The Standard

Visitor numbers to the UK’s leading art institutions have fallen sharply since the pandemic - with the Tate galleries alone seeing a drop of more than two million visitors in the last five years.

In this episode, we hear from Rosie Kay, co-founder of the campaign group Freedom in the Arts, about her opinion piece for The London Standard. She shares her concerns that ideological messaging is eclipsing artistic and historical exploration, and questions whether a heavy-handed approach to inclusion is putting off audiences.

Plus, pop star Katy Perry has made history by joining Blue Origin’s first all-female crewed space flight. The Standard’s Jacob Phillips was live blogging the launch - we find out who else went, what they took with them, and whether Katy really sang in space.

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High prices, rising utility bills, rogue landlords and poor living conditions are all contributing to a growing crisis in London’s rental market and it is young people who are bearing the brunt.

With 2.7 million people renting in the city, paying on average around 40% of their income on rent alone, does this make London the worse place to be renting? Jacob Phillips joins us to talk about the challenges faced by many people when it comes to accommodations choices and what impact the Government’s Renters Rights Bill might have on the situation.

Plus one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting rivalries takes place this weekend, as Oxford and Cambridge Universities go head-to-head in the annual Boat Race, but will the water quality of the River Thames pose a serious risk to the rowers taking part? The Standard’s Megan Howe is here with the latest on what advice is being given to the teams and all the details of when and where you can watch the race.

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Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a raging blaze that tore through a block of east London flats late last night. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but witness accounts suggest the fire was started by a faulty e-bike battery. It’s not a unique story - a Standard investigation found fires sparked by “dangerous” e-bikes and e-scooters in London have doubled in just three years. But why do these fires start, and can dodgy e-bikes be stopped? We’re joined by Local Democracy Reporter Noah Vickers. 

In part two, The London Standard’s Culture and Lifestyle writer India Block takes us through the new series of everyone’s favourite dystopian drama, Black Mirror. Dropping on Netflix today, featuring an all star cast, Series 7 continues its comment on the rapid pace of change in politics and technology.

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More than 11,000 millionaires have left London in the last 12 months. It’s the biggest exodus of the super-wealthy from any city in the world, second only to Moscow.

In this episode, The Standard’s news reporter Bill Bowkett joins us to discuss what’s driving the trend and what it means for London’s economic future.

Plus, cuts to the Metropolitan Police mean the end of officers in schools. The Standard’s crime correspondent Anthony France explains the impact the loss of Safer Schools Officers could have on London’s young people.

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A baby girl has made history as the first child in the UK to be born from a womb transplant. Amy Isabel Davidson was delivered at the end of February after her mum, Grace, received the womb from her older sister, Amy, in 2023. The pioneering transplant procedure follows decades of work by surgeons Professor Richard Smith and Isabel Quiroga.

Daniel Keane, Health Correspondent for the Standard joins us to offer an insight into this medical breakthrough and who might be able to benefit from this procedure in the future.

Plus, the Duke of Sussex arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice in London this morning, to appeal the previous decision to downgrade his security arrangements in the UK. The Standard’s Court Correspondent, Tristan Kirk, is on hand to explain Prince Harry’s case and how it might affect his future visits with his family.

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The FTSE 100 plunged to its lowest level in a year as markets reacted to sweeping new US tariffs, including a 25% charge on imported vehicles. 

The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn breaks down what’s driving the market turmoil, what it could mean for wages, pensions and jobs, and whether the UK’s emergency reforms will be enough to cushion the blow.

We also hear from Transport and City Hall Editor Ross Lydall on the opening of London’s brand new £2.2 billion Silvertown Tunnel. He shares what he saw as the first cars made the crossing, and whether the new tunnel is really easing pressure on Blackwall.

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Government proposals could see Sir Sadiq Khan having the final say on whether pubs and clubs can stay open late into the night. But will this help boost London’s night time economy or cause conflict between local councils and the London mayor? The Standard’s Transport and City Hall Editor, Ross Lydall, is here to explain the situation.

Plus, as we edge closer to the much-anticipated season finale of one of the most popular TV series in recent years, The Standard’s

culture writer, Vicky Jessop, shares her thoughts on what to expect from The White Lotus storylines and the future of the show.

**Warning – this episode contains spoilers**

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US President Donald Trump unveiled a series of new tariffs today, potentially escalating a global trade war and reversing trade arrangements that have been in place for nearly eight decades. A 10% tariff has been placed on the UK, as a post-Brexit Britain escaped the far harsher tariffs levied on the EU. The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn talks through the responses and repercussions. 

In part two, which London neighbourhoods have gentrified the most rapidly? Local Democracy reporter Noah Vickers analyses new research about the capital’s affordability.

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The Metropolitan Police is facing a £260million funding shortfall, prompting sweeping cuts across the force. 1,700 jobs are at risk, including officers, PCSOs and support staff. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has pledged to protect frontline response units and increase funding from City Hall, but public trust and service levels could be under pressure.

The London Standard’s crime editor Anthony France joins us to explain how the Met’s finances reached this crisis point, which units are most vulnerable, and what it all means for policing in London.

Plus, Hollywood star Val Kilmer has died aged 65. From Top Gun’s Iceman to Batman and Heat, we reflect on his iconic screen moments and lasting legacy with The London Standard’s celebrity correspondent Lisa McLoughlin.

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A three day hearing has commenced at London’s High Court as pupils, their parents and a collection of independent and faith schools appeal against Labour’s policy to impose VAT on school fees.

In this episode, Tristan Kirk, the Court Correspondent for The Standard outlines who is bringing the challenge, explains why the hearing has been fast-tracked, and sets out the potential implications of a successful verdict.

Plus, Sony Pictures has finally announced the cast for its biopic on The Beatles and the Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, is here to give his views on the ambitious project and how the casting choices might be key to attracting new generations to the story of one of the biggest influences in British music.

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