The Standard

Since January, there have been close to one hundred cases of measles reported In North London. The UK managed to eliminate measles via mass vaccination just under ten years ago. How did we get here, and how serious is this latest epidemic?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to child immunisation specialist Dr Helen Bedford, professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss how serious this latest epidemic is, the different factors that have led to the latest measles outbreak, as well as reality test potential solutions like keeping non-vaccinated children out of school. Plus, Tamara also speaks to the Standard’s trainee journalist, Niva Yadav, about how parents in affected areas are coping with news of the outbreak. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games has been historic for Team GB, with podium placements in snowboarding, skiing, skeleton and curling. So, what exactly is in the mountain air this year?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to decorated British ski champion, coach and winter sports pundit, Chemmy Alcott, about her experience reporting from the Winter Games at Milano-Cortina. They discuss the highs and lows for Team GB, the legacy of the 2026 Winter Games for British athletes, Chemmy’s recommendations for winter sports training facilities if you live in London, and of course, this year’s biggest scandals - both on and off the ice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince and Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as trade envoy to the UK. So, what’s next for Andrew, and how will the royal family navigate this hurdle?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s crime correspondent, Anthony France, to dig into how the justice system deals with the crime of misconduct in public office, and how the royal family might cope with a potential trial.

Disclaimer: Andrew has strenuously denied wrongdoing and has not accepted any of the allegations. This is a very early stage of the investigation and reporting is necessarily limited. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Fashion Week starts today, and the excitement is palpable. Julian MacDonald is back, Joseph are debuting a new runway collection for the first time in 8 years, and everyone is holding their breath for the Burberry finale.

In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard’s fashion editor Joe Bromley and lifestyle editor Jessica Burrell for a conversation about their expectations for the week. They share trend predictions, a lot of love for London’s designers, as well as recommendations for ways to enjoy fashion week - even if you aren’t sitting in the front-row.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The takeover of Hampstead Heath’s cafés has sparked bullying accusations, a legal battle, and impassioned petitioning from locals — with actor Benedict Cumberbatch weighing in. 

In today’s episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Niva Yadav about how the controversial café shakeup spiralled into much more than a storm in a teacup. Plus, Niva Yadav speaks to Hoxton Beach cafe co-owner Emma Fernandez, whose lease has been terminated by the City of London Corporation, and to Daisy Green’s co-founder Prudence Freeman, who breaks her silence on the takeover.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world. It’s set to get even more pricey this year with the introduction of a tourist tax that is predicted to raise £350 million per year. Is implementing an overnight levy the right move for London?

To understand why councillors are backing the idea, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Councillor Claire Holland, leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and chair of London Councils. They discuss how much the overnight levy could generate, how the revenue might be distributed, and whether it’s fair to ask tourists to help fund local infrastructure.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media is flooded with food influencers hyping up viral dishes and sharing ‘hidden gems’. But rave restaurant reviews come with a cost — often the experience for fellow diners.

In this episode, Jeremy King tells The Standard about the behaviour of certain influencers in The Park, and the new policy he has put in place to thwart disruptive content creation. Plus, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, for his take on whether influencers help or harm restaurants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of the 5.8 million Brits who took out a Plan 2 student loan over the past decade are now facing astonishing levels of debt, and the government’s latest salary threshold freeze will nudge more graduates into repaying more than ever. So, is it high time the system had a shake up?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s editor of the Londoner’s Diary and features writer, Claudia Cockerell, to discuss recent controversies around the student loans system, and untangle the soaring interest rate levels on repayment plans. Plus, Tamara speaks to the founder of Rethink Repayment, Oliver Gardner, who is calling on the government to reform student loan repayment plans to make the system work better for graduates — and the economy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool Street Station has had a major redevelopment plan green-lit by the City Corporation this week. The scheme would be mostly funded by office space situated in a new 320ft tall tower block, much to the dismay of Victorian heritage enthusiasts. Was this the right call?

In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor, Ross Lydall, to unpick why the merits and downfalls of the application, and why the plans have caused such uproar.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emerald Fennel’s sizzling film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s canonical novel has divided critics ahead of its public release on Saturday 14.

In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer, India Block, about the gothic-inspired romance starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, from Fennel’s controversial creative choices to Charli XCX’s unexpected soundtrack.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.