Health officials and even government scientists have warned against the easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England, saying it could lead to a surge in infections. David Hunter, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the University of Oxford, looks at the risks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

England is easing out of lockdown – is it safe?

Hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Kiran Stacey, Pippa Crerar, Alex Hern, Peter Walker, Luke Harding, Andrew Roth, Shaun Walker and Jim Waterson. The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, and scandals. It might cover, for example, topics such as: the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: parliament, Labour, the Conservative party, the Liberal Democrats, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III; HS2; the police; Ukraine; Russia; and Bangladesh

News

Daily News

MPs voted this week to ban anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024 from buying cigarettes. If the legislation passes and is enacted, it would be a world first. Ben Quinn reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Can Rishi Sunak create a smoke-free generation?

Liz Truss is back – kind of. The former PM of just 49 days has published a book, Ten Years to Save the West. The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea and breaking news correspondent Martin Pengelly discuss her seeming lack of regret. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Liz Truss and her plan to ‘save the west’

After Iran launched an attack on Israel, is the region heading for all-out war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Is the Middle East on the brink?

Last week a group of older women successfully challenged the Swiss government’s climate policies at the European court of human rights. Isabella Kaminski reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

How Swiss women won a landmark climate case for Europe

George Henderson was convicted of fraud and had to repay £19,500 in carer’s allowance years after ticking the wrong box on the form. He is not alone. The Guardian’s social policy editor, Patrick Butler, looks at why thousands are facing prosecution over innocent mistakes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

England is easing out of lockdown – is it safe?

Download our free app to listen on your phone