The government has announced new safeguarding legal guidelines as part of a crackdown on child exploitation in the wake of the grooming gangs scandal.

Measures revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper include criminal sanctions for professionals working with children if they don’t report sexual abuse claims.

The recommendation is among those within Professor Alexis Jay’s 2015 child sexual abuse inquiry - she also told Radio 4’s Today programme “enough of inquiries” and that instead victims need action.  

Authorities face allegations that they ignored horrific abuse of thousands of vulnerable, mostly white girls trafficked, groomed and raped by groups of men predominantly of Pakistani heritage - in towns including Rotherham, Oldham, Telford and Rochdale - amid fears of being labelled racist.

The government has refused to relent to calls for a public inquiry, despite calls from opposition the Conservatives and an online firestorm fomented on X by the platform’s boss Elon Musk.

We’re joined by The London Standard’s courts correspondent Tristan Kirk, who covered many of the scandal’s criminal trials and argues a new inquiry is not the answer to the urgent action needed.

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Sir Keir Starmer aims to cut the number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for NHS treatment by 450,000 within two years.

Amid his hopes of a New Year government reboot, the Prime Minister said by the end of 2026 two thirds of patients would be getting treatment in that timeframe.

Latest figures show 59 per cent of patients are currently having to wait longer than 18 weeks.

Labour’s Elective Reform Plan, published by NHS England, aims to deliver half a million more appointments a year through greater use of community diagnostic centres, 14 new surgical hubs in hospitals, “freeing up” around a million “non-essential” follow-up appointments by asking patients whether they want them, as well as seeing some people in group appointments.

So, how workable is the PM’s plan - and what more resources are needed?

The Standard podcast is joined by north London GP Sonia Adesara.

In part two, we’re off to Hollywood for the Golden Globes 2025, where there stars were out at the ceremony was dominated by first-time winners, including gongs for The Substance star Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana of Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here’s Fernanda Torres, and the stars of Shogun.

Post-awards analysis with The London Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer India Block.

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The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber ‘cold-health alert’ warning for London amid plunging temperatures and a forecast for snow at the weekend.

London plunged below zero overnight, with a ”feels-like” temperature of -4C on Friday morning - and more low single-digit chills forecast next week.

Nationally, the cold weather blast has seen temperatures drop to -5C overnight with warning of -8C next week.

It comes just weeks after devastating floods caused by Storm Darragh. 

The Standard podcast is joined by Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin and Mhairi Sharp, chief executive of the National Emergencies Trust.

In part two, could a new type of DNA analysis technique on crushed-up ancient bone fragments rewrite of some of Britain’s key moments in ancient history?

We’re joined by King’s College London professor of medieval history Peter Heather to discuss the joint research with the Francis Crick Institute.

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What does the future hold for the evolution of artificial intelligence in 2025? Professor David Shrier, an futurist and artificial intelligence expert at Imperial College Business School, discusses what’s to come.

You can hear the full version of this interview on The London Standard’s Tech & Science Daily podcast.

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Welcome to The Standard podcast’s pop culture review of 2024.

In this episode, Mark Blunden is joined by The London Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer India Block to muse on moments that, maybe, drifted across our shared consciousness in the past 12 months.

You’ll hear about Euro 2024, Kate Middleton conspiracies, the Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury split, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Megan Boni’s ‘Looking for a man in finance’, Willy’s Chocolate Experience debacle and Brat summer.

Plus, Olympic breakdancer Raygun and the 'cancelled musical', Oasis reunited, and a tricky sequel for Joker: Folie à Deux.

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As part of The Bigger Life Festival, brought to you by Masterclasses from The London Standard, host Nicola Barron is joined by life and career coach Selina Barker. In this special Twixmas episode, Selina shares practical tips for reflecting on the past year, recharging your energy, and redesigning your life with purpose. From asking the right questions to turning dreams into reality, it’s the perfect conversation to inspire your 2025 plans.

The Bigger Life Festival kicks off on January 27th with three weeks of live, interactive workshops designed to help you start the new year with purpose, energy, and clarity. From wellbeing to career inspiration, there’s something for everyone. Get your early bird pass while they're still available!

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Welcome to The Standard podcast transport news highlights of 2024

In this episode, you’ll hear some of the best bits from our news podcast that's focussed on transport - from four to two wheels, rail and Tube.

There’s been plenty of passenger news and a steady stream of news scoops, courtesy of The London Standard’s transport and City Hall editor, Ross Lydall, who you’ll hear through this special edition.

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In this preview edition of our Brave New World series, Evgeny meets Wim Hof to learn more about the Dutch athlete’s ‘Method’; a combination of breathing and cold-water immersion that he claims can have health and psychological benefits. Rita Ora also joins the show and talks about her own experience using Wim’s techniques as part of her wellness routines.

To hear the whole show, and listen to previous episodes, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider.

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Rachelle Abbott joins acclaimed British author and comedy writer John O’Farrell. From his favourite Christmas tales to the art of storytelling, John shares insights from his illustrious career, including the inspiration behind his witty novel, Family Politics.

As an award-winning author, lead writer for Spitting Image, scriptwriter for Have I Got News For You, and co-author of Chicken Run and its sequel, he’s also the co-host of the hit podcast We Are History and the creative mind behind musicals like Mrs. Doubtfire and Just for One Day.

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As part of The Bigger Life Festival, brought to you by Masterclasses from The London Standard, host Nicola Barron is joined by Josh Smith—celebrity interviewer, podcast host of Reign, and author of Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations. With the festive season in full swing, Josh shares his expert tips on navigating tricky family dynamics, handling small talk at parties, and making meaningful connections during holiday gatherings.

The Bigger Life Festival kicks off in January with a series of live, interactive workshops designed to help you start the new year with purpose. From wellness to career advice, there’s something to inspire every part of your life. Early bird passes are available now—don’t miss out!

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