The News Agents
News & Politics
About
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed. Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents" The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
Episodes
- Election Special: Is it change or die for Labour?
This episode of The News Agents covers Labour's election defeat, Starmer's reaction, and the future of the party. It also touches upon the potential collapse of the two-party system in the UK.
- SPECIAL REPORT: An election like no other in Birmingham
In Birmingham's local elections on polling day, Labour faces challenges from the Greens, Reform, and a new "Gaza independents" political force, largely appealing to British Muslims dissatisfied with the status quo. The episode investigates…
- Inside Premier League's 'best run' football club - The Sports Agents
Brighton CEO Paul Barber joins Gabby and Mark to discuss the club
- Money, lies and death: London's criminal underworld with Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe discusses his new book, 'London Falling,' which investigates the mysterious death of Zac Brettler in London. The episode delves into dark money, corruption, and the challenges faced by the police in uncovering the trut…
- Does Donald Trump remember who started the war in Iran?
The episode discusses Donald Trump
- Why has Nigel Farage taken £5m from a crypto billionaire?
The News Agents investigates the funding of the Reform party, revealing over £12 million in donations from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. A £5 million gift to Nigel Farage before his 2024 election was previously undeclared, raisi…
- How Trump's failed war in Iran screwed Britain
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Report indicates that Trump's war in Iran is impacting Britain's economy, potentially causing living standards to fall and inflation to rise above 6%, necessitating interest rate increases.
- Will Vincent Kompany replace Pep Guardiola at Man City? - The Sports Agents
Joe Hart and Sebastien Stafford-Bloor discuss Vincent Kompany's success as a coach, with Hart considering Kompany's potential to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City. Stafford-Bloor provides insight into Kompany's management strategies.
- Has antisemitism become a national emergency?
The News Agents discuss the recent stabbing incidents in Golders Green, examining Kemi Badenoch's declaration of a national emergency regarding antisemitism. The episode explores potential Iranian involvement and the escalation of antisemi…
- Will Starmer's body count prove fatal for his premiership?
This episode discusses the controversy surrounding the hiring of Mandelson and the high number of sacked staff under Starmer's premiership. Tom Baldwin, a friend and biographer, offers his perspective on whether the Prime Minister can surv…
- What will the King's visit really achieve with Trump?
The News Agents discusses the implications of King Charles's US state visit, prompted by Donald Trump's comments calling the King 'brave' following a shooting. The episode examines the King's potential impact on the 'special relationship'…
- How liberals lost the fight
This episode of The News Agents discusses how liberalism has become an insult in contemporary politics, with guest Adrian Wooldridge exploring the challenges faced by liberal parties and the potential for a renewed liberalism amidst rising…
- Seb Coe | Door open for Russia's return, 'Enhanced Games' threat & Man Utd's new stadium - The Sports Agents
Lord Seb Coe, President of World Athletics, discusses Russia's potential return to the Olympics, the Enhanced Games, and the challenges of finding host cities for major tournaments. Hosts Gabby and Mark also reflect on the Premier League t…
- Has the cabinet given up on Keir Starmer?
This episode of The News Agents questions Keir Starmer's leadership and control within his government, especially after a week of crisis management. It also features an exclusive interview with Andy Hughes regarding royal protection office…
- Has Starmer become the problem he promised to fix?
Keir Starmer's promise to reform Westminster is questioned following a recent sacking related to Peter Mandelson's appointment and reports about securing a role for the Prime Minister's former communications chief. The episode examines whe…
- How does Keir Starmer recover from the Olly Robbins bombshell?
Olly Robbins, a top civil servant fired by Keir Starmer, shared his account of pressure regarding the Peter Mandelson appointment. The episode discusses whether Robbins was bullied into the decision and Starmer's justification for the dism…
- Starmer was told to vet Mandelson first. So why didn’t he?
This episode discusses the controversy surrounding Keir Starmer's vetting of Peter Mandelson. It questions whether Starmer should have been informed about the failed vetting by Olly Robbins and why he proceeded without it, despite advice f…
- Did Keir Starmer “lie, lie and lie again" over Mandelson?
The News Agents episode discusses allegations that Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson as Washington ambassador despite failed security vetting. It covers the Prime Minister's alleged fury, the sacking of Olly Robbins, and questions about Sta…
- Did the Pope just call Trump a tyrant?
The News Agents discusses whether the Pope's warning about 'tyrants' in Cameroon was a reference to Donald Trump, and explores political trends in upcoming UK elections with insights from Luke Tryl of More in Common.
- Have PSG exposed the Premier League? - The Sports Agents
This episode of The Sports Agents discusses whether Paris Saint-Germain's success in the Champions League exposes a lack of pragmatism in the Premier League. It covers PSG's strategies, player signings like Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, and potent…
- Social media ban for kids: Why is Starmer stalling?
This episode discusses the proposed social media ban for under-16s, examining Keir Starmer's hesitation, public support, and the potential effectiveness of such a ban. It also covers Peter Magyar's political moves in Hungary following Vikt…
- Will the US and China go to war over Iran?
The US has imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which China has condemned as dangerous. This escalation, amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and volatile global fuel markets, raises questions about potential Chinese involvement in the…
- Did Trump just kill off Europe's most powerful populist?
Viktor Orban, Hungary's populist leader for two decades, has been defeated in a landslide election. This episode discusses the implications for hard-right EU populism, Ukraine, and the "Trump touch", exploring potential lessons for 2026 el…
- Everything Trump doesn't understand about Iran
Lewis speaks with Iranian analyst Ali Vaez about Donald Trump's misunderstandings of Iran and the country's politics. Vaez explains how Trump's actions led to disastrous consequences in the ongoing 45-day US/Iran war.
- Why Golf NEEDS Rory McIlroy to go back-to-back? | The Masters - The Sports Agents
The episode discusses Rory McIlroy
- Is Israel already sabotaging the ceasefire?
This episode questions whether Israel is adhering to a ceasefire, noting the extensive bombing of civilian areas and casualties. It also touches on the withdrawal of Iranian confirmation for Islamabad talks, potential US influence on Pakis…
- Has Trump just capitulated to Iran?
The episode discusses the recent events involving Trump and Iran, noting a temporary ceasefire and Iran's peace plan. It questions whether Trump has won or lost and what the world has learned about handling him.
- Trump: “A whole civilisation will die tonight“
On The News Agents, the hosts discuss Donald Trump's recent threat to destroy a country, questioning why he is not being stopped. The episode also covers Kanye West's ban from the UK and JD Vance's discussions in Hungary.
- Aden Durde | How a Londoner cracked the NFL - The Sports Agents
Aden Durde, the first British-born coach to win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, discusses his unique path from coaching in the UK to the top of the NFL. The episode explores the origins of his career and reflects on potential lesso…
- Q&A: Trump's tantrum, the Midterms and Lewis getting the sh*t kicked out of him
In this Q&A episode of The News Agents, Jon and Lewis address listener questions about Trump's influence on British politics, Tucker Carlson's potential presidential aspirations, and the reasons behind Lewis receiving criticism for his rem…
- Don’t mourn for NATO, it’s already dead
The News Agents discusses Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from NATO, fueled by perceived inaction on an Iran war, and questions concerning Congressional approval and global defense. It also covers an investigation into child abus…
- Should the King tell Trump to P*ss Off?
The News Agents discusses whether the King should proceed with a state visit amid Donald Trump's criticism of allies. It also covers Israel's controversial death penalty law targeting Palestinians, the role of security minister Ben Gvir, a…
- Is Trump about to put boots on the ground in Iran?
President Trump seems poised to invade Iran with a marine landing on Kharg island, threatening its destruction and oil seizure, a move even Israel opposes. The episode questions whether this is a long-term plan or erratic behavior, with Ke…
- Special Report: Why MAGA hates Britain
The MAGA movement, once focused on an America First project, is experiencing a shift. Donald Trump's potential absence from CPAC, coupled with concerns over foreign intervention and weakening poll numbers, signals a change. The movement is…
- Are football's new 'Ultras' a force for good? - The Sports Agents
The Sports Agents discuss the 'Ultras' fan phenomenon in Scottish football, exploring whether this subculture, characterized by TIFOs, flares, and drums, can be a positive influence amidst online negativity. Guests include Andy Hughes, who…
- How Trump lost control of the Iran war
Donald Trump's calls for Iran to reach an agreement are met with skepticism. Despite NATO's support for his plan, Iran remains unconvinced. The episode also features an interview with an Iranian activist regarding the conflict's repercussi…
- McSweeney's missing Mandelson messages
The Met police published a transcript of a call made by Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, reporting his phone stolen. The phone contained messages with Peter Mandelson relevant to Mandelson's US ambassador appointment, raisi…
- Are Trump's friends getting filthy rich on his “peace deal“?
This episode discusses unusual stock market activity, including a sixfold increase in oil futures trading, that occurred shortly before Donald Trump announced a halt to striking Iranian energy sites. The episode questions whether individua…
- Has Trump invented his peace deal with Iran?
The episode questions the veracity of Donald Trump's declaration of peace talks with Iran, noting that Tehran contradicted the statement shortly after, despite an initial market rally. It also features a segment with Business and Trade Sec…
- The case for Trump's war in Iran
The News Agents discusses the rationale behind the US-Israeli decision to strike Iran, featuring academic Dr. Muhanad Seloom, who argues the war is succeeding. The episode examines the potential objectives and outcomes of the US strategy.
- How Morocco snatched Senegal's AFCON crown - The Sports Agents
Morocco has been declared the Africa Cup of Nations champions after Senegal forfeited the match due to a walk-off. This decision, communicated by CAF long after the match concluded, raises questions about the delayed ruling and the process…
- Is Iran winning the war?
This episode analyzes the ongoing conflict in Iran, questioning whether the nation is winning and examining its economic leverage through control of shipping lanes. It also explores potential US responses and draws parallels between curren…
- Why do the Conservatives have a problem with Muslims praying in public?
The News Agents discuss Nick Timothy's comments on Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square and the regulatory oversight of GB News by Ofcom.
- Has Trump lost it?
The News Agents episode 'Has Trump Lost It?' examines Donald Trump's recent Oval Office behavior, noting his criticism of allies and self-contradictions. It explores the international reaction to his statements and whether his influence is…
- Is Starmer ending his abusive relationship with Trump?
The show examines European reactions to President Trump's demand for naval support in the Strait of Hormuz. It highlights Keir Starmer's response alongside varying perspectives from European leaders on NATO's role and the broader geopoliti…
- Keir Starmer: Britain’s passive Prime Minister?
This episode discusses Keir Starmer's leadership, exploring the political inertia and lack of clear ideology within his project, as detailed in the book "Get In: The Inside Story of Labour under Starmer". It examines the impact of key figu…
- Crowdfunding your way to a World Cup final - The Sports Agents
Sophie De Goede, captain of the Canadian World Cup team, shares her experience with crowdfunding for the team's journey, overcoming an ACL injury, and discusses the future of women's rugby. The episode also reviews highlights from The Spor…
- How bad are the Mandelson files for Keir Starmer?
The release of the Mandelson files reveals that Keir Starmer promoted Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador despite warnings regarding his links to Epstein. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell described the move as 'weirdly…
- Is Iran beating Trump in his own war?
The episode discusses how Iran is using low-tech drones to disrupt oil shipments, potentially driving up prices and challenging Donald Trump's agenda. It also touches upon Keir Starmer's recent political successes and questions raised abou…
- Is Trump running scared of his own war?
Donald Trump's press conference on the Iran conflict revealed a new, lower-energy tone, describing US attacks as 'an excursion' after oil prices plummeted. This shift raises questions about his war objectives and the promised regime change…