The Standard

Patient recovers from the UK’s first confirmed human case of a new strain of swine flu. Health officials track down close contacts to measure spread. Should we be worried about this new strain? Our Health Reporter Daniel Keane explains what has happened, and whether this new strain could lead to the next pandemic. In this episode:

• Do we know how this person contracted it?
• Dr Andrew Catchpole’s 'Don’t panic but stay alert' advice explained
• What scientists are saying about this new strain
• Why we need to ‘keep an eye’ on developments
• Plus: The latest on ‘mystery’ respiratory illness in China

Follow us on X or on Threads.

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

Ahead of the film's release in cinemas tomorrow. How will Timothee Chalamet’s Wonka compare with Johnny Depp’s and Gene Wilder’s? Film Critic for the Standard Nick Howell’s discusses his expectations for the new movie, how it’ll compare with its predecessors, and what it needs to do to win over British hearts. In this episode:

• Another Wonka? Go ahead and do it!
• Is this a Wonka origin story?
• The all-star cast examined
• Why Paul King is up against good competition
• Is Wonka just part one of a wider franchise?

Follow us on X or on Threads.

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

In this episode, it's the big question: why do we “need” to travel?

Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discuss how travel can significantly support local communities, and even help destinations impacted by extreme weather get back on their feet.

Juliet reveals all about her time spent in Mallorca investigating the behind-the-scenes sustainability of Iberostar resorts, the sponsor of this podcast series.

Global Director of Sustainability at Iberostar, Dr Megan Morikawa talks about the importance of protecting oceans and local environments, and their journey to zero waste, including the Winnow AI-powered tech in their kitchens which has reduced their food waste by 28%. 

Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.

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

As climate change heats up London and the capital’s population grows, we’re going to need some upgrades to the deepest-level sweaty, stifling Tube carriages.

The Piccadilly Line is the first deep-level route - that’s over 20 metres below ground - to get proper air-conditioning in the coming years, as part of a redesign with futuristic new rolling stock.

So sweltering commuters on the Heathrow airport to Cockfosters route cutting through the West End should have the same level of comfort as Overground and Elizabeth Line passengers.

At the test facility of design contractor Siemens, near the German town of Mönchengladbach, the Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall tests the next generation of air-cooled, walk-through London Underground trains.

He also examines Transport for London's infrastructure and financial challenges to come.

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

This is a special edition of the Standard, in support of the Evening Standard and Comic Relief’s Winter Survival Campaign.

The cost of living crisis has become so entrenched that for many, Christmas is effectively cancelled.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the number of UK families categorised as destitute has more than doubled in the last five years.

In the Rowntree study, 3.8 million people - including 1 million children - are at severe risk of being inadequately fed, clothed, cleaned or kept warm.

There is increasing alarm at the impact this severe hardship is having on children as the cost of living crisis enters a second winter.

That is why the Evening Standard has today combined forces with Comic Relief to launch our Winter Survival Appeal Christmas campaign, with Comic Relief pledging £500,000 to get us underway.

The money will be given to charities in London and across the UK that help people struggling with food insecurity as well as children’s health and well-being.

To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival

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

Jeremy Hunt reveals his Autumn Statement to MPs in the House of Commons.

The Chancellor’s package of economic measures to boost growth, cut taxes and secure the pensions triple lock marked a highly political mid-financial year speech.

His key statement was delivered with an eye on a looming general election expected next year.

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

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to unveil his much-anticipated Autumn Statement - so what do we know, what about those tax cuts and plans for economic growth?

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott has already raised expectations of a easing the tax burden for households, as well as for businesses.

In this episode, we examine the Conservative government’s financials and their pre-election policy gymnastics, with Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil and Jo Michell, professor of economics at the University of the West of England’s Bristol Business School.

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

Stars of London’s stage celebrated in Mayfair at the 67th annual Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Tom Hiddleston, Sheila Atim, Hayley Atwell, Jenna Coleman and David Tennant joined Sir Elton John and Boy George among celebrities attending Sunday’s Claridge’s extravaganza.

The event was hosted by the Standard proprietor Lord Lebedev with help from Ian McKellen, and presented by Susan Wokoma.

Find out who triumphed, with the Standard’s culture team.

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

Are you a fully fledged eco-nomad or merely eco-curious? Do you belong to the B-Corp Bleisure tribe or the 'Greener-Than-Thou Family'? This week our Sustainable Travel podcast series gets personal about what it means to be a more responsible traveller.

Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks reveal there is significantly more than one way to engage with sustainability, and the way you do it says much about which tribe you belong to.

Zina Bencheikh of Intrepid Travel explains B-Corp accreditation, and why B-Corp businesses are likely to appeal most to ethical explorers.

Plus, Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives) explains how destinations can learn from each other's experiences to become more eco, and the task she gives her children every time they travel abroad.

Find out what type of traveller you are via Anna Hart's accompanying article here.

Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.

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

Why some critics have given one or two star reviews of Season Six Part One. How The Crown is ‘attempting the impossible’. Did it do Diana’s story justice? Why the Netflix show's better than some critics think. The Standard’s Melanie McDonagh shares her review of Season 6 Part One, and explains why she’s not looking forward to Part Two. In this episode:

• Elizabeth Debicki’s ‘moving’ portrayal of Princess Diana
• How the actors captured the 'internal selves' of their characters
• The historical accuracies compared with dramatised elements
• Why Season Six Part Two isn’t on Melanie’s to-watch list

Follow us on X or on Threads.

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