The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show

Episoder

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  Andy Burnham’s calls for people to 'play their part' on asylum housing 12.08.2026 31min

  Andy Burnham faces mounting pressure over his plan to place more asylum seekers in middle-class areas, as Julia Hartley-Brewer looks at the financial and social costs for local communities. Conservative commentator Benedict Spence assesses Labour’s polling bounce, Burnham’s lack of a clear plan and the collapse of any prospective Reform–Restore pact. Plus, Crowborough Shiled chairman Kim Bailey condemns the use of taxpayer-funded asylum accommodation in Sussex. Julia also tackles police demands to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, Britain’s crisis of confidence in criminal justice and Donald Trump’s dramatic security escape from Turkey.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Mega-Dinghy Migrant Crisis Erupts while Burnham Faces Prison Release Backlash 11.08.2026 37min

  A record 230 migrants arrive in Britain aboard a 49-foot “mega-dinghy”, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to tackle illegal immigration. Julia Hartley-Brewer clashes with Dan Hodges over border failures, deportations and the ECHR, before examining plans that could see dangerous prisoners released early. Matthew Syed and Tom Slater discuss Britain’s spiralling debt, political short-termism and the potentially existential threat posed by artificial intelligence. Also: vape shops, failing high streets and whether Britain’s leaders are ignoring the defining challenges of the age.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham's announces tour of Britain to enter 'listening mode'... as Britain faces 89,000 more crimes from early prison releases 10.08.2026 37min

  Julia Hartley-Brewer exposes Andy Burnham's tone-deaf "listening tour" as new figures reveal Labour's early prison release scheme could unleash 89,000 extra crimes by 2029 — including sex offences, robberies and the terrifying prospect of the 2006 liquid bomb terrorists walking free by Christmas. Former government adviser Claire Pearsall says Burnham should be fixing policy, not touring pubs. Plus: a record 230 migrants cross in a single dinghy, fresh questions over the Farage firebombing probe following Ann Widdecombe's murder, the Jason Arday Cambridge scandal unravels further, and Lord Redwood savages Starmer's EU reset and Burnham's costly two-site government.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Poster boy Cambridge Professor resigns after his reported lies unravel 06.08.2026 38min

  Julia Hartley-Brewer unpicks the astonishing downfall of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, whose reportedly fabricated claims — from a non-existent published book to implausible marathon feats — have triggered his resignation. Former Senior Military Intelligence Officer Philip Ingram MBE questions why universities fail basic vetting checks. Academic Kehinde Andrews then joins for a fiery clash over race, credentials and Cambridge's record on diversity. Plus: Kemi Badenoch's defence of a reformed neo-Nazi council candidate, FIFA's Gianni Infantino clinging to power, long-overdue justice for the officer who shot dead gangster Chris Kaba, and fury over grooming gang members among early prison releases.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Men in women’s toilets, domestic abusers freed early and a former neo-Nazi standing for the Tories — plus Labour’s votes-at-16 plan risks unleashing a wave of Gaza independents’ 05.08.2026 37min

  ‘New official guidance confirms that single-sex toilets and changing rooms must be organised according to biological sex — but Green-run Lambeth Council is already considering whether it can refuse to comply.Meanwhile, more than 9,000 domestic abusers are expected to be released early over three years under Labour’s prison scheme — despite fears that victims could face revenge attacks and the perpetrators have a high risk of reoffending.Kemi Badenoch defends the selection of former neo-Nazi activist Joshua Bonehill-Paine as a Conservative council candidate, arguing that he has been rehabilitated and now campaigns against antisemitism and extremism. But should redemption automatically qualify someone for public office?Also: Labour’s plan to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote could backfire spectacularly, with new figures suggesting younger voters may help elect more pro-Gaza independent candidates rather than deliver the electoral boost Labour expected.And Julia and Brendan remember Rod Liddle while condemning the cruelty of those celebrating his death online.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham blocks early release for rapists — but killers and domestic abusers could still walk free, as Britain’s prison crisis spirals’ 04.08.2026 35min

  ‘Andy Burnham insists he has pushed prison reforms “to the very limits” — yet killers, including two men convicted over the horrific death of PC Andrew Harper, could still be released halfway through their sentences.Also: the Prime Minister heads off on a family holiday just two weeks after taking office — leaving Louise Haigh, who previously resigned after failing to disclose a fraud conviction, effectively in charge.Reform UK unveils its plan to use the Royal Navy to return Channel migrants to France, even without French agreement — as a “mega-dinghy” carrying 160 people reportedly catches fire during an attempted crossing.And the row between Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe descends into public bickering over a possible pact between Reform and Restore, amid warnings that splitting the vote could hand Labour another government.Plus, Julia and Tom pay tribute to the provocative and brilliantly funny columnist Rod Liddle — a singular writer who delighted in upsetting all the right people.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham vows to be “relentless” as 2,000 Channel migrants arrive — plus Reform’s Royal Navy plan, police urged to fast for Ramadan and the Cambridge professor facing extraordinary questions over his life story’ 03.08.2026 37min

  Andy Burnham has promised a “relentless” new approach to the Channel crisis — but critics are asking what his plan actually involves after around 2,000 migrants arrived in a fortnight.Julia Hartley-Brewer and former Conservative adviser Claire Pearsall examine Reform UK’s proposal to deploy the Royal Navy and return migrant boats to France, as well as the practical, diplomatic and military obstacles it could face.They also discuss the mass crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, fears over Europe’s borders and Rupert Lowe’s proposed pact between Restore Britain and Reform UK.Plus: West Midlands Police invites non-Muslim officers and staff to fast during Ramadan in solidarity with colleagues.Boy George parts company with his manager after recording a song honouring the victims of the October 7 attacks.A controversial clinical trial involving puberty blockers for children is set to proceed after a High Court challenge fails.And Cambridge professor Jason Arday faces further scrutiny over a series of remarkable claims about his childhood, academic career, fundraising and sporting achievements — including an assertion that he appeared in a BBC Up documentary.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 1pm.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham’s Prisoner Release U-Turn — as Gary Lineker Demands Higher Taxes on the Rich 23.07.2026 35min

  Andy Burnham pauses plans for the early release of criminals after PC Andrew Harper’s widow branded the scheme “deplorable”. Julia Hartley-Brewer and former military intelligence officer Philippa Ingram examine Britain’s prison crisis, overstretched probation service and the risks to public safety. Plus, Burnham unveils a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues, while frozen tax thresholds pull more workers into higher bills. Gary Lineker joins 120 millionaires demanding greater taxes on wealth, sparking a fierce debate with Green Party activist Dr Ashok Kumar over fairness, housing and the economy.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham’s uncosted spending spree — is Britain’s new PM making promises he can’t keep? 22.07.2026 32min

  Julia Hartley-Brewer grills Blue Labour founder Lord Maurice Glasman on Andy Burnham’s first days as Prime Minister, questioning whether his flurry of announcements — VAT off electricity bills, cut-price bus fares, rough sleeping funds — are anything more than uncosted trinkets. They clash over defence spending, welfare reform, immigration and net zero, before former Labour adviser Paul Richards joins to defend the new government’s direction, insisting growth will pay for it all. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham cuts tax on household electricity... and announces shock chancellor pick 21.07.2026 35min

  Andy Burnham unveils his new Labour Cabinet and scraps VAT on domestic energy bills — saving the average household just 86p a week. Julia Hartley-Brewer challenges Lord Foulkes over the Prime Minister’s cost-of-living offer, defence spending, benefits reform and pledge to end rough sleeping. Tom Slater delivers his verdict on Burnham’s “hope and change” agenda, Net Zero and Britain’s soaring energy costs. Also, the latest on the death of Ann Widdecombe as Joshua Kerry is charged with murder. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Starmer quits and Burnham is crowned as PM – who will be his cabinet? 20.07.2026 28min

  Keir Starmer has officially resigned as Prime Minister, handing power to Andy Burnham after a dramatic day at Westminster – with King Charles accepting Starmer’s resignation and Burnham’s government. Julia Hartley-Brewer dissects Starmer's self-congratulatory farewell speech, Labour's factionalism, and the frantic scramble over top jobs as Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper jostle for position. The Critic's Henry Hill unpacks the cabinet reshuffle fallout, while Baroness Kate Hoey questions Burnham's democratic mandate, his silence on immigration and welfare reform, and whether his early poll bounce can survive the long summer recess. Plus: reaction to the BBC's World Cup half-time promo.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England's World Cup heartbreak, Tuchel under fire — plus political storm around Ann Widdecombe murder 16.07.2026 38min

  Neil and Christine Hamilton react to England's agonising World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, questioning Thomas Tuchel's tactics and slamming Argentina's Falklands provocations. The pair also tackle Shabana Mahmood's rumoured Chancellor move, net zero, and Britain's migration crisis. Plus, raw reflections on the murder of their friend Ann Widdecombe and warnings over the demonisation of right-wing politicians. Also: talkSPORT's Max Scott delivers a searing verdict on Tuchel's "cowardly" substitutions, arguing England's capitulation could prove fatal for his future as manager.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Zia Yusuf slams other parties’ 'poisonous bigot' Ann Widdecombe rhetoric — plus nanny state questions over junk food ad ban 15.07.2026 20min

  Duncan Barkes puts Labour peer Lord Foulkes on the spot over past insults aimed at the late Ann Widdecombe, including David Lammy's "poisonous bigot" jibe and Wes Streeting's jab — and asks whether Reform UK's Zia Yusuf has a point. Labour peer Lord Foulkes dodges and takes aim at Yusuf instead. Elsewhere, Andy Burnham's imminent premiership faces scrutiny questions, before lifestyle economist Chris Snowdon and commentator Benedict Spence rage against the government's latest nanny state crusade — banning junk food billboards — and ask when Britain will finally push back against endless state interference. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Counter-Terror Police Take Charge of Ann Widdecombe Murder Probe 14.07.2026 28min

  Counter-terrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into the suspected murder of Anne Whittacombe, as former Met detective Peter Bleksley slams Devon and Cornwall Police's handling of the case and warns Britons must now take responsibility for their own safety. Attorney General Lord Hermer faces backlash after mocking ECHR critics in a bizarre Instagram video. Elsewhere, Taxpayers' Alliance chief John O'Connell warns of the dangers of Ed Miliband becoming Chancellor, tax hikes on wealth creators, and a growing two-tier Britain after benefits claimants were exempted from hosepipe bans.Duncan Barkes is sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Anne Widdecombe Death: Do MPs need better security? 13.07.2026 27min

  Duncan Barkes leads a debate on Talk following the suspected murder of Conservative figure Anne Widdecombe, as Devon and Cornwall Police continue questioning a suspect arrested 270 miles away. With politicians increasingly vulnerable to attack, Duncan asks how much security MPs should receive - and who should foot the bill - amid Reform UK warnings that capping political donations could endanger lives. Philip Kiszely, senior fellow at the New Culture Forum, examines the rise of political hatred, from campus radicalism to identity politics, after outrage erupted over a trans activist's post celebrating Whitcombe's death. Callers weigh in on where free-speech ends and incitement begins.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has Farage’s resignation left ‘egg on his face’ – or is it an establishment stitch-up? 09.07.2026 26min

  Nigel Farage faces fierce scrutiny over a £5 million cryptocurrency donation and his links to convicted fraudster George Cottrell, resigning his party leadership role to fight the Clacton by-election against Count Binface. Former Sun political editor Trevor Kavanagh joins Julia to dissect whether this is a catastrophic tactical error or an establishment stitch-up — plus the extraordinary "coronation" of Andy Burnham as Britain's presumed next Prime Minister, sidestepping any manifesto or vote. Reform UK's London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, hits back at Reform’s critics, who have called this by-election a ‘farce’. Also: the release of grooming gang leader Shabbir Ahmed, and Labour's refusal to tackle Britain's ballooning welfare bill.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Farage's bluff called as he awaits Binface by-election farce... or is it a masterstroke of narrative control? 08.07.2026 34min

  Nigel Farage has resigned his Clacton seat and forced a by-election — but with no serious party willing to stand against him, the stunt appears to have spectacularly misfired. Mail on Sunday's Dan Hodges says Farage knows he's "bang to rights" with the Parliamentary Standards Commission and engineered this as an escape route. Reform MP Sarah Pochin defends her leader, but even she struggles to explain why a clean politician wouldn't simply wait for the investigation's outcome. Benedict Spence adds that the timing — conveniently drowning out Andy Burnham's Labour leadership coronation — is no coincidence.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rapists Released Early, ADHD Benefit Explosion & Farage Under Fire 07.07.2026 28min

  Labour's prison crisis is spiralling out of control, and victims are paying the price.With dangerous sex offenders set to walk free after serving just a third of their sentences, Kemi Badenoch is urging Labour MPs to back an amendment to stop the early release scheme. Grooming gang survivors, including the courageous Fiona Goddard, say the system has failed them twice over. Meanwhile, convicted child rapist Shabbir Ahmed — guilty of 30 offences — could be back on British streets, with Labour only now scrambling for an emergency deportation law.Then, the benefits timebomb: over 100,000 people are claiming disability payments for ADHD with zero requirement to seek work — up 40% in just two years. Julia and commentator Sam Armstrong ask the hard questions about a system being gamed by many, whilst failing those who genuinely need support.And Nigel Farage faces mounting pressure from the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner over undeclared gifts — but is this legitimate scrutiny or a coordinated establishment takedown?Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Burnham’s coronation without scrutiny, Farage donor storm and Britain’s defence disaster 06.07.2026 32min

  Lord Daniel Hannan and Sir Iain Duncan Smith on Andy Burnham’s vague route to No10, Nigel Farage’s funding row, Britain’s broken welfare state, Trump’s NATO ultimatum and why Labour risks becoming the biggest appeasement government since the 1930s — plus England’s World Cup thriller and the row over who really pays for our politicsKeir Starmer’s premiership may be collapsing into its final act… but Julia Hartley-Brewer asks whether the man almost certain to replace him, Andy Burnham, is facing anything like the scrutiny he deserves.Lord Daniel Hannan warns the media may be repeating the mistake it made with Starmer: letting a would-be prime minister glide into power on warm words, vague promises and slogans about “change” — without asking what he would actually do.Burnham talks localism, council houses and transformation, but Hannan says the real tests are brutal: will he tear up the regulations, judicial reviews and eco-rules that stop Britain building homes, infrastructure and energy projects? And will he genuinely decentralise power — including giving councils real responsibility over welfare?Sir Iain Duncan Smith is even blunter, saying Burnham’s pitch is so vague that even students are asking what he actually means. “No second chance”, “change”, “localism” — but where is the detail on tax, welfare, industry, housing, net zero or defence?Also: Nigel Farage faces mounting scrutiny over wealthy backers, including a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and support from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and long-time friend.Hannan says the row is damaging Reform’s claim to be different — but warns Farage may be hoping for a hostile ruling so he can cast himself as the victim of an establishment stitch-up. Duncan Smith says the answer is simple: declare everything, apologise if needed, and stop giving opponents ammunition.Julia asks whether big money has too much influence in British politics altogether — and whether any donor really gives millions without expecting something in return.Meanwhile, Britain’s welfare bill comes under fire. Hannan warns the country cannot continue spending vastly more on working-age welfare than on national defence, while Duncan Smith says the system is now riddled with perverse incentives and political cowardice.And as Keir Starmer heads to what may be his final NATO summit, Donald Trump is demanding European allies spend 5% of GDP on defence. Duncan Smith says Trump is right: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are forming a hostile axis, Britain is falling behind even Greece and Poland, and Labour’s defence uplift is unfunded fantasy.His verdict: Britain risks going down as the biggest appeasement government since the 1930s.Plus: England’s dramatic World Cup win in Mexico, whether sporting glory can ever really rescue a prime minister, and why national morale may not be enough to save Starmer now.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Britain’s Border Farce Explodes: Grooming Gang ‘Daddy’ Set Free, People-Smuggling Godfather Found in Leicester — and Starmer’s Defence Black Hole Deepens 02.07.2026 43min

  Keir Starmer’s Britain is facing yet another law-and-order meltdown — and Julia Hartley-Brewer is not letting ministers off the hook.Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabbir Ahmed, known sickeningly as “Daddy”, is due to be released from prison despite being convicted of 30 rape and sexual offences against girls, including a child as young as 12. Stripped of British citizenship but unable to be deported to Pakistan thanks to an immigration loophole, his victims say they were promised justice — and betrayed again.Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram joins Julia to ask why Parliament can pass emergency laws for British Steel, but not to protect British girls.Also: a BBC investigation tracks down convicted people smuggler Twanna Jamal, once branded the “godfather” of the French migrant camps, allegedly living under a false name in Leicester, driving a BMW and running businesses — while immigration authorities appear powerless or unwilling to act.Julia and Philip also take aim at Shabana Mahmood’s immigration crackdown, warning that its “disproportionate impact” loophole could leave foreign offenders free to remain in Britain.There’s also fury over a growing £5 billion defence black hole, with questions over whether Starmer’s promised military uplift exists at all — while Russian drones, spy ships and sanctioned tankers probe Britain’s nuclear sites and NATO defences.Plus: claims from a former MI6 officer that Peter Mandelson was viewed by Russian intelligence as a “privileged contact”, and what that really means in the world of espionage.Then Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Julia from College Green to argue that Britain must change primary legislation, override human rights obstacles and leave the ECHR if it wants to deport foreign criminals and protect the public.And finally: Starmer issues a formal apology to victims of forced adoption — but Rees-Mogg questions whether today’s maternity scandals should be the Government’s real priority.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.