The News Agents

Zack Polanski is riding high right now. The polls have buoyed since he became leader of the greens. And membership has significantly increased too. Today he suggested to Lewis that Labour MPs might defect to his party. Is that going to happen?

And what does it tell us about the way left wing populism is mimicking the style of right wing populists in 2025?

Later, France’s new prime minister looks ravishingly similar to France’s new prime minister. Because it’s the same man. Will he stay in the job longer than a month? And what is the structural problem France is battling right now which make its politics so febrile?

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JD Vance has had his sights on the UK since becoming vice president - fixating on our free speech laws, criticising Britain in strong terms.

But is that part of a wider movement? There is evidence of a growing concerted effort, by rich and organised American advocacy groups, setting their sights on the UK, trying to influence public mood and indeed politics itself.

Tommy Robinson is claiming that his legal bills are being funded by Elon Musk, and a new report from the New York Times suggests that one American organisation is set on shifting opinions here on abortion. We speak to the investigative reporter Jane Bradley.

Lewis and Emily dissect a combative PMQs over the China spying row - is this now a he said-she said row or is there more serious jeopardy for Keir Starmer?

And lastly, Emily asks why the toilets are being reinforced at The Royal Albert Hall...

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The Conservatives have accused Keir Starmer and those around him of wilfully forcing the collapse of a trial involving two young British men accused of spying for the Chinese government - allegations they deny. Security minister Dan Jarvis got to his feet in the Commons last night to angrily deny Kemi Badenoch's attacks - it's all the fault of the last Conservative government was his counter charge. So why exactly did the case collapse? Did those in government really choose to protect economic interests over national security? Or could this be a case of cock up rather than conspiracy?

Later, which party leader emerged best from the conference season. And what might this tell us about the public hunger for change?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The 20 living hostages, taken captive on October 7th two years ago, have been freed from Gaza and now begin to try and piece together shattered lives.

In Gaza, Palestinians are returning to homes of rubble - free of gunfire - but displaced and dispossessed. The politicians are telling a different story today, full of victory laps and self praise.

In Israel's Knesset, Donald Trump spoke of a "new dawn of the Middle East", and even "peace for all eternity". Are leaders really committed to the long haul of peace? And what part did the UK play in bring the plan about?

Later, why was Prince Andrew still writing emails to Epstein after he promised he’d broken off communication for good? And why was he reportedly signing them off with the phrase promising to "play some more soon"?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

After the brilliant response to episode 1 of Coining It, here's episode 2. If you don't want to wait for episode 3 on this feed, all episodes are available now, on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

James Parker has turned a digital glitch into a fortune. Most would keep it quiet - but not James. The newly minted millionaire flaunts his wealth across Blackpool, playing Robin Hood to a tight-knit circle who share his secret. But his spending spree hasn’t gone unnoticed. One cop is watching, puzzled by the sudden riches of a man who, until recently, had nothing.

From Global and Free Turn, Lewis Goodall uncovers the true story of a man who found a crack in the system and pulled his whole world through it.

You can listen, for free, to all episodes of Coining It with Lewis Goodall on Global Player.

Coining It is a Global production

As this year’s party conference season draws to a close, Lewis sits down with Neil Kinnock to reflect on his iconic 1985 Labour Conference speech. They discuss leadership, the power of political courage, and what the future holds for the Labour Party.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Gabby and Mark answer all of your questions from building their 'dream athlete' and their favourite Match of The Day moment so far, to England winning a home Rugby World Cup and the Ryder Cup crowds.

Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas joined us in the studio to talk about how recent pro-Palestinan protests might change the future of cycling. Former Bournemouth Chairman, Jeff Mostyn, discussed saving the club and whether Eddie Howe is England manager material. And after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody announced his motor neurone disease diagnosis Professor Dame Pamela Shaw explained whether or not there is a link between exercise and MND.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

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Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

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Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza.

Donald Trump announced the agreement saying all hostages would be released, and Israel would withdraw troops.

There have been celebrations on the streets in Gaza and Israel, but is the peace plan going to last? And does the President now have an outside chance of securing the Nobel Peace Prize?

Later in the show we speak with Lucy Powell, one of the two contenders for the Labour deputy leadership, who struggles to tell us what she really thinks of Keir Starmer.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

To rapturous applause and a full throated national anthem, Kemi Badenoch delivered the speech that may just have saved her job.

She promised to end stamp duty, abolish VAT on private schools and scrap farmers inheritance tax. She will also ban doctors from striking, cancel university courses she doesn’t rate, and dismantle the structure of Britains human rights protection.

Will this move the dial for a party struggling to make its voice heard? Emily, Lewis and Jon discuss from inside and outside the conference hall. And we talk to John Glen - Kemi’s right hand man in parliament.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Robert Jenrick has doubled down on remarks - from a speech he made in March - just leaked to The Guardian. In it he rued the 90 minutes he spent in Handsworth saying it was “like a slum” and wondering “where all the white faces were”. He insists he’s talking about the need for integration and community cohesion. So how’s that working out?

Later we report live from Manchester on the new Conservative policy to remove judges. What are they lining up next for the rule of law? And does anyone mind that it’s straight from the Trump playbook? Emily caught up with Robert Jenrick to ask him.

Visit our new website for more analysis and interviews from the team: https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/