The Story

A gas platform in the North Sea is at the centre of a fierce debate that has divided the country: should the UK be expanding fossil fuel infrastructure or going all-in on renewables? The Rough Field gas facility wants to repurpose depleted gas fields to solve Britain’s chronic shortage of energy storage. But should government funding go towards securing our current energy supply, or funding a greener future?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jim Armitage, contributing editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Micaela Arneson, Elle Scott. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more:  This rig could treble Britain’s gas reserves, so why is it closing?Further listening: War, immigration, welfare: the in-tray for Burnham and his new cabinetClips: Parliament, BBC, The Guardian, LBC, Express, Sky News. Photo: Sunday Times Photographer Richard Pohle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s new prime minister Andy Burnham revealed his key cabinet picks yesterday; so who’s in, who’s out and what does it tell us about the direction in which he’ll take the country? And as the Iran and Ukraine wars rumble on and the cost of living continues to bite, how will the PM handle the key problems in his in-tray?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Elle Scott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Burnham on football, his father’s dementia and preparing for powerFurther listening: The remarkable rise of Andy BurnhamClips: Sky, Goalhanger, BBC, DWS News, Eureka UK, Global News.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around Scotland, something bizarre has been happening. Men dressed in black have gathered in military-style formations. The silent parades are filmed in grainy black and white. Experts describe the imagery as unmistakably fascist. So what is this? And why is it happening now? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: David Leask, Scotland reporter, The Times & The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Tensions rise over ‘fascist’ parades held across ScotlandFurther listening: Belfast on fireClips: LBC, Scottish Family Party - YouTube, Craig Houston - X, STV News.Photo: X - Craig Houston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lab-grown stones are booming, threatening to crush the diamond trade. So, how is the industry coping? And what does this mean for Botswana, a country whose schools, hospitals, roads, and economy have been built by the profits from diamond mining? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Richard Assheton, foreign features, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected]: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Kawaller suddenly has the urge to have children, but he would prefer not to raise them. Luckily, there is a growing online market that can help with that.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Ben Kawaller, reporter and essayist. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: I’ve decided to become a father. Does anyone want my sperm?Photo: Adam Grey for The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Andy Burnham will be crowned Labour leader. On Monday, he'll become Prime Minister -- Britain's fifth in as many years. But questions are still lingering over the direction he’ll take the government. And more than that, people are still trying to decipher who the man really is. We turn to our man in Westminster, who has spent plenty of time with Burnham, to try to get some answers.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Andy Burnham wants to break ‘unaccountable state’Further listening: Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?Clips: Andy Burnham / X, BBC, Coljax Parliament / Youtube, LBC, Nimrod Kamer / Youtube, Manchester Evening News, The Mirror.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time since the war began, a Times journalist has reported from inside Iran. World Affairs editor Catherine Philp travelled there for the week-long funeral of the former ayatollah, leaving just as US strikes resumed. Amid the latest escalation, how united is the country over the war? And what do the continuing hostilities mean for the daily lives of millions of people across Iran?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Catherine Philp, world affairs editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: US blockade begins in Strait while strikes on Iran enter fifth dayFurther listening: What Iranians really think of Trump’s peace dealClips: C-Span, BBC, Fox News, The Times, DRM News. Photo: Times Photographer Jack Hill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The England football team’s manager Thomas Tuchel has led  his squad to a World Cup semi-final against old rivals Argentina. A cerebral football obsessive, he has a tendency to self-immolate when things are going well. So is this the fate that awaits the Tuchel-England experiment? Or could the tensions between the manager and his star player Jude Bellingham actually prove the key to victory?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Mehreen Khan, economics editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Jesse Fox, Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Thomas Tuchel’s tough love for England not without riskFurther listening: The men who made the World Cup - The Sunday StoryClips: Football Smash / Youtube, Sky News, Talk Sport, Sports Unfiltered / Youtube, BBC.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s no secret that NHS mental health care is under strain - long waiting lists, disjointed communication between providers, and patients left in limbo. So how did it end up this way? And could a treatment model from Finland be the solution? The Sunday Times went to find out.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Roisin Kelly, journalist and commissioning editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: What Lapland can teach the NHS about treating psychosisFurther listening: Britain’s mental health reckoning - part oneClips: Channel 4, Nottingham Inquiry.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the alleged murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. A 28-year-old man has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Stephen Roberts, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Jonathan Hall, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism LegislationHost: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson, and Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Ann Widdecombe death: counterterrorism police leading investigationPhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Iran war reignites, there's a hidden figure influencing the American side. In an exclusive interview for The Times, Pete Hegseth’s pastor Doug Wilson says the conflict in Iran is a righteous battle against Muslims, homosexuality is evil, and women who dress immodestly are sluts. How is this ultraconservative influencing US foreign policy? And could we see his brand of Christianity in the UK?This podcast contains mention of some topics listeners may find offensive.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: George Grylls, Washington correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Pete Hegseth’s pastor: ‘Women who dress immodestly are sluts’Further listening: Trump v the Supreme CourtClips: PBS, CNN, New Founding Podcast / YouTube, Pulp Fiction / Quentin Tarantino / Mirimax, The Independent, Blog&Mablog / YouTube, Daniel Foucachon / YouTube. Photo: Dominic Gwinn / Zuma Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Murdaugh stands accused of the brutal murders of his wife and son. As shocking evidence, devastating testimony, and disturbing secrets unfold in court, one question still hangs over everything: Did he actually do it?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC, GMA.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of Murdaugh. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murdaugh family had power, wealth, and influence until two brutal killings exposed a world of stolen millions and deadly secrets. As the lies unravelled, a once-untouchable dynasty collapsed into one of America’s darkest true crime cases. But what really happened that night, and who is to blame?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of MurdaughWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More revelations are coming out about donations to Reform UK. The Sunday Times Insight team have discovered that the Metropolitan Police are investigating a £500,000 donation from the mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell. How will this affect Farage’s chances in the Clacton by-election now scheduled for August? And what does it say about the state of political donations in the UK more widely?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Gabriel Pogrund, insight editor, The Sunday Times.Richard Tice, Reform UK MP.Peter Geoghegan, investigative journalist.Host: Ayesha Hazarika.Producer: Musty Aziz.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Police investigate Reform donations by mother of fraudster who bankrolled FarageFurther listening: Posh George: The criminal behind FaragePhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer 2026 is another scorcher, with temperature records being broken across Europe. Infrastructure in the UK is creaking; with trains cancelled, schools closed and people sweltering in their homes. Why does Europe seem to be heating up more than other continents? And could outlandish ideas hold the answer to cooling us down long term?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Heatwave exposes flaws in Britain’s ability to supply fresh foodFurther listening: Have we stopped caring about climate change?Clips: Channel 4, BBC, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weeks of protests in Albania show no signs of stopping. Tens of thousands have been taking to the streets to oppose the proposed purchase and development of land by Donald Trump’s daughter and son-in-law. As the country’s tourist industry booms, there is a divide over the cost of development and the country’s sense of self. Our writer went to the island at the centre of a political and national identity crisis.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Richard Assheton, features writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Is this the Kushners’ $5bn Albania resort? 350 yachts and a water parkClips: David Senra podcast, APT, X/@IsamyzyrajAlb, IG/@thebrickobserversatire, DW News.Photo: Richard Assheton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a rollercoaster 24 hours for Nigel Farage and Reform – a by-election called, a major party boycott, and now the spectre of a two horse race against Count Binface. So will his high risk play pay off as he takes his case to the people? And what do the voters of Clacton really think about it?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Terry Stiastny, political correspondent, Times Radio.Rosie Wright, presenter, Times Radio.Peter Kellner, pollster and former president of YouGov.Host: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Will voters in Clacton back Nigel Farage second time around?Further listening: Nigel Farage resigns. What now?Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Sunday Times investigation revealed Nigel Farage’s links to a convicted fraudster, and with the spectre of a parliamentary standards investigation looming over him, Farage will now put his fate in the hands of his constituents in Clacton in a by-election. But will this gambit work? And what does the Sunday Times journalist who led the investigation think about it?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday TimesFraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Will risky resignation ploy pay off for Nigel Farage? Further listening: Posh George: the criminal behind FarageClips: Reform UK / Youtube, Sky News, BBC. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO is gathering in Turkey for its annual summit, and defence spending, Iran and Ukraine are all on the agenda. But behind the scenes there are warnings that Putin is planning his next attack - on a NATO country. So what might that aggression look like? And is the alliance ready?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Shabnam Grewal.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Putin the agent of chaos revelling in division between US and EuropeFurther listening: Defence spending: too little too late? Clips: France 24, @MaxAfterburnerusa / YouTube, @joeycontinonews / YouTube, TVP Info, BBC, Sky, The Guardian, GB News, Fox News, USA Today, CBC. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we bring you the first episode of a new series from one of our sister podcasts, The Times Investigates. Posh George: The criminal behind Farage The Sunday Times’s Insight team investigate how the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage - who could hold the keys to Number 10 - has come to depend upon a crypto evangelist, gambler and fraudster. Both George Cottrell and Nigel Farage deny any wrongdoing.Listen to Episode 2 and the full series right now.Read more: Revealed - Nigel Farage secretly funded by convicted criminalWatch: Everything you need to know about the aristocrat funding Nigel FarageThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the United States marks 250 years of modern America, a country founded on freedom, liberty, and justice, for Native Americans, that history reads very differently. After centuries of oppression, survival, and the ongoing reclamation of culture, what does it mean to be Native American today? And why does the question of who has the right to claim that identity remain so deeply contested?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Louise Callaghan, senior US correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Who still counts as Native American in 2026?Photo: Tailyr Irvine for the Sunday Times Magazine.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. It’s an epic tale of revolution, rebellion and the making of a global superpower. But how did Britain end up fighting, and losing, the war that gave birth to the most powerful nation on earth?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Jack Blackburn, history correspondent, The Times. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: How Britain drove America to independencePhoto: Getty.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has drawn increasing political and public scrutiny for a £5 million personal gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in 2024. Farage says it’s for his security and nobody else’s business, but has he made a political misstep which risks his future aspirations to be PM? And do extra revelations about his property portfolio and his lucrative role with a gold bullion company add extra pressure?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Sebastian Payne, columnist, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: David Whitty, Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Nigel Farage’s £5 million is a burden for ReformFurther listening: Inside Farage’s political earthquake Clips: BBC, LBC, Times Radio, Rupert Lowe - facebook, Direct Bullion, The Mirror.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Supreme Court has finished a momentous term with some ground-breaking rulings on a raft of issues from trans rights to birthright citizenship. And one case has greatly expanded presidential powers. So is this term a win for Trump? And what does it mean for the country’s future?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: George Grylls, Washington correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Supreme Court rules Trump cannot scrap birthright citizenshipFurther listening: Why Trump's attack on the Fed affects us allClips: USA Today, Fox, CBS News, CSPAN, Times Radio, ABC News, CNN, KTLA, The Washington Post.   Photo: Getty.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a year of waiting, the defence investment plan was finally released yesterday. The plan will take defence spending to £80 billion a year by 2029, but some have criticised it for still leaving Britain's military under-funded. So will this plan do enough to make the country more secure? And what role should Britain be carving out for itself in the new geopolitical world we find ourselves in?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times.General Sir Richard Barrons, co-author of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, David Whitty.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: What’s in Keir Starmer’s defence investment plan? Key pointsFurther listening: Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?Clips: BBC, Parliament tv, Al Carns - Facebook. Photo: Getty Images, The Times.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a series of reports about individual failing maternity trusts in England, a national report is published today. It says women are not being listened to, racism is systemic, regulators are failing and triage is not working. So how did things get so bad? What do families think of the report's findings? And will it finally force a change in England’s woeful maternity care?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Eleanor Hayward, health editor, The TimesPoppy Koronka, health correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Ockenden review: Three hospital bosses were awarded CBEsClips: GB News, BBC, ITV. Photo: Adobe.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham now looks a shoe in for number 10, and he has grand plans for the UK economy. One thing many have been crying out for is scrapping the triple lock on pensions, which has been a boon for pensioners, but a drag on public finances. So will Burnham be brave enough to get rid of it? And what else might he do to boost our stagnating economy?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jack Barnett, economics correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Harry Stott, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Andy Burnham’s advisers back scrapping pension triple lockFurther listening: Have PM resignations become a new British disease?Clips: BBC, IPaper / Youtube, Times Radio, ITV, DWS NEWS, Parliamentlive.tv.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British island of St Helena in the South Atlantic lies more than 1,000 miles from the nearest landmass. Recently, it's been gripped by scandal. When a surgeon arrived in 2015, he was meant to transform healthcare on the island. Instead, patients suffered catastrophic harm. So what happens when a dangerous surgeon arrives on one of the world’s most remote islands?The Surgeon of St Helena is an Audio Always podcast. You can listen to the whole series here.Host: Luke JonesProducers: Louisa Adams and Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected]: Jon Tonks.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happened when Times feature writer Sophia Money-Coutts was invited onboard the first ever Killing Kittens sex cruise ship in the Mediterranean? Well, strap in, as Sophia’s takes us below deck, metaphorically, mostly, to find out.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Sophia Money Coutts, feature writer, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: What happened on my Killing Kittens sex cruise in the Med?Image: Olivia West for the Times Magazine.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Boshyn twins’ hometown was occupied by Russia at the start of the Ukraine war, their lives took drastically different turns; one fought for Ukraine, the other for Russia. How did they end up on opposing sides? And as both Russia and Ukraine make territorial gains, who currently has the upper hand? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jack Clover, Assistant Foreign Editor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Four years of horror in Ukraine’s ‘forgotten Bucha’Further listening: What Iranians really think of Trump’s peace deal.Clips: BBC, India Today, RIA Novosti, Smotrim. Photo: The Boshyn family.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With peace talks continuing between the US and Iran, what are the big sticking points and what does this all mean for Israel? Following Starmer’s resignation, what should we expect next from Downing Street? And after Peter Murrell was sentenced for embezzlement this week, is the SNP finally drawing a line under the affair?Luke is joined by four of The Times’ finest journalists to answer your questions on this week’s big stories.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Rebecca Myers, foreign editor, The Sunday TimesLizzie Deane, news editor, The TimesDaniel Sanderson, Scottish political editor, The TimesMark Sellman, technology correspondent, The TimesHost: Luke JonesProducers: Harry Bligh, Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Marco Rubio kicks off Gulf tour to sell Iran deal to sceptical alliesFurther listening: How infinite scrolling damages our brains Clips: Sky News, Fox News, The Guardian, GB News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been ten years, six prime ministers and one pandemic since Britain voted to exit the European Union. So what do Leave voters think of the choice they made? Is the country any better off now than in 2016? We decided to ask some of them.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Bligh. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Brexit, the verdict: ten years on in a bellwether constituencyFurther listening: Has Britain become ungovernable?Clips: BBC, AP, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister yesterday morning, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to take the top job. But how did a leader who won a historic landslide election just 2 years ago become the shortest serving Labour prime minister in history? Is Burnham offering anything fundamentally different? And with 7 leaders in the past 10 years, have prime ministerial resignations become a new British disease? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Josh Glancy, associate editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: In the end, Keir Starmer surrendered to the politics he failed to changeFurther listening: Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power.Clips: BBC, Sky News, Forbes. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of intensifying pressure from ministers, backbenchers, and former allies, Keir Starmer made the only decision he really could – to resign. If Andy Burnham runs unchallenged to replace him, we could have a new prime minister as soon as July. So what do the next few weeks look like for this lame duck leader? And what does this latest bout of political turmoil do to Britain’s standing in the world? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio. Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times. Jack Straw, former Labour foreign secretary. Host: Stephen Sackur. Producers: Maxie Allen, Donnie Campbell. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: What happens now Keir Starmer has resigned and when could we have a new PM?Further listening: Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for powerClips: BBC News, Parliament. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister has been hunkered down in his Chequers residence, trying to decide what to do: resign or fight. The pressure on him to step down has now reached fever pitch since Andy Burnham’s by-election win last week. But as ministers jostle for position in a potential new government, who is still telling him to fight on? And if he does give in, how much would actually change under a Prime Minister Burnham? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: In public, Keir Starmer is defiant. In private, he ‘considers resigning’Further listening: The State of It: Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now?Clips: BBC News, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly 7,000 men have played in the World Cup since it began in 1930. To capture some of their extraordinary stories, The Times' football reporter James Gheerbrant set out on a quest to track down 48 players from the 48 countries playing in this year's tournament. We hear the remarkable memories of 3 of them: One of the old surviving players, another who trained under the shadow of gunfire in Vietnam, and a final player whose team endured death threats.Guest: James Gheerbrant, football reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: 48 countries, 48 players: World Cup through eyes of men who played in it.Further listening: Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?Clips: ITN, BBC, CNN.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophia Greenwood was adopted as a baby and spent years searching for her biological parents. When she finally met her father at the age of 24, neither could have predicted what happened next. Their relationship would spark controversy, lead to criminal proceedings, and shape the rest of their lives.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWritten by: Sophia Greenwood and Helen Croydon.Read by: Molly Guinness.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: I was 24 when I met my biological father. Then we had an affairPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield makes him Labour leader and prime minister in waiting. How will the next days and weeks play out? Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered. So does that mean a bloody contest rather than a coronation? In a special episode recorded live on Times Radio with Ed Vaizey, we go through the possible scenarios.Hosts:Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times RadioSteven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Harry Kitson, Erin CarneyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding this week to begin negotiations toward a broader peace agreement in the Middle East. But what does the deal look like inside Iran? And how are ordinary Iranians responding to this moment?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Fatemeh Jamalpour, Iranian journalist in exile and author of For the Sun After Long Nights. Host: Luke JonesProducers: Sophie McNulty, Elle Scott. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: In Tehran, Iranians dare to hope this is the death of the regimeFurther listening: Will Trump’s Iran peace deal hold?Clips: NBC, CNN, The Guardian, Donald Trump - Truth Social, PBS, Al Jazeera. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eighteen firebombings across Europe, including in London, have all been allegedly traced back to one man. Iranian-backed Mohammed al-Saadi was finally caught by the FBI last month. But how did a man no one had heard of come to allegedly execute these orders? And how was he finally caught? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Dipesh Gadher, home affairs correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: How net closed in on ‘mastermind behind UK arson attacks’Clips: ABC, i24News. Photo: FBI, Instagram.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As England kick off their World Cup campaign tonight, one man will be impossible to ignore: FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Hailed by supporters as the man who transformed football’s governing body and accused by critics of chasing power and influence, he's become one of the most powerful figures in global sport. But who is the man at the centre of football's biggest stage?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Martyn Ziegler chief sports reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Dave Creasey and Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: The ruthless rise of Gianni Infantino and his Fifa money machineFurther listening: The GameClips: BBC News, FIFA, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Fox News, CNN.Image: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has announced a ban on some social media platforms for under-16s. It’s a move that echoes a similar ban introduced by the Australian government, which came into effect in December. So what are teens actually looking at on social media? And will a ban help? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Mark Sellman, technology correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Doomscrolling 708 videos a day: how TikTok turned our teens into addicts Further listening: How infinite scrolling damages our brains - The Saturday StoryClips: The Times, Times Radio, Revealing Reality, BBC News, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has announced that his much trailed peace deal with Iran is to be signed this Friday, bringing an end to hostilities between the two countries and opening up the strait of Hormuz. With the fine print still to be worked out, many questions about the deal remain. Can it bring some stability to the world economy? And will it actually bring peace to the Middle East in the long term?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Mohamed El-Erian, economist and former International Monetary Fund Deputy Director Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, former US ambassador and president of the Middle East Policy Council, now senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Hosts: Jane Garvey and Fi Glover.Producer: Hannah Quinn. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Trump’s deal with Iran will make the world’s tyrants smileFurther listening: “Everyone hates you now” - Could Lebanon cost Trump his Iran deal?Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The annual G7 summit starts today in France. The normally stuffy, formal affair has been shaken up in recent years by Donald Trump, who has sparred with nearly all of America’s allies. So is the G7 still the powerful, united global force it once was? And with China building its own alliance, how should it respond? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Catherine Philp, world affairs editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: How the G7 will look by 2050 — and what it means for usFurther listening: Could China become the world's policeman?Clips: Arirang News, Al Jazeera, BBC News, The Hill, Dawn News English, PBS. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following months of police inaction over the disappearance of British tourist Lorna McSorley, we reveal a high-tech breakthrough. A new digital trail reveals potential suspects who might hold the answer to what happened - and seems to confirm the worst of local fears.This is the final episode of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and violence.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders’ after Briton vanishedPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the South African police’s search for missing British tourist Lorna McSorley gone cold, locals take matters into their own hands. Their investigation uncovers extraordinary and deeply troubling facts about her disappearance, linking it to a string of other missing people in the area.This is part two of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and violence.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders’ after Briton vanishedClips: Newzroom Afrika / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy one-year-old British tourist Lorna McSorley went out for a walk near South Africa's Ghost Mountain. She never returned. In the first episode of this three-part investigation, we travel to the remote, superstitious heart of Eastern South Africa to retrace Lorna’s final steps. As official searches hit a dead end, bizarre rumours about what happened to her begin to emerge.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders’ after Briton vanishedClips: Newzroom Afrika / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defence Secretary John Healey resigned this afternoon, over the government’s much delayed defence funding plan. In a letter to the prime minister, Healey said Keir Starmer had been “unable” to commit resources that the UK desperately needs. So what does this mean for Starmer’s leadership? And will taxpayers ultimately be left to foot the bill? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio. Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times. General Sir John McColl, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Host: John Pienaar. Producers: Angus Mitchell, Sofia Johanson. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: John Healey has launched a broadside at Keir Starmer. Will the PM surrender?Further listening: Has Britain become ungovernable?Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been a second night of riots in Belfast following a knife attack in the Northern Irish city on Monday. Yesterday authorities called for calm after vehicles and houses were set alight. As violent anti-immigration protests continue, what’s it like on the ground and what can the government do going forward?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Constance Kampfner, northern correspondent, The TimesOliver Wright, policy editor, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNulty, Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Belfast attack latestFurther listening: What Henry Nowak’s murder means for policingClips: X, The Times, BBC, Times Radio. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fragile ceasefire in the Middle East appeared to be unravelling on Sunday evening, as Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes. The violence was met with fury from President Trump, who’s been pushing to get a peace deal over the line for weeks.  So why is Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu risking his relationship with his greatest ally? And how much are pressures at home dictating Israel's stance in the war? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Netanyahu’s ticking time bomb? Inside the political war at homeFurther listening: “Everyone hates you now” - Could Lebanon cost Trump his Iran deal?Clips: The Times, Fox News, Al Jazeera.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.