him? The Sunday Times Insight Editor and host of 'Posh George: The Criminal Behind Farage', Gabriel Pogrund joins us in the studio.The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Why everything you feared about Trump is true 03.07.2026 34min

  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 celebrates its 250th anniversary, Lewis spoke to Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan about their reporting revelations, about a truly unprecedented President, and what comes next.The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  What makes Mexico 'INVINCIBLE' at the Azteca & Maresca's Man City - The Sports Agents 02.07.2026 38min

  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 year - this time by email!📩 Got a question for The Sports Agents? https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod📱Follow us on socials:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportsagentsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesportsagents/X - https://x.com/sportsagentspod📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com💭 Take our listener survey: https://forms.gle/YMUvajQktqBuimgh6Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David FinchVideo Producer: Samuel TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Jasmine WissartTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents
• 
  Why can’t Nigel Farage be clear about his finances? 02.07.2026 39min

  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 Tryl from the polling organisation More in Common on the realignment of British political parties, just as Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister.And - where exactly is Jon Sopel?The News Agents is a Global production.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
• 
  Is Starmer trying to screw Burnham before he even starts? 01.07.2026 34min

  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/